TechRadar Reviews

It's at times like this when I wish I could review TV via TechRadar's YouTube channel, as I'm struggling to form words after binging Paradise season 2. What would actually convey my thoughts is a series of stunned noises and facial expressions, perfectly communicating how my mind has happily turned into post-apocalyptic soup.

Last year, season 1 became one of Hulu and Disney+'s most-watched TV shows during its first few weeks, stunning everybody by transforming from a unsuspecting zero into a globally successful hero. The social media furore is going to pick straight back up where it left off, and I'm already confident that season 2 will be one of the best TV shows of 2026.

So why all the hype? Paradise has a tight craft and a strong understanding of the story it wants to tell... and frankly, it's all a nightmare that could easily become a reality. Couple that with a stellar cast who never put a foot wrong, and you've got a bold and striking end product.

Season 2 only makes all of the above more apparent. As Xavier (Sterling K. Brown) leaves the bunker behind to try and find estranged wife Teri (Enuka Okuma), we meet medical school dropout turned Graceland tour guide Annie (Shailene Woodley), who has to hide out in the King's mansion for the three years after the Doomsday event.

For me, it's our new cast who really make this season sing. Yes, we have to trudge over existing character history like we're trying to pass the time by sharing war stories in an underground bunker. But not only is this gripping in small doses, but the biggest intrigue comes from understanding the backstory behind the new kids on the block.

While some of these help put the pieces together for Xavier and Teri, others will flat-out make you sob. Sinatra (Julianne Nicholson) can't be forgotten either, and I wouldn't trust her as far as I could throw her.

We've got to thank Shailene Woodley and Elvis Presley's estate for how impeccably Paradise season 2 begins

There's no world where I imagined Riley Keough (who is now the sole trustee of her grandfather's estate) letting Hulu and Disney+ near-destroy Graceland to recreate it as a set for the main location in Paradise season 2, but clearly, pigs have flown.

The move is probably the most jarring change across the new episodes, and I'm surprised that the mansion hadn't been looted earlier. If you've ever wanted to fly to Memphis to do the tour (would recommend), you now don't have to leave your living room.

Put the absurd and surreal background of hiding there during Doomsday with Annie's personal plight and resilience, and opening episodes of season 2 are catnip. I won't lie — I'd forgotten how brilliant of an actor Woodley is, wearing her heart on her sleeve and her snotty tears all over her beautiful face. There's no way her eyebrows would have remained that pristine, but we'll move past that.

Without spoilers, the new characters are the ones who really pack the emotional punch. They're now the biggest variable in a world reconstructed to benefit the few, so any sudden tragedy or buried trauma is the ultimate sideswipe. It's incredible how quickly you become invested in people you know very little about, and Paradise season 2 makes sure they will all break your heart.

Everything else is like a duck to post-apocalyptic water

You'll see a lot of flashbacks like this. (Image credit: Hulu)

For most of both seasons, I haven't had a single clue what was going on — but to quote K.C and the Sunshine Band, that's the way I like it. There's an unexplainable rush to being swept up in something that's so much bigger than you are, but you seldom understand. It also helps that we're not the ones having to live through a climate apocalypse, even when its relatability pushes it too close to home.

Xavier and Sinatra are spearheading the tension from opposite sides, and both Brown and Nicholson slip seamlessly back into their season 2 roles. There's a greater sense of danger for them both, but also each teeter on the brink of total exposure. With one snap decision, either could shift from good to evil and back again, and the unpredictability is a thrill in itself.

Paradise season 2 is an all-rounder, as a teacher might say on parent's evening. High-value production, a tight story, well-developed narrative arc that's clearly going to end after season 3 (though this is currently unconfirmed), cast fully sending their performances to the depths of insanity, and Graceland's own horses successfully surviving at surface level. There's truly nothing else you can ask for.

It's very rare that a TV show gives me a sense of giddy excitement, like a child whizzing around on a teacup at Disneyworld, holding candy floss while trying not to puke. But Paradise season 2 effortlessly manages, and it's ridiculous how excited I am about something that resembles a 2020s retelling of Threads.

Frankly, you'd be a fool not to stream it — but get ready to gasp, scream and cry your way through it, with the tiniest ray of hope peeking through the volcanic clouds.

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Drop + Epos PC38X review: One-minute review

Not necessarily a new model, but still a great one, the Drop + Epos PC38X is an excellent wired gaming headset and comes through with the promise of delivering top-shelf audio for the discerning gaming sound enthusiasts among us.

Featuring immensely enjoyable audio, no matter the game, a simple wired connection, a reliable mic, solid build quality, and a level of comfort that makes it a joy to wear for hours on end, it really is a do-it-all wired gaming headset that can be a one-stop solution across platforms.

The standout feature is easily the audio. I’ve tested some of the best and most expensive gaming headsets of the last decade, and only a few really blow me away; the Drop + Epos PC38X does that, too, for a sub-$200 price tag. It’s even played beautifully with an external sound card as well.

It’s by no means a flashy or outlandish gaming headset when it comes to design and build, but it does sport the level of quality you’d expect from Sennheiser and Epos. A symphony of piano black, the headset is slick, and its over-ear, open-back earcups are robust but supremely comfortable. The only blemishes on the scorecard here are a slightly plasticky-feeling build and that the microphone is a bit of a chunky one, despite it being a handy flip-to-mute model.

In brief, if you’re happy to be (or prefer being) a wired gamer, then the Drop + Epos PC38X is a superb option. It’s now my go-to wired headset - though it’s in constant battle with my Sennheiser HD 550s - and I’ve had a blast listening to all my music and entertainment, and playing games across PC and PlayStation 5 with it.

(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)Drop + Epos PC38X review: Price and availability

• Current approximate prices as of early 2026: $199 / £180 / around AU$305
• Availability is spotty, but it represents excellent value for money
• Pricing puts it in the mid-to-high range for gaming headsets, but good value for audiophile sets

The main point of discussion around the Drop + Epos PC38X gaming headset’s price and availability in 2026 is that it is not as readily available as its competitors. I’ve seen listings come and go at retailers, both US and UK, and prices go up and down like yo-yos, too.

There’s also some variation in the headset’s name when it comes to retailer listings. However, if you can find one of any Drop + Epos PC38X, DROP PC38X, or Drop + Sennheiser PC38X (or similar), know that it’s the same headset regardless of name, and you’re still getting a quality product.

Despite stock wobbliness, Drop’s own website has been a reliable seller of the headset, and currently has it in stock for $199, but has had it as low as $169 at times, too. It does very much look like you’ll be limited to the all-black variant if you do find it in stock, though - the version that had yellow-colored cups appears to not be available for purchase anymore.

Given that ‘roughly $200 / £200’ price point, that does put it in pretty lofty territory and in the company of some absolute belters - in both gaming headset and headphone territory. I’ve been comparing the PC38X most closely to my Sennheiser HD 550 headphones ($299.99 / $249.99 / AU$479) and the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro headset ($279.99 / £249.99 / AU$565); both are wired, both have great audio, and both are a little bit more costly, but are viable alternatives for gamers wanting seriously strong audio.

Drop + Epos PC38X review: Specs

Drop + Epos PC38X

Price

$199 / £180 / around AU$305

Weight

8.9oz / 253g

Drivers

Size officially unspecified

Compatibility

PS5, PS4, PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Mac, mobile

Connection type

3.5mm audio jack (2.5m 2 x 3.5mm cable, 1.5m 1 x 3.5mm cable)

Battery life

N/A

Features

Openback design, Bi-directional, flip-to-mute electret condenser mic, dynamic neodymium drivers

Software

N/A

(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)Drop + Epos PC38X review: Design and features

• Open-back earcup design
• Flip-to-mute boom-arm mic
• Sleek and understated black finish

When it comes to design, the Drop + Epos PC38X doesn’t really stand out. It’s a slick black-on-black unit, with only black metal covers for the open earcups and mic punctuating the cloak of darkness. There used to be a slightly more exciting green/yellow colorway, but I haven’t been able to spot a listing for that in all my time testing this black model.

Away from aesthetics, it does feel like any other gaming headset to wear, too, in all honesty. The frame is a little plasticky, and there’s nothing too special here - but there are upsides to that. It’s just an easy-to-wear, very comfortable headset with padding in the right places, and a deliberate and appropriate use of materials.

The cables provided make for easy connection too: you get both a mic-and-headphone split cable perfect for those who prefer the split (or to use their headphones with other devices), as well as a straight-up 3.5mm audio jack connection too - perfect for use with a gaming console controller.

My only small criticism is the boom mic, which is a chunky monster. Located on the left cup, every part of it feels large in the hand, and when inspecting or holding the headset.

The caveat to that is - when it’s flipped up, especially - it’s totally out of sight anyway, and is in no way an immersion or multiplayer-ruiner. It feels like something from one of the older Sennheiser gaming headsets, too, so it doesn’t feel out of place either. Completing the onboard set, the volume dial on the right cup is the only onboard control and is intuitive and easy to interact with.

(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)Drop + Epos PC38X review: Performance

• Brilliant, immersive audio
• While massive in design, the mic is crisp and clear
• Comfortable to wear for long periods of time

The audio on offer from the Drop + Epos PC38X is excellent, across the board. It certainly punches above its weight and can certainly hold its own against even the most recent of premium headsets.

Bass notes are rich and thumpy without being muddy and unpleasant, mids are rich and full, and highs are always crisp and punchy, but not piercing. It really does channel some excellent Sennheiser and Epos pedigree that makes its out-of-the-box audio some of the best I’ve tested.

On PC, the echoes and spookiness of The Oldest House in Control were beamed to my brain superbly, while hearing every detail of my cities in Frostpunk 2, and every crunch and thwack in encounters in Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 3 were joyous. On my PS5 Pro, I experienced some wonderfully atmospheric and rich audio in Death Stranding: Director’s Cut, which really upped my immersion to brilliant heights.

Elsewhere, every punch of a Nazi’s face in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle was fulsome and full of oomf, and gunfire in Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Breakpoint, as well as Battlefield 6, were excellent, giving me the right balance of rich chaos, but punchy action and crisp gunfire audio. No matter what I played on either platform, the Drop + Epos PC38X really did excel, and I can’t sing its audio praises high enough.

(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)

As an everyday work headset, it also performed admirably, transporting my voice beautifully down the internet as well as giving me clear audio on calls and meetings, and also becoming a stalwart companion for a range of music and entertainment.

While that mic is chunky, it’s easy to use and doesn’t impact the comfort of the headset during use. I wore the headset for hours and hours at a time without ever feeling uncomfortable, and the mic being flip-to-mute at least makes for a convenient design.

As I’ve mentioned elsewhere in this review, I’ve also been able to test the Drop + Epos PC38X with external sound cards. This enabled me to get even more out of the headset - so if you have the luxury of having one of these devices in your setup already, or fancy adding one, then know that it’s an ideal combination. Be it on PS5 or PC, adding an extra layer of excellence to augment the experience the Drop + Epos PC38X gave me was great - but I still defaulted to the out-of-the-box audio on more than one occasion away from the sound cards.

All in, however, you won’t need an external sound card at all with the Drop + Epos PC38X. If you can find it in 2026 and are after a top wired gaming headset with pedigree and sublime audio, then it won’t let you down.

(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)Should I buy the Drop + Epos PC38X?Buy it if...

You’re after a top wired gaming headset - and can find it in stock
Honestly, if you are committed to finding a top wired gaming headset that’ll cover you across platforms, offer you excellent audio across the board, superb comfort, and a solid mic, then the PC38X is a no-brainer for me to recommend.

You want an audiophile-quality sound in your wired headset
The PC38X’s audio quality is genuinely some of the best I’ve heard and is right up there with some of my other favorites like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro, the Audeze Maxwell, and headphones like my Sennheiser HD 550s.

You want a simple solution that you can still tailor externally
The PC38X is at its heart a plug-and-play gaming headset; there’s no software, and even its onboard controls are minimal. However, I’ve really enjoyed using its baseline audio excellence and tinkering it somewhat with external soundcards to get even more out of the PC38X’s sound, and it has really played exceptionally well with such devices.

Don't buy it if...

You’re looking for a compact mic
Overall, the design of the PC38X is agreeable, but in 2026 its large flip-to-mute mic does stand out as a bit of a chonker - if you want something more subtle and tidier, then a product from the likes of SteelSeries would be a better fit.

You’re looking for flawless build quality
The PC38X is solid enough, don’t get me wrong, but I’ve definitely tested more robust and stronger-feeling sets, so if you think you’ll need something that can offer more durability, you may have to look elsewhere.

You like to use software to tinker with audio settings and EQs
The PC38X doesn’t have any software, so there’s no app or program in which to alter your EQs or manipulate your sound. If that’s a must-have for you, then this plug-and-play option may not be the right fit.

Drop + Epos PC38X review: Also consider...

Still not sold on the Drop + Epos PC38X? Here are two competitors that might hit the mark instead.

Drop + Epos PC38X

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro

Sennheiser HD 550

Price

$199 / £180 / around AU$305

$279.99 / £249.99 / AU$565

$299.99 / $249.99 / AU$479

Weight

8.9oz / 253g

16.08oz / 456g

8.35oz / 237g

Drivers

Size officially unspecified

40mm

38mm

Compatibility

PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Mac, mobile (where audio jack is present)

PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Mac, mobile (where audio jack is present)

PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Mac, mobile (where audio jack is present)

Connection type

3.5mm audio jack (2.5m 2 x 3.5mm cable, 1.5m 1 x 3.5mm cable)

USB, 3.5mm audio jack

3.5mm audio jack; 6ft / 1.8m cable (3.5 to 6.5mm adapter provided)

Battery life

N/A

N/A

N/A

Features

Openback design, Bi-directional, flip-to-mute electret condenser mic, dynamic neodymium drivers

40 mm Neodymium drivers, Bidirectional microphone polar pattern, ClearCast Gen 2 microphone, GameDac Gen 2 control panel

38mm transducer, 150 Ω nominal impedance, 6Hz – 39.5kHz frequency response, synthetic velour ear pads

Software

N/A

SteelSeries GG

N/A

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro
One of my absolute favorite wired gaming headsets, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro is truly brilliant. If you’re looking to spend a bit more to go even more premium, have a retractable mic, a wonderful USB DAC unit, and some of that sweet, sweet SteelSeries audio and build quality, then this is the wired competitor for the PC38X to go for from the brand.

For more information, check out our full SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro review

Sennheiser HD 550
Keeping it even more simple than the PC38X and really focusing on providing top- level audio for your games and nothing more, the Sennheiser HD 550 is one of my favorite sets of headphones that target gaming performance. That known Sennheiser quality shines through here, and a simple audio jack connection is all you need. An easy alternative to recommend.

For more information, check out our full Sennheiser HD 550 review

How I tested the Drop + Epos PC38X

• Tested for around six months
• Used across multiple platforms and with multiple devices, including USB sound cards
• Compared performance across game types and against other headsets and headphones

I used the Drop + Epos PC38X on and off over a period of around six months, on PC and PS5, and for games, music, entertainment, and work. I was able to compare it to a bunch of other headphones and headsets to gauge its place in the market in 2026.

On my PS5 Pro, I used the PC38X set across games like Dying Light 2, Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice and Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 Enhanced, Death Stranding Director’s Cut, Ghost of Yotei, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint, Battlefield 6, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and more. I plugged it into both a DualSense Wireless Controller and a Creative Sound BlasterX G6 sound card during sessions as well.

When testing the headset on my old RTX 3090 gaming PC and my newer RTX 5070 gaming PC (provided by Acer), I dove into a host of games such as Frostpunk 2, Control, and Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 3, while also using the headset daily for music, entertainment, and daily work commitments and calls.

First reviewed July 2025-February 2026

Read more about how we test

Hostinger is one of the best web hosting providers. It's an all in one solution for many scenarios and use cases. Shared hosting, VPS & cloud plans, multiple website builders, vibe coding tools, and email and marketing products mean there is everything a business needs to launch and grow.

(Image credit: Hostiner)Hostinger: The pros

Ease of use

When I started building websites, if you had zero experience and wanted a website you'd go to a place like Squarespace or Wix because they offered an easy to use website builder and hosting all in one. They were a bit more expensive but if you didn't want to pay for a web developer they were still much cheaper. Hostinger has changed the game as you can use Hostinger's website builder, AI tools, and guides to easily create and host a website at a much lower cost. This now expands into app building with Hostinger Horizons.

Cost

If you went with a website builder such as Wix you'll be paying $17 a month and if you want to add features to your site like taking bookings or payment you'll need to fork out even more. At Hostinger you can start from as little as $2.49 a month with very little restrictions. It's unlikely you'll need to upgrade your plan unless your site get more use. You won't need to pay more for features that you want. Plus, you get a website builder with Hostinger too. After renewal the most basic Hostinger plan is $11.99 a month still making it cheaper than Wix and Squarespace at $16 a month.

Reader offer: additional 8% off

You can use our exclusive discount code TECHRADAR for an additional 10% off at checkout View Deal

(Image credit: Hostinger)

Feature packed plans

Hostinger’s plans are well priced and stuffed with features, many of which are chargeable extras elsewhere. Page speed monitoring, malware scanning, and analytics are all nice extras for beginners. There are also drag and drop website builders alongside AI builders and AI tools to manage website optimization and troubleshooting.

The more advanced plans like cloud the cloud hosting plans include auto-scaling and geo-redundancy for maximum flexibility and reliability.

Excellent uptime

Reliability is one of the most important elements in any quality web host. A provider can offer as many other features as it likes, but if your site is down all the time, most of your visitors will disappear.

We measured Hostinger’s performance by setting up a test WordPress website, then using Uptime.com to monitor its speed and any downtime from multiple locations around the world.

Although our site was hosted on Hostinger's most basic shared hosting plan, it still managed an excellent 100% uptime record over 10 weeks of monitoring.

Fast load times

We measure website load speeds with help from GTmetrix, which accesses a test page and reports how long its main content takes to load (a value called Largest Contentful Paint, or LCP). A low LCP means your website begins to appear on the screen more quickly, keeping visitors happy.

Hostinger scored here with a speedy LCP of 0.607 seconds, the second fastest result in our last 15 tests, just behind HostGator.

One-off load speed checks are important, but we also like to see how a site performs when it's busy. To do this, we use the stress-testing service k6 to unleash 20 virtual users on our site and measure what happens.

Hostinger's results showed it could handle 15 requests per second throughout the test. That’s similar to other providers, but very acceptable for shared hosting, and if you’re opting for a more high-powered cloud or VPS plan, you should be able to handle even more visitors.

Low starter prices

Hostinger’s prices start at just $2.49 a month for the four year Premium hosting plan (renewing at a still very reasonable $7.99 on the first renewal).

Not keen on signing up for such a long time? Switch to the annual plan and it’s still well priced at $2.99 a month and $11.99 on renewal.

The pricing can be a bit confusing and renewal prices can change based things like whether you have auto-renew enabled. You can ignore the countdown timer on the page as it's always refreshing and the prices stay the same. However, we do recommend that you take more time to look at the long term cost of your plans.

Data centers in nine countries

Sign up with many web hosts and they’ll give you storage space in a data center but they won’t tell you where it is, or give you any choice of locations.

That could be bad performance news if, say, your target audience is in California but your website is hosted in a data center halfway around the world.

Hostinger has data centers in nine countries: the USA, UK, France, Netherlands, Indonesia, Lithuania, Singapore, India and Brazil.

That's far more than most hosts, and it’s especially good to see a service which doesn’t purely focus on North America and Europe.

There is one catch though, some plans don't support all the data centers. The Shared, Cloud and WordPress plans are available everywhere, but Hostinger's VPS plans can't be hosted in Netherlands, the UK, Indonesia, and Singapore.

Check the small print of individual plans to find out more, or take a look at Hostinger's 'Where are your servers located?' support document.

Quality custom control panel

Hostinger doesn't offer cPanel (an intuitive server and site management platform) to its shared hosting users, opting to provide its custom hPanel platform, instead. Custom control panels make us wary, probably because most of them are underpowered in the extreme, but hPanel is an exception.

It looks similar to cPanel with server details (location, IP address) in a sidebar, and colorful icons representing features in categories such as Domains, Emails, Files, WordPress and more.

Most functions are accessible to even novice users. Creating an email address, for instance, is as easy as entering the address and a password. Advanced features like importing existing emails, to setting up SPF and DKIM records (to authenticate emails and protect against phishing) are just a click or two away too.

Hostinger: The cons

Confusing prices

With three different subscription lengths and each one having a different renewal cost, it can be hard to work out which plan is best for you. Keep in mind when calculating long term costs. After the reduced renewal price the monthly fee will revert to the monthly cost of $11.99.

There are significant discounts to be had for longer plans but are you really going to need that plan for 48 months? Check your business plan and pick a subscription length not just based on price but one that might come up for renewal when you're about to out grow your hosting plan.

Performance restrictions

Any site that does any kind of image processing or has big databases will find low performance because disk read/write speeds are throttled and memory is not that generous. Any static site will be fine but performance of sites that have user accounts and to some extent eCommerce sites will be affected.

No telephone support

Hostinger say that telephone support just slows down getting things done and that they've been able to fix issues faster by removing this option. If you really care about speaking to a human via a voice call there are other hosts that offer phone support but they are more costly.

(Image credit: Hostinger)Hostinger: Tested

We've put Hostinger through its paces to see how well it copes and how easy it is to use. Our testers are industry experts that have extensive experience in a range of web hosting scenarios so we can give a reliable and comprehensive review on everything Hostinger claims to be.

On the whole, we found a web hosting service that's easy to use and performs well for the majority of users.

Hostinger hPanel (Image credit: Hostinger)Using Hostinger

Hostinger has put a lot of effort into making their shared hosting experience as seamless and beginner friendly as possible. From the moment you sign up, Hostinger walks you through every step with very clear and easy to follow instructions that can help beginners get their website up and running.

There's more for experienced users too. With the inclusion of additional features such as page speed monitoring, malware scanning, and analytics, they’re really making sure that you can manage every aspect of your website directly from Hostinger’s hPanel. This really goes above and beyond the industry standard control panel cPanel and it does a good job of hiding away any of the techy stuff that can be confusing, presenting everything in a logical manner.

Hostinger guide you through every combination of scenarios - building a fresh website vs migrating an existing one, doing it yourself vs getting a developer to do it - they really caters for everyone. They’ve even customised the Wordpress admin panel to ease the transition from their own control panel to help newbies get to grips with Wordpress.

Wordpress is by no-means difficult to use, but if you’re not familiar with it then it can be overwhelming and their customisations are a really nice touch. Overall impressions are very high.

Hostinger have developed a new AI troubleshooter that can automatically detect errors (403, 404, 500, 503, etc) and suggest fixes making hosting even easier than before. Currently the tool works 42% of the time but it's improving every month. It also only takes one minute to use so it's not an added inconvenience if it doesn't work, you can just go through the usual support channels.Hostinger is a genuine alternative to Wix and Squarespace. The getting started process is really well thought out. It covers every eventuality including, transferring your website from another host and installing WordPress.

Extras such as malware scanning, page speed monitoring and analytics are great for beginners who wouldn’t know how to set up third party tools such as google analytics

There's an AI website builder if you don't want to use WordPress but if you do it's very easy to personalise WordPress, add content, and configure performance improving settings like automatic caching.

When it comes to their VPS offerings, you’ve very much on your own. VPS tend to be aimed at people with experience setting up and managing servers and, in exchange for far more performance for your money, you will need to know how to run and manage the server yourself.

One click installers

Hostinger really shines here. There are a bunch of different things you can one-click install, most are a bit useless but there’s not much harm in having the choice. Some plans include staging versions which let you test changes to your website on a cloned version of your website. Perfect for beginners that are afraid of breaking their live site. There's also automatic updates which is a fantastic feature.

This also extends into the VPS products with one click installers for various popular installations such as n8n and Docker. There is also a catalogue of popular services to install on Docker containers.

Hostinger's performance

We used Uptime.com to monitor our test website from multiple locations around the world, logging response times and any downtime.

Our test site was hosted on Hostinger's most basic shared hosting plan, but still managed a solid 99.96% uptime record over 10 weeks of monitoring.

Uptime.com recorded a response time range of 171ms to 1.73s, with an average of 382ms, over the last seven days of testing. Starter shared hosting plans typically manage 200-400ms with an average peak of 700-800ms, so Hostinger is a bit on the slow side when it comes to response times.

Page load times matter too, though, so we used Dotcom Tools' Website Speed Test to measure our site performance from 16 locations around the US and Europe. This time the results were much better at 878ms, putting it in the top 25% of providers.

One-off load speed checks are important, but we also like to see how a site performs when it's busy. To do this, we use the stress-testing service k6 to unleash 20 virtual users on our site and measure what happens.

Hostinger's results showed some drops in performance at peak load, but that's what we would expect for a shared hosting package. Overall, it was able to handle 15 requests per second throughout the test, a typical result for most providers.

These are broadly positive results, and show Hostinger performs better than most budget hosts. But keep in mind that our figures are based on testing a shared plan, and if you're opting for VPS, cloud hosting or any other product, your experience may be very different.

A mixed story, then, but keep in mind these are comparisons based on the cheapest shared hosting plan from each test provider. Some of those plans cost 5x to 10x the cost you could pay with Hostinger, so on balance we think the company did reasonably well.

Hostinger's GTmetrix grade showing 100% performance (Image credit: Future)Hostinger's performance metrics

LPC

Uptime

Response time

Page requests

Hostinger

0.607

99.96%

0.382

15

Average across top hosts

0.720

99.98%

0.300

14

Hostinger's support is entirely text based (Image credit: Hostinger)How good is Hostinger's support?

Unusually for a top hosting provider, Hostinger doesn't have telephone support. There's 24/7 live chat, though, and email or ticket support if you prefer.

We opened a ticket asking how we could install WordPress on a subdomain. That's not a complicated technical issue, but it's more involved than a simple product question, and gave us a better chance of getting an interesting response.

The reply arrived only 17 minutes later, just about as speedy as we could expect for ticket support. (Who needs live chat, anyway?)

The text used more jargon than we’d like, but was accurate and included all the detail we needed to figure out a solution.

Live chat is also available whenever you need it. We never waited more than a couple of minutes for a response, and agents were just as quick at identifying our issues and coming up with relevant and useful advice.

A web knowledgebase is on hand if you prefer the DIY approach. We'd recommend ignoring the Search box (it does a poor job of finding the best articles), and just browse the categories further down the page. There are hundreds of articles arranged into topics such as hPanel, cPanel, DNS, SSL Certificates and more.

These articles are often short, and not always organized or presented as you'd expect. The site does have plenty of useful advice on carrying out specific tasks, though, even when they're not about Hostinger's own services.

If your domain is managed by another registrar, for instance, most hosting providers don't give you any real advice on how to modify DNS records. But Hostinger has separate articles for managing DNS at Bluehost, GoDaddy, IONOS, Namecheap, HostGator, SiteGround, WordPress.com, DreamHost’s, and many more: 30+ providers in total.

There's clearly work to do here, but Hostinger scores well in most areas, and overall delivers a far better quality of support than most budget providers.

What sort of hosting plans does Hostinger offer?

Hostinger offers affordable shared hosting for small to medium low-traffic sites. VPS hosting and cloud hosting give your website more resources for extra speed, making them suitable for more demanding, business-critical sites. (How demanding? A good VPS can run a WordPress site with hundreds of thousands of visitors a month.)

Hostinger is also one of the few big hosting names to offer pre-configured Minecraft server hosting from under $10 a month.

• Hostinger is also top of our best Minecraft server hosting list

Shared hosting

Shared hosting works just as the name suggests: your site is stored on a web server along with many others, and everyone shares the server costs and resources. It's cheap and relatively easy to use, and although this is the slowest hosting type, shared plans may still be able to handle sites with tens of thousands of visitors a month.

Hostinger's shared hosting starts with the Premium plan. It's well priced at $2.49 a month over four years ($7.99 on renewal, then the standard $11.99 monthly price), and has some welcome features including free SSL, easy WordPress installation and management.

The Business plan comes at an affordable $3.99 a month ($8.99 on renewal, then the standard $13.99 monthly price). There's support for 50 websites and 100 email addresses, a free domain, and unlimited bandwidth are also available with the Premium plan. This plan comes with more (200 GB) and faster (NVMe instead of standard SSD) storage, free CDN for faster loading speeds, daily and on-demand backups, WordPress AI tools that help you create bespoke content and troubleshoot issues, Amazon Affiliate plugin for WordPress, and enhanced DDoS protection, to name a few.

On top of what the Business plan offers, the Cloud Startup plan adds a dedicated IP for increased security and enhanced control, as well as more power (100 PHP workers instead of 60 with the Business plan, 3GB RAM instead of 1.5GB, 1024 IOPS limit instead of 256), up to 2 million files and directories (inodes), and support for up to 100 websites. It starts at $7.99 a month for 48 months and renews at $19.99 a month before switching to the standard $24.99 a month. We recommend Hostinger's cloud hosting plans for WooCommerce users so they can enjoy the performance they expect.

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VPS hosting 

Signing up for VPS (Virtual Private Server) hosting gets you a private area in a web server with your own system resources. This automatically gives any VPS a speed advantage over shared hosting, and the more resources your plan includes (CPU time, RAM, storage space) the faster it's likely to be.

Hostinger offers four VPS plans. The first is $13.99 a month for 1 vCPU core, 4GB RAM, and 50GB NVMe storage. The higher end plan is $59.99 a month for 8 vCPU cores, 32 GB RAM, and 400GB NMVe storage. All these plans are on offer at a discount when you purchase plans of long durations. For example, the basic plan is $4.99 a month instead of $13.99 if you get a 24-month subscription.

The range is fair value, but it won't work for everyone. One reason Hostinger's prices are low is that their VPS plans are unmanaged. That means Hostinger doesn't monitor the operating system, set up the firewall, install security patches or do anything similar: you're left to manage the server's system software yourself. That's manageable for experts, but if you're not one, Hostinger has over 60 one-click templates, so clients can install top control panels and applications with ease. Also, VPS AI Assistant provides answers and guidance for VPS clients.

All VPS plans have 1000 Mb/s network speed which facilitates high-performing websites, smooth streaming, and fast data transfers.

A new feature from Hostinger for VPS servers is Vibe sysadmin. You can create an MCP server that acts as the link between an AI coding assistant and the VPS server. This can help you perform system administration like maintenance and automation more easily.

Cloud hosting

If Hostinger’s shared hosting isn’t powerful enough for your needs, its cloud hosting packages might help. They come with up to 20x more resources and come with a dedicated IP address, ensuring fast performance, great stability, and maximum security. But they’re also just as easy to use as the shared range.

There are three cloud hosting plans available: Cloud Startup, Cloud Professional, and Cloud Enterprise. They all offer unlimited bandwidth, free SSL, a free domain, daily backups and a dedicated IP address, and can host up to 300 websites on the same account.

The Cloud Startup plan includes 100GB of NVMe storage, 4GB of RAM, and 2 CPU cores for $27.99 billed monthly or $7.99 for a 48-month subscription. Other subscription durations are available too at varying discounts.

The Cloud Professional plan increases these to 200GB storage, 6GB RAM and 4 CPU cores, and remains reasonably priced at $47.99 a month (discounts are available for different subscription lengths).

Opting for the Cloud Enterprise plan gets you 300GB storage, 12GB RAM ,and 6 CPU cores for $69.99 a month or $29.99 for four years. The major difference between the Cloud Enterprise plan and the Cloud Professional plan is that Enterprise is more suitable for larger eCommerce businesses.

Horizons

Hostinger Horizons is like a website builder but for web applications. If you can imagine it, you can build it. I've built various things with it, including a chess learning app.

You interact with it using natural language, meaning that you just write out your instructions in your language (80+ languages supported). Then, Horizons does it's thing in the background and if there are any issues it will tell you about them in your language giving you clear instructions on how to solve them.

The plans start from $6.99 and includes 30 credits (one credit is one message). This is enough for the most basic apps (like a family planner or gamified to do list) but more demanding apps might require an upgrade to one of the higher-level plans that include a free domain and more tokens to iterate on your app.

Reach email marketing

Hostinger Reach is an email marketing tool powered with AI for small businesses, creators, and anyone that wants to grow their audience. It enables you to create and send professional emails quickly and easily, without needing to use a third party.

All you need to do is tell it what email you want to send, such as a product launch or special offer and it will create a professional, mobile-friendly email in seconds. It also suggests a layout for your message – and learns your style settings so you don’t have to start from scratch every time.

It also includes essential tools like analytics, GDPR compliance, and email deliverability features. There’s a free plan available, and you can upgrade as your list grows. It’s a simple way to turn your website into a complete marketing platform.

Does Hostinger have a website builder?

If you don't have a website yet, and WordPress seems a little intimidating, a website builder may be the easiest way to get started. Typically, they'll have a gallery of pre-built website designs you can use to get started. Adding pictures, videos, maps and other page elements is as easy as dragging and dropping, and customizing the content with your own text and photos works much like any editor.

Hostinger has its own website builder, which comes with unmetered traffic, unlimited free SSL certificates, web hosting, up to 50 websites, free domain, free email, ecommerce features, plus more.

We found it to be a simple and straightforward tool that we could use right away. No need to spend an age scrolling through feature lists, comparing plans or wondering what you can afford: just hand over your email address to create an account and you can start building right away. In fact, now you can generate your own, unique website with Hostinger's AI in less than a minute.

The editor is relatively basic, but the online shop’s what-you-see-is-what-you-get (WYSIWYG) editor will give you tools to create detailed descriptions with HTML titles.

Hostinger website builder has two plans: Premium Website Builder and Business Website Builder. The entry-level plan costs $2.99 per month for a 12-month period and is a decent website builder for personal use and small sites. But, if you want more, the Business plan costs $3.99 per month for a 12-month period and offers eCommerce features and AI tools to write articles, generate images, and even whole sections for a website.

Does Hostinger provide Minecraft server hosting?

Hostinger Minecraft server hosting price plans (Image credit: Hostinger)

Hostinger offers Minecraft server hosting, even though it's not as obvious as its other hosting options.

Setting up a server isn’t quite as straightforward as Hostinger’s 1-click WordPress installers, but it’s not difficult either. The support site has tutorials on how to get your server running, find and install mods, tweak key settings and change your server type (options include Official, Spigot, CraftBukkit, Paper, Forge and more.)

Plans start with a small-scale 4GB RAM, 1 CPU package for $4.99 a month for a 24-month period, ranging up to $19.99 for a 24-month term, which offers 32 GB RAM, 8 vCPU cores, and 400 GB NVMe storage.

All plans include a malware scanner and a dedicated IP to protect your server from DDoS attacks, while automated backups keep you safe from just about everything else. Its AI assistant -- Kodee -- is a stand out feature as it'll help answer many common questions along the way. It's easily one of the best Minecraft server hosting options for most people.

Can you build a web store with Hostinger?

Hostinger has two options for eCommerce clients: WordPress clients can pick a managed WooCommerce plan, and eCommerce Website Builder is perfect for simple online shops.

As we’ve discussed above, Hostinger Website Builder can create web stores with up to 1000 products, and supports 20+ popular payment types. It’s not very configurable, but it’s easy to use and could be enough to run a simple home business.

The alternative is to sign up with one of Hostinger's other hosting plans, then install a specialist ecommerce platform. WooCommerce is probably the best-known option. It's a hugely capable WordPress plugin, which can be easily installed on any Hostinger plan, and includes all the product cataloging, inventory managing, payment taking and worldwide shipping integrations you need.

This really does give you the power to build a world-class web store, and handle most of it on your own. Hostinger will not only help with the hosting but also provide expert WooCommerce support for managed WooCommerce hosting clients.

Final verdict: Is Hostinger right for you?

Hostinger is really good for complete beginners and very basic websites and the VPS plans are good value. If you’re either a complete beginner or experienced enough to handle your own server through their VPS offering then Hostinger are good for you. Anyone that has enough experience to not need the help with the shared plans won't be getting their value for money and if you are not an expert at VPS then using Hostinger VPS packages might be slightly out of your league.

How we test

Hostinger was tested and reviewed by Lewis Wright who has years of experience in web hosting and infrastructure. He tested the features and usability of the basic shared plan and a VPS plan, assessed the performance, and compared the plans with hosts that offer similar packages.

Meet the authorsHostinger FAQs How big is Hostinger?

Hostinger is an experienced Lithuanian hosting provider with almost 900 employees and more than 2.5 million subscribers around the world.

Datanyze' Web Hosting Market Share report ranks Hostinger in 35th place, used by around 20,000 companies, for 0.45% of the hosting market.

Does Hostinger register domains?

Hostinger isn’t just about web hosting; the company can also help you find and register your perfect domain.

First year prices are reasonable, with .com’s available from $9.99, and some domain names are discounted to $0.99 in the first year (.cloud, .shop and so on).

Renewal prices can be more expensive than some. Shop domains are $0.99 in year one, but $34.99 afterwards, and Porkbun.com renews .shop domains at around $25 a year.

Hostinger domain registration has its plus points, though, including free domain privacy to hide your details from spammers. If you’re after a domain, it’s worth a look.

What payment types does Hostinger support?

Hostinger accepts payment via credit card, PayPal, Google Pay, Alipay and Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies via CoinGate.

Does Hostinger have an uptime guarantee?

Hostinger has an uptime guarantee of 99.9% per month, similar to many other budget hosts.

If Hostinger doesn't hit that target, you can contact the company and request a credit of 5% of your monthly hosting fee.

Capping your compensation at 5% is one of the least generous guarantees around. Other hosts typically give you much more. For example, ScalaHosting promises to credit users with a free month of hosting if its uptime drops below 1% (that's around seven hours and 18 minutes of downtime).

Where are Hostinger's data centers?

Hostinger has data centers in the USA, Brazil, UK, France, Germany, Netherlands, Lithuania, Singapore, India, Indonesia, and Malaysia. That's far more than most hosts, and they're also more widely spread (many hosts barely step outside of the USA and Europe).

The advantage of having a lot of data centers is that more users can choose to host sites close to their audience, for the best possible performance. Another advantage is that their in-house content delivery network (CDN) covers all data centers on 4 continents. It automatically caches website’s content across other servers, loading up to 40% faster for end-users and minimizing pressure on the main server.

There's just one potential catch: some plans don't support all the data centers. The Shared, Cloud, and WordPress plans can be hosted in all eleven, but Hostinger's VPS plans can't be hosted in the Netherlands, the UK, Indonesia, and Singapore DCs.

Check the small print of individual plans to find out more, or take a look at Hostinger's 'Where are your servers located?' support document.

What are Hostinger's nameservers?

Before using an existing domain with your web hosting, it may be necessary to point the domain to Hostinger's nameservers.

The hPanel, Shared and Cloud plans use the nameservers ns1.dns-parking.com and ns2.dns-parking.com.

The cPanel nameservers depend on the plan and host a client is using.

How does Hostinger compare to other web hosting service providers?

Hostinger is cheaper than Bluehost, and by comparison, offers roughly the same amount of features in its shared hosting plans. While Hostinger has strong features and pricing, it doesn't have 24/7 telephone support like GoDaddy.

Hostinger also offers its web hosting and website builder services as a combination plan unlike other popular web hosting providers that will make users buy website building services separately.

When comparing Hostinger to popular web hosting solutions from SiteGround, Hostinger's shared plans are not an overall bad choice. It offers the same unlimited bandwidth and storage for the premium plans, an easy hPanel control system, free website migration, free domain for a year, and a better performance with 1.5s average page load time.

How do I cancel a Hostinger product?

Log into Hostinger's hPanel.

Click Hosting in the menu at the top of the screen, then click Manage.

Scroll down and click Deactivate Account.

Choose whether to cancel your hosting account immediately, or when your subscription expires, and click Continue to complete the cancellation process.

Does Hostinger offer refunds?

Hostinger has a 30-day money-back guarantee covering its hosting plans and some other products. These include SSL certificates, often excluded by other hosts.

It's good to see Hostinger's policy covers renewal fees as well as your original purchase, something else we don't see with all hosts.

There's a final bonus in a limited four day warranty for some domain registrations and domain name transfers (see the official Refund Policy for the list.) Sure, four days isn't long, but most hosts don't offer any domain-related refunds at all.

We've also teamed up with Hostinger to offer a full refund for a year's hosting in Amazon vouchers.

Can I build a WordPress site with Hostinger?

Yes. Hostinger have a wide range of tools and optimizations for WordPress. Hostinger has further rolled out several features, including a WordPress Compatibility Checker, which looks for compatibility issues between PHP and WordPress versions, plugins, and themes. Plus, the Hostinger Amazon Affiliate plugin and theme for WordPress help launch an affiliate marketing website much faster and easier.

There is also a new hosting infrastructure for WordPress that makes WordPress hosting 30% faster so in the near future we will need to re-do our speed tests.

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With millions of successful websites and more being launched each day, SEO strategy now requires a solid action plan and a serious budget. RankIQ is an AI-powered SEO tool that can help bloggers and content creators optimize their content for better search engine rankings.

It's a relatively recent entrant in the SEO tool space. But like companies such as MarketMuse and Clearscope, RankIQ uses artificial intelligence to analyze a vast array of data points across the web, including keyword usage, search trends, and competitive content. It's tailored especially for bloggers and content marketers who want to improve their organic traffic without necessarily being SEO experts.

But what sets RankIQ apart from other tools in the SEO industry? Let’s examine its features and benefits to discover what makes it a game-changer.

• Interested in RankIQ? Check out the RankIQ website.

Features

RankIQ's feature set is deliberately narrow in scope, prioritizing depth over breadth in the areas that matter most to bloggers: keyword research, content optimization, and title analysis.

The standout element is the hand-curated Keyword Library, which covers more than 200 blog niches and is maintained by RankIQ's team to surface low-competition, high-traffic keyword opportunities. Unlike keyword tools that require users to start from scratch with a seed keyword, the library gives bloggers a pre-filtered shortlist to work from; a significant time-saver for anyone without a deep background in SEO.

The AI SEO Report and Content Optimizer work in tandem to guide the full content creation process, from outline to final draft. The report identifies the topics and keyword phrases that top-ranking pages are using, while the optimizer scores your content in real-time as you write.

Together, these tools create a guided, repeatable workflow that can meaningfully reduce the time it takes to produce a post that's competitive on Google. The Content Planner adds a layer of editorial organization, allowing bloggers to set monthly goals for new posts and content refreshes.

That said, RankIQ's toolkit is noticeably limited compared to platforms like Semrush or Ahrefs. There's no backlink analysis, technical SEO audit, rank tracking, or site health monitoring. The keyword data is also U.S.-centric, which can frustrate international bloggers working in non-English markets. For users who need a full-service SEO suite, RankIQ will feel incomplete.

But for bloggers whose primary goal is to write content that ranks on Google's first page, the platform's focused approach is a genuine advantage rather than a drawback. There's less to learn, fewer dashboards to manage, and a clearer path from keyword to published post.

How does RankIQ use AI?

At the core of RankIQ's platform is its AI SEO Report, which draws on IBM Watson's artificial intelligence to analyze top-ranking pages for any given keyword and generate a detailed content brief. The report identifies the topics, subtopics, and LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) keywords that Google's ranking algorithm associates with high-quality content in your niche. Rather than asking users to manually comb through competitor articles, the AI condenses that competitive research into a prioritized checklist you can act on immediately.

The Content Optimizer pairs with each SEO Report to provide real-time feedback as you write or revise. It grades your content on a scale from F to A++, dynamically updating as you incorporate recommended keywords and phrases. This creates a straightforward editing loop: draft, optimize, and polish — with a clear benchmark for when your content is competitive enough to publish. It also recommends an ideal word count based on the average length of top-ranking posts for your keyword, removing guesswork from one of the more tedious aspects of content planning.

RankIQ's title analysis tool uses the same AI-driven methodology to evaluate your blog post title, grading it based on keyword inclusion, title length, and patterns observed in high-performing SERP results. This feature is particularly useful for bloggers who want to maximize click-through rates without resorting to keyword stuffing. The tool flags when a title is underoptimized and suggests specific adjustments to push it toward an A or A+ grade.

One of the more practical additions to RankIQ's AI toolkit is its "time to rank" estimator, which predicts how quickly a new post could appear on Google's first page. The system categorizes ranking speed as ultrafast (approximately 3 months), very fast (3–6 months), fast (6–12 months), or average (12+ months), based on factors such as keyword competition, domain authority, and SERP landscape. While no tool can guarantee ranking timelines, this feature helps bloggers prioritize their content calendar based on realistic expectations rather than wishful thinking.

Installation, setup, and compatibility

Getting started with RankIQ is a pretty low-friction experience. The platform is entirely cloud-based, meaning there's no software to download or install. You only need a web browser and an internet connection. Once you've signed up and chosen a plan, access to the full toolset is immediate.

RankIQ's onboarding is handled through a 20-minute walkthrough video produced by founder Brandon Gaille, which covers the platform's core workflow: selecting a keyword from the library, running an SEO report, reviewing the AI-generated content brief, and optimizing your draft using the Content Optimizer.

The video-first approach suits RankIQ's target audience of bloggers, who may not have prior experience with dedicated SEO tools. There's also an active Facebook community where subscribers can ask questions and share results.

The platform integrates with Google Search Console, which allows you to pull in performance data for your existing posts and identify underperforming content worth optimizing. Beyond that, RankIQ's integrations are intentionally minimal — there is no API and the tool doesn't connect natively with CMS platforms like WordPress.

If your workflow relies on integrations across multiple platforms, this is worth factoring into your decision. That said, the Content Optimizer's built-in editor is functional enough to write and optimize content directly within RankIQ, especially if you prefer a focused, distraction-free environment.

Plans and pricing

(Image credit: RankIQ)

Plan

Starting rate (paid monthly)

Blogger

$49/month

Pro

$99/month

Agency

$199/month

Enterprise

Custom pricing

RankIQ keeps its pricing structure simple and blogger-friendly. There are four tiers in total, ranging from the entry-level Blogger plan to a custom Enterprise option for larger organizations. Unlike many SEO tools, RankIQ does not currently offer an annual billing discount — all plans are billed monthly. There is no free trial, though the Blogger plan is frequently promoted at a 50% introductory discount.

The Blogger plan includes up to 16 SEO reports per month along with full access to the keyword library and content optimizer. The Pro plan steps that up with additional reports, while the Agency plan is designed for teams managing multiple sites, offering 80 monthly reports. Enterprise pricing is customized on request and can scale to 2,000 monthly reports for large-scale content operations.

Final verdict

RankIQ is one of the best solutions for analyzing SEO content. Its AI-powered content optimizer provides clear and specific guidance to writers on how to optimize their content for SEO. This can be particularly useful for those new to SEO or wanting to streamline their content creation process.

In addition, it offers an excellent keyword discovery component that provides users with a list of high-traffic, low-competition keywords specifically tailored to their niche. RankIQ is also intuitive and easy to use, even for those who are not technically savvy. Plus, it is much more affordable than many competitors, making it accessible to bloggers, freelancers, and small businesses.

However, there are some downsides to using RankIQ. The service is primarily designed for bloggers and smaller websites, not larger enterprises. This lack of scalability could be an issue for rapidly growing businesses. Additionally, RankIQ's SEO tools are more basic and may not be suitable for larger enterprises that need advanced features.

The service also doesn't integrate with other digital marketing tools, which could be problematic for users who require such integrations. Finally, RankIQ does not provide a free trial, which could disadvantage those who want to test the tool before committing to a subscription.

More from TechRadar Pro

• See our best on-page SEO tool of the year
• We've received other tools like Frase, Dashword, and SurferSEO.
• We've also featured the best AI tools.

Screaming Frog SEO Spider is designed to crawl websites and gather crucial SEO data efficiently. This powerful software simulates how search engines crawl a site and lets you identify key SEO elements that impact website visibility and performance. It further enables the analysis of meta tags, response codes, keyword elements, and much more. Whether it's finding broken links, generating XML sitemaps, or analyzing page titles and meta descriptions, Screaming Frog offers a detailed insight into the website's architecture from an SEO perspective.

Ideal for SEO experts and digital marketers, Screaming Frog is a critical tool for enhancing website searchability and performance. In this review, we will be covering the detailed features, specifications, and offerings of Screaming Frog SEO Spider. From its advanced crawling capabilities to its integration options and reporting features, we will explore how this tool can be leveraged to conduct comprehensive SEO audits, improve website performance, and ultimately drive better search engine rankings.

• You can sign up for SEO Spider here.

Screaming Frog: Plans and pricing

(Image credit: Screaming Frog SEO Spider)

Plan

Starting Rate (Paid Annually)

Free

$0

Paid (1–4 licences)

$279/user/year

Paid (5–9 licences)

$265/user/year

Paid (10–19 licences)

$249/user/year

Paid (20+ licences)

$235/user/year

The Free Plan is ideal for small-scale SEO tasks that allow up to 500 URL crawls. It includes basic features like finding broken links, errors, redirects, analyzing page titles, meta data, and generating XML sitemaps. This plan is a great starting point for beginners or small websites.

Priced at $279 /year per license, the Paid Plan offers unlimited URL crawls, subject to available memory and storage. It builds upon the Free Plan with advanced features such as JavaScript rendering for crawling complex websites, custom extraction using CSS Path, XPath, or regex, and integration with Google Analytics, Search Console, and PageSpeed Insights for deeper insights. This plan also includes AMP crawling and validation, structured data analysis, spelling and grammar checks, and the ability to crawl password-protected areas. It's designed for SEO professionals and larger websites needing comprehensive analysis and reporting tools.

Licenses are individual, meaning each user needs a separate one. Screaming Frog offers discounts for bulk purchases, making it cost-effective for teams. The licenses are valid for one year, requiring renewal thereafter. The Paid Plan is particularly beneficial for agencies and larger teams due to its advanced features and scalability.

• We've featured the best SEO tools.

Screaming Frog: FeaturesAI features

Screaming Frog has added direct AI API integration to the SEO Spider, starting with version 21.0 and expanded significantly in version 22.0. You can now connect to OpenAI, Gemini, Anthropic (Claude), and Ollama directly within the tool via Config > API Access > AI, and run custom prompts against your crawl data at scale. Up to 100 custom prompts can be configured per crawl, and the tool includes a built-in prompt library to get you started with common use cases.

In practical terms, the AI integration lets you run intelligent analysis against page-level data while crawling — without needing to export anything or switch tools. Popular use cases include generating missing alt text for images in bulk, detecting the language or sentiment of page content, classifying page intent, summarising body text, and extracting specific structured data using natural language prompts. The results appear in a dedicated AI tab alongside your standard crawl data, making it easy to cross-reference findings.

Version 22.0 extended AI capabilities further with support for vector embeddings, which power a new semantic similarity analysis feature. By connecting an AI provider and enabling embeddings via Config > Content > Embeddings, the Spider can now identify pages that are semantically similar (not just exact duplicates), detect low-relevance content that deviates from the overall theme of a site, and generate semantic search results within a crawl. Similarity scores range from 0 to 1, with a default threshold of 0.95 that can be adjusted down to 0.5.

It's worth noting that the AI integration is a paid-licence feature also requires a separate API key from your chosen AI provider (OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, or a locally run Ollama instance). That said, Gemini is available for free through Google AI Studio in the US and UK, making it a low-cost entry point. The AI feature does not replace any of Screaming Frog's existing functionality, it layers intelligent automation on top of the crawler's output.

Website crawling and analysis

(Image credit: Screaming Frog SEO Spider)

Screaming Frog SEO Spider stands out for its ability to efficiently crawl websites of any size, from small blogs to large e-commerce sites, and provides real-time analysis of your results. This feature is great for identifying broken links, server errors, redirects, and security vulnerabilities, thus ensuring the site’s integrity and performance. It goes beyond simple error detection and offers deep insights into page titles and metadata that help spot issues, such as duplicate content or poorly optimized tags.

Additionally, Screaming Frog extracts specific site data using CSS Path, XPath, or regex. This lets you pinpoint and address issues efficiently and further optimizes the site for both search engines and users.

SEO auditing and optimization

(Image credit: Screaming Frog SEO Spider)

We found that Screaming Frog’s auditing capabilities are equally robust and focus on redirects, robots.txt, and meta-robots directives, among other elements. It can audit temporary and permanent redirects and identify complex redirect chains and loops that can harm search engine visibility and user experience.

Screaming Frog also reviews robots.txt, meta robots, or X-Robots-Tag directives and delivers insights into how search engines are directed to crawl and index pages or not. This includes identifying pages blocked from indexing, which could inadvertently hide valuable content from search engines. Another key feature is the validation of Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) which makes sure that these pages are free from issues and optimized for performance in mobile search results.

Integration with Google services

Screaming Frog SEO Spider boosts its capabilities through integration with various Google services, including Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and PageSpeed Insights. This synergy improves the crawl data with crucial user behavior insights, search query data, and vital performance metrics. By combining these datasets, the tool allows for a holistic analysis that spans visibility, speed, and usability.

This helps SEO professionals access a comprehensive overview of how users interact with their site, identify performance bottlenecks, and understand the site's presence in search results, all within a single platform. This feature underscores the importance of leveraging Google's vast data resources to inform and refine SEO strategies.

Content and structure analysis

If you wish to explore the structural aspects of your site, Screaming Frog offers powerful tools for site architecture analysis. It provides detailed visualizations of a site's architecture, internal linking patterns, and URL structure, making assessing and optimizing the site hierarchy easier. These visual tools help in identifying areas for improvement in site navigation, deliver a seamless user experience, and facilitate search engines' understanding of site content and relevance. You can make informed decisions to enhance the site's navigational efficiency and SEO performance by spotlighting how content is interconnected and how authority flows through internal links. This aspect of Screaming Frog is instrumental in developing a site structure that supports both user engagement and search engine indexing.

Advanced features and customization

Screaming Frog SEO Spider goes beyond standard SEO tools by offering advanced features and customization options. During our tests, we noticed that it generated XML Sitemaps and Image XML Sitemaps with detailed configurations that help search engines efficiently discover and index website content.

Additionally, the custom source code search feature gives the precise location of specific elements or code snippets across a website which is a boon for technical SEO audits and site maintenance. Plus, Screaming Frog is available as a desktop application for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

• We've featured the best onpage SEO tools.

Screaming Frog: Interface and in-use

Screaming Frog SEO Spider is renowned for its comprehensive suite of features, user-friendly interface, and ease of use. This is what makes it accessible to experts and novices alike. The interface is designed to be intuitive, with a clear and organized layout that lets you easily navigate through its various features and toolset. Upon launching the tool, you see a dashboard that presents all critical functionalities at a glance, which lets you quick access to start new crawls, view reports, and analyze data.

The tool's main window displays a wealth of information in a tabulated format and categorizes data into easily digestible sections such as response codes, page titles, meta descriptions, and more. This helps you to identify areas of interest or concern swiftly and facilitates a streamlined workflow for auditing and optimization tasks. Additionally, Screaming Frog offers extensive customization options. This lets you tailor your crawl sessions based on specific needs or objectives. Even the settings can be adjusted to focus on particular aspects of a site, such as link depth, subdomains, or specific file types, giving users complete control over the scope of the analysis.

• We've featured the best rank checking tools.

Screaming Frog: Support

(Image credit: Screaming Frog SEO Spider )

Screaming Frog has a well-structured support system to assist you in resolving any type of technical issue. You can start by utilizing self-support resources. These guides include the latest version of the SEO Spider, a starter guide, FAQs, and a user guide, available for addressing common problems and queries.

For more complex or specific issues, Screaming Frog has direct technical support. For this, you are advised to save your log files through the app ('Help > Debug > Save logs') and include detailed information about the site, the issue at hand, and any relevant screenshots or videos. This can be done by emailing support@screamingfrog.co.uk or using the 'open a support ticket' option on their website. The support team at Screaming Frog is committed to responding to queries within 24 hours during standard business hours. This dual approach to support paired with self-help resources reflects Screaming Frog's dedication to user satisfaction and problem resolution.

Screaming Frog: The competition

Priced at $279 annually, it is a cost-effective option compared to other tools. For example, SerpStat starts at $69/month, which totals over $800 annually, and it makes Screaming Frog a more budget-friendly choice. However, Screaming Frong’s alternate competitor, Yoast SEO is known for its user-friendly interface and integration with WordPress and it might turn out to be a better option for those who prioritize ease of use and immediate feedback.

However, Screaming Frog's manual configuration for tracking changes in page rankings may be a drawback for some users. Tools like Ahrefs offer automated alerts and a range of tools in a user-friendly interface, although they're priced much higher. Similarly, Semrush offers a variety of SEO, content marketing, competitor analysis, and PPC tools.

Screaming Frog: Final verdict

The Screaming Frog SEO Spider stands out in the market because of its thorough analysis and cost-effectiveness. It costs $279/year and provides a wide range of features for detailed SEO audits. This makes it a valuable asset for in-depth website analysis as it can crawl large sites and identify various issues like broken links, duplicate content, and security issues.

However, its technical interface may be challenging for those who prefer simpler, more automated tools. Competitors like Serpstat, Yoast SEO, Ahrefs, and Semrush deliver more user-friendly interfaces and a wider range of marketing tools. However, the cost of these tools is comparatively higher than Screaming Frog. In conclusion, Screaming Frog is ideal for you if you need detailed data and thorough site audits. Overall, it is particularly suitable for individuals, small teams, and agencies who want multi-functional SEO tools without a high investment.

• We've also featured the best content marketing tools.

Acer ebii 20: One-minute review

Every industry has its disrupters. Those designers and manufacturers who decide to make a product with the aim of redefining and disrupting everything people previously thought they knew. Apple did it with the iPhone, Nothing is attempting it with other electronic gadgets like the CMF Watch Pro and CMF Buds Pro 2, and Acer has attempted it here with the ebii e-bike.

When I first heard that Taiwanese electronics company Acer had released an e-bike, I couldn’t quite believe it. I actually did some Googling to check if there was another company who had decided to use the same company name. There wasn’t.

(Image credit: Future / Paul hatton)

The carbon belt drive is long-lasting and low-maintenance. An advertised life of 19,000 miles for the belt means it'll take a long time to require replacement. Not having any grease to deal with not only makes maintenance a breeze but also removes the risk of getting it on your clothes.

The 36V, 10Ah lithium-ion battery with LG cells has a maximum range of 100 km / 62 miles. This is far from the longest the best electric bikes have to offer, but it is more than adequate for any commute. A four-hour recharge can be easily achieved while either at work or overnight before riding it again in the morning.

The CGO600 Pro is perfectly positioned as a city commuter. The medium-to-thin tires eat up the miles, and handling around traffic is light and easy. The price is comparable with most of its competitors for this e-bike type, and, given its fantastic performance, it's one of the best commuter bikes on the market at the moment.

Acer ebii 20 review: Specs

Component

Acer ebii 20

Size range:

157cm x 102cm

Motor:

250W

Top speed

15.5 mph / 25 kmh

Power:

460W Lithium-ion Battery

Control:

Phone app

E-bike classification:

Class 1

Speeds:

Single-speed

Brakes:

6.3-inch Hydraulic Disc Brake

Frame material:

Aluminum

Weight:

23.5 kg / 51.8 lbs

Range:

110 km / 68.35 miles

Acer ebii 20 review: Price and availability

(Image credit: Future / Paul hatton)

• $4,999.99 USD / £3,999 UK / around AU$7,650
• Expensive for what it is
• Not available in Australia

I decided not to look at the price until after I had carried out most of my testing, because I didn’t want to be unduly influenced by it either way. Now that I know the price, all I can say is that I didn’t expect it to cost anything like what Acer is charging for it. On performance alone I would have put it around the $1,250 / £1,250 / AU$1,800 mark. With that in mind, I’d much rather spend my money on something like the ENGWE MapFour N1 Air.

• Value score: 3/5

Acer ebii 20 review: Design

(Image credit: Future / Paul hatton)

• Unbalanced weight distribution
• Aesthetic isn’t to my taste
• Bold design decisions

The Acer ebii is one of the most polarizing e-bike designs I have ever seen. That’s saying something, as I’ve reviewed a number of ‘interestingly’ designed e-bikes, including the Engwe L20. It’s not that I don’t like it per se, but like the 1962 Peel P50 car, it just takes a little time to know exactly what you’re looking at.

As well as that solid white block that spans the two wheels, one of the most notable deviations from a standard e-bike design is the inclusion of a single-armed front fork. Despite it being more than sturdy enough, it just felt mentally wrong not having my weight distributed across two forks.

When I first saw the e-bike, I thought it would be foldable. I spent time looking for a catch that would allow me to fold it up, but let me save you the hard work; this is not a foldable e-bike, despite the design suggesting it should be.

It’s a shame, because this is one bike that could have really benefited from the folding mechanism. This is a long, heavy bike that is cumbersome to move around. When I compare it to the lightweight Brompton G-Line or even the Engwe P20, I think Acer has missed a trick.

If we consider the sweet spot for this type of design, it would have to be a city-based urban dweller who still has the space to store a fully assembled bike. Unless you could fit it in your elevator, you'll also want to make sure you can store it at ground level because it weighs a hefty 23.5Kg.

The weight in and of itself is not necessarily a huge problem, but what is is the way it is distributed across the bike. With most of it located towards the front, I found it a little awkward and at times unsafe to handle.

More positively, I love its airless tires, which are thick enough to make easy work of any uneven roads or paths. There’s also a super bright front light, which is integrated into the main frame. I would like to have seen an integrated rear light as well, but Acer decided against this.

• Design Score: 3.5/5

Acer ebii 20 review: Performance

(Image credit: Future / Paul hatton)

• Fast-acting brakes
• A useful set of security features
• Lack of overall power

The ebii's performance is a bit of a mixed bag. The e-bike is driven by a quality carbon belt which is both smooth and reliable. Even though it might be slightly less high-performing than a chain, there’s always the benefit of having very little to worry about in terms of maintenance.

Brake performance is also a win for the ebii thanks to hydraulic disc brakes (160mm rotors), which provide efficient stopping power. Due to the time of year, I wasn't able to test it in the wettest of conditions, but I had no problems stopping when I needed to, even when performing an emergency stop.

From a security point of view, the ebii excels as a result of an auto-lock system that utilizes Bluetooth to lock the bike when you leave and unlock it when you're nearby. I found this feature incredibly useful, although, much like a keyless car, it's slightly unnerving walking away, not knowing whether it's truly disabled.

Moving onto where the ebii didn’t perform so well, and unfortunately it’s in the area which matters most for e-bikes. It was rather disappointing to find that the 250W front hub motor found it difficult to pull the weight of the bike efficiently enough, even when cycling along flat roads. Don’t ever get me started on the lack of assistance up medium inclines. Much of these could have been addressed with a higher-performing motor, and if it was positioned at the rear, then that could have also helped.

One of the other frustrating things about the ebii was that there was a constant white noise emitted from the handlebar unit. That might have been bearable, but unfortunately it was also paired with a repetitive ticking sound. From my research, it appears that this was because I didn't have a SIM card inserted. I've read of others having the same problem.

• Performance score: 3.5/5

Acer ebii 20 review: Battery life

(Image credit: Future / Paul hatton)

• Limited range, especially when using boost mode
• Detachable battery
• Helpful battery integration with the app.

Battery life is one of the most important considerations when it comes to purchasing an e-bike. If the battery doesn’t have enough capacity to take you between your location and your destination, then it’s a pointless piece of kit, especially considering the motor resistance on the ebii is so strong that you can’t ride it without electrical assistance.

Managing battery life is where Acer’s technology comes into its own. Thanks to the ebiiGo app, users can track the amount of remaining battery life and thereby make sure they have enough juice left in the tank to make their desired journey. It’s also possible to select boost mode, smart mode, or eco mode to help manage what you do have left.

Additionally, there’s an ebii Assist mode that tailors the riding experience thanks to some handy AI learning techniques. For example, after learning your riding style, the e-bike is able to tweak the “motor output to provide effortless riding based on” your pedaling power and current road conditions. This tailored experience also extends to managing battery consumption based on your chosen destination. Personally, I preferred to be in total control of my ride, but if you’re happy with the computer taking the reins, then this will work well for you.

I was a little disappointed with the battery life, if I’m honest. It barely managed 15 miles with boost mode selected, which, compared to the likes of the Tenways CGO600 Pro or the Brompton C-Line, is pretty limited. I would like to add that I wasn’t the first person to ride the test unit and so couldn’t guarantee how many miles it had already been subjected to.

I loved being able to remove the battery and charge it indoors. That way I could keep an eye on it rather than leaving it charging elsewhere. I recently tested a Quella e-bike with an integrated battery, which made it impossible to charge anywhere else but where the bike was locked up.

As a quick side note, it’s also possible to USB-C charge laptops, phones, or other devices by connecting them to the battery. Very clever!

• Battery life score: 3.5/5

Acer ebii 20: Scorecard

Category

Comment

Score

Value

A very expensive for what it is. Better performing e-bikes are available at this price point.

3/5

Design

A unique design but an unbalanced weight distribution.

3.5/5

Performance

Fast-acting brakes and a useful set of security features but lacks motor power.

3.5/5

Battery Life

A limited range, but AI helps to manage the battery well.

3.5/5

Should I buy the Acer ebii 20?

(Image credit: Future / Paul hatton)Buy it if...

You want an e-bike that hardly anyone else has

Compared to big e-bike brands, there are hardly any of these on the roads.

You’re happy being an early adopter

Acer may well be onto something with their design and features, but only time will tell.

Don't buy it if...

You’d like a budget-friendly e-bike

Despite performing like it, the Acer ebii e-bike costs as much as the most premium alternatives on the market.

You want an e-bike from a tried and tested brand

Acer are not known for their e-bikes, so you’ll have to be happy taking the risk.

Also consider

Component

Acer ebii 20

Tenways CGO600 Pro

Engwe P275 Pro

Size range:

157cm x 102cm

157cm x 96cm

98.5cm x 188cm

Motor:

250W

250W (UK) / 350W (US)

250W Brushless Motor

Top speed

15.5 mph / 25 kmh

15.5mph / 25kmh (UK) and 20 mph (US)

15.5mph / 25kmh

Power:

460W Lithium-ion Battery

36V 10Ah Lithium-ion Battery with LG Cells

36V 19.2Ah SAMSUNG Lithium-ion

Control:

Phone app

Small OLED Display

Bafang TFT DP C244

E-bike classification:

Class 1

Class 1

Class 1

Speeds:

Single-speed

Single-speed

Bafang 3 levels automatica gear shifter

Brakes:

6.3-inch Hydraulic Disc Brake

TEKTRO Hydraulic Disc Brakes

180mm Front & Rear Tektro hydraulic disc breaks

Frame material:

Aluminum

Aluminum

6061 Aluminum Alloy

Weight:

23.5 kg / 51.8 lbs

18kg including accessories

25.3kg

Range:

110 km / 68.35 miles

100km / 62 miles

260km (PAS 1 level), 150km (PAS 5 level)

Tenways CGO600 Pro

Smooth and powerful motor assistance is paired with a carbon belt drive that guarantees low maintenance and durability. It's an enjoyable ride and a perfect e-bike for commuters.

Read our full Tenways CGO600 Pro review

Engwe P275 Pro

This city commuter from Engwe is chunkier than the Tenways CGO600 Pro but if you like to stand out from the crowd, then no bike does it better than this one.

Read our full Engwe P275 Pro review

How I tested the Acer ebii 20

I spent over a month with the ebii 20 e-bike. During this time I traveled through city streets, along busy roads, and traversed up and down hills. I refrained from taking it on any trails, as I thought that might be taking it too far away from its intended use! I also downloaded the app and tested out all the associated features.

First reviewed: November 2025

Skullcandy Method 540 ANC: Two minute review

For all that companies try to squirrel AI chatbots into every gadget possible, I’ve yet to see many buyers who genuinely want this kind of addition. In fact more often than not, the infiltration of artificial intelligence makes the tech worse — many companies are starting to realize this and take a step back. But there’s now a new victim of the AI war: the Skullcandy Method 540.

For context, let’s look at some earbuds that would have gotten onto our list of the best cheap earbuds if not for how competitive 2025 was. I’m talking about the Skullcandy Method 360, which were some of my favorite buds of the year: they fit great, sounded fun and were fairly affordable. The 540 are the updated model of 360, with Skullcandy apparently not taking a leaf from Microsoft’s naming playbook – don’t get your hopes up for a Method One and then Method Series X, then.

New models should, ostensibly, bring upgrades over the previous iterations. However the Skullcandy Method 540 have the same design, drivers and carry case design as the previous model. They’re incredibly similar buds, yet cost about 25% more.

So what’s actually new? Well, there are a few tiny tweaks here and there, but the flagship ‘feature’ is compatibility with Skull AI. This is Skullcandy’s AI assistant, built on Bragi AI which in turn is built on Open AI. So for all intents and purposes, you’re paying more for a built-in chat-bot…

…except that you’re not, because Skull AI is available as a separate subscription, which you have to pay for either monthly, at $4.99 / £4.99, or annually (at $49.99 / £49.99). Skull AI is one of the better AI chatbot names I've heard, but I'm not including an evaluation of the chatbot itself in this review: it’s very much a separate, optional product to the Method 540.

If you use AI chatbots, perhaps the Method 540 is worth considering, but the vast majority of buyers are going to wonder if there are any other spec improvements to justify that price bump, or if this is another case of AI implementation taking precedence over actual upgrades. Spoiler alert: it’s the latter.

The specs are identical – in fact, I copied and pasted the specs table from my 360 review to save time. In some cases, keeping things similar is great: the buds are comfortable and fit incredibly well, making them great for runners or gym-goers. In some cases, an upgrade was needed: I liked the Method 360’s sound, but budget buds have come on leaps and bounds in just one year, and the Method 540 aren’t as competitive.

Since I gave last year’s Skullcandy earbuds four stars, and these are basically the same thing, some might be wondering where half a star went. That was removed because the Method 360 was good for the price, and the 540 price hike makes them a less appealing prospect.

Given the increased cost, the lack of upgrades and the shoehorned AI mode, it’s just hard to get as enthused about the Method 540. And so it’s harder to recommend them, given how many low-cost rivals there are in 2026.

Skullcandy Method 540 ANC review: Specifications

Component

Value

Water resistant

IPX4

Battery life (quoted)

11 hours (earbuds), 29 hours (total)

Bluetooth type

Bluetooth 5.3

Weight

11g / Charging case: 72g

Driver

12mm

Skullcandy Method 540 ANC review: Price and availability

(Image credit: Future)

• Announced in January 2026
• RRP $149.99 / £129.99 (roughly AU$250)
• Skull AI costs $4.99 monthly

The Skullcandy Method 540 ANC were unveiled on January 8, 2026, at the annual CES tech conference. That release falls only nine months after the release of the Method 360.

You can pick up the earbuds for $149.99 / £129.99 (roughly AU$250, though there’s no word on an Australian release just yet). That’s a notable price hike over the Method 360, which sold for $119 / £99 / AU$189, and are even cheaper now thanks to some discounts.

That retail price doesn’t even take into account the monthly cost of Skull AI. Access to this AI assistant costs $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year – regional pricing wasn’t available at the time of this review – but it’s worth noting that Skull AI is optional and starts with a 3-month free trial.

Skullcandy Method 540 ANC review: DesignFutureFuture

• Chunky carry case
• Incredibly reliable in-ear fit
• Only black or white options

You know how wireless earbuds makers constantly one-up each other to make svelte little carry cases? Skullcandy didn’t miss the memo – it received it, laughed at it, screwed it up into a ball and threw it away. The Method 540 buds come in a tube, and you slide out the central column to reveal them.

The 360 used the same mechanism, although it’s a little thinner this time around: it measures 3.6 x 2.9 x 10.2 cm, and weighs 72g. At the time of writing, the buds only come in black or white, but Skullcandy often releases funky colors for its products, and hopefully it’ll follow for the 540.

This is not a convenient way to carry earbuds – the monolith doesn’t fit well in trouser pockets. But honestly, I don’t mind – I ended up just putting it in my jacket or bag instead. Perhaps I’ve grown used to these chunky cases from testing other such buds, or maybe petite carry cases are overrated. Plus, a magnetic mechanism makes sure it stays shut tight when not in use, a carry hook means you can attach them to your keys or bag, and unlike in the 360 the charging port is out in the open.

Evidence of how easily-bendable the hook is. (Image credit: Future)

My biggest annoyance with the old model remains, though: putting the buds in the case isn’t convenient, as you have to put them in, in a very particular fashion. It takes quite a bit of maneuvering and flipping to make sure they’re in right, and quite often I’d only realise I’d bungled the job when the case wouldn’t shut properly.

Skullcandy has trimmed the fat of its carry case, but it hasn’t touched the earbuds from the last-gen models – and it didn’t need to. Like the 360, the buds fit snugly and reliably, thanks in part to the grippy eartip material, but mostly due to the fins which wedge the buds into your ear. I went for runs with the buds and took them to the gym, and they never threatened to fall out.

They’re not that light, at 11g, or protected, with IPX4 (no protection against dust, only protected against splashes). But they’re not going to fall out into a puddle thanks to the lovely fit, so it doesn’t really matter.

Each bud has touch controls if you tap on their body, which generally felt okay to use, once I got used to tapping the right spot.

• Design score: 3.5/5

Skullcandy Method 540 ANC review: Features

(Image credit: Future)

• ANC is solid, not best-in-class
• Battery life is above average: 11 hours from the buds/29 including the case
• App misses some basic features

Technically, these buds are sold as the Skullcandy Method 540 ANC, and so naturally these buds have Active Noise Cancellation. It’s no more advanced than on the 360: pretty solid, but not best-in-class. Loud noises will cut above the silence, though the background hum of city life will get stripped away.

Stay-Aware falls into the trap that many transparency or surround-hearing modes do, in that it seemingly amplifies more than it strips. Thankfully, Skullcandy has included an Intensity slider in the app, so you can turn down its effects.

According to Skullcandy, the Method 540 lasts for 9 hours with ANC on, or 11 hours with it off, and I’d concur with those estimates. That goes up to 23 or 29 hours when factoring in the extra power offered by the case. And that's good, honestly – any earbuds capable of lasting over 7 hours with ANC on represent above-average stamina.

(Image credit: Future)

You’re required to download and use the Skull-iQ app in order to use the 540’s extra features – not the standard Skullcandy one, something I only discovered after downloading the wrong one. I made the exact same error with the 360, but if I say it now, hopefully I save a few of you from making the same mistake.

The app lets you toggle ANC modes, play with a 5-band equalizer, turn on low-latency mode, use the earbuds as a remote phone camera trigger, enable Spotify Tap or set up multipoint pairing. Oh, and the main menu has two separate options for Skull AI. Notably missing perks include the ability to customize touch controls, any kind of fit or listening tests or a find-my-earbuds feature. Any one of these would be a more useful addition than an AI chatbot, as would a more advanced equalizer, or extra presets beyond the three available.

During testing, I had a few temporary Bluetooth drop-outs, but they all resolved themselves quickly.

• Features score: 3.5/5

Skullcandy Method 540 ANC review: Sound performance

(Image credit: Future)

• 12mm drivers and Bose tuning
• Less bassy than Skullcandy norm
• EQ tweaking is mandatory

On paper, the Skullcandy Method 540 match their predecessors in terms of audio specs: 12mm drivers, tuning by Bose, and a total lack of support for any Bluetooth or high-res streaming codecs.

It’s fair to say I was complimentary of the 360’s sound, but I can’t quite say the same about the 540. Partly, it could be because my ears have been spoiled by some fantastic budget rivals in the last year. But there also seem to be tuning differences too.

Skullcandy has a reputation for offering bass-heavy products, something that’s levelled either as a criticism or high praise, depending on the listener. People who sit in the former camp probably haven’t read this far into the review. The Method 540, however, seem to buck this trend. Simply put, they're not all about that bass.

These buds are relatively and surprisingly neutral for Skullcandy products. Treble is more powerful, the low end is sensibly is pared-back, mids are… well, we can’t hope for miracles. This new face would be an interesting twist, except that it reveals that there’s not much else going on under the surface.

(Image credit: Future)

Songs sound a little flat, with nothing to replace the lost bass injection, to add a little energy into proceedings. And it sounds like the top was lopped off to the detriment of some treble frequencies and musical passages; hi-hats, guitar stings and vocal flourishes do sound compressed.

There’s a lack of a meaningful soundstage, so instruments are tripping over each other to be head. When you listen to songs like Wake Up by Arcade Fire, or All My Friends by The Revivalists, what should be an encompassing cacophony of noise sounds more like a music track being played from a phone. I checked out Atmosphere by Joy Division after it was featured in The History of Sound, and even in the remastered version, it sounded like Ian Curtis was playing every single instrument. What about some noughties rock, right in Skullcandy’s core demographic? The guitar riffs of Yellowcard’s Ocean Avenue sounded heavy and dull – even if the wall of sound of the chorus picked up the energy a little.

Saving the Method 540 is the app. I always listened on Bass Boost, which went some way in restoring the Skullcandy sound – these things have the capability for decent bass if you can coax it out. I also dabbled with the equalizer. Though it only has five bands, it lets you add a bit of needed chutzpah to music. And the max volume is still high, so you can rock out at max power.

• Sound performance score: 3.5/5

Skullcandy Method 540 ANC review: Value

If you’ve been paying close attention, you’ll have noticed that the Skullcandy Method 540 earbuds don’t offer that many upgrades over the 360… well, other than the higher price, and optional chatbot.

Given that it’s basically the same product, but for about 25% more, the Method 540 don't feel like they offer great value for money. That’s doubly true given that the older buds have seen price cuts of around 30% off, depending on where you live.

• Value score: 3/5

Skullcandy Method 540 ANC review: scorecard

Category

Comment

Score

Value

Their feature set and sound quality aren't quite justified by the price tag, especially with the 360 on the market.

3/5

Design

The tip and fin make the Skullcandy incredibly sturdy in the ear, though the case is pretty chunky.

3.5/5

Features

Above-average battery life and okay ANC are good, but there are a few missing features.

3.5/5

Sound

The sound lacks a little luster that was present in previous Method buds.

3.5/5

Skullcandy Method 540 ANC: Should I buy?

(Image credit: Future)Buy them if...

You need a reliable in-ear fit
These things won't fall out. Which makes them perfect for doing sit-ups in a gym, or running up hills.

You need solid battery life
Battery life is always an important feature, and the Method 540 last longer than most others at this price, especially with ANC off.

You want an AI chatbot in your ear
I didn't test Skull AI, but it's likely as reliable as other chatbots. Prepare for mounting costs, though.

Don't buy them if...

You can still find the Method 360 available
Even if not on sale, the Method 360 are preferable. They're basically the same, but cost less.

You want a tiny carry case
These aren't your easily-pocketable buds. They're not designed for trouser pockets.

Also consider

Component

Skullcandy Method 540 ANC

Skullcandy Method 360

Cambridge Audio Melomania A100

Water resistant

IPX4

IPX4

IPX5

Battery life (ANC off)

11 hours (earbuds), 29 hours (total)

11 hours (earbuds), 29 hours (total)

11 hours (buds); 39 hours (case)

Bluetooth type

Bluetooth 5.3

Bluetooth 5.3

Bluetooth 5.4

Weight

11g (buds) 72g (case)

11g (buds) 77g (case)

4.7g (buds) 38.7g (case)

Driver

12mm

12mm

10mm

Skullcandy Method 360
I've talked about them in this review almost as much as the 540. They're incredibly similar in terms of specs and design; a slightly different-shaped case, lack of AI, range of color options and lower price make this an even more tempting prospect.
Read our full Skullcandy Method 360 review

Cambridge Audio Melomania A100
For the same price as the Method 540, you can get these five-star earbuds. They sound fantastic, have great ANC and last ages on a single charge. You don't mind that they look a little boring, do you?
Read our full Cambridge Audio Melomania A100 review

How I tested

I used the Skullcandy Method 540 ANC for three weeks before writing this review.

The headphones were paired to a OnePlus phone for the entirety of the testing process. I listened to music from Spotify and Qobuz, played various games, conducted several video and voice calls, watched Netflix and listened to voice notes using them. Testing took place at home, while on runs, during cycling (Stay Aware mode, of course), at the gym, on various public transports, and on walks around different areas of my city.

I've been reviewing gadgets for TechRadar since 2019, including countless low-cost and mid-range headphones. That includes, of course, the Method 360 earbuds, as well as the Crusher 540 Active over-ears from Skullcandy.

Read more about how we test

• First reviewed: February 2026

Amazfit Balance 2: One minute review

Two years after the original Amazfit Balance was released, Amazfit has now released its follow-up, the Amazfit Balance 2. The new release represents a solid upgrade with a distinct focus on durability, battery life, and enhanced sensors/features. In real terms, that means a bigger battery, superior water resistance, a brighter display, a faster chipset, dual speakers, and sensor upgrades.

The watch itself is pitched as a multi-sport training partner. Direct competitors include the Garmin Venu 4, the Coros Pace 4 or the Huawei Watch GT 5.

With such fierce competition in the market, we're unlikely to see the Amazfit Balance 2 featuring in our best running watches guide, but that doesn't mean it's not worthy of consideration, as evidenced by our four-star rating.

The single most impressive feature of the watch is the multi-week battery life. With many watch alternatives forcing customers to choose between features and battery life, the Balance 2 delivers a flagship-level experience with remarkable longevity. This means less charging anxiety and better continuous tracking, especially for multi-day trips or long activity periods.

In terms of software, the addition of Zepp Flow AI is a significant step forward. Watches, for a long while, have supported voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa, Siri or Garmin’s native voice assistant, but these have required specific rigid commands. Zepp Flow AI, along with the most recent wave of Android watches which now use Gemini on Wear OS 6, understands and responds to conversational, natural speech.

Despite these upgrades, it’s a long way off the Apple Watch Ultra 3 or the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 as a smartwatch. But it’s not really looking to compete on the same plane. The Balance 2 is a middle-of-the-market smartwatch that is looking to push what is possible for under $300/£300.

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)Amazfit Balance 2: Specifications

Component

Amazfit Balance 2

Price

$299 USD / £299 UK / $479.99 AUS

Dimensions

47.4mm wide, 12.3mm thick

Weight

42g without strap

Case/bezel

Aluminum alloy and fiber-reinforced polymer

Display

1.5-inch AMOLED (480x480px)

GPS

Dual-band (L1 + L5) with support for GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BDS, QZSS, Navic

Battery life

Up to 10 days of heavy use, or 21+ days of typical use

Connection

Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, NFC

Water resistance

10 ATM

Amazfit Balance 2: Price and availability

• $299 USD / £299 UK / $479.99 AUS
• Sits comfortably in the middle of the market
• An impressive feature set considering the price

At $299 USD / £299 UK / $479.99 AUS, the Balance 2 sits comfortably in the middle of the smartwatch market. It’s more expensive than the Amazfit Active 2 ($99 / £99.98 / AU$149.99) but not as pricey as the Garmin Venu 4 ($450 / £450). In terms of features, specs, and price, the Balance 2 is probably most comparable with the Samsung Galaxy Watch8.

The Balance 2 offers a respectable set of features considering its sub-$300/£300 price tag, but it's not as mature or refined as the Garmin Venu 4. If you care deeply about advanced fitness analysis and reliable structured workouts, then you'll want the more premium Garmin. If, on the other hand, you care little for these more advanced fitness tracking features, then the Balance 2 serves up a reasonable alternative with an equally impressive display and fantastic battery life.

Value score 4.5/5

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)Amazfit Balance 2: Design

• Small and lightweight design
• 1.5-inch AMOLED display with 2,000 nits brightness
• 10 ATM (100-meter) water resistance

The Balance 2 offers a classic circular watch design. In terms of materials, there’s an aluminum alloy alongside a fiber-reinforced polymer case, and this blend of materials is about as premium as you're going to get at this price point, similar to the Garmin Vivoactive 6. .

The watch is 47.4mm wide and 12.3mm thick. It also weighs a minimal 42g without the strap. As a result, the Balance 2 sits comfortably without overpowering the wrist muscles or looking unnecessarily bulky. I'm looking at you, Huawei Watch Ultimate 2. The orange silicone strap creates a gorgeous contrast with the black case while delivering the added benefits of water resistance, a comfortable feel, and easy cleaning after a sweaty run.

The Balance 2 boasts a 1.5-inch AMOLED display, which is protected by highly scratch-resistant sapphire glass. This is a significant upgrade over the standard tempered glass of its predecessor and means users don't have to worry while engaging in some activities which might damage the watch. Maybe most impressive is its peak brightness of up to 2,000 nits, which puts it towards the elite end and equal with the Apple Watch Series 11. As a result, I had no problems using the watch even under direct sunlight, not that there was a huge amount around during winter in the UK.

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)

For those engaging in water sports, the Balance 2 offers substantial ruggedness with a 10 ATM (100-meter) water resistance rating. This goes beyond standard swimming and showering, making it suitable for high-speed water sports and even shallow scuba diving, which is an impressive level of durability for a smartwatch positioned outside of the ultra-premium or dedicated dive watch category.

The watch includes a digital crown for tactile scrolling through menus, although it feels a little on the cheap side. Additionally, dual speakers and a microphone contribute to the design, enhancing the ability to take clear Bluetooth calls and use the Zepp Flow AI voice assistant.

Design Score: 4/5

Amazfit Balance 2: Features

• Zepp Flow AI for natural voice controls
• 21-day battery life
• Improved sensors and dual-band GPS

With a middle-of-the-range set of health and fitness tracking features, I was actually more intrigued by the Zepp Flow AI, which offers a natural way to interact with the watch. Through natural language, it is possible to engage the watch, perform health queries, and control activity tracking. I didn't have to memorize a set of predefined commands but could instead treat it like I treat any other AI engine, such as ChatGPT or Gemini.

Then there's the advertised 21-day battery life that is possible with typical usage. This is an upgrade from 14 days in the original Balance and reduces the need for regular charging. The three-week battery life drops to around 10 days with heavier usage, or if you want to perform continuous GPS tracking, then you'll get 33 hours. For real-world results, I get into battery performance in the next section.

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)

In terms of sports and health tracking, the Balance 2 incorporates a newer BioTracker 6.0 PPG optical sensor, which Amazfit claims has a specific benefit on the accuracy of measured heart rate and sleep data. There's also dual-band GPS, which is known for its higher accuracy and improved reliability, especially in challenging environments like cities or dense forests.

The Balance 2 features 32GB of onboard storage, which is essential for anyone wanting to exercise, navigate routes and listen to locally stored music without needing their phone with them.

Features Score: 4/5

Amazfit Balance 2: Performance

• Exceptional battery performance
• Accurate tracking
• Solid and reliable GPS

Let's begin with one of the best-performing elements of the Balance 2—the battery life. I had no problems achieving the advertised 21 days of battery life when using the device to track the occasional workout alongside regular health checks. When I increased my GPS use and switched over to the Always-On Display, the battery life dropped to just a week, but that’s still very impressive. Whatever your smartwatch habits, the Balance 2 is streets ahead of more powerful watchOS or Wear OS alternatives such as the Apple Watch or Google Pixel Watch, making it more like Garmin or Coros: a top low-power choice for multi-day hiking, long cycle rides, or more demanding adventures.

As for charging, the proprietary charging cradle has a USB-C attachment. During testing, I only had to recharge the watch a handful of times, but when I did, I was able to achieve 0 percent to 100 percent in a little under two hours. Faster recharging is available on other smartwatches such as the OnePlus Watch 3, but Amazfit has opted, instead, for a steadier power delivery to preserve the battery's long-term health.

In terms of tracking performance, Amazfit has updated the BioTracker from version 5.0 to 6.0 which boasts significant improvements in terms of accuracy, certification, and Zepp OS support. The watch delivered accurate heart rate and blood oxygen readouts with comparison tests run on the demonstrably accurate Huawei Watch Ultimate 2.

Additionally, the watch features an improved six-satellite GPS system with a new Huangshan 3 chipset and upgraded antenna and signal processing. In real terms, the watch locked onto a strong signal as soon as I moved out of my house and maintained it while tracking through a number of tricky environments, including a built-up city, forest area, and rural areas. To test accuracy, I compared a number of bike rides and runs against onthegomap.com and my benchmark-accurate smartwatch, the Huawei Watch Ultimate 2. I found the Balance 2 to be accurate with very little drifting, even when traveling long distances.

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)

Map interaction left a lot to be desired, unfortunately. Despite the upgraded chip, the Balance 2 struggled to render high-resolution maps and labels in real time. The presence of a lag meant I quickly lost interest in using the map feature.

The watch is powered by Zepp OS 5, which is one of the most fluid and responsive operating systems I've experienced. I also loved using Zepp Flow, which is the AI-driven voice assistant. With it I was able to perform actions hands-free, including starting and stopping workouts, as well as interact with notifications. This was a big time saver and super handy at times when I couldn’t easily operate the watch’s menus.

As good as the Balance 2 is for health and fitness tracking, it's seriously let down by its lack of third-party apps such as Spotify, Apple Maps, and Strava. Even Garmin has integration of sorts with apps like Spotify via the Garmin Connect IQ store. This lack of deep ecosystem integration means that the watch remains largely isolated from everything else you might interact with on a daily basis. There's also no LTE/cellular option, which means it's unable to work independently from your phone.

Performance score: 4/5

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)Amazfit Balance 2: Scorecard

Category

Comment

Score

Value

A sub $300/£300 smartwatch with specs to match.

4.5/5

Design

A good-looking design that utilizes mid-range materials for a semi-rugged look.

4/5

Features

A respectable set of features with improved sensors and dual-band GPS.

4/5

Performance

Outstanding battery life, accurate tracking, and reliable GPS.

4/5

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)Amazfit Balance 2: Should I buy?Buy it if...

You want a watch that will just keep on going

With a 21-day typical usage battery life, the Balance 2 is a fantastic performer.

You need accurate health tracking

With Amazfit's latest BioTracker 6.0 PPG sensor, the Balance 2 delivers reliable metrics.

Don't buy it if...

You value a rich app selection

The Zepp OS app store is very limited, and you might find that your favorite apps are missing.

You need an LTE/Cellular Option

As a result, your phone must remain near you if you want to receive calls and text messages and benefit from data synchronization.

Also consider

Garmin Venu 4

The perfect blend between a dressy smartwatch and a fitness tool. We love the accurate metrics, the smart design, and the new health tools.

Read our full Garmin Venu 4 reviewView Deal

Huawei Watch GT 5

This is Huawei's best mid-range offering so far and a smartwatch that covers all the bases with accurate tracking and measurements thanks to Huawei TruSense. Designed for casual exercisers rather than devoted runners.

Read our full Huawei Watch GT 5 reviewView Deal

How I tested

I wore the Amazfit Balance 2 for over a month, and in that time I measured almost every single health metric available on the watch. Some of these I tracked over a number of days so that I was able to build up a reasonable picture of the watch's accuracy over time. I also wore the watch while carrying out a range of different exercises, including running, cycling, and walking. During these tests I checked the accuracy of health metrics and GPS using the Huawei Watch Ultimate 2, which has itself been tested against the Apple Watch Ultra series.

First reviewed: February 2026

SJCAM C400: one-minute review

The SJCAM C400 is an ultra-compact action camera that comes with an optional handle accessory, transforming it from a tiny wearable cam into a handheld vlogging setup. Starting at around $160 / £155 (without the handle), it undercuts the latest offerings from DJI and Insta360 by a significant margin — but unfortunately, you get what you pay for.

The camera itself is charmingly small and lightweight, making it easy to wear on a pendant or fix to a hat for POV filming. It includes a built-in touchscreen, which is a huge boon compared to similarly sized rivals like the DJI Osmo Nano or Insta360 Go cameras, which lack this feature.

When slotted into the handle, the C400 takes on a whole new character, becoming a comfortable handheld vlogging camera with a rotatable screen that works for both horizontal and vertical content, with the added benefit of an extra battery.

However, image quality is where the C400 seriously stumbles. Despite supporting 4K at 30fps and various video modes, the footage is poor, with an odd combination of over-sharpening and under-detail, plus prominent muddy digital artifacts. Still photos don't fare much better, with detail falling off drastically towards the frame edges. When compared directly to footage from an Insta360 GO Ultra or DJI Osmo Nano, the difference is stark — and it becomes immediately clear why those cameras cost a little more.

Audio quality doesn't help matters. While the built-in microphone copes indoors or in calm conditions, it struggles with wind noise, and there's no option to connect an external mic.

The digital stabilization works, but in an artificial way that draws attention to itself, while enabling horizon leveling drastically reduces resolution. There's also no built-in waterproofing or magnetic mounting — both missed opportunities on a camera this size.

On the plus side, battery life is impressive, with the camera managing around 190 minutes of 4K recording on its own, and much longer when docked in the handle.

In short, the C400 offers an appealingly compact form factor and decent battery life at a bargain price, but its poor image and audio quality make it hard to recommend unless budget is your absolute priority. I'd recommend checking out one of my recommended alternatives in my best action cameras and best vlogging camera guides.

The core camera unit is small and lightweight, and unlike its rivals has room for a functional touchscreen on its front (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)SJCAM C400: price and availability

• Priced from $159 / £153
• Sold with and without handle
• A range of accessories is available

The SJCAM C400 is available in three bundles: the C400 Pocket (just the camera with no handle or accessories); the C400 (which includes the handle); and the C400 Vlogging Bundle (which includes the handle, a mini tripod, a pendant mount, a 64GB microSD card and a carry case). Prices vary wildly depending on the bundle and the country you're shopping in, and seem to be fluctuating too, so I would suggest shopping around to ensure you get the best price for whatever package you're after.

In terms of value the camera seems like a bargain in comparison to the latest models from rival companies like DJI and Insta360. But considering its level of performance, I think you should seriously consider spending a little more elsewhere, particularly if you value image quality.

SJCAM C400: specsSJCAM C400 specs

Sensor

1/2.8-inch CMOS

Max Resolution

24MP photos
4K 30fps footage

Weight

189g / 7oz (with handle); 54g / 1.9oz (camera only)

Dimensions

143.5 x 38.5 x 38.5mm (with handle); 68 x 32 x 25.5mm (camera only)

Displays

1.3-inch (camera); 2.29-inch (handle)

Operating Time

Camera: 190 mins
Camera + handle: 420 mins

Connectivity

Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB-C

Storage

microSD card up to 512GB

Waterproofing

N/A

SJCAM C400: designFuture | Sam KieldsenFuture | Sam KieldsenFuture | Sam KieldsenFuture | Sam Kieldsen

The C400 package I was sent for review has two main components: the C400 camera itself and a handle accessory that incorporates controls, an extra touchscreen, a tripod mounting thread and an additional battery.

The main C400 camera is charmingly tiny and lightweight, if not quite as small as the DJI Osmo Nano or some of the Insta360 Go editions; if you really must have the tiniest, lightest 4K action cam, the C400 isn't it. Still, for POV filming purposes I found it compact enough to wear on a pendant around my neck, or fixed to my hat, without causing any bother whatsoever.

The camera unit has a small touchscreen (which is a huge boon – you don't get one on the DJI Osmo Nano or Insta360 Go), built-in microphone, microSD card slot for storage, and a tiny button that handles power and shutter duties. Sadly, unlike some rivals, it doesn't include a magnet for fixing it easily to metal surfaces, which is a missed opportunity.

Another missed opportunity is waterproofing, which I'd expect on a small action camera. Sadly, it's not mentioned anywhere on the spec or features sheet, although an optional waterproof case (with a 30m depth rating) is available.

The optional pendant mount also includes a magnetic clip add-on for the C400. (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

When the C400 is slotted into the handle it takes on a whole new character, transforming from mini cam into a handheld vlogging camera somewhat reminiscent of the DJI Osmo Pocket series. The handle has a pleasingly comfortable design, and its good-sized rotatable screen caters to both horizontal and vertical content, and it also gives recording time a boost with its own supplementary battery.

I preferred using the camera in this arrangement than on its own, due to it being easy to hold and control – even if it clearly lacks the physical gimbal-based stabilization of DJI's Pocket range.

Additionally, it works as a wireless remote control for the camera, with a range of around 30 feet.

A quick word on the companion app: it's pretty good! Once it was installed and I'd established a Wi-Fi link between the C400 and my iPhone, I was able to remotely control the camera and download photos and videos wirelessly. Getting the phone and camera linked up the first time was a bit of a struggle, but once the connection was set up I was able to simply re-connect by scanning a QR code on the camera's screen.

SJCAM C400: PerformanceFuture | Sam KieldsenFuture | Sam KieldsenFuture | Sam KieldsenFuture | Sam KieldsenFuture | Sam Kieldsen

The camera supports 4K video capture at up to 30fps, 2K at up to 60fps, and 1080p at up to 120fps (for slow-motion playback), plus H.264 and H.265 compression, a 'wide dynamic range' mode and a high-bitrate recording option.

Despite selecting all of these in an attempt to see the C400 performing at its best, I found image quality to be disappointingly poor even in good outdoor lighting, and even worse indoors.

You can view my sample video below to get a clearer picture (no pun intended), but the image seems to me to be a curious mix of being simultaneously over-sharpened and under-detailed, with distracting, muddy digital artifacts very prominent.

Still photos didn't impress either, with detail falling off massively towards the edges of the frame – and there's a huge amount of wide-angle distortion that doesn't appear to be correctable outside of post-production manual tweaking.

The two forms of digital image stabilization on offer — general and horizon leveling — do work, but they do so in an artificial way that really draws attention to the fact that they're working. Using horizon leveling also reduces the resolution quite drastically.

When compared to the videos straight out of an Insta360 GO Ultra or DJI Osmo Nano, the difference is stark – and it's immediately clear where that extra money goes.

Audio quality is passable in calm conditions, but as my video illustrates, the built-in microphone doesn't cope well with wind noise at all — and there's no way to connect an external microphone to better capture sound. So vloggers may have to record their audio separately, then sync it in post-production, which is hardly the sort of simplicity you'd hope for.

There's better news on the battery life front, at least, and I was impressed by the C400's stamina. To test it, I set video quality to 4K at 30fps and left the C400 (without its handle) recording. It managed to capture around 190 minutes of footage before the battery died. When docked inside the handle, it of course lasts even longer, and in my test it lasted 420 minutes in total.

Should I buy the SJCAM C400?

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)Buy it if...

You want a super-cheap compact action camera
The C400 is about as small and light as action cams come, and much cheaper than new alternatives from DJI and Insta360.

You need a small camera with a screen
The C400 is tiny, but still makes room for a decent-sized touchscreen on its front — something you won't find on pricier rivals.

Don't buy it if...

You’re particular about image quality
The C400's image quality is not its strong point, and if you want to create polished, professional-looking content, you're better off with a DJI or Insta360 alternative.

You want a well-stabilized vlogging camera
Don't confuse this with a DJI Pocket, despite how it looks on its handle. There's only electronic stabilization here, and it's not particularly convincing.

SJCAM C400: also consider

Insta360 Go Ultra

The latest model in the long-running Go series of ultra-compact action cameras, the Ultra is a little larger than some of its predecessors, but makes up for it with its superb 4K 60fps (or 30fps in Active HDR) footage. It's surprisingly capable in low light, and waterproof to boot.

Read our in-depth Insta360 Go Ultra review

DJI Osmo Nano

Despite being DJI's first serious attempt at an ultra-compact action camera, the Osmo Nano is a waterproof modular marvel with stabilized 4K 60fps video that excels for sports and vlogging, and even supports 10-bit D-Log M. It's pricier than the C400, but still cheap for what it offers.

Read our in-depth DJI Osmo Nano review

How I tested the SJCAM C400

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

• I tested the camera for a week
• I used it for vlogging and capturing photos, assessing image quality on my phone and laptop
• I tested all its features and various accessories

I tested the SJCAM C400 for around a week, using it to record videos and photos both handheld and using some of the accessories included with my review sample. The sample was supplied by SJCAM, and included not only the camera and handle, but a waterproof case and range of mounting options such as a magnetic pendant. I tested all its main functions including electronic image stabilization and battery life, before transferring all photos and videos to my iPhone and subsequently MacBook Air for close inspection.

First reviewed February 2026

There are so many video editors out there, from the expensive high-end professional options, to the free ad-laden basic ones, and everything in between.

Ashampoo’s Windows-only Movie Studio Pro 3 is never going to compete against the likes of Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro - while it's a competent tool, it's not up there with the best video editing software I've tested.

But that's not really the point of software like this. It's not trying to become the go-to for full-time creative professionals in the movie industry. But for those who need to quickly edit videos for social media, or anyone just starting out, it's an affordable entry-point into the world of post-production.

So, with that in mind, I took a look at where Movie Studio Pro 3 fits into the landscape and your workflow.

Ashampoo Movie Studio Pro 3: Pricing & plans

• Incredibly well-priced
• Windows only

It’s unusual for a software package these days to restrict themselves to a single platform, in this case PC users, but if you’re going to curtail your own market, at least it makes some sense to aim for the one with the biggest share of the pie. So if you’re running something other than a Windows machine, you’ll have to find a solution to your video editing needs elsewhere.

As it stands, Movie Studio Pro is compatible with Windows 7 and above, right up to Windows 11. You’ll need at least an Intel Core i3 or comparable processor, and 8GB of RAM, but as always with this type of software, the more powerful your machine, the better it’ll run.

Cost-wise, it’s advertised as being worth $60 / £50 which doesn’t sound too bad, but Ashampoo regularly offer steep discounts; as of this writing, you could grab it for only $18 / £15. Not only that, but you’re also able to download a copy of the software and try it out free for a generous 30 days.

If you already own a previous version of Movie Studio Pro, the upgrade cost is the same discounted price.

So yeah, it’s not free, but the cost of entry is so low, that should not be an impediment to you getting the software.

Ashampoo Movie Studio Pro 3: Basic Trimming

(Image credit: Ashampoo // Future)

• ‘Cut Commercials’ lets you trim multiple parts of chosen clips
• Very easy and intuitive to use

Launch Ashampoo Movie Studio Pro, and you’ll be faced with various options as to how to proceed.

You can open an existing project of course (if you have one), create one from scratch, or use the software’s ‘Wizard’ to, supposedly, speed up the creation process, but the one I thought we’d look at first is intriguingly labelled ‘Cut Commercials’.

Its purpose is to simply trim sections of a chosen clip. This is ideal if all you need is to top and tail some footage, but it also allows you to cut out multiple sections inside the clip itself (hence the ‘Cut Commercials’ moniker).

None of this is automatic. You have to scroll through the footage and manually select each section, but doing this is incredibly easy, even if what you’re removing isn’t a commercial.

Once you’ve selected all that needs to be removed, you then have a choice of resolution, format and quality, all with big friendly buttons.

So far so good. If the rest of the interface is as easy to use and understand, we have a fun and useful video editor on our hands.

Ashampoo Movie Studio Pro 3: Using the Wizard

(Image credit: Ashampoo // Future)

• Easy to insert animated intros and transitions between clips
• Not especially useful as a whole

Next, I’m off to see the Wizard, Ashampoo Movie Studio Pro’s Theme Wizard to be precise.

Clicking on that option brings up two more: a ‘Simple’ or ‘Expert’ mode, but that doesn’t alter what the Wizard will do for you - it simply determines the type of interface you’ll be left with once it has done its job.

You get to choose from one of dozens of themes, add a title, select the clips you’d like to use, and put them in the order you’d like them to appear in. Movie Studio Pro will then combine the lot into a short movie, add transitions between each clip, and that’s pretty much the extent of its prowess. It doesn’t even trim the footage. Just puts the whole thing into the timeline. Talk about a rough edit!

I was expecting a Wizard to do more for me than just insert an animated intro and put transitions between clips. Maybe I was expecting too much.

It’s up to you to trim those clips, perhaps change those transitions, and maybe even add a musical score. What the Wizard did is little different than what you could’ve done yourself in a couple of minutes.

It’s barely a time saver, and when you consider all the editing you have to do afterwards, it probably ends up taking up more of your time than if you’d never bothered to use the Wizard in the first place.

Ashampoo Movie Studio Pro 3: Editing process

(Image credit: Ashampoo // Future)

• All the basic options are available here
• ‘Simple’ mode feels too restrictive for experienced video editors

Cutting a movie yourself is where a video editor should show its true colors. Here again, just like for the Wizard option, we’re offered ‘Simple’ and ‘Expert’ modes.

As you’d expect, ‘Simple’ has some restrictions applied to it to try and make the process easier for beginners, but I found it more frustrating than helpful, truth be told.

For instance, why could I only trim a clip in the timeline by opening a special window? It actually adds a layer of complexity that is not needed for what should be a simple, and all too often used, process.

Frustrations aside, you have easy access to your clips, effects, transitions, animations, and even those themes we saw in the Wizard section, meaning you can build an edit pretty quickly.

If you need to move to ‘Expert’ mode, it’s easy to do so from your ‘Simple’ project: there’s a handy button just for that, effortlessly upgrading your interface to Movie Studio Pro’s highest heights of editing complexity.

Be aware, though, that I couldn’t find a way to move my project back to the simpler editing paradigm. Unlike DaVinci Resolve’s editing levels, once you’ve upgraded, you’ve upgraded for good.

As you’d expect, ‘Expert’ offers you more options. For one thing, the effects, transitions, titles, animations, etc, are all on their separate tracks in the timeline, making it easy to select them, alter them, and move them around. ‘Expert’ even allows you to trim a clip within the timeline itself (hooray).

There is one thing I found quite limiting in either mode: the inability to preview a clip prior to adding it to the project. Sure you can see a thumbnail of it, but it would be good to actually play said clip, and maybe even apply some in and out points to it, for instance.

But no. It can only be seen once it’s added to the timeline. Different apps do things in different ways of course, but I found this particularly restrictive. On the plus side, if you liked the cutting options available in ‘Cut Commercials’, they’re only an icon click away in either mode.

Overall, the options you’re offered are good, you can fine tune an edit, and add enough effects, titles, even subtitles, and more, to make your project look good, but I don’t think the software deserves its ‘Pro’ moniker.

There are other packages that offer you many more options, charge even less for it, and they don’t call themselves ‘Pro’.

On the flip side, proper ‘Pro’ video editors can and are intimidating for novice users. Think of this app as a good step up from the software that usually comes bundled with your machine, and viewed from that perspective, it definitely has a place and a purpose.

Should I buy Ashampoo Movie Studio Pro 3?

(Image credit: Ashampoo // Future)Buy it if…

You’re looking for some video editing capabilities beyond what your bundled software offers, you want something that’s easy to use, which doesn’t cost much.

Don’t buy it if…

You’re searching for software that’s more responsive, with more pro tools than this supposedly ‘pro’ software has.

(Image credit: Ashampoo // Future)

For more editors, we've tested and reviewed the best free video editing software, best video editing software for beginners, and the best video editing apps.

I’ve been dipping in and out of Serif Affinity for years now. It always struck me as a very impressive set of apps designed to compete with Adobe’s core offering: Affinity Designer was their answer to Adobe Illustrator, Photo was their Photoshop, and Publisher took on InDesign, all for a remarkably competitive price.

So what do you do for an encore? You get bought out by Canva for $500 million, of course! This happened back in March 2024 and everything went silent - until a few months ago. That's when Affinity merged all three apps into one and dispensed of licenses to become free for all.

I took a look at the all-new Affinity (sometimes known as Affinity by Canva) to see what's going on and how the new, completely free version stacks up.

• Try out Affinity by clicking here

Affinity: Pricing & plans

• Free to use
• Some optional AI tools locked behind a Canva Pro subscription

Price is the biggest change to the all-new Affinity.

It's completely free. No subscriptions, no perpetual licenses. 'Free forever' is the promise. But there’s no such thing as 'forever' in the business world, so how is Canva expected to make its money back from such a huge investment?

The current answer is by offering most tools for free, while restricting some higher end ones behind a paywall. Canva currently have an impressive 200 million total users, out of which 16 million pay for their premium subscription. The company is banking on Affinity luring a few more to it.

As a guide, Canva Pro would cost an individual $15 / €12 a month, or $120 / €110 a year, which will unlock all those AI tools, as well as everything else Canva’s premium side of things already offers.

So yes, in reality, Affinity is more freemium than free. However, these 'advanced' tools are AI-based, and all the tools you used to enjoy - and pay for - in Affinity 1 and 2, are free in 3.

Right now, and especially if you’re not a fan of AI, you can download, install and make use of Affinity 3 without spending any money. That's a heck of a deal for three Adobe-killer apps. And even if you were to fork out for the Pro subscription, it’s far cheaper than what Adobe charges.

Affinity: Interface

(Image credit: Affinity // Canva // Future)

• Superb interface consider it's three apps in one

Launching Affinity for the first time will reveal a slight wrinkle: you need to log in to your Canva account, or create one, before you can use the software. It’s not that big a deal as setting one up is free, and you’ll still be able to access the app when offline.

You may wonder how Affinity manages to combine three apps with vastly different sets of tools, into a single interface. It's achieved by dividing the interface into a number of ‘studios’, which are essentially separate interfaces depending on what you wish to work on.

Toggling between them is done through a menu, top left of the window. By default, you have ‘Vector’ (for Illustrator-type work), ‘Pixel’ (what’s where your photo editor tools are located), ‘Layout’ (where your desktop publishing software tools can be found). And, of course, ‘Canva AI’ if you pay the subscription for AI-laced tools.

But that’s not all.

Click on the three dots to the right of that menu, and you’ll find other workspaces are available, such as ‘slice’, ‘color grading’ and ‘compositing’, and you’ve even got the ability to create your own ‘Studio’, starting by cloning an existing one, and modifying it until it only contains the tools you need.

In that respect, this is a very elegant design. Better still, while working on a project, you can effortlessly switch between studios without having to save your work or anything. You’re in ‘Pixel’ and need to add some curves, just click on ‘Vector’ and carry on working. It’s that simple.

Furthermore, to help designers along in their Affinity journey, mouse over any tool and you’ll get some information about its purpose. Big deal you might think: almost every other software program does that.

True… except here, they go into great detail for each of them, and if that’s not enough for you, there’s a ‘learn more’ button that opens a ‘Help’ window with even more information.

A feature I quite liked deals with additional tools hidden in a single icon. Just like with Adobe, you can tell there’s more there thanks to a little chevron lower right of the icon. In other apps, were you to click on it, it would reveal the additional tools in a sub palette; select the one you need and that extended menu promptly disappears.

Here, it opens up a floating window, making it easy to access those tools again and again should you need to. Click on a different tool’s chevron, and its additional tools will overwrite the previous selection in that floating window, so you won’t end up with a proliferation of floating windows, which can only be a good thing.

All in all, I felt the interface was well designed and considering Affinity now does the job of three apps in one, it all works impressively well.

Affinity: Importing from Adobe

(Image credit: Affinity // Canva // Future)

• Importing Adobe projects works - mostly
• More complex files can take a while

Importing Adobe documents into Affinity wasn’t as seamless as I had hoped. Now don’t get me wrong, it works, and it works pretty well - for the most part - but there are flaws.

For one thing, although Affinity is broadly on par with Adobe’s tool palette, some are missing. If you created documents with those missing tools, the result may not be replicated perfectly as you import your file into Affinity. For instance, Smart Objects fall into that category.

Another hindrance I found is based on the fact Adobe doesn’t solely make use of the fonts installed on your computer, but also relies on Adobe Fonts, a collection of cloud-based typefaces. If you use those in your work, it won’t come as a surprise to see that those won’t transfer over when you open your project in Affinity. But as long as you only use fonts installed on your computer, you’ll bypass that problem.

Affinity can read PSD (Photoshop) and AI (Illustrator) files without too much problem. INDD (InDesign) ones however, can’t be read. In order to open them, you need to export your work from InDesign into the IDML format (InDesign Markup Language). It’s frustrating, but it’s nothing new: this was the case for when Affinity Publisher existed, before it was merged into this all-in-one new version.

Finally, the worst part of importing I experienced, was the wait. Go to File > Open, select the document you want and… nothing happens. Or at least, nothing seems to open.

You get no progress bar, no nothing, so I was left with the impression that it didn’t work. I tried again, and again, and again… and then after a while all those files eventually opened, one after the other.

This does show Affinity can handle multiple commands at once, which is not a bad thing, but it would be good to know something is happening which you wait for the file to open. Now this doesn’t happen for every document, but the more complex it is, the more likely you’ll have to wait, with no clue as to when your project will eventually deign to appear.

Affinity: Tools

(Image credit: Affinity // Canva // Future)

• A huge selection of tools
• All well organized with helpful assistants

If you’re used to other design tools, you’ll understand the concept right away. You have a sidebar where all the tools you need are located (these change depending on which studio you’re in as mentioned above).

On the other side of the interface is your contextual inspector, showing you all your changeable parameters, along with your project’s layers, and more. At this rate, you’ve seen one image processing app, you’ve seen them all.

And yes, don’t expect Affinity to possess all the tools Adobe cram into its own software. Adobe is renowned for that. But to be frank, the overwhelming majority of users don’t use all these tools, and if the one you need happens to be missing from Affinity, chances are there are other ways of doing the same - or similar - thing.

But it’s the little things that I greatly appreciated. Say you want to add a new object to an existing project. You get your paint brush, start drawing, only to realise you forgot to create a new layer and are messing up an existing part of your work.

So, you have to undo what you did, and start again. Well that doesn’t happen with Affinity, as a little clever assistant just automatically creates a new layer as you start drawing. It’s not a big deal really, but it makes using this software a more enjoyable experience.

Now of course, as I keep mentioning, some tools are missing if you’re used to Adobe. I brought up Start Objects earlier on, but a bigger omission is the lack of Curve tools in Illustrator - sorry, I meant Vector. You can use the Pen tool instead, but if you’re migrating, it’s another adaptation you need to make. Thankfully, a lot of the keyboard shortcuts are the same, greatly easing the transition.

If you’re upgrading from Affinity Photo, Designer and Publisher, you might be puzzled as to where the filters have gone to in the Pixel Studio: they’re still there, but now they’re located in the menu bar’s Pixel menu, which means you gain access to those filters whichever Studio you’re in, so you could apply one of them to a vector layer if you wish (doing this will get an assistant to automatically rasterise the selected layer for you).

Since you can so easily go from a vector layer to a rasterised one, you’ll be pleased to learn that Affinity can also do the reverse, thanks to its impressive Trace tool. Select the layer you wish to alter, activate the tool, tweak the couple of parameters, check the result before applying it, and you’re good to go. I found the outcome to be remarkably good.

One thing to bear in mind, is that Affinity Photo - now the Pixel section of Affinity - is designed to be a competitor to Photoshop, not Lightroom. As such, it has no file management capabilities, so you’ll need to get yourself a separate app to sort out your images on your computer - or failing that, just be very good at maintaining order in your computer’s file system.

Affinity: Premium AI

(Image credit: Affinity // Canva // Future)

• Tools designed for subscription don’t feel good enough to achieve that goal - for now

All of the above is free. It’s a huge gamble, but one that will certainly benefit those who are tired of renting their software by paying expensive ongoing subscriptions to the likes of Adobe and others to gain access to creative tools.

But Canva hopes that you will choose to take advantage of the Premium subscription to gain access to the AI tools now added to Affinity. These include features such as AI-based object selection, generative fill, upscaling, generative edit, portrait blur, lighting, colorise and depth tools.

To be honest, they’re not show stoppers, must-haves, revolutionary tent pole features. In fact, compared to the tools available for free, these feel pretty average at best.

Still, it’s early days, and Affinity may well release over time tools that feel indispensable and worth their - let’s face it - quite affordable subscription. But today doesn’t feel like it’s that day.

Should I download Affinity?

(Image credit: Affinity // Canva // Future)Get it if…

You’re looking for powerful image compositing tools that are free with no strings attached, that combine the best of raster, vector and page layout design, in an impressively well made interface.

Don’t get it if…

You’re 100% wedded to Adobe’s portfolio, and regularly rely on the tools Adobe has, but Affinity lacks.

For more tools, we've tested the best graphic design software you can get.

Styx: Blades of Greed isn’t an Assassin’s Creed game. It’s not a Sniper Elite, a Hitman, or part of any of the other popular stealth action franchises that have received new entries in the last couple of years. This is a proper, old-fashioned stealth game - the kind that you really don’t see much of anymore.

Review info

Platform reviewed: PC
Available on: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X and Series S
Release date: February 19, 2026

The focus is entirely on the act of sneaking, surreptitiously sticking to shadows, and creeping around environments in order to avoid detection entirely, rather than trying to blend in or silently take out enemies from afar.

As the titular green goblin Styx, you’re certainly not a fighter, and detection means an almost certain demise. Sure, you can fend for yourself against one or even two low-level enemies in a pinch, but your health pool is extremely limited, and open combat quickly spirals out of control as more guards are alerted by the sound of the fray.

You can hardly break out of a crouch when you’re moving around maps, as your footsteps alone are enough to trigger a chain reaction that inevitably ends with you getting skewered by an army of heavily armed goons. It sounds frustrating, and believe me, it sometimes is, but I simply wouldn’t have it any other way.

Nothing beats the satisfaction of pulling off the perfect heist, and some smart quality-of-life features stop the experience from ever becoming too exasperating.

Styx and stones

(Image credit: Nacon)

Its big innovation is a clever, quick save system. You might see the phrase ‘save scumming’ (the practice of frequently reloading saves made before your mistakes) tossed around as a derogatory term in discussions about other titles, but in Styx: Blades of Greed, it’s not only necessary for success, but actively encouraged.

It’s instant and bound to pressing down the left thumbstick on your controller, with a successful save signaled by a small on-screen notification that doesn’t break your immersion. Get slashed by a guard, fall off a ledge, or accidentally come into contact with water (goblins dissolve instantly like the Wicked Witch of the West, apparently), and you’re back to your save point after just a brief loading screen.

It’s a little awkward at first, but after a few hours, saving every time you make any significant progress becomes second nature, and it’s absolutely liberating.

(Image credit: Nacon)

Rather than annoyingly setting you back, deaths become your signal to experiment. "What would happen if I tossed an acid trap on that carpet just as the guard saw me?” “Can I actually take out that worker without his mate seeing me?” “Would that falling chandelier really land on that armored patrol if I timed it just right?"

Best bit

(Image credit: Nacon)

In this instalment Styx is more mobile than ever before, with an incredibly fast default move speed and rapid double jump. It makes scurrying across open rooftops or darting down empty corridors a joy, and really helps you feel like a devious little goblin.

The game’s three main levels are mammoth and filled with multiple avenues of approach that really reward trying new approaches. With endless ledges, chimneys, the undersides of tables, inside barrels or chests, and maintenance passages, you’re never short of places to hide, and making full use of every available spot in order to infiltrate somewhere flawlessly is satisfying.

Don’t be worried about the fact that there are ‘only’ three maps either. Side quests and collectibles incentivize you to scour them thoroughly, and an intelligent metroidvania-esque progression system sees you gradually acquire new traversal tools like grapple hooks or gliders that open up vast new zones in them to explore.

Each story chapter also ends in unique, more linear segments that are a refreshing change of pace after such openness and help you get acquainted with each new mechanic as they come.

Carrot and Styx

(Image credit: Nacon)

Styx is a seasoned master of infiltration, so he has a wealth of abilities to play around with that are unlocked through a modest but impactful upgrade tree. The most interesting of these are tied to your acquisition of Quartz, the sinister new material that Styx and his rag-tag crew of allies are pursuing.

Mind control has you manually piloting adversaries that would otherwise be too powerful to defeat and commanding them to jump to their deaths, while slowing down time helps you escape otherwise impossible situations in a flash.

This is on top of some returning favorites from the past Styx games, like invisibility, throwable clones that latch on to the faces of foes, plus basic tools like throwable bottles, acid mines, and more. It’s perfectly possible to get through the game without using the majority of these, but fully engaging with every tool at your disposal invites exciting gameplay possibilities.

It’s unfortunate that there are plenty of jagged edges here that might trip up those coming over from more casual stealth experiences. I really appreciate the commitment to make Styx: Blades of Greed a faithful sequel to both Master of Shadows and Shards of Darkness (not to mention a prequel to Of Orcs and Men), but it’s almost too faithful at times when the last instalment was almost ten years ago.

Without knowledge of the previous entries, the otherwise surprisingly decent story isn’t going to make a lick of sense, and many of its coolest moments, like returning to the ruins of an old map, simply won’t resonate.

(Image credit: Nacon)

Even true Styx heads like me might struggle to stay fully engaged with it, given the fairly dire voice acting, though. The performance for the protagonist is excellent, especially his many ironically charming one-liners, but the lines for side characters and NPCs are often amateurish. Cutscenes feel cheaply animated, with stilted motion and odd cuts that never seem to flow quite right.

There’s plenty of more general jankiness to get past, too, from frame rate stutters and typos in subtitles to bugs that see you fall through the floor, get seen through solid objects, or have the entire game crash without warning. Thanks to its strong foundations, the experience was never truly spoiled for me, but I do hope there are some patches in the works to make everything more stable.

Should I play Styx: Blades of Greed?Play it if...

You want a true stealth experience
Fighting back if you’re caught? Forget about it. Styx: Blades of Greed is a true stealth game that’s all about using the tools at your disposal to infiltrate areas undetected - and very satisfying if that’s what you’re looking for.

You’ve played the other games
The story of Styx: Blades of Greed would probably be impenetrable for a newcomer, but if you’re a true Styx head like me, you’ll love diving back into the universe and appreciate the call-backs to other games.

Don't play it if...

You’re not willing to overlook rough edges
This is not a high-budget game, so some level of jankiness should be expected. Still, there are plenty of issues with performance, crashes, and a wealth of bugs to overcome if you want to get to the good stuff.

Accessibility features

Styx: Blades of Greed has three difficulty levels, in addition to a modest accessibility menu. Aside from the option to disable controller vibration, all of the settings relate to color blindness.

There are three vision filters: deuteranopia, protanopia, and tritanopia. Subtitles are enabled throughout the game by default.

How I reviewed Styx: Blades of Greed

I went full goblin and played more than 20 hours of Styx: Blades of Greed on PC over the course of a few days. During this time, I completed the entire game, thoroughly explored all of the levels, tested every single ability, and worked my way through many of the side quests.

The keyboard and mouse support is pretty dire, so I relied on a DualSense Wireless Controller to play in addition to my Astro A20 X gaming headset.

I reviewed the game at full graphics settings on my system, which is a 5070 Ti-powered model from retailer Scan that features a compact Corsair 2000d RGB Airflow case, Asus ROG Strix B860-I Gaming Wifi motherboard, Intel Core Ultra 7 265K CPU, a 2TB WD Black SN770 SSD, 32GB of DDR5 Corsair Vengeance RAM, and an Nvidia 5070 Ti manufactured by Asus.

First reviewed February 2026

Fractal Scape review: one-minute review

The bar keeps being raised in gaming peripherals lately, and as such, there’s no room for overpriced or feature-bloated models whose specs don’t translate to a great user experience. Fractal Design clearly knows this very well as it enters the wireless gaming headset market with a $200 model that looks like something Apple would try to sell you for $500, and comes with a charging dock and feature set that you’ll be more accustomed to seeing from pricer Astro headsets.

The looks will be a big selling point for many, as you’d expect from Fractal and its reputation for understated, Scandi-style PC cases. Available in both black and white, it’s got a grown-up look quite apart from the gaming peripherals of yesteryear, and with a detachable mic and Bluetooth connectivity, you can quite comfortably leave the house wearing the Fractal Design Scape as your smartphone’s headset without broadcasting an overstated ‘gamer gear’ look to the world and its judging eyes.

Also included is a wireless charging station, which will juice up the headset with up to 40 hours of use when RGB is disabled, and up to 24 when it’s enabled. Taking the headset out of the magnetic dock automatically powers it on, which feels like an incredibly decadent feature for this price.

While the materials and design generally lend themselves well to comfort – with a particular shout-out due to the high-grade memory foam earcup covers – this definitely favors a smaller head size, and I have concerns about the amount of padding on the headband itself. If you’ve got a larger head, you may start to feel the headband dig in during longer sessions.

It’s not perfect then, but that imperfection is effectively offset by how generous Fractal has been by adding not just a detachable boom mic but a built-in omnidirectional mic too. Not to mention fundamentally crisp and clear sound with some meaty bass response.

(Image credit: Future)Fractal Scape review: price & availability

• List price: $199.99 / £169.99 (around AU$285)
• Astro-like features for a far lower price
• Priced competitively against Razer Blackshark V2 Pro and PlayStation Pulse Elite

The price point is a big win for Fractal out of the gates. How the manufacturer has managed to bundle a high-quality headset and charging station that look ready to sit in the window of an Apple store is anyone’s guess, but somehow that very thing has been achieved. The choice of two mics and strong construction materials and finish quality are further bonuses that make this a frontrunner in the $150-$200 market.

The competition? Probably still two members of the old guard. PlayStation’s official PS5 Pulse Elite headset features similarly elegant looks and hassle-free wireless operation, while Razer’s older Blackshark V2 is more of an all-rounder that features similar device compatibility to the Scape.

(Image credit: Future)Fractal Scape review: Specs

Fractal Design Scape

Price

$199.99 / £169.99 / around AU$285

Weight

11.8.oz / 338g

Compatibility

PC, Mac, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, iOS/Android

Connection type

2,4 GHz Wireless via USB-A dongle, Bluetooth 5.3, Wired via USB-C to USB-A cable

Battery life

40 hours RGB off, 24 hours RGB on

Microphone

1x detachable unidirectional 50–16 000 Hz, 1x omnidirectional (built-in)

Fractal Scape review: Design & features

• Typically minimalist looks
• Wireless dock will beautify your desk
• Sensible controls layout

Fractal’s headset was never going to be an aggressive, overwrought affair. Its cases are recognizable for their elegant minimalism, and the same is very much true of this Scape. It’s reminiscent at first glance of Steelseries’ Arctis range, but has a ‘debadged’ look and the most minimal of RGB zones that carries through the Scandi operation’s less is more philosophy.

The dock features magnetic connections that keep the headset in place and carries through the understated look, guaranteed to bring some culture and sophistication to your desk, no matter how many Funko Pops it’s sharing the real estate with. A USB-A dongle is hidden on the underside of that dock so that you can plug the dongle into the dock and use the USB cable from the dock to your device’s USB port, keeping things nice and clean and giving you a bit more choice over where to position the dock.

In addition to the usual physical controls at the rear of each earcup (power, wireless/Bluetooth connection, and mic mute on the left, RGB on/off on the right), there’s a ‘control crown’ in the upper-left rear which controls volume and provides some multimedia controls for pausing music and skipping tracks. While every other control works well, feels sturdy, and is easy to find without having to take off the headset, I find the control crown a bit fiddly. It’s too small to make precise volume changes easily, and pressing and holding the crown to pause or skip feels awkward.

With that said, it’s extremely impressive that the two mic options have bespoke mute mechanics. The boom arm is flip-to-mute, whereas the built-in omnidirectional is controlled with a button.

(Image credit: Future)Fractal Scape review: Performance

• Strong and precise sound
• Great battery performance
• Headband comfort can be an issue

Great care has clearly been taken to build a lot of comfort into these cans. That’s most evident when you give the earcup cushions a squeeze and find the most luxuriously squishy memory foam pads you ever squished. This is seriously high-grade material, equivalent to flagship Bose models.

And it’s a vital piece of the comfort puzzle, because the Scape offsets its middleweight heft (11.9oz / 338g is on the lighter side of average for wireless sets now) with a lot of clamping force. The idea is that the tighter the earcups clamp around your ears, the less weight hangs from the headband on top of your head. Plus, you get a nice bit of passive noise cancellation and a tight acoustic chamber for low-end frequencies to resonate in.

(Image credit: Future)

That works on two of three fronts. It’s great at blocking out noise, and the bass response sounds full-bodied. But personally, I still notice the weight of the headband during longer sessions, and when I examine its construction, I find considerably less padding and considerably lower-grade cushion material.

It’s still absolutely possible to adjust the Scape so that it sits comfortably for marathon sessions, by extending the headband as big as possible and thereby placing more emphasis on the horizontal clamping force. But it’s something to keep in mind if your mind is kept within a larger skull.

The sound quality isn’t audiophile stuff, but with a standard-issue 20Hz-20KHz frequency response range, its drivers are more than capable of articulating power, detail, and nuance all at the same time in your game mix. Even with a Discord buddy shouting callouts with their 2011 headset mic.

The battery goes for just as long as the specs suggest, and during my real-world testing, I found more than 40 hours could transpire before I got the beeps. It’s so welcome to have an RGB off button on the headset rather than having to delve into Fractal’s (actually very decent, zero-footprint, web-only) software app, and similarly, I found that enabling the lighting didn’t quite reduce the charge life down to 24 hours. Perhaps I like to play at a lower volume than Fractal does.

Onto the choice of mics. It’s a double-edged sword, this feature, because although it’s incredible value to have two inputs on one headset, the noise cancellation on the unidirectional boom mic isn’t very strong, and external noises can leak into your voice chat. That’s even more true when using the omnidirectional mic, obviously. So: yes to dual mic design, no to the noise cancellation. This is the sort of thing that can be remedied in firmware updates, though, and I really hope it is because otherwise this is an exemplary package, and it’s priced low enough to have established brands like Razer, Logitech G, and Corsair worried.

(Image credit: Future)Should you buy the Fractal Scape?Buy it if...

Your desk needs a centerpiece
The Scape’s wireless charging dock exemplifies the same Scandi minimalism that Fractal made its name with in the case market.

You’re not into flashy RGB
It’s very handy to have an RGB off mode and save some battery life instead.

You like talking but hate boom mics.
There’s a choice of a detachable unidirectional boom mic and a built-in omnidirectional, giving you a very rare choice of outputs.

Don't buy it if...

You’ve got a large head
This headset’s built around a particularly snug fit. Works great on smaller heads, but bigger craniums may notice the headband digging in.

You play in a noisy space
The noise cancelling on the boom mic still allows some ambience through, and even more so when using the omnidirectional option.

You want one headset to rule them all
The combination of a wireless docking station and a lack of Xbox compatibility means this isn’t the all-in-one battlestation headset you’re looking for.

Also consider...

Does this Fractal leave you in two minds? Consider these premium wireless alternatives.

Fractal Scape

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro

PlayStation Pulse Elite

Price

$199.99 / £169.99 / around AU$285

$199 / £199 / AU$349

$149.99 / £129.99 / AU$239.95

Weight

11.84oz / 338g

11.2oz / 320g

12.1oz / 347g

Compatibility

PC, Mac, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, iOS/Android

PS5, PC, Nintendo Switch

PS5, PlayStation Portal, PC, Mac

Connection type

2.4 GHz Wireless via USB-A dongle, Bluetooth 5.3, Wired via USB-C to USB-A cable

Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless (Hyperspeed dongle)

Wireless (PlayStation Link via dongle), Wired (3.5mm audio jack), Bluetooth

Battery life

40 hours RGB off, 24 hours RGB on

70 hours

30 hours

PlayStation Pulse Elite
Sony doesn’t do its official console peripherals by half measures. Not only is the Pulse Elite an object d’art, but its specs stack up very competitively among other wireless headsets in the $150-$200 bracket.

For more information, check out our full SteelSeries PlayStation Pulse Elite review

Razer Blackshark V2 Pro
It’s no longer the latest and greatest Blackshark in Razer’s pool, but it’s still pretty great. Wireless, full of features and boasting a ridiculous 70-hour battery life, the V2 can usually be found for less than retail now, too.

For more information, check out our full Razer Blackshark V2 Pro review

How I tested the Fractal Scape

• Weeks of daily use on PC, PS5 and iPhone
• All connection types tested
• Tested in online games, Discord comms, and work calls

This being a wireless product with a ton of usability options, including an on/off RGB battery saving setting, it was important to stress-test the Scape’s stated battery capacity and wireless stability.

That meant tracking hours of use without charge, putting in some long mountaineering sessions in Cairn, and plenty of Discord walk-and-talks to test out the wireless range.

First reviewed February 2026

Read more about how we test

High on Life is a game that a lot of people love, but I just couldn't get on with it thanks to its at-times obnoxious comedy and slow, clunky gameplay, so I didn't know how to feel going into Squanch Games' first-person shooter (FPS) sequel. High on Life 2, however, is a remarkable step up in quality from the original, and it's felt right from the beginning.

Review info

Platform reviewed: PS5 Pro
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
Release date: February 13, 2026 (April 20 on Switch 2)

After taking down the G3 Cartel, the unnamed bounty hunter has become a superstar in the galaxy. You'll experience the highs of fame throughout the intro of the game, which manifests itself as a montage that sees you appear on talk shows and reality TV, take down kaiju, and perform a lot of stabbing. But the world comes crashing down soon after as you become the galaxy's most wanted, while yet another entity wants to turn the human race into drugs.

The formula of High on Life 2 remains mostly the same, but instead of hunting down bounties, you're hunting the ranks of a corrupt pharmaceutical company in order to find out the identity of its CEO, and, y'know, kill them too before the massive court hearing to legalize humans for use in drugs takes place. This almost-episodic structure not only keeps things pretty brisk throughout the runtime of the game but also allows it to take wild swings that, for the most part, stick.

You'll be solving murder mysteries on expensive yachts, traveling through various conventions, and casually running into your target on the street. Each of the main hunts felt wholly unique. And this is helped by a unique chapter design, with my highlight – the finance wizard target – embedding classic tropes, genres, and references in a way that feels far more meaningful than your usual "lol remember retro games" throwback.

Funny games

(Image credit: Squanch Games)

Chances are, how you felt about High on Life came down to its stars, the talking guns known as Gatlians. Personally, I found Justin Roiland's Kenny to be nigh-unbearable thanks to the voice performance being the annoying voice he does in Rick and Morty.

High on Life 2 brings most of the sentient weapon cast back, and while I still find Betsy Sodaro's Skweezy to be a bit too much, the return of Michael Cusack as Knifey and Tim Robinson as Creature were welcome returns. And the new additions – namely Ralph Ineson as Sheath and the duo of Travis and Jan – are the highlights of the game.

Comedy is rough in games, but High on Life 2, for the most part, is a far funnier joke. There are still occasional stinkers that made me roll my eyes, but for the most part, I found myself chuckling more, be it from the random non-player character (NPC) dialogue, dumb side quests, or the news reports from Jason Testicles recounting what you just did on a mission. Although my absolute favorite jokes in the game were ones that were so dumb, like your hideout having a "Crane Machine" based around sitcom Frasier or a subplot about Jar Jar Binks (no relation).

Skate or die

(Image credit: Squanch Games)

Where High on Life 2 steps up the most, however, is the gameplay. Gone is the slow, clunky, awkward shooter of the original, and it's all thanks to a plank of wood. High on Life 2's skateboarding mechanic is a game-changer; levels have ample opportunity for you to grind and slide about while dispatching enemies at will. What was once sluggish now feels akin to arena shooters of years past and is uber satisfying once you get skating down. Although it really would've benefited from gyro aiming.

My only wish is that the guns felt as good as the skating. While some of them get a lot better once you've stacked them with upgrades (Creature is a strong example of this), for the most part, the guns – mostly Skweezy and Gus – lack much impact. Gus, in particular, is a contender for one of the worst-feeling shotguns I've used in a shooter for how weak he feels, to the point where I only ever really used him for his disk ability, which I loved. Just like with the comedic chops, the new guns introduced in this game, like Sheath – which is a Halo Battle Rifle – and Bowie – shocker, a bow – were the highlights of the game.

(Image credit: Squanch Games)

High on Life 2 has an incredible intro that packs a ton of storytelling and gags into an effective tutorial segment, chronicling the G3 killer at the height of their fame before the events of the game bring it all crashing down.

High on Life 2's peak is its boss fights. The majority of them are thoroughly enjoyable and wholly unique, from your standard gunfights to puzzle-based encounters and a final boss that is a true gauntlet of how well you know your weapons. Senator Muppy Doo in particular is a highlight, as it has him embed himself in your suit, and you have to continue the fight through the pause and settings menus, with a conclusion that I can't say I've ever seen in a game (well, I have, but it'll make sense when you get there).

Also, the breadth of dumb side stuff returns. You can still go to the movies, but this time around, there's a selection of emulated retro games (with classics like Super 3D Noah's Ark, Bible Adventures, and Gourmet Warriors) as well as the likes of speed dating, the comedy club, and helping out random citizens around the world. I got super into the skateboarding time trials present in each of the hub areas, trying to get the highest times possible, and I spent an embarrassing amount of time watching old commercials in my room (but the Glover N64 commercial popped me big time).

The King Is Half-Undressed

(Image credit: Squanch Games)

Unfortunately, High on Life 2 feels like it could've used a little longer in the oven. Firstly, the visuals – while generally good-looking stylistically – have that smeared-in vaseline look at times. I also found the game either way too bright or impossible to see when I had HDR enabled, with no way to actually adjust the HDR in-game aside from a general gamma slider, so I had to disable it from the console settings to make it less obnoxious.

Performance issues weren't always present, but when the framerate issues hit, they really hit. There's a specific boss that takes place in a field, which is probably the longest boss fight in the game as it is, but the framerate absolutely tanked during this segment, making what should've been a highlight to cap off a great section of the game an annoyance.

This was on PS5 Pro too, mind you, so I can't imagine what the base PS5 or Xbox Series S versions are like. There isn't even a performance option either, just which upscaling mode you wish to use – but frankly, I didn't see a difference between PSSR and TSR in either performance or looks.

Worst of all, however, were the glitches. Multiple times, I would get stuck in the maps or fall through the ground, including one where I was amid a great side quest about going to the zoo with another character, but once I reloaded my last checkpoint, I was locked out of the mission. I also would occasionally get random freezing; while the game never crashed, these could last for a good 20 seconds at their worst. The glitches got even worse towards the end of the game, with the final boss bugging out on me multiple times, between my weapons entirely locking up or the ground just straight up disappearing, sending me into a freefall.

High On Life 2 won me over in ways I didn't expect when it was first announced. It's a funnier, bolder, and – crucially – faster sequel that turns it from a novelty into a strong FPS contender in its own right. But it's also a game that could've seriously used some more time in development as far as performance is concerned.

Aside from those issues, it's a wonderfully imaginative FPS campaign with a Ratchet & Clank-esque level of playfulness when it comes to weapons, set pieces, and levels, and it has turned me from a naysayer to someone who is looking forward to the next one.

Should you play High on Life 2?Play it if...

You're after a unique, fast-paced FPS experience
High on Life 2 takes you through some wonderfully varied levels that make the game feel like it's at a breakneck pace. And the addition of skateboarding makes for blissful movement that feels ultra satisfying once you get it down.

You liked the first game
High on Life 2 is just High on Life, but bigger, funnier, and more confident. It feels like a game that is exactly what a sequel should be, meaningfully building on what worked in the original while targeting its shortcomings.

Don't pt if...

You're sensitive to performance issues
High On Life 2 really could benefit from some extra polish; the visuals can look rough in places, the framerate absolutely tanks itself during certain moments, and the glitches are plentiful.

You really don't like the humor of the first
I didn't love the original game's humor, but there were still some funny jokes in there, even if they were marred by annoying characters or poor delivery. While I'd say it's better on the whole, humor is still pretty similar this time around, with awkward over-the-top exposition, and more.

Accessibility features

High on Life 2 has a number of accessibility features, like speaking indicators, subtitles, and UI size options, and an option for "hyper legible text" for the subtitles, which gives it a bolder font.

There are colorblind options for Deuteranope, Protanope, and Tritanope with a slider to tune how severe these are. But conversely, a lack of rebindable controls and lackluster input settings fall a bit flat.

(Image credit: Squanch Games)How I reviewed High on Life 2

I played High on Life 2 for 18 hours. In this time, I finished the main campaign, all of the skating challenges, and delved into a good amount of side content like the trip to the zoo, escape room, and comedy club.

I played the game on a PS5 Pro between a Samsung Q60D TV with a Samsung HW-T450 soundbar and a Samsung Odyssey G5 gaming monitor with a PlayStation Pulse 3D Headset.

First reviewed February 2026

Optery remains one of the strongest data removal services going into 2026, offering a rare mix of broad broker coverage, flexible pricing, and detailed visibility into what’s being removed from the web. Whether you are an individual, a family, or a business, it is particularly appealing if you want both automation and verifiable proof that the data has actually been taken down.

Data brokers, people-search sites, and marketing databases continue to expand in 2026, making it increasingly difficult to keep personal and professional information under control. Optery positions itself as a dedicated data removal and privacy service, focusing on scanning for exposed profiles and then systematically opting you out of hundreds of sites, including high‑value sources like Google search results. Used alongside other privacy tools such as a VPN, password manager, and antivirus, it helps form a more complete online protection stack rather than a standalone solution.

We found Optery especially compelling because it combines automated removals with human privacy agents on its higher tiers, increasing the likelihood that stubborn brokers will actually comply with opt‑out requests. It is also one of the few services that places a strong emphasis on visibility and documentation, providing detailed exposure and removal reports that show exactly where your information was found and which sites have been cleared.

Optery: Plans and pricing

(Image credit: Future)

Optery’s consumer lineup still revolves around four tiers: a free plan plus three paid subscriptions—Core, Extended, and Ultimate—available on both monthly and annual billing. The free tier focuses on self-service removals and scanning, while the paid plans add automated opt-outs at various levels and human-assisted removals.

Pricing for individuals remains very competitive by data-removal standards. Core starts at about $3.99 per month on a monthly subscription or roughly $3.25 per month with an annual subscription, positioning it among the lower-cost automated data removal options. Extended steps up to around $14.99 per month (about $12.42 monthly on annual billing), and Ultimate sits at $24.99 per month (around $20.70 on the annual plan), which aligns closely with what third‑party reviewers describe as $39, $149, and $249 per year, respectively, when purchased annually.

Coverage scales with price: Core handles removals from roughly 80–100 sites, Extended pushes coverage into the 200+ range, and Ultimate targets all of the 300–600+ broker and people‑search sites Optery monitors, depending on how you count international and niche sources. All paid plans are backed by a 30‑day money‑back guarantee, which makes it easier to trial the service without long‑term risk.

For businesses, Optery offers separate enterprise plans with per‑seat pricing, including Core Pro and Ultimate Pro options that scale to dozens or hundreds of employees and support advanced identity and access controls. Optery also offers discounts and options for family members in some plan structures, helping households and organizations protect multiple people under one umbrella.

Optery: Features

Optery’s feature set is one of its biggest strengths, particularly in how it blends scanning, removals, and proof. Even on the free tier, you get exposure reports, scans of Google search for your personal details, email and phone checks, and self-service opt‑out instructions for many brokers, giving you a strong baseline view of your public exposure.

On paid tiers, Optery moves from self‑service to automation. Core focuses on fully automated “bot‑only” removals across 80–100 sites, typically limited to a single name and one city or state per user. Extended introduces a “humans + machines” model, where automated tools are paired with human privacy agents, expands coverage to 200+ sites, and supports unlimited name variations and historical addresses for the same person.

Ultimate is where Optery differentiates itself most clearly. It adds coverage for the full list of supported data brokers (300+ and, in some third‑party tests, upwards of 600+ total sites checked), unlimited custom removal requests after a short onboarding period, and automated removal requests for outdated content to Google and Bing. Across all paid tiers, Optery provides periodic removal reports—often monthly or quarterly—that include screenshots and status updates, making it easy to verify that profiles have been removed or suppressed.

For families and small groups, Optery offers options to protect multiple people under a single subscription, with discounted rates when you add more members. For power users, there are also advanced capabilities, like expanded reach and maximize‑removals features, that aim to push opt‑outs as widely as possible across related brokers and aggregators.

Optery: Setup

Getting started with Optery is straightforward and mostly guided. You begin by creating an account, choosing either the free tier or a paid plan, then adding basic personal details such as your name, email address, and at least one address to enable accurate matching across data brokers.

Once your profile is set up, Optery runs an initial scan, generating an exposure report that highlights where your information appears and the severity of each exposure. If you remain on the free tier, you can use the dashboard’s links and instructions to submit opt‑out requests yourself; paid users can simply confirm their details and let Optery’s automated and human agents begin the removal process.

Enterprise customers have a more structured onboarding phase, typically involving bulk user provisioning via SSO/SCIM/SAML and policy configuration, but Optery provides admin dashboards and tools to streamline rollout across teams. In either scenario, the initial setup is usually a one‑time effort, after which Optery continues scanning and issuing removals in the background.

Optery: Ease of use

Day‑to‑day, Optery is designed to be low‑maintenance. The dashboard offers a clear overview of your exposure, showing which sites have active profiles, which have been removed, and where follow‑up is still in progress. For most users, the service runs in the background after initial configuration, with periodic emails or PDF reports summarizing progress.

One of the more user‑friendly aspects is the visibility into each broker: Optery often captures screenshots or structured evidence showing your information before and after removal, which helps reassure less technical users that real work is being done. This transparency is an area where it compares favorably to some rivals that provide only high‑level status numbers.

The trade‑off is that the depth of information and configuration options can feel a bit dense if you just want a “set it and forget it” experience, especially in the enterprise portal. Still, for privacy‑focused individuals and organizations, the combination of automation, detailed logs, and clear status tracking makes Optery one of the easier advanced services to live with day to day.

Optery: Security and privacy

(Image credit: Optery)

Because Optery is handling sensitive personal data in order to remove it from brokers, its own security posture matters. The company is headquartered in the United States and emphasizes compliance with major privacy regulations such as CCPA and related state privacy laws, aligning its opt‑out workflow with legal rights to data deletion and restriction.

Optery uses a “humans + machines” model, but carefully scopes what information is shared with data brokers, typically limiting it to what is strictly necessary to confirm identity and process an opt‑out. Features like Maximize Removals and Expanded Reach increase coverage by sending more removal requests, and Optery’s documentation is explicit about the data elements included so customers understand the trade‑offs.

On the infrastructure side, Optery stores account data in secure environments and recommends keeping a subscription active because brokers frequently repopulate profiles and new exposures appear over time, which it mitigates with recurring scans and removals. The Ultimate plan’s integration with Google’s and Bing’s outdated content tools also shortens the window during which exposed data remains visible in search results, reducing the opportunity for bad actors to exploit cached records.

Optery: Support

Optery backs its product with a reasonably comprehensive support ecosystem, centered on a self‑service Help Center and direct email support. The Help Center covers topics like getting started, managing profiles, understanding your exposure reports, enterprise administration, and troubleshooting common issues, which reduces the need to contact support for routine questions.

For more complex or account‑specific issues, users can reach Optery via email, with higher‑tier plans—particularly Ultimate—receiving priority handling. The company also maintains a blog that explores broader privacy topics, provides deep dives on data broker behavior and legal frameworks, and publishes step‑by‑step opt‑out guides that are useful even if you are not a paying customer.

While some rivals now offer live chat or bundled phone support, Optery’s approach skews toward detailed written resources and email‑based assistance, which fits well with its documentation‑heavy, evidence‑driven style. For most technically comfortable users and business admins, that combination is more than adequate.

Optery: The competition

(Image credit: Kanary)

Optery competes in a crowded field that includes DeleteMe, Mozilla Monitor Plus, Kanary, Privacy Bee, IDX, and newer offerings like Incogni and DuckDuckGo’s privacy membership. Each service has its own strengths, and the best fit depends on whether you prioritize automation, international coverage, price, or bundled extras.

DeleteMe is one of the longest‑running names in the space, with a reputation for strong customer service and manual removals, though its coverage and interface can feel more traditional. Mozilla Monitor Plus leans on Mozilla’s broader ecosystem—often packaged with a VPN and other tools—and is attractive if you already trust Mozilla and want a single vendor for multiple privacy services.

Kanary positions itself around fast scans and transparent reporting and directly compares its coverage and speed against Optery and DeleteMe, often at a mid‑range price point. Privacy Bee and IDX tend to bundle identity monitoring and security features with data removal, making them appealing if you want a more “all‑in-one” security suite rather than a dedicated removal tool.

Incogni, which has grown quickly in popularity, focuses heavily on large‑scale automated removals and often comes in cheaper for families, but it may not match Optery’s depth of proof and visibility into each individual removal. Across recent independent roundups, Optery regularly appears among the top recommended personal data removal services, particularly at the Ultimate tier, where its site coverage and reporting stand out.

Optery: Verdict

Optery continues to stand out in 2026 as one of the best data removal services for users who care about both breadth of coverage and transparency into what’s being done on their behalf. Its combination of a genuinely useful free tier, flexible paid pricing, automated and human‑assisted removals, and strong broker coverage—including automated removal of outdated content from Google and Bing—puts it ahead of many rivals, especially at the higher end.

There are trade‑offs: the interface and reporting depth can feel like overkill if you just want something completely hands‑off, and some competitors offer more robust real‑time support channels or lower family pricing. Even so, if your priority is claiming control of your personal information across as many data brokers and search results as possible, Optery’s Ultimate and Extended plans are extremely compelling options for both individuals and organizations.

For anyone building a serious privacy stack in 2026, alongside a VPN, password manager, and security tools, Optery deserves a place near the top of your shortlist.

• Sign up to Optery

GoDaddy's website builder offers a clean interface, making it incredibly fast to build a website. It took me just 52 minutes to go from a blank canvas to a professional-looking website, making it perfect for small business owners who need a website, like yesterday.

However, its convenience comes at a cost. Its restrictions on creativity can be a blessing or a curse, depending on what you want — you get a polished website with zero fuss, but if you want pixel-perfect control, you'll be left frustrated.

We've spent hundreds of hours testing over 80 of the best website builder platforms on the market, giving us deep insight into what works for different users. For this GoDaddy Website Builder review, I created multiple test sites to evaluate its features, tools, ease of use, and value proposition.​

Below you will find everything you need to know to make an informed decision if GoDaddy is the right website builder for you.

GoDaddy website builder pricing and plans

Pricing feels competitive for what you get. For me, GoDaddy hits a sweet spot between budget and business-focused features. All paid plans include hosting and SSL certificates, which eliminates the hidden costs that could turn away new entrepreneurs.

Plan

Starting rate /mo (paid monthly)

Starting rate /mo (paid annually)

Renewal rate /mo (paid annually)

Basic

$21.99

$9.99

$16.99

Premium

$39.99

$14.99

$29.99

Commerce

$44.99

$20.99

$34.99

Pricing last verified: 16/02/2026

GoDaddy website builder plans: Explained

Best for personal websites
Starting at: $9.99/mo

With the Basic plan you'll get unlimited storage and pages, but you're missing critical features like SEO tools and the ability to remove GoDaddy branding.

It's adequate for simple personal sites or testing the waters.​View Deal

Best for small businesses
Starting at: $14.99/mo

Premium unlocks the real power. You get SEO tools, social media integration, and email marketing capabilities. I found this tier offers the strongest feature-to-price ratio for serious small business owners, but lacks the features needed for serious online stores.​View Deal

Best for online stores
Starting at: $20.99/mo

This unlocks full ecommerce functionality—payment processing, up to 5,000 product listings, inventory management, and abandoned cart recovery.

If you're selling products, this is your only option.View Deal

Reviewer's experience: Getting started

Although most of the top website builders pride themselves on ease of use, GoDaddy is by far one of the easiest platforms to get going with.

Step 1: Signing up

Signing up for GoDaddy's website builder is simple, with three popular login options to pick from. (Image credit: GoDaddy)

You can sign up for GoDaddy using your email, Facebook, or Google account.

Step 2: Define your goals

Picking your goal will help GoDaddy tailor your website building experience. (Image credit: GoDaddy)

After I had signed up I was immediately asked about my business type and goals. GoDaddy's AI then generated a partially completed website within minutes. This eliminated the intimidating blank canvas that usually stares you down with other builders.​

Onboarding felt refreshingly quick. No complex menus to navigate. GoDaddy presented me with a functional site structure based on my answers, complete with suggested layouts and placeholder content. It cut down on decision fatigue right from the start.

Step 3: Edit your site

GoDaddy's website editor is minimalist and intuitive. (Image credit: GoDaddy)

Navigating the editor felt intuitive. I worked with the section-based system, which lets you add, remove, or reorder entire content blocks. It's easy, but restrictive. The controls were clearly labeled and I never felt lost, although I was quickly frustrated by the lack of an undo button.​

Customizing my test site involved choosing from pre-designed sections. I could toggle elements on or off, but couldn't break free from the preset structures.

Want to move a button somewhere specific? Too bad. This "guided freedom" approach works well for beginners but felt problematic when I wanted more control.​

GoDaddy website builder's business tools

GoDaddy's website builder offers the following business tools:

• Full ecommerce functionality
• Online appointment scheduling
• Payment processing with GoDaddy Payments
• Inventory management across channels
• AI-powered conversations inbox
• Client management tools

GoDaddy packs in practical features for running a business. I found the ecommerce and appointment booking particularly useful. Some tools felt basic, but they covered the essentials well enough.

Read more about GoDaddy's business tools ▼

Ecommerce functionality

Adding products, downloads, and services to your website is simple (Image credit: GoDaddy)

I set up a test store on the Commerce plan in about 15 minutes. You can list up to 5,000 products, which is more than most small businesses need. The platform lets you sell physical products, digital goods, and services all from one dashboard.​

Payment processing with GoDaddy Payments

GoDaddy offers plenty of payment options, making it easy for customers to buy from you. (Image credit: GoDaddy)

GoDaddy Payments is integrated directly into the platform. The transaction fee is 2.7% + 30¢ per transaction, which beats many of the best ecommerce platforms. Payouts arrive as soon as the next business day, and all transactions appear in one unified dashboard.​

I found the setup process quite simple. You can also choose alternative processors like Square, Stripe, or PayPal if you prefer. However, other users have warned about poor support experiences with GoDaddy Payments.

Inventory management

GoDaddy makes it easy for small businesses to sell online. (Image credit: GoDaddy)

The inventory syncing impressed me. When you sell a product on your website, the stock levels automatically update on Amazon, eBay, and Etsy. This prevents overselling, a common nightmare for multi-channel sellers.​

Managing everything from one dashboard saved considerable time during testing. The system tracks online orders and inventory levels in real time. But I noticed the marketplace integrations are only available in select regions, so verify availability for your market.​

Online appointment scheduling

GoDaddy's appointment scheduling tool is ideal for service based businesses that want to take bookings online. (Image credit: GoDaddy)

Clients can schedule appointments 24/7 directly through your site, while the system sends automatic reminders via email and text.

I tested the calendar syncing feature, which keeps your business calendar aligned with your website calendar in real time.​ You can also accept deposits when customers book services.

AI conversations inbox

GoDaddy's conversations tool makes it easy for small businesses to monitor and manage all communications in one space. (Image credit: GoDaddy)

Conversations act as your all-in-one business inbox. It includes an optional second phone line, so customers can call without using your personal number. AI chatbots handle initial customer inquiries automatically, giving quick responses that stay on-brand.​

I tested the unified inbox feature. It consolidates messages from multiple channels into one app. You'll never miss a potential sale because calls go to voicemail with your custom greeting. The AI reply suggestions work well for common questions, though you'll need to intervene for complex inquiries.​

Client management tools

GoDaddy's built in CRM not only helps small businesses build better relationships with customers, but also integrates seamlessly with their website, saving them significant time. (Image credit: GoDaddy)

The built-in CRM stores contact information, appointment history, and payment records. This makes customer interactions smoother and more personalized. I used it to upload test clients and found the interface straightforward.​

You can view customer purchase patterns and use that data for targeted email promotions. But the CRM functionality is quite basic, don't expect advanced features like sales pipeline management or detailed reporting.

GoDaddy website builder's marketing tools

GoDaddy offers the following marketing tools:

• SEO optimization wizard
• Email marketing campaigns
• Social media scheduling and management
• GoDaddy Studio content creator
• Digital ads on Meta and Google
• Social commerce integrations
• Website analytics
• Marketing planner with AI

GoDaddy's marketing suite is quite expansive for a basic website builder. It bundles email, social media, paid ads, and SEO tools into one dashboard. Again, some features felt limited compared to standalone marketing platforms, but the integrations usually made up for it.

Read more about GoDaddy's marketing tools ▼

SEO optimization wizard

GoDaddy's SEO tools can help you increase your businesses visibility in search engine results pages. (Image credit: GoDaddy)

The SEO Wizard walks you through optimizing each page step-by-step. It suggests relevant keywords and helps you write meta descriptions, headings, or alt text.

I didn't need to waste any time figuring out what to optimize.​ You can even connect Google Analytics and Search Console for deeper tracking.​ However, the SEO tools are only available on Premium and Commerce plans.

Email marketing

Email marketing features can help you drive traffic and profits. (Image credit: GoDaddy)

Email marketing is included in all paid plans, with different subscriber limits. Basic lets you email 100 contacts monthly, Premium bumps that to 25,000, and Commerce allows 100,000. GoDaddy's AI uses your website design to create branded email templates automatically.​

Creating a test campaign took about 10 minutes from start to send. One limitation: you can't create advanced automation sequences like abandoned cart emails or behavior-triggered campaigns. The email builder also felt restrictive, I found that I couldn't customize layouts beyond the preset templates.

Social media management

Managing your social media accounts from one central dashboard can save time and help improve consistent publishing. (Image credit: GoDaddy)

You can schedule and publish posts to publish on multiple social networks from the dashboard. GoDaddy supports Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and more.

I tested scheduling content across three platforms simultaneously, which worked without issue.​

GoDaddy Studio content creator

Although it doesn't offer the feature set of dedicated platforms like Canva, GoDaddy's Studio platform can be a simple way to create quick, high impact designs. (Image credit: GoDaddy)

Studio provides professional templates for creating branded visuals. I used it to design some basic social media graphics and promo images. Their customizable templates saved time — without compromising brand authenticity.​

You can create content for your website, social media channels, and advertising campaigns all in one place. I really liked how it suggested image layouts based on the content type.​

However, serious graphic designers will find the customization options limiting. Think Canva Lite rather than Photoshop.​

Ads on Meta and Google

Running digital ads can get you near immediate traffic, making it ideal for small businesses that want quick results. (Image credit: GoDaddy)

Premium and Commerce plans let you create, schedule, and manage unlimited digital ads. The interface simplifies the typically complex process of running paid campaigns. You can set up a test Facebook ad in under five minutes.​

Social commerce integrations

Social commerce integration helps reduce friction by letting customers buy from you directly through social media platforms. (Image credit: GoDaddy)

GoDaddy connects your online store to Facebook Marketplace, Instagram Creator, Amazon, eBay, and Etsy. Inventory syncs happen automatically. When someone buys on Amazon, your website stock updates instantly.​

You can also list products for free on Google Shopping. But keep in mind that marketplace integrations are only available in select regions. Check whether your location has access before planning a multi-channel strategy. My setup process varied by marketplace, some connected instantly, others required additional verification steps.​

Web analytics

Analytics give excellent insight into what is and isn't working for your business. (Image credit: GoDaddy)

GoDaddy InSight Score gives you performance benchmarks against similar businesses.

The analytics dashboard shows SEO performance, website traffic, and campaign results all in one place. I found the consolidated view well-designed for quick decision-making.​

AI marketing planner

Staying on top of marketing activities can be tricky for resource-strapped small businesses. GoDaddy helps with an AI tool for planning your marketing activities. (Image credit: GoDaddy)

The AI-powered marketing planner creates custom action plans. It analyzes your business and suggests what to work on next. It's helpful for beginners when deciding where to focus efforts.​

The planner draws from data across millions of GoDaddy customers to make industry-specific recommendations. You get step-by-step guidance rather than vague suggestions.​ However, the recommendations still felt generic. Advanced marketers will likely ignore most suggestions.

Reviewer's experience: Support

GoDaddy offers comprehensive support, although I found it a little slow to get to an eventual solution. (Image credit: GoDaddy)

GoDaddy offers 24/7 support through live chat and phone, plus a comprehensive help center. On paper, the coverage looks solid. You can reach a human agent anytime, which beats many competitors.​

I tested the live chat with a technical question about domain mapping. The initial bot interaction lasted about a minute before connecting me to an agent. The representative was friendly but couldn't fully answer my question without escalating to someone else. The back-and-forth messaging took longer than expected, I waited several minutes between responses.​

User sentiment varies significantly across review platforms. GoDaddy maintains a 4.5/5 rating on Trustpilot, with customers praising phone support and quick onboarding. However, G2 and Reddit paint a slightly different picture. Common complaints include contradictory answers, aggressive upselling, and poor technical support for complex issues. Reddit threads specifically warn against using GoDaddy Payments due to unresolved support problems.

Test results: GoDaddy website builder

Attribute

Notes

Rating

Value for money

Competitive pricing with bundled features. Premium plan offers the best bang for your buck​.

★★★★☆

Ease of use

Fastest setup I've experienced. Intuitive section-based editor makes building effortless​.

★★★★★

Design

Limited customization and generic templates. You sacrifice creative control for speed​.

★★★☆☆

Business tools

Solid ecommerce and appointment booking. CRM feels basic but covers essentials​.

★★★★☆

Marketing tools

Strong integrated suite with SEO, email, and social tools. Lacks advanced features​.

★★★☆☆

Support

24/7 availability with mixed results. Great for basic questions, struggles with technical issues​.

★★★☆☆

Competitor comparison

Below we show you how GoDaddy stacks up against two of its closest competitors:

Platform

Best for

Our overall rating

Free plan

Paid plans start at

Ease of use

Support

GoDaddy Website Builder

Speed and simplicity

★★★½☆

Yes

$9.99/month

★★★★★

Live chat, phone (24/7)

Squarespace

Design-focused creatives

★★★★☆

Trial only

$16.00/month

★★★★☆

Email, community forum, expert hire

Wix

Maximum flexibility

★★★★½

Yes

$17.00/month

★★★★☆

Live chat, phone (fee-based), community forum

How we tested the GoDaddy website builder

At TechRadar Pro, we rigorously test website builders over several days. I spent considerable time with GoDaddy Website Builder for this review, creating test sites to evaluate each feature and performance metric.

Everything gets scrutinized, from the first login experience to advanced features like ecommerce and SEO.

You can read our full guide to how we test website builders to learn more.

GoDaddy website builder review: FAQsIs GoDaddy Website Builder really free?

GoDaddy offers a limited free plan with basic features and GoDaddy branding. You get one page, limited storage, and no custom domain. For serious business use, you'll need a paid plan starting at $10.99/month. All paid plans include hosting and SSL certificates.​​

Can I switch from GoDaddy to another platform later?

Unfortunately, migrating away from GoDaddy Website Builder is difficult. The platform doesn't allow you to export your site or move content easily to another builder. You'll essentially need to rebuild from scratch on a new platform, which is a major consideration before committing.​

Does GoDaddy Website Builder work for ecommerce?

Yes, but only on the Commerce plan ($23.99/month annually). You can list up to 5,000 products and accept payments through multiple processors. The platform includes inventory management, abandoned cart recovery, and marketplace integrations. However, customization options remain limited compared to dedicated ecommerce platforms.​

How long does it take to build a website with GoDaddy?

You can launch a functional site in under an hour. The AI builder creates a partially completed website in minutes based on your answers to setup questions. From there, you customize sections, add content, and publish. More complex sites with ecommerce will take longer.

Miofive Mirror 1: two-minute review

While I’ve tried plenty of the best dash cams on the market, I’ve spent less time using one of the alternatives – a mirror dash cam, such as the Miofive Mirror 1 Dash Cam. It's a chunky hunk of kit, being designed to fit over a standard issue rear view mirror, using one of three different mounting options. It can be strapped, stuck or screwed on, but no matter which option is employed, the result is the same – this is a large gadget.

The Miofive Mirror 1 Dash Cam differs from traditional offerings in the design department, but it’s actually a refreshing variation on the theme. This gadget delivers the same functionality found on a traditional dash cam but everything is presented slightly differently.

Adding to the appeal is the way it can be an electronic rear-view mirror as well as offering a view out of the front too, or indeed, a split combination of the two. Both views also get recorded in a continuous loop process, much like a typical dash cam.

The Miofive Mirror 1 comes with an impressive specification, and sizable price tag. There are twin Sony sensors for the cameras; a 4K (3840 × 2160 30fps) IMX415 Starvis 2 for the front and a 2K (2560 × 1440 30fps) IMX675 for the rear unit, capable of capturing crips footage for regular day time driving as well as after dark scenarios – these sensors have proven performance characteristics. What they see is also presented on the mirror screen, which is an expansive 11.26-inch modestly curved display that features anti-glare capabilities.

(Image credit: Future)

As a premium device, the Miofive Mirror 1 also boasts excellent connectivity features, including 5GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2, which means moving those high-resolution files is quick and easy – Miofive says up to 7MB per second, while data itself can be managed by an accompanying no frills Miofive app.

The Miofive Mirror 1 dash cam also packs sophisticated and in vogue AI-driven driver assistance features and functions, which are all easily accessed via the touchscreen. These include warnings for abrupt acceleration or braking, lane departure and ‘Stop and Go’ traffic movement.

Along with those bang-up-to-date features, the Miofive Mirror 1 comes with everything needed to keep it running. There’s a super capacitor-based power supply plus the unit can be powered off a 12V socket or, if preferred, hardwired to exploit its functionality more comprehensively. Hardwire features include the 24-hour parking monitor aspect.

Miofive also packs a 128GB microSD card into the mirror’s media slot so, aside from some wiring chores initially, the unit is pretty much ready to go.

Miofive Mirror 1: price and availability

The Miofive Mirror 1 Dash Camera currently costs $299.99 on Amazon in the US. Meanwhile, the Miofive Mirror 1 Dash Camera is also available to buy from Amazon UK for £259.99, at the time of writing. Normally, the regular UK list price is £299.99, which is comparable to other likeminded mirror dash cam models with similar specs. Cheaper mirror dash cam alternatives can be found too, but I think the quality of construction makes the Miofive Mirror 1 Dash Cam seem like decent value.

Miofive Mirror 1: specsMiofive Mirror specs

Video

Front: 4K UHD (3840×2160p) @30 fps
Rear: 2K QHD (2560×1440p) @30 fps

Field of view (FOV)

140 degrees front / 140 degrees rear

Storage

MicroSD up to 512GB

GPS

Yes

Parking mode

Yes, with constant power cable, not included

App support

Miofive app

Dimensions

‎31 x 7 x 2 cm / 12.2 x 2.76 x 0.79 inches

Weight

1.01 lbs / 498g

Battery

No

Miofive Mirror 1: Design

While the ample screen real estate offered by the Miofive Mirror 1 Dash Cam, which has overall dimensions of 2.2 x 2.76 x 0.79 inches / 31 x 7 x 2 cm, is impressive, its size should be kept in mind by anyone with a smaller windscreen. In a compact or small sports car, the 11.26-inch IPS touchscreen might feel a little bit too obtrusive. Even in a larger vehicle, such as an SUV, the mirror construction is bulky. However, it looks and feels nicely designed and reasonably durable.

The same can be said for all of the various accessories and ancillary components needed to get the Miofive Mirror 1 Dash Cam installed and operating. Miofive offers three different ways to mount the mirror unit, which is essentially stuck in place over an existing rear-view mirror. I chose the rubberised strap method which worked well, didn’t vibrate or move on the go and was temporary enough to let the unit be removed from my test vehicle.

(Image credit: Future)

A more permanent option is using the supplied screws to fasten it in place, while bonding is another long-term method. I suggest using the rubberised strap method initially, just in case the Miofive Mirror 1 Dash Cam isn’t quite the right fit for your needs. The box contains all the other wiring and connectors needed to hook up to the power, including a 12V plug for that port and colour coded harnessing for connecting peripherals.

The peripherals include a small rear-view camera, which can be stuck in place using a sticky pad on the camera's base and subsequently angled for optimal capture. The other accessory that requires connection to the crop of wires is the GPS unit. Everything is basically finished in grey or black plastic, while most of the cabling is black too. This can be fed behind trim using the usual method just like any other dash cam. There’s just a little more to hide away.

(Image credit: Future)Miofive Mirror 1: Performance

Once I had all of the wiring plumbed in, the Miofive Mirror 1 Dash Cam was actually very simple and straightforward to set up. The media card was already in the slot, and I followed best practice and formatted the card following initial power up. From there, the mirrored screen area displayed an array of small icons, plus a split view. To the left was a view of the read ahead and to the right, a view to the rear of the car. I left it in this default mode for testing purposes although views can be tweaked to suit individual preferences.

The picture quality looks less good in my photos but, in reality, the quality of the lenses was easy to see with clear and sharp images from each angle even in decidedly gloomy conditions. Miofive has done a decent job of including a solid level of control options, via screen icons when the cameras are on. This meant it was easy to tap and change anything, such as brightness, before setting off.

(Image credit: Future)

Dipping into the other features and functions – which include Connect Your Phone, Recording Settings, Parking Guard, AI, System Settings, About and Speed Cam Alert –required more thought, but the large color icons worked well. The AI menu option brings up five different functions that can be enabled and set for intensity, like Reverse Assist Line, for example, which is set as Medium by default. These are okay, although I didn’t feel a desperate urge to use them. In fact, Driver Assistance, as one option, is better off disabled as far as I’m concerned.

Overall, the footage recorded by the Miofive Mirror 1 Dash Cam is largely excellent. It's crisp and clear, capturing details nicely enough, and didn’t leave me wanting anything better. The detail presented along the bottom of the footage, including date, time and speed is also perfectly acceptable. Used as a pure front and rear dash cam setup, this is a very good product. And, should you require them, there are plenty of neat tools to enhance the functionality.

(Image credit: Future)

One important thing to note is anyone wanting to enjoy the parking monitoring will need to do so by enlisting the services of an optional hardwire kit. This does increase the potential of the bundle, especially for anyone wanting the extra parking features that get unlocked by going down the hardwire route.

Should you buy the Miofive Mirror 1?

(Image credit: Future)Buy it if...

You like the idea of a mirror cam
The Miofive Mirror 1 is a variation on the dash cam theme, but also doubles as an electronic rear-view mirror. However, it might not appeal to everyone, especially those who wear glasses.

You like a complete package
Hardwire kit aside, a real bonus with the Miofive Mirror 1 is the way it has everything in the box to get started, along with a 128GB microSD card.

You want comprehensive coverage
The Miofive Mirror 1 offers both front and rear video surveillance on the move via twin cameras. Both work well and make this unit ideal for anyone needing more substantial coverage.

Don't buy it if...

Conventional dash cams appeal
The Mirofive Mirror 1 is an electronic rear-view mirror that also captures video. The fitting and functionality is therefore more advanced, so it might be a turn-off for anyone requiring a cheap, basic dash cam.

Hard wiring is unappealing
To unlock the Miofive Mirror 1's extra features, the unit requires an extra hardwire kit to be used. This can be fiddly and is also more permanent, so it's less ideal if you need to move the mirror from time to time.

Multiple views are unnecessary
While the Miofive Mirror 1 offers excellent front and fear views within the screen area, and captures said views as well, it might be a little over the top for anyone who just needs a basic 'out front' dash cam perspective.

How I tested the Miofive Mirror 1

• I installed the dash cam in a car for an initial period of three to four weeks
• I used it for various day and night journeys in all types of weather
• I connected it to my phone, downloading recordings to check on quality

I tested the Miofive Mirror 1 dash cam across a period of several weeks. This involved using it in a test vehicle and during a variety of weather conditions. This allowed me to try all of the features and functions, aside from the hardwire options due to it being powered via a 12V power port in a vehicle that was on temporary loan.

On top of that, I downloaded the latest Miofive app, which was installed on an iPhone 17 and used during the installation process and also for file management duties. I also tested the Wi-Fi connectivity between the main camera unit and the app, which based on the size of the 4K video files was a big part of the overall testing procedure and everything worked as anticipated.

• First reviewed February 2026

Coros Pace 4: One minute review

The Coros Pace 4 continues its predecessor’s mantle as one of the best cheap running watches and is a marked improvement upon the previous-gen Coros Pace 3, which was also one of our best running watches overall. There's a lot to like about the smartwatch, including runners wanting to make an upgrade.

The most significant change between the two models is the movement away from a fairly basic Memory-in-Pixel screen to a vibrant 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen. The resolution has also been increased from 240x240 pixels to 390x390 pixels. This makes the text and graphs substantially sharper, and despite this having an impact upon battery drain, Coros has directly addressed that by increasing the battery capacity.

The watch is aimed at runners, triathletes, and cyclists desiring speed and simplicity. At just 32g (with nylon strap), the Pace 4 is incredibly lightweight and unassuming. The tracking of accurate distances was not pinpoint-sharp, but pace, heart rate, cadence, and other metrics were measured accurately.

That said, this is not a smartwatch for the masses. The lack of everyday smarts, such as music streaming and NFC payments, makes it rather limited for anyone looking for more than a training tool. I wouldn't say this is a negative, though, as not every wearable is for everyone. The Pace 4 sticks close to its running credentials, and at a budget-friendly price of $249 / £229, this makes it a very enticing proposition indeed.

Coros Pace 4: Specifications

Component

Coros Pace 4

Price

$249 USD / £229 UK / $479.95 AUS

Dimensions

43.4 x 43.4 x 11.8 mm

Weight

32g (with Nylon band) / 40g (with Silicone band)

Caze/bezel

Fiber-reinforced polymer (Plastic)

Display

1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen 390 x 390 pixels

GPS

Dual-Frequency GNSS

Battery life

Up to 19 days or 41 hours for High GPS Usage

Connection

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

Water resistance

5 ATM

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)Coros Pace 4: Price and availability

• $249 USD / £229 UK / AU$479.95
• A fantastic price for a smartwatch with dual-band GPS and an AMOLED display
• Competes well with the Garmin Forerunner 165

The COROS Pace 4, priced at $249 / £229 / AU$479.95, is a lightweight performance running watch that balances high-end features like a vibrant AMOLED display and industry-leading battery life (up to 41 hours of GPS) with a competitive entry-level price tag. The 4.5-star-rated Apple Watch SE 3 is comparably priced, although more targeted at general users rather than runners.

Similarly specced alternatives include the Garmin Forerunner 165 and Suunto Run or if you're looking for a more rugged, outdoor-focused build, then the Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro is a good alternative.

Value score 4.5/5

Coros Pace 4: Design

• Lightweight build feels basic but comfortable to wear
• Bright, high-resolution AMOLED display
• Hybrid three-button system

The Coros Pace 4 is small, lightweight, and has a distinctly budget plastic feel. No-one would describe the watch as premium, but that doesn’t mean the choice of materials doesn’t have any benefits. At 32g (with nylon band), it’s beautifully light on the wrist, and a thickness of 11.8mm means it easily slips underneath the sleeve.

At the heart of the Pace 4 is a small 1.2-inch AMOLED screen that is comparable with the Garmin Forerunner 265 and Apple Watch SE 3. With a 1,500-nit brightness and a 390 x 390px resolution, the Pace 4 lacks nothing in outdoor visibility and image sharpness. To keep the device charged, Coros provides a proprietary charger which magnetically attaches to the watch. The charger also contains a built-in keyring, which reduces the chance of losing it.

Future / Paul HattonFuture / Paul HattonFuture / Paul HattonFuture / Paul HattonFuture / Paul HattonFuture / Paul HattonFuture / Paul Hatton

While Garmin sticks to a traditional five-button layout and Apple relies on a single digital crown and side button, the Pace 4 uses a hybrid three-button system. This includes the signature Coros digital dial plus an Action button, similar to the Apple Watch Ultra 3. These deliver reliable navigation through menus even when your hands are sweaty or you're wearing winter gloves.

At the back of the watch, you'll find a flush-mounted sensor that is flat enough to avoid skin irritation during long periods of wear. I also found it more stable than a lot of smartwatches that I've tested recently. Additionally, its integrated dual-microphone system is a rare design find in this price bracket.

Design Score: 4/5

Coros Pace 4: Features

• 19 days of daily training and sleep
• An innovative voice recording tool
• Built-in GPS

The Coros Pace 4 boasts a voice recording tool, excellent battery life, and a dual-frequency GPS system. Beginning with the voice functionality, it's fair to say that most other smartwatches provide a general-purpose voice memo tool, but the Pace 4 is unique in that its voice features are specifically integrated into the athletic training workflow. More specifically, Voice Pins can be added mid-run to specific locations on your route, while Voice Notes are better suited to capturing subjective information after an activity has been completed.

As you’d expect with a running watch, the Pace 4 utilizes an advanced All-Systems dual-frequency GNSS chipset, allowing it to communicate with five major satellite networks (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou, and QZSS). The ability to connect across two frequencies is designed to improve positional accuracy in challenging environments such as cities and forests.

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)

The lack of full offline maps is a little disappointing, although breadcrumb-style navigation with turn-by-turn directions for the planned route is available. Another notable feature is its ability to route sync from platforms like Strava.

And finally, battery capabilities. The Pace 4 continues a growing trend of offering long-lasting performance. In terms of advertised numbers, that looks like 19 days of continuous daily use and 41 hours when using the All Systems (High) GPS mode. This is roughly equivalent to the latest Amazfit Balance 2, which features 21 days of continuous daily use and 33 hours of GPS use.

Features Score: 4/5

Coros Pace 4: Performance

• Fast and responsive interface
• Accurate health tracking
• Reasonable GPS performance for a budget-smartwatch

The Coros Pace 4 features an Ambiq Apollo 510 processor, which, compared to its predecessors, is a significant leap in internal processing power and efficiency. This results in a responsive interface that shows no sign of lag when carrying out health measurements or activity tracking. The interface is basic but simple to navigate, with Coros opting to display all non-activity features inside a 'Control Center' interface that displays everything inside one single face of the watch rather than cycling up and down long lists, as is more common with other watch brands.

The advanced processor also powers voice pins and training logs, which form a key part of the Coros Pace experience. Recording these audio notes is simple and quick and a far better solution than using a separate app or paper-based alternative. A next-step improvement would be to introduce an AI feature that is able to transcribe these notes and summarize progress.

In terms of positional precision, the Pace 4 utilizes an all-satellite, dual-frequency GNSS chipset that has been refined to maintain a lock in difficult environments. I had no problems finding a strong enough signal, even in rural areas and when surrounded by tall buildings.

In distance traveled benchmark tests against the extensively tested Huawei Watch Ultimate 2, I found the Pace 4 to be within 200 meters, not super-accurate but good enough for casual runners. We'll be batch-testing the Coros Pace 4, along with other watches, to better assess accuracy over longer distances in the near future – watch this space. However, it's safe to say the Pace 4 offers a good GPS distance estimation, with a margin for error.

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)

Biometric tracking has also seen a hardware overhaul with a redesigned optical heart rate sensor featuring five LEDs and four photodetectors. This updated array provides reliable health data when compared to the Watch Ultimate 2. That said, I did have to make sure that the watch maintained a snug fit to my skin; otherwise, light leaking onto the sensor caused measurements to jump around.

Despite the move to a 1,500-nit AMOLED screen, the battery efficiency remains a standout, providing up to 41 hours in High GPS mode and 31 hours in Dual-Frequency mode. While using the device to track a few runs and bike rides per week, I was easily able to achieve between ten and fourteen days of usage. The 5 ATM water resistance rating held up when using the watch in wet conditions as well as when submerged in a bowl of water for over a minute.

The Pace 4 is a perfect weight and size for runners and athletes who want their smartwatch to blend into the background. It'll track your vitals and activities to a reasonable accuracy, especially given the price point.

Performance score: 4/5

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)Coros Pace 4: Scorecard

Category

Comment

Score

Value

A budget-friendly watch with some higher-end features.

4.5/5

Design

Lightweight and compact but with an unmistakable budget feel.

4/5

Features

Some innovative features are designed around activities, but nothing that’s going to set the world alight.

4/5

Performance

Reasonably accurate health and activity tracking, especially for the price.

4/5

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)Coros Pace 4: Should I buy?Buy it if...

You’re a runner who loves logging their activities

With voice logging and pins, the Pace 4 is ideally suited to recording your experiences.

You like a lightweight smartwatch that blends into the background

At 32g (nylon strap) the Pace 4 is one of the lightest options on the market.

Don't buy it if...

You like a watch with everyday smarts

There’s no music streaming, NFC payments, and no ability to reply to texts.

You need offline maps

If you’re regularly following complex trails or like to go off-route, then you’ll have to look elsewhere.

Also consider

Garmin Forerunner 165

With premium training features, a good-looking AMOLED touchscreen, and 13 days of battery life, the Forerunner 165 is a similarly priced alternative to the Coros Pace 4.

Read our Garmin Forerunner 165 reviewView Deal

Garmin Vivoactive 5

A smartwatch with more sports and health tracking metrics than most will need while staying compact and easy to see with that stunning AMOLED display. Also reasonably priced.

Read our full Garmin Vivoactive 5 reviewView Deal

How I tested

I used the Coros Pace 4 across the period of several weeks, focusing my activities on running, cycling, walking, and gym cardio. I was specifically, although not exclusively, interested in seeing how much use I would genuinely make of the voice recording features. This is a relatively unique feature that I was keen to check out. I also put it through its paces in terms of GPS accuracy and the effect of its use on battery life. The smartwatch shipped with both nylon and silicone straps, so I tested both. Finally, despite it not being a core feature of the watch, I also tested its sleep tracking abilities.

First reviewed: February 2026

The Mortuary Assistant is now streaming on Shudder and playing in select movie theaters, and you may have already seen a few bad reviews for it. But I had a great time with this adaptation.

It can certainly be daunting when you're adapting a beloved video game for the screen. Markiplier's Iron Lung performed very well at the box office lately, even if it was met with poor critic reviews overall. But the audience turnout proves people are interested in game adaptations in general, which is good news since they keep coming, and Exit 8 will soon be following in its footsteps.

When it comes to The Mortuary Assistant, I think it's best to go into it not expecting an exact replica of the video game. Approaches like that worked for The Last of Us, but here, I actually liked the fact that it doesn't follow the game to the letter. It's very much an adaptation and companion piece to the game, which I highly recommend you play.

Director Jeremiah Kipp told me that The Mortuary Assistant's game developer was ‘enormously supportive’ of the movie, and it certainly shows. While the movie does deviate from the game slightly, the location, vibe, and the character of Rebecca are portrayed incredibly well indeed.

We learn a lot more about Rebecca's character here as she spends a night shift at River Fields Mortuary. It's clear she is devoted to her job and neglects other areas of her life, especially when it comes to the demons of her past. Willa Holland gives a great performance here as someone who seems to be more comfortable with the dead than the living, as she continues to ignore and stuff down the things that have happened to her.

The Mimic is one of the most iconic creatures in The Mortuary Assistant. (Image credit: Dread XP)

Unfortunately, this leads Rebecca to be haunted by an actual demon, which does a very good job at tormenting her. Fan favorite manifestation The Mimic, steals the show here, as it appears to terrorize Rebecca during her terrifying shift. The creature design really is good here, and we're left wondering what is real and what is not, bringing us up close and personal to Rebecca's terror and hallucinations.

Rebecca is finishing her apprenticeship with mortician Raymond Delver (Paul Sparks), and these are the two characters we follow throughout the movie. He is ultimately in charge of finding employees he believes capable of combating the demons located there, and Rebecca is his latest colleague to be met with the horrors.

I do think audiences would benefit from playing the video game too, as it can provide more context. I'm not sure if those who know nothing about the game would get quite as huge a kick out of this, as part of what made this exciting for me was already being a huge fan of the game.

Like many horror movies, there is unfortunately an over-reliance on jump scares at times, and this is a point that is sure to divide audiences. Whether you love them or hate them, you can be the judge of how effective they are.

All in all, this is a strong adaptation, and there's lots for fans of the game to enjoy, especially if you're keen to expand on the lore and backstory. Don't go into this expecting a shot-for-shot remake of the game, and instead, it should be treated as a very worthy expansion.

If you're looking for a great supernatural horror with plenty of scares, and a deeper exploration about character's traumas, this is definitely the movie for you. Director Jeremiah Kipp revealed that "a filmmaker needs a deep personal connection to the material", and you can definitely feel that here.

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Eversolo DAC-Z10: one-minute review

Never let it be said that Eversolo is not ever so serious. The Eversolo DAC-Z10 is an extremely well-specified digital-to-analogue converter, headphone amplifier and system preamplifier in a single package – and while it sells for a significant sum, even compared to the best DACs around, it turns out to represent unarguable value for money.

As well as the full-on specification (which includes four AKM DAC chips, twin RSR ‘ladder’ volume control modules, and no fewer than three independent and heavily shielded linear power supplies), the user interface (via a big touch-screen) is excellent even before you realize it offers a choice of virtual VU meters and dynamic spectrum displays.

There are more than enough digital inputs, plus balanced and unbalanced analog outputs, and an extremely capable discrete headphone amplification module.

And it all works very well indeed. The DAC-Z10 is almost fanatical when it comes to detail retrieval, really holds its own where rhythmic expression, soundstaging and dynamic impetus are concerned, and maintains the tonal balance of the music as originally recorded as much as possible.

In fact, about its biggest shortcoming is how overtly intolerant it is of inferior partners – don’t imagine the DAC-Z10 is about to make a silk purse out of the sow’s ear that is sub-par electronics or loudspeakers. But that's not a real flaw for something that costs this much anyway – you'd expect an expensive DAC to sing with expensive other components, wouldn't you?

(Image credit: Simon Lucas)Eversolo DAC-Z10 review: Price & release date

The Eversolo DAC-Z10 launched during November 2025 and in the United Kingdom it sells for a strangely specific £1,939. In the United States it’s $1,980, while in Australia the going rate is AU$3,339 or thereabouts.

This puts it in line with options from the likes of Denon and NAD – big names in the hi-fi separates space.

(Image credit: Simon Lucas)Eversolo DAC-Z10 review: Features

• Numerous digital and analog inputs
• Independent left and right channel AKM digital-to-analog conversion modules
• Three independent power supplies

Even by Eversolo’s established standards, the DAC-Z10 is extensively specified – ‘lavishly’ may not be too strong a word. It’s difficult to know where to start, really. Maybe on the outside would be best…

At the rear of the DAC-Z10, there are numerous digital and analogue inputs, alongside balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analogue outputs for connection to a power amplifier, powered speakers or what-have-you. There’s also a grounding post for channeling even the most minor electrical interference out of harm’s way.

The digital stuff consists of an IIS (aka I2S) input (featuring eight switchable modes, naturally, and capable of dealing with digital audio resolutions of up to 32bit/768kHz PCM and DSD512), HDMI eARC, USB-B (with multi-core audio processor and again supporting 32bit/768kHz PCM and DSD512), a fully isolated AES/EBU input, and a pair of coaxial and a pair of optical audio inputs (all of which support 24bit/192kHz PCM and DSD64). There’s also wireless connectivity via Bluetooth 5.0, with SBC and AAC codec compatibility.

There’s a further analog output on the fascia: a 6.3mm single-ended headphone socket. It’s powered by a dedicated amplification module, and automatically detects the impedance of the headphones it’s driving and adjusts gain accordingly.

The internal layout of the Eversolo is no less thorough. Built on the company’s ‘Fully Isolated Architecture’ platform, which isolates the digital and analog domains in a drive for optimal signal purity, the DAC-Z10 features three linear power supplies. One is for the left channel, one for the right, and one for system circuitry – each is isolated from the others in an effort to minimi`e interference.

The DAC-Z10 is big on the concept of independent left and right stereo channels elsewhere, too. For instance, each stereo channel has a dedicated pair of AKM DAC chips – an AK4191 and an AK4499 – so left and right digital signals are kept completely separate from input to conversion.

Volume control uses an independent R2R ‘ladder’ module for each channel, so signal integrity and phase alignment should be uncorrupted, even if the selected volume level is very low or very high.

The Eversolo ‘Precision Core’, which features a temperature-controlled crystal oscillator, phase-locked loop technology and FPGA clock reconstruction, makes up the DAC-Z10 clock system. Despite the extremely thorough attention it has paid to this critical componentry, though, the Eversolo also has an input for an external clock – and with multiple impedance options.

This allows the DAC-Z10 to integrate into super-high end systems that have even more effective clock systems than the one specified here. Either way, though, the DAC-Z10 seems extremely well-served where clocking, and by extension the imaging and transient response of its sound, are concerned.

• Features score: 5 / 5

(Image credit: Simon Lucas)Eversolo DAC-Z10 review: Sound quality

• Profoundly impressive detail retrieval
• Expansive, organized and front-foot sound
• Not especially tolerant of less-capable partners

Let’s get the minor negative out of the way first, shall we? The Eversolo DAC-Z10 is not about to indulge in partnering equipment that is less capable than it is. The DAC-Z10 punches above its weight, not below it – so it can hold its own in systems with high price-tags, but it’s not about to make your run-of-the-mill power speakers or wallet-friendly amps into world-beaters. If anything, it’s more likely to expose their shortcomings.

But as long as the stuff before and after the Eversolo in the chain is up to scratch, there’s a whole lot to enjoy about this device – especially where its powers of digital-to-analog conversion are concerned.

Where detail retrieval is concerned, the DAC-Z10 is as good as anything I've heard at anything like the price. No event in a recording is too minor, no harmonic variation is too subtle, no over- or undertone surrounding the fundamental note of an instrument or a voice is too muted to elude it.

The production of Horsegirl’s Phonetics On and On is open and so spare that you might think every shred of information is available even when it’s playing on an unremarkable system – but the Eversolo demonstrates that even deeper subtleties and transients are there, and it has the power to reveal and contextualize them. If you’re after the most complete image possible of your music, the DAC-Z10 is ready and able to give it to you.

It’s more than willing to get out of the way of the music, and of the source machine that’s playing it. So when it comes to tonality and frequency response, the Eversolo tries its utmost to have as little input as possible even though it’s responsible for D-to-A conversion – the sound you get, in these respects, seems very much to be the sound stored on the disc, the digital file or whatever.

What the DAC-Z10 will do is ensure that low frequencies are shaped and controlled to the point that rhythmic expression is coherent and momentum levels never dip below what is appropriate.

It takes care of the minor dynamic variations with just as much ease as it does with every other aspect of detail retrieval – and when the music undergoes big shifts in intensity or volume, as it does during a listen to Daniel Blumberg’s soundtrack to The Brutalist, the Eversolo is able to describe them in full, and in the most articulate manner.

It ensures the top of the frequency range always carries enough substance to prevent its bite becoming problematic, and allows the midrange to project with real confidence.

And the bigger and more information-packed the audio content you serve it, the more impressive the DAC-Z10 sounds. A DSD64 file of Michael Jackon’s Off the Wall sounds positively ferocious once the Eversolo has done with it – the clean, open and pristine recording (especially in 2024 remaster guise) sounds more animated, more immediate, and more engaging than it does via any even vaguely price-comparable alternative. And there are plenty of very capable, vaguely price-comparable, alternatives around.

• Sound quality score: 5 / 5

(Image credit: Simon Lucas)Eversolo DAC-Z10 review: Design

• Aluminum chassis
• A choice of VU meters, spectrum displays and control dial colors
• 310x88x365mm / 12.2x3.5x13.4in (WxHxD)

As is only to be expected, given the asking price, the Eversolo DAC-Z10 is carefully constructed from premium materials, and finished to an extremely high standard. Fundamentally it’s simply a rectangular box in the established ‘hi-fi’ manner – but in terms of look, feel and finish it’s a fairly upmarket proposition.

It’s not quite as wide as your average hi-fi separate, but nevertheless Eversolo has found space for an 8.8-inch touchscreen that’s bright, clear and responsive, and is able to display a great deal of information without looking in any way crowded.

It forms the majority of the fascia of a chassis built from aircraft-grade aluminum and coated in a soft(ish)-touch finish that only adds to the impression of refined good taste.

Eversolo has remembered to make sure the design of the DAC-Z10 is enjoyable as well as admirable, too. As well as an exhaustive amount of relevant information, the screen can display a number of different VU meters or dynamic spectrum displays – and the single ‘turn/push’ control dial alongside it can be illuminated in one of quite a few different colors.

• Design score: 5 / 5

(Image credit: Simon Lucas)Eversolo DAC-Z10 review: Usability & setup

• Remote control, app and touchscreen control options
• Some end-user tweaking available
• Switchable XLR polarity

Despite its wealth of features and extensive functionality, setting up and operating the DAC-Z10 is pretty straightforward. And you have plenty of options, too.

Obviously the first thing to do is make your relevant connections into and out of the device. The DAC-Z10 will support plenty of digital devices, of course, and there’s the ability to route a single analog source through too – which is useful if you’re connecting directly to a power amplifier rather than a pair of powered or active speakers.

It’s worth noting the XLR connections have switchable polarity, which makes system-matching a great deal more straightforward than it otherwise would be. After that it’s just a question of trimming each individual input in terms of volume – every digital input can have a choice of six filters applied, which allows the end user a fair amount of input into the way the quartet of DAC chips performs.

In terms of control, you’ve a gratifying number of well-implemented options. The control wheel, which is a turn/push number, is responsive and reliable, and the same can be said for the weighty little remote control handset that is, in its own way, just as tactile a device as the DAC-Z10 itself. The touchscreen is equally simple and logical to use, and just as reliable in the way it reacts.

Best of all, though, is the ‘Eversolo Control’ app that’s free for iOS and Android. It’s far from the most visually exciting control app around, it’s true – but once you get beyond the relative lack of visual stimulation you’ll find a thorough, stable and eminently useful interface that enables you to control every single aspect of the DAC-Z10’s performance.

• Usability & setup score: 5 / 5

(Image credit: Simon Lucas)Eversolo DAC-Z10 review: Value

• It costs a lot, but it does a lot
• Performs as well or better than anything else at the same price
• Versatility really adds to its value as a long-term buy

Obviously spending this sort of money on a DAC with preamplification functionality means you have a system that justifies the outlay, and in that case there’s really no arguing with the value for money that’s on offer here.

The amount of things it can do, the range of connections it has, the usefulness of its various control options, and the impeccable quality of its audio mean that its price is very agreeable… to people with this kind of money to spend.

• Value score: 4 / 5

Should I buy the Eversolo DAC-Z10?Buy it if…

You have digital audio sources that need a proper decoding
Even quite expensive CD players and the like will feel the benefit of the DAC-Z10's audio expression.View Deal

You enjoy a good user interface
The touchscreen and, especially, the control app are as it good as it gets.View Deal

You love a virtual VU meter
Or, even better, a choice of virtual VU meters.View Deal

Don't buy it if…

Graphic design is your passion
The control app may be entirely fit for purpose, but it is tedious in the extreme to look atView Deal

You’re hoping to make an ordinary system sound extraordinary
The Eversolo is not especially tolerant of inferior partners.View Deal

Eversolo DAC-Z10 review: Also consider

Audiolab D9
On a pound-for-pound basis, the D9 DAC/preamplifier is a very decent bet – for a little over half the price of the Eversolo, it gives you a great deal of solid audio competence.View Deal

Chord Hugo TT2
If you’re after something slightly more portable, this an exceptional device – it doesn’t come cheap, though, and it has one of those user interfaces that Chord seems to think is a good idea but the rest of us get madly frustrated by. View Deal

How I tested the Eversolo DAC-Z10

I slotted the Eversolo DAC-Z10 into my reference system – so it took care of the digital-to-analog conversion required by a Rega Apollo CD player, a Naim Uniti Star (meaning internet radio, network streaming and music streaming service content was available), and an Apple MacBook Pro via USB to access digital audio of the highest possible resolution.

It also accepted an analog signal from a pre-amplified Technics SL-1300G turntable. It was connected to a Cambridge Edge W power amplifier via balanced XLR connections, which in turn was connected to Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 Signature loudspeakers on their bespoke FS-700 S3 stands.

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• First reviewed: February 2026