TechRadar Reviews

I was lucky enough to preview Yoshi and the Mysterious Book back in April, and it genuinely caught me off guard. After all, this Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive seemed to break the mold. Not only did it swap Yoshi’s usual platforming-focused formula for a more explorative and puzzle-oriented adventure, but it also felt like it held the substance and creativity that the dino’s more recent outings lacked.

Review info

Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2
Available on: Nintendo Switch 2 only
Release date: May 21, 2026

And I’m glad to report that the full game only reinforced my initial impression — Yoshi and the Mysterious Book feels like a step-up on many of its predecessors, offering a level of intrigue and ingenuity that’s sure to entice players of various ages.

But is this the right game for you? And does it stand among the very best Nintendo Switch 2 games? Well, after playing through the main story and collecting no end of Smiley Flowers, I have a fair few thoughts — which are mostly, but not entirely positive. So, here’s what I made of Yoshi’s latest game.

Whimsy overload

(Image credit: Nintendo)

As I mentioned in my preview, two words come to mind when I think of Yoshi and the Mysterious Book: charm and whimsy.

A lot of this stems from the Nintendo Switch 2 title’s art direction, which is truly exceptional. Everything from the hand drawn creatures through to the stop-motion style animation is executed brilliantly, and provides each character with bags of personality and uniqueness. The game is just overflowing with charisma, and I can see the visual style being a hit with younger players and fans of cozy games, for instance.

For anyone out of the loop, this game follows Yoshi’s journey of discovery through the many pages of Mr. E, a sentient encyclopedia filled with many mystical creatures. Yoshi will have to learn about the behaviour, abilities — and even taste — of these characters, and help Mr. E recover knowledge about them.

I loved how each creature had a distinct set of skills, all of which can be utilized to solve puzzles in the game’s various levels. The main puzzles are usually straightforward, and won’t have more experienced gamers scratching their heads for too long, I expect. Younger players may need a while to solve later-game conundrums, although Mr. E is at hand to offer advice if things get too confusing.

Best bit

(Image credit: Nintendo)

You can give whatever name you want to the creatures in Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, and I had a fantastic time picking weird and wacky monikers for each of them. Mr. E can suggest names, but I preferred to use my own, such as ‘rodney’ for a blob-like creature that comes equipped with a fishing rod.

Where the real challenge comes in, is in finding the numerous collectibles dispersed throughout each page. There are occasionally secret hollows that you can uncover, and there are coins buried away in harder-to-reach areas too. But the main collectible is the Smiley Flowers, which often require the player to get creative with creature abilities or to stray far from the beaten path.

Some of these flowers are super-easy to find, but many are hidden with great care. Even as someone who’s played many platformers — and indeed, Yoshi games — I still struggled to hunt a bunch of the Flowers down. By keeping some of the collectibles shrouded in mystery, I’d argue that Yoshi and the Mysterious Book does just about enough to maintain appeal for all ages.

Having said that, I did occasionally wish there was a little more difficulty mixed in. Most of the platforming is very easy, and Yoshi’s continuous flutter jump makes getting to distant segments pretty seamless. Most enemies pose little to no threat as well, and Yoshi will quickly respawn in the rare event of a deadly fall or attack. This remains the case in boss fights, which are creatively crafted, but lack threat.

So many secrets

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Again, though, the game is not centered around its platforming and action — it’s all about the exploration. As much as I was hoping for a little more difficulty here and there, the straightforward action did keep me laser-focused on learning more about the various creatures and searching for new secrets.

And there are so many secrets to discover. One of my favorites came during a level with Shy Guys, where I was able to give them a range of items to unveil a hidden room and obscured Smiley Flowers. There are six chapters in the main story, and a further four after that, so there really are a huge amount of creatures to learn about and discoveries to make.

These chapters aren’t massively rich in terms of narrative —Yoshi and the Mysterious Book isn’t trying to be a deep or layered piece of media. You’ll repeat the same loop in just about each one: discover a few creatures, run into Bowser Jr. and Kamek, fight the boss, and move onto the next.

In terms of length, then, each chapter can be completed quite quickly — especially if you’re playing through levels without finding each and every secret. Still, I found the game to be best-played in short sessions. The discovery formula is enjoyable, but not addicting to the point that I wanted to play for hours on end. And personally, I enjoyed finishing one chapter per night — almost as if I was reading an actual book.

Wrapping up the story

(Image credit: Nintendo)

There’s only one main game mode in Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, but there are a few ways to customize and enhance your experience.

The first thing that comes to mind is your ability to play as multiple different color Yoshi. I played through most of the game in orange, but there’s the typical green, as well as yellow, pink, purple, and more. Another neat addition is Amiibo compatibility. If you’ve got any kind of Yoshi, Poochey, or Bowser Jr. figure, you can ask Mr. E to tell your fortune, and unlock in-game currency.

This currency can be used to reveal hints to new discoveries, enabling you to fill out Mr, E’s pages more rapidly. But it’s also possible to exchange Smiley Flowers that you collect for exploration tools. You can get a radar to discover nearby Flowers, creatures, and the like, a heart-rate tracker, a speedometer, and more.

Yoshi can actually get up to some impressive top speeds, but even when the game is at its most chaotic, it runs without a hitch. I experienced very little in the way of frame drops or delays, with just a couple of rare performance dips in handheld mode. In docked, the game played flawlessly and looked stunning in 4K. It’s hardly the most demanding game, of course, but this is great to see regardless. Yoshi also feels great to control, and I never got frustrated with awkward platforming or janky combat.

With its endearing visual style, enticing exploration, and charisma-filled creatures, Yoshi and the Mysterious Book is a delight on Nintendo Switch 2. Yes, its low difficulty could leave me wanting more during boss fights, and those hoping for perilous platforming may not gel with this entry so well. But this title concentrates carefully on its core objective — of being an exploration-focused puzzle platformer — and gives Yoshi his most enjoyable game in many a year.

Should you play Yoshi and the Mysterious Book?

(Image credit: Nintendo)Play it if…

You want a slower-paced adventure to relax with
If you’re looking for a game that’s low on intensity and high on relaxation, then Yoshi and the Mysterious Book is perfect for you. Playing one chapter per night was a very calming experience for me, and the lack of high-octane action will suit more laid-back gamers.

You’ve got a younger player in your household
Although some collectibles are very challenging to locate, the main objectives in Yoshi and the Mysterious Book are simple to complete. With its straightforward puzzler gameplay, this entry is ideal for younger players, and it’s sure to help develop skills such as problem solving and critical thinking.

Don’t play it if…

You want a challenging platformer
If you’re on the hunt for a tough Nintendo platformer, then this isn’t it. Yoshi’s new game is very much focused on discovery — to the point that platforming, and even boss fights, end up being very low in difficulty.

You’re not really into collectathons
A lot of the depth this game has to offer is centered around new creature discoveries and uncovering hidden Smiley Flowers. If you’re not a big fan of collectathons, then the gameplay here may not pique your interest all too much.

Accessibility features

There are only a handful of ways to customize your experience in Yoshi and the Mysterious Book. You can pick between three control schemes, set a ‘patient’ or ‘hasty’ egg toss style, disable rumble, and choose to advance Mr. E’s dialogue manually or automatically. There’s no colorblind mode or way to zoom in the camera, which could’ve been a nice touch.

(Image credit: Nintendo)How I reviewed Yoshi and the Mysterious Book

I spent more than ten hours venturing through Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, during which time I completed the main story and collected a whole bunch of Smiley Flowers.

Most of the time, I played the game in docked mode using the Turtle Beach Rematch Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch 2, with my system connected to the Sky Glass Gen 2 TV and Marshall Heston 120 soundbar. However, I did dip into handheld mode now and then, during which time I connected to the console with my JBL Tour One M3 wireless headphones.

I’ve been a Nintendo Switch 2 owner from day one, and have played many Yoshi games, including newer entries, like Yoshi’s Woolly World and Yoshi’s New Island. I’ve also reviewed a number of Switch 2 games here at TechRadar, such as Super Mario Bros. Wonder - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, Kirby Air Riders and Drag x Drive.

Full spoilers follow for The Mandalorian. Light spoilers also follow for The Mandalorian and Grogu.

Seven years is a long time for a franchise like Star Wars to spend away from the big screen. Sure, the wait for new movie-based entries in Lucasfilm's iconic galaxy far, far away has been significantly larger in the past. In an age where entertainment titans are mining everything they can from their money-spinning signature brands, though, it's surreal to think that a whole generation of fans haven't seen a Star Wars movie at their local theater.

Well, now they can. The Mandalorian and Grogu, a film sequel to The Mandalorian, aka the hugely popular Disney+ TV series that stars the aforementioned pair, aims to replicate the success of its parent show and recapture the magic of seeing the legendary sci-fi franchise on the silver screen for the first time. Unfortunately, it achieves neither of its objectives.

Wherever I go, he goes

The Mandalorian and Grogu marks the pair's first adventure on the silver screen (Image credit: Lucasfilm)

Picking up sometime after The Mandalorian's season 3 finale, The Mandalorian and Grogu reunites us with the titular duo as they continue to carry out their contractual work for The New Republic. That being, hunting down Imperial warlords still devoted to the Galactic Empire to stop them from reviving the autocratic regime.

The Mandalorian and Grogu has the air of being two hour-long episodes of its parent show that have been smashed together

To that end, the Mandalorian known as Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his Force-wielding pal are given a specific mission by Colonel Ward (Sigourney Weaver): rescue Rotta the Hutt (voiced by Jeremy Allen White) for his crime lord relatives known as the Twins. In exchange, the latter will provide information on the whereabouts of Lord Janu (Jonny Coyne), The New Republic's next target.

Sounds simple, right? I think you already know the answer to that. Long story short: Mando and Grogu get more than they bargained for on a quest that proves to be their most dangerous yet.

The Twins are as archetypal as you can get with a Star Wars villain — or, rather, villains (Image credit: Lucasfilm)

Truth be told, they should be used to life-threatening situations as they've embarked on numerous perilous missions before in The Mandalorian.

And this is my first major gripe with The Mandalorian and Grogu, because it has the air of being two hour-long episodes of its parent show that have been smashed together.

There's a clear disconnect between The Mandalorian and Grogu's two halves

It's difficult to explain without getting into major spoiler territory but, despite The Mandalorian and Grogu possessing a narrative throughline, there's a clear disconnect between its two parts that occurs exactly at its midpoint.

Indeed, with Mando and Grogu seemingly completing their Rotta-based search and rescue mission quicker than expected, I fully expected the end credits of this 'episode' to roll before its follow-up chapter began. You can imagine my surprise, then, when I not only realized this wouldn't happen, but also that there was an hour's worth of story left to tell when 95% of the plot's loose ends had seemingly been tied up.

Jeremy Allen White does a solid job voicing Rotta the Hutt (Image credit: Lucasfilm)

Director Jon Favreau might claim that, rather than repurpose The Mandalorian season 4's scripts for this movie, he had to "start from scratch with The Mandalorian and Grogu's screenplay.

Nevertheless, given the notable split midway through this film's story, I'm of the opinion that some of that unmade season's plot threads have been reused and, whether by design or not, give it the structure of a multi-episode arc that's been stitched together. Think of how The Clone Wars animated series' first few episodes were similarly sewn together to unnecessarily turn it into a big-screen offering, and you'll get the idea.

The light and the dark

The Mandalorian and Grogu's set-pieces will thrill many audience members (Image credit: Lucasfilm)

The Mandalorian and Grogu does win points for its action sequences, though. They're not wholly original in their makeup but, whether it's large- or small-scale battles, chase sequences, or vehicular- or duel-based combat, each one is as entertaining and well-executed as they need to be.

Grogu is the highlight of the show

Speaking of being entertaining, Grogu is — if it even needs saying — the highlight of the show.

Multiple scenes involving Mando's apprentice are played for laughs (and rightly so, because he's an adorable little tyke), but he also gets enough character development that indicates he's not only coming into his own as a protagonist, but also being firmly positioned as Star Wars' next big, well, star. Suffice it to say, newcomers will fall head over heels for the individual affectionately known as Baby Yoda, while established fans will re-fall in love with him all over again.

Grogu and the Anzellans provide plenty of light comic relief in the film's back half (Image credit: Lucasfilm)

Of equal appeal is The Mandalorian and Grogu following in the footsteps of its parent show and introducing us to fascinating new corners of the galaxy.

With growing fan criticism that Star Wars was reluctant to move away from exploring desert planets, The Mandalorian has given us new worlds — and the odd old fan favorite, such as Mandalore — to explore since its initial release on Disney+, aka one of the best streaming services.

It's time for Star Wars to move past its overreliance on nostalgia bait

It's a baton that The Mandalorian and Grogu is only too happy to pick up, too. Indeed, in flying us to new locales like Nal Hutta and Shakari, one of the many forthcoming new Star Wars movies and shows builds on its TV forebear's desire to visit unexplored regions of the galaxy, especially in the lawless Outer Rim. I'll take more of the same with other projects you've got in the pipeline, please, Lucasfilm.

Sigourney Weaver's Colonel Ward doesn't get as much screentime as you might expect (Image credit: Lucasfilm)

While I'm making requests, it's also time for Star Wars to move past its overreliance on nostalgia bait, of which The Mandalorian and Grogu is as guilty of as its franchise contemporaries are.

Spoilers notwithstanding, it's a film dripping in Easter eggs and callbacks to other Star Wars projects, especially in its back half. That won't be an issue for diehards looking to mimic Captain America's "I understood that reference" line from The Avengers or Leonardo DiCaprio's finger pointing meme from One Upon a Time in Hollywood. Still, to me at least, the sheer number of nods to The Mandalorian and wider Star Wars universe felt more and more self-indulgent with each one I picked up on.

My verdict

The Mandalorian and Grogu is fine. It's an inoffensive and narratively safe addition to Lucasfilm's back catalog that'll still perform admirably at the global box office by virtue of it being a Star Wars movie, and the inclusion of Baby Yoda that's sure to lure in first-time viewers and diehard fans of the adorable green imp alike.

For those who grew up on the original films and/or want Lucasfilm and Disney to take more big creative swings in the vein of Andor, though, The Mandalorian and Grogu will feel like a missed opportunity. After all, this is the franchise's first big-screen outing since incredibly divisive 2019 flick The Rise of Skywalker, and I suspect some will have hoped that Mando and Baby Yoda's latest adventure would help to wash away the aforementioned film's lingering bad aftertaste.

Occasionally enjoyable though it is, The Mandalorian and Grogu fails to do just that and, as much as it pains me to say it, this isn't the way that Star Wars should've returned to the big screen.

The Mandalorian and Grogu arrives in theaters worldwide on Friday, May 22.

Insta360 Mic Pro: one-minute review

The Insta360 Mic Pro is Insta360's flagship wireless microphone system, and it enters the crowded small wireless mic sector with two features that its rivals (most notably DJI) simply can't match: a customisable E-ink display on each transmitter, and a three-microphone array that uses digital signal processing (DSP) to simulate different polar pickup patterns.

The E-ink screen is the more immediately striking of the two. Via the Insta360 app, you can push any image you like to the circular 1.22-inch, 6-colour display and it'll stay there persistently, even when the transmitter is powered off. And unlike an OLED display, E-ink consumes power only when refreshing the image, not while showing it, which means it adds almost nothing to battery drain. It's a clever and well-executed idea.

The selectable polar patterns are perhaps more interesting in theory than they proved in practice during my testing. The Mic Pro's three-microphone array uses DSP to synthesise four distinct modes: omnidirectional, super-directional, cardioid and figure-8. These are not true multi-capsule configurations (they're digitally constructed from omnidirectional inputs) but the differences are real. In everyday use, though, I found myself leaving the mic in omnidirectional mode most of the time. Where the polar patterns become more useful is when you mount the Mic Pro on a camera's cold shoe and switch to cardioid or super-directional mode, turning it into a passable on-camera directional mic — something DJI's Mic series doesn't allow for.

This design isn't printed on — it's an image displayed on a circular E-ink screen. (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

Elsewhere, the Mic Pro's spec sheet impresses: there's 32-bit float internal recording, 32GB of onboard storage, NPU-powered AI noise cancellation, timecode sync, up to 400m wireless range, and impressive multi-channel flexibility with 4-to-1 and 2-to-4 configurations. That last one — distributing two transmitters to four receivers simultaneously — may be particularly valuable for multi-camera productions.

In my testing, the feature that impressed most was the noise cancellation. Tested against a running fan in my office, the Mic Pro's Strong noise cancelling setting completely eliminated the background drone, easily outperforming the DJI Mic 3 in the same conditions. There are some minor design caveats worth noting, but the Mic Pro's core audio credentials are excellent.

Insta360 Mic Pro: price and release date

• Launched May 19 2026
• Priced from $99.99 / £89 / AU$159.99 for single transmitter
• Available in three options

The Insta360 Mic Pro is available now in three configurations. The entry-level option (£89 / $99.99 / AU$159.99) gives you a single transmitter only, which makes sense if you're buying into the Insta360 camera ecosystem and/or connecting directly via Bluetooth, or recording on the transmitter's own internal storage. The middle-tier 1 TX + 1 RX bundle (£179 / $199.99 / AU$319.99) is the obvious choice for solo creators, while the full 2 TX + 1 RX kit (£279 / $329.99 / AU$529.99) adds a second transmitter and charging case for two-person setups.

For context, the DJI Mic 3, the Mic Pro's closest competitor, currently retails at £269 for the 2 TX + 1 RX bundle, making the Insta360 £10 more for broadly comparable headline specs, though with genuinely different feature sets.

All of the above is included in the priciest Insta360 Mic Pro bundle. (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)Insta360 Mic Pro: specs

Dimensions

TX: 38 x 38 x 12.2mm / RX: 55.8 x 27.7 x 21mm

Weight

TX: 19.7g (without clip or magnet) / RX: 29.8g

Range

Up to 400m

Connectivity

RX: USB-C / Lightning, 3.5mm jack, headphones

Bluetooth

Yes

Battery

10 hours (transmitter), 11 hours (receiver), up to 30 hours with fully charged case

Noise cancelling

Two-level

The transmitter's USB-C port allows wired charging, plus data transfer from its 32GB of onboard storage space. (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)Insta360 Mic Pro: Design

• Transmitter's E-ink display can be customized
• Clip or magnetic attachment
• Receiver features small OLED screen

The Mic Pro transmitter is a small cylindrical puck 38mm in diameter and just 12.2mm tall with the E-ink display taking up one face entirely. It weighs 19.7g without its clip or button magnet attached, making it light enough to clip to a lapel without dragging on clothing.

That E-ink display is the first thing anyone will notice about the Mic Pro, and rightly so. At 1.22 inches with a 197 PPI resolution, it's sharp enough to render logos and text cleanly, and its six-color capability means branded graphics translate well. The persistent display could be a practical boon for multi-mic setups where visual identification of TX units matters – and because E-ink draws power only during refresh, it barely contributes to battery use. It's a well-thought-through implementation of a novel idea.

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

For mounting, the Mic Pro follows the now-familiar dual-approach used by DJI and others: a small clip for collars, caps and lapels, and a button magnet for direct attachment to thinner fabrics. The Mic Pro clip doubles as a cold shoe adapter that lets you mount the transmitter directly onto your mirrorless camera — effectively transforming it into an on-camera directional microphone when paired with the cardioid or super-directional pickup mode. As far as I'm aware, this isn't something DJI's Mic series supports, and it expands the Mic Pro's versatility for run-and-gun filmmakers.

The receiver is a conventional rectangular unit with a cold shoe clip, USB-C and 3.5mm outputs, and a small display for monitoring levels and settings. It's not especially compact by current standards (it will feel a little awkward when plugged into your smartphone, for instance), but it does the job.

The charging case is where things get a little more mixed. It looks smart, with a transparent front panel that shows you what's inside — two TX units, one RX, plus dedicated spaces for clips and magnets, and two smartphone adapters. My concern is a practical one: that transparent panel will attract fingerprints and may scuff with regular use. The hinged opening also took some getting used to; it's not quite as smooth or intuitive as DJI's case designs.

Both the receiver and transmitter can fit on top of camera cold shoes.Future | Sam KieldsenFuture | Sam KieldsenFuture | Sam KieldsenFuture | Sam Kieldsen

There are two other niggles worth mentioning. First, there's no dedicated space in the charging case for the 3.5mm audio cable — a small but irritating omission. Second, the Mic Pro's included windshields don't fit inside the charging case either, which means they (like the audio cable) will need to go in the carrying pouch instead. DJI's windshields fit neatly inside the Mic 3 and Mic Mini 2 cases, which is a design touch that makes a difference if you're packing light.

On the subject of what's in the box: as mentioned, a soft zip-up carry pouch is included, big enough to fit the charging case plus cables and windshields. It's a welcome inclusion. Less welcome, for those like myself using older iPhones, is the absence of a Lightning adapter as standard — though with Apple's transition to USB-C, it's hard to be too surprised that Insta360 has made the Lightning plug an optional extra.

Insta360 Mic Pro: Performance

• 10 hours battery life (transmitter), 11 hours battery life (receiver)
• Up to 400m range
• Superb two-level noise reduction

The Mic Pro's audio quality is superb. Recordings are clean and clear, with a 48kHz sampling frequency and 24-bit wireless transmission that's standard for the class. 32-bit float recording is also supported but as always with these kind of mics, it applies only to internal onboard recordings, not to the live wireless signal.

That said, those internal recordings — stored on the transmitter's 32GB onboard memory — could come in very useful for demanding content creators. 32-bit float means you can recover audio from unexpectedly loud events in post without clipping or distortion, and the available recording durations are generous: up to 44.8 hours of 32-bit mono, or 22.2 hours of 32-bit stereo. The stereo internal recording capability (available due to the transmitter's three-mic array) is also a nice touch for recording ambient soundscapes and ASMR-style captures, and unique to the Mic Pro in this category.

The four selectable polar patterns — omnidirectional, super-directional, cardioid and figure-8 — are generated by combining the inputs from three microphone capsules using DSP rather than using discrete capsules for each mode, and I found the results to be good but not transformative. The differences between modes are audible, but in most recording scenarios omnidirectional will serve you perfectly well. Where pattern selection becomes most valuable is in cold shoe mounting: in super-directional or cardioid mode, the Mic Pro functions as a credible on-camera directional mic, giving you a single piece of hardware that covers both lavalier and shotgun mic duties. It could be very handy for solo creators looking to reduce the amount of kit they have to carry around.

The Mic Pro can pair directly with several Insta360 cameras, including the Ace Pro 2 pictured here. (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

The noise cancellation is where the Mic Pro most clearly distinguishes itself from the competition on audio quality, however. The system offers two levels — Weak and Strong — driven by an onboard NPU. In my testing with a fan running continuously in my office, the Strong setting completely eliminated the noise, with no audible trace remaining in the recording. I tested the DJI Mic 3 in the same conditions and found it less effective; the Mic Pro's Strong mode outperformed it clearly. Weak mode also did a solid job, which is important because there are real-world situations in which Strong mode can't be activated (such as when you're recording without a receiver).

The Mic Pro can pair directly with Insta360 cameras including the X5, X4 Air, Ace Pro 2 and Go Ultra via Bluetooth, delivering 48kHz audio without a receiver. In theory, it's a good way to cut down on complexity for anyone who owns a recent Insta360 camera. In practice, however, I found that when testing with an Ace Pro 2, I couldn't access noise cancellation or adjust the Mic Pro's settings (apart from gain) through the camera menu. It's possible this will be addressed through firmware updates but at the time of writing, DJI's OsmoAudio ecosystem integration feels considerably more complete and polished.

The maximum range from transmitter to receiver is quoted at 400m in open conditions, matching the DJI Mic 3, and the battery life of 10 hours for the transmitter and 11 hours for the receiver should see through a full shooting day with ease. A five-minute fast charge delivers 1.5 hours of additional use, too.

Should I buy the Insta360 Mic Pro?Buy it if…

You need the best noise cancellation available
The Mic Pro's Strong noise cancelling outperforms the DJI Mic 3 by a clear margin. If clean audio in noisy environments is your priority, this is the wireless mic to beat.

You want one mic that covers both lavalier and on-camera duties
The ability to mount the Mic Pro on a cold shoe and switch to a directional polar pattern gives it a multi-role capability DJI can't match.

Don’t buy it if…

You're not sure you'll use the headline features
If you don't need the E-ink display or polar patterns, the DJI Mic 3 offers comparable core performance at a similar price — and its ecosystem is more mature too.

Your windshields need to live in the charging case
A small but real inconvenience: the Mic Pro's windshields don't fit in the charging case, unlike DJI's equivalents.

Insta360 Mic Pro: also consider

DJI Mic 3

Still the benchmark compact wireless mic for most creators, the Mic 3 offers comparable audio quality, 32-bit float internal recording and a more mature wireless ecosystem. At a similar price to the Mic Pro's 2 TX + 1 RX kit, it's the natural alternative if the Insta360's headline features don't appeal.

Read our DJI Mic 3 review

DJI Mic Mini 2

If you don't need 32-bit float, multi-pattern recording or on-camera mounting, the Mic Mini 2 is a far more affordable entry point into quality wireless audio. At £89 / $199 for the full kit, it's exceptional value.

Read our DJI Mic Mini 2 review

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)How I tested the Insta360 Mic Pro

• One week of testing indoors and outdoors
• Connected to Panasonic Lumix GH6 and Insta360 Ace Pro 2
• Tested indoors and outdoors

I've had plenty of time to test the Mic Pro in a range of scenarios and configurations: indoors and outdoors, in noisy and quiet environments and paired with the Panasonic Lumix GH6 mirrorless camera and the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 action camera. I've been able to test it clipped it to my clothes as well as mounted on the GH6 like a shotgun mic, and I was also able to compare its performance and noise cancelling capabilities directly with those of the DJI Mic 3.

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

Marshall Milton ANC: two-minute review

The Marshall Milton ANC brilliantly fuse everything I loved about the company's Major and Monitor models. They combine the iconic on-ear look of Marshall’s most popular headphones with the noise-cancelling capabilities and rich feature-set of their pricier over-ears, but for an official price of $229 / £179 / AU$329.

This combination has resulted in something that ranks among the best on-ear headphones, and that perform well across (the vast majority of) the board.

Just at a glance, the Milton ANC clearly stand as a middle point between their two siblings. For example, they have the PU-leather and golden detailing, alongside the exposed wires — design elements I loved on the Marshall Monitor III ANC. However, their on-ear build and smaller sized earcups are likely to appeal to fans of the Major line.

Of course, the Milton also bring active noise cancellation to the on-ear form, and they pull this off pretty well overall. There are some limitations to how effective ANC is — the lack of a full seal around the ears means that some harsher sounds will still seep in with relative ease.

However, I used the Milton on a flight, and they dulled the sound of a jet engine and surrounding chatter very well, enabling me to enjoy my tunes without many distractions, which isn't always the case with on-ears.

Marshall also aimed to level up its on-ear sound quality with the Milton, and I’d argue that they sound very decent for the price you pay. Some may find them to be a little bass-heavy out of the box, and they aren’t the most expressive-sounding headphones I’ve ever used — but a custom EQ can remedy the first point, and it’s also important to remember that these are moderately priced on-ears, not $400 / £350 over-ears.

The Milton offer energetic, clean, and relatively spacious sound, and perform well across various genres, and they even bring LDAC and USB-C audio to the table. The LDAC codec enables higher-res Bluetooth listening, and the Milton is the first Marshall product it’s featured on. Meanwhile, USB-C or USB-C to 3.5mm wired connectivity provides the highest-fidelity audio possible, and it’s great to see here.

One thing I really admired about these on-ears was their sustainable design. They’re made of 42% recycled materials (by weight), and multiple parts of the headphones are replaceable. You can also easily screw off the ear cups and replace a battery if need be. And this doesn't come at the cost of good looks — the Milton ANC effortlessly pull of the retro-style Marshall look.

These on-ears are also very plentiful in the battery life domain. You can get up to 80 hours of listening time with ANC off, and an admirable 50 hours with noise cancelling on, which is even better than the high-performing Beyerdynamic Aventho 100. Battery health settings are also accessible in the Marshall Bluetooth app, which I found to be relatively user-friendly, despite a few loading issues.

Perhaps the very best thing about the Milton ANC, though, is their almost weightless feel in use. I’d say that the Milton are the most comfortable on-ear headphones I’ve used in my entire life — I’m usually more of an over-ear fan, but sometimes I even forgot I was wearing these headphones.

Ultimately, then, the Marshall Milton ANC are an accomplished pair of on-ear headphones that perform well where it matters most. They aren’t quite perfect — I would’ve liked to have seen wear detection on-board, and there are some limitations in terms of sound and ANC. But for the price you pay, I think these headphones are well worth the investment.

(Image credit: Future)Marshall Milton ANC review: price and availability

• List price of $229 / £179.99 / AU$329
• Released on Marshall website on May 19, 2026
• Coming to select retailers on May 27, 2026

The Marshall Milton ANC are available for $229 / £179.99 / AU$329, placing them directly between Marshall’s budget-friendly on-ears, the Major V, and their premium over-ears, the Monitor III ANC. They are currently available in Black only.

The Milton ANC were released on Marshall’s website on 19 May 2026, but will be available from select retailers starting on May 27, 2026.

Marshall Milton ANC review: specs

Drivers

32mm dynamic

Active noise cancellation

Yes

Battery life

50 hours ANC on; 80 hours ANC off

Weight

200g

Connectivity

Bluetooth 6.0, USB-C

Frequency range

20Hz-20kHz

(Image credit: Future)Marshall Milton ANC review: features

• Colossal battery life of up to 80 hours with ANC off
• Lossless wired audio and LDAC for higher-res Bluetooth listening
• Commendable yet inherently limited noise cancellation

The Marshall Milton ANC are overflowing with features, including some that Marshall has never offered in its products before.

One exciting addition is LDAC, which enables you to stream higher-res audio over Bluetooth, from a compatible device. Of course, Bluetooth audio is still inherently lossy, but if you want the best quality possible, you can connect your device to the Milton via USB-C for wired audio — there’s even a USB-C to 3.5mm cable in the box.

The Milton ANC also bring support for Apple Find My and Google Find Hub, making it easy to locate your on-ears if you’ve forgotten their whereabouts.

A lot of the good stuff we saw on the Monitor III ANC features here too, including a five-band equalizer alongside a handful of presets, a customizable M button, and Auracast connectivity. You can access all of this in the Marshall Bluetooth app, which is well laid-out, but prone to a few loading issues in my experience.

I was pleased to see the Soundstage mode make a return, which is intended to “make your sound more spacious”. This works nicely, and I found myself using it pretty often. The effects aren’t as drastic as you get from some headphones’ spatial audio options, but you can adjust the metaphorical ‘room size’ and ‘amount’ that you want to employ spatial sound. For me, a medium room at 80% was the sweet spot.

Let’s also talk about battery life — something Marshall has been leading the way with on its Bluetooth speakers like the Kilburn III and Bromley 750. Things are no different on the Milton. You get a whopping 80 hours of playtime with ANC off, and a still-great 50 hours with noise cancelling active.

That’s considerably more than a lot of premium over-ear headphones, such as the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2 or Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 can offer.

In-line with upcoming EU regulations, the battery will be readily removable and replaceable. Repairs and replacements are available through Marshall directly, as part of the company’s aim to deliver more sustainable tech.

I think it’s about time we go to the main event, though, and discuss ANC. When I attended the launch of these headphones, Marshall stated that “the Milton were designed to push ANC performance further than on-ear headphones have gone before”.

And I have to say, the Milton offer pretty solid noise cancelling capabilities all things considered. Even while on a flight, the rumble of a jet engine and of general chatter was dulled pretty effectively. These headphones don’t fully cover your ears, so there are limitations to what they can do, and on occasion, I’ve still been able to hear sounds like cars passing by or babies screaming when out and about.

Still, it’s neat to see ANC on some Marshall on-ears. The adaptive ANC is paired with a dynamic loudness feature, which adjusts audio playback depending on the noise level in your vicinity. If things are getting noisy, the headphones will raise the bass and lower the mids — the idea is to "to energize listening sessions – no matter what", though obviously this is great for running tracks to keep you pushing, and less so for podcasts.

There’s also a transparency mode if you want to be more aware of your surroundings when out and about, as well as battery preservation options to extend the long-term lifespan of the headphones.

Marshall has rammed these on-ears with just about every feature you could want… well, just about. I would’ve liked to have seen wear detection included, so that my music automatically pauses when I take the Milton off — it's pretty standard fare these days. Otherwise, though, their features suite is golden.

• Features score: 4.5 / 5

(Image credit: Future)Marshall Milton ANC review: sound quality

• Clean, energetic sound
• Bass is a little heavy-handed out of the box
• Enjoyable, spacious sound with Soundstage mode active

Out of the box, the Marshall Milton ANC offers an energetic sound signature, and I was instantly struck by the hard-hitting bass. For some, the low-end may feel a little over-emphasized — and with more stripped back, acoustic tracks, I preferred using a custom EQ with a slight bump in the mids and some reduction down low.

However, I think that the signature sound will be a hit with a lot of listeners — the meaty bass was great for tracks like Authentic Computers 2.0 by Kolter. The pumping bass came through with seismic impact, but didn’t sound lethargic, and never obscured synths or vocals in the midrange. Meanwhile, drums higher in the frequency range sounded expressive yet controlled, helping to maintain the track’s high energy.

With more acoustic, laid-back tunes like Get It Up For Love by Ned Doheny, the Milton continued to perform well. Acoustic guitars in the build-up didn’t have top-tier expressiveness and detail of premium over-ears like the Sony WH-1000XM6, but they remained nice and clear in the mix, and intertwined with soulful vocals with elegance. Again, percussion was brilliantly balanced in the mix, and this even remained true at top volumes.

By default, the Milton ANC offer a solid soundstage, with a decent amount of width and immersion. However, if you make use of the Soundstage feature in the Marshall Bluetooth app, you can get more three-dimensional, spacious audio.

When listening to Down East by Sadao Watanabe, it really did seem as if sound had been released into a virtual room — the leading saxophone had more space to work its magic, while percussion felt as if it occupied a more distinct pocket.

I've flagged this in the Features section above, but I was also delighted to see LDAC make an appearance on a Marshall product, and it opened up more intricate detailing when listening to higher-res files on Tidal. Nothing is going to beat USB-C audio passthrough, however, which provides lossless quality via a wired connection.

Even using a more basic Bluetooth codec like AAC, though, the Marshall Milton ANC are a very solid-sounding pair of on-ears. They won’t astonish audiophiles with perfect instrument separation or top-tier attention to detail, but their engaging and energetic sound is sure to appeal to many.

On top of this, the Milton offer commendable mic quality, with four of the total six microphones being used for clear calls. I tried recording my voice and was very satisfied with the clarity of my speech throughout.

• Sound quality score: 4 / 5

(Image credit: Future)Marshall Milton ANC review: design

• Repairable and made of 42% recycled material
• Plush earcups are super-comfortable
• Beautiful retro-style look

I’ve mentioned a couple of times how Marshall is aiming to produce more sustainable technology at the moment, and the Milton ANC are a glowing example of that.

First of all, they contain 42% recycled material (by weight), which is a pretty significant proportion. On top of that, multiple parts of the Milton are replaceable, and Marshall can service the headphones or sell replacement parts when needed. The earcups also use bayonet locking, making them simple to screw off and on, and under the left earcup, you can easily unscrew a panel to replace the headphones’ battery.

It’s not all about sustainability though — the Marshall Milton ANC are brilliantly designed right across the board.

The earcups are more plush than those featuring on the Major V, and it’s incredibly apparent. They feel amazingly soft in use, and fit on my ears perfectly. The headband also feels relaxed, and never clamped down too hard, while still remaining secure.

Combine these two factors, and the Marshall Milton ANC are, without question, the most comfortable on-ear headphones I’ve ever used. I’ve used them for all-day use at the office, and never felt agitated or uncomfortable, which is a huge plus.

These headphones also look great in my opinion. The faux-leather casing, the golden Marshall logo, the exposed wires… these headphones nail the retro-style and look pretty premium for the price. The multi-directional button for playback control is attractive too, and was easy to use whenever I wanted to pump up the volume or skip a track.

Marshall has made a real effort to stress the ruggedness of the Milton, and I have to say they do feel pretty hardy. The practical draw-string case also helps to keep them safe against any tumbles or liquid splashes.

Speaking of which, the Milton ANC do not have a waterproof rating, which is a bit of a shame given their focus on durability and longevity. Don’t get me wrong: this is pretty common for headphones, but it would be nice to see a player like Marshall start adding IP ratings to its on-ear and over-ear products. Despite this, Marshall told me that the Milton were tested for higher humidity conditions and should be able to survive the odd raindrop, for example.

• Design score: 4.5 / 5

(Image credit: Future)Marshall Milton ANC review: Value

• Well-priced against the competition
• Incredible comfort, solid sound, and loads of features
• A great middle point between the Major V and Monitor III ANC

The Marshall Milton ANC are well priced against a lot of the competition. For instance, the Beyerdynamic Aventho 100, which offer ANC, a similar amount of battery life, and similarly strong audio, are priced at $229 / £199 / AU$314.

On top of that, the Milton fit perfectly between Marshall’s more budget-friendly on-ears, the Major V, and its premium over-ears, the Monitor III ANC. The former will typically set you back $149 / £129 / AU$259, and the latter have a list price of $349 / £299 / AU$569.

The Milton offer the form-factor and compact style of the Major V, while cramming in a lot of the smart features and noise-cancelling capabilities of the Monitor III, neatly fusing what makes their sibling models so appealing.

And just overall, I think you’re getting good overall quality for the money you spend. With top-tier comfort, plenty of playtime, and a sustainable design, the Milton ANC feel like a worthy investment.

Are they the best sounding headphones ever? Perhaps not — they lack the detail and balance that some competitors can supply. But still, these are hardly the most expensive on-ears out there, and their energetic sound signature is sure to appeal to a large proportion of the market.

• Value score: 4.5 / 5

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the Marshall Milton ANC?

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

Higher-res Bluetooth audio, great battery life, solid ANC; where's the wear detection?

4.5/5

Sound quality

Clean, energetic sound with LDAC and wired lossless, but could sound more balanced and detailed.

4/5

Design

Sustainable, durable construction with an iconic, enticing look, and best-in-class comfort.

4.5/5

Value

Well-priced against competition and not short on all-round quality.

4.5/5

Buy them if…

You want maximum comfort
The Marshall Milton ANC are, without a doubt, the comfiest on-ear headphones I’ve ever tested. They never clamp too heavily, and the plush earcups ensure that you’ll be able to enjoy your tunes for hours on end.

You’re looking for on-ears with noise-cancelling capabilities
A big positive about the Milton compared to a model like the Marshall Major V, is that they come with adaptive noise cancelling. That means that you can block the outside world out to decent effect, and the headphones can even adjust ANC levels depending on the noise levels in your environment.

Don’t buy them if…

You want the best sound quality available
Although the Milton offer very decent sound for the price you pay, they don’t offer the most nuanced or detailed sound I’ve ever heard from a pair of headphones. For the best sound quality, it may be worth looking to the over-ear market, and going with a pair like the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless.

You’re looking for a budget pair of headphones
Although the Milton aren’t massively expensive, especially for the quality on offer, you can certainly nab great quality headphones for less. In the over-ear category, it’s worth checking out cans like the 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 and the Soundcore Space 2. But if you want to stick with on-ears, I’d recommend taking a look at the Sony WH-CH520, listed below.

Marshall Milton ANC review: Also consider

Marshall Milton ANC

Beyerdynamic Aventho 100

Sony WH-CH520

Price

$229 / £179 / AU$329

$229 / £199 / AU$314

$60 / £60 / AU$99

Drivers

32mm dynamic

45mm dynamic

30mm dynamic

Active noise cancellation

Yes

Yes

No

Battery life

50 hours ANC on; 80 hours ANC off

40 hours ANC on; 60 hours ANC off

50 hours

Weight

200g

220g

137g

Connectivity

Bluetooth 6.0, USB-C

Bluetooth 5.4

Bluetooth 5.2

Frequency range

20Hz-20kHz

20Hz-22kHz

20Hz-20kHz

Beyerdynamic Aventho 100
We rated these on-ears from Beyerdynamic pretty highly when we tested them last year and, as a result, they made the cut in our guide to the best on-ear headphones. With impressive ANC, strong battery life, and beautiful looks, there’s a lot to like about these headphones, although we did wish they sounded a little more detailed. Read our full Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 review.

Sony WH-CH520
If on-ears are your thing, but you don’t want to spend upwards of $200 / £150, then the super-cheap Sony WH-CH520 could be perfect for you. They don’t feature active noise cancelling or fancy looks, but what they do provide is solid sound quality, plenty of playtime, and upscaling for lower-res audio files. Read our full Sony WH-CH520 review.

How I tested the Marshall Milton ANC

(Image credit: Future)

• Tested over the course of multiple weeks
• Used on a flight, public transport, and on walks
• Predominantly streamed music on Tidal

I spent weeks testing the Marshall Milton ANC, taking them with me just about everywhere I went. I used them on a flight, train journeys, my daily walks, and while working away at the office.

When listening to music, I used Tidal to experience the headphones’ higher-resolution capabilities, but I also dipped into Spotify from time to time. As always, I used the TechRadar testing playlist, which features songs from a wide variety of genres, but I also spent hours bumping tunes from my personal library.

More generally, I’ve spent years testing audio gear here at TechRadar, and have tackled everything from premium headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM6 through to small Bluetooth speakers like the Bose SoundLink Micro Gen 2. I’ve also tested a whole lot of Marshall products, including headphones such as the Marshall Monitor III ANC and soundbars like the Marshall Heston 60.

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

Obsession is among the huge range of new horror movies in May, and it is already doing more than enough to stand out from the crowd. With clever marketing including a phone number to call, everyone's been creeped out by the premise from the very beginning. I've been following this movie on social media for months, and I will admit that I am obsessed with Obsession.

When you strip it back, the premise of Obsession is a very simple one. A man makes a wish on a novelty toy, asking that his crush would "love him more than anything else in the entire world", and it comes true. But like any cautionary tale whether it's a genie's lamp or a monkey's paw, sometimes wishes backfire spectacularly.

Immediately, you face palm at just how extreme this wish is. Bear (Michael Johnston) is very explicit in what he wants, to the point that he asks to be the singular object of Nikki's (Inde Navarrette) desire. It's an unreasonable wish, because even those of us in committed relationships have other things that we love. Nothing can come between me and my hobbies, let me tell you.

The One Wish Willow, a whimsical novelty toy invented by director Curry Barker, takes Bear's request very literally. Indeed, Nikki does begin to love Bear more than anything, and it's more terrifying than he could have anticipated. Instead of giving Bear a passionate romance, she begins to stalk and obsess over him, and it is soon clear she is no longer Nikki but something else far more sinister.

Obsession sets out to make us incredibly uncomfortable and succeeds in multiple ways. Inde Navarrette's portrayal of Nikki is well rounded because yes, she does an excellent job at freaking us out, but she also shows us a human side of Nikki and what she lost. The movie reminds us repeatedly that Bear wished for this, he took away Nikki's agency, and now he's left with the stuff of nightmares.

You wished for this... (Image credit: Focus Features)

Navarette's unhinged performance is impossible to look away from, no matter what she's doing. There are some incredibly horrifying scenes in Obsession, as "Nikki" does her best to win Bear's affections and be the girl of his dreams, just as he asked. I did not expect things to get as dark as they did so be warned, some really messed up stuff happens. Nikki twists into something monstrous, a far cry from the person Bear loves.

Curry Barker has made something very special here. It ticks all the right boxes for any horror fan: it's gory, scary, and shocking. But it also forces us to confront some uncomfortable topics about relationships, desire, and consent. Nothing that happens in the movie would've happened if Bear hadn't broken the One Wish Willow, everything is a horrible, twisted consequence of his own actions. It's a tough pill to swallow.

Obsession is the kind of movie that lingers. Whether it's the disturbing scenes or the very idea of robbing someone of their humanity for your own selfish desires, it's sure to stick with you. I've seen plenty of interesting opinion pieces, videos and debates around the movie, which all good horror movies should do. It's a modern classic and I believe we'll be discussing it for many years to come.

Everywhere you look people are really analyzing Obsession and having a blast doing it, and because of this, its impact should not be ignored. It's only May and it has a very real chance of being 2026's best horror movie.

Many people are rallying for Obsession to be recognized during award season. With more horror movies being noticed recently, like Amy Madigan's performance in Weapons, I am hopeful that Obsession will get the flowers it deserves. It's thoroughly entertaining and grabs you by the throat, refusing to let go.

Truly, I could not have wished for more.

MSI MPG 341CQR QD-OLED X36: One-minute review

OLED display tech has some killer advantages over traditional LCD panels. But it also has some weaknesses. Enter the new MSI MPG 341CQR QD-OLED X36. It's a 34-inch ultrawide model that debuts Samsung's very latest 5th Gen QD-OLED technology. Is this the OLED monitor gamers have been waiting for?

The basic proposition here is actually quite familiar. We're talking 34 inches, 21:9 aspect ratio and a native resolution of 3,440 by 1,440. That doesn't make for terribly impressive pixel density. But then this is a display that's unambiguously aimed at gamers.

The argument for this form factor is that there's decent image detail for games while not generating a massively debilitating load for your graphics card. That's important if you're going to make the most of the 360Hz refresh rate.

Speaking of which, that's the first obvious upgrade over previous 34-inch QD-OLED panels, which topped out at 240Hz. Next up is brightness. This panel is rated at 300 nits full screen and 1,300 nits peak HDR, up from 250 nits and 1,000 nits respectively. The HDR certification has also been bumped from True Black 400 to True Black 500.

Another important improvement involves ambient light. Up to now, all QD-OLED panels reflect a purple tint in strong ambient light, which compromises outright black levels and contrast. This new 5th Gen QD-OLED panel reduces, but doesn't quite eradicate the problem.

(Image credit: Future)

Finally, there's sub-pixel structure. This is the first QD-OLED panel generation to offer true vertical RGB-strip subpixels. To cut a long story short, that helps with detail rendering precision, including text and fonts, albeit that even with RGB-strip subpixels, this isn't a true high-DPI display and the font rendering is never going to be that crisp. But it does now match an LCD of the same size and resolution.

All told, the new panel tech is seriously sweet. It's that bit punchier on the desktop in SDR mode and, if anything, feels stronger than the 300 nit rating. But it's in games where this ultrawide QD-OLED really sings.

The combination of 0.03ms response and 360Hz refresh makes for incredibly rapid and responsive gaming. The motion clarity is pretty awesome. 21:9 monitors aren't the classic choice for esports, but this thing certainly has the speed for very competitive titles.

But the best bit is HDR gaming. MSI includes its EOTF boost mode for optimal HDR visuals and the result is stunning. This is the first OLED gaming monitor that looks almost as good in bright, sunlit game scenes as it does in darker scenes punctuated by sizzling details like lazers or neon lights.

In short, no LCD monitor, even one with full array local dimming, even comes close to the precision of the per-pixel lighting offered by this type of display. Once you've gone OLED, you won't want to go back, especially this OLED.

For the record, the feature set on offer here is strong, too, with comprehensive connectivity including USB-C with 98W of power delivery, a fully adjustable stand and a three-year warranty that includes burn-in cover.

MSI MPG 341CQR QD-OLED X36: Price & availability

• How much does it cost? $899 / £999 / AU$1,899
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

At around $899, the MSI MPG 341CQR QD-OLED X36 is retailing for around $150 more that its direct predecessor based on 3rd Gen Samsung QD-OLED tech. In the context of OLED gaming monitors, which are generally pretty expensive, that's probably a decent deal in return for the upgrades on offer.

Of course, an LCD-based panel of the same size, resolution and refresh rate can be had for half the money or less, but then that's OLED for you. It's the pricey option among the best monitors. One caveat to all this is that the MSI MPG 341CQR QD-OLED X36 is proving popular and is often sold out of sites like Amazon and Newegg.

• Value: 3 / 5

MSI MPG 341CQR QD-OLED X36: SpecsAcer Predator X32 X Specifications

Screen size

34-inch

Resolution

3440 x 1440

Panel technology

Samsung QD-OLED

Refresh rate

360Hz

Response time

0.03ms

HDR

DisplayHDR 500 True Black

Brightness

300 nits full screen, 1,300 nits peak HDR

Connectivity

HDMI 2.1 x2, DisplayPort 2.1a, USB-C with 98W PD, 2x USB-A hub

MSI MPG 341CQR QD-OLED X36: Design

• Well built
• Good connectivity
• Three-year warranty

If the QD-OLED panel in the MSI MPG 341CQR QD-OLED X36 is fancy and new, the design of the chassis and stand is largely familiar. And that's broadly no bad thing.

It's solidly built and the stand offers a full range of adjustment , including height, tilt and rotate. There's pivot, too, but only 20 degrees each way. In other words, you can't pivot this panel into portrait mode. But then it is a 21:9 aspect ultrawide gaming monitor.

As for connectivity, we're talking DisplayPort 2.1, two HDMI 2.1 ports, USB-C with 98W of power delivery and a two-port USB-A hub. In other words, pretty much all your connectivity bases are well covered. Just note that if you aren't interested in the USB-C connectivity, MSI may well release a cheaper version of this display in future with that feature either stripped out or with the power delivery reduced.

(Image credit: Future)

MSI also includes a three-year warranty with burn-in cover. The issue of OLED burn-in is likely to run and run. We are now several years into the the availability of QD-OLED gaming monitors and they are broadly proving pretty robust, albeit they will exhibit some light burn-in with heavy use.

Along with the three-year warranty and plenty of burn-in compensating features like pixel shifting, it's worth noting that Samsung claims that this latest 5th Gen QD-OLED panel is twice as durable as the previous generation. That bodes well for long-term resistance to burn-in.

Oh, and if you were wondering, yes, the MSI MPG 341CQR QD-OLED X36 has a glossy rather than matte screen coating, which is great for contrast and visual punch, but does come at a cost in terms of added reflectivity.

(Image credit: Future)

• Design: 4 / 5

MSI MPG 341CQR QD-OLED X36: Performance

• Improved brightness
• Sizzling HDR visual
• Incredible speed

Out of the box the MSI MPG 341CQR QD-OLED X36 is immediately brighter and punchier than its predecessor, albeit the difference isn't immedaitely dramatic. That said, the overall vibe is, if anything, more impressive than the 300 nit full-screen brightness rating implies.

Part of that is thanks to the fact the QD-OLED panels use pure RGB subpixel technology. Monitors using LG's competing WOLED tech rely on an additional white subpixel to achieve their brightness ratings.

That can be problematic because most real-world content as opposed to test patterns are a mix of colors rather than pure white. For color brightness, the white subpixel either won't boost brightness at all, or can blow colors out. Consequently, QD-OLED has better true color brightness.

The MSI MPG 341CQR QD-OLED X36 has true RGB subpixels. (Image credit: Future)

Anywho, for almost all use cases, this new generation of QD-OLED panel tech has sufficient SDR full-screen brightness. But for HDR content, it positively sizzles. It's at its very best rendering a game scene that's a mix of very bright and very dark elements, all rendered at the same time with incredible precision and contrast.

Think an inky black background punctuated by a bright strip light, a control panel full of fizzing LEDs, or sparks, gunfire and lazers. On this monitor, that kind of thing looks stupendous.

MSI has also once again included its EOTF boost mode functionality. It basically combines the best aspects of the VESA HDR 500 mode with the Peak 1300 nits mode, enabling the highest brightness for both darker and brighter gaming scenes. In practice, you can use EOTF boost mode for pretty much all HDR content and get the best possible experience, instead of having to switch modes to suit the scene lighting. That's a real benefit.

The MSI MPG 341CQR QD-OLED X36 admittedly isn't quite so impressive in brighter outdoor game scenes. But full-screen brightness is much improved on previous generations of OLED in that respect and pretty close to being a solved problem.

Along with all the HDR goodness is the usual speediness of OLED. This new pane ups the refresh rate to 360. Combined with the ridiculously quick 0.03ms pixel response, the result is pretty outrageous response and clarity. This is a very fast display.

• Performance: 4 / 5

Should you buy the MSI MPG 341CQR QD-OLED X36?MSI MPG 341CQR QD-OLED X36 scorecard

Value

At $899, the MSI MPG 341CQR QD-OLED X36 is about $150 more expensive than it's predecessor. So, like all OLEDs, it's not cheap. But it is probably worth the extra money if you are already shopping OLED gaming monitors.

3 / 5

Design

This is a well-built, properly engineered display with a strong feature set. Relatively low pixel density is the only obvious weakness.

4 / 5

Performance

For this class of display namely a 21:9 34-inch ultrawide 1440p panel, this is the best we've yet seen. It's stunning.

5 / 5

Final score

If you are in the market for a 21:9 1440p gaming panel, the MSI MPG 341CQR QD-OLED X36 is the very best you can buy.

4.5 / 5

Buy the MSI MPG 341CQR QD-OLED X36 if...

You want the latest OLED tech
The MSI MPG 341CQR QD-OLED X36 sports Samsung's very latest 5th Gen QD-OLED panel tech, and it's seriously stunning.

You want incredible HDR visuals
The new QD-OLED panel mostly fixes the slight flaws of previous-gen QD-OLEDs. It's brighter and looks incredible with HDR content.

Don't buy it if...

You want a high-DPI experience
As with all 34-inch 1440p panels, pixel density is not a strong point. For games that's fine, less so for all-round computing.

You want a bargain
At the thick end of $1,000, the MSI MPG 341CQR QD-OLED X36 is a lot of money for a 34-inch ultrawide monitor.

• Originally reviewed in May 2026

Keurig K-Crema: one-minute review

Keurig has become a go-to coffee maker brand in the US, with its brewing products rivalling fellow big dogs like Nespresso, Breville, and Ninja. One of its latest innovations is the K-Crema single-serve coffee machine, featuring the manufacturer’s new PressureInfusion Technology, which (according to Keurig) delivers five times more pressure than its standard brewers.

What does that mean for you? Smoother coffee with bolder flavours and a visibly creamy texture on top — though just how much crema you get depends on the roast you use, with darker roasts resulting in more crema and lighter roasts producing less in my experience.

This high-pressure coffee maker offers four main cup sizes — 6oz, 8oz, 10oz, and 12oz — and two espresso options — single shot and double shot. While the pressure mode can be used with any of these, there’s also a classic mode. Using the brewer is straightforward, with its control panel easy to use and its removable parts requiring minimal effort to clean. The coffee-making process is also a joy, with brews taking around one minute, with minimal noise, and the results packed with rich flavor — regardless of the setting.

(Image credit: Future)

The K-Crema uses K-Cup pods, Keurig’s own coffee capsules specifically designed for use in its brewer, and there is an impressively wide variety of K-Cups available, including options from big coffee brands like Dunkin’ Donuts, Starbucks, Green Mountain, and McDonald's, offering a way to brew your favourite coffee at home.

While prices on these pods vary, a box of 24 pods costs around $20 (not including the delivery fee), making them more affordable than they would be in-store. However, you are restricted to using K-Cups in the machine.

The K-Crema uses K-Cup capsules, like all of Keurig's coffee makers (Image credit: Future)

The K-Crema itself also offers good value for money, given the quality of its design, features, and results. While $219.99 is still a pretty penny, it’s in line with the cost we’d expect for a single-serve capsule coffee machine, especially one of this standard. If that’s still a little out of your price range, look out for regular discounts that bring the K-Crema down to around $149.99.

Keurig K-Crema: price and availability

• List price $219.99
• Regular discounts drop it to around $149.99
• Available at third-party retailers like Target and Walmart
• Not available in the UK or Australia

The Keurig K-Crema retails for $219.99, putting it in the same price ballpark as the Nespresso Pixie — one of our best coffee maker picks — while offering more functionality. As such, the brewing machine offers excellent value for money, which becomes even better when regular discounts drop that price to $159.99. Unfortunately, those in the UK. and Australia are out of luck as the K-Crema is unavailable in those regions at the time of writing.

However, when buying any capsule coffee machine, you also need to consider the price of the pods. The K-Crema uses K-Cup pods, which can be purchased directly from Keurig or third-party retailers like Amazon, though subscription services are also available. A box of 24 pods from Keurig costs roughly $20 (with delivery free on orders over $35), working out around 80 cents a pod, with bigger discounts available on bigger boxes. While you can only use K-Cup pods with the brewer, the variety of brands and beverage options is pretty impressive, with pods available from Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts, Green Mountain, and more.

Keurig also offers an optional recycling and composting service called K-Cycle, whereby you can purchase a K-Cup pod recovery bin ($139.95 for a small five-pack and $189.95 for a large five-pack), fill it with your used K-Cups, and return it to the company. Keurig then converts 75% of the pod’s weight into compost and 25% into recycled product.

• Value score: 4.5/5

Keurig K-Crema: specifications

Type

Single-serve capsule coffee maker

Colour

Black

Capsules

K-Cup pods

Brew pressure

Two options: Classic or Pressure

Brew sizes

6oz, 8oz, 10oz, 12oz, shot, double shot

Water reservoir capacity

72 oz

Special features

PressureInfusion technology, energy saver auto off function, high altitude setting, multistream technology, adjustable drip tray, descale indicator, pressure lock

Smart control?

No

Dimensions

13.3in x 8.5in x 13.1in / 33.8cm x 21.6cm x 33.3cm

Dishwasher cafe?

No

Keurig K-Crema: design

• Stylish black and silver matt design
• Adjustable drip tray
• Removable hand-washable parts
• Descaling indicator

The K-Crema is a stylish-looking coffee maker, featuring a black matte body with silver matte accents. While it takes up a bit more counter space than, say, a Nespresso Vertuo, a good portion of the space it occupies is due to the removable, 72-oz water reservoir on its side. On top of the machine is a control panel, displaying a circle of large buttons, each indicating the brewer’s various cup sizes, with a Keurig 'K' button in the middle. Just above these buttons are two more for brew pressure: one for Classic and another for Pressure.

Around the base of the control panel is a handle that, when pulled upward, opens the top of the machine to reveal the K-Cup holder below with a needle inside and a set of (more noticeable) sharp needles above that pierce the cups. Underneath where the cup holder hits is a drip tray that can be adjusted to suit the size of the cup you’re using or removed entirely to accommodate travel mugs.

You can adjust the height of the drip tray to suit different sized cupsFutureThe dray is plastic, which helps avoid scratching your drinkware, but isn't dishwasher-safeFuture

The drip tray, K-Cup-holder, and aforementioned water reservoir can all be removed and must be hand-washed with soapy water, rather than putting them in the dishwasher.

The rest of the machine can be wiped down with a cloth, but be super careful to avoid the needles inside the machine and the K-Cup holder — and to keep little fingers away — as they’re extremely sharp. I did find that I had to regularly wipe down the base of the machine, above the drip tray, as coffee would often splash back during brewing.

The K-Crema uses sharp spikes to pierce capsules, and they are more prominent than those of similarly specced Nespresso machinesFutureThe used pods are easy to remove, but don't drop into a handy bin like Nespresso Vertuo capsulesFuture

Keurig recommends periodically hand-washing the removable parts and advises that if you taste a change in your beverage's flavour, or regularly use flavoured cups, you may need to clean them more often. At the very least, we advise rinsing your pod holder regularly. Fortunately, if descaling is your issue, the machine will display a light indicating that you need to descale the machine. Keurig offers its own descaling solution, as well as water filters and rinse pods to help maintain your machine.

Apart from the splashing, our primary issues with the machine’s design were the small response delay after pressing a button, and that the pressure lock, which was meant to automatically engage during a pressure brew — and is indicated by a red light — didn’t seem to work for us. The light didn’t come on, and the lock didn’t engage, allowing the handle to be lifted. However, this may have been an issue with our specific model, as we’ve not seen reports of this issue from other customers.

The buttons on top of the machine make it easy to select your preferred drink size (Image credit: Future)

• Design score: 4.5/5

Keurig K-Crema: performance

• Bold, rich flavours
• Brews in around one minute
• Pressure mode produces smoother brews
• Crema depends on roast type

Operating the K-Crema is wonderfully straightforward, once you’ve read the instructions. All you have to do is insert your K-Cup into the holder, pull down the handle, and then select either Classic or Pressure, followed by your brew size — select the large 'K' symbol to start .

We found that on Classic, with an 8oz brew selected, a coffee took around a minute-and-a-half to brew, including heat-up time. A pressure 6oz cup was similarly speedy, taking just one minute and 12 seconds.

Keurig advises that dark roasts produce the most crema (Image credit: Future)

Overall, the coffee taste on both modes was bold and flavorsome — especially on the shot and double shot settings — but you can definitely notice a difference in the Pressure mode: the brew is simply smoother and richer.

I was slightly disappointed by the crema, as there was only a small amount on top with each test. However, I was using a medium roast, and Keurig does warn that a dark roast will produce the most crema. So, if you want lots of crema but don’t like a dark roast, this may not be the machine for you.

The K-Crema is particularly quiet in use (Image credit: Future)

The machine was surprisingly quiet throughout our tests, registering an average of 64 decibels, most of which was the sound of the stream of liquid from the coffee maker hitting the liquid already in the cup below. We were also impressed by the heat of the brew: not so scalding hot that you have to wait to enjoy your drink, but just right for those of us who enjoy standard coffee shop temperatures. Once finished, the used, punctured cup was easy to remove thanks to the small lips on either side of the holder.

• Performance score: 4.5/5

Should you buy the Keurig K-Crema?Keurig K-Crema score card

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

At $219.99, this coffee maker offers excellent value for its price tag, offering more functionality than some of its competitors — and a better quality brew. Keep an eye out for regular discounts for even better value.

4.5/5

Design

The K-Crema is a stylish, fairly minimalistic coffee machine with clear, large buttons and straightforward functionality. It does splash a bit, but fortunately the clean up is pretty low effort.

4/5

Performance

This coffee maker makes flavoursome, rich coffee in around one to two minutes, with the pressure mode offering an even smoother brew. Just don't expect lots of crema if you're not a fan of dark roast.

4.5/5

Buy it if

You want coffee shop drinks at home

The K-Crema uses K-Cups, and the variety of pods available is pretty impressive due to Keurig’s many brand partnerships. Choices include Dunkin’, Lipton, Starbucks, McDonald’s, Tim Hortons, Twinings, and more, allowing you to enjoy coffee shop coffee from the comfort of your kitchen.

You're serious about flavorful coffee

The K-Crema uses multi-stream technology to more evenly saturate the K-Cup’s coffee grounds, allowing it to extract more flavour and aroma, and it shows. The coffee brews are bold, rich, and, when using Pressure mode, super smooth. If you care about the flavour of your coffee, this coffee maker is well worth considering.

You want a quality coffee maker that won't break the bank

This brewer retails for $219.99, but offers high-quality performance and results for that price tag. While it may not offer the bells and whistles of more high-end coffee makers, it offers more functionality than similarly priced competitors. What’s more, thanks to regular discounts, you may even be able to pick it up for almost $70 less.View Deal

Don't buy it if

You don't want to be tied to using K-Cup capsules

While there’s a wide variety of K-Cups available, you may not want to be tied to using Keurig’s range. If you prefer alternative third-party coffee capsules or are moving from another brewer brand, like Nespresso, and hope to continue using the same pods, this may not be the coffee maker for you.

You want more than the basics

The K-Crema does what it does well, but if you’re looking for a more barista-style coffee maker with the ability to froth and steam milk, or grind your own beans, you won’t find that here. But, if you’re starting out on your coffee machine journey and simply want an affordable, easy-to-use machine, this is one to consider.View Deal

Keurig K-Crema: also consider

If you're not sure whether the Keurig K-Crema is the right coffee maker for you, here are two alternatives to check out.

Nespresso Vertuo Pop

The smallest and most affordable Nespresso machine around, the Pop produces rich, full-bodied espresso in a couple of minutes. The only drawback is that Vertuo pods are relatively pricey.

Bosch Tassimo Finesse Friendly

Another affordable capsule coffee-maker, the Finesse Friendly can also create authentic-tasting cappuccinos and lattes using capsules filled with long-life milk.

AndaSeat Phantom 4 Pro: One-minute review

I've reviewed pretty much every AndaSeat gaming chair launched in the last two years, and I've got to say the Phantom 4 Pro line is the most confusing of the lot. It doesn't quite know what it wants to be, straddling two lanes of design decisions, compromising on one more so than the other.

The big talking point is the adaptive lumbar support that AndaSeat has built into the Phantom 4 Pro. It flexes, shifts, moves with your spine, providing support for any and all angles, and you can (after much fiddling) shift it back and forth to really dial in exactly how you sit.

But critically, although yes, the Phantom 4 Pro line does indeed hit all of the ergonomic standards it needs to (with full certification) it feels like a bit of a swing and a miss. The brand has sacrificed a lot to hit those heady heights, and I'm not sure it's worth it, certainly not if it's aiming to be one of the best gaming chairs money can buy.

It's just not comfortable. Not in the same way that the Kaiser is, or even the Novis (my personal budget favorite). And that's an issue, because this is inherently first and foremost, a gaming chair (albeit one that you're going to have in your home office) and one you’re expected to spend countless hours sat in day-in, day-out.

And I know why this is. There's two prevailing trains of thought when it comes to how you design office chairs. The first mostly revolves around comfort: "How can we take a design we've already established and make it even better to sit in next time?". Squishier padding, memory foam, plenty of bounce, encapsulating supports, spongey adjustable arm-rests, magnetic headrest pillows, soft fabrics, you name it. This is typically where brands have fun with bucket seats and exciting new features.

(Image credit: Future)

Then there's the other line of thinking. Ergonomics first. Heavy lumbar support, mesh weave, lightweight, integrated headrests, a hard seat base, all designed to tick off health and safety check-boxes, or ensure your butt doesn't atrophy after months of use (the AndaSeat X-Air is an example of a very similar style to this), and that the wheels don't roll too fast in case of a fire (it's a genuine EU convention I promise: EN 1335 / BIFMA).

The problem is that these two design methodologies are so paradoxically juxtaposed to one another, that they can't exist equally in tandem, implemented to a high degree of efficacy. That's a long way of saying, if it's comfy, it's probably not good for you, and if it's good for you, it's probably not comfy.

Sadly, the Phantom 4 Pro falls in the latter category. Yes, its features are quite impressive on paper, but it lacks that element of comfort that, if I'm honest, it looks like it should have. Which is a shame. It might, ergonomically, be the best office chair, but it certainly isn't the nicest to sit in.

AndaSeat Phantom 4 Pro: Price and Availability

• Costs $389 (around £290 or AU$545)
• Only available in the US at launch
• Multiple colorways and fabric options

Right now, you can pick one of these bad boys up in the US for $389, directly from the AndaSeat webstore. You've got your choice of upholstery, Linen Fabric, or the Premium PVC leather, and some fairly muted colorways as well.

That's quite the surprising development in of itself, as AndaSeat's webstore gives you access to some store exclusives, and a wider array of color options. Not so today. Instead, you've got "Elegant Black" (PVC leather) and "Royal Black" (PVC leather with some orange, or goldish stitching), and "Ash Grey" (fabric) and a "Carbon Black" option as well.

Intriguingly, there's also no XL variant on offer here like there usually is, either, so if you sit outside of the realms of AndaSeat's proposed height and weights, you're up a particular creek without a movement device.

AndaSeat Phantom 4 Pro: Specs

Price

$389 (around £290 or AU$545)

Dimensions

53 x 27.56 x 27.56 in / 134.5 x 70 x 70 cm

Max user weight

220 lbs / 100 kg

Max seat height

20.2 in / 51.5 cm

Seat depth

22 in / 56 cm

Recline angle

90–135° (with 15° rocking)

Warranty

5-Years

Material

Premium PVC Napa Leather, Breathable Linen Fabric

AndaSeat Phantom 4 Pro: Design and Aesthetics

• Impressive appearance
• Black PVC leather is especially good
• Doesn't look overly gamer

Visually, the Phantom 4 Pro looks pretty damn impressive. Especially the black leather edition I have here. At first glance, this thing is clean. You've got some bolstering, sure, but it's not too dramatic, treading a fine line between gaming and office chair.

On a call with your CEO? They're not going to be put off by any glaring seatbelt grommet holes from a bucket design lifted straight out of Recaro's back catalog, and there's no snake-based logos or RGB glimmering away in the background telling you to buy Gamersupps either.

The leather in particular looks utterly lush. It's smooth with a fine grain appearance, and the stitching is remarkably tight, with even the embroidered logo looking far cleaner than it has done in the past. It's not quite at the old Noblechairs Legend level, but it's close, and that's seriously impressive, given the cost.

The caster base, too, is nice. It doesn't have the cleanest weld lines, but let's be fair, you're not going to be looking at the undercarriage of this thing that often. The wheels are super smooth and glossy, gliding nicely along the floor.

(Image credit: Future)

Before I get into the two big show-stoppers, though, I do want to cover the added accessories that AndaSeat provides, because, well, the list is quite sparse. You do get a magnetic memory foam headrest pillow that sticks on quite nicely to the headrest area, and two spare bolts and an Allen key, and that's about it. If you're looking for a nice care package, you'd better look elsewhere.

So, onto the key features then starting with the armrests. The ones here are a bit controversial. In short, they're fully adjustable across three axes, including, what I'm dubbing as an infinite rotation angle, or 360 degrees. You can just continually spin them. That might sound odd, and it kind of is, but it's insanely useful to move them out of the way during assembly. Otherwise, they're still padded, mildly squishy, with that soft sand-blasted-style coating that you've seen on a hundred other gaming chairs.

Two of two features. Gotta be that lumbar support, right? I've got a lot to say about that in a minute (curse these pesky design subsections limiting my editorial flow), but the tl;dr is that it's a fully fledged, "dynamic", "auto-tracking" lumbar support. Basically, sit in the thing, and it pivots and twists depending on how dapper your spine is, with 15 individual depth locking positions that, fortunately, you can adjust in between (with a bit of effort).

(Image credit: Future)AndaSeat Phantom 4 Pro: Comfort and adjustability

• Seatbase is tough
• Lumbar support is aggressive and complex
• Armrests are impressive but also might be controversial

I've spent a lot of time testing the Phantom 4 Pro. Trying to understand it. Trying to come to terms with that aggressive lumbar support. And it is aggressive. I almost always come into these reviews as best I can, fully blind. I do get the pitch for the product, but I tend to try and forget everything between that and when it arrives purely so I can go into the review with fresh eyes as a buyer would.

The lumbar support caught me entirely off guard. After I built it, the lumbar was fully extended in its maximum position, and, try as I might, I just couldn't adjust it. I looked at the manual. I tried moving in and out, and nothing worked. It was only when I accidentally grabbed it with one hand, in the crevice at the bottom, then pulled it forward that I figured out it was actually possible to adjust it. Which is nuts. At its full extension, my head couldn't reach the headrest pillow, and I was practically perched on the very edge of my seat if I wanted to lean back and put my feet up.

Once I figured out that you can actually grab it from underneath, and then ratchet it forward with your hand, or pull it all the way out and then reset it back flush to the chair, I was convinced it was actually worth it. It's frustrating to say the least. AndaSeat, I know you read these so make a better instruction manual please.

Moving on to the seat base, and boy is it tough to sit on. The Phantom 4 Pro uses 55 kg/m3 cold-cure foam, which is a high-density design (albeit the lowest density in AndaSeat's chair range).

It's a bit of a staple of AndaSeat's arsenal of gaming chairs in fact. The Kaiser 3E and the Novis use a 60 kg/m3 setup, and the Kaiser 3 Pro and 3 have a 65 kg/m3. More density doesn't necessarily mean softer either, as it depends on how the bolstering is set up, and how that foam is tuned, plus the general thickness of it.

It can still be 55 kg/m3, and harder, despite having fewer cells in a broader space. The bad news is, the Phantom 4 Pro is, well, quite hard. It's not that there's no padding, but compared to those softer options, like the Novis, the difference is palpable.

(Image credit: Future)

Lastly, we have the armrests, and I'm torn on these. One of my biggest criticisms of a number of AndaSeat chairs in the past is the fact that the armrest ends are often either too big or a bit abrasive, and almost feel like they should've been oriented in the opposite direction. With the Phantom 4 Pro, you actually have the latter as a choice. You can spin it entirely so the lightly embossed AndaSeat logo is situated at the rear, and has a smooth, curved end facing forward. Or alternatively, spin it a complete 180 degrees from there, and instead have the flat-end facing forward. A one-off decision for 90% of us, maybe, but it's a nice touch.

The price you pay for that flexibility is a lack of quick access to lateral movement (side-to-side). If you want to shift the armrests out, even slightly, you have to take an Allen wrench to the underside of the chair and move the entire armrest. It still moves up and down vertically, but you lose that sideways movement, which is surprisingly useful from time to time, particularly for us cross-legged sitters. Plus, as they constantly spin, you can't actually put that much pressure on them without movement occurring. Lean sideways, or push on them to get up, and they'll move outwards away from you.

I could deal without the lateral movement, sure, a lack of that is fine, but a locking button to stop the spin that you press in to rotate would be a quick-fire fix for sure.

Other than that, the usual bells and whistles are here: you've got the recline adjustment, tilt, seat base height adjustment, gas piston, you know the drill, and it works; there's little more that needs adding.

One final thing I'll add, that does frustrate me quite a bit, is how limited the Phantom 4 Pro chair is in terms of human capacity, too. Max load is just 100KG or 220lbs, and max height is 6 '1 or 185cm. That's not a lot of flexibility there. Particularly given there's no XL variant yet either.

AndaSeat Phantom 4 Pro: Assembly

• Easy build process
• Done in 20 minutes
• Seat back bolts were tight

There's not a whole lot to say about the build process. Overall, it was very consistent with every other gaming chair I've ever constructed. You grab the base, plug in the casters, pop the piston in, and add the covers. Fit the armrests to the seat base. Attach that to the seat back, then install the seat base mount, with its levers, and slot it onto the piston.

AndaSeat includes everything you need to get it built, and a fairly hefty instruction manual, but as I've already mentioned, the lack of a guide on how to use that adjustable lumbar support is painful.

One other thing I will say is that there are bolts included in the seat back that you need to remove by default, and they are incredibly tight, so you might need a second set of hands, or a bigger Allen key, or a power drill. Depends how strong you are. Similarly, they're quite the challenge to get back in, too, once you've got the seatback slotted into position.

Otherwise, it’s an easy build.

(Image credit: Future)Should You Buy The AndaSeat Phantom 4 Pro?Buy it if...

You want aggressive lumbar support baked in
Like your spine perfectly cradled? Need a certificate to show HR? The Phantom 4 Pro is your guy, it might not be the most cushiest of chairs out there, but there's no denying it supports you where it counts.

You're after a gaming chair that doesn't scream gaming
One word to define the Phantom 4 Pro line? Understated. It's crisp, clean, with beautiful materials and designs. There's no outlandish colorways or insane logos, just pure class.

Don't buy it if...

You prioritize comfort over ergonomics
Look, ergonomics are great, they really are, but an obsession over them in favor of comfort? Less so. Some of us just want a comfortable, cushy seat to sit in after a long day at work. This ain't it.

You're not a perfectly sized human
Heavier than 100kg or 220lbs? Taller than 6'1 or 185cm, then sling your hook, pal, the Phantom 4 Pro ain't for you, and there's no XL edition either (yet).

Also consider...

Not a fan of AndaSeat's lumbar implementation and want something with a bit more cush? Try these alternatives.

AndaSeat Phantom 4 Pro

Secretlab Titan Evo 2022

Razer Iskur V2

Price

$389 (around £290 or AU$545)

$519 / £414 / AU$724

$649.99 / £599.99

Dimensions

53 x 27.56 x 27.56 in / 134.5 x 70 x 70 cm

54.3–58.3 x 27.6 x 27.6 in / 138–148 x 70 x 70 cm

23.62in x 27.56in x 51.18in / 600mm x 700mm x 1300m

Max user weight

220 lbs / 100 kg

285 lbs / 130 kg

299 lbs / 136 kg

Max seat height

20.2 in / 51.5 cm

21.9 in / 55.5 cm

14 inches / 355.6mm

Seat depth

22 in / 56 cm

20.9 in / 53 cm

15 inches / 381mm

Recline angle

90–135° (with 15° rocking)

85–165°

152°

Warranty

5-Years

5-Years (extended warranty)

3 years

Material

Premium PVC Napa Leather, Breathable Linen Fabric

NEO Hybrid Leatherette, SoftWeave Plus Fabric, Napa Leather

Black

Secretlab Titan Evo 2022
An absolute legend in the world of Techradar's gaming chair coverage, and with good reason. With exceptional comfort, removable magnetic lumbar support, and a size range that the Phantom 4 just can't cover, despite being four years old at this point, it's still a fine pick.

For more information, check out our full Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 review

Razer Iskur V2
In many ways, a similar concept to the Phantom 4 Pro, Razer's Iskur v2 with its built-in lumbar support still performs admirably, with a remarkable build quality, and solid armrests all around. Also, it kinda just looks good, you know? Albeit at a slightly inflated price.

For more information, check out our full Razer Iskur V2 review

How I tested the AndaSeat Phantom 4 Pro

• Tested over 3 weeks of constant use
• Fully built by hand with included tools
• Used in all manner of configurations possible

Testing gaming chairs and office chairs generally is quite challenging. You need a broad knowledge of other gaming chairs in the area, otherwise everything looks and feels good. These are premium products designed to encourage comfort or ergonomics, so having a broad sense of the industry is pivotal.

Fortunately I've reviewed practically every AndaSeat gaming chair in the last three years, and a few more besides that. I actively compared the Phantom 4 Pro, to my experience with the Kaiser 3E XL (my daily driver), alongside the Novis, the Kaiser 4, the 4 Pro, and the X-Air too.

Predominantly I used the Phantom 4 Pro as my daily driver for around three weeks before writing up my review, keeping an active diary of any bug-bears or issues that arose during my time with it. Comfort issues that might be apparent on day one typically shift over time, so it's important to keep a running log.

I also got my partner (a dinky 5'5 lady) to sit in and provide me with her feedback, along with a few members of my close friends and family as well, asking for their opinions and direct feedback, questioning them on comfort, the feel, the build quality, and what their experiences are with it, providing me with a broad spectrum of qualitative views from multiple body types.

Read more about how we test.

First reviewed May 2026

Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K: two-minute review

The premium keyboard space is weird, man. I've been reviewing PC hardware long enough to know that you can usually get a pretty darn good product without spending top dollar, but that's arguably not always the case with keyboards. The bottom end of the market is awash with crappy membrane keys and cheap mechanical switches that fail at the drop of a hat, so I find myself frequently more likely to recommend more premium offerings like the Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K.

Priced at $229.99 (around £170/AU$320), it's certainly aiming to be one of the best keyboards on the market, and it does a lot to justify that admittedly rather steep price of admission. Straight out of the box, this feels like a high-end keyboard: the chassis is crafted from CNC-machined aluminum, weighing almost two kilograms in total, with doubleshot PBT keycaps.

For typing, it's a dream; the Keychron Silk POM Banana key switches have an immensely satisfying thwock to them, sitting somewhere between the quiet linear actuation of traditional red switches and the loud clickiness of tactile brown switches. The whole user experience feels great, with multiple connectivity modes and great battery life for wireless use.

(Image credit: Future)

I would hazard that, despite featuring the obligatory RGB key backlighting, this likely won't be the ideal option for gamers seeking the best gaming keyboard — at least, not with the Banana key switches in my review model. There is a linear red option available, which offers slightly greater key travel and significantly reduced actuation force, and high-intensity gamers will probably find that better.

While the Q1 Ultra 8K's namesake 8,000Hz polling rate is ostensibly aimed squarely at PC gamers, offering ultra-fast responsiveness and near-zero input lag, it's frankly a bit of a gimmick. All but the twitchiest pro gamers are unlikely to notice any real-world difference; in fact, I used the Q1 Ultra 8K for almost two days before realizing that the 8K polling mode was switched off by default, and I'd been playing Marathon with the regular 1,000Hz polling — and I didn't notice the slightest bit of input latency, so this is a somewhat milquetoast complaint on my part.

Overall, this is a very good keyboard that doesn't quite reach all-around perfection, but will still prove a worthy purchase for anyone who spends a lot of time typing at their PC. If you're looking for something compact but still satisfying to type on, the Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K is a solid choice. If you want a compact keyboard to take on the go, though, look elsewhere — this one is far too heavy for that!

Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K review: Price & release date

• Costs $229.99 (around £170/AU$320)
• Available now in the US
• Sits at the upper end of the market price-wise

At the time of writing, it appears that the Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K isn't available to shoppers in the UK and Australia — potential buyers in those regions will have to settle for the Q1 Max, which offers a similarly premium design but uses slightly cheaper key switches and lacks the 8K polling rate feature.

If you're in the US (or willing to import), you can pick up the Q1 Ultra 8K for $229.99 (around £170/AU$320) – a fairly steep price, though one that puts it in the same bracket as the similarly great SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless Gen 3. Looking at the wider premium mechanical keyboard market, this pricing is reasonably competitive.

(Image credit: Future)

Inside the box, you get a set of alternate keycaps for switching between Windows and macOS compatibility, along with a USB-C to USB-C charging cable, USB-A adapter, and a small set of tools for hot-swapping both the keycaps and key switches.

• Price score: 3.5/5

Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K review: Specs

Layout

75%

Switch

Keychron Silk POM Banana (Linear Red and Tactile Brown also available)

Programmable keys

Yes

Dimensions

12.9 x 5.7 x 1.3 inches / 328 x 145 x 32mm

RGB or backlighting

Yes (customisable)

Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K review: Design & features

• Robust machined aluminum chassis
• Comfortable concave PBT keycaps
• Great degree of customization

My review unit of the Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K uses the black colorway, and I really like it. Almost the entire unit has a matte black finish, with dark gray used for accenting for keys around the edge of the board and a bright cyan tone for the Esc and Enter keys.

Combined with the tall, blocky keycaps, simple lettering, and the highly satisfying physical volume knob in the top-right corner, it's all got a distinctly retrofuturist feel to it. The white colorway rocks a similar vibe with gray and red accent keys that would make it look right at home aboard the USCSS Nostromo.

Indeed, I was almost loath to turn on the RGB lighting, because it almost detracts from the clean, retro vibe this keyboard has going for it. Fortunately, those RGB LEDs are addressable on a per-key basis, and Keychron's free software gives you a wide degree of customization. Personally, I was a lot happier with the aesthetic of the Q1 Ultra 8K after setting the backlighting to a cool blue that matched the accent keys.

(Image credit: Future)

The all-metal construction means there's virtually no flex or sponginess in the chassis whatsoever, with every keypress feeling very solid. However, it also means that this keyboard weighs a whopping 1.73kg – quite literally more than many of the laptops I've reviewed for TechRadar, and far too heavy to be practical as an on-the-go keyboard despite its compact design.

The Silk POM Banana switches require quite a bit of actuation force, which takes a bit of adjusting to if you're coming from a non-tactile keyboard with either linear or membrane switches. They also have less travel distance, which might be an issue for some mech keyboard purists, but didn't bother me in the slightest once I got used to typing on it.

Both the keycaps and the key switches themselves are hot-swappable, and the box includes a puller tool, a hex key, and a mini screwdriver for making your own adjustments should you want to do so. It also comes with a set of alternate keycaps to swap it over to Windows compatibility mode (the default keyboard layout is for macOS), and there are two switches on the rear edge for switching OS and connectivity modes along with a standard USB-C charging port, a cable for which is included in the box.

Given the degree of available customization and the robust, high-quality design of the surrounding board, the Q1 Ultra 8K could be a solid choice for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts who want to tweak their hardware. The larger keys also feature new screw-in PCB stabilizers, which help make the space bar in particular feel a lot less wobbly than it does on some mechanical keyboards, especially when hitting it at either end with your thumb. The double-gasket key switch design uses two separate silicone pads (as well as an acoustic pad on the bottom of the keyboard) to reach a deliberate and very satisfying typing sound that takes me right back to the early 2000s.

(Image credit: Future)

In terms of the aforementioned connectivity modes, you've got a few options. Wired will be the way to go for most gamers, as it ensures minimal input latency hand-in-hand with the 8K polling rate feature. This can be done directly via USB-C to USB-C using the included cable, but there's also a USB-C to USB-A adapter in the box in case you don't have any free USB-C ports.

If you prefer a wireless connection, the Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K supports both Bluetooth 5.3 and 2.4GHz connectivity, both of which I found to be highly effective in my tests. The 2.4GHz option is probably a little more reliable in terms of input latency, particularly in environments with heavy Bluetooth signal traffic (I was testing this keyboard in the privacy of my own very rural home, not a busy office!), but I didn't experience any noticeable problems with the Bluetooth mode.

(Image credit: Future)

The last unique design feature I'll touch on is hidden on the underside of the keyboard: a wide gold 'art plate' with a sort of astronomy-themed pattern engraved on it. What purpose does this serve? None, as far as I can tell, and you won't even be able to see it when actually using the keyboard. It looks fairly nice, I guess, but it feels slightly like a pointless addition.

Completely absent from the base of this keyboard, however, are any sort of adjustable feet. For a $200+ keyboard, that's simply unacceptable. It won't bother some users, but as someone who prefers a steeper keyboard incline to use with my padded wrist rest, it might actually be a dealbreaker for me if I were opening my own wallet – so for that, I must dock a point from Keychron.

• Design and features: 4/5

Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K review: Performance

• Satisfying typing with sharp actuation
• 8,000Hz polling rate is nice, but sort of unnecessary
• Looooong battery life

I'm always a little dubious when keyboard companies start making their own key switches instead of using the ever-dependable Cherry and Gateron brands, but the Keychron Silk POM switches in this keyboard are really very nice to use.

As I mentioned further up, I think the Banana yellow switches in my review model are a bit better suited to typing than gaming, though they're certainly not bad. I used the Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K to play several games, including Warframe, Marathon, and Remnant II, and didn't have any significant issues with misinputs or keypresses not registering. The higher actuation force of the Banana switches compared to the mainstream linear red switches you'll find in many gaming keyboards did take a little bit of getting used to, but I still found it to be perfectly acceptable.

(Image credit: Future)

For typing, though? This keyboard is a dream. The concave keycap tops let your fingertips slide into the center of each key for confident inputs, even when touch-typing at speed, and the reduced travel and subtle bounce on the Banana switches compared to Keychron's own red and brown switches mean that you don't feel like you're hammering the keys — even if you're a somewhat forceful typist like me.

I know I've mentioned the acoustic experience of this board already in this review, but it really does bear repeating. This keyboard just sounds so damn good to type on. It's like an old 90s Packard-Bell keyboard and a snare drum had a baby. There's no audible click like you'll see with blue switches, though, so typing gently will actually result in a fairly quiet experience — good for office environments where you don't want the loudest keyboard in the building.

(Image credit: Future)

The 8K polling rate feature (which requires either a wired or 2.4GHz connection, as Bluetooth doesn't support it) is switched off by default, since some older PCs don't support it. It's set to 1,000Hz as standard, though turning it on in the Keychron Launcher software is very straightforward — you can also use the software to adjust the default keybindings and set up macros, if you're so inclined.

Still, I honestly didn't register much, if any, difference when I turned on the 8K polling. Even in twitchy competitive games like Marathon and Valorant, I didn't feel at any point that swapping over to the 8K polling mode made my inputs feel faster or more responsive.

I should be clear at this point that I am not a 'pro gamer' by any definition of the phrase. I was Diamond-ranked in Overwatch back in the day and have the (dubious) honor of being a Legend 2 veteran in Warframe, so I'd like to think I'm at least above average, but I accept that I'm not really the target audience for a feature like this. If you are a hardcore gamer and you're primarily playing very twitchy, reaction-based games like Valorant or Counter-Strike, then the 8K polling rate may prove beneficial, but the simple fact is that most players aren't going to suddenly find themselves playing better after turning it on.

My last note here will be on the battery life of the Q1 Ultra 8K in wireless mode, which is certainly up to spec. Keychron promises up to 660 hours of use on a single charge, and while I didn't leave the keyboard running for a full 28 days (!) to test that, I will say that it didn't need charging even once after my initial wired testing, and I used it in wireless mode with the RGB lighting on for a full week. As far as wireless keyboards go, the battery life on offer here is undeniably great.

• Performance: 4.5/5

Should I buy the Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K?Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K scoreboard

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

The Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K is undeniably pretty costly, but it delivers a decent feature set and premium build quality that helps justify the asking price.

3.5/5

Design and features

I'm a fan of the Q1 Ultra 8K's minimalist aesthetic, and the multi-device connectivity is a solid addition. It's shockingly heavy, though!

4/5

Performance

The keyboard is extremely satisfying to type on, even if the 8K polling rate mode isn't going to make a difference to the vast majority of users.

4.5/5

Overall rating

Despite its fairly high asking price, the Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K is a good choice for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts who want a compact board that looks and feels like a premium piece of hardware.

4/5

Buy it if…

You want a great typing feel
The Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K delivers an excellent typing experience, with comfortable keycaps and weighty, satisfying actuation on the Silk POM Banana key switches.

You've got limited desk space
Although the weight means it isn't the most portable keyboard ever, this is still a pleasingly compact unit that is perfect for those working on small desks.

Don’t buy it if…

You want something portable
It's small, but it's very heavy. Users who want a keyboard they can easily drop into a backpack and take on the go should look elsewhere.

You're on a tight budget
As great as the Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K is, there's no way around that $200+ price tag. If you don't want your wallet taking too much of a hit, there are plenty of more affordable alternatives out there.

Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K review: Also consider

Corsair K70 Pro TKL
This Corsair option is a little larger than the Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K's 75% layout, and offers a similarly rich feature set with performance-focused HE switches, 8000Hz wired polling, and a wider range of physical controls. It has a wristrest, too! Read our Corsair K70 Pro TKL review.

Keychron V6 Max
If you want a full-scale keyboard instead, Keychron has you covered for that too: the V6 Max is one of the best keyboards on the market right now, essentially taking the Q1's great build quality and performance and expanding it into a 100% layout keyboard. Read our full Keychron V6 Max review.

How I tested the Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K

• Replaced my usual keyboard for one week
• Used for daily work, personal projects, and gaming
• Close to a decade of experience testing PC hardware

As is my usual modus operandi for keyboard reviews, I swapped out my trusty Asus ROG Strix Scope RX in my home desktop setup for the Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K for one week. During that period, I used it for my daily work at TechRadar, as well as personal writing projects and some gaming during my off hours.

I mostly played Marathon and Warframe during my testing period (in addition to a lot of typing), but for variety's sake, I also mixed in some Valorant, Remnant II, and Slay the Spire II – though the keyboard's use was largely relegated to hitting 'E' to end my turn in that last one. I naturally also installed and tested out the free Keychron Launcher software.

I've been a tech journalist for more than eight years, and during that time I've reviewed dozens of keyboards, mice, headsets... you name it, I've probably had my mitts on it at some point. I'm also a long-time PC gamer and self-confessed keyboard freak, meaning I have a keen eye for what works (and what doesn't) when it comes to PC peripherals.

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

Keychron K2 HE Concrete Edition: One-minute review

The Keychron K2 HE Concrete Edition is one of the more unusual keyboards to land on my desk in recent memory, purely because it's made of concrete. I mean, it's right there in the name.

The popular peripherals brand has taken its already well-regarded K2 HE and encased part of it in concrete, resulting in a 75% TMR gaming keyboard that tips the scales at 3.5lbs / 1.59kg and carries an air of brutalist confidence that few peripherals can match.

The concrete bottom casing sports a pleasant speckled finish with a satisfying density to it, while color-matched gray PBT keycaps pull the whole aesthetic together into something that looks like it was hewn from a single slab. It's a genuinely distinctive design, and the fit and finish throughout is strong, sustaining Keychron's fantastic build quality, but just with a different material altogether.

Under the hood, the K2 HE Concrete Edition features Gateron's potent double-rail Nebula switches which feel excellent under finger. Paired with Keychron's clever Launcher software, it also provides access to features such as rapid trigger, analog actuation, dynamic keystroke and more besides to make this a very potent gaming keyboard indeed.

Connectivity covers Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, and wired USB-C, allowing the keyboard to be connected to up to three devices, backed by a 4,000mAh battery rated for up to 240 hours with the lights off, which is pretty strong. The only thing more pro-grade players may not be as content with is the lack of a proper 8000Hz polling rate, although for most mere mortals, it's completely fine.

Then we get to the price: $199.99. That's a hefty premium to pay for this concrete variant of a keyboard that's otherwise identical to the standard $130 K2 HE inside, especially when a similar price (or slightly less) can net you some of the other best gaming keyboards out there that are a little more performance-focused, such as the Cherry Xtrfy K5 Pro TMR Compact and Corsair K70 Pro TKL.

With this in mind, keyboards as versatile and feature-rich as the K2 HE Concrete Edition from bigger manufacturers, such as the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless Gen 3, will command a higher price.

Keychron K2 HE Concrete Edition Price and availability

• $199.99
• Available now
• Towards the top end of the market

The Keychron K2 HE Concrete Edition is available to purchase online now from a variety of retailers, including Amazon and Keychron's own store for $199.99. It doesn't seem to be natively available in the UK, though. This puts it more towards the top-end of the gaming keyboard market, especially as it carries a bit of a premium over the standard K2 HE with purely cosmetic upgrades.

(Image credit: Future)

To be fair to Keychron, you do get a fair bit in the box, with the keyboard itself alongside a keycap and switch puller, plus cables, USB receiver and documentation. There is also a wrist rest available, although that is a separate purchase.

For a similar (or lower price), you can get other Hall effect gaming keyboards, such as the Cherry Xtrfy K5 Pro TMR Compact and the Corsair K70 Pro TKL. Other more pro-oriented products, such as the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro TKL and the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless Gen 3, cost a bit more, though.

• Value score: 4/5

Keychron K2 HE Concrete Edition: Specs

Layout:

75%

Switch:

Gateron Nebula Double Rail

Programmable keys:

Yes

Dimensions:

12.7 x 5.2 x 1.41 inches / 322 x 132 x 36mm

RGB or backlighting:

Yes (customizable)

Keychron K2 HE Concrete Edition review: Design and features

• Partially concrete chassis
• Immensely sturdy
• Rich software when digging into it

The talking point of the K2 HE Concrete Edition is right in the name, with some of the chassis being made of, well, concrete. Of course, the entire keyboard couldn't be comprised of the material, owing to its fragility in smaller elements, but Keychron has tried its best to put it where it matters.

For instance, the entire bottom casing of this keyboard has a pleasant speckled finish and a dense thickness to it that marks it out as concrete. Even if that's as far as the use of the material goes, I'm still a big fan of it. It's a keyboard that reminds me of the funny Roger Stevens Building from my days at the University of Leeds, with an almost brutalist finish.

Keychron's keyboards have a bit of a reputation for their heft, and I've noted in the past that the likes of the Q1 Pro and Q60 Max models in my own collection could conceivably be used as weapons with their machined aluminum finish. The concrete chassis on the K2 HE Concrete Edition takes that to another level, tipping the scales at 3.5lbs / 1.59kg – for a smaller form factor keyboard like this one, that's seriously heavy.

The fit and finish elsewhere is strong, with color-matched grey PBT keycaps that look excellent and feel pleasant under finger. PBT is a more durable plastic than the swathes of ABS I'm used to seeing on more mainstream keyboards, and is also much less resistant to the horrible keycap shine that plagues ABS-capped boards after a fair amount of use.

(Image credit: Future)

The 75% layout on offer here is a favorite, providing a good blend of functionality and the ability to save desk space. We get everything from a proper F-row to arrow keys and a single-column nav cluster, plus the usual alphanumeric keys. It's essentially a TKL layout that's been squished up a smidgen.

On the left side of the chassis is where you'll find the interface, with a USB-C port for charging and wired connectivity, plus toggle switches for both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz operation, and for switching between Windows and macOS. The only thing I think is a slight shame is that there isn't a place to store the USB receiver when it isn't in use.

Keychron's lightweight, web-based Launcher handles software and customization duties for this keyboard, providing identical functionality to the standard K2 HE models. You can fiddle with actuation points on a scale from 0.5mm to 3.8mm of the switch's travel on a per-key basis, while dealing with things such as rapid trigger, analog powers, dynamic keystroke and so on. It's a slick and feature-rich interface that I think other brands could learn something from.

• Design and features score: 4 / 5

Keychron K2 HE Concrete Edition review: Performance

• Brisk and responsive TMR switches
• Rapid trigger powers, plus more advanced software choices
• Versatile wireless connectivity

As much as Keychron has fiddled with the outside of the K2 HE Concrete Edition, the inside remains unchanged from the original keyboard. That means we're getting Gateron's double-rail Nebula switches, which are a linear TMR switch with a smooth and brisk keypress and lots of customization to make this a powerful gaming keyboard.

You actually have to dig into the spec sheet to find that these are TMR switches, rather than Hall effect, which is something we're seeing become more common with gaming keyboards in 2026. Without getting too much into the weeds, TMR stands for Tunnel Magneto-Resistance, and is a technology we've mostly seen applied to game controllers rather than keyboards. It's essentially designed to offer a greater degree of precision and general responsiveness over the litany of Hall effect products we see in controllers and keyboards.

It's also meant to be more power efficient, theoretically helping the rated battery life of wireless keyboards such as the K2 HE Concrete Edition.

These Gateron double-rail Nebula switches, on their own, are a 40g linear switch that felt surprisingly responsive for general productivity tasks. Sometimes magnetic switches such as these can feel a little soulless for extended periods, but that isn't the case here. Being pre-lubricated, they also benefit from being especially smooth under finger, helping both their acoustics and perceived responsiveness.

(Image credit: Future)

Technically, the K2 HE is also hot-swappable, although much like a lot of other TMR and Hall effect gaming keyboards out there, the choice of switches you can swap in is minuscule. Not even all of Gateron’s other Hall effect switch models are compatible.

As much as this is a keyboard you can use for general day-to-day stuff, it's most at home when you're in games, and when you've fiddled about in software for a little bit. It's here where I chose to set the actuation and reset points as high as they'd go for the WASD and weapon select keys in Counter-Strike 2, essentially turning those switches into hair trigger. It meant inputs required very little effort, which becomes very handy in quick-draw scenarios where you need to bring a weapon out or throw a grenade as quickly as possible.

Configuration in Keychron's Launcher software for this is easy, as it's possible to select a few switches, and then set actuation and reset points with one slider in one fell swoop. It can also be done globally if you want it across all switches.

The software also opens up much more advanced means, such as dynamic keystroke and multiple actuations per key, so you can go through one switch's travel and do everything from walking to running, and even crouching without moving a finger to a neighboring switch. It's a handy addition for FPS titles, preventing you from needing to stretch across the keyboard for other controls, depending on how you have it mapped.

Also hidden in the software are analog powers, unlocking this keyboard's ability to be used with controller-like precision. This makes playing racing games such as my customary Forza Horizon 5 much easier with a keyboard, although I still prefer the intuitiveness of a controller, or even better, a proper wheel and pedals setup.

(Image credit: Future)

Keychron provides its own flavor of SOCD tech with the K2 HE Concrete Edition. This allows you to activate one key while holding down the other for especially quick actions. In this instance, it works based on the most recent one pressed; for instance, if mapped to the A and D keys, it can allow for unnaturally quick side-to-side movement. It's very clever, although not something you'll probably use too much in online games, given Valve wields the ban hammer for anyone who uses it in online Counter-Strike 2 games.

As with the Cherry Xtrfy K5 Pro TMR Compact I tested recently, the key thing with this keyboard is whether you'll notice the purported step up in precision and responsiveness against more 'normal' Hall effect choices. Even as someone rather well-versed in these types of products, it isn't necessarily something I can appreciate as much as the pro-grade players this keyboard is arguably designed for. I want to believe it's making a difference, of course, although it's hard to scientifically judge without turning this review into more of an engineering paper.

The K2 HE Concrete Edition connects via Bluetooth, a bundled 2.4GHz or over wired means, and will work on up to three devices. I've found pairing and connectivity to be stable and easy in my week of testing. It is a shame that more pro-grade players don't get an 8000Hz polling rate wired or wireless for even brisker input reporting, although for most folks, the standard 1000Hz will be more than fine.

The 4000 mAh battery inside is also rather large for a keyboard of this size, and powers it for up to 72 hours with the vivid backlighting on. Turn it off, and that rises to 240 hours, which is excellent endurance.

• Performance score: 4 / 5

Should I buy the Keychron K2 HE Concrete Edition?

Attribute

Notes

Score

Design and features

The K2 HE Concrete Edition ticks the right boxes when it comes to offering a unique and solid build, not least with its use of concrete. The fit and finish elsewhere is strong, too, and we've also got versatile wireless connectivity and software to go with it.

4 / 5

Performance

The K2 HE Concrete Edition is a very responsive keyboard with smooth and brisk TMR switches, complete with extensive rapid trigger and software configuration. It lacks an 8000Hz polling rate, although how useful this is to mere mortals remains to be seen, though.

4 / 5

Value

The K2 HE Concrete Edition sits towards the top end for such a potent gaming keyboard, and offers a beefy set of features and construction. There is quite the premium for a purely cosmetic upgrade, though.

4 / 5

Buy it if…

You want a concrete keyboard
If you've always wanted a feature-rich gaming keyboard that looks and feels like a brutalist building, then the K2 HE Concrete Edition is perhaps one of your only options. It nonetheless provides a stylish and very different look that few rivals can equal.View Deal

You want a feature-rich gaming keyboard
Gateron's double-rail Nebula switches inside feel excellent with a smooth and snappy keypress, while Keychron's Launcher software unlocks rapid trigger, analog actuation, dynamic keystroke, and more, making this a seriously capable gaming board beneath its striking exterior.View Deal

Don’t buy it if…

You're performance-focused on a budget
At $199.99, you're paying a significant premium over the standard $130 K2 HE for a material upgrade that doesn't touch the internals. Rivals at a similar price point, like the Cherry Xtrfy K5 Pro TMR Compact, offer a more purely performance-oriented package at the sacrifice of some versatility.View Deal

You need an 8000Hz polling rate
If you're a competitive player who demands the absolute highest polling rate, the K2 HE Concrete Edition will leave you wanting. It's perfectly fine for most players, but enthusiasts chasing peak responsiveness should look elsewhere.View Deal

Keychron K2 HE Concrete Edition review: Also consider

Corsair K70 Pro TKL
This Corsair choice is down on price and versatility against the K2 HE Concrete Edition, but it comes with creature comforts such as more physical controls and a wristrest. It also comes with an 8000Hz wired polling rate if that's important to you, although it is quite loud. Read our Corsair K70 Pro TKL review.View Deal

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless Gen 3:
This SteelSeries option is up on Keychron's choice in price by a fair margin, but provides the backing of a bigger brand if that's important to you, plus versatile wireless connectivity and feature-rich software. Its switches aren't quite as powerful as those featured here, though. Read our SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless Gen 3 review.View Deal

How I tested the Keychron K2 HE Concrete Edition

• Tested for around a week
• Used for gaming and productivity across Windows and macOS
• A decade of experience as a journalist and mechanical keyboard hobbyist

I tested the K2 HE Concrete Edition for around a week, using it as my main keyboard for work and play during this time with both Windows and macOS.

I played various games, including Counter-Strike 2 and Forza Horizon 5, to best gauge its optical switches for speed, precision, and the benefit of its TMR switches. I also made sure to use Keychron's web-based Launcher software to test every facet of the keyboard.

I've been a tech journalist for the best part of a decade, and have reviewed plenty of keyboards in that time from brands big and small. I'm also a mechanical keyboard enthusiast, so I have a keen eye for peripherals and have been involved with the hobby before it hit the mainstream.

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

Developer ZA/UM’s new title Zero Parades: For Dead Spies has the unenviable task of following Disco Elysium, an award-winning role-playing game (RPG) widely praised for its unique voice and philosophical insight. It seemed like lighting in a bottle, something that likely could never be matched or replicated — even more so when most of the writers who worked on the game departed in a messy (and controversial) change in leadership.

Review info

Platform reviewed: PC
Available on: PC
Release date: May 21, 2026

Zero Parades looks and acts like Disco Elysium. It's another text-heavy RPG where the rolling of dice determines the outcomes of most encounters, and you stumble your way through major events by making inspired, occasionally diabolical choices, and interacting with a bizarre cast of characters. Dig beneath the surface, however, and it's not like Disco Elysium — in fact, in many ways it's really not trying to be. This is a more grounded and ambitious experience that builds on its predecessor's identity rather than trying to imitate it.

It seems less exciting at first, as the tone is more grounded, and it's harder to feel connected to the less bombastic protagonist initially. However, it's vastly more ambitious in scope and subject matter, and it makes small, but influential, improvements that raise the standard of what dice-driven RPGs like this can achieve.

I spy

(Image credit: ZA/UM)

You are Hershel Wilk, a spy who wakes up in the coastal city of Portofiro after a particularly disturbing dissociative episode that's left you not quite able to remember what just happened. Her angry handler suggests that whatever "it" was, it wasn't very good, and your job is to try and uncover your mission and get it back on track.

Unlike Disco Elysium's amnesiac cop Harry DuBois, Hershel still knows who she is. Reality is less easy to grasp, though, and that's partly because reality is complicated. It's a messy tangle of international conspiracies, post-industrial fallout, bad faith actors manipulating innocent people, and an ever-widening gap between those who have means and those who don't.

Zero Parades is Disco's ideological successor and a natural follow-up to that game's conclusion: that the pursuit of capital and power infects everything, even unions and progressive movements. Zero Parades examines what happens when labor loses the class conflict, when work dries up and the bankers turn your once-thriving urban center into a tourist trap, and when the much-vaunted opportunities of the privileged world turn out to be unavailable for you. It's the 2000s to Disco Elysium's 1970s, in other words.

(Image credit: ZA/UM)

As in real life, class consciousness has faded in the world of Zero Parades. The angry embers of it still exist in those old enough to remember the days when change seemed possible if everyone worked together but they're incapable of pushing back against the entrenched power of the monied classes (or to use the game's favorite phrase, the techno-fascists) who police their morality, close down their places of gathering on technicalities, and threaten to take what few liberties they have left unless they adopt the culture of their imperialistic neighbors. Consumerism and dozens of fragmented ideologies, many of which are entirely unhinged, flood in to fill the gap left by the death of class identity.

Zero Parades is quieter than Disco Elysium. It puts fewer manifestos in its characters' mouths, and it's also generally more interested in showing how conditions shape people and societies than it is in making a specific statement. You're trusted to come to your own conclusions based on what you see and how it aligns with your experience but it's no less observant and incisive than its predecessor and just as adept at using a Marxist lens to examine the faults of government and society.

It takes a while to recognize that, though. In the early hours, Zero Parades seems far too disorganized. It lumps together gentrification, post-modern cynicism, gun control commentary, the disadvantages of the Global South, weaponized bureaucracy, critiques against globalism, and the outsized cultural influence of superpowers like the US with commentary on Peronism, dangerous and deluded talk show hosts, and a whole lot more.

You can spend a good five or six hours wandering around the city's starting zones with a protagonist who feels more like a shadow than a human, picking up various pieces of seemingly disconnected history and personal trivia with no clue why it matters, if any of it does at all. It does, eventually, and Zero Parades deserves credit for how expertly it brings all of these disparate pieces together as the game progresses — even if it takes a long time to pay off.

Less easy to overlook is the off-putting use of commas. Zero Parades would benefit from another editing pass in the future, partly to correct some typos, but mostly to deal with the egregious number of comma splices, where a comma separates two complete ideas instead of a sentence. The script is bursting with them, and it's incredibly distracting.

Skill issue

(Image credit: ZA/UM)

You might not be able to do anything about Zero Parades' grammar, but you can do something about how messed up the world is. Or try to, though your efforts cause mayhem as much as they help anyone. You have multiple ways to tackle almost every encounter, all of which are effective, even if they may not all be ethical.

That's standard for this kind of RPG, but one of the most exciting things the game does is open new paths through failure. Normally in games like these, including Disco Elysium, if you fail a check or make the "wrong" choice, the consequence is either having an option removed or suffering some kind of negative effect. Zero Parades also makes you suffer negative effects, but through these you gain new ways to interact.

Best bit

(Image credit: ZA/UM)

Zero Parades' strongest facet is its unflinching examination of modern society — who gets to wield power and influence in it, the struggle to find identity in what feels like an unmoored existence, and how capital frequently blocks paths to a fairer, more equitable society. It manages to weave together dozens of issues and viewpoints without losing its own distinct voice, and there's nothing else like it in gaming at the moment.

The more dramatic ones happen when you fail active dice rolls like, for example, failing to match the nerve of a psychotic doctor who just drank a formaldehyde cocktail. You can still get what you want from him, but on his terms (in this case, prying teeth out of a teenager's head with a crowbar), which leads to a whole new network of possibilities with their own permutations of outcomes.

However, there's a decent number of passive checks — the ones that happen in the background without you seeing — that you can fail as well, and some of these have even longer-lasting effects. In one instance, I failed a personality-related check that kept Hershel from understanding the true motivations of someone she was speaking with. That naivete pushed Hershel into a completely different relationship with this person, giving her a disadvantage in future checks and opening an otherwise-blocked branch of interaction. This scenario wasn't the only one of its kind, and it goes a long way toward making every encounter feel important.

Hershel's skills influence whether you're likely to fail a check, and while they're fewer in total compared to Disco Elysium, Zero Parades tends to do grander things with them. Skills like coordination have little value early in the game, but later, in tense situations where you need to make a quick escape or disarm an opponent, it's an essential tool for survival.

Cold Read seems like it imitates some of Disco Elysium's observation skills, except getting an accurate read of a stranger often makes a vital difference in how conflicts with them progress. Zero Parades deftly scatters these more action-packed sequences throughout the game without straying too far from its genre roots, and they make good use of another new feature.

Mental health check

(Image credit: ZA/UM)

Where Harry had morale and health in Disco Elysium, Hershel has fatigue, anxiety, and delusion. These fluctuate based on your choices, circumstances, and certain items you wear or consume. Alcohol has benefits, for example, but increases delusion, while chugging coffee lowers fatigue and spikes anxiety. Alone, these seem inconsequential but conversations can quickly go off the rails and dredge up something from Hershel's psyche to push her delusion toward dangerous levels.

Hershel suffers negative effects once these levels pass certain thresholds and, if they keep rising, loses a skill point in a related area. You can also exert yourself to raise chances of succeeding with certain roles at the cost of increasing your pressure levels. Managing these is straightforward in the early game, but as events escalate and quickly grow out of control, keeping Hershel healthy and still having a decent chance of passing important checks becomes much more complicated. It's a perfect fit for a psychological drama, but it's also an excellent way to make your choices feel like they matter in ways you don't typically see in other RPGs

That's less true for conditioning, Zero Parades' refined and expanded version of Disco Elysium's thought cabinet. Hershel can ponder several thoughts at once, about things like the futility (or aspirational nature) of credit debt and gain special bonuses. They start out quite tame, like getting +1 for a personality skill, but steadily become more complex and influence things like your interactions with specific people or groups. They also have violation criteria, where saying the "wrong" thing or purchasing certain items goes against the conditioning, removes your bonuses, potentially adds new ones, and gives you unique disadvantages in certain situations.

How these thoughts affect your actions is more interesting than what the system tries to say. Zero Parades is a game where Hershel can be whoever you think she should be, and freedom of choice is essential in that. Deciding not to smoke cigarettes for a few hours or not picking one kind of dialogue just to get a specific bonus doesn't change who she ends up becoming, as most of the choices aren't tied to important outcomes. Managing bonuses and consequences adds a welcome extra layer of strategy, but it feels gamified and disconnected from Zero Parades' themes.

Zero Parades aims high and only rarely misses. It's confident enough in its message to leave you to figure it out for yourself, and the improvements to Disco Elysium's foundations make its roleplaying among the best in the genre. It just takes a bit of patience to get there.

Should I play Zero Parades: For Dead Spies?Play it if...

You love well-written RPGs
Zero Parades might not have the sensuousness and excitement of its predecessor's script, but it's still wonderfully written and insightful.

You want your choices to matter
They will. Everything from how you interact with people to how you fail and how far off-the-rails you let Hershel go has an influence over certain aspects of how the story plays out. It just takes time to see the effects.

You enjoy figuring things out for yourself
This game is every bit as enigmatic as Disco Elysium, and while you'll have clues pointing you toward what to do next, it very much expects you to poke around and find things out on your own.

Don't play it if...

You hate text-heavy games with slow plots
There is a lot of reading in this game, and it takes a long time before things start to take on a shape that makes any sense.

Accessibility features

Zero Parades includes text size toggles and an option for dyslexic-friendly font. There's also a suite of color options so you can change outline colors for characters and objects and another set of color options for dice checks and interface features.

How I reviewed Zero Parades: For Dead Spies

I played Zero Parades for more than 35 hours on PC (with an RTX 4080 Super GPU and Intel i9-14900F) using a Razer Viper mouse, SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3 wired keyboard, and Beyerdynamic DT990 headphones.

In that time I completed the main story once and multiple side quests, though there are many different outcomes I didn't see and some quests I unknowingly locked myself out of based on my choices.

First reviewed March 2026

MSI Versa 300 Wireless 8K review

The MSI Versa 300 Wireless 8K is a gaming mouse with a pro level spec and some useful features. Despite this, it also has a pretty competitive price.

There's nothing spectacular or gamerish about the way it looks, maintaining as it does a relatively understated aesthetic. There’s only a small logo that allows some subtle RGB lighting to pass through.

In the hand, I found the Versa 300 more bulbous than I’m accustomed to, with a more prominent hump in the middle. However, I adjusted quickly to the shape and found it comfortable thereafter. In fact, it actually fitted my palm as well as the best gaming mouse shapes.

(Image credit: Future)

This fit also helps to impart a secure feeling, making me confident in performing lift-offs. This is further aided by the concave side walls and their diamond grip pattern. It’s a shame, though, that this grip area isn’t made from a soft touch material like silicone or rubber; it merely adopts the same smooth plastic as the rest of the unit. Regardless, I still found it provided sufficient grip and feedback.

The Versa 300 is quite a light mouse, weighing just 66g, which makes it easy to maneuver. However, there are certainly lighter mice around, and what’s more the weight doesn’t feel evenly distributed. Most of its mass seems to be concentrated near the rear, which can cause the whole unit to tilt backwards when lifting off. At least the Versa 300 feels solid and durable, which is always a positive. The body material feels smooth and upmarket, too, belying its budget price tag.

In action, the Versa 300 is quite impressive. The first aspect I noticed was just how smoothly it glided. This surprised me, given the PTFE skates are quite small compared to those on more premium gaming mice.

The included USB cable is braided and quite long, which makes it amenable to a wide variety of setups. It’s also quite light, although it still adds a small but noticeable element of drag to movements. The connection to the USB-C port is as solid as I could’ve wished for, so I wasn’t concerned about accidentally yanking it out.

(Image credit: Future)

The Omron mechanical switches feel satisfying enough, but they’re a little heavier and travel a little further than those on more elite gaming mice. This makes them feel less snappy. I still found them just about light enough for competitive play, but more serious head clickers might find them too sluggish for their needs.

The scroll wheel is somewhat unusual, due to its prominent, spiky finish. Far from being uncomfortable, though, I found this texture pleasing and it provided good feedback.

The middle click is also very satisfying, feeling more like a true button press than many others, thanks to its long travel and definitive thud when actuated. It’s probably one of the best middle clicks I’ve experienced.

However, the notching of the wheel is a little too light for my tastes, making it somewhat harder to judge single flicks compared to others. There’s no free scroll or tilt scroll feature, either, which some premium gaming mice get.

(Image credit: Future)

MSI Center, the brand’s peripheral software, is simple to use and laid out clearly. There is a reasonable amount of adjustments here, including five customizable levels for the DPI selector, ranging from 100 to 26,000, as well as rebinding options.

These are quite limited, though. You can only swap inputs around, assign media playback controls, and trigger macros (a fairly basic macro recording facility is included). It’s a shame you can’t customize the RGB lighting from here; for that, you’ll need to download another app, Portal X, which just creates more inefficiency.

You can enable more advanced features, such as Motion Sync and Angle Snapping, as well as alter the debounce time between 0ms and 30ms (in increments of 1ms). You can also adjust the lift-off distance, but this only has two settings: low and high.

Battery life is also excellent. After using the mouse consistently for several days, in both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz modes, it only dropped around 10-15%. I didn’t experience any connectivity issues, either, with the two wireless modes maintaining a stable, lag-free signal.

Other gaming mice may have a greater selection of advanced performance based features, but it’s hard to complain about their absence in the Versa 300, given its competitive pricing. There aren’t many in this sector that offer a top-draw spec for so little, making it a compelling pick for those on a budget.

MSI Versa 300 Wireless 8K review: Price & availability

(Image credit: Future)

• $99.99 / £59.99 (about AU$140)
• Available now
• Well-priced for its spec

The MSI Versa 300 Wireless 8K costs $99.99 / £59.99 (about AU$140) and is available now in black only. It comes with a braided USB cable but no grip tape or spare skates.

Considering its spec, the Versa 300 is well-priced. There aren’t many gaming mice at this price point offering dual wireless connectivity modes, an 8K polling rate, and advanced tweaks.

It’s significantly cheaper than the Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro, which is one of our current favorites in the sector. But the Razer has more advanced software, granting you access to more adjustments and functions. We also loved its snappy mouse clicks, an area where the Versa 300 falls short.

However, if you’re after a truly budget gaming mouse, it’s hard to beat the Cooler Master MM311. We found it performed much better than it had any right to. It may lack multiple connectivity modes and a rechargeable battery, but you can’t really get better performance for less.

Should I buy the MSI Versa 300 Wireless 8K?Scorecard

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

Not many gaming mice offer this much for so little.

4.5 / 5

Design

I like it, but some might find the shape a little too bulbous. MSI Center offers a decent selection of customization options.

4 / 5

Performance

A very smooth glider, and the 8K polling rate is certainly welcome. Clicks are a little heavy, though, and the unbalanced weight might cause problems when lifting off. Battery life is excellent, though.

4 / 5

Final score

The Versa 300 is an impressive gaming mouse for the price, and if you’re ok with not having the snappiest clicks around,, it’s worth considering.

4 / 5

Buy it if…

You want a smooth glider
The Versa 300 glides across padded surfaces with ease, which feels excellent.

You’re on a budget
There aren’t many gaming mice that offer this kind of pro-level spec for less.

Don't buy it if…

You want a light and balanced pointer
The Versa 300 isn’t the lightest gaming mouse around, and the weight feels biased to the rear, which can cause tilting when lifting off.

You want the snappiest clicks
I found the buttons a little heavy relative to other elite models, which might be anathema to pro gamers.

MSI Versa 300 Wireless 8K review: Also consider

Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro
This is one of the best gaming mice we’ve ever tested. Performance and build quality are excellent, and there are plenty of customization options on hand. It’s a lot more expensive than the Versa 300, but it’s a hard pointer to beat if you’re serious about competitive play. Read our full Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro review.

Cooler Master MM311
The MM311 is very cheap, yet it offers performance you’d associate with more premium options. It doesn’t have a built-in battery, and it doesn’t have multiple connectivity modes, but these are minor omissions considering the budget price tag. Read our full Cooler Master MM311 review.

How I tested the MSI Versa 300 Wireless 8K

(Image credit: Future)

• Tested for several days
• Used for a variety of games and tasks
• Extensive gaming mouse experience

I tested the Versa 300 for several days, during which time I used it for gaming, working, and general productivity. I used all of its connectivity methods with two different Windows PCs.

I played a variety of games, from fast-paced shooters such as Counter-Strike 2, where speed and precision matter most, to games requiring a more considered and versatile and more encompassing mouse functionality, such as Subnautica 2.

I’ve been PC gaming for over a decade, and have experienced many gaming mice in that time. I’ve also reviewed a large number of them, from budget offerings to pro-level and feature-packed premium models.

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

MeacoFan Sefte Pro 10 Table Air Circulator review

The MeacoFan Sefte Pro 10in is a table-top air circulator that delivers surprisingly strong and surprisingly quiet airflow. If you've been looking for a new home fan capable of pumping out some serious power to see you through summer, it's going to be an easy recommend from me and a huge hit for many people — with a few caveats.

Notice how I wrote air circulator and not fan? Yes, they're similar and tend to be used interchangeably, but there's an important distinction that could make a big difference here.

A fan creates a focused breeze aimed at you. An air circulator moves air around the whole room, reducing hot spots and keeping temperatures consistent. So if you just want to cool down in one spot, a fan works. If you want the whole room to feel more comfortable, an air circulator is the better pick.

Meaco's Sefte range of air circulators has been around for several years now. We reviewed the Sefte 8in Portable Air Circulator last summer and rated it highly, and a 10-inch version was released at a similar time.

For 2026, Meaco has released a Pro version of the 10-inch model. Both in a tabletop design, which I'm reviewing here, and a pedestal design with different height options.

Now, the key difference is the Pro 10-inch air circulators have app connectivity, so you can control them remotely. They also have a replaceable and rechargeable battery (the older 8-inch version also has the built-in battery, but not the 10-inch).

These upgrades are also reflected in a price bump. You'll pay £199.99 for the Pro version, compared to £99.99 for the regular version. That's £199.99 compared to £179.99 for the pedestal style.

(Image credit: Future / Becca Caddy)

Now, onto the MeacoFan Sefte Pro 10. For a device capable of cooling a whole room (or, in my case, a whole 480 sq ft studio apartment), it's compact. But that doesn't mean its small.

Its dimensions are 432 x 305 x 227 mm, it weighs 3.2kg and its base takes up about the size of a dinner plate on a table. Bear this in mind when you're considering where it'll sit in your home and whether the non-Pro 8-inch version might suit you better.

Design-wise it looks like a standard fan. But I've always thought Meaco's fans look and feel higher quality than many other brands. Maybe not as sleek and futuristic as something from Dyson, but still as minimal and thoughtful. I think this might be partly down to the white exterior, which has a brushed, almost matte texture rather than looking shiny and cheap.

(Image credit: Future / Becca Caddy)

The Sefte Pro 10 plugs into the mains and it's happy operating that way. But what sets it apart from the original Sefte 10-inch option, and many other fans, is that it has a rechargeable battery that you can also replace. This really is a fantastic design choice and means it'll outlast much of the competition — I wish other companies would follow suit because we'd be doing something about our tremendous e-waste problem.

To find the battery, there's a small button on the base of the device, which you push in and then can lift up the top if you ever need to pop a new one in — though the one it comes with should at least last a few years.

So given it's light enough to carry (at least over short distances) and has a built-in battery, it's a very versatile option for moving around the house. Or even taking outside for use in a garden or, if you're driving, taking further afield. During testing, I used it beside me on my desk, my bedside table at night and took it outside onto my balcony during a warm day when I was doing some yoga outside.

(Image credit: Future / Becca Caddy)

The Sefte Pro 10 oscillates horizontally and vertically or both at the same time. There are three settings to choose from, Narrow, Medium and Wide. For the vertical oscillation that's 20, 30 and 65-degrees of movement. And for horizontal it's 30, 75 and 120-degrees of movement. It's great to have this level of freedom and means you can really quickly cool down a large room.

Other fans will offer more oscillation, but you tend to have to pay over the odds. I'm thinking the higher-end fans from Dyson or a really flexible pick, like the Shark TurboBlade with a different design approach for maximum cooling coverage.

There are three fan modes to choose from. Normal, you select a speed between 1 and 12 and it stays at that speed until you change it. Night mode, which reduces noise, turns of the display and reduces fan speed by 1 step ever half hour until it remains at 1 for the rest of the night. And Eco, which automatically changes fan speed depending on room temperature, something the fan always presents on the front of the display.

Now, I loved the Eco feature. I thought it might be a little gimmicky at first and I'd default back to Normal, but it was the most effective for me by far. Pumping out a really pleasing amount of air that subtly shifted throughout the day.

I also really liked Night mode, I thought I'd use this once or twice purely for this review, but ended up putting it on every single night after. The way the fan reduces intensity was perfect for me, making my bedroom feel comfortable and cool all night. I also found the very quiet fan noise incredibly soothing for sleep.

And the good news is, during my battery tests, the fan ran for 12 hours all the way through until morning on a single charge — it could have gone longer, but it'll easily see you through until morning even if for some reason you can't plug it into the mains. No more warm, sleepless nights.

Meaco really shouts about the fan's "whisper-quiet" performance. I was ready to dispute that a bit, but wow it is surprisingly quiet, even when you bump up the intensity. I used a decibel measuring app and found setting 1 came in at around 30dB. Setting 6 was around 40dB with setting 12 only hitting 55dB. For context, my high-tech kettle just before it finishes boiling is 69dB and my hairdryer is 78dB. So you are getting a quiet performance here, especially for a powerful fan. It's why I've already recommended it to several people that want cooling but tend to be sensitive to noise — especially at night.

In terms of air pumping power, I didn't have a way to accurately measure just how much airflow the Sefte Pro 10 can generate, but Meaco claims it can circulate 19.18 m³/hour. When I stood at a distance of 24ft away from it indoors at the highest intensity, I could still feel the airflow. It's no surprise it quickly cooled my entire small apartment.

(Image credit: Future / Becca Caddy)

In terms of longevity at other settings, Meaco provides you with a really handy chart that shows all of the expected battery times when you go wireless and then the difference with oscillation. So at fan speed 1 expect up to 40 hours of use with no oscillation and 11 with full oscillation. That's all the way up to fan speed 12 that'll last 10 hours with no oscillation and 5.5 hours with full oscillation.

I ran some of my own tests to see how the fan compared in real life and got within half an hour each time, which is good going. Although I do think Meaco is estimating these battery times with one type of oscillation, i.e. horizontal or vertical.

So out of interest, I ran a test on setting 6 (the middle setting) with both types of oscillation at their fullest. Meaco estimated 8.5 hours with one type of oscillation and I got five hours. I think this is still a solid amount of time. But it does mean if you're using it wirelessly, it's wise to use the least amount of oscillation you need to get the most time out of it.

To see how much battery you have left, you can check the little indicator light above the power button, which I found really useful. It moves from white, flashing white, red, flashing red as the battery runs out. To charge the battery back up again, just plug it into the mains and it'll be back to full in around three hours, depending on how much you're using it during that time.

(Image credit: Future / Becca Caddy)

You can control the fan in a couple of ways. There's a really simple but easy-to-read display on the front and several touch controls. I found these were responsive and, importantly, didn't require me to comb through the instruction manual to understand.

These same controls are then replicated on a very handy circular remote. I used this often, especially when the fan was further away from me while I was watching a movie at night or outside on my balcony. A very nice design choice is that the remote is magnetic and you can store it directly in the middle of the fan, where the logo is. A genius way to avoid misplacing it.

What sets the Sefte Pro 10 apart from older models and many rivals is there's also app support here. Long press the mode button on the front, three dots, and a Wi-Fi symbol will appear for pairing. This was easy and got me connected in seconds. The app does much the same as the controls on the front and the remote. But it's cool to be able to set the fan's timer function from your phone: it means you can set it cooling down your space on your way home.

Within the app you can also unlock third-party control, so if you like using Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, you can set those up and control the fan with your voice.

I highly recommend the Sefte Pro 10, especially if you want a versatile fan for day, night, at home and even taking out and about (well, within reason). It's quiet, powerful and has a quality build. I also really like the fact I can control it from my phone and use the Eco mode, which makes cooling feel instantly smarter and more attuned to me and my home. It's not the cheapest pick, which I'll get to next, but if you think you'll make the most of the added features here, especially the built-in battery and app controls, then it's worth every penny.

MeacoFan Sefte Pro 10 Table Air Circulator review: Price & release date

• Priced at £119.99
• Launched in May 2026
• Currently available in the UK and parts of Europe

The MeacoFan Sefte Pro 10 Table was released in May 2026, priced at £119.99. It's available in the UK and parts of Europe at the time of writing.

Now, it's hard to make a quick judgement call on whether that's good value or not as there are many fans and air circulators on the market that exist on a spectrum from very cheap to very pricey.

At that lower end of the scale, there are a lot of budget fans and air circulators and if saving cash is a priority right now, you can pick up a 10-inch model for under £40.

But for that price you're going to miss out on a lot of things about the Sefte Pro 10 that make it special and genuinely useful, which cheaper rivals don't have, like the rechargeable battery, app connectivity, Eco mode and its quiet operation. With all of those things, as well as solid controls and a quality build, the Sefte Pro 10 makes a solid case for paying a little more.

That said, there are several other advanced options to consider that do offer similar features. Like the Shark FlexBreeze fan, our current top pick in our best fans guide. That's big, versatile with a pedestal, powerful and quiet and it's a little more expensive at $199.99 / £199.99.

A you'd expect, the Dyson Cool CF1 desk fan, our top pick for sleep, is considerably more expensive at £249.99. It delivers fantastic and quiet performance as well as a range of features, although the Sefte Pro 10 has better controls.

That said, if I wanted a similar experience but to save a bit of cash, I'd personally look at the older, non-Pro version of this same fan, which costs £99.99. It doesn't have the battery inside, so it's not as versatile. And there's no app connectivity either. But if you wanted it to stay put on say a desk or bedside table, it might make more sense for you. There's also a non-Pro 8-inch version, the MeacoFan Sefte 8in Portable Air Circulator, which we rated highly, and that does have the replaceable battery. (A little confused by the similar names? Don't worry, me too.)

It all comes down to what you're looking for. But if you want a fan that's quiet, flexible, has great controls and will last thanks to that replaceable battery, this is a great choice. Especially if the dimensions and weight appeal, which give you a fairly compact option that's still big enough to pack a performance punch and (literally and figuratively) blow you away.

(Image credit: Future / Becca Caddy)MeacoFan Sefte Pro 10 Table Air Circulator review: Specs

Speeds

12

Oscillation

120 degrees horizontal, up to 65 degrees vertical

Weight

3.2kg

Dimensions

432 x 305 x 227mm

Control

Onboard touch buttons, remote control, app, voice

Timer

Yes

Additional modes

Night, Eco

Should I buy the MeacoFan Sefte Pro 10 Table Air Circulator?

Attribute

Notes

Score

Features

With three modes, vertical and horizontal oscillation, several control options and a replaceable battery, all the features you need and more are here.

4.5/5

Performance

Quiet operation, strong airflow and good built-in battery life make it ideal for both day and night time cooling.

4.5/5

Design

Quality build, good controls and a fairly small footprint considering its power. Though it can be moved, I wouldn't describe it as portable.

4/5

Value

Cheaper picks exist, but operation, features and performance are absolutely worth it. Plus it's considerably more affordable than other big name fan brands.

4/5

(Image credit: Future / Becca Caddy)Buy it if...

Quiet operation is a priority
Whether you don't like fan noise or need to keep cool at night, it's relatively quiet, even at the highest setting.

Standard fans have never quite cut it
An air circulator with the Sefte Pro's Eco setting could be a much more effective way to cool you and your home.

You're trying to be mindful about tech consumption
With a replaceable battery, it's going to last a lot longer than other cheaper devices you might have bought over the years.

Don't buy it if...

You only have a tiny space
Look, it's small but it's not super small. There are plenty of dinkier options if you only want a compact desk fan or something more portable.

You’re on a tight budget
The standout features here are 100% worth it in my books, but if cash is tight then much cheaper fan options exist.

You only want a straightforward fan
If you don't need the built-in battery, controls or Eco mode, then a simple, cheaper fan or even just Meaco's non-Pro version might suit you better than this air circulator.

MeacoFan Sefte Pro 10 Table Air Circulator review: Also consider

Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo
A more compact option that's also designed for tabletop use, but lighter and cable-free too, so I could imagine carrying this around more. It's a similar price and doesn't oscillate or have control features as good as the Sefte Pro, but there is a misting option, which is nice. So only consider this one instead if you need a smaller and lighter pick. Read our full Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo review.

MeacoFan Sefte 8in Portable Air Circulator
If you have an issue with the size or the price of the 10in Pro but like the sound of everything else, I highly recommend checking out last year's 8-inch, non-Pro version. You get a lot of the same perks, like quiet operation and a rechargeable battery (you don't get the battery in the non-Pro 10in), but at a cheaper price and at a more portable size. Just don't expect quite the same level of power, though it's not far off. Read our full MeacoFan Sefte 8in Portable Air Circulator review.

How I tested the MeacoFan Sefte Pro 10 Table Air Circulator

(Image credit: Future / Becca Caddy)

• Tested the air circulator for a week
• Used all three settings, Normal, Night and Eco, regularly
• Used at home at my desk, in my bedroom and on my balcony

I tested the MeacoFan Sefte Pro 10" Table Air Circulator for week during a warm spell in the UK, which was great timing as it meant I could test it properly — especially considering I'm someone who always feels a little warmer than most people.

I used it while working at home at my desk on warm days, during the night to keep me cool and for reading and workout sessions on my balcony.

This week-long testing period gave me a really good opportunity to trial the different settings as I worked, worked out and slept, as well as run the battery down at different fan intensities and oscillation patterns.

I’ve been writing about and testing tech for more than 15 years now. Throughout that time I've covered health tech, smart home devices, wearables and audio tech. My focus is always on whether a device can genuinely make your life better, rather than just going by what’s on the spec sheet or in the marketing.

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

JLab JBuds Open Wireless: Two-minute review

JLab is well-known for its affordable headphones and earbuds, but this time the brand is branching out into something more unusual.

The JBuds Open Wireless are over-ear headphones designed to allow you to hear the world around you. Yes, everyone is doing that right now, just take a look at our best open earbuds guide — but while most open-ear options are earbuds, JLab has made an over-ear version. It promises to deliver the same open benefits but from a bigger — and for some people, more comfortable — form factor.

Now, open-back headphones are nothing new. They're actually a firm favorite among audiophiles. That's because venting the back of the driver housing stops sound from bouncing back onto the driver itself, which gives you a cleaner and more accurate sound with a wider, more natural soundstage.

However, the JBuds Open Wireless aren't that. Sure, they look similar, but the “open” part here means something different. The earcups don't create a strong seal against your head, and the cups can have grilles over them or the option to be completely open, so ambient sound outside flows freely in alongside your music.

So it’s not open-back as an audio engineering choice, but more open-ear as a lifestyle one, where the goal isn't better sound quality but a mix of sound and awareness of what's happening around you.

Interestingly, this design might seem new but it’s been done before several times. One of my favorite examples is back in the late '90s when Sony released the MDR-F1 — not identical, but similar open or open-air headphones, and people referred to them as "earspeakers" at the time. This is a similar thing, and a few other brands have done it, such as the ONE Wireless Open-Ear Headphones from nwm.

But they're still unusual right now, and I can't work out if they're uncommon because they're about to appeal to everyone and we'll see more soon, or because the use case is so specific that plenty of people will love the idea but find it falls apart in practice. Unfortunately, I'm in the second camp.

Don’t get me wrong, there's a lot to like here. The design is genuinely cool, with removable grilles and a comfortable all-day fit thanks to some memory foam padding in the cups and band. The sound also delivers more bass than I'd expect from an open design. And the ambient awareness really works. In quiet environments, it's really nice to listen with them.

But add just a bit of background chatter or noise and the openness becomes the problem. There are just too many competing sounds and the experience collapses. I know what you’re thinking. Isn’t that the whole point of open-ear designs? Sure, but if the music you’ve bought them to listen to becomes unlistenable, then we’ve got a problem.

At under $100/£100, the risk still feels low. But I think the use case is narrow, and most people will know within a day whether these are for them.

JLab JBuds Open Wireless review: Price and release date

(Image credit: Future / Becca Caddy)

• Released in late 2025
• Priced at $99.99 / £99.99 / AU$199.99

After being unveiled at IFA 2025 in September of 2025, the JLab JBuds Open Wireless headphones were launched in some markets in late 2025, and then the rest in early 2026.

You can buy the JBuds Open for $99.99 / £99.99 / AU$199.99. That price means they sit somewhere between the higher end of budget and mid-range.

Now this is where I'd usually give you context of how they compare to similar products, but it's tricky to compare these headphones directly to anything else right now. They give you the benefits of open-ear styles, but those are mostly buds, and these still look and feel like over-ears.

In that case, let's look at the open-ear buds you can get right now. Like the Shokz OpenFit 2+, our current top pick, which are $179.95 / £169. Though you can get much more affordable open buds that still sound good, like the Earfun Clip 2 with a clip-on design that'll cost you $79.99 / £69.99 (about AU$120).

In terms of over-ears, one of our favorite budget picks is the OneOdio Focus A6 over-ears at $55 / £55 / AU$112, which we think sound fantastic for the price. Though at that higher end of the budget range you've got plenty of choice, like the very highly rated 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 at $89 / £99 / AU$130.

Although there's nothing to strictly compare them to, the price reflects what you're getting. Which is over-ear comfort and build with open-ear awareness in a form factor that doesn't really exist elsewhere. For under $100 / £100, that does seem like a fair ask. But whether it's worth it comes down entirely to your preferences, which we'll get into.

JLab JBuds Open Wireless review: Specs

Drivers

35mm and 12mm Coaxial Dynamic Drivers

Active noise cancellation

No

Battery life (ANC off)

Up to 24 hours

Weight

245g

Connectivity

Bluetooth 6.0, USB-C

Frequency response

20-20 kHz

Waterproofing

None

JLab JBuds Open Wireless review: Features

(Image credit: Future / Becca Caddy)

• Simple app with essentials
• Multipoint connectivity
• 24 hours battery life (well, nearly)

The JLab JBuds Open aren't overflowing with features, but you have everything you need for the price here.

The app is basic, but that's not a criticism. I found it easy to use and it covers the essentials well. You can customize the manual buttons on the right earcup, check battery life, set an interval timer, toggle spatial audio on/off, and switch between music and movie modes.

There's also a 10-band custom EQ alongside three presets, which I enjoyed playing with to try and address some of the issues with the sound, more on that later.

The headphones have dual coaxial drivers onboard, a 35mm and a 12mm unit, and Bluetooth 6.0 connectivity with support for SBC and AAC codecs. There’s no wireless hi-res audio options, but a USB-C cable is included if you want a wired connection.

(Image credit: Future / Becca Caddy)

Multipoint connectivity to two devices worked seamlessly during my testing, switching cleanly between my laptop and phone while I was working.

Battery life is rated at 24 hours, though in some of JLab's specs it says to expect 18 hours. In my testing I got around 20 hours, with a full recharge taking roughly 2.5 to 3 hours.

That's not bad, but it does lag behind other over-ear headphones. The Sony WH-1000XM6 manages 30 hours, and the cheaper 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 headphones deliver an extraordinary 65 hours with ANC on. But, to be fair, it's much harder to fit batteries in when you've removed all the physical space from your headphones…

Measured against open-ear buds, this amount is impressive as the Shokz OpenFit 2+ only manages 11 hours, but that’s expected given the size difference.

• Features score: 3.5 / 5

JLab JBuds Open Wireless review: Sound quality

(Image credit: Future / Becca Caddy)

• Better bass than most open options but sub-bass is lacking
• Wide soundstage suits big, orchestral tracks
• Sound leakage is an issue

With the JLab JBuds Open headphones, you can obviously hear your surroundings — that’s the whole point. But you're going to want to bear that in mind, because these sound really open. Like, really open.

On a long quiet walk along the canal, it was lovely. I had music playing, I could hear bike bells and birds and I felt very happy. But walking through the city was a different experience entirely.

What I was hearing from the headphones was competing for my attention with a fire alarm, other music, and general chatter. There's open-ear, which I’ve tried many times now from different brands, and then there's this.

And some people might genuinely want this. If ambient awareness always trumps music for you, and competing sounds don't overwhelm you, these could be ideal. That's subjective and worth acknowledging, but it wasn't my experience.

The reason it's so pronounced is physical, because the drivers sit further from your ear than other open options. They’re outside the ear rather than in the concha, where other open buds sit. Sealed over-ears obviously don't have the problem at all.

Here it's essentially like holding a speaker close to your ear. I recommending testing adding the grilles in and out, because they do reduce the sound leakage in, and they're very easy to remove.

With dual coaxial 35mm and 12mm drivers, they’re working with bigger hardware than most open-ear buds, and you can really tell when you listen. There's genuine presence in the low end, with far more bass and substance than you'd typically expect from a pair of open-ear buds.

Vocals come through clearly, and the wide soundstage is a real strength here. I spent a lot of time listening to Jóhann Jóhannsson’s Arrival score and instrument separation was impressive. Big, cinematic or orchestral tracks have a sense of space that genuinely suits the open design.

Moving onto Rolling Stones' Sympathy for the Devil and the track's swagger and drive translated well. It felt wide, punchy and instruments were given plenty of room.

(Image credit: Future / Becca Caddy)

But there are weaknesses. Sub-bass is mostly absent. Hi-hats and cymbals also had a tendency to tip into shrill territory, and kick drums have a sharp, thin quality rather than a satisfying thud.

The overall character skews mid-heavy, and you'll find yourself pushing the volume higher than expected to get a sense of immersion.

At times it felt a bit like hearing your phone playing in front of you; it’s present and clear enough, but thin and lacking warmth. The bass boost EQ setting helps on the right tracks and is worth trialling, but it can't resolve the main limitation here which is that there’s no seal to trap and focus the sound.

Calls were fine. With open ears, conversations feel more natural to me, and the noise-cancelling mic picked up my voice well. It lacked some clarity at times, but was fine for most purposes.

Sound leakage from the headphones is also worth flagging. I recorded audio on my phone while wearing them and could make out the track even at a moderate volume with the grilles on. If you remove them, it gets noticeably worse.

Push the volume up, which you will find yourself doing, and it gets worse still. So there's a sort of irony here, which is that the open design means you need more volume to feel the music, but more volume means more leakage.

Ambient noise outside will mask the leakage, so you'll get away with it way more in public than you might expect. But a quiet office or commute is going to be a different story.

• Sound quality: 3.5 / 5

JLab JBuds Open Wireless review: Design

(Image credit: Future / Becca Caddy)

• A bold design that may divide people
• Genuinely comfortable for long wear
• Removable grilles change the look and the sound

The JLab JBuds Open headphones have a very unusual design and I think they'll divide people. Some will find them incredibly cool and a bit sci-fi looking, whereas others just won't get on with them.

They're over-ear headphones with a build that feels substantial, though they do feel a little more cheap and plasticky than something like the Bose QuietComfort Headphones, my all-time favorite over-ears, but that’s to be expected at this lower price.

Both the earcups and headband are padded with memory foam and I found it genuinely comfortable for long sessions. The clamping force was occasionally a little much when I was working indoors, but on runs outside it actually helped and kept them feeling secure.

(Image credit: Future / Becca Caddy)

At 245g, they're light, and you can shave a couple of grams off by removing the metal grilles. The earcups have a sort of wheel-spoke pattern with a grille sitting over under it. And if you twist the cup, the grille pops out cleanly, opening things up even more both in how these headphones look and sound.

I noticed it really changes the look of them, and noticeably affects how much ambient sound comes through. It’s a small but genuinely fun customization option.

That said, they're bulky. They stick out from your head considerably more than most modern over-ears nowadays, and while the cups pivot flat, they don't fold inward either, which makes them less practical to carry and store than many rivals.

The included carry case is a nice touch. It’s a similar concept to the AirPods Max case but it’s more practical with more coverage of the headphones. The matte, brushed finish picks up marks easily though.

(Image credit: Future / Becca Caddy)

You control the JBuds Open with physical buttons on the side of the right earcup. I personally prefer physical buttons over touch controls, and found these easy to locate and use on the move, and they're also customizable via the app.

The headphones come in black, which is the pair I tested here, or Cloud, which is a light gray with gold accents that's a nice option if you’re sick of all black tech.

There’s no IP rating here, which on paper suggests avoiding sweaty workouts when you're wearing them. But given their open design means far more airflow than a sealed pair, I'd argue they're pretty workout-friendly as long as you’re mindful about sweat and splashes.

I tested them on several runs without any problems and actually really enjoyed the ambient awareness and added airflow as I got warmer and more tired. But I maybe wouldn't risk them in the rain.

• Design score: 4 / 5

(Image credit: Future / Becca Caddy)JLab JBuds Open Wireless review: Value

• Good value compared to open-ear buds
• But whether it's worth it depends on your feelings about ambient sound

These are good value compared to other over-ear headphones and even some open-ear options. You can pick up open-ear buds for well under $100 / £100 these days, but top performers like the Shokz OpenFit 2+ cost nearly double at $179 / £169. So if you specifically want open-ear audio on a budget, they’re worth considering.

But really, whether these are worth it has less to do with price and more to do with your lifestyle. Under $100 / £100 feels fair for what's here. But if you're going to struggle to hear your music in most environments or find the bulk doesn't suit you, the price won't save them.

For the right person though, which I think will be someone who prioritizes awareness, loves the over-ear form factor, and isn't chasing audiophile sound, then these were essentially made for you.

• Value: 3.5 / 5

Should I buy the JLab JBuds Open Wireless?

(Image credit: Future / Becca Caddy)JLab JBuds Open Wireless score card

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

The app is easy-to-use, and it's nice to get multipoint connectivity and a USB-C option.

3.5 / 5

Sound quality

Good for an open design, especially for bass. But it's hard to hear your music in anything other than a quiet environment, and sound leaks out, too.

3.5 / 5

Design

They're comfortable enough for all-day listening thanks to their memory foam. The design is chunky and divisive but I like that you can switch the grilles in and out.

4 / 5

Value

Good sound, features and design for the money, but whether it's good value for you or not is an entirely different story. It'll be a really subjective thing for these.

3.5 / 5

Buy them if…

You want an over-ear design that’s also open
If you’re someone who needs this unique combo, these are made for you, and do it really well.

You need to be really aware of your surroundings
I always say this with open designs, but make sure you absolutely need them to be open. Which is particularly the case here, without those grilles you hear everything.

Your ears get warm
If you like over-ears but find your ears get warm or sweaty, this design could be an unexpected win.

Don’t buy them if…

You like a svelte design
Sure, I’ve tested bigger over-ears, but these felt a little bulky and certainly looked it.

You struggle to focus on music and podcasts sometimes
They’re so open that if you have trouble focusing (especially ADHD or auditory processing issues) you’ll find it hard to hear anything.

You want traditional open back audio quality
They might look like open back options, but you won’t get the same audio experience here unfortunately.

JLab JBuds Open Wireless review: Also consider

Jlab Jbuds Open Headphones

1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51

Earfun Clip 2

Drivers

35mm and 12mm coaxial dynamic drivers

40mm dynamic

12mm dual-magnetic titanium composite driver

Active noise cancellation

No

Yes

No

Battery life (ANC on)

Up to 24 hours

60 hours (ANC on), 100 hours (ANC off)

11 hours

Weight

245g

246g

5.5g

Connectivity

Bluetooth 6.0, USB-C

Bluetooth 5.4, 3.5mm

Bluetooth 6.0

Waterproofing

None

None

IP55

1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51

If it’s over-ears you prefer and you’re willing to sacrifice the open appeal of the JLabs, then you don’t have to spend a small fortune to get a good pair these days. Our top budget pick is the Sonoflow Pro HQ51 from 1More. The sound is satisfying here and you can customize it, there’s also ANC onboard and you’ll get a huge 65 hours of battery life with ANC on and 100 hours with ANC off. All for less than $100/£100.

Read our full 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 review

Earfun Clip 2

I'm including these just in case you didn’t know that an open fit can be achieved in a clip design. And they’re surprisingly comfortable and stable. If open is a priority it’s definitely worth shopping around for other options. I reviewed these and while they’re not perfect, they fit well, they’re packed with features, bass is solid for open buds and they’re incredibly cheap too. If you’re willing to branch out from over-ears, these could be everything you're looking for.

Read our full Earfun Clip 2 review

How I tested the JLab JBuds Open Wireless

(Image credit: Future / Becca Caddy)

• Tested over 10 days
• Used with my iPhone 16 Pro
• Listened to music, podcasts and some movies

I tested the JLab JBuds Open Ear Headphones for 10 days, which gave me plenty of time to trial them in different environments, wear them in a few different weather conditions and run a battery test.

I took them with me on daily long walks and two runs along the canalside, as well as one bigger hike in the countryside. They also came with me often when I was walking through a big city, in a busy market, to plenty of coffee shops while I was working remotely, on several bus rides and just out and about getting on with my day more generally.

I used my iPhone 16 Pro to test them and mostly listened to music and podcasts. I also used them when watching a couple of movies to test the movie preset and the spatial audio. I tested the different modes and EQ settings and used them with and without their grilles.

I actually became really fascinated by the subtle sound differences when it came to the grilles, so know my experience in this review comes from a lot of careful listening.

I’ve been writing about and testing tech for more than 15 years now. I’ve focused mainly on wearables, smart home devices and a lot of audio tech. Over the past few years I’ve been testing a lot of open ear buds, so I know what I’m looking (and listening out) for.

I’m always keen to think about the real world use cases and everyday practicality of tech so you get your money’s worth and pick the best device for you.

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

Turtle Beach Stealth Pro 2: one-minute review

You can always tell when a product launch means a lot to a company. There's almost an air of mystery surrounding it. The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro 2 wireless gaming headset is a textbook example of that. Tightly controlled review NDA up front. Mysterious box with "packed under CCTV surveillance" tape plastered across the side of it. PR check-ins to see how I'm doing. You get the works. And to be fair to them, I can understand why.

When we reviewed the original Turtle Beach Stealth Pro back in 2023, it absolutely dominated. From its outstanding soundscape to the wild amount of connectivity it included, and that legendary build quality it managed to achieve, it ticked almost every box that you'd want a good gaming headset to tick.

I'm glad to report that the Stealth Pro 2, in many ways similar to its predecessor, is purely outstanding. And it achieves that heady height, while also dramatically improving in every area that the original Stealth Pro fell short on. The product design team at Turtle Beach took the feedback from the original Stealth Pro and pretty much corrected all of its faults, making it arguably one of the best wireless gaming headsets of 2026.

Let's start with the audio. These are gaming drivers here; there's no doubt about that. The bass is rich and mids deep; it does lack "some" clarity at first try on the top-end, but a quick dabble in the EQs and you can easily tweak that out of it. Then there's the mic, a removable, flippable, unidirectional 9mm beamforming unit that honestly competes with some of the best fully-fledged XLR setups I've tested.

Connectivity, too, lands solidly with multi-wireless crossplay and simultaneous Bluetooth 5.3 included as standard, and the wireless range is massive (I left my house and walked down the street for 80-odd feet / 25 meters before I gave up and went home). Oh, and did I mention the battery life? Because yeah, it's 80 hours, courtesy of two battery packs, each rated at 40 hours apiece, one permanently charging in that 2.4 GHz wireless super dock that plugs directly into your PC.

It's hard to critique this thing. If I had one complaint, it's that I have some concern over the headband mesh and the clamping force. Particularly for those with craniums of a somewhat larger size.

A necessary evil, perhaps, to assist with that active noise cancelling, but it might take a bit of time to get used to if you're not familiar with studio-style headphones. And yet, that is still not enough to outweigh the vast heaping of pure aura that Turtle Beach has managed to imbue into this thing with practically everything else. It is a delight to use, and a headset I'll be sad to see go.

(Image credit: Future)Turtle Beach Stealth Pro 2: Price and availability

• Costs £300 / $350 / €350 / AU$550
• Available in two colorways
• Not much more expensive than the first gen

The Stealth Pro 2 launches in May 2026 worldwide and should be readily available at all the major retailers in your region. It's not a cheap headset by any means, but it's in no way a bad value proposition when you consider what you're actually getting for that price.

Available in two finishes, either black or white, you can also grab an Xbox or "console" specific version if you need that Microsoft compatibility. The standard PC variant will hook up to anything with Bluetooth or up to four other wireless 2.4 GHz devices that support USB (with two included as standard).

Compared to last gen, the Pro 2 has seen some serious advancements as well. The drivers have shot up in size from 50mm to 60mm, and moved to a dual tweeter and woofer design, audio fidelity has been Hi-Res certified, battery life has increased by well over 200%, ANC is now adjustable, the mic is removable, the list goes on and on, so the value proposition compared to its predecessor is strong.

Honestly, it's got a feature set that matches the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite, a headset that comes in at nearly twice the cost, and this one comes with a hard case too.

(Image credit: Future)Turtle Beach Stealth Pro 2: Specs

Turtle Beach Stealth Pro 2

Price

£300 / $350 / €350 / AU$550

Weight

13.9oz / 393g

Drivers

60mm Eclipse dual drivers

Compatibility

PC, PS4/PS5, Xbox Series X/S (console version only), iOS/Android Switch, Switch 2, Steam Deck

Connection type

2.4 GHz Wireless / Bluetooth5.3

Battery life

80 hours (40 hours per hot swappable battery)

Features

Hi-Res Audio certified (24-bit/96kHz wireless), Dolby Atmos, adjustable ANC, CrossPlay 2.0 multi-transmitter switching (up to 4 devices), AI noise-reduction beamforming mic, hard storage case, quick charge

Software

Turtle Beach Swarm 2 (PC)

Turtle Beach Stealth Pro 2: Design and Features

• Materials look and feel fantastic
• Insane connectivity & battery
• Bulky design

Let's talk headline specs before I even land on the physical stuff here. 60mm dynamic "Eclipse" dual driver design (you get both a woofer and a tweeter in each earcup), 10mm larger than its predecessor. 10Hz to 40kHz frequency response frame. Fully Hi-Res certified at 24-bit/96KHz, even over Wireless 2.4GHz, and Bluetooth 5.3. Compatible sync with up to four separate USB 2.4GHz wireless devices at any time (you can swap with a simple button on the headset).

Adjustable Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) with passthrough options as well. A seriously impressive 9mm beamforming mic (with AI noise reduction added on top), and a battery life of 80 hours, thanks to two hot-swappable packs. One that's always in the headset, and the other that lives in a chunky charging dock and wireless hub. Making it effectively an infinite charge at that point. It's brimming with tech to a purely insane degree. And it all comes in this lush little hard case, too.

The physical build, as well, is just outstanding. If I'm honest, the original Stealth Pro design, for me, was a little lacklustre; it delivered where it counted on the feature set and quality, but its overall appearance left me underwhelmed, like a discount SteelSeries. The Pro 2, on the other hand, is a different beast.

It has its own unique style and look. Where there is plastic, it has a soft touch finish; there's metal support bars beautifully curved around, beautifully, fully gussied up in this pristine satin black coating, copper metallic accents throughout, and the headband too is a soft mesh fabric that contorts to the shape of your skull quite nicely. It's all adjustable too, you get the usual mod-cons including rotatable ear-cups, memory foam padding, the works.

It is quite a large headset by design; those 60mm dual drivers do need space, and so each cup is a chunky old thing, but that's the price you pay for that quality. Would I wear this out and about, even with that removable mic, er, removed? Possibly, but I'm not sure it's really designed for that.

(Image credit: Future)

That hub, though, is such a power play. It's a simple thing, an angled circle, no bigger than a drinks coaster, albeit a bit taller, and you just pop your wee spare Turtle Beach battery in it to charge. There's a physical button here too, that satisfyingly pops it out when you need it, and a slim ring of LED light illuminates the edges, giving you a visual indicator of which noise-cancelling mode you're in, or whether your mic is muted.

That's such a huge win here as well. I can't overstate that. I was testing the Sony Inzone H9 2 earlier this year, in fact, and it's a solid headset as well, priced very similarly, but its battery life is, well, a bit "average". It only nets 30 hours or so with ANC disabled. Plus, once it's dead, you've then gotta find the USB cable, plug it in, or charge it up wired, and having the option to just hot-swap like you can with the Stealth Pro 2, is a real treat. Particularly given that each individual battery beats the Sony by a good 33% or so.

The software has had a major refit as well. Swarm 2 is a different beast than its predecessor. It runs smoothly, there's no login required or clunky download procedures, you can adjust everything you need to on the fly, including ANC sensitivity, game-chat mix, EQs, that Superhuman hearing mode, and reprogram some of the buttons on the Stealth Pro 2.

The only downsides I found during testing were again there's a bit of tightness on first use on the clamping force (although that did seem to ease with time), and it's well, not light, for sure. Never skip neck day, though, and you'll be fine.

(Image credit: Future)Turtle Beach Stealth Pro 2: Performance

• Stunning audio quality
• Brilliant microphone
• Wireless range is nuts

I never thought I'd start a performance segment for a headset talking about wireless range, but here we are. One of the standard tests I perform for a unit like this involves me walking around my home (a small three-bed semi-detached house), to see where the wireless signal cuts out. Just to get a gauge of how the dongle holds up.

In the Stealth Pro 2's case, it managed every single room in my home just fine. So, I decided to take it one step further, opened my front door, and started walking down the street. I kept going and going and going, and started to question my sanity, as it continued to play just fine, just as clear, just as crisp.

No phone, no other devices, different tracks from Tidal, through my house's brick walls, and trees, fences, and foliage, all the way down the street for about 85 feet / 25 meters. At which point, it didn't give out, I stopped, turned around, and came home. I suspect this is because the wireless hub has some seriously impressive antennas in it, doing a lot of heavy lifting, but the fact that it outperformed my router is telling.

As for audio quality, the Pro 2 dominates that arena as well. When you first use it, you definitely know it's a gaming headset. It has the telltale emphasis on the lows and mids that's such a common signature in units like this (i.e., make explosions boom more), but it's not particularly to its detriment; there's no washed-out treble or higher-end mids at all, really. It reads beautifully on the soundscape, regardless of what audio you push through it. Movies, games, music of all genres.

Personally, I prefer a more balanced soundscape, and the standard profile Turtle Beach is using here doesn't quite hit that, but it's by no means bad. Jump into the Swarm 2 app, and you can swap between four standard EQs (signature, bass boost, treble and bass boost, and vocal boost), and they do remarkably change the profile quite nicely depending on what you fancy on the day.

You can find my testing preset below, but effectively, you want a recurve bow shape starting from 5dB on the bass, hollowing out in the 500Hz range, and then climbing back up again to just under +5dB on the 16Hz range, and you'll be golden.

(Image credit: Future)

The microphone is a pretty stellar experience as well. When compared to a full-fat Elgato Wave XLR setup combined with a Shure 55SH-II, it was impressively similar. There was a warmth to it that the 55SH just didn't capture amazingly. It did lose out on treble, and of course, that XLR setup is far more ideal if you're taking it into editing software after the fact, but if your aim is to sit in Discord and be perfectly heard by your raid on a Friday night, this just doesn't disappoint.

The Stealth Pro 2 is, honestly, remarkable. What Turtle Beach has achieved here on such a budget is wild. Honestly, the best comparison that comes to mind is actually SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, and yeah, it is a couple of years old at this point, but it actually does deliver on a lot of the same premise, or tries to. Multi-connectivity, hot-swappable batteries, 10Hz to 40kHz frequency response. But the ANC was average at best, the price tag (at launch) was higher than it is today, and it just felt a little off by comparison. And to be clear, SteelSeries has a hell of a lot more experience in the gaming headset market than Turtle Beach does.

Yet here we are, a couple of years on, with a brand delivering on a product that shouldn't be as good as it is, at a price that's just right. It's awesome. From the sound it produces, to the audio it captures, to the battery life, wireless range, looks, man, it just nails it.

Should you buy the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro 2?Buy it if...

You're looking for brilliant all-around audio as a gamer
With outstanding bass and mid control, fantastic drivers, and a broad frequency response, a quick tweak of an EQ or two, and you're set, no matter what you're doing with it.

You want that wireless feeling without the battery anxiety
80 hours combined battery life, theoretically. Practically, it's infinite and includes a 20-second swap period too.

You're looking for an exceptionally well-built aesthetic headset
Its clean styling and fantastic material choice make it feel beyond premium at almost every level.

Don't buy it if...

You're looking for ultimate comfort
The Stealth Pro 2's a little bit tight on the first few uses, particularly for those with larger heads. It does ease up over time, but you'll likely find it a little bit on the rough side to begin with.

You want to wear it out and about in town
Although the styling is on point, those earcups are 65mm deep to accommodate those massive drivers. That's about 15mm deeper than most "street-wear" headphones are, giving them quite a bulky aesthetic in public.

Turtle Beach Stealth Pro 2: Also consider...

The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro 2 not giving you the right feel? Here's how it compares to a few others.

Turtle Beach Stealth Pro 2

Sony Inzone H9 2

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless

Price

£300 / $350 / €350 / AU$550

$348.00 / £299.00 / around AU$489

$349.99 / £329.99 (around AU$649)

Weight

13.9oz / 393g

9.2oz / 260g

11.9oz / 337g

Drivers

60mm Eclipse dual drivers

30mm carbon-fibre composite dome

40mm Neodymium

Compatibility

PC, PS4/PS5, Xbox Series X/S (console version only), iOS/Android Switch, Switch 2, Steam Deck

PC, PS4/PS5, Xbox Series X/S (wired only), iOS/Android, Switch, Switch 2, Steam Deck

PC, PS4/PS5, Handheld, Switch, Switch 2, iOS/Android

Connection type

2.4 GHz Wireless / Bluetooth5.3

2.4 GHz Wireless, Bluetooth, USB Wired, 3.5mm Analog

Dual USB, Wireless 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth,

Battery life

80 hours (40 hours per hot swappable battery)

30 Hours (with ANC disabled)

44 hours of battery life (22 hours per hot swappable battery)

Features

Hi-Res Audio certified (24-bit/96kHz wireless), Dolby Atmos, adjustable ANC, CrossPlay 2.0 multi-transmitter switching (up to 4 devices), AI noise-reduction beamforming mic, hard storage case, quick charge

ANC with ambient mode, 360 Spatial Sound, multipoint, detachable boom mic, ski-band suspension headband

ANC, magnetic drivers, 360-degree spatial audio, retractable ClearCast 2.X mic

Software

Turtle Beach Swarm 2 (PC)

INZONE Hub

SteelSeries GG/Sonar (PC)

Sony Inzone H9 2
Lightweight, stunning aesthetics, and a remarkably clean soundstage, the Inzone H9 2 absolutely delivers where it counts. Its spatial audio is a bit under-par, though, and its battery life is purely average by comparison to some of the others on this list.

For more information, check out our full Sony Inzone H9 2 review

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
In theory, very similar to the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro 2, complete with a hotswappable USB hub and a similar arsenal of tech, but it's starting to show its age a bit in the modern era. Fortunately, the price is dropping lately, so it might be worth a look.

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

How I tested the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro 2

• Two weeks of continual use as my daily driver, utilised for gaming, working, and general PC use, tested on PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2 too
• Tested across all manner of music genres and film content as well, covering every type and style possible, as well as range tests on the 2.4GHz connection
• Compared side-by-side with multiple audiophile-grade headphones, including Audio-Technica's ATH-A2000Z and Sony's Inzone H9 2 wireless headphones

I spent around two weeks continually testing the Stealth Pro 2, fully integrating it into my work and play setups. I used it predominantly on my compact RTX 5080 gaming PC, running alongside a set of Audioengine A2+ Wireless speakers, and a full Elgato XLR DAC setup with a Shure 55SH-2 microphone as well. In that time, I tested it mostly utilising Tidal's hi-fidelity content, and also in-game in the likes of Total War: Warhammer 3, Stellaris, and World of Warcraft Classic.

For the audio-recording tests, I used Windows in built sound recording software, doing direct comparisons between it and the Shure 55SH-2, reading an identical script back-to-back, then comparing the output.

I also connected it directly to a Nintendo Switch 2, Steam Deck OLED, and my PS5 to ensure console compatibility worked without fault, as well as fully testing the ANC in all of the modes available to me (including the dynamic adjustment slider).

Dedicated audio analysis test sessions were also fully implemented (effectively, me listening to the same songs on repeat, swapping between the Stealth Pro 2, the ATH-A2000Zs, and Sony's Inzone H9 2 wireless headset as well. These generally took around 30 minutes or so, using the same tracks, to identify differences between the soundstages, along with any necessary adjustments to EQs and the like.

I also performed a "walk round" test, with Tidal playing, I took the Stealth Pro 2 on an adventure around my entire property, before leaving the house entirely and walking down the street for around 25 meters, to see how far the wireless range held up.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed May 2026

Corsair Vanguard Air 99 Wireless: One-minute review

The Corsair Vanguard Air 99 Wireless is an optical-mechanical hybrid board that takes aim at the premium end of the market.

It’s a smart and understated affair, although the bright RGB lighting certainly adds some vibrancy, as does the white colorway. The floating keycaps are also a nice touch.

It’s built as well as the best gaming keyboard options, too, thanks to its aluminum body that provides plenty of stability while keeping the weight down. It’s also very compact, despite having a full-size layout; you even get six extra customizable keys on the left, known as S keys.

These S keys can be customized via Corsair’s web app, which offers quite a few rebinding options for every key on the board. You also get additional functions such as SOCD, although it has to be said some rivals do allow for more tweaks, especially analog models. Being a web app, you’ll encounter long loading times when clicking on many elements, which can quickly become frustrating.

The S keys can also be customized using Elgato’s Stream Deck software, to assign various Stream Deck functions. The Vanguard Air works well with this app, although I did find that bindings I configured in the Web App failed to re-establish themselves immediately when switching back to it after closing Stream Deck.

(Image credit: Future)

Thankfully, I had no qualms with the gaming performance of the Vanguard Air. I loved the feel of the switches, as they gave plenty of feedback and responded with satisfying clickiness. However, they’re a little heavier than I expected, which I noticed most of all when holding them down for sustained periods.

I typically prefer low profile keycaps over tall ones, so I instantly gelled with those in the Vanguard Air. They’re comfortable to use when gaming, especially the space bar, since it was low enough to avoid hitting its back edge with my thumb. They’re also easy to glide over, which makes for quick typing.

The Vanguard Air connected wirelessly to my PCs quickly and easily. Switching between devices connected via Bluetooth and the 2.4GHz dongle on the fly was just as straightforward. However, it’s a shame that the board takes a while to wake from its sleep, which can be frustrating when you want to dive straight back into the action after a break. At least you can turn off sleep mode completely, should you wish.

Battery life isn’t particularly great, lasting little more than a couple of days with both wireless connectivity modes used. Also, the battery indicator on the display didn’t seem very precise, turning from nearly full to nearly empty without much warning.

The Vanguard Air is certainly an expensive board, which is partly justified given its premium design, brilliant clicky feel and versatile connectivity options. However, its minor frustrations and lack of features relative to more advanced models take away from its value.

Corsair Vanguard Air 99 Wireless review: Price & availability

(Image credit: Future)

• $259.99 / £239.99 (about AU$360)
• Available now in two colorways
• Top end of the market

The Corsair Vanguard Air 99 Wireless costs $259.99 / £239.99 (about AU$360) and is available now. It comes in two colorways: black or white.

This price point puts it at the high end of the market. You could get a premium analog gaming keyboard for a similar cost, such as the SteelSeries Apex Pro. These boards are more customizable, letting you tweak actuation points and giving you access to advanced functions such as Rapid Trigger and dual actuation. In my view, the Apex Pro is one of the best examples of its class.

If you want to spend considerably less on a gaming keyboard that still performs, then the Keychron V1 Ultra 8K is a great alternative. It too has an 8K polling rate, but features mechanical switches which felt and sounded great to us. However, the tall keycaps might hamper your typing, depending on your preferences.

Corsair Vanguard Air 99 Wireless review: Specs

Layout

99%

Switch

Corsair OPX Low-Profile

Programmable Keys

Yes (Corsair Web App / Elgato Stream Deck)

Dimensions

425 x 135 x 17mm

RGB or backlighting

Yes (customizable)

Corsair Vanguard Air 99 Wireless review: Design and Features

(Image credit: Future)

• Compact and light
• Solid aluminium construction
• Some frustrations in customization software

The Vanguard Air lacks the gaudy aesthetic of many others in the gaming keyboard world. On the contrary, it’s very understated, with the colorful customizable RGB backlighting being about the only indication of its intended market.

Far from being boring, though, I found its minimalist form quite appealing. It’s very thin and compact, and I always like to see floating key caps, for aesthetic and practical reasons (they’re easy to remove and make cleaning in between their crevices easier).

Despite this minimal form, the Vanguard Air is supremely solid, thanks to the aluminum chassis. This material also helps to keep the weight down, meaning it’s an easy keyboard to move around when needed. It would also make a good choice for those who like to travel around with their board, yet also feels more premium than the plastic-laden alternatives.

There's no wrist rest included with the Vanguard Air, which is a small shame for a keyboard this expensive. However, the unit is so low to the ground that I didn’t need one to get comfortable. The folding feet also provide a relatively shallow angle, so my wrists didn’t have to bend upwards that far. They provide plenty of stability, too, although moving the board back and forth too vigorously will cause them to fold back in.

It’s impressive the Vanguard Air has a full size layout, considering just how compact it is. There are plenty of useful shortcuts dotted around the keys. There are even six customizable keys on the left, known as S keys.

These can be customized using Corsair's Web App, along with all the other keys. There’s a sufficient selection of assignments available, including media controls and system functions, although these aren’t as extensive as those in rival software. There’s also the obligatory macro recorder.

(Image credit: Future)

There’s a SOCD feature, too, which Corsair calls FlashTap. This features a useful visualizer to show how each of its three settings works. When two keys of your choice are held simultaneously, you can select the first one pressed to have priority and therefore override the input of the second, or vice versa. There’s also a neutral option, which disables both keys from registering when held together.

The Web App functions well for the most part, although I frequently encountered long loading times even when performing basic actions, such as merely clicking on an element. I suspect this is due to it being a Web App rather than a standalone piece of software, and even when I used it in offline mode, I still encountered the same issue.

You can customize those aforementioned S keys in Elgato’s Stream Deck app, too. You can assign them to perform various functions exclusive to the app. Again, this works well, but there’s another problem: whenever I closed Stream Deck and wanted to revert to the bindings I configured in Corsair’s Web App, they failed to activate. It took several minutes before the Vanguard Air finally realized and they worked again.

The Vanguard Air also features a screen in the top-right corner. This has a pleasingly high resolution for such a small screen, but frankly this is overkill for the basic and limited information it provides. It shows battery life, what connectivity mode is being used, and what key locks are active, but little else.

It can't be interacted with, either. Other boards with such a screen incorporate their rotary dials to navigate menus to adjust certain settings. The rotary dial on the Vanguard Air, though, has no such function. It can only be used to control volume and other parameters, such as the RGB brightness, horizontal or vertical scrolling, and zoom. These functions can be selected via keyboard shortcuts or via the Web App. The dial is solidly notched but feels easy to use.

Corsair Vanguard Air 99 Wireless review: Performance

(Image credit: Future)

• Fantastically clicky keys
• Easy wireless hot-switching
• Slow to wake up

The optical-mechanical switches in the Vanguard Air are a joy to use. They’re quite light and clicky, and make a very satisfying sound without being too loud. There’s just enough dampening to cushion impacts nicely, and enough travel to make inputs forgiving.

They’re also snappy and responsive, making quick movements in games like Counter-Strike 2 easy to achieve. However, they’re a little heavier than you might expect, which can cause fatigue when holding them down for long periods.

Despite the compact layout, I was comfortable in the WASD position, and the low profile keycaps meant I could hit keys flush, even the space bar — a key I often hit the back edge of on boards. This low profile also makes them great for typing, as they’re easy to glide over.

(Image credit: Future)

I had no problem connecting to various PCs via Bluetooth or the 2.4GHz dongle. Hotswitching between these connection methods is also quick and easy, merely requiring the flick of a switch on the rear of the unit. There are also Fn shortcuts for hotswitching between three Bluetooth connections.

However, the Vanguard Air is frustratingly slow to wake up from its sleep, requiring multiple key presses. Thankfully, you can alter the time it takes before the board enters sleep mode, and even prevent it from sleeping altogether, but a short setting will likely cause annoyance. I haven’t experienced a keyboard with a slower wake time than this.

The battery life of the Vanguard Air isn’t all that impressive, either. After about two or three days of use, switching between 2.4.GHz and Bluetooth modes, it gave up the ghost. What’s more, it did so seemingly out of the blue. The battery indicator on the screen was green and close to full for most of that aforementioned time, but suddenly dipped into the red and threw up a warning, before dying pretty quickly after that. What’s more, it died while I was typing and the last key I pressed continued to register, as if it were being held down, which can obviously be quite disruptive.

Should I buy the Corsair Vanguard Air 99 Wireless?Scorecard

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

The Vanguard Air is incredibly expensive, which only highlights the issues that undermine its value.

2.5

Design and features

Superbly made, but the software is a little temperamental, and it lacks top-line features rivals have.

4

Performance

The clicky keys are sumptuous, and the low profile keys are great for gaming and typing. A slow wake up time and middling battery life are drawbacks, though.

4

Overall rating

The Vanguard Air is brilliantly designed and feels great in action, but some of its drawbacks are hard to swallow at this price.

3.5

Buy it if…

You want a great key feel
I adored the clicky optical-mechanical switches, and the low-profile keycaps are great for gaming and typing.

You want a premium build
Not only does the aluminum frame feel solid, it’s also remarkably light. It’s also impressively compact given its full-size layout.

Don't buy it if…

You’re on a budget
The Vanguard Air certainly isn’t cheap, and that’s somewhat of a problem when it sits alongside more advanced analog models.

You want the best software
Corsair’s web app is frustratingly sluggish, and it doesn’t contain as many options as some rival software.

Corsair Vanguard Air 99 Wireless review: Also consider

Corsair Vanguard Air 99 Wireless

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless Gen 3

Keychron V1 Ultra 8K

Layout

99%

TKL

75%

Switch

Corsair OPX Low-Profile

Analog (Hall-effect magnetic)

Keychron Silk POM (Red/Brown/Banana)

Programmable Keys

Yes (Corsair Web App / Elgato Stream Deck)

Yes

Yes (Keychron Launcher / ZMK)

Dimensions

425 x 135 x 17mm

355 x 129 x 42mm

329 x 149 x 29mm

RGB or backlighting

Yes (customizable)

Yes (customizable)

Yes (Customizable)

SteelSeries Apex Pro
A similarly premium gaming keyboard, the Apex Pro is a solid slab of analog gaming bliss. Not only do the analog switches feel superb, they’re also customizable in all sorts of ways, allowing you to set it up for your precise needs and desires. Read our full SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless Gen 3 review.

Keychron V1 Ultra 8K
For something more budget-friendly but with enough performance to trouble the big names, the V1 Ultra 8K is a good call. It features mechanical switches that we found satisfying and sonorous when we tested the board. It’s not as well made as the Vanguard Air, and the tall keycaps make it less amenable for typing, but you get a lot for your money here. Read our full Keychron V1 Ultra 8K review.

How I tested the Corsair Vanguard Air 99 Wireless

(Image credit: Future)

• Tested for several days
• Used for gaming and other tasks
• Plenty of gaming keyboard experience

I lived with the Vanguard Air for several days, during which time I used it gaming, working, and general browsing. I used both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz for connecting to my devices.

I played AAA games and made as many tweaks and customizations as possible via Corsair’s Web App, as well as via Stream Deck, given the board’s integration with the software.

I’ve been PC gaming for over a decade and have experienced many gaming keyboards. I’ve reviewed a large number of them, ranging from budget offerings to premium models from big name brands, such as Razer and SteelSeries.

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

GameSir G8+ MFi: One-minute review

The GameSir G8+ MFi is the controller that the G8 Galileo probably should have been from the start. It takes the same full-size grips, Hall effect thumbsticks and triggers, and programmable back buttons that made the original one of the best mobile grips going, then layers on MFi certification for iPhone and iPad Mini, swappable ABXY button caps, dual vibration motors, and crucially, improved case compatibility.

Best of all? It’s still the same $79.99 / £79.99 / AU$129.99 asking price.

Having tested both of these mobile controllers side by side on the same phones and games, the G8+ MFi addresses just about every gripe I had with the G8 Galileo. The case compatibility improvements alone are worth shouting about, with magnetically swappable silicone pads and a camera bump panel that let you adjust clearance depending on whether your phone is cased or caseless.

The screenshot button has been nudged further from the D-pad, and the ability to physically swap button caps to match your layout is a nice bonus for anyone who switches between Xbox and Nintendo-style mapping. The core controller feel, including the high stick sensitivity and trigger response, is identical to the G8 Galileo, but the GameSir app now works on both iOS and Android.

There are vibration motors in each grip now, which should be a nice add-on, but sadly, they go completely unused by every game I tested on both Android and iOS. Admittedly, that’s more the fault of developers than GameSir, however. With that oversight, there's probably not quite enough here to justify replacing an original G8 if you’re an Android user. But for everyone else, this is the version to buy.

(Image credit: Future)GameSir G8+ MFi: Price and availability

• List price: $79.99 / £79.99 / AU$129.99
• Available via Amazon, GameSir, and major retailers
• Same price as the G8 Galileo it effectively replaces, but both are available

GameSir launched the G8+ MFi in late 2025, two years after the G8 it’s built on, but despite the upgrades, it retains the same $79.99 / £79.99 / AU$129.99 price tag. That sees it continue to undercut rivals like the Backbone One 2nd Gen ($99.99 / £99.99), though it can now stack up head-to-head with them on compatibility thanks to the added MFi certification.

GameSir's naming across the G8 range remains confusing, and a shared price point doesn’t help matters. The G8+ comes in both Type-C (wired, that I'm reviewing here) and Bluetooth variants.

There's also the original G8 Galileo, which is Android-only. Sometimes it’s called the G8+, sometimes it’s the G8 Plus. Sometimes Galileo gets a shoutout in there, sometimes he doesn’t. If you're shopping, double-check you're getting the right version for your device and not selling yourself short on feature set.

GameSir G8+ MFi: Specs

GameSir G8+ MFi

Price

$79.99 / £79.99 / AU$129.99

Dimensions

9.02 x 4.20 x 2.13in / 229 x 106.8 x 54.2mm

Weight

10.72oz / 304g

Connection

Wired USB-C (pivoting connector)

Compatibility

iPhone (USB-C), iPad mini 6+, Android 8.0+

Software

GameSir App (iOS and Android)

GameSir G8+ MFi: Design and features

• Familiar G8 ergonomics with a wider platform and stretch for iPad mini compatibility
• Swappable ABXY button caps and improved case compatibility
• Works natively with both Android and iOS devices

If you've used the GameSir G8 Galileo, the G8+ MFi will feel immediately familiar. In fact, if you’ve used an Xbox 360 or Series controller, the G8+ will feel familiar too. The full-size, contoured grips are the same chunky shape as Xbox’s offering, and the same laser-engraved texturing carries over from the G8.

It’s noticeably comfortable to hold and feels like a proper device rather than a homebrew solution to gaming on your phone. The same overall build quality remains, too: it’s robust, doesn’t flex or creak, and materials feel premium.

Placed side by side with its sibling, the G8+ MFi’s phone deck is noticeably wider, but in isolation, I'm not sure you’d actually clock the difference. It's heavier too, at 304g versus the G8's 252g, though again the extra weight didn't really register during testing. The light grey-and-white colorway is an improvement from the G8 Galileo's uniform, darker grey for my eye. It looks a little more refined in this brighter skin, but that’s personal taste, and you don’t get a choice anyway.

The MFi certification is the headline upgrade and a welcome addition for Apple fans. Where the G8 Galileo only officially supported Android, the G8+ MFi is certified for iPhones with USB-C and the iPad mini 6 and newer. It auto-detects which platform it's connected to and switches mode accordingly, which worked without issue across both my POCO X5 Pro 5G and iPhone 17 Pro during testing. The GameSir app recognized the controller on both phones, too, which wasn’t the case with the G8.

The wider stretch range, a full 30mm increase over the original, means the G8+ MFi can now accommodate an iPad mini, though without one to hand, I’ll have to take GameSir’s word for it. What I did appreciate was the removable magnetic back panel on the left side of the phone deck. This easily pops off to create more clearance for phones with larger camera bumps. It’s a nice quality of life addition that did its job perfectly with my cased iPhone, though

I’m not sure what GameSir thinks I’m going to do with that easily losable piece. A slot to tuck it into or even a magnetic spot on the back to stow it would have been much appreciated. I imagine we’ll see a lot of G8 Plus’ with a black stripe on the left side over time.

(Image credit: Future)

Case compatibility is where the G8+ MFi makes its biggest practical design improvement over the G8. GameSir now includes magnetic silicone pads of different thicknesses to change the buffer size around the port.

I played with my iPhone case on, and the controller accommodated it comfortably, which was something I couldn't manage on the G8 Galileo without worrying about the USB-C connector angle. It's probably still not going to handle a chunky Otterbox, but standard slim cases are no longer a problem. For all the clever tweaks and design changes, the USB-C connector is still my favorite choice GameSir made, and I’m glad it’s unchanged on the G8+. It pivots freely up and down, which makes seating and removing your device a doddle.

The magnetic faceplate system on the grips carries over from the G8, too, but the G8+ MFi adds swappable ABXY button caps on top of the interchangeable thumbstick options. You can physically rearrange the face button layout to match Xbox or Nintendo mapping, which is a nice complement to the software remapping available in the app. Three replacement thumbstick caps are included (short, tall, dome), but you still only get one of each.

(Image credit: Future)GameSir G8+ MFi: Performance

• Hall effect sticks and triggers, including hair-trigger mode
• Two customizable M buttons on the back
• Vibration motors in each grip, though they’re rarely used

When it comes to gaming with the GameSir G8+ MFi, the bits that were great before are still just as great here; en-something-ification clearly isn’t in the GameSir dictionary. The Hall effect thumbsticks and triggers are, as far as I can tell, identical to those on the GameSir G8 Galileo.

The sticks are smooth and precise with a high level of sensitivity. If you’re coming from a cheaper controller, you may need some time to adjust, but increased control is certainly worth the effort.

The triggers have full analog travel along with a hair-trigger mode that’s snappy and reliable, perfect for shooters. If you're upgrading from the G8, there's no change in input quality here, which is no bad thing, but don’t jump across expecting an even better experience. Deadzone and hair-trigger settings are configurable through the GameSir app, and the app now working on iOS means iPhone users get the same tuning options Android users have always had.

The G8+ MFi's d-pad has a slightly mushy wobble, though a snappy, clicky feel when you fire it off. Travel distance is short with a clear click for each direction, including diagonally. The screenshot button has been repositioned slightly further from the D-pad down compared to the G8, and the improvement was both noticeable and very welcome. I didn't accidentally trigger it during testing, which was a recurring frustration for me previously

Around the back of the G8+ are two programmable buttons, labeled M1 and M2 (compared to L4 and R4 on the last model). They're something of a rarity for mobile controller grips at this price, with the likes of the Backbone One skipping them entirely. I found them well-sized and positioned just about perfectly.

They’re close to where your fingers naturally rest without getting in the way, taking just the right amount of force to avoid accidental presses. They ship unbound by default, so you'll need the GameSir app to assign functions, and you can only mirror existing buttons on them, no macros.

(Image credit: Future)

The dual asymmetric vibration motors are the one new feature that falls flat. They work fine in the GameSir app's test mode, delivering both strong and subtle vibrations that feel perfectly capable, if a little slow to spin up. The problem is that no game I tested, on either Android or iOS, actually utilized them.

Fortnite, Call of Duty Mobile, Forza Horizon 5, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider via Xbox cloud gaming, nothing. I believe this is actually a mobile gaming ecosystem issue rather than a GameSir problem; developers just aren’t bothering or don’t have the means to communicate this information to devices. That may well change in the future, but right now, don’t go grabbing the G8+ expecting haptic feedback as you’d get on console.

The GameSir G8+ MFi features passthrough USB-C charging and a 3.5mm headphone jack, which carry over from the G8 Galileo, and both worked without issue again throughout testing. Passthrough charging reported fast charge speeds on both the POCO X5 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro with no overheating.

The headphone jack remains a welcome inclusion for latency-free wired audio The dedicated GameSir button on the controller has inconsistent behavior on Android, sometimes acting as a home button and occasionally opening the GameSir app instead. On iOS, it seemed to do nothing at all, but it will light up a different color to confirm you’re in the right compatibility mode for your device.

(Image credit: Future)Shoudl you buy the GameSir G8+ MFi?Buy it if...

You want a console-like experience on both iPhone and Android
Those full-size grips give the G8+ a wonderful feel in your hand, and its sticks and triggers are just as good as on premium console controllers. The MFi certification means the G8+ MFi is now officially supported on iPhones with USB-C and the iPad mini 6 and newer, something the G8 lacked.

You value customization and flexibility
The G8+ provides more opportunities to personalize your grip than ever: swappable ABXY caps and three thumbstick options, a removable camera bump plate and case buffers, software deadzone tuning, and programmable back buttons.

Don't buy it if...

You’re looking for something highly portable
The GameSir G8+ MFi has an even larger solid phone deck and grips than the original. It’s almost the width of a Nintendo Switch, and not much shorter either. You’ll want to put this one in a backpack (and you’ll need to supply your own carrying case).

You just want rumble in your mobile games
The dual motors are there, but currently go unused by games on both Android and iOS. Until developers start supporting external controller vibration on mobile, this feature is essentially dead weight.

Also consider...

Can’t decide if the GameSir G8+ MFi is the one to get? Here's how it compares to other, similar controller grips.

GameSir G8+ MFi Galileo MFi

Razer Kishi Ultra

Backbone One 2nd Gen

Price

$79.99 / £79.99 / AU$129.99

$149.99 / £149.99 / AU$269.95

$99.99 / £99.99 / AU$179.99

Dimensions

9.02 x 4.20 x 2.13in / 229 x 106.8 x 54.2mm

9.64 x 4.36 x 2.53in / 244.8 x 110.8 x 64.3mm

6.93 x 3.70 x 1.34in / 176 x 93.98 x 34.03mm

Weight

10.72oz / 304g

9.38oz / 266g

4.86oz / 138g

Connection

Wired (USB-C)

Wired (USB-C)

Wired (USB-C / Lightning)

Compatibility

Android, iOS

Android, iOS

Android, iOS

Software

GameSir App

Razer Nexus

Backbone App

Razer Kishi Ultra
The Razer Kishi Ultra remains the premium choice. It's nearly double the RRP but brings Razer's excellent Nexus app and RGB lighting. If you want the absolute best mobile controller experience and budget isn't a concern, the Kishi Ultra delivers.

For more information, check out our full Razer Kishi Ultra review

Backbone One 2nd Gen
The Backbone One 2nd Gen is significantly more portable and lighter, making it better suited for travel and regular day trips. Its magnetic adapter system handles cases well; however, it lacks Hall effect sticks, back buttons, and a headphone jack, all while costing $20 more.

For more information, check out our full Backbone One 2nd Gen review

GameSir G8+ MFi: One-minute review

• I spent a few days testing on both an iPhone 17 Pro and POCO X5 Pro
• I played Fortnite, Call of Duty Mobile, Need for Speed No Limits, plus Forza Horizon 5 and Shadow of the Tomb Raider via Xbox Cloud Gaming
• I played with the various customization options and tried to get the rumble working, unsuccessfully

I approached testing the GameSir G8+ MFi with the question of not only how it fared in general, but specifically how it compared to the G8 Galileo upon which it was built. I used the same two phones and the same set of games to put them directly head-to-head. This allowed me to isolate exactly what's changed between the two controllers and whether those changes are meaningful in practice.

I tested case compatibility with a slim iPhone case, tried all swappable thumbstick and button cap configurations, checked vibration motor response across multiple games on both platforms, and verified that the GameSir app provided full functionality on both iOS and Android. I also investigated the GameSir button behavior on both operating systems and tested passthrough charging on both devices.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed April 2026

MSI Stealth 16 AI+: Two-minute review

The MSI Stealth 16 AI+ is hard to identify as a red-blooded gaming laptop at first glance. The dark grey finish sets it apart from the mostly jet-black marketplace, while the rounded corners and lack of branding further distinguish it from others in the sector.

Its form factor also follows suit. It’s surprisingly thin and light for a 16-inch gaming machine, making it more portable than many of its rivals.

Despite this lithe form, though, the Stealth 16 AI+ doesn’t feel that flimsy. The materials feel smooth and premium, although there’s some flex to the base, so it’s not as solid as the best gaming laptop models.

Also impressive is the number of ports featured. There are two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports and two USB-A. There’s also an HDMI port and an RJ-45 for wired network connectivity. However, all of these are set further forward than usual, which may prove inconvenient in certain setups.

(Image credit: Future)

The gaming performance of the Stealth 16 AI+ is excellent. My review unit handled AAA titles with no issue, offering impressive frame rates even at full resolution. Some heat and noise was generated, but both of these aspects were far from troubling.

Games also looked great thanks to the brilliant display. The 1600p resolution and OLED tech meant content was super sharp and vibrant, without being blighted by reflections. The high 240Hz refresh rate will also please gamers who prize supreme smoothness.

The keyboard is tactile and easy to use, offering easy presses and just enough dampening to be satisfying. The touchpad is large and smooth, which makes for easy navigation, yet it rarely got in the way while I typed.

The Stealth 16 AI+ also has a very respectable battery life. It lasted over 14 hours when I ran a movie on a continuous loop, which surpasses many other gaming laptops. It’s also quite quick to charge, taking over two hours to fully replenish.

As you might expect for all its qualities, the Stealth 16 AI+ doesn’t come cheap. It might be hard justifying paying this much for such a powerful and versatile machine, but if you need a gaming laptop that does it all, there aren’t many better than the Stealth 16 AI+.

MSI Stealth 16 AI+ review: Price & availability

(Image credit: Future)

• Starts from $2,099.99 (about £1,540 / AU$2,900)
• Available from mid-to-late May
• Unsurprisingly expensive

The MSI Stealth 16 AI+ starts from $2,099.99 (about £1,540 / AU$2,900) and will be available from mid-to-late May. The base model is loaded with an RTX 5060, whereas the top model has a 5080 and costs $3,299.99 (about £2,420 / AU$4,550).

This is expensive, even for a gaming laptop. But when you consider the top-tier spec, it’s hardly surprising. It’s similarly priced to the A16 AI+, although that machine features 64GB of RAM and 2TB of storage across all of its models.

If you’re on a much tighter budget, but still want decent gaming performance, the Asus V16 is an option. It’s just as easy to carry around as the Stealth 16 AI+, but you’ll have to settle for a 40 series RTX rather than a 50 series, and the display is far less impressive. However, if you just want a decent machine for 1200p gaming, it’s worth considering.

MSI Stealth 16 AI+ review: Specs

Base spec

Review spec

Max spec

Price

$2,099.99 (about £1,540 / AU$2,900)

TBC

$3,299.99 (about £2,420 / AU$4,550)

CPU

Intel Core Ultra 9 386H (up to 4.9GHz, 16 cores)

Intel Core Ultra 9 386H (up to 4.9GHz, 16 cores)

Intel Core Ultra 9 386H (up to 4.9GHz, 16 cores)

Graphics

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Laptop

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop

RAM

32GB DDR5

32GB DDR5

32GB DDR5

Display

16-inch QHD+ (2560x1600), OLED, 240Hz

16-inch QHD+ (2560x1600), OLED, 240Hz

16-inch QHD+ (2560x1600), OLED, 240Hz

Storage

1TB NVMe SSD PCIe Gen4

1TB NVMe SSD PCIe Gen4

2TB NVMe SSD PCIe Gen4

Ports and Connectivity

2x USB-A (3.2 Gen2), 2x USB-C (Thunderbolt 4 w/ DisplayPort/ Power Delivery 3.0), 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x 3.5mm combo audio; Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0

2x USB-A (3.2 Gen2), 2x USB-C (Thunderbolt 4 w/ DisplayPort/ Power Delivery 3.0), 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x 3.5mm combo audio; Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0

2x USB-A (3.2 Gen2), 2x USB-C (Thunderbolt 4 w/ DisplayPort/ Power Delivery 3.0), 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x 3.5mm combo audio; Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0

Battery

90Wh

90Wh

90Wh

Weight

4.4lbs / 2kg

4.4lbs / 2kg

4.4lbs / 2kg

Dimensions

14 x 9.7 x 0.8 inches / 354 x 246 x 20mm

14 x 9.7 x 0.8 inches / 354 x 246 x 20mm

14 x 9.7 x 0.8 inches / 354 x 246 x 20mm

MSI Stealth 16 AI+ review: Design

(Image credit: Future)

• Thin and light for a large gaming laptop
• Smooth materials
• Plenty of ports

For a large gaming laptop, the Stealth 16 AI+ is quite restrained. It has a smart and minimalist body, lacking any odd angles or protrusions, which is always nice to see.

This is complemented by the lack of branding or any other gaming-oriented flourishes. All it features is a small logo and an S pattern on the lid, but both are so discreet and close to the same base color that you’ll barely notice them.

The dark grey colorway is smart and a little more interesting than the total black finishes of many in this class. The tasteful RGB backlighting of the keyboard, along with the rounded corners of the chassis, help to soften its appearance, too.

It also seems quite well made. The main material feels very smooth and premium, although it’s not especially solid. For example, the base can be flexed if you push a little too hard, or hit the keys a little too enthusiastically.

This is the price paid for its lightweight construction. For a large gaming laptop, the Stealth 16 AI+ is remarkably unobtrusive, especially when you consider it’s loaded with an RTX 50 series GPU. This makes it a more realistic option for on-the-go gaming than many of its rivals.

(Image credit: Future)

However, this portability is somewhat undermined by the feet underneath, which are quite thick. At least the ventilation area, also underneath, doesn’t have any bulk to it. It’s merely a large but completely flat honeycomb pattern, which also has its own aesthetic qualities.

Oddly, the most solid aspect of the Stealth 16 AI+ is the lid. There’s far less flex here, which is all the more impressive given just how thin it is. What’s more, the hinge provides plenty of stability while gaming, but puts up little resistance when opening up the display.

I was also surprised by the number of ports onboard the Stealth 16 AI+. There are two USB-C connections, both of which utilize the Thunderbolt 4 standard that supports DisplayPort and Power Delivery. There’s also a dedicated DC-in port for powering your laptop using the included adapter.

Two USB-A ports are also featured, which are split across both sides of the unit for added convenience. An HDMI 2.1 port, an RJ-45 port, and a headset jack round out the rest of the interfaces.

All ports on both sides are set further forward than you might expect, no doubt to give room to the GPU at the rear. I found this a little inconvenient, especially when connecting a power cable, since it protruded from near the middle of the unit. This can eat into desk space and lead to tangling if you have other wired connections to make.

MSI Stealth 16 AI+ review: Performance

(Image credit: Future)

• Smooth AAA gaming
• Sharp and vibrant display
• Easy and tactile keys

MSI Stealth 16 AI+ benchmarks

3DMark: Night Raid: 59,981; Fire Strike: 31,492; Steel Nomad: 3,739; Solar Bay: 70,455; Solar Bay Unlimited: 82,013; Solar Bay Extreme: 15,127; Solar Bay Extreme Unlimited: 16,121
Geekbench 6.5: Multicore: 15,618; Single-core: 2.829
Cinebench R23: Multi Core: 20,811; Cinebench R24: Single Core: 123; Multi Core: 1,190
Crossmark: Overall: 1,888; Productivity: 1,725; Creativity: 2,148; Responsiveness: 1,680
Passmark Overall: 12,696.8; CPU: 40,282.6; 2D Graphics: 793.1; 3D Graphics: 23,604.6; Memory: 3,461.1; Disk: 46,483.3
BlackMagicDisk: Read: 4,793MB/s; Write: 3,325MB/s
HandBrake 4K to 1080p: 99.52fps
Civilization VII: (Max resolution, AMD FSR 3, High): 122fps; (1080p, High): 181fps
Shadow of the Tomb Raider: (Max resolution, Highest, Balanced upscaling): 164fps; 1080p, Highest, SMAA x4): 156fps
Total War: Warhammer III: Mirrors of Madness (1080p, Ultra): 54fps; (Max Resolution, Ultra): 52fps
Cyberpunk 2077: (Max resolution, Ultra, Balanced upscaling): 94fps; (1440p, Ray Tracing: Ultra, Balanced upscaling): 60fps; (1440p, Ultra): 74fps
Marvel Rivals: (Max resolution, Balanced upscaling, Ultra): 73fps; (1200p, Low): 132fps
Battery Life (TechRadar movie test): 14 hours and 15 minutes

I was impressed by the gaming performance of the Stealth 16 AI+. I got around 50fps when playing Cyberpunk 2077 with the Ray Tracing: Ultra preset selected. This shot up to around 90fps when Frame Generation was enabled on top. I only experienced occasional drops in frame rate during busier scenes, but these weren’t steep enough to adversely affect gameplay.

When I first booted up the game, there was a lot of fan noise. Once I started playing, this quietened down, but it was still noticeable. Heat was noticeable, too, but this remained at the very back of the unit, and temperatures weren’t extreme.

The display in the Stealth 16 AI+ is excellent. The 2.5K resolution is more than sharp enough for a display this large, while the OLED technology provides a vivid color palette. It’s also very bright, which makes all kinds of content shine. I never had any problem with reflections showing up on the screen, either. And for those who value ultra-smooth gameplay, it’s capable of delivering a 240Hz refresh rate, which is more than enough for most gamers.

(Image credit: Future)

The keyboard is a joy to use. The keys are light yet offer a pleasing amount of travel, which increases their feedback. They’re more damped than those on your average laptop keyboard, which makes them more satisfying to hit, but they’re still harsher than those on the best gaming keyboards.

I also welcomed the generous spacing between the keys. This made them comfortable to use and made typing easier. However, this spacing comes at the expense of a number pad and navigation keys, which is a shame for a 16-inch laptop.

The touchpad is very large and has a very smooth surface — aspects that make it great for navigation. And although my thumb palms frequently made contact with it while typing, this rarely triggered cursor movement or clicks.

MSI Stealth 16 AI+ review: Battery life

(Image credit: Future)

• Excellent for a gaming laptop
• Outlasts many rivals
• Quick to charge

By gaming laptop standards, the battery life of the Stealth 16 AI+ is very impressive. During our movie playback test, it lasted over 14 hours. This means it has better longevity than many of its rivals, including MSI’s other Stealth model, the A16 AI+, which didn’t even make it past five hours.

It also outlasted the Asus V16, which only managed 12 and a half hours. It’s also quite quick to charge, taking about two and a half hours to reach 100% from total depletion.

Should I buy the MSI Stealth 16 AI+?Scorecard

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Value

Very expensive, but you do get a great all-round package.

3.5 / 5

Design

I can't think of a more portable 16-inch gaming laptop, but it doesn’t have the strongest build. There are plenty of ports, but their placement is impractical.

4 / 5

Performance

AAA games are buttery smooth and look great on the fantastic display. Some heat and noise are apparent, but neither is disruptive.

4 / 5

Battery life

Impressive compared to other gaming laptops. It’ll outlast many of them, even more premium examples.

4.5 / 5

Total Score

The Stealth 16 AI+ excels at gaming and beyond, making it a very capable and versatile machine. However, it commands a premium price tag.

4 / 5

Buy it if…

You’ll be playing unplugged
The battery life of the Stealth 16 AI+ is very commendable by gaming laptop standards. It can last longer than many of its competitors.

You don’t want your gaming laptop to look like one
The Stealth 16 AI+ doesn’t look like a gaming device, and it’s surprisingly thin and light for a 16-inch device with a beefy GPU.

Don't buy it if…

You want absolute quiet
Many gaming laptops have noisy fans, and the Stealth 16 AI+ is no exception. At least it’s not as loud as some screamers, though.

You’re on a budget
Given its top-end specs, it’s hardly a surprise the Stealth 16 AI+ is so expensive.View Deal

MSI Stealth 16 AI+ review: Also consider

MSI Stealth A16 AI+
As the name suggests, this laptop is closely related to the Stealth 16 AI+. It shares many of the same specs, although some RAM, CPU, and GPU options are different. Like the Stealth 16 AI+, we were impressed with its powerful performance, vivid display, and portable design. However, its battery life is considerably shorter. Read our full MSI Stealth A16 AI+ review.

Asus V16
Another 16-inch gaming device that’s thinner and lighter than you might expect, the V16 is a respectable budget pick. It’s also relatively quiet under load, and I found the keyboard great to use. The display isn’t as good as that on the Stealth 16 AI+, though, and its RTX 4050 GPU means it can’t match the performance of the Stealth 16 AI+, either. Read our full Asus V16 review.

How I tested the MSI Stealth 16 AI+

(Image credit: Future)

• Tested for several days
• Used for gaming and other tasks
• Gaming laptop experience

I tested the Stealth 16 AI+ for several days. As well as gaming with AAA titles, I also used the laptop for general browsing and streaming video.

I also ran our series of benchmark tests for gaming laptops. This included a battery test, where I ran a movie on a continuous loop until it shut down.

I’ve been PC gaming for decades, and have experienced many systems in that time. I’ve also reviewed plenty of gaming laptops before, as well as other gaming hardware.

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

Dyson HushJet Compact Air Purifier: two-minute review

The Dyson HushJet Compact Air Purifier is Dyson's first dedicated small-format air purifier, and it's a notable departure from what's come before. Unlike the imposing, bulky tower fan-purifiers of old, the HushJet has been engineered to better fit into your home — or at least, that's the idea.

Yes, it's smaller than Dyson's current range, but it's far from tiny. It fits on a desk and kitchen countertop, but not comfortably or subtly, and its design makes it stand out rather than blend in. The black and blue colorway I tested looks out of place wherever you put it, while the star-shaped HushJet nozzle, which is inspired by jet engine aerodynamics, looks as industrial as its name suggests.

The Dyson HushJet Compact Air Purifier is Dyson's first dedicated small-format air purifier, and has been engineered to better fit into your home (Image credit: Future)

There are few controls on the device itself and Dyson is relying on people using the MyDyson app to monitor air quality and adjust settings. Thankfully this isn't a chore because the app is super intuitive and simple. Plus you also have the option to control everything with you voice, via Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri, if you'd rather not pick up your phone.

Also, in day-to-day use, the Auto mode does most of the heavy lifting anyway. Intelligent sensors monitor air quality in real time and ramp the fan speed up or down as needed, which in practice means the HushJet spends most of its time running almost silently in the background, only surging when something pollutes the air.

Inside the purifier, the electrostatic filter captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. This includes dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold spores. The activated carbon filter then takes care of gases and odors, including cooking smells and NO2 from gas hobs. Both filters come pre-installed, which makes setup refreshingly painless, and they have long shelf lives. The electrostatic filter lasts up to five years, while the carbon filter should only need to be replaced once a year, keeping the running costs down.

There are very few controls on the device itself ,and Dyson is relying on people using the MyDyson app to monitor air quality and adjust settings (Image credit: Future)

The jet engine design isn't just an aesthetic choice, it means that the HushJet can channel purified air into a "focused, high-velocity stream" that covers rooms up to 100m2 / 1,076 sq ft. Most homes won't need this, but it's reassuring to know that you can place this purifier anywhere in your home and it's got you covered. These numbers would be impressive for any air purifier, let alone one this size.

At $349.99 / £349.99 / AU$549 the HushJet is a significant investment, especially when you consider that it's a purifier only, with no fan or heating function to justify the spend. However, if clean air is a priority and you want the best compact air purifier on the market right now, it's hard to argue with what Dyson has built here. It sits at the top of its category, and in my tests it earned its place, but if that's beyond your budget check out our guide to the best air purifiers.

Dyson HushJet Compact air purifier review: price and availability

• List price: $349.99 / £349.99 / AU$549
• Available in the US and UK

Dyson's HushJet is available in the US, UK and Australia direct from Dyson, as well as Best Buy and Walmart in the US, AO and Very in the UK, and JB Hi-Fi and The Good Guys in Australia.

At $349.99 / £349.99 / AU$549, this is an expensive purifier by any measure. To put that into context, the Blueair Blue Max 3250i – our pick for best air purifier overall – is less than half the price, at $169 / £169. Even the Dyson Purifier Cool PC1, a larger purifier-fan combo from Dyson's own range, is only $100 / £100 more, and it adds fan functionality on top.

What you're paying for with the HushJet is essentially the miniaturisation of Dyson's purification technology, combined with the new HushJet nozzle and its impressively quiet operation. I believe its performance justifies a large part of this premium but there are very capable, significantly cheaper rivals that tick just as many boxes.

• Value for money score: 3 out of 5

Dyson HushJet Compact air purifier specs

List price

$349.99 / £349.99 / AU$549

Fan speeds

10

Oscillation

120 degrees

Filtration

99.97% of 0.3 microns (PM2.5, PM10, VOC, NO2, HCHO)

Filters

360° Electrostatic + Activated Carbon

Control

Physical button, MyDyson app, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri

Fan modes

Auto, Sleep, Manual

Noise levels

24dB-42dB

Height

18.5" / 47cm

Base diameter

9" / 23cm

Weight

6.9lbs / 3.15kg

Dyson HushJet Compact air purifier review: design

• Smaller than previous Dyson purifiers, but not truly compact
• Minimal on-device controls
• Industrial aesthetic

Dyson has become famous for its distinctive, often divisive, design choices, and the HushJet is no exception. Like most Dyson products, it's sleek, cylindrical and well-built, but also striking and bold — especially its star-shaped HushJet nozzle top, which is inspired by the aerodynamic principles of jet engines, and doesn't look like anything I've ever tested.

Whether that's a good thing will depend on your taste. In my house, it divided opinion: my partner loved the look of the black and teal colors, but I didn't. I found it too much for an appliance that's supposed to sit quietly in the background.

Dyson calls the purifier 'compact', and relative to the brand's own range it is, but in absolute terms it's larger than the name implies (pictured next to a blender for scale) (Image credit: Future)

That tension between form and function runs through the whole design. Dyson calls this purifier 'compact', and relative to the brand's own range – which includes the towering TP09 or the enormous Big+Quiet – it is. But in absolute terms, at 18.5in / 47cm tall with a 9in / 23cm diameter, it's larger than the name implies. I tried it on my desk, on a bedside table and on my kitchen counter, and it felt imposing on all three. It ended up on the floor in most rooms, which undermines the compact pitch somewhat. For context, the Levoit Core 300S is half the height and is more subtle.

I typically like to move my purifier into different rooms, depending on my needs (for example, I put it in the kitchen when I'm cooking steak, or I put it in my son's room at night when the pollen count is high) and while the HushJet is technically portable, its missing carry handle makes moving it a little awkward.

There's a small LCD screen that shows air quality data using a color-coded line graph and settings above a row of three physical buttons (Image credit: Future)

On-device controls are minimal by design. There's a small LCD screen that shows air quality data — using a color-coded line graph — and current settings above a row of three physical buttons. These buttons cover most of the day-to-day changes you'll need:

• The fan button on the left lets you cycle between Night mode, the three on-board fan speeds, and Auto mode.
• The power button in the center turns the purifier on and off.
• The information button on the right cycles through the current PM2.5 levels, current PM10 levels, the state of the on-board filters, and the Wi-Fi details.

On-device controls are minimal by design and the three buttons: fan (left), power (center) and information (right) will cover most of the day-to-day changes you'll need (Image credit: Future)

If you want to set schedules, change Auto mode's target particulate level, access the seven other fans speed, or access any other more detailed settings, you'll need to download the MyDyson app. You can also control the purifier using your voice and the HushJet works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri.

This is also where you can learn what each of the air quality colors mean:

• Good (green): very low level of microscopic particles
• Fair (yellow): moderate level of microscopic particles
• Poor (orange): high level of microscopic particles
• Very poor (red): very high level of microscopic particles
• Extremely poor (pink): extremely high level of microscopic particles
• Severe (purple): severe level of microscopic particles

The HushJet's nozzle top is inspired by the aerodynamic principles of jet engines (Image credit: Future)

Setup across the board with the HushJet is painless. Both filters come pre-installed, and connecting to the MyDyson app took me less than 30 seconds. It's one of the easier Dyson products I've set up, and it starts purifying the air immediately.

• Design score: 3 out of 5

Dyson HushJet Compact air purifier review: performance

• Auto mode reaction times are unmatched
• Whisper-quiet on lower settings
• Limited app granularity
• Less impressive on smoke than VOCs

Given its price, and the fact it only covers purifying, the HushJet's performance needed to blow me away (excuse the pun) and thankfully it did.

I have a large open-plan kitchen-diner, as well as a substantial loft room, and even when the HushJet was placed on the opposite side of the room to where I was cooking, or spraying deodorant, its fans captured and cleared the particulates with ease.

During my aerosol tests, in which I sprayed deodorant at the purifier for five seconds while it was in different purification modes, the fan consistently took the air quality from as high as Severe to Good in less than a minute and a half. The low fan setting, unsurprisingly, took the longest at 1 minute 23 seconds (on average); the medium fan setting handled the particulates in 1 minute 2 seconds; and the high fan cleared the air in just 50 seconds. These speeds are unheard of in all my years of testing.

I also lit a match and let it burn out directly in front of the unit. Within three seconds, the HushJet had detected the drop in air quality and increased its fan speed. The app showed levels spike to purple before the purifier cleared the air entirely in four minutes. For comparison, the Blueair Blue Max 3250i, our top-rated overall pick, took 20 seconds to register the same drop, although it cleared the air slightly faster at two and a half minutes. Both are fast; the HushJet's sensing is simply quicker.

The HushJet uses a two-filter system (pictured next to the purifier): a 360° Electrostatic filter that captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, and an Activated Carbon filter for gases and odor (Image credit: Future)

The one test where the HushJet was less convincing was dust. Emptying a vacuum cleaner's dust canister next to the unit hardly moved the dial at all. Granted, the vacuum in question was the Dyson Cyclone V10, which has its own filtration system, which may have captured most of the harmful particles before they reached the HushJet's sensors. But it was a less emphatic result than the smoke and VOC tests.

In terms of noise, Dyson advertises the HushJet at ranging between 24dB and 42dB. During my own tests using the DecibelX app, the lowest I recorded was 29dB on Night mode, with 55dB at the top end, on high. This is still whisper-quiet at the lower end, while the higher end is roughly the volume of a light conversation. What's more, the sound is soft rather than sharp ,which makes the HushJet sound even quieter in real-world use. So much so, I could have the HushJet on in the bedroom at night, with Night mode enabled or without.

Other good news is that the Auto mode's quick reaction times mean the unit rarely stays at full power for more than a few minutes.

Over the course of testing, the electrostatic filter didn't register any degradation. The activated carbon filter, which promises a one-year lifespan, dropped to 96% (Image credit: Future)

When it comes to air purification, the HushJet uses a two-filter system: a 360-degree Electrostatic filter that captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, and an Activated Carbon filter for gases and odors including cooking smells, pet odors and NO2 from gas appliances.

I suffer from hayfever and during my review period I noticed a difference in my symptoms on days when I had the HushJet running. I can't say it got rid of them entirely, but on days when the pollen count was high and the HushJet had been running in my bedroom overnight, I woke up feeling better than I'd expected.

I didn't run the HushJet constantly during my review period. My typical pattern was to run it overnight in the bedroom on Auto mode, and then move it to the living room during the day when the pollen count was high or when I was doing anything likely to kick up dust. Over the course of testing, the electrostatic filter didn't register any degradation. Even after four weeks, it's still showing 100%.

The activated carbon filter, which promises a one-year lifespan, dropped to 96% so this will need replacing much sooner. A replacement electrostatic filter costs $64.99 / £50 while the carbon filter costs $44.99 / £35. This is worth factoring in but you won't need to spend extra for a while after purchase.

Overall, the HushJet does exactly what it promises. Its Auto mode is smart, its filtration is fast and its the quietest purifier I've ever tested. It's not perfect but in terms of performance, it comes incredibly close.

• Performance score: 5 out of 5

Dyson HushJet Compact air purifier review: voice control

(Image credit: Future)

• Easy to set up
• Works with Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri

Once the purifier is connected to your home Wi-Fi, it can connect to any Amazon Echo, Google Home or Apple Siri device on the same network at the press of a button through the MyDyson app. This app doesn't give you voice command prompts to get you started – like the Dreo app does – instead you'll need to go to the dedicated assistant app to learn how to speak to the HushJet.

That said, as soon as I got the hang of it, voice control quickly became my preferred way to control the HushJet day-to-day. I have an Amazon Echo in my bedroom and being able to ask Alexa to turn the purifier on or off, adjust the fan speed or check the air quality without reaching for my phone made a difference to how often I interacted with it.

On mornings when the purifier was downstairs, I could ask Alexa to kick the purifier up a level to remove the smell of my son cooking toast even while I was in the loft. Elsewhere, you can ask Google, Alexa or Siri to turn the purifier on and off, ask for a specific speed, set the purifier to a certain mode and check levels.

Dyson HushJet Compact air purifier review: app

• Offers a range of control options
• Color-coded design is intuitive and simple to use
• Near-live air quality data

The MyDyson app is one of my favorite things about the HushJet, and is one of the better companion apps I've used for home appliances. It's clean, well-labelled and easy to navigate from the first time you open it.

The home screen shows an image of your HushJet above the main menu, which includes Controls, Data and Insights, How To, and Product Settings.

Below the image are the quick-access controls for Auto mode and fan speed, plus an on/off toggle, a Night mode that dims the LCD screen on the device and quietens the fan, and a Timer option.

Your current air quality reading displayed in Dyson's color-coded system sit below this panel, followed by the Schedule option. This scheduling function lets you set the HushJet to run at specific times. I set it to run on Auto every morning before I got up, so the bedroom air was already clean by the time I woke up.

In the Data and insights section you can see the air quality graphs broken down by PM2.5 and PM10 readings, all presented in the same color-coded scale (Image credit: Future)

In the Data and Insights section you can see the air quality graphs broken down by PM2.5 and PM10 readings, all presented in the same color-coded scale. The current reading updates every 30 seconds, but the graph only shows average readings in 15-minute intervals. You can swipe back to see historical data but it doesn't reveal very much and lacks the granularity I'd like.

Elsewhere, the app doubles as a support hub, with how-to videos, filter life tracking, and the option to buy replacement filters directly. It's a small touch but a useful one, and you're unlikely to forget to replace the filters when the app is actively telling you when it's due. In Product Settings, you can connect the purifier to Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri, set the time, data and location data and manage the Wi-Fi connection. There's also the option to enable/disable continuous monitoring which is what's needed for the Auto mode to work effectively.

If there's one criticism, it's that the app is essentially non-optional. Anyone who prefers physical controls may find the HushJet frustrating to live with but for those comfortable with app-based control — and I'd argue that's most people buying a £350 / $350 / AU$549 smart purifier — it's an excellent companion.

• App score: 5 out of 5

Should you buy the Dyson HushJet Compact air purifier?Scorecard

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

Expensive for a purifier-only but the technology and filter life go some way to justifyi.ng the cost

4/5

Design

Striking and well-built, but larger than the "compact" name implies and divisive in its look.

3/5

Performance

Brilliant Auto mode reaction times, super fast and effective filtration.

5/5

App

One of the best companion apps in this category — intuitive and useful albeit not as detailed as rival apps.

5/5

Buy it if...

You suffer from allergies or hayfever

HushJet's filtration captures 99.97% of pollen, and dust, and its Auto mode reacts to changes in air quality faster than any other purifier tested.

You want a low-touch purifier that works in the background

At its lower settings the HushJet is barely audible and the Auto mode means you rarely need to interact with it at all. Set a schedule via the app, leave it running and let it get on with the job.

You're short on space

The HushJet delivers strong coverage from a significantly smaller footprint than most purifiers, making it a useful option for smaller homes.

Don't buy it if...

You're on a budget

At $349.99 / £349.99 / AU$549, the HushJet costs more than twice the price of some of our favorite purifiers without the fan element thrown in.

You want a truly compact desktop purifier

Despite the name, the HushJet will feel imposing on most desks or bedside tables, and is better suited to the floor.

You prefer physical controls

If you're not comfortable relying on an app or a smart speaker to operate your appliances, the HushJet will frustrate you.

How I tested the Dyson HushJet Compact air purifier

• I used the Dyson HushJet Compact air purifier and its partner app for four weeks
• I stress-tested it using different substances
• I experimented with different speeds, modes, and settings

I tested the Dyson HushJet Compact in my home over four weeks, during peak hayfever season. I used it primarily in my bedroom overnight on Auto mode, and moved it to the living room and kitchen during the day to test its response to different real-world air quality changes.

To test purification, I carried out a range of specific tests: lighting a match to create smoke, spraying deodorant to introduce VOCs, cooking on a gas hob to generate cooking fumes and PM10 particles, and emptying a vacuum cleaner dust canister to test dust response. For each, I monitored the HushJet's reaction time – how quickly it detected the change in air quality – and its clearance time – how long it took to return readings to normal. I tracked all air quality data via the MyDyson app.

Noise levels were measured using the DecibelX app across all fan settings. I also tested the voice controls by connecting the HushJet to an Amazon Echo while using with the MyDyson app daily.

Read more about how we test.

First reviewed May 2026

Adobe InDesign is the industry-standard desktop publishing and page layout software. And it's been that way for many years now, ever since the tool stole the crown of QuarkXpress to become the best DTP software.

So, with some new updates, I wanted to take a look at some of the new features I feel will be valuable to most of our workflows. As changes do occur to the software over time, the version I explored was 21.3.

Adobe InDesign: Pricing & plans

• Subscription-only
• Creative Cloud discounts for students and teachers

Adobe isn’t cheap. It’s high-end professional software that comes at a cost. On top of that, you don’t buy your software with Adobe, you merely rent it. Stop paying and it no longer works.

Yes, initially it’s cheaper than purchasing software outright, but over time that saving becomes questionable, as it is for all subscription services. You do get the advantage of enjoying the latest features as and when they’re released though.

Subscribing to InDesign on an annual contract will cost you $23 a month. Scrolling through the available plans, you might think getting the Creative Cloud Pro plan would be a better deal: after all, it’s $35 a month for over 20 apps, including InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator and more. That’s just $12 more. But bear in mind this price is only an introductory offer. After three months, it jumps to $70 a month on an annual contract.

If you’re curious about the software, a free 7-day trial is on offer, and if you decide to go for a subscription, Adobe won’t charge you for the first 14 days.

Additionally, students and teachers have a sweet deal: $20 a month for the entire Creative Cloud Pro portfolio.

• Pricing & plans: 3.5 / 5

Adobe InDesign: Performance & online work

(Image credit: Adobe // Future)

• Improved performance on PC
• A refined experience when working with files online
• The collaboration tool shows promise, but somewhat glitchy

Let’s take a look under the hood first, shall we? Not the most glamorous of new features, but InDesign now makes use of your computer’s GPU to help render your files. Usually, renders are done in low-res to help speed up document manipulation and scrolling, but by using the GPU, these previews should be of higher quality, while freeing up the CPU to handle text layout and general multitasking, thereby improving performance.

This feature is on by default as long as your graphics card is compatible, but you are free to disable it should you want to. You’ll find a tick box in your Settings, under ‘GPU Performance’ to do just that, but if the new rendering works as expected for your needs, why disable it?

Designing on your computer is one thing, but what if you need to work on the go and use a different machine while doing so, or better yet, collaborate with other member of your team?

All that’s been improved in the latest version of InDesign. Take organising, and sharing your work online. You can now do this within the app itself, by using the Creative Cloud app, or by login online and perform the same actions from a web browser. You’re able to create new folders, move docs around, rename, duplicate and delete them. All standard fare.

What I quite liked was the ability to “Sync for 7 days” - say you need to work offline for a while. This allows you to grab those files and the moment you reconnect, they’ll sync up once more.

Then there’s the Share options. The most interesting one is being able to ‘Share for Text Editing’. This allows you to collaborate with others as they make modifications which will be reflected instantly on your own version. Sounds exciting, right? And I’m sure in time it will be, but there are some pretty big caveats.

For one thing, as the command suggests, you can only perform edits to the text. You can’t alter the layout, change images, or anything else. It still has its uses, but it is limited. Next, this service is still in Beta, so there will be glitches, and I encountered a few, like not having permission to edit my own document online because apparently, I didn’t have the right to access it.

Thankfully a bit of swearing and repeated annoyed reloads of the page eventually got it to work. And lastly, this service only works on Chrome. I tried it with other browsers such as Firefox and Safari, and just got an error message.

• Performance: 3.5 / 5

Adobe InDesign: New features

(Image credit: Adobe // Future)

• Welcome addition of compatibility with complex math symbols and PDF editing
• Some new tools are a puzzler through
• Why link to Adobe Express templates if you can’t use them in InDesign?

On InDesign’s Home Page, you’ll find a ‘Templates’ menu in the left sidebar. This allows you to browse Adobe Express templates directly from within InDesign. Pretty cool, right? Except… not really. You see, once you select a template, it launches your web browser and takes you to Adobe Express online.

You’d think if you can browse the template inside InDesign, you should be able to work on it in InDesign, but no. There is a cumbersome workaround: download the template from Adobe Express as a PDF, and load that PDF in InDesign, but why would such a step be necessary is a mystery to me (at least you’re not restricted to Chrome here).

Opening a PDF in InDesign is a pretty big deal, especially since everything in that document becomes editable. You’ll find that most of the formatting is preserved - your mileage will vary, and I suspect depends on the complexity of the original file - but in my experience, the results were brilliant. Whenever you need to make alterations to a PDF, InDesign may well have become your go-to app.

And rounding up this list, is support for maths equations. You can work with complex equations and symbols and they will all be displayed as they should inside an InDesign document. There’s even a ‘Math Expressions’ panel for you to manually add said symbols to your document (you can also copy and paste them from elsewhere). This’ll no doubt be great for scientific papers.

• New features: 4 / 5

Adobe InDesign: Flex Layout

(Image credit: Adobe // Future)

• A great way to create a responsive layout inside your document
• Big potential to quickly create alternative layouts in seconds
• It’s only let down by the feature’s inability to resize the objects within it

But perhaps the biggest new feature for this version of InDesign is Flex Layouts. Its purpose is to make it easy to create different layouts in seconds, and a great way to provide options for your team or clients. You get to select a number of assets on your page and link them together by ticking the ‘Create Flex Layout’ box. This essentially makes a responsive design inside InDesign.

The selected items are in a bounding box. Resize the box and the items will move around according to set parameters you control. You can alter the spacing between objects, and the orientation that they will take within the boundaries. It gives you great flexibility.

The only downside I found is that the Flex Layout cannot alter any selected asset’s size, which does limit its usefulness somewhat: you have to resize them manually, should you find the resulting space too big or too small for them.

• Flex Layout: 4 / 5

Should I buy?

(Image credit: Adobe // Future)

Buy it if...

If you’re in the market for a feature-rich desktop publishing application, with a series of useful new features, and are already wedded to the Adobe ecosystem.

Don't buy it if...

You’re not a fan of Adobe, or of subscriptions, and are looking for an alternative that isn’t as expensive, even if it doesn’t have all the features InDesign has.

For more design tools, we tested the best Adobe InDesign alternatives

• ^ Back to top