TechRadar Reviews

Zygo Z2: One minute review

The Zygo Z2 are part of a very small world of headphones, namely bone conduction models made for being used in the water. Yet even in this small space, they are unique. They’re not the only swimming headphones that you should consider, but they are the only ones that use a radio transmitter for listening to music in the water. There's no onboard MP3 player, so they're the only pair that you don’t need to sit down with in front of your computer, to manually load the headphones with music before heading to the pool.

And while that’s the big selling point you’ll see when you come across them on their website or on Amazon, the Z2s also offer a deep ecosystem within the downloadable app including a whole assortment of classes, along with features like a walkie talkie and lap counting, hidden behind an additional but low subscription fee. This makes the Zygo Z2 function like a Peloton for the pool. I’m not sure I’ve seen anything like that before.

Of course, they do come at a hefty price (and that’s before the aforementioned subscription fee), and the sound quality is not going to compete with the best wireless earbuds. But that’s to be expected with headphones that first, use bone conduction, and second, use radio transmission.

If you have a smartphone (and I’m going to assume you do), you might be aware that phones connect to devices via WiFi, data, and Bluetooth, not radio waves (even if you’re streaming a radio station through your phone, it’s coming to you digitally). Because of that little omission, the Zygo Z2 needs more than just a pair of headphones to function.

Enter the biggest headphones charging case I’ve ever seen in my life. This big black square measures a little under seven inches across and under three inches deep. There’s a flip lid hiding the headphones and earplugs, as well as the USB-C charging port, LED indicator, and the power / connectivity button. Most unique here though is the shark fin on the back that needs to be flipped up during use, like an antenna. Without it, there are no radio waves.

The headphones inside have an IPX8 rating, use bone conduction for sound, and come in the same imposing matte black as the charging case. On the back of the headphones, the volume up (also power) and down sit on either side of the Zygo logo.

Be aware when ordering the Zygo Z2 that they come in two sizes: Standard and Large. If you go by the size guide and choose wisely, you’ll end up with a snug fit. They never fell off, adjusted, or really moved at all. And despite their tight fit, I found them comfortable to wear.

I can get up to three hours’ of battery life during use, which is a bit lower than the competition (but likely to be more than enough for a single session), though using a completely different technology (the radio transmission) might have something to do with that. The charging case does at least have seven charges in it, so its overall battery life (when including the charging case) is about the same as other bone conduction headphones that have a charging case, and far more than those that don’t. For reference, many of the better bone conduction headphones last around nine to ten hours.

I feel obligated to share our "how do bone conduction headphones work?" article as this type of sound reproduction is such a niche within headphones. They’re really only popular when searching specifically for the best waterproof headphones or best running headphones, with a possible exception for office work. In essence, they sit on the bones in front of your ear, circumventing the outer ear, which make them great for use in the water.

It’s also why the Zygo Z2 (and most other swim-focused headphones) come with a pair of earplugs. They, like the charging case and headphones, come in a fetching Darth Vader black. They’re necessary for hearing the headphones, allowing you to focus on the audio vibrating through your cheek bones (It’s less weird than it sounds).

If you’re wondering how “Eye of the Tiger” gets from your phone to your ears, it starts with a smartphone using the Zygo app, which is then paired to the charging case (a simple Bluetooth pairing process) in turn automatically connected to the headphones via radio waves. The Zygo app showcases the full breadth of the Z2’s features. I can use the app to communicate with someone else wearing the headphones. It is one-way though, so the wearer can’t talk back (only really useful if you have a swimming coach).

(Image credit: Future)

To use this feature, you need to get the five-dollar-a-month subscription, which also includes lap counting and a large assortment of on-demand classes consisting of audio workout guidance. Having listened to a few, I found them easy to follow and understand as well as well-paced. I think this ecosystem of classes are also what separates the Zygo Z2 from other swimming headphones.

Unfortunately, the audio quality leaves a bit to be desired. Now it’s not bad and having the audio coming through radio waves does provide a completely uninterrupted signal – something Bluetooth just can’t do in water.

When wearing the earplugs and submerged in water, the high end sounded clear with a good amount of detail and the mids were present, if a bit recessed. However, whether I’m listening to rock or hip hop (or anything really), the bass is just too quiet. It’s there, but quiet enough to really impact the listening experience. If you turn up the volume on a song with a lot of low end, the headphones also have a tendency to distort. However,the highs and mids sound pretty decent, especially underwater, so if you care less about the music and more about using it with a coach or with classes, then you’ll hear everything clearly.

Using the headphones to access the classes in the water is such a novel and helpful experience, even if it seems like someone would have done it by now, that the price and my issues with the audio quality feel unimportant, not to mention that the fact that you can stream whatever you want in real time (well, there’s a three second delay intentionally built in) instead of loading MP3’s in advance as needed with any other decent pair of swimming headphones.

Zygo Z2: Specifications

Drivers

Bone conduction

Active noise cancellation

No

Battery life

Up to 3 hours (21 with charging case)

Weight

57.7g (standard size)

Connectivity

Radio transmitter

Frequency range

150–20KHz

Waterproofing

IPX8

Other features

App (exercise programs, one-way walkie-talkie, lapt counting)

Zygo Z2: Price and availability

(Image credit: Future)

• How much does it cost? $329 (about £250 / AU$480)
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US

While those abroad will have to find a way to smuggle the Zygo Z2 out of the US to get it, those in the US can get it directly from the company for $329 (about £250 / AU$480). If you’re in Alaska, Hawaii, or Puerto Rico, you’ll have to also cover the cost of shipping (listed at $40 at the time of writing). They’re not available outside the US right now.

That’s a pretty hefty price tag considering that both the Shokz OpenSwim Pro and the H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro Multi-Sport cost much less, with the Shokz going for $179.95 / £169 / AU$299 and the H2O Audio going for $199.99 / £155.68 (about AU$310). Since those two headphones use built-in MP3 players for audio while in the water, they do sound a little better.

But that’s a little unfair to the Zygo Z2 as it offers a lot more than just a pair of headphones to use in the water. As I’ve mentioned, these are basically the Peloton of the pool. Yes, most of the features are locked behind a subscription, but that subscription is $4.99 a month for access to all the pool-focused exercises (including some weight training for the pool ones) as well as the walkie-talkie and lap counting features. No other swimming headphones do that, so the expense is worth it if you’re serious about swimming but want a little help.

Price: 4 / 5

Zygo Z2: Scorecard

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Value

The Zygo Z2 are expensive and have a lot of features locked behind a paywall. But these headphones also have a lot to offer.

4 / 5

Design

A tight fit and decent battery life (once you include all the additional charges of the charging case), along with a unique type of connectivity make these ideal for the pool.

4.5 / 5

Performance

While I wish there was more bass in terms of audio quality, it does sound clear. Plus, the app’s features from lap counting and the walkie talkie to all the classes really make set the Z2 apart.

4 / 5

Average rating

These swimming headphones are pricey, but the unique radio transmission and Peloton-like ecosystem make it an easy recommendation for swimmers looking to step up their game.

4 / 5

Zygo Z2: Should I buy?

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

You want access to the Peloton of the Pool

Having all those classes at one’s fingertips is such a help for anyone serious (or wanting to get serious) about swimming, s, just like a Peloton is more than just an exercise bike.

You don’t want to deal with MP3s

In the age of streaming, it’s a pain loading MP3s as required with other swimming headphones. The Zygo Z2 skip all that with their ability to use radio transmission.

Don't buy it if...

Audio Quality is your number one concern

The lack of bass is unfortunate, but not surprising since radio waves tend to compress audio. Still, if you care most about audio quality and not so much about loading MP3s or the classes, there are other swimming headphones that sound a little better.

You’re on a budget

Not only are the headphones almost double the price of even other other premium swimming headphones, but a lot of the features are locked behind a (admittedly affordable) subscription.

Also consider

Shokz Openswim Pro

The Shokz Openswim Pro are waterproof with a comfortable and tight fit, and come with a good nine hours of battery life. Just be prepared to get some MP3s to put on it as you won’t be turning to Spotify while in the water.

Read our full Shokz Openswim Pro review

H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro Multi-Sport

The H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro Multi-Sport are not cheap (though they’re cheaper than the Z2), but they have a strong battery life, complete waterproofing, and onboard storage as well as a special Playlist+ feature that untethers you from your phone during a run or swim.

Read our full H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro Multi-Sport review

How I tested the Zygo Z2

• Tested over a couple weeks
• Listened to different genres of music
• Tested all the different features

I spent a couple weeks testing the Zygo Z2 including a couple laps in an Olympic size pool as well as just hanging out underwater to listen to them. While using them, I listened to all sorts of genres from electronic and hip-hop to rock and acoustic music to get an idea of how they sound. I also tested the various features, including the exercises and walkie-talkie.

After testing, it’s clear that these are ideal for serious swimmers, especially those who need a workout program to get the most out of their time in the pool. If you’re curious about how bone conduction headphones work, check out the linked article for more details on how headphones like these work.

I’ve spent the last few years reviewing audio equipment and have spent even longer using my critical ear as a listener and musician to understand what does and doesn’t sound good.

• First reviewed December 2025

Marshall Bromley 450: two-minute review

The Marshall Bromley 450 is the second party speaker that the audio specialist has released. It’s a smaller variant of its older sibling, but aims to condense everything we like about that model into a less costly, more mobile unit. But just how well can it do that?

Well, at first glance, the similarities between the Marshall Bromley 450 and its sibling are striking. It has a very similar amp-inspired build, it's got those classic tactical knobs for controlling volume, bass, and treble levels, and it's adorned with the golden Marshall logo. But the similarities don’t stop there.

Its older sibling sits in our guide to the best Bluetooth speakers around, so unsurprisingly, the sound signature here is actually quite similar. You get agile and punchy, yet warm bass, which really feels like the star of the show. But you also get controller, expressive highs, paired with decently-detailed mids. Like the Marshall Bromley 750 before it, this is a great-sounding speaker, and has the raw power required to offer awesome audio outdoors as well as indoors.

My criticisms of the Bromley 450’s sound are very few and far between. It doesn’t offer the most rippling sub-bass, and I needed to adjust EQ now and then to get vocals to sound their best in particular tracks. But these are pretty minor qualms, and this is still an impressive performer — especially when you account for this model’s excellent soundstage, stereo sound capabilities, and ‘true’ 360-degree stereophonic sound tech.

Something else I highly rate is the Bromley 450’s design. Its premium construction — with faux-leather casing, a metal grille, and golden details — is as stunning as it was before. Meanwhile, the included handle makes it relatively easy to transport, even if this is a hefty model overall. The Bromley 750's wheels and suitcase-esque handle are gone here though, which makes this a little tougher to carry over longer distances.

Still, you get better protection against the elements compared to the Bromley 750, with this smaller alternative packing an IP55 rating. This means that the speaker is dust-protected, and can withstand multi-directional water jets, making it a good fit for outdoor use.

You will make a few sacrifices when choosing the Bromley 450 over Marshall’s larger party speaker, though. You get less power, and thus slightly less omnipresence through the deep bass registers — understandable given that the Bromley 450 covers a little less of the frequency range. But you also lose the sound character control feature, which enables you to find the right balance between ‘dynamic’ or ‘loud’ audio output.

But still, you do get quite strong functionality from the Bromley 450, all things considered. It has a whole host of connectivity options, including XLR/6.35mm slots for karaoke and instruments. It supports Auracast for multi-speaker pairing with another Bromley unit or other Marshall speakers — like the Marshall Middleton II or Marshall Kilburn III. And it has a replaceable battery which packs an incredible 40 hours of playtime, and can be used as a portable charger.

And if all of this wasn’t enough, you also get classy stage-inspired lighting, with three dynamic options for different vibes. You can also turn these off if you want to conserve more battery life.

If there’s one flaw that sticks out to me, it's the Marshall app. It feels underbaked, lacking EQ controls or the ability to adjust effects like delay and reverb. I wish you had more ways to remotely control this unit, especially if you’re further away from it and want to make a quick adjustment to the bass, for instance.

But overall, there’s a whole lot to love about the Marshall Bromley 450. It does a great job at shrinking the 750’s talents down and replicating them, and it's a luxurious party speaker in just about every way imaginable.

Yes, it comes at quite the cost, and those on a tighter budget may favor a rival from the JBL PartyBox line. But the Marshall Bromley 450 is almost a different proposition entirely — it’s masterfully constructed, built to be a true centerpiece, and brings an air of retro-style classiness that its RGB-laden contemporaries fail to deliver.

(Image credit: Future)Marshall Bromley 450 review: price and release date

• List price of $799.99 / £549.99 / AU$1,079
• Available now via the Marshall website
• And available from other select retailers from March 31, 2026

The Marshall Bromley 450 launched in March 2026 for $799.99 / £549.99 / AU$1,079. It’s available now via Marshall’s digital store, but select retailers will also begin to sell the speaker from March 31, 2026. It’s available in a single colorway — Black & Brass.

The Bromley 450 is the younger sibling of the Marshall Bromley 750 — Marshall’s first party speaker which is larger, more powerful, and in turn, a lot pricier. The Bromley 750 comes in at $1,299 / £899 / AU$1,799, placing it in competition with speakers such as the JBL PartyBox 720.

Marshall Bromley 450 review: specs

Weight

26.9lbs / 12.2kg

Dimensions

19.4 x 14.2 x 10.3 inches / 492 x 359.9 x 260.9mm

Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.3, 3.5mm, USB-C, RCA, 2x XLR/6.35mm combo jacks

Battery life

40 hours

Speaker drivers

2x 6.5-inch 40W woofers, 4x 2-inch 6W full-ranges

Waterproofing

IP55

(Image credit: Future)Marshall Bromley 450 review: features

• Excellent connectivity options, including XLR/6.35mm slots for karaoke / instruments
• Phenomenal 40-hour battery life
• Sound character control left out, app is underwhelming

The Marshall Bromley 450 follows in its larger sibling’s footsteps with an incredibly similar feature suite. So that means you’re getting the basics, like multi-point connectivity, fast-pairing, and companion app support, although there’s a decent amount more to uncover.

First of all, this thing has a whole host of connectivity options. You’ve got Bluetooth 5.3, 3.5mm wired, USB-C, and even RCA inputs. If you’d like to use this unit as a karaoke machine, then no problem either. There are two XLR / 6.35mm combo jacks on the top side of the speaker, which you can use. Again, there are effects you can add, including reverb and delay if you wanna spice things up a bit.

Another thing I love about the Marshall Bromley 450 is its battery life. 40 hours of playtime is absolutely fantastic for a speaker of this size, blowing most of the competition out of the water. But there’s more. This is actually the same battery used on the Marshall Bromley 750, meaning you can interchange them if you own both units. This also highlights Marshall’s heightened efforts in the sustainability field again — it's issuing components that can be used across multiple units, and are fully replaceable.

The battery can also be used as a power bank to charge up external devices, such as the best wireless earbuds and best noise-cancelling headphones.

One more feature I appreciated on the Marshall Bromley 450 was its Auracast capabilities. Although more traditional multi-speaker pairing is not available, you can connect a bunch of compatible Marshall devices together using Auracast for even more powerful and immersive sound. I tried linking the Bromley 450 up with the Marshall Kilburn III and it worked without a hitch. I also tried linking it with a second Bromley 450 unit — something I’ll discuss at length in the ‘Sound quality’ section.

This is all great stuff so far, but I do have a few qualms with the Bromley 450’s feature-set. First of all, I have to say that the Marshall companion app feels a bit bare. Although there are some neat physical EQ options on the speaker itself — which let you adjust bass and treble levels — there’s no way of altering this remotely. The same goes for the reverb and delay effects.

Yes, the app provides a way to tap into Auracast broadcasts, and some simple customization options for the ‘M’ button, but that’s about it. Given that Marshall has rolled out a more complete app for its home theater tech — like the Marshall Heston 120 and Heston 60 — I’d expect a few more controls for the Bromley 450.

On top of this, it was a bit of a shame to see the sound character controls from the Bromley 750 get dropped on this new model. This worked really well on that model, and enabled listeners to tailor audio towards a ‘dynamic’ or ‘loud’ style. I get it, this is a smaller, cheaper model, but it would’ve been nice to see again here.

But I want to be clear: the Marshall Bromley 450 still has a very capable set of features. I haven’t even mentioned my favorite yet, the integrated stage lights. There are three presets: the first is ambient, suited to an occasion like a dinner party or solo listening session; the second is representative of actual stage lights, with bold and dynamic patterns that sync to your music; and the final preset is high-energy and flashy, intended to create more of a party atmosphere.

All of the presets work well, and the white lighting is tasteful and classy — something that I can’t say about the swathe of party speakers with loud RGB lighting. The second is my favorite, simply for its authenticity and dynamism, but I was glad to see an option to disable lights for the moments where you want to conserve battery life.

• Features score: 4/5

(Image credit: Future)Marshall Bromley 450 review: sound quality

• Energetic sound that rocks indoor and outdoor spaces
• Excellent soundstage and no real sweet spot
• Powerful bass overall, although the darkest depths could hit harder

I was a big fan of how the Marshall Bromley 750 sounded, so I had pretty high hopes for its lil’ bro. But did it deliver? Yes, yes it did.

Let me begin by stating the obvious: this is a seriously powerful model. The Bromley 450 harnesses the power of two 6.5-inch 40W woofers, four 2-inch 6W full-ranges, and a couple of passive radiators to make that bass feel even heftier. The result is powerful, regimented sound that travels brilliantly, no matter whether you’re listening indoors or outdoors.

When tuning into Timeless by Shinchiro Yokota, I was wowed by the impact of mid-bass, as well as the snappiness of higher-pitched percussion. The speaker’s sense of rhythm and handling of dynamics also remained impressive, whether I was listening at low volumes or cranking things up towards max loudness.

In Morning Wonders – Leo Pol Remix by Kolter, a track with pretty aggressive drums in the treble range, the Bromley 450 replicated highs with confidence. There was a snappy responsiveness and satisfying tone to percussion, even while the tune’s intent-filled bass consumed our music testing space.

As the Bromley 750’s smaller sibling, you are of course going to make a few sacrifices in terms of sound. Most noticeably, the Bromley 450 is less powerful — but it's also less adept at handling the darkest sounds in the frequency range. For instance, tracks with rippling low bass, like Max Dean’s Fascinator, didn’t quite have that full-sounding rumble that mightier models can muster. Sub-bass is audible in tracks, don't get me wrong, and the Bromley 450 can still reach down to a solid 42Hz, just don’t expect the most palpable deep bass ever.

One minor thing I noticed is that there’s also a bit of compression at absolute peak volumes. This is pretty common for Bluetooth speakers, but the Bromley 750 barely showed any hints of compression — in part thanks to its sound character control function, which helped the speaker sound ultra-clean in ‘Dynamic’ mode.

My complaints run out there though. Sure, vocals could sound a little subdued at times when I listened to voice-led tunes indoors. But two things: the onboard EQ options totally solved this issue — I just had to turn the bass down two notches; and this speaker is designed for parties rather than the most detailed, high-fidelity listening.

Overall, the Marshall Bromley 450 is a very strong performer in the audio department. Its punchy bass, direct-sound, and vibrant treble are great of course. But the inclusion of Marshall’s 360-degree ‘true stereophonic’ audio tech also helps this unit to stand out among the crowd.

This thing genuinely sounds awesome from every angle. It doesn’t matter if you’re in front, behind, near, or far away from the speaker, it doesn’t have any real acoustic sweet spot. This tech impressed me on smaller speakers like the Marshall Kilburn III, but it was even more striking on a hulking model like the Bromley 450.

In a product briefing, Marshall also explained how the speaker’s full-range drivers are mounted on the four sides of the speaker (two on the left, two on the right) which keeps stereo channels well separated for a more immersive listening experience.

One more note on sound: this thing can reach new heights if you pair it with a second unit via Auracast. I was lucky enough to be testing the Bromley 450 at the same time as my Future colleague, Nikita, and we decided to combine our two units outside, via an Auracast broadcast from my phone. And the results were exceptional.

In Felini by Venerus and Marco Castello, I was astonished by how absorbing the trickle of flowing waters and strumming of natural acoustic guitars sounded. It really felt as if I was standing front and center at a gig. And with deeper tracks like Chris Stussy’s Breather, I was enveloped in pumping, euphoric bass. Of course, you’ll get awesome power with multiple units as well — when positioning the speaker on the far side of a parking lot, I could still hear that rich bass from the other side. Impressive stuff.

• Sound quality score: 4.5/5

(Image credit: Future)Marshall Bromley 450 review: design

• Classy Marshall aesthetic is as satisfying as ever
• Tasteful lights and premium physical controls
• Very hefty, and the wheels are no more

Every time that I review a Marshall product, I feel like I’m repeating myself. But that’s simply because I’m always full of praise for the captivating retro-style design that the company brings to each and every product. And the Marshall Bromley 450 is no different.

Everything from the faux-leather casing, through to its metal grille and golden details is a joy to behold — just as it was on the Bromley 750. This is a pricey model, but you do feel like the luxurious looks, high quality materials, and tasteful stage lights help to make your investment feel worthwhile.

The golden control panel on top of the speaker is also laid out beautifully, and is incredibly easy to use. Red LEDs symbolize which connectivity option you’re using, and tactical knobs are available to alter volume, bass and treble levels, and more. The mic and instrument ports are also located on top of the speaker this time, making it even easier to get a guitar performance or karaoke session underway.

Something that Marshall Bromley 450 actually improves on compared to its pricier sibling is its protection against the elements. You’re getting an IP55 rating here, which means that the speaker is dust-protected, and can withstand multi-directional water jets. In practice, this essentially means that the Bromley 450 is perfect for taking into outdoor spaces, and will be able to handle a spot of rain without issue. As the Bromley 450 is smaller than its older sibling, and easier to take outdoors, this feels like a very smart design decision indeed.

But what else is different from the Bromley 750? Well, the most noticeable difference is the removal of wheels. Yep, this is a wheelless Party Speaker, and you’ll have to lug it around using the handle on the side of the unit. Now don’t get me wrong: the handle is well-made, but if you’re transporting this thing over long distances, a word of warning.

This speaker is honestly pretty hefty, coming in at 26.9lbs / 12.2kg. Sure, the 750 was essentially double the weight, but its suitcase-style handle and wheels made it fairly painless to lug about. If you’re keeping your speaker in one place, or only moving it over short distances, the handle will certainly suffice, but its weight is worth keeping in mind.

• Design score: 4.5/5

(Image credit: Future)Marshall Bromley 450 review: value

• It’s by no means cheap
• But quality is undeniably high, even compared to rivals
• Repairability makes the speaker feel like a worthwhile investment

Let’s not beat around the bush here. The Marshall Bromley 450 is an expensive model, even when you consider its output power and sonic talents. But a high price doesn’t mean a speaker can’t be good value for money.

And I do think you get bang for your buck overall with this model. At $799.99 / £549.99 / AU$1,079, the Bromley 450 is costlier than similarly powered rivals, like the JBL PartyBox Stage 320, for instance. But, in turn, you’re getting considerably better battery life, improved dust and waterproofing, a more luxurious build, and a larger array of speaker drivers.

Is that going to be worth it? It depends. For some, the lower price and specs of the JBL speaker will be plenty good enough. But if you’re looking for a premium quality, long-lasting option, then the Marshall may be more attractive.

On top of this, the Bromley 450 is repairable, with Marshall offering maintenance and parts via its website. That helps the speaker to feel like a worthwhile investment for years to come rather than a short-term audio solution.

• Value score: 4/5

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the Marshall Bromley 450?

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

Brilliant battery life, connectivity options, and stage lights – but the companion app is underequipped.

4/5

Sound quality

Powerful, spacious sound, with no real drop off in listening angles, deep bass could be a little more full sounding.

4.5/5

Design

Stellar, luxurious looks with IP55 dust and waterproofing, but pretty hefty and no wheels this time.

4.5/5

Value

It’s pricey, but you get a luxury build and great sound, with top-tier battery life.

4/5

Buy it if...

You enjoy hosting parties
If you regularly host parties or gatherings, the Marshall Bromley 450 is the ideal speaker. It has great sound that can handle intimate indoor occasions or high-energy outdoor events, different light settings for different moods, ports if you want to hook up guitars or mics, and waterproofing for outdoor use.

You want a speaker that oozes style
The Bromley 450 is truly luxurious looking, and I love its combination of faux-leather casing, golden details, and a premium metal grille. It's far sleeker and sexier than the JBL PartyBox line, and makes your investment feel even more worthwhile.

Don't buy it if...

You’re on a budget
If you want the most cost-efficient option, the Marshall Bromley 450 isn’t going to be your best bet. Yes, it offers a good bang for your buck with great build quality and sound, but that doesn’t change the fact it’s pricey. The aforementioned JBL speakers can deliver powerful audio for less, and if you don’t need earth-shaking sound, you could even consider the LG option I’ve listed in the ‘Also consider’ section.

You want the most powerful sound around
Yes, the Bromley 450 is mighty, and it will have more than enough power for small-to-medium-sized parties and gatherings. But if you’re hosting a larger event, it might be worth checking out the larger Marshall Bromley 750, or a speaker with higher peak volume and stronger deep bass replication.

Marshall Bromley 450 review: also consider

Marshall Bromley 450

JBL PartyBox Stage 320

LG xboom Stage 301

Price

$799.99 / £549.99 / AU$1,079

$629.95 / £449.99 / AU$749.95

$299.99 / £299.99 / AU$449

Weight

26.9lbs / 12.2kg

36.4lbs / 16.5kg

14.7lbs / 6.7kg

Dimensions

19.4 x 14.2 x 10.3 inches / 492 x 359.9 x 260.9mm

13.3 x 26.3 x 15.2 inches / 335 x 670 x 385mm

12.3 x 12.2 x 11.1 inches / 312 x 311 x 282mm

Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.3, 3.5mm, USB-C, RCA, 2x XLR / 6.35mm combo jacks

Bluetooth 5.4, 3.5mm, 2x XLR / 6.35mm combo jacks

Bluetooth 5.4, 3.5mm, 6.3mm (mic/guitar) USB (MP3 playback)

Battery life

40 hours

18 hours

12 hours

Speaker drivers

2x 6.5-inch 40W woofers, 4x 2-inch 6W full-ranges, 2x passive radiators

2 x 6.5-inch woofers, 2 x 1-inch dome tweeters

2x 2.5-inch mid-range drivers; 1x 6.5-inch woofer

Waterproofing

IP55

IPX4

IPX4

JBL PartyBox Stage 320
Marshall is gunning for JBL with its move into party speakers, and perhaps the most comparable model to the Bromley 450 is the PartyBox Stage 320. This unit is a little cheaper than its Marshall rival, but it isn’t as well-protected against the elements, has a shorter battery life, and has a less comprehensive set of drivers. I’m yet to test this one, so I can’t speak to its sound quality, but with flashy RGB lights and plenty of connectivity options, it’s certainly ready to party.

LG xboom Stage 301
This one’s a little different, but it’s still great for smaller parties or gatherings. The LG xboom Stage 301 is a wedge-shaped stage-style speaker that’s packed with fun features, clean audio, and flashy lighting. It’s not as powerful or luxurious looking as Marshall’s speaker, sure, but it’s considerably cheaper, and still has a bunch of connectivity options — including support for mics and guitars. Read my full LG xboom Stage 301 review.

How I tested the Marshall Bromley 450

(Image credit: Future)

• Spent hours listening to music both indoors and outdoors
• Used alone and while paired with a second unit via Auracast
• Predominantly tested using Tidal

I spent hours listening to music on the Marshall Bromley 450, during which time I exhausted its various features and tried it both indoors and outdoors.

When listening to tunes, I made sure to try out a wide variety of genres, and run through tracks in the TechRadar testing playlist. For the most part, I used Tidal to blast my tunes, but I also dipped into Spotify now and then. I used the Bromley 450 on its own to begin with, but I also had the opportunity to pair it with a second unit, and connected the two together via Auracast.

More generally, I’m an experienced audio gear reviewer, and have spent the last two years testing everything from premium headphones — like the Sony WH-1000XM6 — through to some of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars, including the LG Sound Suite Immersive Suite 7 Pro. I also reviewed the Marshall Bromley 750 myself, so I’m intimately familiar with Marshall’s quality in the party speaker domain.

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

Oukitel WP61 Plus: 30-second review

Unveiled at IFA 2025 in Berlin, the Oukitel WP61 Plus is the brand's flagship all-in-one rugged smartphone, featuring a 20,000 mAh battery, an integrated 2W DMR walkie-talkie, and a high-powered camping flashlight.

But what is likely to confuse people is that the WP60 and WP62 have been available for some time, but Oukitel held the WP61 Plus back.

Built for outdoor professionals, search-and-rescue workers, or those who routinely find themselves in the great outdoors, the WP61 Plus is entering a highly competitive market.

There are four versions of the WP61 that all share the same SoC, memory, and storage model but differ in the special features included. There is a base model, the Plus model reviewed here, that has a 2W DMR walkie-talkie, the WP61 Ultra with thermal imaging, and the WP61 Ti with NTN Skylo Satellite communications.

All of them use the Dimensity 7025 processor, have 12GB of RAM, 512GB of storage and the same 108MP primary camera.

The large 6.8-inch FHD+ display runs at 120Hz, which is a welcome touch for a rugged device, and Android 16 puts it on the cutting edge for that platform

Where the WP61 Plus truly distinguishes itself, however, is in its extended utility features. The built-in DMR (Digital Mobile Radio) walkie-talkie operates at 2W and is designed to maintain group communications in areas where cellular coverage fails.

Oukitel quotes a range of 5.5km (3.4 miles) for DMR communications, but this will work without any cell service.

Combined with the camping light and the ability to act as a power bank for smaller devices, this phone is positioned less as a smartphone and more as a portable field communications and survival tool.

The only significant downside of this design is its physical scale; at over 650g, this isn’t a small or lightweight design, and with the walkie-talkie antenna attached, it becomes even more unwieldy.

The WP61 Plus might not break into our best rugged smartphone selection, but if you are looking for a general-purpose rugged phone for an adventure trek, then it could be an option.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)Oukitel WP61 Plus: price and availability

• How much does it cost? $370/£280/€323
• When is it out? Available soon
• Where can you get it? You can get it directly from Oukitel or via online retailers such as Amazon.

Direct from Oukitel, the asking price for the WP61 Plus is $369.99/£279.99/€322.68, which is a good deal if you accept the view that this is a discount from $499.99/£378.37/€436.06, a price at which this product has never been sold.

You read that correctly. At the time of writing, while Oukitel are promoting this product, it remains out of stock. Also, it’s not available via online retailers, but that’s probably right around the corner.

The Plus model is $50 more than the base model, but $60 less than the Ultra option. There is no price yet for the Satellite model.

There are lots of phones that use the same or similar SoCs, like the Blackview Oscal Tank 1, RugOne Xever 7 Pro, Doogee S200 and Oukitel WP300. All these are cheaper, but lack the DMR walkie-talkie technology.

Blackview has the Xplore 1 Walkie Talkie that sells for €383.95 direct from the makers, a good amount more than the WP61 Plus.

The Unihertz Atom XL is a much smaller phone with the same DMR technology, priced at $289.99 at the official Unihertz outlet. However, I’d avoid this phone because there are no US or Global models.

A better choice is the Armour 26 Ultra Walkie-Talkie, but its base price is $649.99, making it substantially more expensive.

For a DMR-capable phone, the WP61 Plus is reasonably priced, though it might seem a little expensive for the platform specification.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

• Value score: 4/5

Oukitel WP61 Plus: Specs

Item

Spec

CPU:

MediaTek Dimensity 7025 (6nm)

GPU:

IMG BXM-8-256

NPU:

MediaTek's APU 780

RAM:

12GB

Storage:

512GB

Screen:

6.8-inch FHD+ LCD

Resolution:

1080 x 2460 pixels 650nits

SIM:

2x Nano SIM + TF (one shared position)

Weight:

651.6 grams

Dimensions:

179.5 x 85 x 27.5 mm

Rugged Spec:

IP68 IP69K dust/water resistant (up to 2m for 30 minutes), MIL-STD-810H Certification

Rear cameras:

108MP Camera + 8MP Night vision +2MP macro

Front camera:

32MP Sony IMX616

Networking:

5G bands, WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.2

Audio:

130 dB 5W speaker

OS:

Android 16

Battery:

20000 mAh (45W wired, 5W reverse charge)

Colours:

Black

Oukitel WP61 Plus: design

• Built for the field, not the pocket
• DMR Antenna
• Standard layout

The WP61 Plus makes no apologies for its bulk. At 179.5 x 85 x 27.5 mm, it is a substantial device, and one that is clearly engineered to accommodate its enormous 20,000mAh battery alongside the walkie-talkie antenna hardware and camping light module. The extra 27.5 mm of depth alone sets it apart as a very different prospect from a standard smartphone, and not one you can easily fit in a pocket.

What can make this design even more challenging to store is that in the box is a 92mm antenna for the DMR walkie-talkie that screws into the top right of the phone. You can choose not to attach that, but I presume that will impact the ability to communicate using that functionality.

The Oukitel WP series devices have traditionally used a combination of reinforced polycarbonate and aluminium alloy framing, and the WP61 doesn’t deviate from that, making it a device that can withstand heavy abuse.

The device supports a 'seat charger', a docking cradle that allows the phone to be mounted and charged in a fixed location, such as a vehicle dashboard or on a desk. This is a thoughtful addition for fleet operators or those who need their device always charged and ready. The dock isn’t included as standard, and its arrival date and price haven't been released yet.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

In terms of the general aesthetics and layout, there isn’t anything especially surprising about the WP61 Plus. The button arrangement is the one most rugged phones use, with the power (doubling as a fingerprint reader) and volume buttons on the right, the custom button on the left, where the SIM tray is also placed.

The buttons are all metal, and the sides of the chassis are all machined aluminium, making this phone feel both comfortable to hold and seemingly indestructible.

Both the top and bottom edges feature a waterproof plug: one for the antenna on the top and another covering the USB port on the bottom. Both of these are held in place with screws, suggesting they could be replaced when they wear out if Oukitel makes replacements available.

To avoid wearing out the USB-C cover, the dock has four metal contact points on its bottom face, allowing it to be charged without inserting a cable.

The rear has three noticeable features: a camping light, a 5W speaker, and the camera cluster. The 1200-lumen camping light is obscured by a reference sticker that contains important information you don’t want to misplace by peeling it off and throwing it away, annoyingly.

According to Oukitel, the speaker is rated at 130 dB, which would undoubtedly damage your hearing if you held it against your ear while it was making noise. The top-centre placement of that speaker also pushes the three rear camera lenses to the phone's outer edge, which isn’t ideal.

While I’ve seen worse, the WP61 Plus seems to try to be many things at once and has slightly compromised some of its features in the process.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

Design score: 3.5/5

Oukitel WP61 Plus: hardware

• MediaTek Dimensity 7025
• 20000 mAh battery
• Walkie-talkie

This is the third phone I’ve covered that uses the MediaTek Dimensity 7025, and I haven’t changed my opinion of it.

Instead of this being a new and exciting SoC, it’s a renaming of the older Dimensity 930, a chip from May 2022. If you research this silicon, you will find that the Dimensity 7025 was launched in 2024, but the underlying chip is at least two years older.

That explains why all the 70XX SoCs are made using a 6nm process, whereas all the 73XX and 74XX chips use the new and superior 4nm process.

Ironically, that’s not the biggest issue with this platform, since, as SoCs go, the Dimensity 7025 is an effective power-efficient system that delivers a good user experience for the most part.

A bigger problem is that the CPU is coupled with the IMG BXM-8-256 GPU, one of those PowerVR IMG designs that is poor by modern standards. It drives the Android 16 interface reasonably, but it's not a game-friendly GPU. Critically, it lacks some of the OpenGL and Vulkan functionality that interactive graphics apps often use.

For the WP61 Plus's intended use cases, it is a sensible and efficient choice, but more modern MediaTek designs, such as the Dimensity 7300 and 7400, offer far more potential.

In large, rugged phones, a 20000 mAh battery isn’t exceptional, but this device helps because it supports a 45W charger, which is included. That enables the phone to charge from zero to full capacity in about four hours, and get more than half of a charge in ninety minutes.

This is dramatically better than the WP60 offered with the same battery capacity, as that phone could only charge at 33W. Though, as I recall, the WP60 did reverse charge at 7W, where the WP61 Plus only puts out 5W.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

You can get a similar platform and battery in a wide range of rugged phones, but the final feature I’ll talk about here is something that is in relatively few: a DMR (Digital Mobile Radio) walkie-talkie.

The radio in the WP61 Plus transmits at 2W, which is a meaningful output for direct device-to-device communication. DMR is a professional-grade digital radio standard, typically used in construction, security, and emergency services, making this a genuine productivity tool rather than a novelty. And, the hardware here can also work with Analogue technologies, alongside DMR-capable handsets.

As I only have one WP61 Plus, I wasn’t able to test the assertion that communication of over 5.5km was possible, but the technology is capable of that, so I don’t doubt it could work at that range in theory. The beauty of this technology is that it doesn't rely on any other infrastructure to operate, though the practical range may be limited by terrain.

For those working together off the grid or at a building site, the range seems enough to be practical, even if it won’t work if you travel beyond the potential range, or put a mountain between those talking.

The custom button opens the DMR app to initiate a call, and you can select a channel to communicate over. While you can add custom channels, the app includes the standard DMR-approved channels for a range of countries, including Europe, the USA, Australia, and Taiwan. Iran, Korea, Malaysia, Russia, Japan and China.

As a matter of interest, I researched the DMR frequencies for various countries, and discovered that for some, like India, for higher power transmitters like this one, using 5W and with better range, a WPC license is required. So if you are not in any of the countries I previously listed, it might be worth researching which DMR channels you can use and any other clearances required before purchasing.

Even with those potential caveats, the DMR part of this device is undoubtedly the best aspect, should you have more than one of these or other DMR handsets to hand.

• Hardware score: 4/5

Oukitel WP61 Plus: cameras

• 108MP, 8MP night vision and 2MP Macro on the rear
• 32MP on the front
• Four cameras in total

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

The Oukitel WP61 Plus has four cameras:

Rear camera: 108MP Samsung ISOCELL HM6 (S5KHM6), 8MP SK Hynix Hi-846 night vision IR sensor, 2MP BYD BF2257CS Macro
Front camera: 32MP Sony IMX616 Sensor

Oddly, this camera arrangement is remarkably similar to a range of phones I’ve recently reviewed, except that many of them use a GalaxyCore sensor for the 2MP macro function, whereas the WP61 Plus uses the BYD BF2257CS for the same job.

The combination of the 108MP Samsung ISOCELL HM6 (S5KHM6) and the 8MP SK Hynix Hi-846 night-vision IR sensor was seen on the Oukitel WP60 Pro. But that phone didn’t use the Sony IMX616 front-facing sensor, and it used a GalaxyCore GC02M1 for the Macro.

The Sony IMX616 is better than the 32MP GalaxyCore GC32E1, but the 2MP Macro sensors don’t make a huge difference to the close-up shooting you can do.

The weakness of this layout is that the 108MP Samsung ISOCELL HM6 (S5KHM6) is used to avoid the need for zoom optics by providing a high-resolution sensor that can be cropped or pixel-binned. It offers a range of zoom settings from 1.0x to 4.0x. But it’s still not as good as having actual zoom optics, as the zoom jumps between settings, and the results for some digital zoom factors are better than for others.

The SK Hynix Hi-846 night vision sensor delivers impressive results in complete darkness, although it captures only in monochrome. And the Macro sensor is exceptionally grainy and requires excessive amounts of light to produce passable results.

Probably the biggest disappointment of this camera is that the primary Samsung ISOCELL has a resolution of 108MP, and you can shoot at that full resolution, but incredibly, the best video resolution available is only 1440p. That this phone, with a 108MP sensor, can’t offer 4K video is embarrassing.

The hardware is rated for 8K at 24 frames per second (fps) and 4K at 120fps, so the video resolution is down to the choices Oukitel made about the SoC and the Android camera application.

This camera can take some excellent still images, but if I were to drag a phone this big and heavy about the wilderness, I would at least expect it to shoot 4K video.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)Oukitel WP61 Plus Camera samplesMark PickavanceMark PickavanceMark PickavanceMark PickavanceMark PickavanceMark PickavanceMark PickavanceMark PickavanceMark PickavanceMark PickavanceMark PickavanceMark Pickavance

• Camera score: 3/5

Oukitel WP61 Plus: performance

• Older 6nm SoC
• GPU issues with OpenGL 3.1 and Vulkan 1.3
• Great battery life

Phone

Oukitel WP61 Plus

Blackview Oscal Tank 1

SoC

MediaTek Dimensity 7025

MediaTek Dimensity 7050

GPU

IMG BXM-8-256

Mali‑G68 MC4

NPU

MediaTek's APU 780

MediaTek NPU 550

Memory

12GB/512GB

12GB/256GB

Weight

656g

640g

Battery

20000

20000

Geekbench

Single

959

920

Multi

2362

2466

OpenCL

failed

2471

Vulkan

failed

3036

PCMark

3.0 Score

13080

11684

Battery

40h 9m Est.

33h 57m Est.

Charge 30

%

28

13

Passmark

Score

6620

6861

CPU

5284

5285

3DMark

Slingshot OGL

3741

5293

Slingshot Ex. OGL

3738

4150

Slingshot Ex. Vulkan

2614

3940

Wildlife

Failed

2232

Nomad Lite

Failed

266

Rather than putting the WP61 Plus against another phone with the same SoC, I thought it might be appropriate to compare it with a marginally better chip, so I chose the Blackview Oscal Tank 1. It uses the MediaTek Dimensity 7050, slightly better than the 7025.

Both of these phones have the same battery capacity and RAM, which makes them closer to each other than many other rugged phones. size

What these results show is that the Dimensity 7025 is modestly slower than the 7050 used in the Tank 1, until you test it with a graphics benchmark. The IMG BXM-8-256 GPU can’t run the OpenGL and Vulkan APIs used by GeekBench and is required for 3DMark Wildlife and Nomad Lite.

But the upside of poor GPU performance is that the battery lasts much longer, with the WP61 Plus running for more than 40 hours. However, that result is a predicted endpoint because, like the Oscal Tank 1, the WP61 Plus crashed PCMark before exhausting the battery. Not sure if this is an issue with the benchmark or how both these phone makers are managing their batteries.

The overall performance of the WP61 Plus is fine for most uses, but it's not a phone that gamers or anyone who uses VR will embrace. However, with curation, the battery could easily last six days or more, which could be useful off-grid.

• Performance score: 4/5

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)Oukitel WP61 Plus: Final verdict

The Oukitel WP61 Plus is a device that sets out to do something genuinely different in a crowded market. Rather than competing solely on processing power or camera resolution, it bundles a professional-grade walkie-talkie, an enormous battery, and a camping light into a package that could plausibly replace multiple pieces of equipment for an outdoor professional or expedition team.

The Dimensity 7025 is not the most exciting chipset, and the physical dimensions mean this is not a device you will comfortably carry in a trouser pocket. But if your priorities are extended endurance, off-grid communications, and resilience in harsh environments, the WP61 Plus presents a compelling case at the asking price.

How useful DMR technology is to you will depend on whether you already use it or intend to buy multiple phones for walkie-talkie use. If it’s not something you'll use immediately, you could save yourself $50 by buying the base model, since it has everything else I’ve mentioned here.

Should I buy a Oukitel WP61 Plus?Oukitel WP61 Plus Score Card

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Value

Reasonable cost for a well-made device

4/5

Design

Substantial but purpose-built for outdoor use

3.5/5

Hardware

Unique walkie-talkie, 20,000mAh battery and mid-range SoC

4/5

Camera

Good for still images, but the lack of 4K video is poor

3/5

Performance

Great battery life, but sub-par GPU performance

4/5

Overall

Good price, excellent battery life and DMR

4/5

Buy it if...

You need off-grid communications
The built-in DMR walkie-talkie provides professional-grade radio communications without requiring a separate device, making it ideal for outdoor teams, construction sites, and expeditions.

You need extended battery life
Few smartphones can match a 20,000mAh battery for sheer staying power. If you're spending days or weeks away from mains power, the WP61 Plus could be your best option.

Don't buy it if...

You need a daily driver
The large frame is not practical for everyday pocket carry. If you need a rugged phone for general daily use rather than field deployment, a more compact option would serve better.

You need a top-tier SoC
The Dimensity 7025 is a mid-range chip. Competitors such as the Blackview Xplore 2 Satellite offer the more powerful Dimensity 8300 if raw performance is a priority.View Deal

Also Consider

Ulefone Armour Mini 20 Pro
A practical, 5G rugged design with an inbuilt camping light, night vision camera, but with less battery than the Oukitel WP61 Plus. This makes the phone easily pocketable and usable like a normal phone.

Read our full Ulefone Armor Mini 20 Pro review

Blackview Xplore 2 Satellite
Offers satellite communications via Skylo, the more powerful Dimensity 8300 SoC, and a 20,000mAh battery with 120W fast charging. Lacks the DMR walkie-talkie but adds genuine satellite connectivity.

Read our full Blackview Xplore 2 Satellite review View Deal

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

Just how much should you change when remaking a beloved cult classic? It’s a difficult question, as any approach comes with its own drawbacks. Simply sprucing up the visuals and little else risks you winding up with a game that feels dated and simplistic, while sprinkling in new additions could improve the experience for newcomers but upset your most dedicated long-term fans.

Review info

Platform reviewed: PC
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Release date: March 12, 2026

Developer Koei Tecmo has clearly taken the latter route with its latest Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly remake, which has a mostly successful mix of the old and the new. The game was always visually impressive, with the 2003 PlayStation 2 original boasting some incredible fidelity for the time, but this latest remake takes that excellence to another level in its detailed, atmospheric environments and wonderfully stylized yet still believably realistic character models.

The trademark camera-based combat, a sticking point in most entries in the series, has been totally overhauled, too, with the addition of a new dodge mechanic that makes it easier to avoid damage and helps you remain in control in even the most intense encounters. Unfortunately, other alterations are much less successful and prevent this new rendition of one of the best survival horror games from living up to its full potential.

Hand in hand

(Image credit: Koei Tecmo Games Co., LTD.)

It all hits the fan at a record clip when twin sisters Mio and Mayu return to the mysterious forest where they used to play as children. Now set to be flooded thanks to the construction of a massive dam, it was once the site of an accident that left Mayu walking with a limp, and Mio wracked with guilt for leaving her behind. You hardly have time to get your bearings before you spot Mayu wandering off into the forest in pursuit of a magical crimson butterfly. Following your sister, you’re soon drawn into the dark world of Minakami Village - a haunted town trapped in eternal night after a sinister ritual gone awry.

Each of the nine chapters takes place entirely within its walls, with all the intricate level design that you would expect from the survival horror genre. In addition to elaborate puzzles that block your way, every location that you explore, be it the inside of the many labyrinthine houses or the village’s winding streets, is overflowing with resources to scavenge including rare prayer beads that can be spent improving your character’s stats and equipment in a modest, but impactful, upgrade menu.

The creepy ‘ghost grab’ mechanic from later entry Maiden in Black Water has also been implemented and feels like a natural inclusion. Rather than immediately adding items on the ground or inside containers to your inventory, you reach towards them slowly with a slim chance that a ghostly enemy will grab your hand and inflict some instant damage.

You can pull away to avoid it if you’re fast enough, but the mere threat of this occurring adds a fantastic level of tension to the otherwise simple action of acquiring items. It only actually happens a couple of times too, stopping the scare from feeling cheap or overused.

(Image credit: Koei Tecmo Games Co., LTD.)

The original Fatal Frame 2 was never a particularly long experience, but it was easy to set yourself back hours trying to work out exactly what you need to do in order to progress. Signposting was clearly a key concern for Koei Tecmo with this remake, and there are multiple quality-of-life changes geared towards leading you down the correct path. Whether it’s following distant sounds, spotting a spectre walking into a previously locked room, the appearance of a crimson butterfly, or simply heading to a newly marked location on the detailed world map, there was never a moment when I wasn’t sure exactly where I needed to go.

In fact, I would argue that it holds your hand a little too much at times. An example of this are the moments when you encounter the two indestructible enemies that occasionally show up and force you to flee. They pretty much only appear at one end of very linear corridors with clearly signposted hiding spots that you can use to escape, or obvious alternate routes to avoid them. I’m sure this clear design prevents frustrating game-overs, but knowing that my safety is guaranteed also removes a great deal of tension.

Duck and weave

(Image credit: Koei Tecmo Games Co., LTD.)

The changes to the combat system are a mixed bag too. I know that series fans are divided over the addition of a dodge mechanic, with plenty of posts on the Fatal Frame subreddit and horror game forums arguing that it strays too far from the established formula, but for my money, it's a very positive change. Centred around snapping pictures of ghosts through a first-person viewfinder, combat in Fatal Frame has always had a steep learning curve with enemies that can shred your health bar if you happen to stand in the wrong place.

The dodge gives you a very reliable way to get out of harm's way, making your survival more predictable and consistent. It took a while for the muscle memory that I developed with the recent Mask of the Lunar Eclipse remaster to fade, but once it did I would say this new system is a dramatic improvement and, importantly, makes this infamously obtuse franchise more approachable than ever.

Best bit

(Image credit: Koei Tecmo Games Co., LTD.)

One of Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly Remake’s new features is the ability to hold your sister’s hand while you explore together. It’s a great way of illustrating their bond and has some practical uses too, allowing you to quickly regenerate health, presumably with the power of sisterly love.

In contrast, I simply can’t understand why the developer found it necessary to add a new red form for enemy ghosts. Now, when you defeat one, there’s a pretty significant likelihood that they will transform into a red variant, regenerating all of their health and doling out much more damage. Aside from a few scripted boss fights this happening is, as far as I can tell, down to random chance, and it leads to ridiculous difficulty spikes early on. There were multiple occasions where I escaped a fight by the skin of my teeth using all of my film supplies and health consumables only to have my adversary transform without warning and kill me in a few hits.

The intended countermeasure? Seemingly just reloading your save (via the mercifully generous smattering of checkpoints or reliable autosave system) and trying again, hoping that it won’t happen the second time around. It’s a bizarre change that should have been reserved for new game plus or simply removed entirely, and, to make matters worse, a launch day patch has tried to remedy it by completely obliterating the balance of the standard difficulty mode. Red enemies are no longer a major problem, but that’s because every threat has been rendered completely trivial, and even the final boss now dies in just a few hits.

This is a huge shame and needs to be fixed, as it cheapens the otherwise incredibly impactful narrative. Exploring the sisters’ strained relationship and the horrific history of the village, it’s a beautiful journey of sacrifice and loss - provided the message isn’t being undercut by the newfound ability to blast through it like a Call of Duty campaign. You get a real sense of the pair’s relationship, elevated by the wonderful background music and stand-out performances by lead voice actors Erica Mendez and Xanthe Huynh.

Despite this I'm optimistic that better thought out future patches will be able to address most of my biggest complaints and, with three of the six endings under my belt, I’m still looking forward to going back to Minakami Village to uncover even more of its secrets.

Should I play Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly Remake?Play it if...

You’re new to Fatal Frame
The changes to the combat mechanics make this remake the most approachable Fatal Frame game to date. It’s the one to start with if you’ve been meaning to get into the series, but have been put off by its reputation.

You’re craving a beautiful survival horror game
Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly Remake looks superb, and its memorable story is elevated by strong production values, not to mention brilliant voice acting.

Don't play it if...

You’re a Fatal Frame 2 purist
If you’re a huge fan of the original game, then you might be upset with some of the changes in this remake - particularly the additional hand-holding and more approachable combat.

Accessibility features

Despite the lack of a dedicated menu, Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly Remake has a few accessibility features in its settings menu. Like other Koei Tecmo ports, keyboard support is very poor on PC, with awkward bindings and mismatched icons, so a controller is highly recommended.

There are three control types to choose from, plus the option to select which thumbstick moves your character. Controller vibration can also be disabled. Subtitles are enabled throughout the game by default, though there does not seem to be a way to change their style or appearance.

(Image credit: Koei Tecmo Games Co., LTD.)How I reviewed Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly Remake

I played close to twenty hours of Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly Remake on PC using a DualSense Wireless Controller. My machine is a 5070 Ti-powered model from retailer Scan.

It has a compact Corsair 2000d RGB Airflow case, Asus ROG Strix B860-I motherboard, Intel Core Ultra 7 265K processor, a 2TB WD Black SN770 SSD, 32GB of DDR5 Corsair Vengeance RAM, and an Asus Nvidia 5070 Ti graphics card, which all allowed me to play the game smoothly on the recommended graphics preset on my 1080p Lenovo monitor. For audio, I relied on my trusty Astro A20 X wireless gaming headset.

During my time with the game, I frequently compared my experience to my playthroughs of other entries in the Fatal Frame series, most recently Maiden of Black Water and Mask of the Lunar Eclipse, in addition to other survival horror games.

First reviewed March 2026

Garmin Forerunner 970: One minute review

I trained with the Forerunner for more than nine months - long enough to really put it through its paces. It came with me on weekly 5Ks, tempo sessions, interval workouts, long half-marathon training runs and even a sweaty 10K trail race last summer. It’s a powerful, performance-driven piece of tech, and perfect for training and analyzing your stats — even if it is one of the priciest running watches on the market right now.

In terms of core features, the 970 delivers everything you’d expect from one of the best Garmin watches. I tried the multiple running modes including track, trail and intervals - plus you’ll also find excellent GPS accuracy, VO2 max estimates, Body Battery and sleep tracking, along with detailed heart rate data.

The design, while chunkier than Garmin’s lifestyle-oriented Venu or Vivoactive lines, has a sporty look, but at 56g it’s surprisingly lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear. The bright AMOLED touchscreen, titanium bezel and scratch-resistant sapphire lens give it a premium feel.

I started wearing the watch two months before a half-marathon, and the new Running Tolerance feature helped curb my tendency to overtrain by setting a weekly maximum mileage based on my impact load and training history. Instead of ramping up too quickly and risking injury (a mistake I’ve made before), I built volume gradually and more sustainably. The projected race-time predictor and PacePro also added structure, helping me fine-tune my pacing strategies ahead of race day.

Mapping has had an upgrade, too, which was helpful during a trail run in rural Wales. While data accuracy felt strong across the board, it was particularly good during interval sessions where heart rate spikes and recovery data were spot on. Unlike some other Garmin models, I didn’t love wearing it overnight, as it felt a little chunky for sleep.

Garmin Forerunner 970: Specifications

Component

Garmin Forerunner 970

Price

 $749.99/ £629.99/ AU$1,399

Dimensions

47 x 47 x 12.9mm

Weight

56g

Case/bezel

Fiber-reinforced polymer / Titanium

Display

AMOLED, 454 x 454px

GPS

GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, SatIQ

Battery life

Up to 15 days (smartwatch), up to 26 hours (GPS)

Connection

Bluetooth, ANT+

Water resistant

10ATM

Garmin Forerunner 970: Price and availability

(Image credit: Future / Sarah Finley)

• Price: From £629.99 / $749.99 / AU$1,399
• Colors: Multiple colourways and can be customized

The Garmin Forerunner 970 launched in May 2025 and is available directly from Garmin as well as most major retailers. It’s an upgrade from the Forerunner 965, which came out in March 2023, and the 970 is priced at around $100 / £100 AU$200 more than its predecessor. There's no denying these watches are getting expensive.

However, with the running feature upgrades, design tweaks and slightly improved battery life, the 970 is definitely value for money.

• Value score: 5 / 5

Garmin Forerunner 970: Design

• Chunky sporty design
• Lightweight
• Scratch-resistant glass

I’ve definitely gravitated towards Garmin’s more lifestyle-leaning watches in the past, such as the Venu and Vivoactive ranges. They’re slimmer, more streamlined, and I can wear them in the gym, but also out in the evening.

So when I first strapped on the 970, I immediately noticed the difference. The watch face is thicker, and it does give more ‘serious runner’ vibes, rather than ‘I’m just counting my steps’. It felt slightly chunky at first, but it’s actually surprisingly light - at 56g, it never felt too heavy.

Looks-wise, it’s actually really smart. I tried the soft gold titanium with a French grey/translucent indigo band, which strikes a nice balance between sporty and stylish, but there are other colourways - and you can customize it if you want something more sporty or bolder.

Bright and crisp, with an AMOLED touchscreen set into a 1.4-inch sapphire lens and a titanium bezel - an upgrade from the Garmin Forerunner 965, which used Corning Gorilla Glass 3 DX. My only bugbear was lagging time; sometimes it took a while to catch up with my scrolling.

I’ve scratched previous smartwatches before (usually mid-gym session, clanking dumbbells around), so I was relieved that this watch was scratch-resistant. Nine months in, after plenty of sweaty runs and weight sessions, it still looks box-fresh.

• Design score: 4/5

Garmin Forerunner 970: Features

(Image credit: Future / Sarah Finley)

• Evening report added
• Slightly longer battery life
• Triathlon coaching

The watch comes loaded with all the features you’d expect from a Garmin Forerunner. There’s a huge library of workouts to track, including up to eight different running modes, alongside cycling, swimming and strength sessions. As ever with Garmin, the GPS is impressively accurate, even in built-up areas, and the health metrics are comprehensive: sleep tracking, step count, Body Battery, VO2 max and detailed heart rate data are all easy to access and analyze in the app.

There are a few upgrades, too. There’s now a built-in LED flashlight, which I found useful on winter runs, plus a speaker and microphone so you can take calls directly from your wrist. I wasn’t completely impressed by this, though, as the volume was very low when I did use it for calls.

One new feature I particularly liked was the new Evening Report. When reviewing the Garmin Vivoactive 6 last year, I’d found the Morning Reports really useful, so I hoped for the same effect. After long runs, it gave me a really insightful, helpful summary of my day’s exertion and prompted me to start winding down at the right time, with tailored recommendations for the following day’s training. For anyone balancing structured training with a busy schedule, I found it to be a really good addition.

New running features include tracking your running economy, which is the efficiency of your run and your step speed loss; however, these both require you to also be wearing Garmin's HRM 600. I’m not a triathlete, but those who are will appreciate the new Triathlon Coach feature. It allows you to build a full training plan across swim, bike and run – helping to keep you accountable and on track in the lead-up to race day.

Battery life is also slightly improved compared to its predecessor. During comparison testing, the Garmin Forerunner 965 lasted around two hours less than the 970 when in GPS mode. That said, during particularly heavy training weeks, I found myself charging it more frequently than Garmin suggests.

• Features score: 4.5 / 5

Performance Garmin Forerunner 970: Performance

(Image credit: Future / Sarah Finley)

• More detailed, colorful maps on the watch
• Running Tolerance feature helped me to avoid injury
• App was detailed, but glitchy when pairing the watch

I trained with the Forerunner for more than nine months – long enough to really put it through its paces.

During half-marathon training, the new Running Tolerance feature changed how I approached my mileage. I’m someone who tends to get a bit overexcited, ramp things up too quickly and end up injured. This time, the 970 analysed my impact load and training history and gave me a weekly maximum mileage to stick to. Having that ceiling forced me to build gradually. It took the guesswork (and ego) out of the equation, and I could actually see how respecting those limits kept my training more consistent week to week.

The mapping upgrades also came into their own on a trail run in the depths of the Welsh countryside. The clearer, more detailed route maps meant I could see exactly what elevation was coming up and stay confident I was on track. Even though I was racing alongside others, there’s something reassuring about knowing that if your phone dies, you’re not stranded in the middle of nowhere, hoping you’ve taken the right turn.

I didn’t rely on the Garmin Connect app as much as I have with other smartwatches, mainly because so much data is accessible directly on the watch itself. When I did use the app, the data was comprehensive and clearly presented, although I’ll admit it took me a few attempts to pair my Forerunner with the app. The Garmin Connect app also comes in handy to implement Gear Tracking and build training plans, which you can then export to the watch.

If you like to train with targets, it’s easy to set pace or time goals before you head out, and PacePro is straightforward to configure. I also found the new projected race time predictor quite motivating - it gave me realistic target times and pacing guidance based on my training, which helped shape my weekly park runs – and achieve some PBs.

Unlike other Garmin watches I’ve worn, I didn’t sleep in this one. I found it a bit too chunky overnight, so I stuck with my Whoop for sleep tracking – as it has that barely-there feel I prefer at night.

• Performance score: 4.5 / 5

Garmin Forerunner 970: Scorecard

Category

Comment

Score

Value

High price, but the value proposition is good.

5 / 5

Design

Chunky and durable, looks good – but not a dress watch.

4 / 5

Features

Stuffed with fitness credentials.

4.5 / 5

Performance

After nine months, this watch earned its stripes.

4.5 / 5

Garmin Forerunner 970: Should I buy?Buy it if…

You’re training for a running race or triathlon
Want detailed stats or guidance during your training block? This is the watch to get.

You want more recovery knowledge
Know how you’re training and when you should be resting, so you don’t get injured.

You want to leave your phone at home
Download music and rely on the watch's maps.

Don’t buy it if..

You want a lightweight watch to track your sleep goals
Haters of chunky watches are better off looking at the Venu and Vivoactive lines.

You're on a budget
This running watch comes at a hefty price.

Also consider

Garmin Venu 4

Our best Garmin for most people.

Read our full Garmin Venu 4 review

Coros Pace 4

At half the price of the Garmin Forerunner, you’ll appreciate the virtual pacer and its 1.2-inch AMOLED display.

Read our full Coros Pace 4 review

You're on a budget
This running watch comes at a hefty price.

How I tested

I tested the watch over nine months, wearing it for my weekly 5K runs, as well as my weekly longer run and some interval training. I also tested it on the trails and used it for half-marathon training, as well as on race day itself. I compared the running features, app and data against other Garmin watches and running smartwatches.

Sony PS-LX5BT: Two-minute review

The idea of a turntable that connects wirelessly via Bluetooth is not a new one — Sony itself has had a lot of success with products like this.

Its latest wireless record player, this PS-LX5BT, is exhaustively specified and priced aggressively — which, it would seem, is the very least that’s required to succeed in this area of the market. Sony obviously knows what’s required, though. The PS-LX5BT features Bluetooth transmission via the aptX Adaptive codec, so if your receiver is similarly specified then lossy 48kHz wireless streams are available.

The company has fitted a defeatable phono stage, too, so the turntable can hard-wire in to pretty much any system you care to mention — and if you’re using its phono stage, there are a trio of gain settings available. It’s pre-fitted and pre-adjusted a moving magnet cartridge. And then Sony's made the whole thing automatic where playback is concerned.

In practice, it all works splendidly. The PS-LX5BT is a flyweight (just 3.6kg with its dust cover in place), which doesn’t bode especially well, but as well as a stable wireless connection, the Sony delivers robust, energetic and thoroughly entertaining sound. It manages to do so without losing sight of detail or flattening dynamics either, and it has a proper facility with rhythmic expression.

It’s not the most robust at the top of the frequency range, and is slightly-but-noticeably tilted towards the low end when it comes to frequency response, but on the whole it’s reasonably well balanced and most certainly gives a good account of itself where low-frequency control and variation in particular are concerned. Which means the PS-LX5BT picks up where the PS-LX310BT left off — as one of the very best pound-for-pound turntables around with Bluetooth to boot.

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)Sony PS-LX5BT review: Price & release date

• Unveiled January 22, 2026
• Priced $499 / £399 / AU$599

The Sony PS-LX5BT is on sale now, and in the United Kingdom it costs £399. In the United States it’s priced at $499, and in Australia it sells for AU$599.

And not only will the PS-LX5BT have to justify that premium fee over its more affordable (but equally new) PS-LX3BT sibling, it will also have to see off the challenge from brands like Audio Technica and TEAC (to name just a couple) too.

To clarify, the excellent older Sony PS-LX310BT regularly sells for $199 / £179 / AU$395 and while Sony has listed various gains over that 2019 model in this more expensive deck (of the two new models listed), cash-strapped vinyl fans might question how much better it can possibly be, to warrant the extra spend. So let's see, shall we…

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)Sony PS-LX5BT review: Features

• Bluetooth wireless connectivity with aptX Adaptive compatibility
• Integrated phono stage with three-stage gain control
• Pre-fitted, pre-adjusted moving magnet cartridge

There’s just no arguing with the way Sony has specified the PS-LX5BT. By prevailing turntable standards, it’s about as thoroughly tricked out as these things ever get.

For instance, you get plenty of connectivity options. There are stereo RCA connections at the rear of the plinth for connecting the player to an amplifier — and next to them there’s a switch to turn the integrated phono stage on or off.

So as well as an amplifier with or without a phono stage of its own, the Sony can also connect to a powered speaker or what-have-you — anything at all, in fact, that has a line-level analogue input. The appearance of a three-stage gain control means you’ll always get a decent level of volume when connected with the player’s phono stage switched on. Or you may prefer to connect wirelessly using the PS-LX5BT’s abilities as a Bluetooth transmitter — it’s compatible with SBC, aptX and aptX Adaptive codecs, so as long as the receiver is also compatible it’s possible to stream wirelessly at a lossy 48kHz resolution.

This is a belt-drive design that can operate at either 33.3 or 45rpm, and its straight aluminium tonearm is pre-fitted with an unbranded moving magnet cartridge. It’s also pre-adjusted, although while Sony suggests it has been calibrated to provide a tracking weight of 2.0g (+/- 0.5g) my review sample tracks at a hefty-but-not-fatal 3.13g. Sony is adamant that my sample is an outlier in this respect, and is very keen to get its hands back on it to find out what’s going on — but given that there’s no counterweight for the end user to adjust, you very much get what you’re given in this respect.

• Features score: 5 / 5

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)Sony PS-LX5BT review: Sound quality

• Energy and drive to spare
• Great facility with rhythmic and dynamic expression
• Slightly tilted where tonality and frequency response are concerned

It’s nice to be able to report that the Sony PS-LX5BT doesn’t alter its fundamental sonic characteristics no matter if you’re connecting wirelessly or using its integrated phono stage. In either circumstance, this turntable is a vibrant, energetic and determinedly front-foot listen, one that puts ‘entertainment’ at the centre of everything it does.

Streaming a copy of Fusa Riot by Bobby Hughes Experience via aptX Adaptive-enabled Bluetooth, the vigorous and attacking nature of the Sony’s sound is obvious. Its low-frequency response is, ultimately, slightly overstated — but it’s neither musclebound nor unsubtle at the bottom of the frequency range. Bass sounds are nicely shaped, carefully controlled (so rhythmic expression is very decent) and carry plenty of detail regarding texture and timbre — so there’s plenty of variation to go along with the overt punch.

The transition into the midrange is smooth, and here too there’s plenty of information available — you’ll never be in any doubt as to what motivates a voice, nor be unaware of its character or technique. As with the lower frequencies, the tonal balance is quite carefully natural neutral, and it makes for a convincing listen.At the top end, the Sony changes its tune just a little. There’s a slight lack of substance to treble sounds, a mild skinniness that can make the top of the frequency range sound just fractionally splashy. There’s still plenty of detail and variation made apparent, you understand — it just lacks some of the robustness the PS-LX5BT is so capable of generating elsewhere.

Soundstaging is confidently approached, and the Sony creates quite a large and well-laid-out stage that has plenty of space on it even if a recording is notably complex or involved. It also has a very respectable amount of dynamic headroom available, so if a recording really kicks off the turntable is able to make the upshift in intensity readily apparent.

Switch to the Sony’s integrated phono stage, and with the gain control in the ‘mid’ position the wired sound of the PS-LX5BT is closely related to the wireless equivalent. If anything, the lack of substance at the top of the frequency range is even more pronounced, and the low frequencies gain a little extra confidence (like they needed any) — but on the most basic levels the Sony doesn’t shift its characteristics in the slightest. Which can really only be a good thing.

• Sound quality score: 4.5 / 5

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)Sony PS-LX5BT review: Design

• 117 x 430 x 366mm (HxWxD)
• Diecast aluminium platter
• Supplied with a clear Perspex dust cover

For a turntable with a weighty specification, the Sony PS-LX5BT doesn’t weigh very much. With its clear Perspex dust cover fitted and diecast aluminium platter in place, it tips the scales at just 3.6kg — which, if you’re the one who lifts it from its packaging and positions it on its shelf, doesn’t inspire a huge amount of confidence. Especially where the rejection of resonance caused by its own operation is concerned.

Still, there’s no arguing with the standard of construction or finish here. It may be priced aggressively, but there have been no corners cut when it comes to the way Sony has put the PS-LX5BT together.

• Design score: 4 / 5

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)Sony PS-LX5BT review: Usability & setup

• Fully automatic operation
• Swift and stable wireless pairing
• Will play 7in or 12in discs at 33.3 or 45rpm

There’s really very little to it. If you want to connect wirelessly, press the ‘pairing’ button on the plinth — the Sony locates and connects to your waiting Bluetooth receiver quickly.

If you prefer a hard connection to your amp, speaker or what-have-you, plug in the supplied RCA cables and select output at either ‘line’ or ‘phono’ level — if it’s the latter, you’ll be able to decide which of the three gain settings is most appropriate as soon as you hear the turntable in action.

After that it’s just a question of using the dials on the plinth to tell the PS-LX5BT if you want to play a 7in or a 12in disc, and if it should turn at 33.3 or 45rpm. Some automatic turntables are dogmatic inasmuch as they insist ‘33.3rpm = 12in disc’ and ‘45rpm = 7in disc’, but the Sony has heard of 12-in singles and will happily play them without any intervention on your part. Then press ‘start’ and away you go — when it reaches the end of the side the PS-LX5BT will automatically return the tonearm to its rest and stop the platter turning, but there’s a ‘stop’ button if you want to take charge. A button marked ‘up/down’ lets you lift or lower the tonearm without causing the platter to stop turning.

• Usability & setup score: 5 / 5

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)Sony PS-LX5BT review: Value

• Doesn't feel physically weighty enough to deliver huge value
• …but put that out of your mind, let the music play and there's plenty

No, it doesn’t feel like the weightiest or most robust record player this sort of money will buy you — but in every other respect the Sony PS-LX5BT represents prodigious value for money.

Not only does it have a stack of features, but each and every one of them is beautifully realised and effective — and on top of that it has an energetic and upfront sound that doesn’t forgo detail or subtlety while it’s entertaining you.

• Value score: 4.5 / 5

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)Should I buy the Sony PS-LX5BT?Sony PS-LX5BT scorecard

Attribute

Notes

Score

Features

There's no arguing with Sony's specifications here

5 / 5

Sound quality

Energy, rhythmic drive and entertainment to spare, only ever-so-marginally (and occasionally) marred by a tendency towards over-egging the bass

4.5 / 5

Design

Doesn't feel as robust as pricier players, but it's all here

4 / 5

Setup & usability

There's really very little to it — a top choice for those new to vinyl

5 / 5

Value

It ain't heavy, but it's still great value

4.5 / 5

Buy it if…

The idea of wireless connectivity for your vinyl appeals
And not any old wireless connectivity, either — aptX Adaptive, for a lossy 48kHz stream

You aren’t always ready to spring out of your seat
The turntable will take care of taking the stylus off the record when it’s finished - you relax yourself

You appreciate a vigorous and driving account of your music
‘Upfront’ is as good a word as any to describe the Sony’s fundamental sonic character

Don’t buy it if…

You’re after ultimate sonic fidelity
It’s difficult to come by for £399, to be honest — but you can get closer than this if you’re prepared to sacrifice most of the Sony’s functionality

You equate weight with quality
To be fair, there are solid acoustic reasons why a turntable should, ideally, be heavier than this

You’re not especially houseproud
The Sony has a clear Perpsex dust cover — and you’d be amazed at how much dust it keeps off your deck

Sony PS-LX5BT review: Also consider

TechRadar is a big fan of the Audio-Technica AT-LP70XBT — it’s a bit of a bargain when you consider its specification and the plus-points of its sonic performance.

The PS-LX5BT has put its shortcomings into quite sharp relief, though, even if it is a fair chunk more expensive.

Spend a little more money though and the just-add-speakers Pro-Ject Juke Box E1 can be yours — it’s slightly different to the Sony in its approach, and it’s slightly different where its sound-quality priorities are concerned, too. But it could be just the ticket…

How I tested the Sony PS-LX5BT

I connected the PS-LX5BT to an Eversolo DAC-Z10 pre-amp using its aptX Adaptive Bluetooth functionality, and also using its integrated pre-amp via the RCA cables Sony supplies. This allowed me to check the speed, solidity and effectiveness of the wireless connection, as well as the quality of the phono stage and the usefulness of its three-stage gain control.

The preamp was connected to a Cambridge Edge W power amp using QED XLR cables, and the power amp was connected to a pair of Bowers & Wilkins 705 Signature loudspeakers, using QED speaker cable.

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

Mild spoilers follow for Invincible season 4 episodes 1 to 6.

Few Amazon TV Originals can claim to be as consistently excellent from season to season as Invincible.

Indeed, few shows can match the level of acclaim it's received since it first season, which holds a 98% approval rating on review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes (RT), arrived in March 2021. Seasons 2 and 3's critically perfect ratings of 100% further prove the high level at which it continually operates compared to its Prime Video peers, too.

As the saying goes, though, the bigger they are, the harder they fall. Thankfully, Invincible season 4 delays any potential fall from grace for another year, with the series' latest chapter arguably its most intense and epic installment so far.

Hello darkness, my new friend

Mark is in full-on survival mode after last season's finale (Image credit: Prime Video)

Picking up almost immediately after the Invincible season 3 finale, the popular show's latest entry reunites us with the eponymous hero — aka Mark Grayson (Steven Yeun) — as he struggles to deal with the fallout of the Invincible War and his death-defying duel with Conquest (Jeffrey Dean Morgan).

Given the personality-altering impact that the aforementioned near-deadly exchange has had on Mark, it's not surprising that season 4 marks yet another tonal shift for the series. Tangible from the get-go with its premiere's gloomy cold open, Invincible 4 cuts a more pessimistic figure than prior installments as it sets out its stall to be the program's darkest entry so far.

Invincible 4 cuts a more pessimistic figure than prior installments

That's not to say previous chapters weren't melancholic in their makeup but, off the back of last season's ending, Invincible's latest eight-part installment dials up the somberness and moral ambiguity to 11 — themes perfectly personified by a heavy-hearted and oft-times self-destructive Mark.

As a connoisseur of multifaceted heroes, I devilishly reveled in seeing Mark wrestle with his newly-established worldview — that being, permanently erase anyone who threatens him or his family — and the idealistic superhuman he still identifies as at his core.

Dinoasaurus (right) is one of many new villains we see this season (Image credit: Prime Video)

Whether it's the telling shift in the dynamic between our progressively cynical protagonist and his now-teen half-brother Oliver (Christian Convery), the increasingly negative public perception of him following the Invincible War, and death-dealing and near-lethal actions he takes in season 4's opening half, even as a superfan of the show's comic book namesake, I was fascinated and struck by Mark's slow unraveling.

Even as a superfan of the comics, I was fascinated and struck by Mark's slow unraveling

Here's an individual who's spent the last two seasons trying to evade the suggestion that, as the son of Nolan Grayson/Omni-Man (J.K. Simmons) — more on him later — he'll eventually become as bloodthirsty and uncompromising as his dad. Seeing that play out in real time is easily one of season 4's earliest highlights.

Mark and Eve's relationship keeps the former grounded and sane (Image credit: Prime Video)

As in past seasons, the only thing anchoring Mark amid the internal chaos raging within him — mother Debbie (Sandra Oh) and half-brother Oliver notwithstanding — is his girlfriend and fellow superhuman Eve Wilkins/Atom Eve (Gillian Jacobs).

Even here, though, the pair's now-established romance isn't immune to turbulence. Indeed, the malfunctioning of Eve's molecular transmutation abilities — and the resultant root cause — provides the requisite melodrama we've come to expect from their dynamic, which is as fertile as ever.

Episode 4 introduces a brand-new subplot for Invincible fans to lap up (Image credit: Prime Video)

It's demon detective/immortal warrior Damien Darkblood (Clancy Brown), rather than Eve, who empowers Mark to snap out of his self-imposed funk, though.

Indeed, this season's fourth episode — one centered on a side story not present in the comics — sees Mark literally dragged to Hell to help Darkblood and the latter's allies tackle the seemingly unkillable Volcanikka (Indira Varma) and her goons. It's an intriguing and funny, albeit occasionally banal, chapter that allows Invincible co-creator Robert Kirkman realize his vision for a subplot he couldn't work into the show's literary namesake, and I enjoyed seeing more of Darkblood and the contemplative nature of this episode's tale.

Sins of the father

"We need to talk again, Mark..." (Image credit: Prime Video)

Mark's circumstances aren't aided by the reappearance of Nolan Grayson/Omni-Man (J.K. Simmons) who, alongside the ever-likeable Allen (Seth Rogen), who return to Earth to recruit the titular hero for the Coalition of Planets' forthcoming war against the Viltrum Empire.

The increased screen time afforded to Invincible's fan-favorite bromance... is much needed

The increased screen time afforded to Invincible's fan-favorite bromance after their bit-part roles in seasons 2 and 3 is not only much needed, but also long overdue.

Sure, given how the story plays out in the source material, it was inevitable that we'd see more of Nolan and Allen as they embark on a quest to seek out new allies to join the fight. Nonetheless, it's pleasing to see their roles expanded, with this season's second episode — a near-full detour from the primary plot to focus on said ally-locating mission — serving as proof.

Nolan and Allen have much more to do in season 4 (Image credit: Prime Video)

Even as someone who's read the comics and knew we'd spend more time with them, I was delighted all the same. Nolan and Allen's partnership is one of the series' best selling points, and its humor- and action-filled second chapter is a welcome distraction from the lugubrious nature of the Mark-centric storyline.

Nolan and Allen's partnership is one of the series' best selling points

That's not to say it's a total joke fest with these two. Allen deals with the occasional emotionally devastating incident, while Nolan's redemption arc continues apace as Mark's remorseful dad attempts to reconcile with the loved ones that he wronged.

Families, amirite? (Image credit: Prime Video)

Indeed, one of this season's most incredibly moving scenes — and, in my opinion, one of Invincible's most well-acted sequences to date — sees Nolan try and fail to make peace with Debbie. Their first encounter since season 1, it's an intensely painful scene to watch play out and, thanks to Oh and Simmons' vocal performances, is far more impactful than its literary counterpart.

Nolan experiences similarly strained relationships with his sons, especially Oliver, whose trademark teen traits and abandonment issues imbue their father-son dynamic with understandable angst. However, events that occur in the final throes of episode 5, as well as the bulk of its follow-up chapter, provide hope that this estrangement won't be a permanent and thematically hackneyed fixture moving forward.

The empire strikes back

Season 4 finally introduces Invincible's primary villain in the form of Thragg (Image credit: Prime Video)

The Coalition of Planets needs synergy, too, because of the universal threat posed by the Viltrum Empire.

After three seasons of slowly pulling back the veil on this extraordinarily powerful race, Invincible's latest arc once again highlights their uncompromising and barbaric culture. By way of an extensive flashback sequence in episode 2, we also learn the full truth behind their desire to rule all, and the near-extinction-level event that may briefly strike a compassionate chord with some viewers.

Invincible's latest arc once again highlights the Viltrum Empire's uncompromising and barbaric culture

And I say "briefly" because of what comes next. Led by the Prime Video series' Big Bad in Grand Regent Thragg, who's played with real menace and villainous stoicism by Lee Pace, the Viltrum Empire is, despite its vulnerable state, still a force to be reckoned with. That much is clear when, like a cornered and wounded animal, it hits back — and hard — at the Coalition of Planets in one of Invincible's now-customary intense, frenetic, and catastrophic action set pieces.

Tech Jacket made their animated debut via a brief cameo in season 3 episode 7 (Image credit: Prime Video)

Away from its primary narrative, Invincible also continues to maintain a highly satisfying balance between the old and the new.

The introduction of ominous new villains including Universa (Danai Gurira), Dinoasaurus (Matthew Rhys), and Volcanikka spice things up in the rogues gallery department, and ensure that the raft of recurring villains never fall into the overused category. Meanwhile, fresh heroes in legendary cosmic nomad Space Racer and the idealistic Tech Jacket — I won't ruin who voices these characters because, well, spoilers — add some welcome humor, theatrics, and suspense to the equation.

Universa (left) is another of this season's secondary antagonists (Image credit: Prime Video)

I did have a couple of gripes with Invincible season 4. For one, some entries feel a little long for the section of the main story and the subplots they cover. I oftentimes beat the drum for episodes to have more substantial runtimes but, in this instance, I think a few minutes could have been shaved off one or two of its chapters.

Taking some key players off the board and relegating others to the sidelines was also a tad irksome. Okay, the removal of some characters from the playing field, plus the downgraded screen time afforded to others, is dictated by the narrative Invincible season 4 tells.

I'm a proponent of adapting any form of literature as accurately as possible but, for a show that's done a stellar job of expanding on its source material, and updating outdated aspects of the graphic novel's plot and characters, I could've lived with the odd change here or there.

My verdict

Its last two episodes notwithstanding, Invincible continues to prove it's the best R-rated animated show around with its most emotionally heightened and ferocious season yet. The way its story evolves, and the curveballs it throws, and which will shock fans of the show and comic books, make it second to none in the genre space.

If the final pair of episodes are as strong as its other six, season 4 will further cement its position as top dog. And, should it draw to a close in the way I think it will, the already-announced Invincible season 5 will have a huge job on its hands to similarly surpass its forebears — but I have every confidence that it will.

Invincible season 4 launches with a three-episode premiere on Wednesday, March 18. New chapters air weekly until the finale on April 22. For more ahead of its arrival, find out everything we know so far about Invincible season 4.

Philips 4000 Series Stacked Dual Basket Air Fryer: 30-second review

The Philips 4000 Series Stacked Dual Basket Air Fryer is an accomplished, premium air fryer which provides solid cooking performance in a space-saving design.

It finds itself in a currently small sub-market of air fryers, with only a handful of rivals also offering the dual-stack baskets on offer here. The leader, and our current best air fryer, is the similarly priced Ninja Double Stack XL.

Both of these models offer a large cooking capacity (across two baskets), without the wider footprint you get with the traditional, side-by-side baskets design.

(Image credit: Future)

The Philips beats the Ninja in a couple of key ways. First up, its baskets have windows and a light, allowing you to keep an eye on the food you’re cooking without having to open the basket to check.

Secondly, the controls on the Philips 4000 Series are easier to see, and more intuitive to use, taking the hassle out of working out functions, temperatures and cooking times.

What’s not quite as good though are the quick start instructions when you take the air fryer out of the box for the first time, and the full manual is only accessible via a smartphone app.

(Image credit: Future)

It’s also only available in one colorway; black and gold. It’s a bold choice and it does look smart — although it won’t be to everyone’s taste, nor will it sit as well in traditionally-styled kitchens.

Cooking performance is solid though, and it was able to handle the various meat, vegetables and sweet treats I threw at it.

For those looking for a stylish, statement air fryer that also delivers versatility and practicality, and are willing to pay a bit more for the privilege, I would recommend the Philips 4000 Series.

Philips 4000 Series Stacked Dual Basket Air Fryer: price and availability

• £269.99 / AU$449 list price makes it one of the most expensive air fryers
• But it’s regularly discounted by around £100 / AU$100
• Available in the UK and Australia, but not in the US

With a list price of £269.99 / AU$449 (about $360), the Philips 4000 Series Dual Stack is one of the most expensive air fryers on the market, but do keep an eye out for discounts.

I've seen it reduced to £169.99 at Amazon UK, Currys and John Lewis in the past, and AU$349 at Amazon Australia, making this double drawer air fryer a far more tempting proposition for families looking for a large capacity cooker.

That’s the same list price as the excellent Ninja Double Stack XL which we gave five stars to, but considerably more expensive than the £149.99 Tower Vortx XL Dual Stack.

This model is available in Europe and Australia, but is not on sale in the US.

• Value score: 4/5

Philips 4000 Series Stacked Dual Basket Air Fryer: specifications

Review Model

NA462/79

Number of baskets

2

Number of cooking programs

6

Cooking programs

Frozen potato based snacks, steak, fish, vegetables, chicken, reheat

Extra functions

Shake reminder

Smart control

No

Wattage

2750W

Capacity

10L

Temperature range

40-200 degrees C

Time range

1-60 minutes

Dimensions (H x W x D)

15.7 x 9 x 18.5 inches / 40 x 23 x 47cm

Dishwasher-safe

Yes

Weight

20lbs / 9.1kg

Philips 4000 Series Stacked Dual Basket Air Fryer: design

• Vertically stacked baskets offers space-efficient design
• Premium build with a bold black and gold finish
• Clear, intuitive controls, although touch-sensitive panel won’t be for everyone

Ninja laid the foundations for the double stack air fryer back in 2024, and it’s no surprise other manufacturers have jumped on the trend, offering large cooking capacity with a narrower, space-saving footprint.

The Philips 4000 Series Stacked Dual Basket brings a premium black and gold aesthetic to challenge Ninja’s market-leading air fryer. It’s a striking look, and one that might divide opinion. It’ll look great in a modern kitchen that uses one of the two colors. With my white countertops and blue cabinets, it certainly stands out on the work surface. The glossy, reflective front of the fryer is also a bit of a dust- and fingerprint-magnet, and needs regular wiping to keep it looking fresh.

I was pleased to see both 5L baskets and their base plates were dishwasher safe, making cleaning up after cooking much easier (although the handles of the baskets do collect water). A damp cloth is all that’s needed for the exterior of the machine, and a soft brush to gently clean the heating element.

FutureFutureFuture

Another nice touch, and something the Ninja doesn’t provide, is a cooking window on each basket, and an interior light, allowing you to keep an eye on the food inside. I much prefer air fryers with windows, as it helps me gauge when I need to shake or turn food.

It’s especially useful to see what’s going on without opening the baskets and pausing the cooking when you're first getting used to new air fryer, and starting to understand cooking times. It’s not an exact science and each air fryer is different, so the windows are a great visual aid.

There aren’t any accessories included in the box, unlike the Ninja Double Stack, which comes with a pair of stainless steel racks, doubling the usable space in its baskets.

You’ll want to be mindful of what food you’re cooking too, as both baskets have holes on their rear wall for air circulation. That means anything particularly wet could ooze out of the back and into the machine.

FutureFuture

What didn’t impress was the setup instructions, or lack thereof. You get an IKEA-style, printed pictorial guide in the box that covers the absolute bare minimum, but stops short of providing any explanations, details or cooking tips. Even IKEA instructions are better than these.

For the full details you are forced to download Philips’ free HomeID app, where you can register your air fryer and then access the full manual, along with cooking guides and recipes. The tips and tricks articles, along with the recipes are nicely presented and easy to follow.

It’s disappointing the same care hasn’t been given to the manual, which is just a PDF file requiring much scrolling and zooming on a phone to be able to read it. A printed copy would be far more useful, or even a digitized version with page-turning and a search feature.

(Image credit: Future)

A quirk of this particular air fryer design sees the air exhaust located on the left of the appliance, and you are warned not to position this side of the air fryer within six inches / 15cm of a wall to prevent overheating, or close to any food products. You’ll need to have a quick think about where you’ll be placing the Philips 4000 Series before committing to the purchase.

Thankfully, once plugged in the air fryer is easy to use. The touch-sensitive controls come to life with rear illumination on the large, glossy black section above the baskets. The layout and labelling are clear, making for an intuitive experience — unlike some air fryers I’ve used where the buttons aren’t always so self explanatory.

• Design score: 4.5/5

Philips 4000 Series Stacked Dual Basket Air Fryer: performance

• Sync and copy functions make using both baskets together easier
• Six preset cooking programs, but temperature and time can easily be adjusted

The Philips 4000 Series Stacked Dual Basket Air Fryer does well to provide a premium cooking experience.

You get six preset modes — frozen potato-based snacks, steak, fish, vegetables, chicken, and reheat — which give you a set time and temperature. You can fine tune these, and you'll probably find yourself adjusting these the more you use the air fryer and get an understanding of how long, and at what temperature, different foods require.

Copy and sync are both handy functions. Copy allows you to match the temperature and time settings for one basket, to the other. This saves you having to go through the setup process a second time, and it’s a handy time-saver if you’re cooking an extra large portion of fries for the whole family.

FutureFutureFutureFuture

Sync is my personal favorite though, allowing me to set each basket to a different duration and temperature, but have them both finish at the same time. It’s easy to set up, and works very well.

There’s a shake reminder too, which has the machine beep during through cooking to have you slide out a basket and give the contents a toss to ensure even frying. For longer cook times, you’ll get multiple shake reminders. You can turn off this reminder though, which is useful when you’re using the air fryer for baking.

Another nice touch is the fact Philips says you don’t need to preheat the air fryer, meaning you can toss food into the baskets right away and get cooking.

FutureFuture

Using the frozen potato-based snacks program, I loaded a basket with 18oz / 500g and set it going, at 390 Fahrenheit / 200 Celsius for 26 minutes. I was prompted to shake the basket twice, with 13 and seven minutes remaining.

The fries cooked well enough, with a crispy exterior and fluffy middle, but they didn’t brown as much as I’d like. Adding a few more minutes to the cooking time will get you a darker color and crispier finish.

I also tried cooking fresh fries in the air fryer. The manual (accessible via the app) suggests chopping potatoes into fries and then soaking them in water for 10 minutes. Once I had gently patted the excess water from the fries I added a splash of oil and popped them into the basket.

FutureFuture

Results were similar to the frozen fries — they could have done with a few more minutes to gain color and extra crispiness, but they cooked well overall.

I was impressed with the baking prowess of the Philips 4000 Series as I used both baskets to cook chocolate muffins and a blueberry loaf simultaneously. Both bakes rose nicely, and produced a bouncy sponge.

Similarly to the fries, the muffins stayed quite light in color, as they missed the darkening you’d get in a conventional oven.

I put the dual-basket setup to the test once again when I cooked sausages and vegetables, which needed different cook durations. Thankfully, the time sync feature worked well here, with both baskets completing cooking at the same time, allowing me to focus on the mash and gravy.

FutureFuture

The sausages were evenly cooked, while the broccoli had a delightful crunch to it. I par-boiled the carrots for a few minutes before adding them to the basket with the broccoli, to allow them to cook at the same rate.

A quick word of warning, the top of the Philips 4000 Series gets the warmest while cooking, and I measured temperatures of over 140 Fahrenheit / 60 Celsius during operation. Make sure you don’t leave anything sitting on top of the air fryer, and for those of you who have low-hanging wall units in your kitchen, be mindful of having enough space between them and the top of this air fryer.

• Performance score: 4.5/5

Should you buy the Philips 4000 Series Stacked Dual Basket Air Fryer?Philips 4000 Series Stacked Dual Basket Air Fryer report card

Attribute

Notes

Rating

Value

It’s one of the most expensive on the market, but you get a premium air fryer with a space-saving design and slick looks.

4/5

Design

This is an air fryer that makes a statement and looks the part on the counter top. Plus, its stacked baskets means it takes up less valuable prep space.

4.5/5

Performance

Performance across cooking programs is solid, though you will need to experiment to get optimal results for some foods.

4.5/5

Buy it if

You want capacity, but don’t have much workspace

The clever stacked design of this Philips 4000 Series air fryer means it takes up less counter space than most of its rivals, leaving you more room for prep and plating.

You want a stylish air fryer

The Philips 4000 Series has a bold design. The black and gold finish might not be to everyone’s taste, but it makes a statement and looks good on the countertop..

You want to keep an eye on your food

I love the basket windows and lights here, as they let you keep track of how your food is getting on without interrupting the process by pulling out a basket.

Don’t buy it if

You want to cook large items

While the overall capacity of the Philips 4000 Series Stacked Dual Basket Air Fryer is 10L, it’s split into two 5L baskets. That makes it great for cooking two different foods simultaneously, but you’re not fitting a whole chicken or a pizza into this air fryer.View Deal

You’re after an affordable air fryer

This is one of the most expensive air fryers on the market, and while it has the premium looks and clever stacked design, its cooking performance isn’t light years ahead of more affordable models.View Deal

You prefer paper manuals

The fact the bundled quick start guide is a poorly implemented IKEA knock-off doesn’t get things off to a great start, with a phone app required to access the full manual.View Deal

Philips 4000 Series Stacked Dual Basket Air Fryer: also consider

Ninja Double Stack XL

While the Ninja doesn’t have basket windows, its sleek matt design, additional Max Crisp feature, and bundled cooking racks to increase cooking surface in the baskets means it’s still the best stacked air fryer around.

For more information, check out our full Ninja Double Stack XL review

Russell Hobbs Satisfry Dual Basket Air Fryer

If you like the idea of two baskets and have the counter space for a side-by-side design, this Russell Hobbs air fryer outperforms more expensive premium competitors with ease.

For more information, check out our full Russell Hobbs Satisfry Dual Basket Air Fryer review

How I tested the Philips 4000 Series Stacked Dual Basket Air Fryer

• I used the Philips 4000 Series for two weeks at home in my kitchen
• I cooked a wide variety of food with it, including fries, cakes, vegetables and meat
• I tested the different cooking functions, and the cleaning process

I spent two weeks using the Philips 4000 Series at home to cook a variety of food. I tried out the preset programs, and also freestyle the settings from time to time.

I air fried meat, baked cakes, and roasted vegetables during my testing, and used a temperature probe to record how hot the exterior of the machine got during use. I evaluated how each food item cooked in the two baskets, and assessed how the finished results were to eat.

I also followed the setup instructions and cleaning process, to understand how easy the machine is to get going and maintain. For more details, see how we test, review, and rate products on TechRadar.

Sony InZone H9 2 Wireless: one-minute review

I had high hopes when the first Inzone H9 wireless headset landed on my desk. Sony, a company renowned for its audio clout, its exceptional studio-grade headphones and microphones, and outstanding modern noise cancelling, was developing a gaming headset at long last.

The thing is, though, it just wasn't good enough. This wasn't one of the best wireless gaming headsets money could buy, not by a long shot. Instead, what we got was a product that was so focused on gaming and ensuring that it looked like it came straight off a PS5 Pro production line, that it missed that critical ethos that defines all good headsets, aka top-notch audio.

The good news, then, is that the H9 2 does a complete 180 compared to its predecessor. Sony has flipped the switch in terms of that very mantra. Not only does it dial up the aesthetics way past 11, but it delivers outstanding audio quality no matter what noise you push through it on whatever platform you can think of. The microphone (now detachable) equally is light years ahead of the rather lackluster fixed one found in the original H9, and the comfort and ergonomic design likewise holds its head high.

The downsides? Battery life is still a pretty standard 30 hours (or a little less in my testing, albeit that is with ANC switched off), and we have seen a slight price increase compared to the first gen's launch RRP, which is also quite high, but literally that's it. Sony's gone above and beyond with this thing, and it really shows.

(Image credit: Future)Sony InZone H9 2 Wireless review: price & availability

• Costs $348 / £299 / around AU$489
• Available in both black and white
• $30 / £30 more than the Gen 1

There's no beating around the bush here; this is one seriously expensive wireless headset. Available now from most major retailers on either side of the pond, you can buy this directly from Sony's webstore too, and it's available in either a black or white finish.

There is a catch. It is exceptionally good, but you need to ask yourself if you're willing to pay for that quality and versatility, particularly given how competitive that market is right now with the likes of the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro and others still holding strong in that arena.

(Image credit: Future)Sony InZone H9 2 Wireless review: specs

Price

$348.00 / £299.00 / around AU$489

Weight

9.2oz / 260g

Compatibility

PC, Xbox Series X/S (Xbox version), Playstation 4/5, (PlayStation version), iOS/Android

Connection type

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

Battery life

30 hours (With ANC disabled)

Microphone

Super wide band detachable cardioid mic

(Image credit: Future)Sony InZone H9 2 Wireless review: design and features

• Much improved lightweight design
• Outstandingly classy style
• Wildly broad connectivity

This has to be one of the best-looking gaming headsets I've seen to date. There's something about that cord-wrapped adjustable headband that just screams modern to me, and it's quite difficult to pinpoint why that is. There's a Converse-esque, Levi’s vibe to it, regardless of whether it's in black or white (although the white model is certainly more striking with its high contrast black and white styling), that just resonates, blending modern-day outdoor style with a crisp gaming aesthetic.

It manages that all while being remarkably comfortable thanks to that ski-band style head rest, that's not too dissimilar to those found on the Steelseries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless and other such cans. What that does is make it remarkably comfortable over long periods of time, particularly given the weight comes in just shy of 260g without the microphone.

The earcups, too, are massive over-ear closed-back designs, complete with memory foam and soft padding, which are really over-engineered for what they are, but comfortable nonetheless.

As for connectivity, although you're still not blessed with modern Xbox support (perhaps unsurprising given the brand on offer here), there's practically every other medium you could muster. Bluetooth 5.3? Check, low-latency Wireless 2.4 GHz? Check. 3.5mm audio? Also, check (missing from the original model). It's just great to see.

As for the hardware inside, Sony's kitted this out with its WH-1000XM6 30mm carbon fiber composite dome drivers, the exact same ones found inside the legendary lifestyle headphones of the same name. I'll touch on why these are so good in just a second, but they're built around solid noise cancelling and ambient activation too, and it really pays off.

(Image credit: Future)Sony InZone H9 2 Wireless review: performance

• Excellent audio
• Outstanding microphone
• Standard battery life

So, good looks aside, how did it perform? Well in my time testing it audio quality was solid all around. The H9 2 has this almost reference sound-scape (or at least the sample I had) that really is quite clear over wireless. It's impressively balanced on the bottom-end, particularly for 30mm drivers; it's not too bass-heavy where it's drowning out the mids and the trebles, or the high-end, yet you still have enough there to hear those deeper notes, the thrum of explosions, and the kick of a bass drum. There's a lot to love, either with music or in-game.

It is theoretically meant to be an FPS gaming headset, but to be frank, I found the higher-end to be a bit too soft for that. Compared to some gaming headsets, it lacked the crispness required for you to really pick up on every footstep and every sound around you, despite the spatial audio and Windows' best efforts to muck that all up.

However, if you're looking for a highly versatile headset that's not only broad in its connectivity but also more than capable of delivering across multiple media and game genres, the H9 2 wireless checks all those boxes.

The microphone was on another level, too. I did some light testing in Audacity, recording voice-overs for comparison, and compared to my classic Shure 55SH Series 2, plumbed in via one of Elgato's XLR DACs, it was hard to tell the difference between them, much to my chagrin.

Noise cancelling is here as well, and it's more than enough to handle any busy home. It does eat into battery life, though, so do bear that in mind, as it's already kind of a bit average, which is again one of the few negatives, particularly given the price.

Still, for the money, this thing is stylish, potent, and remarkably adept for what it is, and compared to the first generation, on a whole other level.

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the Sony InZone H9 2 Wireless?Buy it if…

You're looking for ultimate compatibility
With wireless, bluetooth and analog connectivity, there's not a lot of devices out there that this thing won't connect to.

You want solid all-around audio with no frills
Thanks to an exceptionally clean soundstage and well-balanced 30mm carbon composite dome drivers, the H9 2 keeps a well-balanced and smooth audio profile.

You're looking for style and comfort
As classy out on the street as it is in any gaming space, the H9 2 balances comfort, style, and is remarkably lightweight, as it does that too.

Don’t buy it if…

You're looking for the best value
At 300 big ones, it isn't cheap, and there are far more affordable alternatives out there that deliver just as much connectivity, albeit with some caveats.

You want multi-day battery life
Although the H9 packs in a 30-hour battery (with ANC off), it pales in comparison to some of its competition, which nearly doubles that at times.

You're buying it for its FPS clout
It lacks that unbalanced sound stage needed to really make those footsteps shine in-game, which is a pro if you like music, less so if you're a cutting-edge eSports gamer.

Sony InZone H9 2 Wireless review: also consider

Sony Inzone H9 2

Razer BlackShark V3 X Hyperspeed

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless

Price

$348.00 / £299.00 / around AU$489

$99.99 / £99.99 / around AU$141

$349.99 / £329.99 / around AU$649

Weight

9.2oz / 260g

9.5oz / 270g

11.9oz / 337g

Compatibility

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

PC, Xbox Series X/S (Xbox version), Playstation 4/5, (PlayStation version), iOS/Android

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

Connection type

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

Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless (Hyperspeed dongle), USB wired

Dual USB, Wireless 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth,

Battery life

30 Hours (with ANC disabled)

70 hours

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

Razer BlackShark V3 X Hyperspeed
A more budget-friendly gaming-oriented headset, the BlackShark V3 takes everything about the V3 Pro and condenses it down into a solid package. You do sacrifice audio quality but it comes with a superb 70-hour battery life.

For more information, check out our full Razer BlackShark V3 X Hyperspeed wireless headset review

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
Don't let that price tag fool you, the Nova Pro Wireless is an outstanding classic design backed up with plenty of modern tech and an exceptional sound profile. It may have more of a classic gamer finish, but it delivers where it counts. It's reduced in price now too.

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

How I tested the Sony InZone H9 2 Wireless

• Two weeks of continual use as a daily driver
• One week's use at the gym to test ANC
• Comparisons made to the original H9 Wireless

I spent a good two weeks with the Inzone H9 2, testing it in all manner of scenarios, gaming, and working at home. I also took on several day trips, replacing my traditional ANC headphones at the gym with them instead, to really see if it could hold up in a more public-facing environment.

On the gaming front, I tested it in a multitude of RTS and RPG games, including Total War: Warhammer 3, along with Stellaris, and The Witcher 3.

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

Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike: One-minute review

In an effort to shake up the gaming mouse market, Logitech has introduced the G Pro X2 Superstrike, with its unique customizable haptics that it hopes will elevate your game.

It doesn’t look particularly spectacular, with its simple symmetrical shape and lack of fancy accoutrements, such as RGB lighting. Its two-tone design is quite striking, though.

I found the Pro X2 Superstrike comfortable to hold, thanks to its basic ergonomic form, although those with smaller hands might find it a bit too cumbersome. The build quality is exceptional, up there with the best gaming mouse constructions. The materials feel smooth and durable, while all buttons and the scroll wheel operate with a satisfying solidity.

At 61g, the Pro X2 Superstrike isn’t heavy, either. It’s a shame, though, that most of the weight is concentrated towards the front. This can make lift-offs a little awkward as the rear has a tendency to tilt upward.

The Pro X2 Superstrike can be customized using Logitech’s G HUB software. It offers plenty of configurability, from DPI sensitivity to remapping, as well as featuring various adjustments for the Pro X2 Superstrike’s Haptic Inductive Trigger System (HITS). There’s also a Bunny Hop (BHOP) mode for preventing accidental scroll wheel flicks.

(Image credit: Future)

In action, the Pro X2 Superstrike performs well. It glides smoothly, albeit with slightly more friction than some other gaming mice, and all buttons operate easily and trigger consistently. Also, I didn’t experience any miscrolls when using the middle click, even with the BHOP mode disabled.

The headline HITS feature allows for meaningful adjustments to the actuation point and haptic feedback of clicks, which can make a big difference to feel. You can set them to be very fast and light, or slow and heavy.

However, there’s no analog functionality or controller emulation, which means neither modular inputs nor dual binding is possible. This feels like a missed opportunity, given there are analog keyboards that offer these abilities.

Rapid Trigger isn’t as pronounced as you get from such keyboards, either. There are only five settings to choose from, and the difference between the slowest and fastest settings isn’t huge. Quite how useful the pros will think RT in a mouse remains to be seen, but it’s still nice to see a gaming mouse trying something different.

I experienced no wireless connectivity issues during my time with the Pro X2 Superstrike. It’s a shame there’s no Bluetooth mode, as many other gaming mice at this price point include such support. Battery life is impressive, though: in my experience, Logitech’s claimed 90-hour endurance seems to hold true.

Ultimately, the Pro X2 Superstrike seems more like a promising proof-of-concept – until more can be extracted from the haptic system, it remains something of a gimmick. The price-to-features ratio of the mouse also means that it doesn’t offer the best value for money, given the competition at this end of the market. The Pro X2 Superstrike is an excellent performer all things considered, but it’s perhaps best suited to the elites.

Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike review: Price & availability

(Image credit: Future)

• $179.99 / £159.99 / AU$$299.95
• Available now
• High-end of the market

The Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike costs $179.99 / £159.99 / AU$$299.95 and is available now in one colorway: a black and white finish known as Lunar Eclipse.

This places the mouse at the top end of the market. It’s about the same price as the Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro, a similarly pro-focused symmetrical wireless gaming mouse. We were very impressed with this model, thanks to its lightweight build and lightning-quick performance – not to mention its phenomenal 150-hour battery life and superb optical scroll wheel.

For something cheaper but more versatile, there’s the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro. Unlike the Pro X2 Superstrike, it features a DPI selector button and multiple wireless connectivity options (2.4GHz and Bluetooth). It games very well, too, although the prominent slope of the mouse buttons mightn’t be for everyone.

Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike review: Design

(Image credit: Future)

• Superb build quality
• No DPI button
• Numerous customizations via G HUB

Logitech hasn’t exactly pushed the envelope in terms of looks, but nevertheless, the Pro X2 Superstrike is still a pleasing piece of design. Its soft form is antithetical to the more angular and aggressive gaming mice – and it’s all the better for it.

The two-tone design also makes it look less anonymous than it otherwise would be. The black buttons contrast starkly with the white finish, while the small logo and various wordings add interest.

The symmetrical shape is neat and ergonomic, although those with smaller hands might have a hard time gripping it fully, since it’s quite large. It’s not heavy, though, as it weighs just 61g, with most of that mass concentrated at the front end.

The Pro X2 Superstrike bear’s Logitech’s typical high levels of build quality. The plastic chassis feels solid and super smooth, which is certainly welcome but doesn’t offer much purchase. Fortunately, optional grip tape is included for the sidewalls and mouse buttons.

Underneath the Pro X2 Superstrike are two skates: the front one is quite large, while the back one is thin and runs around the bottom curve. If these skates don’t provide enough glide for your liking, you can replace the stock lid for the dongle compartment with one that has a skate on it (included in the box).

All buttons operate sufficiently, although the scroll wheel isn’t the sturdiest: there’s a fair amount of lateral play, but thankfully this didn’t pose an issue during normal use. A bigger issue for some might be the lack of buttons, especially those for cycling DPI or a sniper button.

(Image credit: Future)

Fortunately, there’s plenty of scope to customize the buttons that are present using Logitech’s G HUB software. All inputs can be remapped to a multitude of alternatives, from system and mouse adjustments to individual keys and recorded macros.

The Pro X2 Superstrike can also make use of the brand’s ubiquitous G-Shift function, which allows you to assign any button as a ‘shift’ to access a second layer of binds. With this, I managed to create my own DPI button by designating the middle click as the G-Shift and setting the G-Shift layer of the rear side button as the DPI cycler. I kept the middle click functionality present by assigning it to the G-Shift layer of the right mouse button.

G HUB’s most notable adjustments for the Pro X2 Superstrike, though, concern its Haptic Inductive Trigger System (HITS). You can alter the actuation point, Rapid Trigger setting, and haptic feedback of both mouse buttons – either in tandem or individually.

There are 10 actuation points to choose from, which is quite a generous range, given the relatively short travel of the buttons. There’s also a visualizer that moves in real time with the pressure you exert, allowing you to see precisely where your chosen actuation point is.

(Image credit: Future)

Unfortunately, however, there’s no such visualizer for the Rapid Trigger; a setting where it’s more important to see how your adjustments work, I’d argue. Another disappointing aspect of the Pro X2 Superstrike’s Rapid Trigger implementation is that there are only five levels to choose from. This contrasts starkly to some of the best gaming keyboards, which offer far more scope in their settings. Haptic feedback for the Pro X2 Superstrike also has five levels, but I feel this is an appropriate number for this particular parameter.

G HUB also lets you toggle the Bunny Hop (BHOP) mode of the Pro X2 Superstrike, which is designed to prevent accidental flicks of the scroll wheel. It does this by preventing a single notch from registering; only the second will, so long as it’s within a certain amount of time of the first. This timeframe is adjustable between 100ms and a full second.

As is standard on pretty much all peripheral software, G HUB provides DPI adjustments, too. This includes five customizable presets, where you can set DPI values between 100 and 44,000. Each of these also has its own lift-off distance setting, although pros might be disappointed with the lack of metrics: the three options to choose from are low, medium, or high, with no measurement in millimeters given.

Overall, though, G HUB is clearly laid out and easy to navigate. I didn’t experience any technical hitches or bugs during my time with it, either.

Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike review: Performance

(Image credit: Future)

• Great-feeling clicks
• Limited usage for haptic buttons
• Front-heavy design not for everyone

The performance of the Pro X2 Superstrike should meet the expectations of elite gamers. With its 8K polling rate, aiming is fast and accurate, while gliding is smooth – although there’s a little more friction than what the smoothest pointers provide. However, the skate-lined dongle lid certainly improved matters, and I can’t say my aiming was adversely affected when playing fast-paced shooters such as Counter-Strike 2.

That front-heavy design proved more of an issue, though. Whenever I lifted the Pro X2 Superstrike before swipes, the whole unit wanted to swing backwards, which forced me to grip harder than I would’ve liked to. I managed to acclimatize to this way of playing to a degree, but it remained a grievance I held with the Pro X2 Superstrike, albeit a minor one.

The middle click is very stable and easy to operate, while the prominent notching of the scroll wheel meant I never felt the need to enable BHOP mode.

The HITS buttons, though, are the standout feature of the Pro X2 Superstrike. The adjustments you make here can translate to radical differences in feel, from light and fast to heavy and slow. When you find the sweet spot, clicks manage to be snappy, impactful, and comfortable all at the same time, which is quite the feat. They always feel very nicely damped, more so than those of other gaming mice – unless you have the haptic feedback on its lowest setting, in which case there's virtually no sensation at all.

Logitech also claims the haptic clicks in the Pro X2 Superstrike reduce latency by up to 30ms compared to traditional microswitches. I can’t say I honestly noticed an increased responsiveness over other gaming mice I’ve tried, but they’re certainly not any slower.

(Image credit: Future)

The effect of the Rapid Trigger function is also hard to discern. The difference between the slowest and fastest settings is subtle; pro players may well be more attuned to them, but I don’t think the implementation of RT in the Pro X2 Superstrike is anywhere near as drastic as that of analog keyboards.

The haptic buttons also fall short of such boards in other ways. For instance, you can’t dual bind by making use of partway clicks, as you can with partway presses of analog keys.

Also, the Pro X2 Superstrike can’t emulate the graduated control of gamepad triggers and joysticks, as some analog keyboards can. Granted, the functionality doesn’t always work as well as you might hope, but I still think such emulation on the mouse would be useful for certain games.

What’s more, PC games don’t make use of intricate haptic feedback (at least currently). One of the great things about the PS5 is the haptic triggers of its DualSense. This really does add immersion by imparting an impressive array of sensations, corresponding with the type of game being played and the gameplay context. This aspect is a large part of why it’s one of the best PS5 controllers around.

(Image credit: Future)

While it’s nice to be able to adjust the haptics of the Pro X2 Superstrike, the system is limited by comparison. Once you’ve found your ideal setting, you’ll have little incentive to change it, and you’ll find clicks don’t necessarily feel any better than those of best gaming mice with conventional switches.

I have fewer complaints about the connectivity of the Pro X2 Superstrike. The 2.4GHz USB dongle provides a fast and stable connection, and I didn’t experience any drop-outs or lag. One odd glitch, though, was that my last selected DPI setting took a while to kick in whenever the mouse awoke from its sleep. It’s also a shame a mouse this expensive doesn’t have additional Bluetooth support to allow for hot-swapping between multiple devices.

The battery life of the Pro X2 Superstrike is very impressive. After several days of use, it only declined by about 20%, and it seems that Logitech’s 90-hour claim holds water.

Should I buy the Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike?Scorecard

Value

Pro gamers might see more value in the Pro X2 Superstrike than casuals, given the relative lack of buttons and extra features for the price it commands.

3 / 5

Design

It’s hard to fault the build quality, save from the slightly loose scroll wheel. It’s a shame there’s no DPI button, but at least G HUB offers plenty of customization options.

4 / 5

Performance

The haptic buttons are a joy to use, but how much use the average player will make use of their adjustability is open to debate. The unbalanced weight can pose swiping issues, too.

4 / 5

Average rating

The Pro X2 Superstrike is certainly a gaming mouse fit for pros, and its haptic clicks are an admirable attempt at innovation. But its high price, combined with its lack of buttons and Bluetooth connectivity, mean it’s less appealing for the wider gaming community.

4 / 5

Buy it if…

You want to change your click feel
Clicks feel great, and the ability to change actuation and haptic feedback will please exacting gamers.

You want a premium design
The chassis is smooth and solid but also light, while the buttons seem durable and operate easily.

Don’t buy it if…

You’ll be using it with multiple devices
Since there’s only one way to connect wirelessly, switching between devices isn’t as seamless as it could be if it had Bluetooth as well.

You have high hopes for haptic clicks
Don't get me wrong, the HITS mouse buttons are great – but we’re yet to see any mice or PC games themselves realize their full potential.

Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike review: Also consider

Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro
Razer’s ever-popular DeathAdder series perhaps finds its peak in the V4 Pro. We gave this a glowing review when we tested it, due to its improvement over of the previous generation in just about every area. The optical scroll was also a delightful addition. Read our full Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro review.

HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro
The Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro is another gaming mouse built for the pro crowd, but it’s considerably cheaper than the Pro X2 Superstrike. What’s more, it features an always-useful DPI button and Bluetooth connectivity (in addition to 2.4GHz), letting you swap between multiple devices on the fly. These two things are absent from the Pro X2 Superstrike. Read our full HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro review.

How I tested the Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike

(Image credit: Future)

• Tested for several days
• Used for gaming and general use
• Experience reviewing gaming mice

I tested the Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike for several days. I used it for gaming as well as general browsing and light productivity.

I mainly played Counter-Strike 2 – a great test for gaming mice, given its reliance on fast and accurate shooting.

I’ve reviewed plenty of gaming mice previously, from a broad range of brands and varying greatly in their form-factors, feature-sets, and price points. I brought this experience to bear when reviewing the Pro X2 Superstrike, by keeping in mind some of the best I’ve experienced as points of comparison.

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

Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine: one-minute review

The Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine is an entry-level coffee maker with an unusual twist: in addition to a regular portafilter for ground coffee, it comes with a holder for Nespresso Original style coffee capsules. A handy option if you’re making the switch from pods to fresh beans, or sharing a kitchen with someone who prefers a different brewing method.

It’s very cheap too, with a list price of just £149.99 / AU$189.95 (about $200). For comparison, my two top-rated budget coffee makers, the De’Longhi Dedica Duo, and Philips Baristina, are $299.95 / £279.99 (about AU$600) and $449.99 / £299.99 / AU$599. respectively.

At that price it’s no surprise that the Everyday Espresso Machine is made almost entirely from plastic, but it still looks smart on your kitchen counter with its silver and matt black finish, and guests won’t guess how little you spent.

The budget price is reflected in the accessories though, which are quite bare-bones. In addition to the two portafilters, you get just two filter baskets, a lightweight scoop/tamper combo, and a pin tool for clearing the steam wand. There’s no milk pitcher, water filter, or water hardness testing strip included in the box.

The Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine accepts both ground coffee and capsules (Image credit: Future)

What really matters is performance, and I was pleased to find that the Everyday Espresso Machine could brew a decent shot with fresh coffee once I’d identified the best grind size, and extraction was consistent. However, I found I had to grind my coffee much coarser than I would usually to avoid under-extraction, and the puck of coffee grounds was always quite wet at the end, which suggests that although the pressure was lower than optimal.

Brewing with coffee capsules was easy, but again, it was a soggier experience than I’d like, and the used pod ended up sitting in a puddle in the portafilter after brewing.

The steam wand is the real problem, though. It feels flimsy, wobbling as you move it into position, and its lower section is too short, making it hard to submerge in your milk pitcher. Worst of all, it has an air intake hole that creates so much foam, I had to stop steaming my milk while it was still cold to prevent the jug overflowing. The large bubbles aren’t fine or stable enough for a latte, which is a shame when you’ve just brewed a perfectly good shot of espresso.

If you take your coffee black and want to shift between pods and grounds, this might be a good option for you. Otherwise though, I’d recommend saving up a little more cash and opting for the much more solidly-made De’Longhi Dedica Duo instead.

Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine: price and availability

• Available in the UK and Australia for £149.99 / AU$189.95
• Not currently sold in the US
• One of the cheapest espresso machines I've tested

The Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine is available in the UK direct from Russell Hobbs for £149.99 (about $200). It’s known as the Russell Hobbs Heaton Espresso Machine in Australia, where it retails for AU$189.95. It’s not sold in the US at the time of writing.

It’s one of the most affordable coffee makers I’ve tested here at TechRadar, and even cheaper than my favorite budget espresso machine, the De’Longhi Dedica Duo, which has a list price of $299.95 / £279.99 (about AU$600).

• Value score: 4/5

Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine: specifications

Name

Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine

Type

Manual espresso machine (ground coffee and pods)

Weight

6lbs / 2.74kg

Water reservoir capacity

1.58 quarts / 1.5 liters

Milk frother

Manual steam wand

User profiles

None

Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine: design

• Accepts ground coffee and Nespresso Original capsules
• Steam wand is disappointing
• Plastic components have a strong odor

The Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine is compact, and exceptionally lightweight. Upon weighing it, I found that the whole unit is just 6lbs / 2.74kg, including the plug and water tank, which could be a real advantage if you need a coffee maker you can tuck away in a cupboard between uses.

The Everyday Espresso Machine’s exterior is entirely plastic except for the drip tray and steam wand, but as you can see from the photos here, it doesn’t look cheap, and the silver-colored panels on the front give a convincing look of brushed steel.

The water tank has a robust handle for easy carrying, though it can only be used when the hinged lid is open (Image credit: Future)

It does, however, have a noticeable plastic odor when new. The instructions running the machine without any coffee to rinse it before making your first drink, but I'd actually suggest doing this a few times to wash away any taste (and flushing the steam wand thoroughly as well to avoid tainting your milk).

As with all coffee makers, you should wash the water tank, portafilters and baskets before use. These are safe to hand-wash with soapy water, and the tank has a reassuringly solid-feeling handle for easy carrying, which is a welcome touch.

The Everyday Espresso Machine comes with two portafilters: one for ground coffee and one for Nespresso Original style coffee capsules. The one for capsules has a conical insert, which holds the coffee pod and pierces the bottom when pressure is applied so water can penetrate.

The attachment for coffee capsules contains small spikes that pierce the pod when the machine applies pressure. (Image credit: Future)

There are just two filter baskets for ground coffee (single and double shot size). Both of these are pressurized, which makes sense for a beginner-level machine because they're more forgiving than single-walled baskets if your grind isn't perfect.

You get a double-ended tamper/coffee scoop, which is standard issue for a budget espresso machine. It doesn't feel very satisfying to hold, and it's not as easy to use as a more solid tamper with a smooth metal finish, but it gets the job done.

The Everyday Espresso Machine's steam wand pivots out from the left-hand side of the machine, and is controlled using a large, tactile dial. Unfortunately, during testing I found that the bottom part of the wand was too short, meaning it couldn’t reach far enough down into my milk pitcher.

There's a small collection of accessories, including a plastic tamper/scoop, and two pressurized filter baskets (Image credit: Future)

The wand also has a pinhole in the side, which is intended to create extra foam when you steam your milk. Unfortunately,during my tests I found it created lots of very large bubbles, and made it impossible to create smooth, pourable microfoam. In fact, it created so much foam, I had to stop steaming before my milk was hot to avoid it overflowing.

• Design score: 3/5

Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine: performance

• Consistent results when grinder is dialled in
• Water pressure seems to be lower than usual
• Doesn't heat or foam milk properly

The Everyday Espresso Machine is simple to use, with just two brew buttons, but unlike most espresso machines, these don’t correlate to a single or double shot. Instead, the first button brews a double shot, and the second a quad (intended to be divided between two cups). The drink volume is customizable, but it's something to be aware of.

The machine heats quickly, though the cup-warmer on top isn't very practical. Like the rest of the machine's chassis, it's made from insulating plastic, so it'll barely be warm even half an hour after the machine has come to temperatures.

I was pleased to find that, although some components feel flimsy, the Everyday Espresso Machine does feel more robust than the Casabrews 5418 Pro. The filter baskets fit into the portafilter handle properly without feeling loose, and the handle locks nicely into place.

My first few shots of espresso pulled very slowly, and I found that I had to grind my coffee much more coarsely than usual to get good results. The puck of ground coffee was still quite wet once I'd finished brewing, which suggests that the pressure was low, but once I'd found the best size, the results were consistent.

Once you've dialled in your grinder, you should be able to achieve consistently well extracted shotsFutureYou can tinker with the drink volume if the standard settings are too largeFuture

Brewing with a Nespresso capsule is straightforward; just place it in the conical holder provided, put the holder in the portafilter handle, and carry on as though you were using coffee grounds. The process is quick and easy, but messier than using a standard Nespresso machine. Usually brewing with pods is a neat process, but the Everyday Espresso Machine leaves water in the portafilter that tends to spill when you release the handle.

If you’re only really interested in brewing from capsules, I’d recommend picking a simple dedicated Nespresso machine instead. The Nespresso Vertuo Pop (for Nespresso Vertuo pods) or the Nespresso Pixie (for Nespresso Original capsules) are both affordable options.

Brewing with a coffee capsule is surprisingly messy, and I found the portafilter always ended up full of water after brewing. (Image credit: Future)

For me, though, the steam wand is the weakest point. As mentioned previously, this is an espresso machine with a dairy intolerance; it incorporates too much air into the milk, so you have to stop steaming before it’s sufficiently heated, and it’s too short to use comfortably. The heat-resistant silicone handle is a nice addition, but the whole wand wobbles when you move it.

The steam wand is barely long enough to use with a typical milk pitcherFutureThe wand has an air intake hole, which results in an excessive volume of large bubblesFuture

Whether I chose oat or dairy, the wand simply made lots of very large bubbles, which might look impressive if you've not used a coffee maker before, but are no practical use. This might be an entry-level machine, but new users need proper tools too, and this steam wand misses the mark.

• Performance score: 3 / 5

Should you buy the Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine?Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine: score card

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

One of the cheapest espresso machines I've tested, and looks like it should cost a lot more, but some components are flimsy in use.

4 / 5

Design

The plastic chassis is light and easy to move, but has a strong aroma that takes a while to wear off. Steam wand isn't well designed.

3 / 5

Performance

Can brew a decent espresso, importantly, but generates less pressure than optimal, so an extra coarse grind is necessary. Milk foaming is poor.

3 / 5

Buy it if

You're on a tight fixed budget

This is a very cheap coffee maker, and if you absolutely can't spend any more, it's one of the better options, Russell Hobbs is a reputable brand with good after-sales service.

You want to brew both pods and grounds

There aren't many coffee makers that can do both, so if this is a key requirement, the Everyday Espresso Machine may be the one for you.

Don't buy it if

You enjoy milky drinks

The Everyday Espresso Machine can make a lot of big bubbles, but the results aren’t useful for coffee. You can’t make fine foam, or even heat the milk properly with its strange, stubby steam wand.

You have an extra $50 in your pocket

If you can afford to be a little flexible on price, you can get something much better for your kitchen.

Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine: also consider

If you're not sure whether the Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine is the right coffee maker for you, here are two other options for your shortlist. For more recommendations, take a look at my complete guides to the best espresso machines and best Nespresso machines.

De'Longhi Dedica Duo

I've mentioned this little espresso machine several times in this review, and it remains the standard by which all other budget coffee makers are judged. Its performance and build quality belie its bargain price, and you'll often find it available for a discount now that it's a few months old. Highly recommended if you only want to brew from ground coffee, not pods.

Read our full De'Longhi Dedica Duo reviewView Deal

Nespresso Pixie

Prefer pods to beans? The Nespresso Pixie is an excellent, no-frills machine that accepts Original style capsules, and doesn't make a wet mess when brewing them. If you want to make lattes, this machine is available bundled with the Nespresso Aeroccino milk frother for a discounted price.

Read our full Nespresso Pixie reviewView Deal

How I tested the Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine

I used the Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine in my kitchen for a week, comparing it with my usual Gaggia Classic coffee maker.

I used it with freshly roasted coffee beans, ground using a Sage Dose Control Pro coffee grinder, and I adjusted the grind size until a double shot of espresso dispensed in around 30 seconds. I used the steam wand with fresh fat dairy and oat milk.

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

RedMagic 11 Air: Two-minute review

Like its lightweight predecessor, the RedMagic 10 Air, the RedMagic 11 Air represents a smart piece of repurposing. It takes the RedMagic 10 Pro and slims down the package, losing a few pounds (not to mention some camera capabilities) and resulting in a temptingly approachable gaming phone.

At an asking price of less than $500 / £500, you’re getting a hugely capable performer with a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and ample memory. It’s not up there with the very fastest phones on the market, thanks to the inclusion of a slightly older chip, but it’s still capable of running the most demanding games at high frame rates.

Thanks to remappable trigger buttons and parent company Nubia’s custom Game Space gaming UI, it’s a well-optimized way to play competitive online games like Call of Duty: Mobile.

RedMagic has improved on its first Air phone in a couple of ways, most notably by reinstating the physical cooling fan for superior sustained performance. You also get a superior 144Hz display and a significantly larger 7,000mAh battery.

(Image credit: Future)

You could argue that this is all a case of Nubia strengthening where it was already strong while neglecting the rest of the package. None of our key complaints about the RedMagic 10 Air have been addressed.

RedMagic OS continues to be a messy, clunky Android UI. The camera system, too, continues to underwhelm, with selfies a particular low point. Even at this low price, you can get a much better photographic experience if you’re willing to compromise on gaming output.

Indeed, in certain ways, the RedMagic 11 Air represents a downgrade from its predecessor, with a clumsier design and an inferior ultra-wide camera.

If gaming is a priority, however, you won’t find a more capable device for less than $500 / £500.

There’s ample room for improvement, but this Nubia sub-brand continues to supply the best value gaming phones on the market.

RedMagic 11 Air review: price and availability

(Image credit: Future)

• From $499 / £439 / €499
• Launched on February 11, 2026

The RedMagic 11 Air hit shelves on February 11, 2026, in a choice of two colors and two memory/storage variants. It’s available from redmagic.gg as well as selected retail partners.

Pricing starts at $499 / £439 / €499 for 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The model we’re reviewing here, with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, costs $629 / £529 / €599.

While the phone is confirmed to be available in Australia, RedMagic only provides a ‘global’ price of $499 (which works out to about AU$725) for the 256GB model and $599 (about AU$864) for the 512GB model on its website.

There aren’t too many phones at this kind of price offering this level of performance. In the official reviewer’s guide, Nubia itself reveals that it views the Poco F8 Pro as its most direct rival, but even that starts at £549, and isn't available in the US.

• Value score: 4.5 / 5

RedMagic 11 Air review: specsRedMagic 11 Air specs

Dimensions:

163.82 x 76.54 x 7.85mm

Weight:

207g

Display:

6.8-inch AMOLED (2,688 x 1,216) up to 144Hz

Chipset:

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite

RAM:

12GB, 16GB

Storage:

256GB, 512GB

OS:

Android 16

Primary camera:

50MP 1/1.55-inch sensor

Ultra-wide camera:

8MP 1/4.0-inch sensor

Front Camera:

16MP 1/2.77-inch sensor

Battery:

7,000mAh

Charging:

80W wired (international)

Colors:

Phantom, Prism

RedMagic 11 Air review: design

(Image credit: Future)

• Slimmer and lighter than the bulky Pro line
• Has regressed from the appealing RedMagic 10 Air design
• Cooling fan reinstated

I described the RedMagic 10 Air as “by far the best-looking gaming phone RedMagic has ever made" in my RedMagic 10 Air review. Sadly, I don’t think the RedMagic has managed to keep up the good work.

After last year’s model eased back from the Pro line’s overt gamer aesthetic with a clean etched glass back and subtle branding, the RedMagic 11 Air steps right back on the gas.

There are only two fairly nondescript colors in Phantom (black) and Prism (white), but both have the brand’s signature semi-transparent finish. This allows some fake circuit board details to show through, as well as a sprinkling of RGB lighting around the camera and within the new side vent.

As looks go, it’s not to my taste, nor is it likely to appeal to anyone else above the age of 30. Perhaps that youthful air (pun unintended) is the whole point.

(Image credit: Future)

Cheapened looks aside, the truly impressive feat here is that RedMagic has managed to reimplement a mechanical cooling fan (hence the RGB-adorned side vent) without adding any real bulk to the phone.

At 7.85mm thick and 207g, the RedMagic 11 Air is about the same thickness and only 2g heavier than the RedMagic 10 Air before it. What’s more, with dimensions of 163.8 x 76.5mm, the newer phone actually has a smaller footprint than its 164.3 x 76.6mm predecessor.

An IP54 dust and water resistance rating makes a return to the spec sheet, which is far from the best out there. However, an aluminum alloy Frame and Corning Gorilla Glass 7i screen (with Gorilla Glass 5 on the back) provide a suitably tough exterior.

There are a handful of extra gaming-oriented controls on the edges of the phone. On the right edge, flanking the power and volume buttons, are the brand’s signature 520Hz capacitive shoulder buttons. In many games, these can be mapped to key controls – think aim and shoot in Destiny Rising or brake and accelerate in GRID Legends.

On the left edge of the phone, there’s a red Magic Key button dedicated to booting up the Game Space UI, which offers quick access to installed games and individual game settings. It’s still remappable, should you wish to attribute it to a more generic function like a camera or flashlight shortcut, but it’s now a rather bland rectangle instead of the 10 Air’s dimpled circle.

• Design score: 3.5 / 5

RedMagic 11 Air review: display

(Image credit: Future)

• 6.85-inch AMOLED
• 2688 x 1216 resolution
• 144Hz refresh rate
• 1800-nit peak brightness

If the RedMagic 11 Air’s design represents a disappointing climb down from the good work started in the RedMagic 10 Air, then the phone’s display is a marked improvement.

One of the letdowns with the RedMagic 10 Air was that it followed directly on from the RedMagic 10 Pro with its much-improved display. I’m glad to report that the RedMagic 11 Air adopts the latter’s upgraded panel.

It’s a slightly bigger 6.85-inch OLED than before with a sharper 2688 x 1216 resolution (up from 2,480 x 1,116) and a more fluid 144Hz maximum refresh rate (up from 120Hz). The top brightness of 1,800 nits is an upgrade, too, compared to the RedMagic 10 Air’s 1,600 nits.

All of these improvements have positive ramifications for gaming, though relatively few games are able to output frame rates over 120fps.

In general use, this is a sharp, bright display that outputs vibrant colours by default. These can be toned down using the flexible Color Mode menu in Settings.

Another pro-gaming feature is the implementation of an under-display front camera. This offers a blissfully unbroken view of gaming and indeed video content, though it also has a pretty disastrous impact on selfies.

• Display score: 4.5 / 5

RedMagic 11 Air review: cameras

(Image credit: Future)

• 50MP main with OIS
• 8MP ultra-wide
• 16MP selfie camera
• Up to 8K/30fps video

Photographic expectations are always quite low when a new RedMagic phone rolls around. ‘Aggressively priced gaming phone’ is not a description that gets us thinking of excellent snaps.

However, the RedMagic 11 Air’s camera system is a disappointment even by such modest standards. There hasn’t been any positive movement on the photographic front since last year’s RedMagic 10 Air. In fact, there’s been some regression.

While the RedMagic 11 Air packs the same 50MP 1/1.55" f/1.9 main camera sensor as its predecessor, there’s now an inferior 8MP 1/4.0" f/2.2 ultra-wide. The latter is both smaller and less pixel-packed than its predecessor, which isn't the direction of travel we've come to expect.

You still don’t get a third camera sensor either, which means that there’s no dedicated telephoto camera for zoomed shots.

This main sensor isn't a terrible performer. In decent lighting, it can grab reasonably sharp shots with rich (albeit not hugely natural-looking) colours. Night shots, while far from best-in-class, are fairly clear, aided by OIS and strong image processing from the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC.

That new 8MP ultra-wide doesn’t get anywhere close to the main sensor, though, neither in terms of sharpness nor contrast. The tone can be markedly different, in fact, and can suffer from blown-out highlights.

That lack of a telephoto camera makes for some seriously limited zoomed shots, too. The detail quickly falls away past 2x, with 5x and 10x snaps badly lacking in crispness.

The weakest performance, however, is reserved for the RedMagic 11 Air’s 16MP under-display front camera. As we’ve mentioned, RedMagic has made the decision to prioritize an obstruction-free display in the name of an optimal gaming experience. That’s been achieved at the expense of any kind of quality on selfies. They’re some of the worst you’ll find on any phone, making faces look fuzzy and indistinct. Yuck.

Video recording is pretty good, at least on paper, with support for 8K at 30fps or (more usefully) 4K at 60fps. But really, if you have any serious ambitions to capture the world around you, you'll do yourself a favor and go with a non-gaming phone.

• Camera score: 3 / 5

RedMagic 11 Air review: camera samplesFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureRedMagic 11 Air review: performance

(Image credit: Future)

• Snapdragon 8 Elite chip isn’t the latest, but it’s fast
• Cooling fan reinstated
• 12GB or 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM
• 256GB or 512GB UFS 4.1 storage

RedMagic has fitted its latest Air device with a straight-up generational performance upgrade, via Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite chip.

That’s no longer the latest or most capable chip on the market – you’ll need to go for the slightly more expensive RedMagic 11 Pro if you want the ultimate mobile gaming performance – but it’s still more than fast enough to run advanced games at high settings. Especially if you opt for the higher model with 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, which is the one I was testing – though the baseline 12GB variant should provide ample performance for most. I was able to run Destiny: Rising and GRID Legends on higher settings with pleasingly smooth frame rates.

CPU and GPU benchmark results, too, are broadly in line with the 2025 flagship phone brigade, which in turn aren’t too far off 2026 phones like the OnePlus 15.

What’s more interesting is how the RedMagic 11 Air performs over sustained periods. Thanks to the return of a dedicated cooling fan (on top of a meaty vapor chamber), the phone yielded consistent results across 3DMark’s high-end stress tests.

A stability score of 95% in the demanding 3DMark Solar Bay Stress Test is better than any modern flagship phone, not to mention the RedMagic 10 Air (which managed 89.8%). This implies that the SoC doesn’t have to throttle back due to high running temperatures, which is what typically happens with non-gaming phones under prolonged GPU load.

It’s not the absolute fastest phone on the market, then, but the RedMagic 11 Air is still a strong performer – and it can stay fast for longer than most.

• Performance score: 4.5 / 5

RedMagic 11 Air review: software

(Image credit: Future)

• RedMagic OS 11 on Android 16
• Fluid but ugly UI
• Dedicated gaming interface

RedMagic phones have always punched above their weight on raw performance, but the software experience has been universally below par. The RedMagic 11 Air doesn’t do anything to change that dim outlook.

This is the same RedMagic OS 11, layered on top of Android 16, that I wrote about towards the end of 2025 with the RedMagic 11 Pro.

It’s a perfectly functional take on Android, with fluid animations and the usual menus in broadly the right places. But it’s also ugly, with clumsy interface elements (there’s a blank app icon simply marked ‘Unknown’ on my test unit) and a largely redundant widget that serves as a manual control for the fan.

Above this widget can be found More Games and More Apps folders, offering download prompts for poor-quality sponsored apps. Suffice to say, you almost certainly won’t want any of these cluttering up your storage.

Don’t forget those preinstalled TikTok, Facebook, and Booking.com apps, either, nor RedMagic’s own web browser. Inessential, one and all.

Scroll to the left of the Home Screen, and you’ll find not the classic Google Feed, but an unpleasant home-brewed amalgam that includes step-counting and weather widgets, as well as a universal search bar towards the top.

(Image credit: Future)

Beneath that, a Recommended apps banner that’s filled with those aforementioned cheap and not-so-cheerful sponsored apps. A little lower down, an extended news pane supplying assorted local stories, very few of which were of any interest to me.

Hopefully, a firmware update will revert this to a Google Feed, as was the case with the RedMagic 11 Pro. As things stand, it's a total waste of screen space.

As always, the high point here is RedMagic’s Game Space UI, which can be accessed through the Magic Key button. This lets you access your games while also adjusting game-related settings.

You can switch between CPU and GPU profiles, letting you either extract more performance or battery life from your gaming session. You can also adjust screen sensitivity and ratios, or – in certain popular games – play with custom plug-ins that automate certain in-game tasks.

During gameplay, you can swipe in from the corner of the screen to access an abbreviated version of this UI, which is also where you can map those shoulder buttons.

RedMagic is committed to providing the 11 Air with just two major OS updates (meaning Android 17 and 18) and five years of security update support. It’s far from the best in this regard, even within the mid-range market.

• Software score: 3 / 5

RedMagic 11 Air review: battery life

(Image credit: Future)

• 7,000mAh battery
• Multi-day usage
• 80W wired charging

As we hinted at in the Design section, the RedMagic 11 Air still ranks as a pretty hefty bit of kit compared to non-gaming phones.

On the positive side, this means that the brand hasn’t felt obliged to compromise on battery capacity, unlike genuinely skinny phones like the iPhone Air or the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge.

Indeed, RedMagic has actually increased the size of the battery since the RedMagic 10 Air. At 7,000mAh, it’s almost 17% bigger than before, and isn’t too far off the class-leading OnePlus 15.

If you don’t go heavy on media consumption, you can conceivably achieve multi-day battery life on a single charge. That means extending beyond the two-day mark that we would formerly have classed as 'very good'.

Naturally, that’s not what the RedMagic 11 Air is designed for. Rather, the extra battery capacity lets you indulge in an extended session of Dredge (other Lovecraftian fishing games are available) on your commutes to and from work without having to worry about the phone making it to bedtime.

In this international model, there’s support for 80W wired charging. No, it’s not the 120W that China gets, but it’s still pretty decent, and you get that charger in the box.

A full charge for me took a smidgen over an hour, but there is a Turbo charge option in the Battery Settings menu that can speed this up further.

You don’t get the RedMagic 11 Pro’s wireless charging provision. That's a shame, though it isn't particularly surprising given that the feature was only recently introduced to the range, not to mention the budget status of the Air.

• Battery score: 5 / 5

Should I buy the RedMagic 11 Air?RedMagic 11 Air score card

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

RedMagic’s design has always been somewhat gauche, but it’s disappointing to see the 11 Air taking a backward step from its predecessor on this front.

3.5 / 5

Display

Big, sharp, bright, and fluid, this is an excellent display for the money, and a genuine step up from the RedMagic 10 Air before it.

4.5 / 5

Performance

It’s not the fastest phone on the market, but the RedMagic 11 Air will outperform virtually all of the 2025 Android crowd. Crucially, it stays fast over longer periods.

4.5 / 5

Camera

You don’t expect a good camera system from a gaming phone, but the RedMagic 11 Air’s is even worse than its predecessor, thanks to a downgraded ultra-wide.

3 / 5

Battery

With a meaty 7,000mAh battery, the RedMagic 11 Air will last multiple days of normal usage, and will still get you through a full day of heavy gaming.

5 / 5

Software

RedMagic OS 11 is functional, with some powerful custom gaming flourishes. However, it’s also ugly, with a disappointing level of support.

3 / 5

Value

For just $499 / £439, you’re getting a phone that performs as well as if not better than the 2025 class of flagship phones.

4.5 / 5

Buy it if...

You’re gaming on a budget
You’re getting sustained flagship performance for less than $500 / £450 here. No other phone can quite match that value proposition.

You’re in the anti-notch brigade
If you would do anything to get rid of the display notch, including accepting terrible selfies, then the RedMagic 11 Air has you covered.

You love that nerdy PC gaming aesthetic
With a boxy shape, a faux-transparent case, RGB lighting and a cooling vent, the RedMagic 11 Air aesthetic screams ‘adolescent gamer’.

Don't buy it if...

You want to take decent pictures
The main camera isn’t a write-off, but the 8MP ultra-wide is a downgrade and the 16MP selfie camera is an abomination.

You want the very best gaming phone possible
It’s very capable, but the pricier RedMagic 11 Pro is the phone to get if you want the ultimate mobile gaming performance.

You appreciate software design
This is an ugly custom Android UI, with pointless widgets and ample bloatware.

RedMagic 11 Air review: also consider

The RedMagic 11 Air is a capable mid-range gamer, but it isn't your only option.

Poco F8 Pro
RedMagic itself cites the Poco F8 Pro as a key rival. It’s not quite so hardcore in the gaming stakes, and it costs a little more, but performance is broadly comparable and it’s much nicer to use day to day.

RedMagic 11 Pro
The RedMagic 11 Pro is your step-up model, offering superior performance, a better camera, even better battery life, and wireless charging – albeit at a higher price.

Read our full RedMagic 11 Pro review

How I tested the RedMagic 11 Air

• Review test period = 1 week
• Testing included = Everyday usage, including web browsing, social media, photography, gaming, streaming video, music playback
• Tools used = Geekbench 6, 3DMark, native Android stats, RedMagic 80W power adapter

First reviewed: January 2026

How to Make a Killing was one of my most anticipated new movies of 2026. Unfortunately I was left feeling underwhelmed by A24's latest venture, which doesn't stand up against a catalog of greats.

Remakes are risky enough as it is, but Kind Hearts and Coronets is an especially tough act to follow. The iconic 40s movie brought something new to the table, with Alec Guinness especially stealing the show as he played eight members of the same wealthy family.

It was a solid black comedy that even stands up today, making How to Make a Killing feel unnecessary and sadly, boring. Unlike its predecessor, the 2026 movie offers nothing new, aside from a fresh cast of modern day actors that do their best. But it really is difficult not to compare it to the source material, and that's where the disappointment lies.

Had this been an original thriller movie, perhaps my opinion would've differed. But unfortunately, How to Make a Killing feels very soulless and it doesn't have the charm of the movie that inspired it.

Even Glen Powell, who has previously delivered great performances in Twisters and Chad Powers, can't really save this movie. His leading role as Becket Redfellow shouldn't feel boring, especially as he's a serial killer with an intriguing motivation.

Director John Patton Ford impressed audiences with Emily The Criminal, which has a 93% Rotten Tomatoes score. So it's disappointing that How to Make a Killing has fallen flat, when we know he's capable of creating a really great movie.

Considering this is a movie about a man who murders his wealthy family as an act of revenge, it is disappointing that it ended up being as boring as it is. Becket's mother was exiled after she became pregnant as a teenager, and on her deathbed, told a young Becket that he should fight for the life he "deserves" to have. He does, but it's not all that exciting to watch.

There are some positives to be found in this movie, though. Margaret Qualley always delivers a great performance, no matter what she's in. She blew me away as Sue in The Substance, which I called the best body horror of 2024.

She's entertaining to watch here, too, as Julia Steinway, Becket’s childhood friend and crush, whom he hopes to win the heart of. Scenes involving them are perhaps my favorite part of the movie, and I did like some of the humor, but ultimately, this is a disappointment for A24, a studio I usually have a lot of love for.

If you're in the mood for a run-of-the-mill dark comedy with a few laughs and some notable names, you might want to see this now that it's out in theaters, or perhaps wait to see if it arrives on any of the best streaming services.

Disappointingly, it's one of those forgettable movies that you'll likely watch just once. But perhaps it will do its job of keeping you entertained for a couple of hours.

How to Make a Killing is in theaters worldwide now.

D-Link D501: 30-second review

Connectivity for travellers is never consistent and can be a real challenge if you need to move large amounts of data to and from your remote system.

For those who operate in major global cities and across much of Europe, the answer has been to use 5G mobile networks, which provide broadband-level performance for suitably capable phones and laptops.

The D-Link 501 is a USB device designed to attach to a laptop or tablet that doesn’t have a 5G modem installed, which can easily add that technology without even a driver.

Simply insert a suitable mobile SIM card into the D501, connect it via the provided USB cable, and you can access 4x4 MIMO 5G comms.

The caveat is that this is a Sub-6 GHz connection only, with no mmWave support, unlike what is common in the USA. Therefore, it doesn’t have the highest 5G connection speeds, but those it can achieve are still better than 4G.

Another snag is that it isn’t especially cheap, at around six times what you might pay for a similar device that connects to 4G services.

And, the final elephant in this room is that adding a 5G modem to a modern business laptop generally costs less than this device. A typical overhead for a Dell laptop to get an unbuilt 5G modem is $200, though they only offer this feature on models like the Dell Pro Max and Dell Precision 3590. The D-Link D501 can be added to any machine with a USB-C port, including tablets and other devices, so it could be shared between devices or even people.

As I’ll talk about later in this review, there is an aspect to this device and any 5G dongle or hotspot, and that’s the variability of the service it uses. For those who aren’t near a good 5G environment, there is little point in spending this much on a mobile network modem. Conversely, if you work somewhere with good 5G coverage, it could offer a significant improvement over 4G LTE.

It’s hard to assess whether this is one of the best 5G modems, since so few devices are available.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)D-Link D501: price and availability

• How much does it cost? £236/€323
• When is it out? Available now in Europe
• Where can you get it? Via D-Link resellers

From what I understand, and this might change, the D501 is available across Europe, including the UK, Norway and Germany. The cost in the UK is £241 via Amazon.co.uk, and it’s €323 in Germany.

It isn’t sold outside these regions, and certainly not in the USA.

Even if someone imported one to America, there's a significant technical obstacle. The D501's 5G bands are n1/3/5/7/8/20/28/38/40/41/71/75/76/77/78 D-Link. Cross-referencing with US carrier deployments, this is where things get telling: the key US mid-band frequencies are n77 (used by AT&T and Verizon) and n41 (T-Mobile).

Whilst n41, n71, and n77/78 are on the spec sheet, notable US-specific bands such as n2, n12, n25, n30, n66, and n70, all widely used by US carriers for both 5G and LTE, are entirely absent. This means even an imported unit would have very patchy support on US networks.

Alternatives include the Netgear M6, which offers Wi-Fi sharing, but it’s currently £549.99 on Amazon.co.uk and $433 at Amazon.com.

Another Wi-Fi sharing choice is made ironically by D-Link, the DWR-978, a 5G NR AC2600 Wi-Fi mobile hotspot. That only quotes a speed of 1.6Gbps, but it's cheaper at £144.99.

TP-Link makes the Archer NX210, an AX1800 spec 5G Router that costs around £190.

These examples make the D501 seem on the pricey side, but if you look at 4G LTE modems that do a similar job, those cost between £25 and £40.

And, I’m not talking about unknown brands. A classic example is the D-Link DWM-222W 4G LTE AX300 Wi-Fi 6 USB Adapter, capable of up to 150 Mbps downloads, which sells for only £40.80.

You should conclude that the portability of the D501 comes at a premium over less elegant devices, or those that only support 4G LTE.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

• Value score: 3/5

D-Link D501: Specs

Feature

Specification

Model

D-Link D501

Connection Type

5G NR / 4G LTE / DC-HSPA+ / HSPA / WCDMA

Max Download Speed

Up to 3.4 Gbps (theoretical, 5G NR Sub-6)

MIMO

4x4

5G Bands (Sub-6)

n1/n3/n5/n7/n8/n20/n28/n38/n40/n41/n71/n75/n76/n77/n78

4G LTE Bands

B1/B3/B5/B7/B8/B20/B28/B32/B38/B40/B41/B42/B43/B71

3G Bands

B1/B5/B8

mmWave Support

No. Sub-6 GHz only

USB Interface

USB 3.1 Type-C

SIM Card

Nano SIM (4FF)

Antenna

Foldable external

Wi-Fi Hotspot

No

LED Status

Blue (5G) / Green (4G LTE) / Red (no service or error)

OS Compatibility

Windows / macOS / Linux (plug-and-play, no drivers)

Dimensions

95 × 41 × 22.5 mm

Power

USB-powered via USB-C

D-Link D501: design

• Simple but elegant
• Highly portable
• USB-C

The D501 is built around one clear design objective: to easily disappear into a bag. At 95 x 41 x 22.5 mm, it is genuinely pocket-sized, and the foldable antenna tucks flat when not in use. It comes with a 20cm USB-C cable, which avoids the issue of a directly inserted USB device that destroys the port it's connected to if something unfortunate occurs.

The single-LED status indicator keeps things simple: blue for 5G, green for 4G/LTE, red for no service or error. There is no screen, no buttons and no physical controls.

Everything routes through a browser interface for any configuration beyond basic SIM insertion. Build quality is consistent with D-Link's Taiwan manufacturing standard and is solid enough for the price. It draws power entirely from the host USB-C port, so there is no charging or other preparation to manage.

The beauty of this design is that it's entirely driverless, allowing it to operate across the widest possible range of systems. It might have been a nice touch if D-Link had included a USB-C to USB-A adapter, but these are pennies for you to add to the package.

While you are buying that extra, you might also want to find a small carry pouch to keep the D501, USB-C cable, adapter and the Quick Start paperwork. Although the paperwork is so short in content, you could probably leave that at home.

Based purely on how simple and elegant this device is, I’ve scored it highly for Design, because how easy it is to deploy and use makes it much more likely to be adopted.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

Design score: 4.5/5

D-Link D501: In use

• No drivers
• Web interface
• Performance expectations

Those who designed the D501 did so, realising that the majority of people deploying this equipment aren’t likely to be IT professionals. The non-technical user is likely to appreciate that there is no driver to install, and if the SIM is already installed, it's merely a matter of plugging the D501 to get it working.

There is a web interface for those with more technical knowledge to manually configure the device, but for most deployments, this shouldn’t be necessary.

For most users, a basic overview of how to recognise a laptop connected by Wi-Fi (or wired LAN) over one using the mobile network is all that’s required.

I’m based in the UK, so that colors my view of this device and how it works with the typical services that are available to UK customers.

That said, the D501 covers a wide range of Sub-6 GHz 5G and 4G LTE bands, making it broadly compatible with UK and European carrier infrastructure. The key 5G bands used by major UK carriers are all present:

These include Primary 5G on n78 for EE, Vodafone, O2 and Three, and also B20 and B3 LTE on most networks.

The inclusion of n71 (600 MHz) in the hardware is notable for US market users on T-Mobile, and n28 (700 MHz) extends rural 5G reach in markets where lower-band 5G is deployed. The absence of mmWave (FR2) bands is the only meaningful gap, limiting the device to sub-6 GHz 5G.

The lack of mmWave could be a deal-breaker for some, but what it does offer is sufficient for the vast majority of real-world use cases, as mmWave coverage remains geographically sparse.

Connection stability is the D501's most important untested variable. The theoretical specification is strong as 4x4 MIMO provides both throughput headroom and resilience against signal variation compared to simpler 2x2 designs. The USB 3.1 interface eliminates the connection bottleneck present in older USB 2.0 dongles.

I’ve seen some customers report intermittent disconnections with certain carriers, but I didn’t experience that at all with O2 (GiffGaff) in the UK.

Why this might be happening, I’m unsure. But it certainly seems to be carrier-related, and it might require a firmware update from D-Link to resolve this issue. I checked, and a later firmware was available than the one that came on the D501, so I installed that.

I’m not a huge fan of web interfaces that don’t check for you, and this one had the tools to install new firmware but no way to find out whether the current version had been superseded. I’ve seen this lots with modems and routers, and I don’t care for it.

The firmware did improve my throughput, so it was worth installing.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

In terms of data transfer performance, my 5G service isn’t great, although it did connect, which is more than my phone typically achieves with the same SIM.

It’s also worth noting that doing this inside a building doesn’t help, and for those in a hotel, it might be helpful to get a USB extension and place the dongle outside, either near a window or, ideally, on a balcony.

Needless to say, using 5G, I got nowhere near the quoted performance levels, but I can’t blame that on D-Link. As an experiment, I tried switching to 4G LTE, but it didn’t show any improvement and was, in fact, slower than NR5G-NSA, which the D501 automatically connected to.

Going outside did make a massive difference, although I was still only achieving around 30Mbps up and down. Inside, the results were at best around 40% of that level.

As frustrating as this all was, the connection was at least solid and usable.

Do I think this hardware could achieve 3.4Gbps? No, not even if it was right next to the mast, because you wouldn’t have exclusive access to the frequencies, even then. I’m sure it could get 500 Mbps in ideal conditions, but 300 Mbps would be a reasonable expectation if you live or work near a mobile mast that supports 5G. For the MIMO aspect of this device to function properly, you can’t be on the edge of a 5G area, as I am.

To put this into perspective, the O2 network I use offers an average UK-wide 5G speed of only 80.1 Mbps, and the maximum you can expect is around 320 Mbps. If I were with Vodafone, then I might see 545Mbps, and allegedly on Three, that could be over 900Mbps, but that’s as good as it gets in the UK. So forget 3.4Gbps, it’s not happening with this technology in the UK.

The takeaway here is not that the D501 is a good or bad 5G modem. It's that, unlike a wired network, the performance isn’t predictable, other than it will invariably be less than the theoretical limits promoted by the makers.

(Image credit: D-Link)

• In Use: 4/5

D-Link D501: Final verdict

The discussion here is less about the D501 and more about what alternatives exist if you don’t use this device. The obvious one is to buy a cheap 5G phone and connect it to the laptop via a USB-C cable or Wi-Fi sharing. If phones had USB 3.1 specification USB-C ports, then this would be the best choice, but almost all of them use only USB 2.0 on the charging/data port.

Using Wi-Fi would work, but again, most phones are limited to dual-channel at best connections, and that’s not remotely the throughput that 5G can offer.

There are some 5G hotspots that will work, including the D-Link F530 and Netgear M6, but these cost more than the D501, and because they share the same Wi-Fi 6 channel, there is extra latency and potential wireless interference.

There are plenty of 4G hotspots and dongles, and they are much, much cheaper. However, the majority are only capable of 150 Mbps, which is dramatically less than the D501's theoretical 3.4 Gbps. It comes down to whether you just need a connection or want the headline-level connectivity that 5G promises.

It’s also worth noting that if you get a D501 and a good connection, you might eat through an entire month of data allowance in just a few minutes if you’re not careful.

Therefore, the device's cost might be a minor expense in this exercise compared to the 5G SIM contract you will need to make best use of it. Also, research which carriers offer the best 5G performance, since some are distinctly better than others.

Those things accepted, this hardware provides a seamless connection to the 5G network for anyone with a modern laptop, and the cost of that, for many businesses supporting a mobile sales team, might be one they are willing to eat.

But don’t expect miracles, because some geographic locations just aren’t 5G-friendly.

Should I buy a D-Link D501?D-Link D501 Score Card

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Value

Not cheap when compared to a 4G dongle

3/5

Design

Remarkably compact, easy to use and carry

4.5/5

In Use

Plug and play, if 5G will play

4/5

Overall

Excellent 5G travel router with a few caveats

4/5

Buy it if...

You need 5G connections on the road
For a laptop without the capability to take a SIM and network over 5G, the D501 is the next best thing, and as you can adjust the position of the antenna, it might be even better.

Don't buy it if...

You want to share the connection
The D501 hardware doesn’t support Wi-Fi sharing, although you could configure this via the laptop. There are other 5G routers available with an inbuilt Wi-Fi access point that are better suited to sharing a 5G connection.

You are travelling to the USA
While you can use this device in the USA to connect to some carriers, it wasn’t built for that region and lacks some channels and mmWave support. Avoid trying to make this device work globally.

For more connectivity solutions, we've reviewed the best business routers

After Paramount+ dropped the first trailer for The Madison, I knew that Taylor Sheridan's new standalone series would be heading in a completely different direction to anything we've seen before. In short: less Yellowstone and Marshals, more Ransom Canyon and Virgin River.

I love being right as much as the next person, but this tonal shift could have gone one of two ways. With The Madison being so widely (and incorrectly) reported to be a direct Yellowstone spinoff early on, fans have willingly shaped their own misconceptions of what might be waiting in store.

Truthfully, the fact that the Michelle Pfeiffer and Kurt Russell-led drama is a world away from Kevin Costner and co's legacy is the ace up it's sleeve... and Sheridan's jump into new TV territory has arguably gifted us his strongest show of all time.

Pfeiffer plays Stacy Clyburn, a well-to-do New Yorker who comes from the Upper East Side social scene, and is frankly rolling in money. She's married to Russell's Preston, a reluctant city bod who wants nothing more than to retreat to the cabins he's built in the Montana wilderness.

After a family tragedy, the entire gang is uprooted, including begrudging daughters and grandchildren who have clearly never seen a blade of grass in their entire lives. What ensues is a messy outpouring of grief, loss and love that immediately tugs at the heartstrings.

Life is cruel, overwhelming and unpredictable, which is something that Sheridan has always impeccably understood. It's only further testament to his craft — and why the 'Sheridanverse' exists in the first place — that he can effortlessly transition from cowboy feud to everyday tragedy.

Marshals: A Yellowstone Story wishes it could be as good as The Madison

The Madison is beautiful simply because it's got the basics right. Our inciting incident is completely unexpected, as is the following resolution. As a result, one family, who couldn't seem more like strangers if they tried, face an impossible situation.

I've not seen anybody portray grief on TV as vulnerably and honestly as Pfeiffer does in a long time. There are no dramatic crash outs, no sitting on the bathroom floor in floods of tears, and no sudden realizations that actually, everything is going to be okay.

Instead, Stacy goes through the motions in a catatonic state. Devoid of emotional range and ability to feel, she reminds us that grief is something you have to learn to move forward with, rather than move on from. Pfeiffer bares all (metaphorically) to get this across, and it's incredibly easy to see why she's the talent of a generation.

Stacy's daughters, standoffish Abigail (Beau Garrett) and hapless Paige (Elle Chapman) are the ideal, if not insufferable, companions. Each teaches the other something about themselves they don't want to address, resulting in literal catfights, harsh truths and even harder lessons learned.

Amazingly, Sheridan and his cast balance out the scales of searing drama with genuinely laugh-out-loud humor. Episodes 2 and 3 amp the comedic factor up to the max as living in a wooden cabin (complete with an outdoor toilet) becomes less of a novelty.

'Soap opera' isn't a negative — and it's certainly not beneath us

Any still is basically Michelle Pfeiffer looking moody in a beautiful setting. (Image credit: Paramount)

Of course, Yellowstone fans are bound to say that The Madison is too soft or far-fetched for them, but as we well know, there's nothing that signals strength quite like emotional honesty. Team this with wildlife living and the jaw-dropping Montana views that we already know and loved, and Sheridan's melding the best of both worlds into something unmissable.

Yes, it's all a bit soap opera-y. But when did that become such a dirty term? Back in the day, it was the main TV format for building community, championing representation and allowed us to access thoughts and feelings we didn't always realize were there. Get off your high horses, people... we're not in serious cowboy town anymore.

Frankly, Marshals: A Yellowstone Story must be wishing for this kind of magic. It's been absolutely astonishing to watch how much public interest has dropped off since its debut episode was released, with fans hailing it as nothing more than a run-of-the-mill CBS police procedural. With my pessimistic hat on, they're right, with Marshals straying too far from the core beliefs that made Yellowstone the success it was.

Think of The Madison as the Western redo that's up there with Landman in terms of star quality. Sometimes you have to go back to the beginning to get something right, and I think streaming and society are both all the richer for having the Clyburns around.

Paramount+ 'Premium' annual plan: was $155.88 now $119.99 at Paramount+
This is a standard bundle deal, but it's worth knowing about. The 'Premium' plan throws together the Paramount+ library you know and love, cuts out the commercials, and adds all Showtime's titles for just $10 a month. Watch Tulsa King and Yellowjackets in equal measure with the best of both thanks to this streaming deal. Choose between the plan's monthly or yearly rate, and enjoy a seven-day Paramount+ free trial off the bat. There are also Paramount+ coupon codes to take advantage of, so don't ignore those. View Deal

Asus RT-BE92U: One-minute review

It may not have the built-like-a-tank design and ominous glowing lights that Asus uses in some of its eye-catching gaming routers, but the new RT-BE92U won’t take a backseat to any of its flashier rivals. It’s not much to look at, but beneath that unassuming design the RT-BE92U boasts the latest tri-band Wi-Fi 7, with support for the high-speed 6.0GHz frequency band that is sometimes omitted in less expensive Wi-Fi 7 routers.

It also provides high-speed wired connectivity for home or offices that have fibre broadband, and even provides a USB port that allows you to ‘tether’ the router to a smartphone or mobile device that supports 4G or 5G mobile broadband in case your normal broadband service is interrupted for some reason. And, above all else, it doesn’t constantly pester you to sign up for subscriptions for additional parental controls and security features, as some of its rivals do.

(Image credit: Future)Asus RT-BE92U: Design and features

• Creates Guest, Kids and VPN networks
• USB tethering for 4G/5G mobile broadband
• Free parental controls

Specifications

Wi-Fi:

Tri-band Wi-Fi 7 (2.4GHz, 5.0GHz, 6.0GHz)

Wi-Fi Speed:

9.7Gbps

Ports:

1x 10Gb Ethernet (WAN/LAN), 1x 2.5Gb Ethernet (WAN/LAN), 3x 2.5Gb Ethernet (LAN), 1x USB 3.2

Processor:

Quad-core @ 2.0GHz

Memory:

1GB DDR4

Storage:

256MB Flash

Dimensions:

248 x 102 x 288mm

Weight:

1.1kg

The design of the RT-BE92U is purely functional, consisting of little more than an upright slab of black plastic, with four antennae sticking up into the air (and a fifth antenna hidden inside the body of the router as well). It doesn’t cut corners on features, though, boasting tri-band Wi-Fi 7 with a top speed of 9.7Gbps (or 9,678Mbps if you want to be precise), and a super-fast 10 Gigabit Ethernet port that can double up to provide either a broadband (WAN) connection, or a wired connection (LAN) for a computer, games console or TV.

There’s a 2.5 Gigabit port that can also double up for either WAN or LAN connections, and three more 2.5G ports for wired connections only. Even the humble USB port on the back throws in some extra features too. As well as allowing you to connect a hard drive or solid-state drive that can be shared with other people on your network, the USB port can be used to charge a smartphone or other mobile devices, and can even be ‘tethered’ to your smartphone in order to use its 4G or 5G mobile broadband as an emergency backup in case something interrupts your normal broadband service.

The Asus Router app for iOS and Android also provides an impressive array of features, although it’s not always as straightforward to use as it could be. Somewhat oddly, the RT-BE92U initially creates a new network that doesn’t have any password protection, so you need to move through the set-up process quite swiftly in order to add a password and keep your new network safe. Fortunately, the app does allow you to scan a QR code in order to quickly connect to the RT-BE92U, and you are then prompted to create a new name and password for the new network.

(Image credit: Future)

Once that’s done you have a variety of useful options available, including QoS – quality of service – that gives priority to specific activities, such as gaming or streaming video, that need maximum performance. Most routers will allow you to create a guest network, but the Router app also allows you to create a ‘Kid’s Network’ with a schedule to limit internet access to specific times, and a ‘VPN Network’ for use with popular VPN apps, such as NordVPN and SurfShark.

It even provides a good set of parental controls free of charge, with no need to sign up for an additional subscription. You can create profiles for children of different ages, which automatically block unsuitable content, such as pornography, violence or gambling. Most of Asus’ rivals charge additional subscriptions for parental controls, so the inclusion of all these features at no extra cost is very welcome. Our only complaint is that the Asus app buries many of these features within a maze of dense menus and sub-menus, so it could take a little while to actually find the features you want to use.

• Features: 5/5

Asus RT-BE92U: Performance

• Tri-band Wi-Fi 7 (9.7Gbps)
• 10 Gigabit Ethernet WAN/LAN
• 4x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet

BENCHMARKS:

Ookla Speed Test – Single merged network (download/upload)

Within 5ft, no obstructions: 150Mbps/150Mbps

Within 30ft, three partition walls: 150Mbps/150Mbps

20GB Steam Download - Single merged network

Within 5ft, no obstructions: 150Mbps

Within 30ft, three partition walls: 150Mbps

The Asus app does at least keep things simple by merging its three frequency bands - 2.4GHz, 5.0GHz and 6.0GHz – into a single network and automatically connecting your devices to whichever band provides the best speed in each room or area within your home.

But, in order to test the faster 6.0GHz band separately, I ran our Ookla Speedtest and Steam download test on two different laptops – an older HP laptop that only supports the 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz bands, and a more recent Samsung laptop that supports 6.0GHz.

(Image credit: Future)

I began with the two laptops in the same room as the RT-BE92U, and wasn’t really surprised to find that both laptops breezed along at the maximum 150Mbps provided by my office broadband. The real test, though, came when I walked along a hallway – one laptop perched in the palm of each hand – to an office at the back of the building. My normal office router always struggles to reach this back office, but I was pleased to find that both laptops effortlessly maintained their 150Mbps speeds without even the slightest wobble.

Admittedly, that 9.7Gbps top speed will be overkill for many users, but it’s very good value at such a competitive price. And, with additional features such as USB tethering and free parental controls, the RT-BE92U will be an excellent upgrade for home users and office workers alike.

• Performance: 5/5

(Image credit: Future)Should you buy the Asus RT-BE92U?Asus RT-BE92U scorecard

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Value

The RT-BE92U is competitively priced for a high-end tri-band router with Wi-Fi 7, and it’s also packed with useful features – that don’t require a subscription.

5/5

Features

Great speed and connectivity are just the start. The RT-BE92U also includes good parental controls, network customisation, and USB tethering.

5/5

Performance

It may be overkill for many people, but if you need speed then the RT-BE92U delivers the goods with blazing performance for both Wi-Fi and wired networks.

5/5

Overall Score

What it lacks in eye-candy, the RT-BE92U makes up for with its sheer speed, impressive connectivity and additional features.

5/5

Buy it if:

You have fibre broadband
Along with its high-speed Wi-Fi, the RT-BE92U also provides 10Gb Ethernet for the latest high-speed broadband connections.View Deal

You’re ready for Wi-Fi 7
Newer computers and mobile devices that support the high-speed 6.0GHz frequency band will get the most benefit from the tri-band RT-BE92U.View Deal

Don’t buy it if:

You’re still on Wi-Fi 5/6
Older devices that support Wi-Fi 5 or 6 won’t benefit from the sheer speed of the RT-BE92U, so there’s no need to pay for an expensive Wi-Fi 7 upgrade just yet.View Deal

You’re on a budget
The 9.7Gbps speed of the RT-BE92U will be total overkill for most home broadband services, so you can save money by opting for a more modest performer instead.View Deal

Also consider:

Asus RT-BE92U

D-Link Aquila Pro AI R95

Netgear Nighthawk RS100

Price (as reviewed)

$249.99/£219.99/AU$328.30

$254.99/£180.00

$129.99/£129.99/AU$259.00

Wi-Fi

Tri-band Wi-Fi 7

Tri-band Wi-Fi 7

dual-band Wi-Fi 7

Wi-Fi Speed

9.7Gbps

9.5Gbps

3.6Gbps

Connectivity

1x 10Gb Ethernet (WAN/LAN), 1x 2.5Gb Ethernet (WAN/LAN), 3x 2.5Gb Ethernet (LAN), 1x USB 3.2

1x 2.5Gb Ethernet (WAN), 3x Gigabit Ethernet (LAN)

1x 2.5Gb Ethernet (WAN), 4x Gigabit Ethernet (LAN)

Processor

quad-core 2.0GHz

Not Specified

quad-core 2.0GHz

Memory

1GB RAM

Not Specified

1GB RAM

Storage

256MB Flash

Not Specified

512MB Flash

Dimensions

248 x 102 x 288mm

220 x 238 x 207mm

184 x 66 122mm

D-Link Aquila Pro R95
Its design may look a bit gimmicky, but the R95 goes head to head with Asus, offering tri-band Wi-Fi 7 and a top-speed of 9.5Gbps. Asus wins on parental controls, but D-Link’s ease of use is better for beginners.View Deal

Netgear Nighthawk RS100
If you don’t need blazing fast Wi-Fi 7 then Netgear’s RS100 provides a more affordable alternative. It only supports dual-band Wi-Fi 7, but its top speed of 3.6Gbps is more than fast enough for most home broadband services.

Read our full reviewView Deal

Google Pixel 10a: Two-Minute Review

Google's Pixel 10a is an interesting mid-range smartphone that bucks some of the trends the A-series lineup typically delivers on. It doesn’t get a new processor or upgraded camera hardware this year — instead sticking with the Tensor G4 and the same dual-camera system as the Pixel 9a — and there aren’t many headline-grabbing new tricks. Instead, Google is focused on continuing to deliver strong value.

That’s not necessarily a bad thing. The Pixel 10a still offers a great ergonomic build that feels premium and comes in fun colors, and it also does something rare in modern smartphones: the back is completely flush, meaning there’s no camera bump. Battery life is excellent thanks to the 5,100mAh cell, easily lasting a full day in my testing, and Google has added Satellite SOS support for emergencies. The 6.3-inch Actua display remains bright and smooth with a 120Hz refresh rate, while the 48-megapixel main camera and 13-megapixel ultra-wide offer solid flexibility for everyday photos, portraits, and wide shots.

It’s likely not an upgrade if you already own a Pixel 9a — but then again, you’re probably not considering the 10a if you do. The bigger wrinkle is that the 9a is still widely available and can often be found for less than the 10a’s $499 MSRP. Considering the phones share the same processor, camera system, and battery capacity, the differences — like Camera Coach, the flush back, and new colors — might not be enough to sway everyone.

But if you're in the market for an affordable Android smartphone that doesn’t skimp on everyday performance, camera flexibility, or the latest AI features, the Pixel 10a — like most A-series phones before it — still stands above many other budget Android phones, even if not much has changed year over year.

Google Pixel 10a: Price and availability

Here’s some good news: if you’re already sold, Google’s Pixel 10a is available right now. The 10a is available in four colors – Lavender, Berry, Fog, or Obsidian – and can be configured with either 128GB or 256GB of storage, both pairing 8GB of RAM with the Tensor G4 chip inside.

The Google Pixel 10a starts at $499 / £499 / AU$849 for 128GB or $599 / £599 / AU$999 for 256GB.

Google Pixel 10a: SpecsGoogle Pixel 10a Specs

Dimensions:

154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9mm

Weight:

185.9g

Display:

6.3-inch Actua display

Resolution:

1080 x 2424

Refresh rate:

60-120Hz

Peak brightness:

2,700 nits

CPU:

Google Tensor G4

RAM:

8GB

Storage:

128GB / 256GB

OS:

Android 16

Cameras:

48MP main; 13MP ultrawide

Selfie Camera:

13MP

Battery:

5,100mAh

Charging:

23W

Colors:

Lavender, Berry, God, or Obsidian

Google Pixel 10a: Design

(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

• Finally, a fully flush design with no camera bump
• Lavender and Berry are two great colors
• Feels like a premium phone

Yes, the Google Pixel 10a, like every A-Series Pixel before it, is all about value. But true to the line’s nature, that doesn’t mean it’s a bad-looking phone. The Pixel 10a looks very much like a modern member of the Pixel lineup.

The Pixel 10a feels very good in the hand and retains a silhouette similar to that of the Pixel 9a, its predecessor. The metal rails all around are soft to the touch, with a smooth matte finish that makes them easy to hold, and the button placement is easy to work with. The power and volume rockers are on the right; a USB-C port sits on the bottom, flanked by speakers; and a SIM card slot is on the left, pretty close to the top.

I really like the Lavender shade I’ve been testing, and unlike Apple’s iPad Air with M4 take on lavender, Google’s version definitely mixes blue and purple together for a terrific shade. Google has also leaned into vibrant device colors, and the 10a delivers here. You can also get the Pixel 10a in Berry, a pinkish red; Fog, a pale green; or Obsidian, a grayish black.

The rear is pretty much all device color, though. You might be expecting a glass back, but it’s a smooth-finish plastic here. The dual-camera system sits in the top-left corner alongside an LED flash, and there’s a big “G” Google logo centered in the middle.

Google’s Pixel 10a is a good-looking smartphone, but where it really packs a punch is that, even without a case, it can sit flat on a table. No rocking side to side. How? Google has eliminated the camera bump, so the entire rear of the 10a is flush — and I simply love it.

(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

It’s very rare, but the Pixel 10a is a completely flat phone, and I hope this is something we arrive at in future mainline Pixels as well. I can’t necessarily name another recent release that’s fully flat, and it’s even drawn a few eyes while I’ve been testing the 10a without a case.

That’s certainly a highlight here, and while the 10a also hides support for Qi wireless charging underneath, one downside is that PixelSnap isn’t supported. The Pixel 10a is pretty much identical to the Pixel 9a in this respect, and that’s not necessarily a major problem, considering you might not be considering the 10a if you bought a 9a last year.

Still, the Pixel A-Series typically trickles down some of the best features of the mainline Pixel lineup. In this case, the Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro rolled out support for PixelSnap — essentially Android’s version of Apple’s MagSafe — opening those phones up to work with a range of accessories that snap to the back. That includes wallets, magnetic power banks, PopSockets, or even Octobuddys.

It’s a rare omission here and a bit of an odd decision on Google’s part, especially considering the just-released — and yes, more expensive — iPhone 17e supports MagSafe.

PixelSnap aside, though, the Pixel 10a is a great-looking, modern phone that comes in some delightful colors and manages a feat many other phones can’t match: it’s flat. And there’s no price increase.

• Design score: 4.5 / 5

Google Pixel 10a: Display

(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

• Google’s Actua display remains one of the best
• Great for viewing all sorts of content
• 120Hz support is a major win

Just like the Pixel 10 and Pixel 9a, Google’s Pixel 10a features a 6.3-inch Actua display that’s really a joy to view content on. The panel here is a pOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2424 at 422 pixels per inch. That’s a lot of tech specs, yes, but the key takeaway is that it’s a great display — albeit the same as the 9a, minus a bit of brightness — to have on a budget phone, and it can go head-to-head with true flagships.

Google notes that the Pixel 10a’s peak brightness reaches up to 3,000 nits (2,000 nits for HDR), but in Future PLC’s lab testing, we found it reached 1,896 nits. I didn’t notice much of an issue during daily testing, including outdoors on sunny days or under bright indoor lighting. Our lab also recorded the Pixel 9a at 2,076 nits — again, just something to keep in mind.

Unlike the iPhone 17e, the Pixel 10a features a 120Hz refresh rate, which is great for watching content or playing games, and it also makes the smartphone feel more responsive. Interestingly, it isn’t enabled by default, so you’ll need to head to Settings to turn it on. While it warns that enabling it will drain the battery a bit faster than 60Hz, it’s worth it for the experience. Colors look punchy and vibrant, with strong contrast, and darker tones look deep. Whether I was scrolling through TikToks or Reels, watching a show on Hulu or Disney+, texting a friend, responding to an email, or browsing the web, everything looked pretty great.

There’s still an optical fingerprint sensor built into the screen, and while it’s not as fast as the ultrasonic sensors found in some higher-end phones, it felt quick and responsive during my testing. Like on the Pixel 9a, it’s centered toward the bottom of the screen, which makes for a pretty ergonomic spot.

As you might expect from a more affordable Pixel, there are thicker bezels around the 6.3-inch screen than you’d find on a flagship. Still, there’s no notch on the Pixel 10a. Instead, there’s a centered hole-punch cutout at the top for the 13-megapixel selfie camera.

To help protect against scratches and drops, the Pixel 10a’s screen is covered with Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, an upgrade from the Gorilla Glass 3 used on the 9a. I haven’t noticed any scratches on my unit, despite one or two drops onto the floor indoors — it’s held up well so far.

• Display score: 4 / 5

Google Pixel 10a: Software

(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

• Clean Android at its finest
• Deep integration with Google ecosystem
• Gemini, Gemini, Gemini

True to every Google Pixel before it, the Pixel 10a delivers a clean Android experience with plenty of Google customizations. Out of the box, Android 16 looks pretty familiar — you’ll see Google’s own suite of apps preloaded, along with the classic weather widget and Gemini. Yes, Google’s AI suite is well integrated here, but that’s not necessarily new, as it was the same case with the Pixel 9a.

Probably the best features in Google’s AI lineup on the Pixel have to do with phone calls — whether that’s waiting on hold while trying to reach a customer service line or helping block screen calls from potential telemarketers or other spam numbers. These are seriously helpful, and of course, Gemini is always on call when you have a network connection, whether that means typing to the AI, talking to it, or even firing up your camera to let it see.

If you’re already in the Android ecosystem — be it on an earlier Pixel device or another Android phone, maybe from the likes of Samsung — you’ll almost certainly feel right at home on the 10a. It doesn’t necessarily introduce any first-of-its-kind software features, but it does offer the familiar suite of Google-made apps and plenty of AI flair we’ve come to expect.

One new feature, which I’ll dive into a bit more below, is Camera Coach arriving on the 10a. This could prove helpful, especially if you want feedback on how to capture a specific shot or make an ultra-wide photo more unique. It debuted alongside the Pixel 10 lineup and serves as a guiding assistant for the camera, updating its suggestions based on what you’re shooting.

Maybe the best software feature, though, is the promise of software updates for seven years — that’s basically best-in-class. It ensures that your investment in a Pixel 10a will be supported for the long haul, assuming the hardware holds up.

• Software score: 4 / 5

Google Pixel 10a: Cameras

(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

• Excellent to have a main and ultra-wide at this price
• No major changes to lenses year over year
• Camera Coach is a nice addition

While it’s not a bad thing — especially since you’re probably not picking up the Pixel 10a if you already own the 9a — the camera setup remains entirely unchanged generation over generation. The Pixel 10a’s rear dual-camera system features a 48-megapixel main camera paired with a 13-megapixel ultra-wide. Both of these are really, really good, with a keen ability to capture sharp, colorful shots with plenty of detail.

What you’re really getting here is flexibility. The 48-megapixel main camera is excellent for everyday shots — whether that’s snapping a quick photo of your dog, capturing a meal, or taking a portrait of a friend. Meanwhile, the 13-megapixel ultra-wide lets you pull back and fit a lot more into the frame, which is great for landscapes, group photos, or architecture.

Portrait mode remains a strong suit for the Pixel 10a as well. Google’s image processing does a great job separating the subject from the background, delivering natural-looking blur and strong edge detection around hair and clothing. Other camera modes — including Night Sight and standard photo capture — also perform well here, producing bright images with plenty of dynamic range.

Where the Pixel 10a falls a bit short is in zoom. Without a dedicated telephoto lens, you’re relying on digital zoom once you move past the standard 1x view. While Google’s processing does a decent job keeping images usable at modest zoom levels, detail starts to soften the further you push it.

There’s also no real improvement over the Pixel 9a here — both phones produce good images, though sometimes it can take snapping a couple of shots to get the one you really want. I would have liked to see at least a small leap this year, but for a $500 phone, the Pixel 10a still fits the bill as a dependable camera. The 13-megapixel front-facing camera might lack the flair of more expensive devices, but it still captures a great selfie with ample space for a few friends in the shot.

• Cameras score: 4 / 5

Google Pixel 10a: Performance

(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

• The 10a delivers good performance that’ll deliver every day
• Still running a Tensor G4 chip

Here’s another oddity with the Pixel 10a: it uses the same processor as the Pixel 9a, the Tensor G4. For those who follow speeds and feeds, that likely means this won’t be the fastest-performing smartphone out there, but that’s also not necessarily expected on a $499 phone. Google is really the only one that knows why the 10a didn’t get the Tensor G5 like the Pixel 10 or Pixel 10 Pro — most A-series Pixels typically trickle down the latest processor, again offering excellent performance for a much lower price.

It’s also at odds with the iPhone 17e, which features the A19 chip, nearly identical to the one inside the standard iPhone 17. Overall, that phone feels a bit more responsive, especially for more demanding tasks.

Even with all that said, though, the Pixel 10a still runs well, and for most everyday tasks — and even some light gaming — it performs just fine. AI tasks and processes like image editing or summarization take a bit longer here, especially if they’re handled on-device. The same goes for video exports or more intensive photo edits, but it’s not a real deal-breaker.

I was able to perform nearly all my daily tasks on the 10a, whether that was responding to emails, Slack, or messages, browsing the web, scrolling through TikTok or Reels, or even mixing in some light gaming or video editing. The Pixel 10a handled most of it well, with only a few small speed bumps along the way.

Opening apps – whether basic or more advanced – felt pretty close to instant, and overall, the Pixel 10a offered good performance. It’s not quite as zippy as the Pixel 10 or the Pixel 10 Pro, but again, that’s not necessarily a surprise here.

• Performance score: 4 / 5

Google Pixel 10a: Battery & Connectivity

(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

• It will easily last all day
• Still supports fast wired charging
• Satellite SOS is a great addition

Now, as I mentioned above, PixelSnap isn’t supported here, but you can still charge the Pixel 10a wirelessly at up to 7.5 watts or via a wired connection. If speed is your game, you can plug in the Pixel 10a via USB-C and get close to 60% in about 30 minutes. That’s from my testing, and it’s a great result, as you can quickly top up the battery if needed.

That said, with a 5,100mAh battery inside — the same capacity as the Pixel 9a — I didn’t have to reach for the charger very often. I easily made it through a full day filled with plenty of replies, shutter presses, and some gaming while on the go. The Pixel 10a also performed well in Future PLC’s lab battery test, lasting 15 hours and 16 minutes — more than two hours longer than the Pixel 9a in the same test.

Considering it uses the same processor and battery capacity as the previous generation, that likely means there were other improvements or efficiencies, probably on the software side.

Lastly, like the iPhone 17e, Google’s Pixel 10a now supports Satellite SOS. This means that if you’re without service — maybe on a nature trail — and need to contact help, you can do so by following on-screen instructions to connect via satellite. It’s very similar to Emergency SOS via Satellite on the iPhone and is a really nice feature to have, even if it’s one you hopefully never need to use.

• Battery & Connectivity score: 4 / 5

Google Pixel 10a Should you buy?Google Pixel 10a score card

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

An ergonomic, premium feeling phone with a fully flush design.

4.5 / 5

Display

The 6.3-inch Actua display here definetly punches above the price point, and was great indoors or outdoors.

4 / 5

Camera

It's unchanged, but the 10a still offers a flexible main and ultra-wide camera system.

4 / 5

Software

Out of the box, the 10a provides a simple Android 16 expereince that still puts AI features at the center.

4 / 5

Performance

The Tensor G4 isn't brand new, but you likely won't notice it with daily use.

4 / 5

Battery

No PixelSnap is a dissapoint, but the 10a lasts even longer than the 9a.

4 / 5

Value

With an excellent feature, and the same starting price, the 10a remains one of the best value options.

5 / 5

Buy it if...

You don’t want to break the bank

At $499, the Pixel 10a delivers a great mix of features that won’t leave you yearning for more, especially in the camera department.View Deal

You want long battery life

The battery didn’t get any bigger, but the Pixel 10a easily lasts all day – even with heavy use – and can be quickly recharged. View Deal

Don’t buy it if...

You already have a Pixel 9a

The Pixel 10a keeps the same processor, camera system, and battery as the 9a, making it a tough sell if you already own last year’s model.View Deal

Google Pixel 10a: How I tested

I used the Google Pixel 10a for more than two weeks, setting it up fresh and loading it with all of my everyday apps, including Gmail, Slack, TikTok, Instagram, and several work tools. During that time, I used it throughout my daily routine for messaging, emails, social media, photos, navigation, and streaming video to see how it handled real-world use. I also compared the Pixel 10a directly with several other smartphones, including the Pixel 9a, Pixel 10, iPhone 17, and iPhone 17e.

First reviewed March 10 2026.

When I first heard about 1348 Ex Voto, I was instantly intrigued. A medieval Italian setting, sword fights, a dark and dramatic quest with a knight at the centre of it; and a lady knight at that? Count me in!

Review info

Platform reviewed: PC
Available on: PS5, PC
Release date: March 12, 2026

In developer Sedleo's third-person action game set during 14th-century Italy, you play as Aeta, a young nobleman's daughter and trained knight-errant, who is dealing with the loss of her father after pestilence swept through her village.

When the rest of her hometown is massacred by unknown forces and Bianca, her closest companion and former household servant, is suddenly kidnapped, it's up to Aeta, armed with her determination and skill with a longsword, to come to the rescue.

A true knight

(Image credit: Sedleo)

I'm a sucker for a dark tale that follows a character on a high-stakes quest, so the premise of Ex Voto had my attention immediately from the prologue. It's a classic narrative about whether the end can ever justifies the means, and Aeta's unfailing resolve and heroism, as well as her naivety, make for a compelling character amid a setting filled with lawlessness.

The game consists of nine relatively short chapters that take place across rocky landscapes, lush woodland, the ruins of ancient Rome, and the villas of a medieval Italian countryside. I finished it in roughly seven hours, but it's possible to beat it within one sitting if you don't die too often or spend the extra time scouring every corner looking for hidden treasures.

As childhood companions (and later suggested to be lovers), Aeta, played by Alby Baldwin, has an unwavering devotion to Jennifer English's Bianca, so her vow to track down and rescue her from her captors was a journey I was prepared to fall in love with.

As the playable protagonist, I did like Aeta for the most part. Throughout her quest, she is forced into encounters that test her faith, and you witness how resilient she becomes in not just tracking down Bianca but also finding those responsible for all this destruction.

(Image credit: Sedleo)

Heroes like Aeta, who are defined by their selflessness and driven by a strong moral code, are some of my favorite characters in fiction, especially in stories with a woman in the lead role.

Aeta is shaped by the chivalric tales she grew up with, which inspired her to become a knight-errant in the first place, but due to how short the game is, there weren't enough opportunities to dig deeper into her character beyond the vow she made to her god and devotion to Bianca, which felt like a missed opportunity.

Additionally, Ex Voto suffers from too much telling, and not enough showing. The simple premise of the game and Aeta's arduous quest should be strong enough to stand on its own, but her unnecessary commentary just becomes irritating.

I don't typically mind when protagonists have an internal monologue, but it gets to a point. In Ex Voto, instead of simply letting the lovely linear environments tell the story, Aeta often comments on literally everything she sees: whether it be pointing out the obvious, repeating her latest point of interest, or the countless times she proclaims her vow to save Bianca.

The latter is also one of the reasons why I wasn't completely sold on Aeta and Bianca's story. Aside from the short prologue and a few other scenes I won't spoil, the closeness they share just didn't feel real enough to grasp onto. Aeta wants to save Bianca; that's her main goal, but the journey lacks the emotional depth that I expected.

(Image credit: Sedleo)

Baldwin and English's great voice work does most of the heavy lifting in trying to make their bond believable, but their underdeveloped relationship couldn't make me to care too deeply. It's a shame, because these sorts of love stories are a dime a dozen in video games, and it wasn't helped by the disjointed story beats, particularly mid-game.

Each chapter tasks you with getting from one area to the next, on the trail of Bianca and her captors, followed by a short time skip that begins the proceeding chapter. This is a short, linear experience, so there's not much in terms of exploration; you'll mainly be stocking up on provisions, finding trinkets, treasures, and sword parts, or moving boxes or carts to overcome obstacles. And taking down baddies, of course.

Without spoiling anything, I will admit the final act took me by surprise but, because the exploration of Aeta and Bianca's bond felt so underutilized within the story, the climax rang hollow.

Performance woes

(Image credit: Sedleo)

Now let's get the worst of it out of the way. I played 1348 Ex Voto on PC and let's just say I was sorely disappointed in the optimization.

My PC is fitted with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti graphics card, an AMD Ryzen 7 5700X 8-core CPU, and 16GB of RAM, and with this mid-range build, I can typically play some pretty demanding modern games. However, the small indieEx Voto struggled tremendously.

When at high settings at 1440p resolution (though I tried 4K too), locked at 60 frames per second (fps), the game's performance dropped to between 20 and 30fps and stuttering was prevalent, with the same problems persisting even at medium settings.

After fiddling with settings for ages, I eventually resorted to putting the game in low settings and saw a big boost in performance up to 60fps, although the game frequently saw huge dips down to 30fps, especially in areas featuring an overwhelming amount of detail on screen, like in highly detailed woodland or places featuring atmospheric shadows.

Aeta and other characters also suffer the same fate. With all low settings, the realism and emotional weight that are intended to be translated through their models are lost, making them look like puppets, and I would be lying if I didn't say it put me off.

Best Bit

(Image credit: Sedleo)

1348's Ex Voto's strongest facet is its sword-fighting combat system. With two longsword stances on offer, a challenging parry, and a generous selection of upgradable skills, the combat feels the most fine-tuned out of everything the game has to offer.

It's a bummer, because the game's realistic style and appealing, cinematic direction were one of the things that drew me in in the first place. I was essentially forced to sacrifice the gorgeous visuals if I wanted even a crumb of good performance, and even then, it wasn't always perfect.

While less frustrating, I did run into a few annoying bugs, though they weren't game-breaking enough to require me winding back my save. At one point early on, I encountered an awful, yet hilarious issues where a character kept repeating his lines over and over again during a lengthy cutscene. It was so distracting that I couldn't even pay attention to any of the dialogue, and it basically ruined the atmosphere of the entire scene.

Aside from this, and a few other interaction bugs where I couldn't pick up provisions and move a box properly, the main issue revolved around the performance, and I think the game should've been kept in the oven a little longer so Sedleo could smooth out the cracks.

During the review period, I wasn't given the chance to try out the PlayStation 5 version, so I'm really curious if Ex Voto offers a more stable experience than PC.

Stick 'em with the pointy end

(Image credit: Sedleo)

Ex Voto's saving grace is its sword-fighting combat system. Your sole weapon is your longsword, which gives you a one-handed and two-handed stance. The first lets Aeta attack faster in broad strokes, but strikes deal slightly less damage, while the latter attacks slower, with a shorter range, and deals slightly more damage.

One-on-one battles is definitely the game's strongest suit; sword fights feel stylish and rewarding, particularly when you're able to repeatedly execute perfect parries and stagger an enemy by breaking their guard, leaving them open for a killing blow.

Aeta's longsword can also be upgraded by finding different parts along your journey, each with its own attributes that offer alternative fighting styles. The game's skill tree, which consists of four key categories and can be unlocked by finding scrolls in the world, also features additional ways to upgrade your Health, Guard, and Food gauges (which are vital in longer battles) as well as your two stances.

Trinkets are another special item that, when equipped, will impact gameplay with unique effects. Each trinket has a cost, so you can't equip them all, but they do make or break a fight.

You start with the Toy Knight, a trinket that automatically uses all the food in your inventory to prevent death, but you can find a handful more, including one that lets you heal for double, which comes in handy in the latter part of the game when you're up against numerous enemies at once.

If you don't do a good enough job of collecting provisions, you may get soft-locked into fights if you die

Speaking of, Ex Voto has a good variety of foes, along with three main bosses, across its nine chapters, all with their own weapon types and attack patterns that you'll need to learn how to counter by parrying and spending scrolls on the right skills.

There are points in combat where you are overwhelmed by multiple enemies at once, and, in the late game, additional foes spawn out of nowhere to join the fight making maintaining your gauges an even bigger challenge.

These five-on-one (even sometimes more) fights could sometimes feel finicky due to the game's lock-on mechanic, especially when you are pinned in close quarters. If you don't do a good enough job of collecting provisions, you may get soft-locked into fights when you die because of the autosave function.

While I enjoy combat a lot, there is no power scaling in the game so by the time I reached the final boss fight, I'd become so accustomed to the simple mechanics that I was able to beat them easily.

Just as it got in the way of being able to enjoy the visuals, the game's performance also affects gameplay. Not to the extent where it is unplayable, but stutters and small framerate dips are more noticeable in the aforementioned areas when so much is happening on screen.

Should you play 1348 Ex Voto?Play it if...

You like dark, medieval stories about a knight on a quest
1348 Ex Voto is set in 14th-century Italy and brings the era to life through realistic graphics and linear areas to explore.

You like swords and fighting baddies
The game's sword-fighting combat system is the game's strongest feature, letting you parry and stagger enemies in challenging battles.

You like shorter games
1348 Ex Voto consists of nine chapters and takes around seven to nine hours to beat, so if you're looking for a short game to get lost in for a while, you might consider this worth your time.

Don't play it if...

You're hoping for an optimized PC performance
PC performance, right now, is awful and doesn't feel as fine-tuned as it could be. So if you don't want to sacrifice the game's pretty visuals by playing on low settings, best to wait for a performance patch

You're looking for a deep storyline
Although 1348 Ex Voto begins with a strong premise, Aeta and Bianca's close relationship lacks the emotional depth I was expecting and hoping to find, resulting in a weaker overall storyline.

Accessibility features

1348 Ex Voto suffers from a lack of accessibility options, only offering general graphics settings for motion blur and subtitles, and multiple language options. There are also no options to customize your keybinds on PC, which was something I struggled with.

How I reviewed 1348 Ex Voto

I spent roughly eight hours playing 1348 Ex Voto on my gaming PC with my Logitech G G715 wireless gaming keyboard and Logitech G703 wireless gaming mouse, completing the main storyline. I used a Gigabyte M32U gaming monitor, and used my Sony WH-CH520 wireless headphones for audio.

The game doesn't offer any additional performance modes to try out, but I compared the game's visuals and performance to other medieval action games, like Kingdom Come: Deliverance.

First reviewed March 2026

FiiO TT13 review: two minute review

The FiiO TT13 is an impressive and attractive belt-driven turntable with fully automatic operation to take the fear out of playing your records. It's made from aluminium alloy, comes in a choice of black or silver, features integrated LED lighting, and comes with an Audio-Technica AT3600LA cartridge.

What else does the TT13 offer, to recommend it as one of the best turntables we've tested? It has Bluetooth with SBC/aptX/aptX LL/aptX HD but not AAC and it has its own integrated preamp — although unlike similar turntables the preamp can't be switched off. It supports both AC and DC power supplies.

This is a distinctly modern turntable with good clarity and warmth and a bright sonic signature; to my ears it was a little light at the very low end but bass was still clear and well defined.

One thing to note: FiiO's TT13 turntable is clearly aimed at vinyl beginners and is great value for money, but if you're a turntable tinkerer this isn't one for you: the tonearm is designed specifically for Audio-Technica cartridges and lacks balance adjustment to support alternatives.

FiiO TT13 review: price and release date

The integrated lighting is seamless, with a choice of 7 colors and 3 brightness levels (Image credit: Future)

• Released October 2024
• Priced $249 / £239 / AU$249

The FiiO TT13 was announced in May 2024 and released in October 2024. The turntable's list price was $249.99 / £239.99 / AU$248, and in the US there was also a non-Bluetooth model for $239.99. The version sold in the UK and most US retailers is the Bluetooth model but make sure you check the specs when buying; I haven't seen any non-Bluetooth ones in the usual retailers but it's worth confirming that you're buying the Bluetooth one.

As usual with FiiO this is a very competitively priced product: it's coming in at slightly more than the Audio-Technica AT-LP3XBTBK and slightly less than the Sony PS-LX310BT, both of which are also automatic turntables with Bluetooth.

FiiO TT13 review: features

Things are simple round the back: two line outs (but no phono outs) plus support for both AC and DC power. There's also a balance adjuster and a ground, as well as a record size switch. (Image credit: Future)

• Fully automatic operation
• Integrated preamp delivering up to 800mV at 1kHz
• Two op-amps for warmth and low noise

The FiiO is fully automatic and electronically switchable between 33 and 1/3 and 45 RPM, and it comes with a Audio-Technica AT3600LA cartridge.

The TT13 features a built-in phono preamp that can put out up to 800mV at 1kHz, which is more than double the output of some rivals, and that enables you to connect your turntable directly to a pair of active speakers without requiring a separate phono stage. The pre-amp is built around two JRC5532 op-amps that deliver warmth and low noise.

The Bluetooth module here is more advanced than many affordable Bluetooth turntables that stick to the familiar SBC/AAC codecs. The TT13 uses Qualcomm's Bluetooth module for SBC plus aptX, aptX Low Latency and aptX HD.

While this is primarily an entry-level turntable, the TT13 can also use an external power supply for more audiophile setups. It supports both AC (100-240V) and DC (12V-1A). If both are connected, AC takes precedence.

The platter can be illuminated in a choice of 7 colors and in a nice touch the status lights and FiiO logo take the same color.

Features score: 4 / 5

FiiO TT13 review: sound quality

Controls are simple. The power button doubles as a toggle for the illumination system, and the status lights match your chosen color. (Image credit: Future)

• Clear, warm and entertaining sound
• A little light at the very low end
• Bluetooth doesn't include AAC

The TT13 is an excellent-sounding turntable that delivers the kind of sound we've come to expect from FiiO: clear, detailed and entertaining. It's perhaps a little light at the very low end, especially with older rock and indie LPs, and if you're going to be listening over Bluetooth you'll probably want to boost the bass a little bit.

As with other turntables using the same Audio-Technica cartridge it's a good all-rounder balancing clarity with entertainment. While the AT cartridge isn't the brightest in the high frequencies the TT13 is still airy at the top end, and it's particularly entertaining on acoustic and sparsely arranged instruments: while I listened to various artists and genres I had the most fun listening to Talk Talk, mandolin-era REM and Taylor Swift's folky albums. With more rocky and electronic material I found the low end slightly lacking, although nothing a brief EQ tweak couldn't fix and definitely not a deal-breaker.

The Bluetooth module here doesn't support AAC, so you won't get the best sound quality on Apple headphones or earbuds. For other headphones, earbuds and active speakers the TT13 will try to use the best codec available, but that choice isn't controllable from the turntable itself and there's no indication of what codec you're using.

Sound quality: 4 / 5

FiiO TT13 review: design

The illuminated FiiO logo doubles as a Bluetooth status light and a repeat play indicator. (Image credit: Future)

• Solid metal construction looks particularly good in silver
• Integrated lighting is lots of fun
• Some unusual decisions round the back

As someone who grew up in a house of silver separates, I love the look of this turntable in its silver variant (black is also available). FiiO loves a bit of aluminium, and here it's used to great effect with flush-mounted buttons on the top surface and polished metal everywhere. The use of metal means it's a solid device — it weighs a hefty 4kg — and it helps reduce vibration and unwanted noise too.

The most dramatic bit of design is the integrated lighting that illuminates the platter with a choice of 7 different lighting colours. You can adjust the brightness via the supplied remote control and turn it off altogether if you wish. The FiiO logo at the top left of the unit lights up too, doubling as a status light for your Bluetooth connection and for when repeat play is enabled.

There are six buttons on the front top of the plinth: power, speed and pairing on the left, and start/stop, repeat and up/down on the right.

Round the back you'll find a switch to select between 7 and 12-inch records; RCA line outputs; a ground connector; and both DC and AC power sockets. There's also an adjustable potentiometer to adjust the left-right channel balance if it's not quite right — an odd thing to have in a turntable seemingly aimed at vinyl beginners.

Design score: 4 / 5

FiiO TT13 review: ease of use and setup

• Don't connect it to your phono inputs
• "Plug and go" design; easy to get started
• Fully automatic but don't forget the record size switch

Setting up the turntable is simple, and in a nice touch the belt is already wrapped around the platter and has a little paper pull tag that you use to drag the belt over the spindle. The only irritation I encountered was too-strong adhesive on the two "remove this before use" stickers, which required getting the Goo Gone out to remove the sticker residue.

The TT13 comes with a power cable, an RCA cable and a remote control, and the RCA cable also includes a ground wire for your amp. Unusually for a turntable with an integrated phono stage there isn't a bypass switch so you can't turn the preamp off and connect the TT13 to the phono inputs on your amplifier: you'll need to use line level inputs instead. Don't connect it to your amplifier's phono inputs, which are designed for much lower voltages.

Automatic turntables are the easiest turntables to use as they move the tonearm into position and gently lower it into place. The buttons to do that are clear, easy to identify and nicely tactile, and the remote control is simple. Bluetooth pairing is easy too: just press and hold the Pairing button, set your headphones or earbuds to pair and that's all you need to do.

Changing the lighting is simple too. You can cycle through the colours by pressing the power button, and the remote has a brightness button that steps through the three brightness stages and also turns the illumination off. In addition to the lighting under the platter there's an illuminated FiiO logo that doubles as a pairing status indicator, flashing while it seeks your headphones or active speakers.

Although there's an electronic speed toggle on the front to switch between 33 and 45 RPM, there's also a record size selector switch. That's round the back.

Usability and setup score: 5 / 5

FiiO TT13 review: value

• Competitively priced and solidly made
• Limited upgradability
• Lighting makes a nice talking point

This is a really tempting buy for vinyl beginners: it looks great, the red illumination option is a perfect match for IKEA's Kallax fabric boxes and it works nicely with Bluetooth headphones and speakers. It's not the cheapest turntable featuring this Audio-Technica cartridge by any means but it's competitively priced, solidly built and very enjoyable.

Value score: 4 / 5

Should I buy the FiiO TT13?

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

Fully automatic, good Bluetooth options and a useful remote control.

4/5

Design

Looks more expensive than it is and feels very solid. It's very easy to use.

5/5

Sound quality

Clear, warm and entertaining but slightly light at the low end.

4/5

Value

Competitively priced and the lighting is a big plus, but limited upgradeability.

4/5

Buy it if...

You love a bit of metal
The TT13 looks and feels much more expensive thanks to the extensive use of metal.

You want to light up your life
The integrated LED lighting is entertaining without being garishly over the top.

You like to take it easy
This is a fully automatic turntable and its remote control means you don't even need to get up from the sofa.

Don't buy it if...

You have an amazing preamp
The preamp in the FiiO TT13 isn't switchable: it's FiiO's way or the highway. It's a nice-sounding pre-amp, but if you've already got something better this probably isn't the turntable for you.

You want to change things
This is a plug-in-and-go turntable without adjustable tonearm balance, anti-skate or tracking adjustment.View Deal

You've got a stack of 78s
Like many modern turntables the TT13 is for 45 and 33 and 1/3 records only.View Deal

FiiO TT13 review: Also consider

The $179 / £149 / AU$289 Audio-Technica AT-LP60XUSB is even more affordable than the TT13, but it doesn't look as premium or offer integrated lighting. It's fully automatic with Bluetooth 5.0, and when we reviewed the AT-LP60BT variant we liked it a lot: it's a great starter turntable.

Another key rival here is Sony's $199 / £199 / AU$399 PS-LX310BT, which is another fine starter turntable. The Bluetooth module is quite old, though, with Bluetooth 4.2 rather than the TT13's 5.2.

How I tested the FiiO TT13

• Onkyo amp with wired open and closed back headphones and B&W bookshelf speakers
• Bluetooth via iFi GO Blu Air

I tested the FiiO TT13 over three weeks across a range of genres and eras. On headphones I used an iFi GO Blu Air Bluetooth adapter and Sennheiser DT 990 Pro open-back / DT 770 closed-back headphones; on speakers I listened via my Onkyo A-9010 amplifier and Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 speakers.

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

Aura Ink: review

Aura makes stunning digital photo frames. The Aura Walden, for example, currently sits atop a sideboard in my home with its sleek frame, slick mount and punchy 15-inch display — and it also sits atop our list of the best digital photo frames.

So when Aura unveils an entirely new frame with a display that's unlike any other I’ve tested, naturally it has my attention. Said frame is the Aura Ink.

The Ink features an energy-efficient 13.3-inch color E Ink display, for a print-like rendering of your images. Unlike other LCD digital frames, the Ink is Calm Tech Certified — consider it a digital detox thanks to its natural, muted display.

Its E Ink Spectra™ 6 display can render millions of colors, but look closely and detail is dotty, despite its 1600 x 1200 resolution and 150ppi density. The Ink lacks the vibrancy and clarity of Aura’s other LCD digital frames, such as the Walden and Aura Aspen, or Lexar’s Pexar and Starlight, but it does work well in bright interiors, especially for artworks and minimalist photography rather than detail-rich photos. Ultimately, it's much closer to the look of printed photos.

The Aura Ink comes in a beautiful presentation box, making it feel every inch a premium productTim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim Coleman

What’s disappointing, however, is that Aura has kitted the Ink out with a somewhat glossy-finish panel, which can suffer from glare. I suspect it's no worse than the Walden and Aspen frames, but those LCD displays are illuminated, and as such they're significantly punchier.

Given that the Ink reflects light rather than emits it (like LCD does), it is, in reality, a niche frame. It needs the right conditions — well-lit rooms, but not too sunny — to shine, where it's probably my new favorite digital frame. If I had to choose between the Ink and Walden frames, though — and I've observed both side by side — it’s the latter that gets my vote for display versatility, even if it's yet another digital display to look at.

That said, the Aura Ink has super-low power consumption and a run time of around three months without a continuous power supply. No cables are needed, just a quarterly charge (assuming you only change the displayed image once per day).

The Ink has a sleek bezel, slick mount, and slim profileTim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim Coleman

Eliminating the reliance on ugly trailing cables is a design win. With regular LCD digital frames, cables are a necessary evil, and tricky to hide when mounting the frame on a wall, though they are less of an issue if you’re resting the frame on a surface.

I’ve come across one or two frames which are supplied with a white cable instead of a black one, including the Walden, which goes some way in disguising the cable (assuming your walls are licked with a light shade of paint). But there’s no doubt that a no-cable-at-all setup is the dream option.

Like the Walden, the Ink's display is housed in an attractive frame with a sleek bezel and a 1.5-inch mount (the off-white border between the bezel and the image). It also features a variety of mounting options, being positionable to display images in landscape and portrait format whether the frame sits on a table, bookshelf or other surfaces, or is fixed to a wall.

Aura has made the Ink impressively slimline — it measures just 0.6 inches deep, compared to the around one-inch depth of most other frames I've tested.

Pairing the frame to a device with the Aura app installed is a doddle. You'll be up and running in minutes. Not that a wireless connection with the app is the only method of uploading images to the frameTim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim Coleman

It charges via USB-C, and the port is easily accessible, which is not something I can say for the Walden's fiddly power input. The USB-C port is for charging only, however — you can't connect devices to add images.

Nor does the Ink have a memory card slot — all image uploads are via the companion app. And it displays photos only; there's no sound. All told, the Ink is as stripped-back as digital frames come.

The Ink shares the same companion app as all Aura frames, which delivers one of the best user experiences in the market and works seamlessly for wireless uploads and display updates, from anywhere with an internet connection.

In fairly dark rooms, the Ink's display will look fairly dimTim ColemanI placed the Ink next to the Aura Walden frameTim ColemanSee how much punchier an LCD display isTim ColemanI think there's a time and place for each type of displayTim ColemanBut perhaps it's the Aura Ink that captures the spirit of photo frames more authenticallyTim Coleman

Updating the displayed image on the Ink is an odd experience if you happen to be looking at the frame at the time. The frame flashes rapidly for the best part of a minute while the pixels of the existing image clear and are refreshed with the new one.

The Ink is limited to a maximum of four image changes per day. This is not Google Photos in a frame, where you might gather around with family, enjoying a rolling image gallery of holiday snaps, but one where you choose your image and live with it for the day or longer.

I was slightly disappointed by the degree of glare on the frame's display. Tim ColemanGlare is far from a dealbreaker, mind you.Tim ColemanBecuase of the tech involved, the display is 'dotty', meaning you can see the colored pixels when looking up close. Tim ColemanThere's less contrast in images versus those displayed on an LCD frameTim ColemanThere's the dotty detail, seen close up. It's not an issue for me as it's not obvious at the typical viewing distanceTim ColemanI've shone an LED light panel on the frame here, and the display becomes a little punchier – that's because it reflects light rather than emitting it. The best environment for the frame therefore, is well lit rooms. Tim Coleman

The real sting in the tail is how much the Aura Ink costs: $499 (pricing and availability for other regions is yet to be confirmed). You really are paying a premium for the E Ink display; even Aura's larger 15-inch LCD digital photo frames cost much less.

I've had the Ink frame in my home for several months, and I'm still somewhat undecided. I think it's the better frame to place on a wall than an LCD type, especially in a bright interior, where it's unbeatable. It's undeniably a premium product, and probably worth paying extra for, especially if you're weary of excessive screen time. However, LCD frames are more versatile.

Aura Ink: price & release date

Aura unveiled the Ink frame in October 2025, and it's available in one display size — 13.3-inch — for $499 in the US. At the time of writing it's not directly available outside the US; previous Aura frames have typically gone on sale globally approximately six months after their US launch, and hopefully the same will be true for the Ink.

I've mentioned the Walden frame a few times, which is a larger 15-inch LCD frame but with a much lower price tag, costing around 40% less. Put simply, you're paying a big premium for the Ink's E Ink display.

(Image credit: Tim Coleman)Aura Ink: specs

Dimensions

14.1 x 11.4 x 0.6 inches (287 x 206 x 25mm)

Display size

13.3-inch

Resolution

1600 x 1200 (150 pixels per inch)

Aspect Ratio

16:10

Touch Screen

No

Sound

No (no video)

Orientation

Portrait or landscape

Storage

N/A

Connectivity

Wi-Fi (but no SD card, and USB for charging only)

(Image credit: Tim Coleman)Should I buy the Aura Ink?

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

No local storage, no video or sound, and limited connectivity

3/5

Design

Sleek frame, slim profile, innovative display

4.5/5

Performance

Niche, natural and 'dotty' display; slow and limited image refreshes

4/5

Value

It's almost twice the price of 15-inch LCD frames

3/5

Buy it if…

You want a natural photo frame display
Yes, it's dull compared to an illuminated LCD frame, but the Ink's display is natural, and is one less 'blue light' screen to look at.

You're happy enjoying selected images
The Ink doesn't offer the slideshow-style display of multiple images you get with LCD digital frames and smart displays like the Amazon Echo Show series. Rather, it's designed for appreciating individual images over longer periods.

Don’t buy it if…

You love a punchy display, especially at night
The display reflects light rather than emitting it, so this is not a frame for dark environments or nighttime viewing

You'd rather not rely on an app
With no local storage or external storage connectivity, the Ink relies on Aura's companion app for image uploads.

Aura Ink: also consider

The Aura Ink (left), alongside the 15-inch Aura Walden (right) (Image credit: Tim Coleman)

Aura Ink

Aura Walden

Pexar 11-inch Digital Picture Frame

Display size

13.3-inch

15-inch

11-inch

Resolution

1600 x 1200, 149.5 pixels per inch

1600 x 1200, 133 pixels per inch

2000 x 1200, 212 pixels per inch

Aspect Ratio

16:10

16:10

5:3

Touch Screen

No

Yes

Yes

Sound

No

Built-in speaker

Built-in speaker

Orientation

Portrait or landscape

Portrait or landscape

Portrait or landscape

Storage

N/A

32GB

32GB

Connectivity

Wi-Fi, USB-C (charging only), no SD card slot

Wi-Fi, USB, SD card slot

Wi-Fi, SD card slot, USB-A, USB-C

Aura Walden
At 15 inches, the Walden has the largest display of the three frames in this comparison, and it shares the design traits and companion app of the Ink. The LCD display has a fairly modest pixel density, but it's nonetheless crisp, and the swipe-to-scroll bar on the frame's top is a neat design touch. Read my Aura Walden review

Pexar 11-inch Digital Picture Frame
The Pexar 11-inch is the low-cost option of the three frames in this comparison, but it still features a reflection-free screen and punchy display, with detail-rich 212-ppi pixel density. Read our full Pexar 11-inch Digital Picture Frame review.

How I tested the Aura Ink

• I tested the Aura Ink over several months
• I uploaded a selection of photos from my Android phone
• I placed the frame on various surfaces around my home, in vertical and horizontal formats

Aura sent me its Ink frame and I set it up in my home months before writing this review. Unlike other reviews published soon after the Ink's release, I've actually tested its long battery life – and yes, the three-month battery life based on no more than a single image change per day is accurate.

I've placed the Ink on a sideboard close to a window, in a dim corner of my front room, and various other spaces around the house.

I've uploaded a variety of photos to the frame through Aura's companion app for Android — both minimalist and detail-rich images, in vertical and horizontal formats.

I already have the Aura Walden in my home, so I've been able to make direct comparisons between the two frames.

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