TechRadar Reviews

I’m a huge Atlus fan, and when Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army was revealed back in March, I was absolutely over the moon. See, I never got a chance to play the original JRPG – which first released on the PS2 – but had always hoped to get in on some demon-filled investigative action.

Review info

Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2
Available on: Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X and Series S, PC
Release date: June 19, 2025

And Atlus has truly served up a full-blown remaster of Raidou’s first adventure, bringing the Devil Summoner’s story to just about every modern platform with full voice acting, fleshed-out 3D environments, enhanced visuals and audio, as well as evolved combat.

Atlus has produced banger after banger for decades, including some of the best RPGs like Metaphor: ReFantazio and Persona 5 Royal. So, can the Switch 2 game Raidou Remastered rise to those same heights

Well, perhaps not quite. But it’s still a fantastic remaster. Here’s what I made of the game after spending more than 30 hours playing it on Nintendo Switch 2.

Where lies man, so lies dark

(Image credit: Atlus)

In 1930s Japan, a young lady approaches the Narumi Detective Agency with a shocking request. She wants you to kill her. But before you can hear exactly why, she’s kidnapped by mysterious individuals in red capes.

So, in steps Raidou Kuzunoha XIV, an apprentice detective at the Narumi Detective Agency who aims to serve the capital – not only by helping citizens with their day-to-day needs, but also by keeping things in check within the Dark Realm – a curious juncture between the real world and the netherworld, where demons lurk.

And now it’s down to Raidou and his allied demons to solve the mystery of the kidnapped girl... which, in turn, leads you to unveil a far greater conspiracy than you could ever imagine.

Of course, I don’t want to give away too many details plot-wise. But I can assure you that there are plenty of twists and turns as the mystery unravels – and that mystery remains gripping throughout. In addition, you don’t have to sit through hours of warm up before the story really gets going.

Best bit

(Image credit: Atlus)

The best part of any Megami Tensei title is witnessing the often wacky and wild nature of the various demons you encounter. At one point, I ran into a deeply troubled demon named Ippon-Datara who felt compelled, desperate even, to construct a wall blocking my path. It was only after I called him stupid, and got an earful about eating brains with a spoon that he eventually cleared the way. Classic SMT.

Yep, you’re flung straight into the middle of a dark case, in a city flooded with characters in need of your support – sometimes in the main story, and other times through brief, yet enjoyable side quests called Case Files. And you’ll meet a real range of individuals throughout the game’s runtime. No really, I ran into everyone from a yakuza captain through to a zany demon-fusing scientist – and that’s just in the real world!

These characters help to expose many of the game's key themes, which are tightly interwoven with the 1930s setting. There are frequent questions around the morality of war and the role of economic injustice on people’s everyday lives, for instance.

And I felt that I could connect to the cast thanks to newly added voice acting – one of the best inclusions in this remaster. Whether it's the somewhat lazy, yet playful Detective Narumi or rival Devil Summoner, Rasputin, expressive voice acting injects so much more personality into each character. Even the demons have some incredibly entertaining – sometimes bizarre dialogue that add so much whimsy to the experience. The commanding voice of Hayataro or the iconic hee-ho’s of Jack Frost even made me reluctant to fuse them into something else.

Your feline companion, Gouto, is also at hand to guide you through the case's key plot points and provide pointers if you get a bit stuck. Those tips are often handy, and generally, Gouto is far less invasive than a certain other cat that Atlus fans will be well acquainted with. I won’t name names of course... but it starts with ‘M’ and ends in ‘organa’.

Raidou’s revamped

(Image credit: Atlus)

So, there’s an engaging plot and intriguing cast to match, but what about gameplay itself. Well, this is where the picture starts to get a little more mixed.

I’ll start with combat. You’re not getting the turn-based press turn battle system from Shin Megami Tensei titles, with this game instead taking a real-time action approach. However, the combat system has been significantly overhauled in Raidou Remastered, when compared to the original game.

There are no more pesky random encounters, Raidou can now use two demons in battle (as opposed to one in the original), you’ve got the ability to lock on to enemies, and much, much more. These alterations are all most welcome and have made combat feel way more fluid than before.

When doing battle, you’ll want to focus on draining MAG, which is expended when demons use magic attacks, such as the fire spell Agi or volt attack Zio. In order to get your MAG back, Raidou can dish out light attacks, which fill up the bar swiftly, enabling you to regularly exploit enemy weaknesses, and as a result, stagger them for an easier route to victory.

(Image credit: Atlus)

Other than those light attacks I mentioned, Raidou can use heavy attacks, fire his gun, cast magic abilities of his own (Summoner Skills) and unleash highly punishing moves like Devil’s Bane and Spirit Slash. You'll gain new Summoner Skills as the game progresses, and you'll also be able to allocate stat boosts to Raidou when he levels up across strength, magic, vitality and luck.

I went for a mixed strength / magic build, and my main strategy in battle was to whack out as many light attacks as possible, fueling one demon’s use of healing magic and another’s devastating elemental damage. You can also use items in battle, but I basically never needed to do this.

Most of the time, my strategy proved to be a sure-fire way to win battles, meaning that combat could get a little repetitive. Also, despite enhanced battle mechanics – which includes more fluid maneuvering – I found that Raidou could feel a little clunky to control, especially in the air. This was rarely a huge issue, but if you’re expecting incredibly seamless, ultra-smooth movement from this title, you might be a little disappointed.

Boss fights are still good fun, though, and can often pose a decent challenge. Here, I found that blocking and dodging was a bit more important. Just spamming my light attacks and expecting my demons to do the rest was rarely good enough. I’m sure this would ring even more true if you’re playing on hard mode, but I played on Private Eye difficulty – which is essentially the standard level of challenge.

Before we continue talking gameplay, though, I just wanted to flag that this game has a great soundtrack – there are some seriously catchy tunes here. I still can’t get the theme from Narumi’s Detective Agency out of my head.

Battling our demons

(Image credit: Atlus)

Anyway, let’s continue chatting gameplay – and the real highlight here, for me, is filling out the demon compendium and fusing the most powerful creations imaginable.

You can recruit demons pretty much hassle free – not always the case in other Atlus entries (I’m looking at you, SMT 4). And you can also request the help of the peculiar Dr. Victor in the Goumaden, who enables you to fuse multiple demons together and forge new, stronger companions to take into battle. You can also fuse swords, spears or axes for Raidou, which come which come with fresh abilities as well as differing stat boosts.

During demon fusion specifically, you can pass on abilities and passive skills which will help you target the weaknesses of opponents in the Dark Realm – just make sure you keep an eye on their Investigation Skills, which will come in use outside of battle.

And that brings me onto what is, without doubt, the weakest part of Raidou Remastered – solo investigations. These occur when Raidou is unable to progress through an area himself, and he instead enlists the help of his demons (which most humans are unable to see in the real world). You can send a demon out to gather clues or investigate blocked off locations, which sounds interesting, but ends up being just boring.

Most demons move pretty slowly, and the sprint button doesn’t work when they’re out investigating. On top of that, retrieving clues usually just consists of pressing a single button to search an area, read a mind, or squeeze into a tight area. I just wish that these parts of the experience were more interactive, especially given that being a detective is central to the game’s plot.

(Image credit: Atlus)

Finally, a quick note on the experience playing on Nintendo Switch 2. Typically, I played with my Joy-Con 2 controllers, and the game controlled nicely. Switching between targets while locked on took a bit of getting used to – it could, at times, feel a little rigid. But everything else, from using attacks, summoning demons, sprinting and dodging felt totally fine.

Similarly, performance was very strong – though I would expect this given it's hardly the most demanding title out there. It runs at a maximum of 60fps at 1080p, which looks solid, though the lack of 4K may disappoint some.

Overall, though, I love how the game remains faithful, visually, to its PS2 roots, while still ensuring characters and backgrounds look polished. Oh, I also rarely experienced frame rate issues – that is unless I performed Raidou’s ultimate attack, Spirit Slash. This would sometimes cause a little bit of slowdown, but never to a degree that it cost me a battle or anything.

In the end, I had a blast with Raidou Remastered. I was keen to complete almost every Case File, the main story had me hooked, and of course, I loved summoning some of my favorite demons from the SMT series. Combat, though fairly layered, could sometimes get a little samey and I really wish solo investigations didn’t feel like a chore. But overall, Atlus did an excellent job with this remaster and I’m grateful that it’s enabled me – and so many other fans – to solve this mystery for the very first time.

Should you play Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army?

(Image credit: Atlus)Play it if...

You love the worlds of SMT and Persona
If, like me, you adore titles like Persona 4 Golden and Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance, I’d say that Raidou Remastered is well worth your time. It’s not as long as these games and doesn’t offer turn-based combat either (still my preference). But you’ve got mostly the same demons, and another host of awesome characters to interact with – crucial aspects that drew me to previous Atlus entries.

You’re a sucker for narrative-driven RPGs
There’s no vast open world to explore in Raidou Remastered. Sure, you can roam around the capital and get busy working on Case Files, or even take a trip to the Dark Realm. But the main event isn’t really exploration. It’s the games narrative, which at times, takes turns that you may not have foreseen. If you love story-driven RPGs, you’re likely to enjoy this mysterious adventure.

Don't play it if...

You’re not such a fan of real-time action gameplay
So, I mentioned it earlier, but if you’re only really into turn-based combat, it may be worth giving Raidou Remastered a miss. This game makes use of real-time action combat, meaning you’ll engage in much more intense, time-sensitive battles.

You want fully-fledged, shiny current-gen graphics
The bones of Raidou Remastered’s PS2 origins are very prevalent in this game, visually speaking. Personally, I was charmed by that, but I’m certain that it won’t be to everyone’s tastes. Oh, and this game runs at 1080p on Switch 2, rather than 4K, so if you’re expecting to be wowed by the flashiest graphics in the world, you’ll be disappointed.

Accessibility features

The game includes subtitles, button remapping in the controls section, a control stick sensitivity slider, and the ability to toggle vibrations on and off. There are some other subtle changes you can make, such as the option to simply hold the A button, rather than press it repeatedly to confine a demon. There are four difficult modes, including one which makes combat extremely basic for those who want to essentially focus on story alone. There isn’t a colorblind mode for anyone seeking that out, though.

How I reviewed Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army:

(Image credit: Atlus)

I spent more than 30 hours with Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army, playing through the main story and the vast majority of Case Files. I had the game set on Private Eye difficulty – essentially normal. I’ve played a ton of Atlus titles before, from Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne through to Persona 3 Reload, so I was already plenty familiar with systems like demon fusion.

I played the Nintendo Switch 2 version of the game, which I downloaded digitally via a code supplied by Sega. Usually, I played in docked mode in 1080p at 60fps, but I did try playing for a while in handheld mode too. When docked, I had my Nintendo Switch 2 connected to the Sky Glass Gen 2, with audio playing from the Marshall Heston 120 soundbar.

First reviewed June 2025

Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller: one-minute review

The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller launched alongside the console itself, and I’ve been using it as my go-to Switch 2 gamepad since launch day. While I was already impressed with it at a Switch 2 hands-on preview event a few months back, actually having it at home has solidified it as perhaps my favorite controller of the year.

The mission statement is a simple one: provide an updated version of the excellent Nintendo Switch Pro Controller - easily one of the best Nintendo Switch controllers for that original console - while keeping the things players loved about that original model intact. I feel this has mostly been achieved with the Switch 2 Pro Controller.

It’s incredibly comfortable in the hands, sporting simply lovely build quality from chassis to buttons. The thumbsticks are ultra-smooth and responsive, and additions like two remappable buttons on the rear, as well as a headphone jack, are extremely welcome.

Furthermore, the original Pro Controller is remembered fondly for its frankly absurd battery life, lasting around 40 hours on a single charge. I’m happy to report that’s also the case with the Switch 2 Pro Controller; after three weeks of testing for a few hours most days, I’ve only just seen the low battery warning flash up on my screen.

So what’s holding it back from truly being the greatest of all time? Well, unlike the original Pro Controller, this new model isn’t currently compatible with PC. It’s likely we’ll need to wait for a Steam compatibility update, but I wouldn’t be surprised if this happens in the near future. I also would’ve loved a trigger lock feature, allowing players to switch between digital and analog sensitivities to suit a wider range of genres (analog triggers naturally work better for racing games, for example).

Lastly, Nintendo seemingly remains committed to not having Hall effect thumbsticks, which is a massive shame. What this means is that, eventually, I expect the Switch 2 Pro Controller to develop stick drift. Perhaps not as quickly as the Joy-Con 2 - of which there are already reports of users experiencing drift - but for a controller that costs as much as it does, the lack of sturdier Hall effect thumbsticks hurts. Doubly so, considering the sticks themselves feel fantastic during play.

(Image credit: Future)Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller review: price and availability

• $84.99 / £74.99 / AU$119.95
• Cheaper on average than a set of Joy-Con 2 ($94.99 / £74.99 / AU$139.95)
• A price increase in the US bumped it up from the originally planned $79.99

If there’s one potential criticism I can levy at the Switch 2 Pro Controller, it’s that it certainly isn’t cheap.

It’s available to purchase now from Nintendo’s own website as well as stocking retailers for $84.99 / £74.99 / AU$119.95. US folks have it slightly worse here due to a price increase that’s seen the controller’s RRP pushed up from the original $79.99.

Overall, though, the Switch 2 Pro Controller is cheaper in the US than a pair of Joy-Con 2 controllers ($94.99), while being priced the same as those in the UK (£74.99).

That said, cheaper alternatives do exist in controllers like the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 ($69.99 / £59.99 - around AU$90). This is an exceptional controller that’s well worth looking into, especially as it’s recently received a firmware update to allow for Switch 2 connectivity.

Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller review: Specs

Price

$84.99 / £74.99 / AU$119.95

Weight

8.3oz / 235g

Dimensions

5.8 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 148 x 105 x 60mm

Compatibility

Nintendo Switch 2

Connection type

Wireless (Bluetooth), Wired (USB Type-C)

Battery life

Around 40 hours

(Image credit: Future)Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller review: design and features

• Pleasing light gray-on-black aesthetic design
• Adds GameChat and GL/GR buttons, as well as a headphone jack
• Otherwise, very similar to the original Pro Controller

Put the Switch 2 Pro Controller side by side with the original model, and you’ll notice a lot of similarities. Its large face buttons are about the same size here, the d-pad is very similar, and the controller still uses digital triggers. I think an option for quicker triggers would’ve been nice here, via trigger locks, for genres like racing games. But there are some other upgrades here that I’m very happy about.

The Switch 2 Pro Controller adds some very welcome features. There’s a dedicated GameChat button like we see on the Joy-Con 2 for accessing the console’s bespoke voice chat system. Additionally, you’re getting a 3.5mm headphone jack, which - alarmingly - wasn’t present on the original Pro Controller. Lastly, a pair of GL/GR buttons on the rear of the pad can be remapped on a per-game basis, though I’ll touch more on those in the following performance section.

In terms of looks, the Switch 2 Pro Controller is simple, but pretty eye-catching. The semi-translucent look of the original has been replaced with a matte black shell. Meanwhile, the top that houses the bumpers and triggers - as well as the thumbstick shafts - have taken on a light gray coating that I think looks nice juxtaposed against the otherwise all-black gamepad. I wouldn’t say it’s winning any awards in the aesthetics department, but it’s a simple and elegant design that doesn’t look out of place.

Otherwise, there isn’t much to report on the design front beyond the fact that this is an incredibly comfortable asymmetrical controller that sits firmly in the hands. I find that the Switch 2 Pro Controller’s grips are of a perfect size, and the pad fits snugly in my hands with my index fingers set firmly on the triggers. I felt this way about the original Pro Controller, too, but its successor does feel ever so slightly more refined in this regard.

(Image credit: Future)Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller review: Performance

• Thumbsticks feel excellent during gameplay
• A frankly absurd amount of battery life
• GL/GR buttons are actually a godsend

Right away, let’s talk about the thing that most people fondly remember the original Pro Controller for - its seemingly endless battery life. While there have been no noticeable improvements here with the Switch 2 Pro Controller, I can’t exactly say that’s a bad thing.

Yep, you can expect this new model to go the distance with around 40-45 hours of battery life. Since launch, on average, I’ve played my Switch 2 with the Pro Controller for around 1-3 hours daily.

Three weeks later, I have only just seen the low battery warning flash up on my screen. This is absolutely best-in-class battery life that leaves even the best Nintendo Switch controllers in the dust. It is worth noting that such a hefty battery does take some time to charge up again - around 3-4 hours to be exact - but do this overnight via USB-C and you’ll never need to worry about running out of juice.

Otherwise, the Switch 2 Pro Controller is just a joy to play games with. The thumbsticks are the real heroes here, feeling almost impossibly smooth and incredibly responsive during play.

This makes precise platformers like Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury or white knuckle racers like F-Zero GX feel fantastic to play (even if the latter still benefits more from the wireless GameCube controller’s button layout).

(Image credit: Future)

My one gripe here would be that the thumbsticks are not Hall effect, with Nintendo seemingly opting once again for more traditional potentiometers. It’s a frustrating commitment that we also see from Sony and Microsoft in their first-party pads, and as a result, it’s currently hard to gauge just how long the Switch 2 Pro Controller’s sticks will last before developing drift. That said, the thumbsticks here do feel decidedly sturdier than those on the Joy-Con 2, so I do expect them to last a good deal longer.

However, I think my favorite addition to the Switch 2 Pro Controller has to be the rear GL/GR buttons. We’ve seen remappable buttons like these on countless third-party controllers, but I really like how Nintendo has implemented them. By holding down the Home button while in-game, you’ll bring up a quick menu that lets you assign GL and GR as secondary inputs.

This works on a per-game basis, too, meaning you don’t need to constantly reassign them while you’re hopping from game to game. They can be an absolute lifesaver, too. In The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, for example, I bound the sprint and jump actions to these buttons, letting me still have access to camera controls.

Similarly, in Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition, binding the left and right d-pad inputs to GL/GR let me cycle through my inventory of items without having to stop moving or adopt an awkward claw grip instead.

Otherwise, you can expect a controller that performs just as well as the original where it counts. Gyro aiming is still incredibly solid and accurate for games like Splatoon 3, and you still have near-field communication (NFC) support for scanning amiibo figures in your favorite games.

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller?Buy it if...

You want a cheaper (and better) Joy-Con 2 alternative
Sure, you’re not getting the Joy-Con 2’s fancy directional rumble or their aptitude for co-op play. But given the lower US price point, higher comfort factor, and sublime thumbsticks and GL/GR buttons, the Pro Controller wins out for me.

You prefer wireless play
You’re absolutely laughing here, as the Switch 2 Pro Controller seriously goes the distance in terms of battery life, putting in an impressive 40+ hours on an average full charge.

Don't buy it if...

You’re on a budget
While I wholeheartedly recommend the Switch 2 Pro Controller at its price point, I can’t say it’s exactly cheap. There are more affordable options around $10-$20 cheaper that do a similar job, such as the excellent 8BitDo Ultimate 2, or indeed the original Pro Controller.

You’ve had bad luck with stick drift
Without drift-resistant Hall effect sticks, I can’t say for sure just how long the Switch 2 Pro Controller’s thumbsticks will last before developing drift. If you’ve fallen foul of stick drift in the past, you may want to consider some alternatives.

Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller review: Also consider

If the Switch 2 Pro Controller isn’t exactly what you’re after, there are a couple of great alternatives for you to consider.

Switch 2 Pro Controller

8BitDo Ultimate 2

Switch Pro Controller

Price

$84.99 / £74.99 / AU$119.95

$69.99 / £59.99 / AU$90 (or $59.99 / £49.99 for PC-only model)

$69.99 / £59.99 / AU$99.95

Weight

8.3oz / 235g

8.7oz / 246g

8.7oz / 246g

Dimensions

5.8 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 148 x 105 x 60mm

5.7 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 147 x 103 x 61mm

5.9 x 4.2 x 2.4in / 152 x 106 x 60mm

Compatibility

Nintendo Switch 2

PC, Android (Switch/Switch 2 version sold separately)

Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PC

Connection type

Bluetooth, USB Type-C

2.4GHz, Bluetooth, USB Type-C

Bluetooth, USB Type-C

Battery life

Around 40 hours

10-15 hours

Around 40 hours

8BitDo Ultimate 2
A fantastic follow-up to my favorite Nintendo Switch controller, the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 takes everything that made the original so good - Hall effect sticks, superb build quality, included charging dock - and upgrades it. Battery life is sadly worse overall, but you honestly can’t go wrong with either this or the original model.

Read our full 8BitDo Ultimate 2 review

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
The original Pro Controller is still a worthy purchase and compatible with Nintendo Switch 2. You may want to opt for this one if you’re looking to save some cash, especially as it’s still a top contender in the field of Switch accessories.

Read our full Nintendo Switch Pro Controller review

How I tested the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller

• Tested for three weeks, on average 1-3 hours per day
• Compared to the original Pro Controller and similar third-party gamepads
• Played a wide variety of games, both modern and retro

I tested the Switch 2 Pro Controller from launch until now - a period of around three weeks. On average, I played with the controller for around one to three hours a day, largely opting for docked mode play on my LG CX OLED TV.

In my time with the controller, I put it through its paces with games across a wide variety of genres. This includes The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition, Mario Kart World, Street Fighter 6, F-Zero GX, Deltarune, and Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury.

I compared the Switch 2 Pro Controller’s feature set to that of the original Pro Controller and third-party gamepads, including the GameSir Tarantula Pro and the original 8BitDo Ultimate. While I do wish Nintendo’s pad brought Hall effect sticks to the table, its overall feature set and comfortable play experience still make it well worth considering in a crowded controller market.

First reviewed June 2025

Read more about how we test

Philips Hue Motion Sensor: two-minute review

The Philips Hue Motion Sensor, as the name suggests, is a palm-sized device that triggers your smart lights when it detects movement. That's not all, though – it also works as a home security sensor, alerting you to potential intruders while you're away. Just tap a button in the app to 'arm' the Motion Sensor (plus any other Philips Hue cameras and sensors in your home) and it'll enter security mode, making your lights behave differently and sending you a phone notification if something happens in your absence. For example, your lights could turn red or flash, while the app lets you call an emergency contact with a tap.

The Motion Sensor requires a Philips Hue Bridge to work, so it's best if you already have an established smart lighting setup. If you're not familiar with the Bridge, it's a small hub that connects to your Wi-Fi router, and uses the Zigbee wireless protocol to connect all your Philips Hue devices in a mesh network.

It has a list price of $44.99 / £39.99 / AU$69.95, which means it's not the cheapest motion sensor around, and if you're not going to use its security functions then you might be better served by a simpler Zigbee device instead. However, the Philips Hue Motion Sensor's extra security features mean it could even be a cornerstone of your security system, and from that perspective it's excellent value.

The Philips Hue Motion Sensor may be small, but it's an extremely capable device and could be a key part of a home security system. (Image credit: Future)

The sensor is a small, lightweight device and comes ready to go, with two AAA batteries already installed. To connect it, just scan the QR code on the back using the Philips Hue app, then hold the 'setup' button until the LED on the front flashes orange to pair it, as instructed on screen.

Once the sensor is paired, you'll be prompted to assign it to a room, then asked which lights you want it to control. These lights don't have to be in the same location; for example, you may want to have a light activated in your study if motion is detected in the porch so you don't miss a package delivery (provided it's under cover – you'll need the Philips Hue Outdoor Motion Sensor if it's going to be exposed to the elements).

The sensor can turn lights on and off, but you can also use it to adjust their brightness, and even apply scenes.

You can change the way your lights react to movement depending on the time of day, which is particularly helpful for keeping lights dim in your hallway at night (Image credit: Future)

Like the Philips Hue Dimmer Switch the Philips Hue Motion Sensor allows you to set different actions for your lights depending on the time of day.

During my tests this worked perfectly, and helped me and my partner avoid being dazzled at night. I installed the sensor in our hallway and kept the lighting level low after 11pm so we could find our way to the kitchen for a drink of water without being jarred into full wakefulness after bedtime.

Once your Philips Hue Motion Sensor is armed, you can choose to receive notifications on your phone when movement is detected, and the app will keep a log of events that occurred while you were out (Image credit: Future)

As I mentioned earlier, the Dimmer Switch also functions as a security device (either by itself or with other Hue sensors and cameras), the app lets you decide what events it should trigger when it's set to 'armed'. By default, it will make connected Philips Hue lights flash when motion is detected, but you can also simply make them turn on, or have them change color. An intimidating red might be a good option.

The sensor doesn't have a siren of its own, but if you have a Philips Hue Secure camera, it can play an audible alert when the sensor detects movement.

Set up an emergency contact, and the app will allow you to call them with a single tap when you receive an unexpected movement notification (Image credit: Future)

During my tests the app reliably sent me a notification whenever my partner wandered by and the system was armed – and he informed me that the living room lights turned pink as well. After increasing the sensitivity a little, the sensor was able to detect him entering the living room even when mounted on a wall at the other end of the room, opposite the door.

It's worth noting that although you can change the direction of the sensor by simply shifting it on its magnetic mount (as described below) and dial its sensitivity up and down, the absence of a camera on this sensor means it's not possible to create custom zones that won't be monitored, so you might need to spend some time experimenting with the settings so it picks up movement near doors and windows.

That's not a major issue though, and the magnetic mount can even be fitted to the ceiling, making it simple to keep an eye on potential entry points.

Philips Hue Motion Sensor: price and availability

• Costs $44.99 / £39.99 / AU$69.95
• Often discounted, particularly in sales events

The Philips Hue Motion Sensor is available globally direct from Philips Hue, and from third-party retailers including Amazon.

It has a list price of $44.99 / £39.99 / AU$69.95, but is often available at a steep discount, particularly during sales events like Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday. You'll find today's best prices in your area listed below.

You can also find it bundled together with the Philips Hue Bridge and a set of smart light bulbs as part of a Philips Hue Starter Kit.

Philips Hue Motion Sensor: design

• Can be mounted on a wall or used free-standing
• Magnetic wall mount allows you to angle the sensor
• Only available in white

The Philips Hue Motion Sensor is a discreet white device with a magnetic back containing a single screw, which you can undo to replace the two AAA batteries powering it. The sensor can be mounted on a wall or ceiling, or simply placed on a piece of furniture if you'd prefer not to drill holes.

It measures 6.9 x 2.8 x 2.2 inches / 174 x 72 x 55mm (H x W x D) and weighs 2.8oz / 80g.

(Image credit: Future)

The mount (which comes with two screws and a wall plug) is a small circular magnet. Once it's screwed in, you simply place the sensor on top, then tilt it to face the direction you want to monitor. During my tests the sensor felt most secure when facing straight on, but it never felt likely to fall off when tilted.

Unlike other Philips Hue accessories (such as the Philips Hue Dimmer Switch) you can't attach the Motion Sensor to your wall using 3M tape. The mount has a slightly rubberized finish that doesn't work well with adhesives, and the strength of the magnets means the tape would likely pull away when you remove the sensor unit.

(Image credit: Future)

Unlike some Philips Hue accessories, the Motion Sensor is only available in white. However, since it's likely to be mounted close to a white ceiling, that's not too much of an issue.

The sensor isn't weather-resistant, and therefore can't be used outdoors. If you want a sensor for detecting movement in your yard, you'll need the Philips Hue Outdoor Motion Sensor, which is also wireless and can be mounted on a wall or used free-standing.

Should you buy the Philips Hue Motion Sensor?Buy it if

You can't fit a whole security system at home

Whether it's the price, the inconvenience, or the need to drill holes in the walls, a full hard-wired security system isn't the right fit for a lot of homes. With one (or more) of these little sensors, you can enjoy peace of mind for a fraction of the price, and with none of the hassle.

You want hands-free lighting

The Philips Hue Motion Sensor is a particularly great option for dark hallways, especially when you're coming home at night with your hands full, and groping for the light switch is a hassle. It can also trigger more gentle after bedtime so you can find your way to the bathroom without being dazzled.

Don't buy it if

You have a Ring doorbell and no Hue lights

If you already have a Ring doorbell and no Philips Hue Bridge, it makes sense to stick with Ring for your home security needs. Depending on which Ring Home membership you choose, you can have several devices covered by the same plan. Take a look at our full guide to Ring subscriptions for more details.

You want to be alerted when a door opens

The Philips Hue Contact Sensor works in a similar way to the Motion Sensor, triggering lights and sending you an alert on your phone if a door or window is opened. Depending on your security needs, it may be a better option. Both devices are about the same price.

Philips Hue Motion Sensor: also consider

Ring Alarm Motion Detector

If you've already got a Ring doorbell, it's worth checking out the company's motion sensor before plumping for the Philips Hue version. It's mostly made with security in mind, but can also control smart lights if you create an automation using IFTTT (If This Then That).

Philips Hue Secure Contact Sensor

This sensor works in much the same way as the Philips Hue Motion Sensor, activating lights and/or sending an alert to your phone, but instead of movement it's triggered when a door or window is opened. Ideal for your front door or a dark cupboard.

How I tested the Philips Hue Motion Sensor

I connected the Philips Hue Motion Sensor to my home smart lighting setup, which includes several bulbs, switches, and a pair of Philips Hue Play Light Bars. I started by installing it in my hallway so I could test its sensitivity and time-based functionality (specifically triggering dimmer illumination at night). I then moved it to the living room to test its security features, triggering alerts on my phone and setting the main ceiling lights to pink while my husband was home to monitor the effects.

In our 2025 Elementor review, we take another look at one of the most popular page builders for WordPress.org. With over 17 million users worldwide, Elementor has established itself as a leading solution for creating custom WordPress websites without coding knowledge. (For other options, check out our best website builders roundup.) Techradar reviewers have spent thousands of hours testing 140+ website builders to bring you expert insights.

Elementor operates as a WordPress plugin that transforms how you build websites. It offers both free and premium versions, with the Pro version unlocking advanced features like theme building and WooCommerce integration. While we rate Wix as our top pick for the best website builder in 2025, Elementor excels specifically within the WordPress ecosystem.

The platform has grown significantly since its 2016 launch by Israeli founders Yoni Luksenberg and Ariel Klikstein. Today, it powers over 5% of the top million websites globally and remains the most popular WordPress plugin with over 10 million active installations.

Elementor: 2-minute review

Elementor delivers a powerful WordPress page building experience that balances ease of use with professional capabilities. The platform's visual drag-and-drop editor lets you see changes in real-time, making website creation intuitive even for beginners. Its extensive widget library, template collection, and design system ensure you have the tools needed for professional-looking sites.

The company has built a strong reputation in the WordPress community since 2016. Elementor Ltd. secured $15 million in funding from Lightspeed Venture Partners in 2020, demonstrating investor confidence in their approach. Their "Hello" theme framework and expert network further cement their position as a comprehensive WordPress solution provider.

What is Elementor?

Elementor is a visual page builder plugin designed specifically for WordPress websites. Think of it as a design tool that sits on top of your WordPress site, letting you create custom layouts by dragging and dropping elements onto your pages. Instead of writing code or being limited by your theme's design, you can build exactly what you envision.

The platform works through three main building blocks: sections, columns, and widgets. Sections act as containers for your content, columns divide those sections vertically, and widgets are the individual elements like text, images, or buttons that you add. This structure gives you complete control over your page layout while keeping the process simple and visual.

Features

Elementor offers an impressive array of features that cater to both beginners and advanced users. (Image credit: Elementor)

Elementor offers an impressive array of features that cater to both beginners and advanced users. The free version includes essential widgets, templates, and the core drag-and-drop functionality. You get access to basic design controls, responsive editing tools, and a solid foundation for building professional websites without spending a penny.

Elementor Pro significantly expands these capabilities with advanced features like the Theme Builder, which lets you design every part of your site including headers, footers, and archive pages. The WooCommerce Builder provides extensive e-commerce customization options, while the Form Builder and Popup Builder add essential conversion tools. Dynamic content capabilities allow you to create personalized experiences by connecting your designs to various data sources.

The platform's widget ecosystem is particularly strong, with the Pro version offering up to 86 specialized widgets compared to the free version's more limited selection. Motion effects, custom CSS options, and advanced design controls give you professional-level customization capabilities. The revision history feature provides peace of mind during the design process, while the notes system facilitates team collaboration.

What makes Elementor different from other page builders is its third-party ecosystem. Numerous addon developers create specialized widgets and functionality extensions, giving you access to even more design possibilities. However, we'd like to see better built-in SEO tools and more advanced animation options that some competitors offer. The pricing is justified given the feature depth, especially for the Pro version's comprehensive toolkit.

Tools

Elementor features localization support, image design, and even code generation. (Image credit: Elementor)

Elementor is a game-changing addition to the WordPress website builder, empowering users to create professional-grade websites with unparalleled ease and efficiency. It features localization support, image design, and even code generation. Here are some features we loved the most:

AI writing assistant

The built-in AI writing assistant offers contextual suggestions based on the widget you're using, helping you create compelling copy for your website in a matter of seconds. Whether you need to generate headlines, product descriptions, or blog introductions, Elementor AI's writing assistant has you covered.

Image generation and editing

With Elementor AI, you can create unique, eye-catching images tailored to your website's needs. Simply describe the image you want, and the AI will generate multiple variations for you to choose from. You can also edit existing images, remove backgrounds, and add generative fill to enhance your visuals.

Custom code generation

Elementor AI makes coding accessible to everyone, even those without extensive programming knowledge. The AI can generate custom CSS and HTML code snippets based on your requirements, allowing you to add advanced functionality and styling to your website with ease.

Elementor also offers Conditional CSS Loading. This helps you create a leaner, faster website by analyzing active widgets and features to ensure that only necessary CSS is loaded.

Translation support

Elementor AI supports 25 different languages, enabling you to create multilingual websites and reach a global audience. The AI writing assistant can translate your content into various languages, ensuring that your message resonates with visitors from around the world.

Seamless integration

AI Copilot is natively integrated within the Elementor editor, allowing you to access and utilize all AI-enabled tools without switching between different platforms. This helps streamline your workflow and improve productivity when working on complex projects.

Style

Elementor offers advanced style tools that will help you create a website that looks and works exactly how you want. For example, the floating bar and contact button features allows you to create fixed bars and contact buttons that stay visible to users as they scroll through the page.

Variable fonts also allows you to adjust the weight and width of fonts in single increments, making it easy to have your text look and feel exactly how you want it.

Ease of use

Elementor's visual editing experience makes website building accessible for all skill levels. (Image credit: Elementor)

Elementor's visual editing experience makes website building accessible for all skill levels. A drag-and-drop interface lets you see changes in real-time as you build, eliminating the guesswork that comes with editing on WordPress's block editor, Gutenberg.

You simply drag widgets from the left sidebar onto your page canvas and watch your design come to life instantly. The interface splits cleanly between the editing panel and live preview, while features like right-click support, navigator mode, and the "Finder" tool help you work efficiently.

Learning curve depends on your background, but most users find Elementor approachable compared to other WordPress page builders. Basic tasks like adding text, images, and buttons are straightforward — you can click directly on text to edit it inline, just like any word processor. However, more complex features like moving sections or customizing layouts may initially feel overwhelming for complete beginners.

Pricing

Elementor's pricing structure is straightforward and competitive, at least within the WordPress page builder market. (Image credit: Elementor)

Plan

Starting rate (paid annually)

Renewal rate (paid annually)

Free

$0/month

$0/month

Essential

$4.99/month

$4.99/month

Advanced Solo

$6.99/month

$6.99/month

Advanced

$8.25/month

$8.25/month

Expert

$16.99/month

$16.99/month

Elementor's pricing structure is straightforward and competitive, at least within the WordPress page builder market. The free version provides substantial functionality for basic websites, while the paid plans scale based on the number of sites you need to build. The Essential plan at $59 annually covers single-site needs, making it accessible for small businesses and personal projects.

The higher-tier plans offer excellent value for agencies and freelancers managing multiple client sites. The Expert plan supports up to 25 websites for $199 annually, which breaks down to less than $8 per site. All paid plans include the same core Pro features, with the main differentiator being site limits rather than feature restrictions. The 30-day money-back guarantee provides risk-free testing of the premium features.

Support

Elementor offers several support channels to assist users with their website building needs. (Image credit: Elementor)

Elementor offers several support channels to assist users with their website building needs. The primary method of contact is through email support, where users can submit tickets detailing their issues or questions. Elementor also provides a comprehensive knowledge base and help center, featuring tutorials, guides, and FAQs to help users troubleshoot common problems.

In addition to email support, Elementor offers a live chat feature for quick assistance. However, some users have reported mixed experiences with the responsiveness and efficiency of the live chat support. While the company claims to provide 24/7 support, there have also been instances where users have waited several days for a response to their tickets.

Despite these inconsistencies, many users praise the support team for their helpfulness and professionalism when addressing concerns. Elementor’s support agents are generally knowledgeable about the product and try to provide clear guidance to resolve issues.

Security

(Image credit: Elementor)

Elementor includes an SSL certificate as standard, so you can rest knowing that your website is protected from most garden-variety threats. You also get malware scanning, to protect your data against viruses, worms, or ransomware which can be used to gain access to sensitive information.

Real-time scanning for malware threats prevents malicious attacks before they get a chance to happen. In addition to the immediate protection offered by its scanning service, Elementor also provides a detailed report after every scan along with recommendations on how to address any potential threats found on your site.

Alternatives

Weebly is an all-in-one website builder that makes it easy for anyone to create a professional website without the need for coding or design skills. It features drag-and-drop functionality that allows users to customize their websites with ease, and also includes access to hundreds of free themes and templates.

Squarespace is another popular website building platform that offers users drag-and-drop customization options. It provides an easy way for people with little or no coding experience to create beautiful websites with ease. Squarespace also provides access to hundreds of free templates and themes, and has an impressive array of ecommerce features that make it easy for businesses to set up online stores.

Wix is one of the most popular website building platforms on the market today with over 110 million users worldwide. It offers an intuitive drag-and-drop interface that makes customizing your site easy, as well as access to hundreds of free templates and themes. Wix also includes powerful ecommerce features, such as payment integration and invoicing capabilities, so businesses can easily set up online stores on their sites.

Elementor: Summary

Elementor’s new AI-powered assistant is a gamechanger for the platform’s usability, making it possible to create websites quickly and effortlessly without investing in a steep learning curve. We particularly liked the ability to generate raw HTML and CSS using prompts, which is a level of freedom unseen in most WordPress focused AI website builders.

However, many of Elementor’s most useful AI features are locked behind a Pro or AI subscription, which can get pretty expensive as your website continues to grow. Still, it’s a great choice for established businesses and agencies who are willing to pay extra for the additional creative freedom.

Elementor: FAQsDoes Elementor require coding knowledge?

No, Elementor is designed specifically for users without coding experience. The visual drag-and-drop interface lets you build and customize websites by simply clicking and dragging elements into place. However, if you want advanced customizations, the Pro version does allow you to add custom CSS and HTML code for more sophisticated designs.

Can I use Elementor with any WordPress theme?

Yes, Elementor works with virtually any WordPress theme. The Pro version's Theme Builder feature even lets you override your theme's design completely, giving you full control over headers, footers, and other template parts. For optimal performance, Elementor recommends lightweight themes like their own Hello theme, GeneratePress, or Astra.

Will Elementor slow down my website?

Elementor can impact site speed if not used carefully, but it's generally well-optimized for performance. The key is avoiding excessive widgets and add-ons on a single page. Using a good hosting provider, caching plugins, and optimized images will help maintain fast loading times. The platform includes features like dynamic rendering and optimized asset loading to minimize performance impact.

What's the difference between Elementor free and Pro?

The free version includes basic page building functionality with essential widgets and templates. Elementor Pro adds advanced features like the Theme Builder for customizing your entire site, WooCommerce integration for e-commerce stores, form building capabilities, popup creation tools, and access to premium templates and widgets. Pro also includes priority support and regular feature updates.

Can I migrate away from Elementor if needed?

While Elementor creates custom layouts that are tied to the plugin, you can export your content and recreate designs in other builders if necessary. However, the process isn't automatic and requires manual work. We recommend thoroughly testing Elementor with their free version or 30-day money-back guarantee before committing to large projects.

Our detailed Web.com review examines a website builder that has undergone significant changes following its integration with Network Solutions. Web.com, which has been helping small businesses create user-friendly online experiences since 1997, has now been reworked for even more ease of use with AI. But for those seeking advanced website building options, check out our guide to the best website builders.

TechRadar reviewers have spent thousands of hours testing 140+ website builders to bring you authoritative insights. Web.com offers a straightforward approach to website creation with over 200 templates and AI-assisted design tools. While it provides solid functionality for basic websites, it faces stiff competition from more advanced platforms like Wix, our top pick for the best website builder in 2025.

Web.com, now the Network Solutions Website Builder, emphasizes simplicity over complexity, making it appealing to users who want to get online quickly without technical expertise. However, its focus on ease of use comes at the cost of advanced customization options that more experienced users might expect.

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Web.com: 2-minute review

Web.com positions itself as a beginner-friendly website builder that prioritizes simplicity. The platform offers a section-based editor rather than true drag-and-drop functionality, which simplifies the building process but limits design flexibility. With over 200 templates covering various industries and AI-powered tools for content generation, Web.com provides a solid foundation for small businesses and individuals looking to establish an online presence quickly.

The company's recent integration with Network Solutions has led to a radical shift in its business model. Founded in 1997, Web.com has built a reputation for serving small businesses. But its acquisition and merger with the Network Solutions brand combines decades of web hosting and domain expertise. Still, this provider occupies a middle ground between ultra-simple platforms and professional-grade tools — though there are better alternatives currently available in each category.

What is Web.com?

Web.com, or Network Solutions Website Builder, is a website building platform designed to help individuals and small businesses create professional websites without coding knowledge. Think of it as a digital toolkit that provides everything you need to build a website — templates, design tools, hosting, and domain registration. The platform uses what's called a "section-based" editor, which means you build your site by adding pre-designed sections (like headers, galleries, or contact forms) rather than placing individual elements wherever you want.

Network Solutions targets website creators who want to get online quickly without dealing with technical complexities. It handles the behind-the-scenes technical aspects like hosting, security, and maintenance, so you can focus on creating content and managing your business. The platform also includes AI-powered tools that can help generate website content and suggest design improvements, making it even easier for beginners to create professional-looking sites.

Features

Web.com positions itself as a complete website building platform with marketing and ecommerce. (Image credit: Network Solutions)

Web.com positions itself as a complete website building platform with marketing and ecommerce, designed for simplicity over flashiness. The platform offers a solid foundation of essential features, including over 200 templates across four main categories, AI-powered content generation tools, and integrated marketing capabilities through SocialBooster, AdSpend, and email marketing platforms.

Its section-based editor, while marketed as drag-and-drop, provides a more structured approach to website building that streamlines the design process for beginners but limits creative freedom for advanced users.

The platform's feature set is clearly geared toward small businesses and beginners who need to establish an online presence quickly without technical complexity. Web.com also includes practical business tools like appointment scheduling, Google Analytics integration, and basic SEO.

The AI copywriting tool helps generate SEO-friendly content for various purposes, while the marketing suite provides social media scheduling and advertising campaign management. However, the platform lacks the kind of app marketplace found in competitors like Wix, which offers over 800 apps compared to Web.com's basic built-in tools.

Tools

Web.com provides a suite of tools designed to help users build, manage, and grow their online presence. (Image credit: Network Solutions)

Web.com provides a suite of tools designed to help users build, manage, and grow their online presence. The platform combines website building capabilities with marketing tools and business features to create an all-in-one solution.

Website builder

The core website building tool uses a section-based editor that allows users to add and customize pre-designed sections. While marketed as drag-and-drop, the interface is more structured, with elements that can be moved within defined parameters to maintain design consistency.

AI-powered content tools

Web.com includes AI tools for generating website content and marketing ideas. These tools can help create text for different sections of your site and suggest improvements to enhance user engagement.

E-commerce features

The platform offers built-in e-commerce capabilities including unlimited product listings, multiple payment options, abandoned cart recovery, and inventory management. Higher-tier plans include marketplace selling and advanced inventory features.

Marketing suite

Web.com provides integrated marketing tools including SocialBooster for social media management, AdSpend for advertising campaigns, email marketing capabilities, and MyLinks for creating custom branded links.

SEO and analytics

The platform includes SEO health checks, Google Analytics integration, and website analytics tools to help users track performance and improve search engine visibility.

Ease of use

Web.com prioritizes simplicity throughout the user experience, making it particularly accessible for beginners. (Image credit: Network Solutions)

Web.com prioritizes simplicity throughout the user experience, making it particularly accessible for beginners. The onboarding process includes an AI chatbot that helps generate a starter website, though some users find its initial setup process underwhelming compared to more sophisticated builders. A section-based editor keeps your design process focused, by providing pre-built sections that can be customized and rearranged to create a unique website.

The interface features a clean, intuitive design with a left-side menu containing essential tools like Pages, Blog, and Appointments. Adding new elements is straightforward — you simply click the blue + icon to access different content blocks like buttons, text, galleries, and Google Maps. The platform shows layout guides at the bottom of the editor, helping users understand how elements can be positioned within each section.

While the simplified approach makes Web.com very beginner-friendly, it does limit design flexibility for users who want more control over their site's appearance. You can't change templates for existing pages, and the selection of blocks and elements is more limited compared to advanced website builders. However, the platform compensates with reliable performance, featuring 100% uptime in testing and fast loading speeds averaging 1.2 seconds for the Largest Contentful Paint metric.

Pricing

Web.com's offers significant new-user discounts, with prices reduced by 67-100% for a 12-month term for every new user. (Image credit: Network Solutions)

Plan

Starting rate (paid annually)

Renewal rate (paid annually)

Website Builder

$1.99/month

$16.99/month

Website + Marketing

$3.99/month

$21.99/month

Ecommerce

$9.99/month

$29.99/month

Web.com's offers significant new-user discounts, with prices reduced by 67-100% for a 12-month term for every new user. But on the flip side of that, you can expect a sharp incline in subscription fees once the initial term has passed.

But while the entry-level pricing is higher than many competitors, Network Solutions' overhauled pricing removes any significant price hikes for those looking to upgrade. Web.com's most expensive plan costs $29.99/month during renewal, even with the upgraded features and hardware needed to support ecommerce.

Security

Web.com provides essential security features including SSL certificates and secure website hosting across all plans. (Image credit: Network Solutions)

Web.com provides essential security features including SSL certificates and secure website hosting across all plans. The platform offers automatic SSL certificate installation and renewal, ensuring data encryption between websites and visitors. However, the company isn't particularly transparent about its comprehensive security measures, and some security features that competitors include for free may require additional payment.

The platform includes basic security monitoring and protection through its hosting infrastructure, though it lacks some advanced security features found in enterprise-grade solutions. Web.com's integration with Network Solutions brings additional security expertise from a company with 45 years of experience in web services, potentially strengthening the overall security posture. Users seeking enhanced security should consider the platform's SiteLock integration, which offers cloud-based scanning and real-time threat detection.

Support

(Image credit: Network Solutions)

Network Solutions offers a wide range of ways to get in touch with its team, including an online chat feature, phone support, and email support. You could reach out at any time of the day or night, which is great if your team is spread across time zones.

Another great thing is the knowledge base articles. These resources are incredibly helpful, especially for newbies who don't know much about building websites from scratch. There are step-by-step tutorials for setting up your account, as well as more general advice on topics such as SEO optimization and social media marketing.

Alternatives

WordPress.com is one of the most popular website building tools in the world today, and for good reason. It's easy to use and completely customizable, making it ideal for businesses of all sizes and types. The platform also comes with plenty of features, including customizable themes and plugins that can help you create an effective and attractive website in no time at all.

Wix is another great alternative to Web.com website builder if you are looking for something that's easy to use while still providing plenty of features and customization options. With Wix, you can create a professional-looking site without any coding knowledge or technical skills at all—all you need is a drag-and-drop interface and a few clicks of the mouse.

Squarespace is another excellent alternative to Web.com if you want something that's both powerful and easy to use at the same time. Squarespace lets users customize their websites quickly and easily with its intuitive drag-and-drop editor as well as dozens of templates designed specifically for businesses in mind.

Web.com: Summary

Web.com serves as a solid choice for beginners and small businesses seeking a straightforward website building experience with AI-powered assistance. The platform excels in ease of use, performance reliability, and customer support, making it particularly suitable for users who prioritize simplicity over advanced customization.

However, its section-based editor limits design flexibility, and the steep renewal pricing structure may deter cost-conscious users in the long term. While Web.com's recent integration with Network Solutions adds credibility and technical expertise, the platform faces strong competition from more feature-rich alternatives that offer better value propositions.

Web.com: FAQsHow do I create a website on Web.com?

Creating a website on Web.com is easy and straightforward. All you need to do is sign up for an account, select the type of website you want to create (such as an e-commerce store or portfolio site), and then customize it with your own design elements and content.

You can even add features like contact forms, galleries, blogs, and more. Once you’re happy with the design of your site, click “Publish” and your new website will be live for everyone to see.

Can I build an online store with Web.com?

Yes, Web.com offers a dedicated plan for those who want to build an online store. The plan comes with a host of dedicated ecommerce features including secure online payments, the ability to sell via platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and marketplaces, as well as promotional tools such as discount codes and abandoned cart delivery.

Does Web.com offer a free trial?

Unfortunately, Web.com does not offer a free trial of its website builder service at this time. However, they do offer several different pricing plans to suit any budget, so if you have some money saved up you can try out its service without breaking the bank.

Can I create a web page with Web.com?

Yes. With Web.com’s easy-to-use tools, you can create a basic web page in no time at all - no coding experience required.

The EnGenius EOC655 outdoor bridge features two Wi-Fi 6 radios offering a combined throughput of 2 Gbps.

Specification

CPU: Dual-core Qualcomm ARM CPU

RAM: 1GB

Storage: 8GB NAND

Radios: Two 2x2 5GHz Wi-Fi 6, One 2.4GHz Wi-Fi for management

Wireless throughput: Theoretical 2Gbps

Ports: 1Gb Ethernet with PoE, 2.5Gb Ethernet with proprietary PoE

Weight: 1.84 kg

Dimensions: 26.7 cm x 22.7 cm x 8.2 cm

Power Consumption: 21W maximum consumption, 15W with one client connected

MSRP: $999

The manufacturer-specified range of 10km is under ideal conditions. In reality, a reliable link is achieved at 1km or less. Its IP67 rating delivers reliable operation under harsh outdoor conditions, and with dual GbE ports, it can extend the reach of a remote location with wired Ethernet to over 100 meters. AES-256 encryption boosts security, and optional support for FIPS-140-2 compliance ensures reliable and secure communication.

The built-in GPS enables accurate device location and network mapping, making it essential for asset tracking and seamless network integration.

Web-based monitoring and management through the unified cloud service and mobile app allow auto-provisioning and large-scale deployments. The EOC655 consumes 21W, making it ideal for remote locations where energy supply is limited, such as a solar farm. A dual-core A53 CPU, supported by 1GB of RAM and 8GB of eMMC, provides premium features such as quality of service and VLAN support.

The EOC655 costs $999 per unit and does not include an external antenna. The same unit, equipped with two 18dBi antennas, costs $1100 and can cover up to 10 km. The EOC655 can be bundled with an even better antenna, providing up to 10km of range at higher throughput for $1300.

EnGenius EOC655: Design

The EnGenius wireless bridge ships with one accessory box containing the mounting kit, Ethernet wires, and a PoE adapter. A metal ring secures the unit to a outdoor post with screws. The white plastic enclosure lacks a heat dissipator and will become warm over time. Two Ethernet connectors link the box to the network while two N-type female connectors allow the addition of external antennas to boost the bridge’s range. The box measures 27 cm x 23 cm x 82 mm and weighs 1.84kg.

Internally, the EOC655 is based on a Qualcomm chipset. The processor is a Dual-Core 1GHz ARM CPU supported by 1GB of RAM and 8GB of flash memory. The two Ethernet ports can connect to 2.5 Gb and 1 Gb networks, supporting speeds as low as 10 Mbps. The connectors have a plastic enclosure that surrounds the Ethernet cable, preventing water from entering the bridge.

The two Ethernet ports function as PoE ports, but they differ slightly in operation. The 2.5 Gb port supports a proprietary version of PoE that is compatible only with the supplied adapter. The 1Gb port supports the regular 48V PoE and can be connected to a standard PoE switch. To facilitate installation, the bridge features additional hardware, including a GPS module and Bluetooth connectivity.

The two-radio architecture allows the use of both internal and external antennas. The maximum power for transmission is set to 27 dBm, which is higher than that of consumer products. The C18 model has built-in antennas with gains of 3.5 dBi at 2.4 GHz and eight dBi at 5 GHz. The second radio uses an N-type connector for the 5 GHz band. The base version of the bridge drops the 5GHz internal antenna, resulting in both radios operating through N-type connectors.

(Image credit: Future)EnGenius EOC655: In Use

At least two units are needed to start the setup. A base unit connects to the wired network that needs extension. A second EOC655 is a subscriber and associates with the base over Wi-Fi 6. There is no visual indicator to show if things are working well. If a PoE switch is available, connecting the base unit will likely occur through the 1G port, as the faster 2.5G port is only compatible with the proprietary power supply.

The setup is entirely completed through the Engenius SkyConnect mobile app, available on Android and iOS. It is frustrating that an additional app is required for this process, as Engenius's other products, including access points, utilize the more familiar Cloud-To-Go platform. Once powered, the base unit emits a management SSID and waits for remote units to reply. The EOC655 supports up to 16 subscriber stations, working in a star configuration. As such, adding stations won’t necessarily increase the network's range.

Integrating a GPS module and a dedicated 2.4 GHz radio for management simplifies the installation process. The GPS provides real-time unit location and an accurate time source for the embedded NTP server. The 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth channels prevent downtime during Wi-Fi 6 radios configuration and firmware updates. Finally, a built-in compass provides additional help when no GPS signal is present.

(Image credit: Future)EnGenius EOC655: Competition

The EOC655 bridge is an innovative product that combines various technologies, including Bluetooth and GPS, under a single roof. For this reason, it is challenging to find a suitable competitor.

The Zyxel WAX655E offers many features similar to those of the EnGenius, and it is faster, boasting a 4x4 radio architecture. The WAX655E lacks the convenience provided by the GPS module, making installation more difficult. The Zyxel product does not have a second Ethernet port, which prevents the network from being extended further without an Ethernet switch.

EnGenius EOC655: Final Verdict

The EOC655 meets the requirements when long-range Wi-Fi is needed. It's not a router or an access point; it is pretty useless on its own. It shines when two or more are used in a mesh configuration to extend the reach beyond one kilometer. And it does it well. The installation is smooth, thanks to features such as geolocation via GPS and setup via Bluetooth or 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. The throughput isn’t the best, but it will be reliable over larger distances.

We appreciated that you could install external antennas, which offer better gain than embedded ones. However, the lack of visual cues on the unit makes working with the mobile app a necessity.

Buy the EOC655 if you want to extend the reach of your network without sacrificing reliability.

Don’t buy the EOC655 if you want the best throughput available.

We list the best mesh Wi-Fi systems.

Spoilers follow for Squid Game seasons 2 and 3.

Squid Game season 3 marks the end of the most-watched Netflix TV Original. Hwang Dong-hyuk's incredibly successful survival drama has had us on tenterhooks since its first season debuted in September 2021. And, with its final season out now, viewers want to know how Gi-hun's story ends, and if Hwang and company have fittingly stuck the landing with its last hurrah.

At the time of publication, it's impossible to say if that's the case because critics couldn't watch Squid Game's last-ever episode ahead of time. However, I have seen the first five chapters of season 3, and they're as thrilling, incredibly moving, and at times predictable as its forebears' entries were.

Death and despair

Devastation reigns among some contestants after last season's heart-wrenching finale (Image credit: Netflix)

Picking up immediately after season 2's heart-breaking finale, Squid Game 3 reunites us with an emotionally crushed Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) after his unsuccessful insurrection. His best friend Park Jung-bae (Lee Seo-hwan) was also executed by Front Man, aka Hwang In-ho (Lee Byung-hun), who infiltrated the competition's latest installment and posed as an ally of Gi-hun's before ultimately quashing the uprising. Numerous contestants who joined the rebellion lost their lives amid the failed revolt, too.

With three rounds left until a winner is crowned, though, the games must continue. That is, unless Detective Hwang Jun-ho (Wi Ha-joon) and his team of hired mercenaries can locate the secret island where the games are held and help Gi-hun put a stop to them once and for all.

Squid Game 3 found new ways to emotionally ruin me

Given last season's cliff-hanger ending and the narrative tissue that connects the pair, Squid Game 3 feels more like season 2 volume 2 rather than a standalone entry.

That's not an inherently bad thing, but six months have passed since last season originally aired. The passage of time has largely nullified the full effects of that season's gut-punch ending, so you'll want to rewatch season 2 episode 7 to redigest its true impact, reimmerse yourself in this world, and remind yourself of events concerning characters like Jun-ho and reluctant Squid Game soldier Kang No-eul (Park Gyu-young). I didn't, and it took me an entire episode – i.e. the season 3 premiere – to reconnect with Squid Game's drama-fuelled story and eclectic cast of characters.

You'll see plenty more coffins in Squid Game season 3 (Image credit: Netflix)

Once I was locked back in, Squid Game 3 found new ways to emotionally ruin me, through – yep, you guessed it, more character deaths. I'd argue the demise of certain individuals is far more impactful, too, because of the emotional investment I've put in them. After all, I've spent more time with this cast than contestants who featured in seasons 1 and 2.

Regardless, with its battle royale-like structure, the titular games demand death, so in this final season of one of the best Netflix shows' even darlings and love-to-hate characters have to die. The former's deaths are tear-jerking, while plenty of the latter get their deserved comeuppance in highly satisfying fashion. If it was ever in doubt, Squid Game season 3 is an emotional rollercoaster in every sense of the word.

Seong Gi-hun is a broken man after last season's finale (Image credit: Netflix)

As the series' protagonist, it's Gi-hun's story that understandably takes center stage, although it takes an episode to get going again. Hey, he's lost the will to live after his best friend's demise, and feels extremely guilty over the deaths of other contestants he convinced to join his uprising, so cut him some slack.

Once it kicks into gear, Gi-hun's season 3 arc becomes an introspection of the series' primary theme of humanity and the fight to retain your morality when events and people want to beat it out of you. I enjoyed – if that's the right word to describe it – Gi-hun's one-man quest to battle back from the brink; the formerly jovial yet determined protagonist succumbing to, and then railing against, the blind rage, shame, and darkness within. It's not until this season's midway point that the fire in his belly is reignited, too, so there's scope for Squid Game 3 to make Gi-hun's descent into madness an unsettling watch. And it does so with aplomb before he gets up off the proverbial canvas.

Game on

Season 3 introduces new games that are as thrilling and dangerous as their siblings are (Image credit: Netflix)

Gi-hun's inner turmoil isn't helped by the introduction of new games that initially prey on his guilt-fueled fury, one of which was teased in Squid Game season 3's first clip. Ever the humanitarian, though, that emotional turbulence is replaced by his one-man quest for redemption, which centers on a key detail in Squid Game 3's first trailer and becomes an unexpectedly crucial component of the games' final three rounds.

Squid Game 3 does a superb job of slowly ratcheting up the tension through spine-chilling and hair-raising moments

Whether it's Jump Rope – which features giant robot Young-hee, introduces her companion Chul-su, and literally heightens the sense of fear among contestants and viewers alike – or other new games I can't spoil, Squid Game 3 knows how to raise the stakes. Like its forebears, it does a superb job of slowly ratcheting up the nail-biting tension before delivering spine-chilling and heart-pounding moments aplenty. Add in some narrative curveballs during and between the games that further tighten the screw, and Squid Game 3 surprises and captivates in equal measure.

If you were expecting plenty of Front Man in season 3, prepare to be disappointed (Image credit: Netflix)

Squid Game season 3 isn't above reproach, mind you.

Indeed, it gives Front Man far less to do than season 2 did – a grave disappointment when he was such a compelling and complicated antagonist last time around. Season 3 belatedly and pleasingly addresses this oversight in its second half, but I was nonetheless frustrated by his absence for large swathes of the show's final chapter.

The side story involving Jun-ho is lost at sea for much of season 3, too (Image credit: Netflix)

Jun-ho's perennial quest to rediscover the island where the games take place drifts aimlessly in an ocean of subplot mediocrity, too. Bogged down by extraneous story exposition and a narrative that goes around in circles, it would've been more effective as a side story with less screen time and some genuine forward momentum. It doesn't actually get exciting until episode 4.

Jun-ho's perennial quest to rediscover the island where the games take place drifts aimlessly

Season 3 does right by one underutilized character, though, in No-eul. Outside of what we learned about her in season 2's first episode, the renegade soldier is given a proper arc in Squid Game's final season and, whisper it quietly, might be the real MVP (most valuable player) of season 3.

No-eul is the biggest beneficiary of more screen time in season 3 (Image credit: Netflix)

It's unclear what impact, if any, No-eul will have on the series' final episode.

However, season 3 episode 5 sets up an engrossing finale that'll see Squid Game's various storytelling threads intersect and, hopefully, give it the send-off it deserves. I just hope its runtime is considerable enough to sufficiently and effectively wrap up each plotline. Based on how this season's fifth chapter ends, it's still got a lot of legwork to complete before the credits roll for the last time.

My verdict

Based on five of its six episodes, Squid Game season 3 is as gripping and delightfully miserable as I expected.

The show's final round could've been braver and less formulaic with its storytelling choices, and its incessant plot exposition regularly grated on me. But, as a character study and exploration of man's inhumanity to his fellow man and other sociopolitical themes, it's hard to argue that finale notwithstanding, Squid Game 3 is a grandstand finish to an unmissable series that fully deserves its place in the pantheon of Netflix TV Originals.

Squid Game season 3 is out now in full on Netflix.

This IONOS review examines one of the most budget-friendly website builders available in 2025. IONOS prides itself on offering a complete suite of solutions for professionals looking to establish an online presence, including shared hosting, VPS, dedicated servers, and their MyWebsite builder platform. You can also check out our guide to the best website builders for more options.

Techradar reviewers have spent thousands of hours testing 140+ website builders to bring you expert insights. Based on our tests, IONOS stands out with its AI-assisted design process and some of the lowest introductory prices in the industry, starting at just $1 per month. However, Wix remains our top pick for the best overall website building experience in 2025.

IONOS MyWebsite targets beginners without programming experience, especially with its "MyWebsite Now" builder launched in 2023. We found IONOS delivers on its promise of simplicity, though it won't satisfy users seeking extensive design control or advanced features.

IONOS MyWebsite: 2-minute review

IONOS MyWebsite represents a solid entry-level website builder that prioritizes ease of use over advanced functionality. The platform excels at helping complete beginners create functional websites quickly through its AI-assisted design process. Users simply answer a few questions about their business, and IONOS generates a website draft that can be manually adjusted.

The German internet service provider has built a reputation for affordable web services, and their website builder continues this tradition with introductory pricing as low as $1 per month. However, IONOS faces stiff competition from more feature-rich platforms like Wix and Hostinger. While it offers good value for simple business websites, its limited template selection and rigid design structure may frustrate users seeking creative freedom.

What is IONOS?

IONOS is a German internet service provider that offers a comprehensive suite of online services, including web hosting, domain registration, email hosting, and website building tools. Their MyWebsite builder is specifically designed for UX beginners who want to create professional-looking websites without any coding knowledge or design experience.

The platform uses artificial intelligence to simplify website creation. When you sign up, IONOS asks you questions about your business type, goals, and preferences, then automatically generates a website draft based on your responses. You can then customize this draft using their drag-and-drop editor, which features pre-built sections and layouts that you can modify to suit your needs.

Features

Though IONOS doesn’t compete with higher-end builders like Wix or Webflow on customization, it shines in simplicity and efficiency. (Image credit: IONOS)

Better known for its affordable web hosting, IONOS extends its expertise into site building, offering a user-friendly platform that can support everything from simple personal pages to ecommerce stores.

Though IONOS doesn’t compete with higher-end builders like Wix or Webflow on customization, it shines in simplicity and efficiency, making it an ideal choice for users seeking functionality with minimal hassle.

It's primary offering is an AI-assisted website generation experience, which comes with additional features like a template library, drag-and-drop customization, multichannel ecommerce, and a number of marketing and analytics tools.

Tools

With the AI-powered experience, you answer a few questions about your brand and preferences so IONOS generates up to four layout options. (Image credit: IONOS)

As we just discussed, IONOS is a beginner-friendly website builder with AI guidance for new users being its most important website building feature. But that said, there are other tools in its repository that add to the existing value.

AI tools

With the AI-powered experience, you answer a few questions about your brand and preferences so IONOS generates up to four layout options. If you don't like any of them, it can take another shot and rework the choices. Once you find a layout that fits, you get to personalize it by playing with colors, fonts, and shape themes. As expected, the editing options are a bit basic, so if you’re looking for intricate typography or color schemes, they’re not quite there.

IONOS’s AI also helps with content creation, from filling in text to generating images. You can tweak the tone of the text to feel more friendly, professional, or trustworthy, just by selecting the vibe you want. And the image generator is also pretty handy, even if the results can be hit-and-miss.

Templates

ONOS’s website template range is surprisingly modest, with around 30 options, but it leans toward professionalism and ease of use, keeping design decisions straightforward. These templates cater to all sorts of business, portfolio, and personal projects alike, giving you a polished and professional springboard for your site.

Once you pick a template in IONOS’s editor, customizing your site is simple, though it does lean toward structure over total freedom. Rather than full drag-and-drop flexibility, you’ll add pre-designed sections — like "About," "Galleries," or "Contact" - with only a few style choices for each. You can tweak colors, spacing, and fonts, though the font choices are quite limited.

Ecommerce toolkit

Ready to kickstart your online store? IONOS provides a solid set of ecommerce tools that make it easy to manage your inventory, set up tax and shipping options, and customize product variations - all the essentials you need to hit the ground running.

While it might not have the ultra-advanced features of bigger ecommerce platforms, IONOS has the essentials small-to-midsize businesses need to set up shop, handle orders, and keep customers engaged. Features like discount codes, abandoned cart emails, and social media integration are also part of the package.

Free domain and SSL

With IONOS, each plan comes with a free domain for the first year, which helps keep startup costs down. Plus, they include an SSL certificate right from the get-go, ensuring your site is secure and helping boost your search engine rankins. This built-in SSL support is a big plus for ecommerce sites, as it makes online transactions safer.

Email hosting

IONOS keeps things straightforward by bundling a professional email address that matches your domain — so, no need to set up with another provider. This built-in email feature makes it easy to stay connected with customers. If you need more storage as your business expands, IONOS offers scalable email plans to keep up with your growth.

SEO tools and rankingCoach

With IONOS, you can make your site pop in search results thanks to customizable SEO settings available for every page, giving you the tools to optimize your content and boost your visibility. For a more beginner-friendly SEO boost, you can integrate rankingCoach, a tool that walks users through visibility improvements step-by-step.

IONOS also includes a tool that checks for SEO improvements, making it simple to stay on top of rankings.

Localization features

If your business has global ambitions, IONOS has you covered with translation support for over 60 languages, making it easy to cater to different regions. You can customize content based on location, tailoring messages or promotions to resonate with specific audiences.

This mix of multilingual options and targeted content helps you engage with a whole variety of customers.

Site analytics

After your site goes live, you can dive into visitor stats that answer key questions about your audience: Who are they, and how can you reach them? This info lays the groundwork for successful marketing strategies tailored to your potential customers.

These tools make it easy to track key metrics like visitor counts, session lengths, and page impressions. You’ll also get a good look at your bounce rate, showing where you might want to make some tweaks.

Ease of use

While IONOS makes getting started super simple, there are limitations when it comes to advanced customization. (Image credit: IONOS)

With the IONOS AI site builder, all it takes is a few details about your business, and you’ll have a customizable site complete with tailored images and text. This hands-off method is a lifesaver for busy entrepreneurs who want to channel their energy into more meaningful tasks instead of stressing over design elements.

While IONOS makes getting started super simple, there are a few limitations when it comes to advanced customization. If you’re after a more intricate design, you might hit a few bumps in the road.

Still, if you’re looking for a fast and efficient way to establish your online presence, IONOS is a superb option that helps you get started without the steep learning curve.

Pricing

IONOS offers some of the most competitive introductory pricing in the market. (Image credit: IONOS)

Plan

Starting rate (paid annually)

Renewal rate (paid annually)

Starter

$6/month

$12/month

Plus

$1/month

$18/month

Pro

$17/month

$30/month

Starter (+ Store)

$6/month

$24/month

Plus (+ Store)

$1/month

$30/month

Pro (+ Store)

$34/month

$62/month

Expert (Store Only)

$44/month

$92/month

IONOS offers some of the most competitive introductory pricing in the website builder market, with plans starting as low as $1 per month for the first year. The Plus plan represents exceptional value during the promotional period, offering 50GB storage and up to 200 pages for just $1 monthly. All plans include a free domain name for the first year, free SSL certificates, and business email hosting.

However, you should be aware that prices increase significantly upon renewal, with the Plus plan jumping from $1 to $18 per month. Despite this, IONOS remains more affordable than many competitors even at renewal rates. The platform also offers specialized e-commerce plans for users wanting to build online stores, though these come at higher price points.

Security

(Image credit: IONOS)

IONOS provides solid security foundations with wildcard SSL certificates included on all plans, protecting both your main website and any subdomains you create. This comprehensive SSL coverage makes setting up multiple site sections much easier compared to platforms that require separate certificates for each subdomain.

The platform implements automatic cookie notices to ensure GDPR compliance, which is particularly important for European users. However, IONOS lacks some advanced security features like DDoS protection and automatic backups that you'll find with premium website builders. While this isn't problematic for small websites, it could become a concern as your site grows and requires more robust protection.

Support

(Image credit: IONOS)

IONOS is built to handle high traffic and keep your site running smoothly, even when visitors are pouring in from across the globe. For businesses looking to keep their audience engaged without slowdowns, IONOS’s infrastructure should deliver dependable speed and stability.

As for support, you’ve got plenty of resources to lean on. Their knowledge base is packed with how-tos on everything from tech tips to marketing advice. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to open it in a separate tab since it’s not right in the dashboard. Still, it's a solid spot for quick guidance.

For those times when you need immediate help, IONOS is one of the few that offer 24/7 phone support - something beginners will appreciate. The team is known for being kind and knowledgeable, too. There’s also live chat from 8 AM to 8 PM if you prefer a quick message over a phone call.

Alternatives

If you’re thinking about IONOS but curious about what else is out there, here’s a quick rundown on how it stacks up against Weebly, Squarespace, and Wix, its top competitors.

Weebly is a perfect choice for ecommerce newbies - it’s packed with tools to make selling easy, all for $12 per month. While Weebly’s free plan gives a nice starting point, its paid plans are a better fit for anyone who wants a polished, professional look.

Read our full Weebly review to learn more.

Squarespace brings a lot of style to the table, with stunning templates that appeal to creatives. Starting at $16, it’s a bit pricier, but the 14-day free trial lets you explore everything it offers before diving in.

Read our full Squarespace review to learn more.

Wix is an awesome alternative if you’re all about creative freedom. With true drag-and-drop customization, you can place elements anywhere on the page. It offers tons of templates, but for total beginners, IONOS will still feel a little easier.

Read our full Wix review to learn more.

IONOS MyWebsite: Summary

If you're a newcomer to site building, IONOS is a superb option. With its budget-friendly starting prices, swift AI setup, and useful SEO tools, getting your site up and running it has never been easier.

That said, its limited customization options and absence of a free trial might leave some aspiring designers wanting more. Still, if you're after a user-friendly platform that won't break the bank, IONOS is a great pick - just be prepared to work within its constraints.

FAQsIs IONOS good for beginners?

Yes, IONOS excels as a beginner-friendly platform with its AI-assisted website creation process. The platform requires no coding knowledge and guides you through each step of building your site. However, beginners should be aware that customization options are limited compared to other builders.

Does IONOS offer e-commerce capabilities?

IONOS provides e-commerce functionality through dedicated store plans that support hundreds to thousands of products depending on your chosen tier. The platform includes basic features like payment processing through Mollie and social buy buttons, but lacks the advanced e-commerce tools found in specialized platforms like Shopify.

What happens to pricing after the first year?

IONOS uses promotional pricing for the first year, after which rates increase significantly. For example, the Plus plan jumps from $1 to $18 per month upon renewal. While still competitive, this price increase is substantial and should factor into your long-term budgeting.

Can I migrate my existing website to IONOS?

Yes, IONOS offers migration assistance to help transfer your existing website and content to their platform. They provide 24/7 support during the migration process and can help with domain transfers as well.

8BitDo Ultimate 2: one-minute review

The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 gaming controller is a pretty straightforward upgrade over the original 8BitDo Ultimate - a pad that continues to feature in our list of the best Nintendo Switch controllers. And while the Ultimate 2 is yet to receive its own Switch-compatible model (it’s just PC and Android for now, sadly), it remains a very competent gamepad that brings several welcome improvements.

Chiefly, the Ultimate 2 now features TMR (tunnelling magnetoresistance, for those curious) thumbsticks. We’ve seen this tech implemented in other fantastic PC controllers such as the GameSir Tarantula Pro, and they’re just as welcome here, offering greater stability and longevity than even Hall effect sticks.

The controller also adds two extra shoulder buttons, making for a total of four remappable buttons (the other two are found on the rear of the pad, like before). You’ll also find a pair of trigger locks back there, letting you quickly swap between analog and digital trigger presses based on your preference.

The last major addition here is RGB lighting rings around each thumbstick. These look nice and can be customized via the 8BitDo Ultimate Software PC companion app. But if you’re playing wirelessly, I would advise against keeping them on, as they’re a pretty major drain on the gamepad’s already average battery life.

(Image credit: Future)8BitDo Ultimate 2 review: price and availability

• $59.99 / £49.99 (around AU$90)
• Cheaper than the 8BitDo Ultimate at retail price
• Available via Amazon

The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 controller is available to buy now from the brand’s Amazon store. It costs $59.99 / £49.99 (around AU$90), which is actually $10 / £10 cheaper than its predecessor. As a result, I can confidently say that if you’re shopping for a new PC controller in the 8BitDo line up, this is the one to go for. You’re saving cash and getting more features to boot.

8BitDo Ultimate 2 review: Specs

Price

$59.99 / £49.99 (around AU$90)

Weight

8.7oz / 246g

Dimensions

5.7 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 147 x 103 x 61mm

Compatibility

PC, Android

Connection type

Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)

Battery life

10-15 hours

(Image credit: Future)8BitDo Ultimate 2 review: design and features

• Eye-catching RGB lighting
• Additional remappable buttons
• Supports 2.4GHz and Bluetooth wireless connections

As I’ve come to expect from the brand, the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 boasts excellent build quality. It feels exceptionally sturdy in the hands, with lightly textured grips allowing the pad to rest firmly.

The TMR thumbsticks now feature metallic shafts, a pleasant upgrade over the original model that not only looks smart but should help the sticks in the longevity department, too. Otherwise, the d-pad, face buttons, and central utility buttons (including Start, Select, Home, etc.) all feel similar to the first Ultimate. That means you can expect very solid materials overall. One nice change is that those central buttons are spaced out much better here than on the Ultimate, where they felt a little cramped together on that pad.

As mentioned above, you’re also getting four remappable buttons, two on the rear, and two nestled up next to the bumpers and triggers. These are labeled ‘L4’ and ‘R4’ on the left and right, respectively, while the rear paddles are labeled as ‘PL’ and ‘PR’. The rear also houses two trigger locks for switching between analog and digital trigger distances, as well as a toggle for swapping between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connections.

If you’re curious as to where the included 2.4GHz dongle is located (it took me a moment to realize this at first), it’s housed within the charging dock that the controller also comes with. Simply flip open the hatch on the bottom and you’ll find it tucked inside. One thing to note here is that the dongle requires a USB-C port for connection, unlike the original Ultimate controller. That’s naturally great for Android devices, but you may want to invest in a USB-C to USB adapter if your gaming PC or laptop lacks the necessary USB-C port.

(Image credit: Future)8BitDo Ultimate 2 review: Performance

• Sublime drift-resistant TMR thumbsticks
• Battery life is hurt compared to the original Ultimate
• Satisfyingly tactile buttons and triggers

The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 has been my go-to controller for the past couple of weeks - and not just for testing purposes. The controller simply feels fantastic during play, largely owing to the buttery smooth TMR thumbsticks and the highly tactile shoulder and face buttons.

Having tested the controller with titles like Lies of P, Elden Ring Nightreign, Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time, Tekken 8, and Final Fantasy 14 Online, I find that the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 is well-suited to a broad variety of genres and gaming styles.

One slight dampener, though, is the inclusion of those RGB rings around the thumbsticks. Don’t get me wrong, they look lovely in action, and produce a very pleasing moving light based on the direction you’re pointing the sticks (and respond to button presses, too). It’s snazzy, but the toll it takes on battery life makes them not really worth enabling during wireless play.

(Image credit: Future)

I was quite surprised at first when the batteries emptied from full in around 10 hours, with those RGB lights enabled. However, when I played wirelessly with them switched off, I managed to squeeze a more fulsome 15 hours before needing to charge. That’s still not quite class-leading, but by no means terrible. However, given I managed around 20 hours out of the original Ultimate, it’s certainly a downgrade overall.

Lastly, a word on the Ultimate V2 Software app for PC. It’s not much of a looker with a very basic user interface, but it does offer robust customization. Downloadable from 8BitDo’s website, it lets you create up to three individual profiles, which you can swap between via a button press on the gamepad.

You can fully remap every button - including the extra rear and bumper buttons - as well as set button macros, stick and trigger sensitivity, vibration strength, and more. It’s all accompanied by handy diagrams which show you in real time how your changes affect the controller’s performance.

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the 8BitDo Ultimate 2?Buy it if...

You want an affordable PC or mobile controller that offers top-notch quality and performance
The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 barely puts a foot wrong. I have some qualms with the RGB lighting and its effect on battery life, but this is a phenomenal upgrade to an already world-class controller.

You enjoy in-depth controller customization
The Ultimate Software V2 app gives you the tools you need to customize pretty much every aspect of your play experience. From sensitivity and vibration strength to full button remapping, it’s got it all and is especially perfect for competitive players who like specific control schemes.

Don't buy it if...

You’re not a PC gamer
Unfortunately, the Ultimate 2 is not compatible with consoles like Nintendo Switch or Xbox Series X|S. For that, you’ll need the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller, which is also available at the brand’s website.

You want more battery life
The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, this ain’t. If this controller’s short battery lifespan of around 10-15 hours has you feeling queasy, you may want to consider alternatives like the Xbox Wireless Controller (around 20-30 hours) or the aforementioned Switch Pro Controller (40+ hours), which is also compatible with PC.

8BitDo Ultimate 2 review: Also consider

There’s every chance the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 isn’t quite what you’re after. If so, consider these two similarly priced alternatives.

8BitDo Ultimate 2

GameSir Tarantula Pro

8BitDo Ultimate

Price

$59.99 / £49.99 (around AU$90)

$69.99 / £69.99 (around AU$107)

$69.99 / £59.99 (around AU$107)

Weight

8.7oz / 246g

11.5oz / 325g

8.7oz / 245g

Dimensions

5.7 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 147 x 103 x 61mm

6.2 x 3.9 x 2.4in / 157 x 99 x 61mm

5.7 x 4.2 x 2.5in / 147 x 104 x 62mm

Compatibility

PC, Android

PC, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS

PC, Nintendo Switch

Connection type

Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)

Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)

Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)

Battery life

10-15 hours

Around 12 hours

15-20 hours

GameSir Tarantula Pro
Arguably the brand’s best controller, and that’s high praise given its usually high-quality output. This is a symmetrical controller with excellent build quality and a handy button layout switching feature that swaps the face buttons between XInput and Switch displays.

Read our full GameSir Tarantula Pro review

8BitDo Ultimate
The original 8BitDo Ultimate is still one of the best controllers ever made. It’s a touch pricier, but you are getting Nintendo Switch compatibility and a better 20-hour battery life for your trouble. It’s a bit slighter on features than the Ultimate 2, but still a worthwhile consideration.

Read our full 8BitDo Ultimate review

How I tested the 8BitDo Ultimate 2

• Tested for two weeks
• Played a large variety of games across various genres
• Compared directly to the original 8BitDo Ultimate

I tested the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 across a period of two weeks, mainly on my gaming PC. I played titles from a variety of genres, including action games like Lies of P and Elden Ring Nightreign, as well as some of the best fighting games, such as Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6.

I primarily played wirelessly to gauge overall battery life, and made use of either wired play or the included charging dock when it was time to top up (which was fairly frequent given its slightly shorter battery life compared to its older sibling, the 8BitDo Ultimate).

First reviewed June 2025

Read more about how we test

Bose SoundLink Plus: Two-minute review

The Bose SoundLink Plus fits the gap between the SoundLink Flex and SoundLink Max nicely. Like its two older siblings, the SoundLink Plus is a sturdy, silicone-and-steel speaker that has an impressive IP67 rating against dust and moisture, can be controlled either via an app or by using buttons on the speaker itself, and will play nicely with other speakers in the Bose line-up.

Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Adaptive compatibility and multi-point connectivity is a decent start. A mid/bass driver and a tweeter supported by four passive radiators is welcome specification too, even if Bose is doing its usual thing of failing to quote power, frequency response or any other even mildly interesting information. And battery life of 20 hours (with a following wind) looks good too, especially when you consider a) the speaker’s USB-C slot can also output, as well as receive, power, and b) the battery can be replaced if and when the need arises.

As far as performance goes too, it’s established SoundLink business as usual. Which means expansive and full-figured low frequencies, plenty of detail across the board, direct and informative midrange and a top end that doesn’t get carried away with itself.

One of the best Bluetooth speakers around then, just like it's big brother? Well, in this instance, the SoundLink sonic recipe also means bass sounds that could be better controlled and, as a consequence, rhythmic expression that isn’t as convincing as it might be. Whether or not this is a deal-breaker when balanced against everything the Bose does well will very much depend on you…

Bose Soundlink Plus review: Price and release date

• Available from June 26, 2025
• Priced $269 / £249 / AU$429

The Bose SoundLink Plus is on sale from June 26, 2025, and in the United Kingdom it costs £249. In the company’s native United States it sells for $269, while in Australia you’re looking at AU$429.

That puts it, as you'd expect, a good deal cheaper than the June 2024-issue Bose SoundLink Max it joins in the range, which made its debut at $399 / £399 / AU$599 and hasn't seen too many dips in price since (partly because it is a fantastic speaker).

But it's still a fair bit pricier than our top Bluetooth speaker pick, the JBL Flip 7, which arrived in March 2025 and can be yours for $149 / £129 / AU$179.

Has Bose's gamble paid off? Let's dig in!

(Image credit: Future)Bose SoundLink Plus review: Specs

Weight:

1.45kg

Dimensions:

99 x 231 x 86mm (HxWxD)

Battery life (quoted):

20 hours

Connectivity:

Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Adaptive codec support

Drivers:

1x mid/bass driver, 1x tweeter, 4x passive radiators

Aux-in:

No

Charger port:

USB-C

Microphone:

No

Waterproof rating:

IP67

Image 1 of 2

Screengrabs from the app (there's plenty to get through this time) (Image credit: Bose)Image 2 of 2

(Image credit: Bose)Bose SoundLink Plus review: Features

• Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Adaptive codec support
• Mid/bass driver, tweeter, four passive radiators
• Up to 20 hours of battery life

The SoundLink Plus uses Bluetooth 5.4 for wireless connectivity, and is compatible with SBC, AAC and aptX Adaptive codecs. There’s multi (for which read ‘two') -point connectivity available, too.

Once your digital audio content is on board the Bose, it’s delivered by a speaker driver array consisting on a mid/bass driver, a tweeter, and no fewer than four passive radiators. Bose being Bose, of course, the size and composition of these drivers, their position within the cabinet, and the amount of power that’s driving them, is privileged information. And that’s also the case where the type of amplification the Plus uses, and the frequency response it’s capable of achieving, are concerned too.

If you’re judicious about the volume level you listen at, you should be able to listen to the Plus for as much as 20 hours between charges; if you’re not, you’ll be lucky to get five hours of action. Should the worst happen and your Bose runs flat, charging it back to ‘full’ takes a lazy five hours – although the USB-C slot on the rear of the chassis can also be used as a power output if you need to charge your smartphone or what-have-you. The battery can be replaced by Bose service engineers should the need ever arise, which is a nice nod to a more sustainable tech future too.

• Features score: 4.5/5

(Image credit: Future)Bose SoundLink Plus review: Design

• 99 x 231 x 86mm (HxWxD)
• IP67
• Choice of three finishes

You’ll make your own mind up about the way the Bose SoundLink Plus looks, and you’ll certainly have an opinion about the available finishes (black, ‘dusk’ blue or the acidic ‘citrus’ yellow), but there’s no arguing with the hardiness of this 99 x 231 x 86mm (HxWxD) speaker.

Thanks in large part to the use of soft-touch silicone in its construction, the Bose is shock-proof. Thanks to an IP rating of IP67, it’s basically immune to the effects of dust and water – in fact, Bose claims it’s perfectly happy being submerged in up to a metre of water for 30 minutes at a time. The SoundLink Plus floats, though, so you’d have to be pretty patient to test this out definitively. And thanks to a loop of sturdy nylon rope at one end of the chassis, the speaker’s 1.45kg weight can be borne by the strap of a bag or something like that.

Like the larger SoundLink Max, the front of the Plus is a powder-coated steel grille. At the rear there’s a smaller perforated grille, along with a USB-C slot that can move power in either direction.

• Design score: 4.5/5

(Image credit: Future)Bose SoundLink Plus review: Sound quality

• Spacious, detailed and punchy presentation
• Impressive dynamic headroom
• Not the last word in rhythmic positivity

It’s not, strictly speaking, a game of two halves because the positives in the way the SoundLink Plus sounds are much more numerous than the negatives. But equally, this Bose is not what I can truthfully describe as an ‘all-rounder’.

As far as the positives go, they are plentiful and gratifying. With a Qobuz-derived hi-res FLAC file of Boring and Weird Historical Music by Telemachus playing, the fractionally warm tonal balance makes a lot of sense and the speaker’s ability to extract plenty of detail throughout the frequency range is straightforwardly impressive. The direct nature of the midrange allows voices to reveal plenty of character and attitude along with the more usual information regarding tone and technique. And at the top of the frequency range, the SoundLink Plus attacks with well-judged gusto, bringing a bit of bite and shine to treble sounds without straying into hardness – even if you’re playing at big volumes (which you won’t be, because it affects battery life so fundamentally).

Bose, of course, isn’t saying how much power is available here, but whatever the specific number it’s more than enough to ensure the SoundLink Plus has more than enough dynamic headroom to deal with the shifts in intensity and/or volume that pepper this recording. The speaker is happy to go very loud indeed without altering its overall sonic characteristics, and when playing at more considered volumes its ability to identify and contextualise even very transient details of harmonic variations is pretty impressive.

And as well as dealing in outright volume, the Bose also creates a large soundstage by the standards of reasonably compact single-enclosure speakers. There’s a sensation of space that’s by no means a given when listening to wireless speakers at this sort of money, an openness that means even involved recordings like Radiohead’s The National Anthem are fairly easy to follow on an individual-instrument basis.

The SoundLink Plus has fairly even frequency response inasmuch as no area is underplayed or overstated to any great degree – but it doesn’t integrate the lowest frequencies with everything happening above them as smoothly as it might. The amount of punch and low-end substance the speaker can summon is impressive, certainly, but there’s a relative lack of control where attack and decay are concerned that means the plentiful bass can drag at tempos a little. Rhythmic expression isn’t as naturalistic as it might be, and low-frequency information can sound just a little estranged from the otherwise-unified presentation.

• Sound quality: 4/5

Bose SoundLink Plus review: setup & usability

• App or button control
• Two SoundLink Plus can form a stereo pair
• No mics means no voice control

There’s a mildly recessed strip of physical controls across the top of the SoundLink Plus – the action is rubbery but quite positive at the same time. Here’s where you can deal with ‘power on/off’, ‘volume up/down’, ‘play/pause’, Bluetooth pairing, and also access a ‘shortcut’ button.

The function of the ‘shortcut’ button can either be ‘access Spotify’ or ‘speaker link’ – you’ll define what you want it to do in the Bose control app that’s free for iOS and Android. ‘Access Spotify’ doesn’t really require any further explanation, but it’s worth noting that ‘speaker link’ allows two SoundLink Plus to form a stereo pair, or any other Bose speaker with a ‘shortcut’ button of its own to share content.

Other app functions include EQ presets and a three-band equaliser to create some settings of your own. There’s the ability to check for firmware updates, and an indication of remaining battery power. As is standard Bose practice, the app is nothing much to look at but is stable, logical and useful.

• Setup & usability: 4.5/5

Bose SoundLink Plus review: Value

The SoundLink Plus is decent value for money, no two ways about it. Yes, it can be bettered for battery life and for charging time, and there are speakers out there with more comprehensive control options. But it’s built to last (and thanks to that IP67 rating, to last anywhere), looks good, and is potent enough to fill even quite large spaces with sound. Sound that’s reasonably balanced, unarguably punchy and actually quite revealing, what’s more.

• Value score: 4.5/5

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the Bose SoundLink Plus?Bose SoundLink Plus

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

Strong app support

4.5/5

Design

Robustly made and beautifully (Bose-fully?) finished

4.5/5

Sound quality

Bold and thoroguhly Bose once more, if just a tad lethargic through the bass

4/5

Value

However you look at it, it's a contender at the level

4.5/5

Buy it if…

You’re genuinely careless
The SoundLink Plus is IP67-rated, so dust and moisture even in quite large quantities are no problem

You’re never far from the pool
The Bose speaker floats, which means it’s even more fun in the pool than those inflatables…

You enjoy robust, power-packed sound
‘Punchy’ is almost too mild a word to put the sonic character of this speaker into perspective

Don’t buy it if…

You like to listen loud
The SoundLink will go loud, sure enough, but big volumes affect battery life quite significantly

You’re in a hurry to listen
If you run the battery flat, it will be five hours before it’s fully charged again

You’re all about the dancefloor
Other wireless speakers at similar money are more confident and adept when it comes to rhythmic expression

Bose SoundLink Plus review: Also consider

Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Generation
Recently, we heard and fully enjoyed this lovely little contender. Yes, it’s smaller and sounds less powerful than the Bose and yes, it’s more expensive – but it’s a profoundly accomplished listen and one of the more straightforwardly desirable Bluetooth speakers around.
Read more in our Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Gen review

Sonos Roam 2
The more adventurous can also consider the second-generation Sonos Roam. It’s handily cheaper than the Bose, even more portable, and it looks and feels good. It’s not the loudest speaker this sort of money can buy you, and there’s always the nagging doubt that the control app will strangle itself again but, like I say, it’s one for the adventurous.
See our in-depth Sonos Roam 2 review for the full story

(Image credit: Future)How I tested the Bose SoundLink Plus

• Tested for two weeks
• Dual sources used: iPhone 14 Pro and a FiiO M15S digital audio player
• Listened in my home and on the beach

Thanks to its multipoint connectivity, I was able to connect my Apple iPhone 14 Pro and my FiiO M15S digital audio player to the SoundLink Plus at the same time – switching between the two gave a great indication of how well the Bose can perform when it’s given the best shot where codec compatibility is concerned. I listened to lots of music, of different styles and various file sizes, along with a fair amount of spoken word stuff, and I listened in my home and down on the beach. It’s a tough job, and so on…

Read more about how we test

• First reviewed: June 2025

Elecrow’s latest invention, the CrowPi3, is an all-in-one Raspberry Pi 5 platform that bundles many popular Arduino modules in a book-sized suitcase. A 4.3” LCD sits in the center with a camera on top. Modules usually used to introduce electronics, such as a breadboard or an LED matrix, are also included. They are all connected to the Pi through its 40-pin header connector. The unit has a built-in battery pack that should provide hours of fun.

Elecrow is running a Kickstarter campaign that will end on July 5th. The product's main selling point is that it can be used as a hardware enabler for AI designs. How much this is true depends on the software ecosystem that ships with it. Elecrow is smart by using the Raspberry Pi as part of its design. This opens thousands of AI and ML libraries for the younger generation targeted by this product.

CrowPi3: Price and Availability

The CrowPi3 is available in nine configurations on the Kickstarter webpage. The Early Birds offer the most value for money and start at $159 for the basic kit, excluding the Pi computer. An 8GB Pi 5 with battery and a gamepad will add an extra $130.

(Image credit: Future)CrowPi3: Design

The CrowPi3 ships with a transparent plastic cover on the main experiment board, which helps protect the delicate circuits and LCD module while on the go.

Specification

Supported board: Raspberry Pi 5, Pi Pico, Arduino, Micro: bit

Number of extensions: 28 Arduino-compatible modules

Size: 28.5 cm x 18.5 cm x 3.8 cm

Weight: 1.1 kg

Video: 4.3” 800 x 480 IPS LCD, 1 x HDMI

Audio: Stereo speaker, 3.5mm headphone jack

Power supply: 27W 12V power adapter

Two small magnets hold the cover in place while a rubber strap on top acts as a handle, creating a look similar to a suitcase. The unit measures 28.5 cm x 18.5 cm x 3.8 cm, for a weight of 1.1 kg, and feels solid. The two compartments on the bottom are easily accessible by sliding plastic doors. One holds the Raspberry Pi board, while the other can store small parts.

Elecrow went above and beyond to pack over thirty electronic modules in a small volume. Even more impressive is that they are all connected to the Pi expansion connector. If the Pi is too much of a hassle to work with, then two extra sockets accommodate a Raspberry Pi Pico board or an Arduino, while the breadboard space allows adding other modules easily.

The Raspberry Pi 5 provides over twice the processing power of its predecessor. The CrowPi3 utilizes all of the Pi’s connectors and interfaces; Two HDMI connectors connect to the integrated display and an optional external screen. The user can access only three USB 3 ports, the fourth reserved for the two-megapixel camera. A 4.3-inch 800 x 480 IPS screen offers excellent brightness and viewing angle, although the small viewing area makes reading text challenging.

The case integrates two 3300mAh rechargeable batteries, which should keep the Pi and screen working for several hours. Networking is available using the 1 Gb Ethernet port or the Pi’s Wi-Fi module. A pair of speakers provides stereo sound output, which can be bypassed using a headphone plugged into the 3.5mm headphone jack.

(Image credit: Future)CrowPi3: In Use

The unit turns on by pressing the right-side power button. A long press on the same button turns the unit off. Two red LEDs indicate whether the unit is charging and turned on. The cooling system is always on without temperature control and produces a low but noticeable whining sound from the fan. The built-in screen is more of a gimmick. An external display is recommended for actual development.

The Elecrow ecosystem builds on a customized version of Raspbian OS, specially tailored for interactive learning. The UI ditches the conventional desktop with icons and instead organizes items in what looks like a dashboard with two distinct sections. The left contains AI modules, while the right holds Python-based projects. The user must create an account to start using the CrowPi3.

The most challenging part of setting up the CrowPi3 is getting the OS up and running. Elecrow provides a 40GB image that, although containing a wealth of material, is just too big to be useful. In contrast, the latest Raspbian desktop image with recommended applications is less than 4 GB. Elecrow should provide a lite version of the OS with additional user packages external to the image.

(Image credit: Future)CrowPi3: Competition

Very few platforms exist that are similar to the CrowPi3. With built-in modules that showcase the Pi’s ability to control peripherals and the various extension connectors spread around the case, the CrowPi3 is a unique product. The curated software library also plays an essential part in the product.

The Joy-Pi advanced product is similar to the CrowPi3 and supports Pi 4. It incorporates modules such as touch sensors and ultrasonic range finders and sports an even smaller 1-inch LCD. However, the price is higher than the CrowPi3, at more than $470. It lacks a battery and key components such as a camera to make an AI platform.

(Image credit: Future)CrowPi3: Verdict

With their newest all-in-one station, Elecrow promotes an AI-centric product on a large scale through their Kickstarter campaign. The CrowPi3 feels well-built and oozes quality with many electronic modules, such as the LCD and touchscreen. However, the software support for voice and image recognition sets it apart from the competition. We liked the general appearance and portability of the platform, with a cute handle that completes the suitcase appearance. Don't let the toy appearance fool you; the platform can be used for more serious stuff, such as software development, but with a bigger external screen.

That said, the unit feels overcrowded. Elecrow thinks cramming as many modules into a small space will win over the general public. The fact is that the platform might overwhelm beginners with its complexity. Also, supporting material such as schematics is missing. You are on your own if the unit breaks and you want to do some repairs. Finally, the fan is noisy and will be a distraction.

Buy it as a gift for kids who like building and breaking stuff.

Don’t buy it if you want to get your hands dirty quickly with the Pi5.

Raspberry Pi: Everything you need to know.

Cambridge Audio Melomania A100: two-minute review

Until now, Cambridge Audio’s TWS earbuds efforts have been ‘pretty good’ – but this is a market in which ‘pretty good’ tends not to be good enough. And so the company is back with what is quite obviously a very concerted effort, in the shape of the new Melomania A100.

Here, $149 / £119 or its regional equivalent buys a pair of true wireless in-ears that travel in a very neat charging case, that follow the ‘stem’ style of design and that can be had in black or white finishes. It also buys high specification (Bluetooth 5.4 wireless connectivity with LDAC and aptX Lossless codec compatibility, Class AB amplification, nearly 40 hours of battery life, 10mm Neodymium dynamic drivers) that you’d be glad to see on a product costing twice as much. And by way of an encore, it buys a raft of control options that include an endlessly entertaining appearance by Matt Berry. Some of the best noise-cancelling earbuds around? And perhaps even some of the best earbuds irrespective of noise-nixing, then? For sure.

Most of all, though, money put Cambridge Audio's way for these particular buds buys insightful, controlled and thoroughly entertaining sound. The A100 manage to combine levels of insight that are the best around in this market with an energetic and engaging attitude that makes the description ‘musical’ entirely valid.

As far as value for money is concerned, not to mention a thoroughly enjoyable audio experience, the Melomania A100 are currently there to be shot at.

(Image credit: Future)Cambridge Audio Melomania A100 review: Price and release date

• Release date: June 26, 2025
• Price: $149 / £119 / AU$TBC (but around AU$249)

At the time of writing this review, the Cambridge Audio Melomania A100 wireless in-ear headphones are on sale from today (June 26, 2025) and in the United Kingdom they cost £119. The price in the United States is $149, and while no Australian pricing is confirmed as yet, it seems something around AU$249 is likely.

It’s an aggressive price from a company that’s most recently been making waves with equipment a fair bit further up the food chain, but that’s not the same as saying the A100 are without serious competition. Sony (another brand that can hold its own at the high end) will sell you a pair of its very accomplished Sony WF-C710N buds for pennies less than £100, just as a ‘for instance’. So these earbuds have to do a bit more than show up wearing an attractive price to get a seat at the top table…

(Image credit: Future)Cambridge Audio Melomania A100 review: Specs

Weight:

4.7g per earbud

Drivers:

10mm Neodymium dynamic

Battery life:

11 hours per charge; up to 39 hours with the case

Bluetooth:

5.4 with LDAC and aptX Lossless

(Image credit: Future)Cambridge Audio Melomania A100 review: Features

• Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless and LDAC
• Six-mic array for ANC and call-handling
• Class AB amplification; 10mm Neodymium dynamic drivers

In the context of the asking price, the Melomania A100 are very impressively specified indeed. There are true wireless earbuds costing plenty more than this that don’t look as good on the page.

For example, the Cambridge Audio use top-of-the-shop Bluetooth 5.4 for wireless connectivity, and are compatible with aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless and LDAC codecs. Multipoint connectivity is available too, and the array of six mics that handle noise-cancellation, telephony and voice-assistant interaction are bolstered by Clear Voice Capture echo-cancelling and noise suppression.

There’s Class AB amplification on board, an unarguable step up from the Class D alternative that’s way more common in products like this. A dual-core Qualcomm Kalimba DSP minimises distortion and maximises clarity, and a pair of 10mm Neodymium drivers serve up the sound.

(Image credit: Cambridge Audio)

In the most advantageous circumstances (volume down, ANC off and so on) the earbuds will run for a healthy 11 hours between charges, and you can eke out as much as 39 hours when the power in the charging case is taken into account too. Charging from ‘flat’ to ‘full’ takes around 70 minutes, and just 10 minutes on the mains power (there’s a USB-C slot on the case) should hold you for over three hours of playback (provided you keep that ANC switched off).

And because portable products like this need a degree of hardiness, of course, the A100 are IPX5-rated. Which means they should be absolutely fine in any realistic environment.

• Features score: 5 / 5

(Image credit: Future)Cambridge Audio Melomania A100 review: Sound quality

• Energetic and entertaining sound
• Detailed and dynamic in equal measure
• Some trifling low-end integration issues
  

The temptation that’s been succumbed to by any number of true wireless in-ear headphones of similar price to the Melomania A100 is to ramp up low frequencies in the name of ‘excitement’ and let the idea of ‘balance’ go out of the window. This Cambridge Audio product, though, is a bit more sensible than that – and as a consequence, it’s ultimately a far more accomplished listen.

Leave the EQ settings in the app well alone and the A100 are quite neutral where tonality is concerned and have an almost ideal frequency response. High frequencies have bite and shine during a listen to Daniel Avery’s Diminuendo, but have sufficient substance and variation to prevent any suggestion of hardness or edginess. And at the opposite end of the frequency range there are similarly high levels of detail, and control that’s sufficient to allow very decent rhythmic expression. Bass sounds punch with determination, but their speed and variation means they never drag at the momentum of a recording.

Switch to a file of Last Night by Arooj Aftab and the midrange is revealed to be open and eloquent – the A100 can communicate a voice’s character and attitude in the most direct manner. Detail levels are, as elsewhere, impressively high, and there’s real positivity to the way the A100 ties the frequency range together. In absolute terms it could be argued that the lowest frequencies sound just slightly remote from the lower midrange and everything above that, but the commonality of their tone mitigates this quite significantly.

The soundstage the Cambridge Audio can generate is large, well-defined and carefully controlled – so even an element-heavy recording like Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue as performed by the New York Philharmonic under Leonard Bernstein sounds open and carefully laid out. There’s elbow-room for every performer and a fairly explicit description of relative on-stage positions.

There’s plenty of dynamic headroom available for when the orchestra really ramps up the intensity, and the dynamics of harmonic variation are carefully attended to during the solo piano passages too. Transient response is good, and the result is an overall presentation that sounds very much like the complete picture.

All of the above might serve to make the Melomania A100 seem rather analytical – and there’s no denying they can peer into a recording and return with all sorts of pertinent observations. But primarily they’re an engaging and entertaining listen, and a pair of earbuds that give the strong impression that they’re just as keen on your favourite music as you are. It’s by no means easy to combine ‘analysis’ with ‘entertainment’ so that each discipline is properly attended to – and that’s the case no matter how much you’re charging – so Cambridge Audio is deserving of both congratulations and admiration.

And where active noise-cancellation is concerned, the Melomania A100 can go toe-to-toe with the best of their price-comparable rivals. The system doesn’t alter the sound of the earbuds in any way, it doesn’t betray itself with counter-signal or any sort of audible disruption – and it does a very agreeable job on all but the loudest and/or deepest of external noises. There’s a second tier of ANC that sits below the uncanny silence that’s available from a pair of Bose noise-cancellers – and these Cambridge Audio earbuds are now a part of it.

• Sound quality score: 5 / 5

(Image credit: Future)Cambridge Audio Melomania A100 review: Design

• 45 x 61 x 25mm, HxWxD (charging case)
• 4.7g (earbud)
• Choice of black or white finishes

Unlike previous Cambridge Audio true wireless models, the Melomania A100 are from the Apple-inspired ‘dangly stem’ school of design. The earbuds are notably neat and tidy and, thanks to a selection of eartip sizes and a trifling 4.7g weight, fit comfortably even for the longest listens. ‘Neat and tidy’ covers the charging case too, which is 45 x 61 x 25mm (HxWxD) – this slender design does mean the earbuds are slightly trickier to get out of the case than they otherwise would be, but it’s not much of a price to pay for such pocket-friendly dimensions. The standard of build and finish is impressive in every respect, and the look is good no matter if you choose the black or white finish.

I might as well go with the word ‘impressive’ to deal with operability here, too. The A100 have a capacitive touch surface at the top of the stem of each–- a combination of presses and holds gives control of most playback controls, and lets you cycle between your ANC options or summon your voice assistant too. Interactions are swift and reliable, and the ‘Melomania’ control app gives the chance to customise the effect each sequence of presses or holds has.

The control app also has decent extended functionality. Six EQ presets are joined by a seven-band equaliser that allows you to store quite a few custom settings, while a defeatable ‘dynamEQ’ setting does its best to maintain full-range response at lower volumes. You can select between ‘transparency’, ‘normal’ and ‘noise-cancelling’ for ANC, and within this last option you can choose between ‘low’, ‘medium’ or ‘high’. Switching for ‘gaming mode’, ‘wear detection’ and ‘sleep mode’ are all available too – and within ‘audible feedback’ there’s the greatest Easter egg in any app anywhere ever. ‘Off’ and ‘tones’ are both options, and there are eight different languages to choose from too… but the eleventh option (‘Southwark’) lets your audible feedback be delivered by Matt Berry in highly fruity fashion.

Even without this delightful touch, though, ‘Melomania’ is a useful, stable and easy-to-navigate control app that’s only missing the ability to integrate music streaming services to be completely ideal.

• Design score: 5 / 5

(Image credit: Future)Cambridge Audio Melomania A100 review: Value

• Great specification
• Secure ergonomics
• Excellent sound quality for the money
  

With the Melomania A100, Cambridge Audio has hit it so far out of the park it’s basically lost forever.

These true wireless earbuds are specified well beyond what any price-comparable alternative can offer, they’re comfortable, have battery stamina on their side, and each of their control options is well-implemented and effective. Oh, and they sound as good as anything else you can buy at anything like this money. Currently they offer the best value for money of any wireless earbuds you can buy for $149 / £119 – and by a wide margin.

• Value score: 5 / 5

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the Cambridge Audio Melomania A100?

Section

Notes

Score

Features

Excellent codec support; geat mic array

5 / 5

Sound quality

Stunning clarity for the money – best at the level by some degree

5 / 5

Design

Solid, ergonomic, thoughtfully made

5 / 5

Value

The best sound-per-pound wireless design on the market

5 / 5

(Image credit: Future)Buy them if…

You have a good source player
Top-end codec compatibility and exemplary sound quality make the A100 the perfect partner

You favour well-tailored clothes
The charging case is about as slim and easy to carry as these things ever get. So you won’t need to compromise your outfit

You enjoy added value
If you know who Matt Berry is, then you know his appearance as an ‘audible feedback’ option will prove endlessly satisfying

Don't buy them if…

You like properly extended functionality
If you want your heart-rate monitored, your steps counted and what-have-you, there are alternative designs that have you covered

You’re not a monochrome type of person
Lots of price-comparable rivals are available in many more finishes than just ‘black’ or ‘white'

(Image credit: Future)Cambridge Audio Melomania A100 review: Also consider

Sony WF-C710N
Until the start of this review, Sony’s still-excellent WF-C710N were your default £100-ish TWS choice, and they still have plenty going for them where sound quality is concerned. They’re made to look a bit limited by the A100’s spec-sheet, though…
Read our full Sony WF-C710N review

Technics EAH-AZ80
…And Technics’ slightly older flagship AZ80 might come down a bit closer to this pricing now too (owing to the arrival of their newer AZ100 siblings), but they're nowhere near it yet. The feature set and fit is fantastic, but you're still paying a lot more… 
See our full Technics EAH-AZ80 review

How I tested the Cambridge Audio Melomania A100

• Connected to an iOS smartphone and an Android DAP
• Using a variety of digital file types and sizes
• In a number of environments
  

Naturally, iOS devices don’t acknowledge wireless sound quality beyond the AAC codec – but happily my FiiO DAP does, and so I was able to let the Melomania A100 show what they’re capable of when it comes to optimum sound quality.

The DAP also features lots of genuinely high-resolution content on its local memory, as well as duplicating the music streaming service apps loaded onto the Apple smartphone, so I was able to listen to different digital audio file types and sizes.

I did this indoors and outdoors, in very quiet environments and in places where even the best active noise-cancellation struggles – and I did so for well over a week, because listening to these Cambridge Audio earbuds is really no kind of hardship.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed: June 2025

This Jimdo review examines an AI website builder that's designed specifically for people who've never built a site before. The Hamburg-based company has been helping users create websites since 2007, focusing on simplicity over advanced features. While our best website builders guide features more powerful options, Jimdo carves out its own niche in the beginner market.

TechRadar reviewers have spent thousands of hours testing 140+ website builders, giving us deep insight into what works and what doesn't. Jimdo stands out to our team for its straightforward approach, though it can't match the versatility of our top pick Wix, which offers far more templates and advanced features. Jimdo's new AI-driven setup process makes it incredibly accessible, but this simplicity comes with trade-offs in customization and scalability.

Our testing reveals that Jimdo works best for solo entrepreneurs and very small businesses who need something online fast. The platform's "paint-by-numbers" approach keeps things simple but may frustrate users as their needs grow.

Jimdo: 2-minute review

Jimdo earns a solid 3.5 out of 5 rating as a beginner-focused website builder that prioritizes ease of use over advanced functionality. The platform's standout feature is its AI-powered setup process, which can build a basic website by asking you a few simple questions about your business or personal needs. This makes it incredibly accessible for first-time website creators who might feel overwhelmed by more complex builders.

Still, Jimdo's simplicity comes with significant limitations as your needs grow. With only 16 templates available and no way to preview them before committing, design options feel more restrictive than most competitors. The platform caps e-commerce stores at just 100 products and supports only Stripe and PayPal for payments, making it unsuitable for larger online businesses. Founded in 2007 by three German entrepreneurs, Jimdo has built a reputation for helping over 25 million users get online, but it hasn't kept pace with more feature-rich competitors in the website building space.

What is Jimdo?

Jimdo is a no-code builder that lets you create professional-looking websites without writing code or having technical skills. It comes with pre-made website templates and an easy drag-and-drop system, kind of like how you might arrange furniture in a room with a floor planning app. The platform is known for its acessible AI assistant, which can build a basic website for you by asking simple questions.

This company offers two main ways to build your site: AI-powered generation that does most of the work for you, and a hands-on editor where you can customize things yourself within certain limits. Instead of overwhelming beginners with hundreds of options, Jimdo keeps things simple by giving you fewer choices but making those choices very easy to implement. This works well if you want to get online quickly without fussing over every design detail.

Features

Answer a few question and Jimdo will create a template website for you (Image credit: Jimdo)

With Jimdo’s professional domain feature, I was able to get my own domain name for my website all in minutes. Having a custom domain name helps build trust with my customers, making them feel more comfortable when they visit my website.

The multiple pages feature of Jimdo let me create a lot pages on my site so that visitors can learn more about the products and services I offer on my test site. This helps me make sure that visitors see all the best parts of my business at once instead of having to search around for various pieces of information. This also means they’re more likely to stay on the page longer and take action - like signing up for a newsletter or buying something from my site. Jimdo makes it easy for me to optimize my website for Google searches so that more people can find me online. It provides step-by-step instructions on how to improve my ranking on Google so that I can drive even more traffic to the site.

Jimdo also offer GDPR-compliant legal pages feature. With this feature, all of my legal pages like imprint, privacy policy, terms & conditions are now covered by trusted shops guarantee - giving me peace of mind knowing everything is taken care of properly.

Tools

Your editing options are quite rudimentary (Image credit: Jimdo)

Jimdo provides a focused set of tools designed to get beginners online without overwhelming them with options. The platform emphasizes simplicity over comprehensive functionality, making it easy to understand what each tool does.

AI website builder

Jimdo's standout feature is its AI-powered website creation tool that builds sites automatically based on your answers to simple questions. The system asks about your business type, goals, and preferences, then creates a customized website complete with relevant content and design elements. You can even connect your social media profiles to help the AI better understand your brand and populate your site with appropriate content.

Drag-and-drop editor

The platform offers a visual editor that lets you modify your website by dragging elements around the page, though within the constraints of your chosen template. You can add new sections, change colors and fonts, and rearrange content blocks, but you're limited to the structure and elements provided by Jimdo. This "paint-by-numbers" approach prevents design mistakes but restricts creative freedom.

Ecommerce tools

Jimdo includes basic online store functionality that supports up to 100 products with features like product variants and manual stock updates. The platform handles essential e-commerce needs including flat-rate shipping calculations and integrates with Stripe and PayPal for payment processing. However, the limited product capacity and basic shipping tools make it suitable only for very small online stores.

SEO and analytics

The platform provides beginner-friendly SEO tools that help optimize your site for search engines without requiring technical knowledge. Basic analytics features let you track website performance and visitor engagement, while mobile optimization ensures your site works well on all devices. The SEO guidance is straightforward but lacks the advanced features needed for competitive markets.

Ease of use

Build your website using blocks (Image credit: Jimdo)

Jimdo has a very straightforward approach to website building. As we mentioned before, it offers two options: an AI-powered setup that builds your site for you, and a traditional drag-and-drop editor for those who need more hands-on control.

If you opt for the AI assistant, it begins by asking simple questions about your business type, goals, and industry, then automatically generates a website with content and design elements. This takes minutes and eliminates the intimidation factor that often scares beginners away.

But even the drag-and-drop UI maintains this simplicity throughout the editing process. You can smoothly transition between editing specific pages and adjusting overall site design — without getting lost in complex menus. Everything's clean and intuitive, though you're working within the constraints of your chosen template rather than with complete creative freedom.

While this "paint-by-numbers" approach prevents mistakes, it also means you can't break free from predetermined layouts and structures. With only about 16 dated templates available, that can be limiting. But the platform does include features like mobile responsiveness built into all templates, free SSL certificates ,and 24/7 backups for enhanced security.

Pricing

Jimdo offers a free plan to get you started. (Image credit: Jimdo)

Plan

Starting rate (paid annually)

Renewal rate (paid annually)

Free

$0

$0

Start

$11.00

$11.00

Grow

$18.00

$18.00

Unlimited

$45.00

$45.00

Basic (Ecommerce)

$18.00

$18.00

Business (Ecommerce)

$22.00

$22.00

VIP (Ecommerce)

$45.00

$45.00

Jimdo offers a free plan to get you started. Unsurprisingly, this plan is pretty limited and requires you to use a .jimdosite.com domain. However, this is a great option if you are just creating a hobby website or looking to test some of the Jimdo features before committing to pay.

To get rid of on-site ads and connect a custom domain, you will need to go for the Start plan. This plan is still a little simplistic but does offer you everything you need to create a professional website, so it is ideal for startups, freelancers, and more serious hobbyists.

If you want to really grow your website, the aptly named Grow plan could be for you. You get everything from the Start plan along with tools for Search Engine Optimization (SEO), visitor statistics, and personalized support (within 4 hours).

Online stores have three plans to pick from: Basicm, Business, or VIP. Business gives you all the ecommerce basics such as the ability to add product variants, social media marketing, and social selling tools. VIP takes this one step further, offering unlimited storage and professional design review.

Security

Jimdo takes security seriously with measures that protect both website owners and their visitors (Image credit: Jimdo)

Jimdo takes security seriously with measures that protect both website owners and their visitors. The platform automatically provides SSL certificates for all websites, ensuring data transmission is encrypted using HTTPS protocols. All financial transactions are secured through PCI DSS certification from the international PCI Security Standards Council, guaranteeing that payment processing meets the highest industry standards.

The company hosts its services on AWS Cloud data centers in Ireland that maintain ISO 27001 and SOC2 certifications, with strict access controls requiring multi-factor authentication and encrypted VPN connections for internal system access.

Beyond basic encryption, Jimdo employs multiple layers of protection including AES-256 encryption for data storage and communication, automated DDoS attack mitigation through Cloudflare partnership, and regular penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities.

The platform participates in a Vulnerability Disclosure Program that allows security researchers to safely test and report potential weaknesses. Daily automated backups ensure data recovery capabilities, while malware protection helps prevent security breaches.

Jimdo's professional security team also continuously monitors systems and updates security patches, backed by comprehensive emergency and recovery plans that are tested periodically.

Support

Need help? This knowledgebase could sort you out (Image credit: Jimdo)

The first method for getting assistance from Jimdo is submitting a ticket. This can be done directly on the website, under the “Help” tab located in the navigation bar at the top right side of every page.

Once you click this tab, you will see an option that says “Submit A Ticket” which allows you to fill out a form with all of your relevant information including your name, e-mail address, type of inquiry (such as technical issue or billing question), and additional comments if needed. Once this form has been completed and submitted, you will be able to track your ticket status online in order to find out when it has been answered.

The second method for getting assistance from Jimdo is accessing its help center which can also be found under the “Help” tab.

In the help center you will find helpful guides on topics such as setting up your website, managing content, design features, SEO optimization, ecommerce features, and much more. The help center also contains frequently asked questions along with step-by-step tutorials in order to make sure that you are getting answers quickly and accurately. It should be noted that only paid plans have access to priority support from Jimdo’s customer service team via email; free plans must rely on submitting tickets or accessing the help center for assistance.

Alternatives

One of the main competitors of Jimdo is Wix. Wix offers a comprehensive set of tools to help you build and manage your website quickly and easily. Its drag-and-drop editor makes it easy to customize your site and add media, while its range of themes allows you to create a professional-looking site without having any coding skills.

Weebly is another popular website builder that is often compared with Jimdo. Weebly has an intuitive drag-and-drop editor and hundreds of templates that make it easy to customize your site. It also offers features like built-in analytics, ecommerce tools, and support for multiple languages.

Squarespace is another great alternative to Jimdo if you want an easy way to build and manage a beautiful website. It has a modern interface with plenty of features designed for businesses who want their sites look professional and polished. Squarespace also offers powerful blogging tools, as well as integrated ecommerce features if you plan on selling products or services online.

Jimdo: Summary

Jimdo is a good choice for businesses looking for an easy-to-use platform with plenty of powerful features at an affordable price point. With its intuitive drag-and-drop interface and comprehensive suite of tools and services, it was the perfect fit for my business - and could be just right for yours too! So if you’re looking for a website platform that will give your business a leg up without breaking the bank, then definitely consider checking out Jimdo.

All these factors add up to make it one of the best small business website builders on the market - although with some more advanced tools, businesses of any size could benefit from using the Jimdo website builder.

FAQsWhat are the disadvantages of using Jimdo?

One of the first things I found out about Jimdo was the priority email support is only available to paid plan users. This could be a problem if you have questions or issues and need help from customer service quickly.

Another downside of using Jimdo is that it is limited in customization, which could be an issue if you want to get creative with your website design.

Is Jimdo free to use?

Yes, Jimdo offers you a free plan that you can use to build a website without any cost. However, this plan is limited, for example you cannot connect a custom domain, you only get 500 MB of storage, 2 GB of bandwidth, and you don’t get access to customer support. You will also have ads displayed on your website.

A free website builder can be a great way to test a platform or get a hobby online, but it will rarely offer the level of functionality needed to create a professional presence online.

Can I use my own domain name on a Jimdo website?

Yes, Jimdo allows you to connect a custom domain to your website on all plans. You can also purchase your domain directly through the Jimdo platform, making the process quick and easy.

However, if you opt for the free plan, you will not be able to connect your own domain. Instead, you will be allocated a ‘.jimdosite.com’ for your site.

Is Jimdo reliable?

After building my website on Jimdo, I can confidently say that it is reliable. The user-interface was intuitive and easy-to-use, making the entire process smooth and straightforward. The templates were also visually appealing and had useful features like galleries and contact forms integrated into them.

Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary: one-minute review

Most beginner mirrorless cameras are available as a kit with a standard zoom lens – a pairing that many users settle with long-term. However, if you want notably better-quality photos from such a setup, my first bit of advice would be to invest in an additional lens.

That's where the Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DC Contemporary prime comes in. Offering pin-sharp detail, dreamy bokeh and an 85mm effective focal length, it's ideal for portraiture, and a level up from your kit zoom.

It's one of a quartet of dinky f/1.4 primes by Sigma. But of those four, and indeed of the many lenses I've tested for crop-sensor cameras, it's Sigma's 56mm F1.4 that has impressed me the most.

What's more – it's tiny, lightweight, and well-built too, meaning it'll pair nicely with mirrorless cameras from the likes of Sony, Canon, Fujifilm, Nikon, and more.

In fact, Sigma should be commended for making this lens available for such a wide range of lens mounts. It was originally released for Sony E and Micro Four Thirds back all the way back in 2018, then for other mounts such as Fujifilm X, and only this year did it debut for Canon RF – a third-party lens for Canon RF is rare.

Put simply, the Sigma 56mm F1.4 is the best second lens you can buy in this format, especially for portraiture. Being a Sigma, it's made in-house in Japan to high standards, and the cherry on the cake is that it's reasonably priced too.

(Image credit: Tim Coleman)Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary specsSigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary specs

Type:

Telephoto prime

Mount:

L mount, Sony E mount, Fujifilm X mount, Micro Four Thirds, Nikon Z mount, Canon EF-M mount, Canon RF mount

Sensor:

APS-C

Focal length:

56mm (85mm effective for APS-C and 112mm for MFT)

Max aperture:

f/1.4

Minimum focus:

19.7 inches / 50cm

Filter size:

55mm

Dimensions:

69 x 57.5mm (Canon RF – other mounts differ slightly)

Weight:

10.2oz / 290g (Canon RF – other mounts differ slightly)

Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary: Price and availability

• Available for most mirrorless camera lens mounts
• Priced at around $450 / £420 / AU$650, depending on mount

Sigma offers the 56mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary in L mount, Sony E mount, Fujifilm X mount, Micro Four Thirds mount, Nikon Z mount, Canon EF-M mount and Canon RF mount versions. Put simply, you can find a version of the lens for your crop-sensor mirrorless camera, without needing an adaptor.

How much the lens costs depends on the version you need. The Canon RF version, for example, costs $449 / £419 / AU$649, while the Sony E-mount version is a little cheaper.

Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary: Design

• Weighs around 10oz / 285g
• Plastic barrel, no external buttons
• Available for most mirrorless camera lens mounts

Lenses for APS-C cameras tend to be smaller than equivalent full-frame optics, and that's certainly true of the Sigma 56mm F1.4. It weighs just 10oz / 285g (the Canon RF version is a few grams heavier), and measures 57.5mm in length, whereas an 85mm f/1.4 lens for full-frame cameras would typically be double the weight and size.

Its diminutive dimensions and light weight make the Sigma lens a suitable match for the best beginner mirrorless cameras, and it's the dinkiest in the series of f/1.4 primes. I was testing it with the Canon EOS R100, which is Canon's smallest mirrorless camera with RF mount, and there was a really nice balance to the pair.

There's a nice feel to the lens too, thanks to its large rubberized focus ring that's easy to locate and smooth in action. The barrel is plastic rather than metal, but it feels solid enough. I didn't exactly thrash the lens around during testing and portrait shoots, but I can still appreciate its durability.

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The mount, on the other hand, is metal, and most versions feature a rubber seal for dust and moisture resistance (the exception is the Canon EF-M version). It's worth pointing out that Sigma makes the lens at its HQ in Aizu, Japan, with tight control over build and optical quality.

There are zero external buttons and switches on the lens; the sole manual control to hand is the focus ring. I was testing the lens with a beginner-level camera, which also lacks the kind of external controls found on pricier cameras. As such, I missed having quick access to a basic adjustment such as a manual / autofocus switch.

The lens comes with a generously-sized lens hood, and should you want to attach threaded filters you'll need 55mm ones. Such small filters are usually pretty low-cost.

(Image credit: Tim Coleman)Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary: Performance

• Smooth, rapid and precise autofocus
• Maximum f/1.4 aperture for defocusing backgrounds
• Minimum 19.7 inches / 50cm focus distance delivers 1:7.4 maximum magnification

Autofocus in the 56mm F1.4 lens is powered by a stepping motor, which drives the lightweight lens elements with ease for quiet, rapid and accurate focus. Focusing is internal too – which means the lens's exterior maintains its size.

The minimum focus distance is 19.7 inches / 50cm, which is pretty decent for an 85mm-equivalent lens, realizing a 1:74 maximum magnification. This is no macro lens, however; the closest you'll get to sharp focus is on details such as flower heads.

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The aperture range is f/1.4 to f/16, with a nine-blade rounded aperture. Naturally, I gravitated to the maximum aperture for portraiture, and I suspect that the majority of the photos I would take with the lens, should I own it myself (and I want to), would be at f/1.4.

At this aperture, backgrounds defocus nicely for head-and-shoulders portraits, as in the images below, in which you can also see what bokeh looks like – note the quality of the dappled light in the background. Bokeh is smooth and round in the center of the frame, although a little cats-eye-shaped in the corners.

On the same day that I shot those portraits, I also used Canon's own RF-S 55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM lens for portraits and the difference in quality was clear – bokeh in the lower-end Canon lens has an ugly onion-ring effect, whereas the Sigma's is, as I've said, buttery smooth.

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(Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 2 of 2

(Image credit: Tim Coleman)

The lens construction comprises 10 elements in six groups, two of which are aspherical elements, plus one 'SLD' element. The result is ridiculously sharp detail, even at f/1.4, although for absolute peak sharpness any setting between f/2.8 to f/5.6 is on the money.

Like many Sigma lenses, the 56mm F1.4 utilizes in-camera digital correction to fine-tune images. I shot photos both in raw & JPEG, and checked the uncorrected images in Adobe Camera Raw, which supports the 56mm lens's profile for corrections. Switching lens corrections on and off allowed me to see how extreme any corrections are.

Lens distortions such as chromatic aberration and flare are all well controlled off the bat, and certainly nothing to worry about. There's notable pincushion distortion, and modest amounts of vignetting at f/1.4, but nothing that automatic lens corrections can't handle easily enough.

Image quality is excellent across the board, and the outstanding sharpness is even more impressive given the tiny dimensions of the lens.

Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary sample galleryImage 1 of 10

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I took the lens hood off for this photo and shot towards the sun. At particular angles, this pronounced flare appeared. (Image credit: Future)Should you buy the Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary?Buy it if...

You want a fast-aperture prime for portraits

The 85mm focal length, which is what this crop-sensor lens effectively offers on APS-C cameras, is widely appreciated by pro portrait photographers for it's flattering perspective. When coupled with the f/1.4 aperture, you can get defocused backgrounds and buttery smooth bokeh.

You're looking for a second lens to level up from your kit lens

Most crop-sensor cameras are available with a standard zoom lens with a modest maximum aperture. You'll get noticeably better portraits with this lens, and much sharper detail.

Don't buy it if...

You switch between manual and autofocus often

Sigma's DC DN Contemporary lenses for APS-C cameras are small, light and simple – possibly too simple for some. There are no external buttons or switches, such as an auto / manual focus control, which can make such adjustments slower.

You shoot wide

Keep in mind that the 56mm focal lens of this crop-sensor lens is effectively 85mm for APS-C and 112mm for MFT, which makes it a telephoto optic, and not one for wide perspectives.

(Image credit: Tim Coleman)How I tested the Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary

• Sigma loaned me the 56mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary for a few weeks
• I tested the lens at the same time as three of Sigma's other F1.4 primes
• I had the Canon RF-mount version, and paired the lens with a Canon EOS R100

I had several weeks to put the Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary lens through its paces, together with the three other lenses that make up Sigma's quartet of Contemporary primes for crop-sensor cameras: the 16mm F1.4, 23mm F1.4 and 30mm F1.4.

They are some of the few third-party lenses made for the Canon RF-mount, which is the version that I had, and I paired the lens with the entry-level Canon EOS R100.

Throughout my time testing the lens, I've set the camera to shoot in raw & JPEG simultaneously, with in-camera lens corrections turned off. Adobe Camera Raw's profile for the lens allowed me to directly check the extent of corrections that are applied.

I've mostly used the lens for portraiture, making use of its maximum f/1.4 aperture. I've also taken images in various scenarios and using various apertures, in order to check for lens distortions and check detail.

• First reviewed June 2025

If there’s anything a game can do to make a good first impression, it’s having its dual protagonists riding huge dragons in what feels like a cataclysmic event.

Having no skin in the game as far as Rune Factory as a series is concerned, it felt as though I’d skipped a whole host of chapters and was getting ready for the final battle between good and evil, and then… my character woke up.

Review info

Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2
Available on: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
Release date: June 5, 2025

Rather than charging into battle atop a mythical creature, I found myself cleaning up weeds and harvesting wood. The surprising part, however, is that in doing so, I came to fall in love with the depths of Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma’s systems.

There’s combat here, sure, but in the 25 hours I spent in its charming world on Nintendo Switch 2, the biggest draws were getting to just the next upgrade for my burgeoning town, offering just the right gift on a character’s birthday, and enjoying quality time with its cast.

Rhythm is a dancer

(Image credit: Marvelous Inc.)

Still, I’m getting ahead of myself. As I mentioned, I’ve never played a Rune Factory game before, but with multiple Switch 2 games dropping into the laps of gamers, I wanted to kick the tires somewhat even before this review in hopes of filling a knowledge gap.

Waking from a dream, my amnesiac hero finds himself in the quaint Spring Village. Here, the sacred tree has stopped blooming, and I was tasked with cleaning the place up in hopes that better times would return.

As it would happen, the protagonist is an Earth Dancer, able to tap into natural forces (isn’t that always the way?), allowing them to wield divine instruments that help plants grow and push back against a sort of blight that’s strangling this once-vibrant world.

That narrative setup leads into the main mechanic of Guardians of Azuma: Village management. If the game itself were a sacred tree, its village customisation and management tools would be the central trunk–absolutely everything feeds into it, and that’s what helped me sink so many hours in so quickly.

Making friends…

(Image credit: Marvelous Inc.)

In the game’s opening hours, you’ll be led by the hand through all sorts of smaller pieces of village stewardship. You’ll meet its inhabitants to grow social bonds (more on that shortly), and spend time building up a designated area for fields and small buildings.

It doesn’t take long to build a couple of relatively humble abodes to help bring in new villagers, or harvest crops that can be sent elsewhere to raise capital for your village. In fact, before long, there’s the same kind of satisfaction you find in any other management game, as things tick along nicely.

The more villagers you can, the more they’ll be able to help with chores and tasks, and each has individual perks that help them fall more naturally into roles like Loggers, Farmers, or Miners.

Seeing my small patch of farmland from the game’s first hour gain a whole host of villagers to work on the harvest, or adding my first blacksmith, felt perfectly paced. The carrot on the proverbial stick of “I just need to get to the next upgrade” kept me up past 2 AM more than once, and there’s a really cosy quality to Guardians of Azuma that makes it a natural fit as a Switch 2 launch game.

…and influencing people

(Image credit: Marvelous Inc.)

In between your daily routine of tidying things up, bossing people about, and trying to make a bit of gold, you’ll also have the chance to grow friendships with your companions and even branch out into romance with them.

This is achieved by making an effort to converse with them regularly, fulfilling any requests they may have, and eventually working with their likes and dislikes to select suitable gifts or suggest suitable activities.

It’s not as strictly structured as something like Persona, and while there is a day/night schedule (complete with debuffs for staying up late), it’s easy to fit multiple social engagements into one day.

Best bit

(Image credit: Marvelous Inc.)

They say 'it takes a village', and I loved watching my relatively small patch of farmland grow into a bustling production line of crops being picked, weapons being crafted, and making coin via trading.

That’s a good thing, because many of the characters are just so fun to talk to. Ulalaka, the divine spirit of the game’s first village, is relaxed and cordial but holds some deeper fears about the state of the world and her diminishing powers. And, while some characters are certainly more one-note (Murasame is the relatively generic swordsman, while Takumi is the affable, boisterous carpenter), they’re all brought to life with exuberant voice acting and great regionalisation.

(Image credit: Marvelous Inc.)

A special shout-out, too, to Woolby. The game’s comic relief could have felt more irritating given how much he’s on screen in certain scenes, and I had feared he’d be akin to Persona’s Teddy or Morgana, but I ended up genuinely enjoying his appearances, and he didn’t grate much at all.

Laying down the law of the land

(Image credit: Marvelous Inc.)

You’ll want to spend time chatting up your cohorts, too. There are around two dozen romance options, but once any of their bond levels hit 1 (which is very, very easy to do), they’ll be able to accompany you on expeditions out of the village.

That’s important because while your town is busy working on items and weapons you can take out into the world with you, there are monsters to slay.

While the bright art style may suggest similarities, it’s not quite as deep as in something like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Many enemies can be felled with a few swings of your sword, but there are plenty of weapons to unlock, each with their own skill trees.

That applies to your party, too, so leveling your social bonds can be the difference between rolling into a boss fight with a relatively slapdash squad or with a team of hardened veterans.

There’s a breeziness to the action-based sword-swinging and bow-firing, and the option to slow time when you nail a ‘Perfect Dodge’ and follow up with a whirlwind flurry of attacks feels just as good here as it has in recent Zelda titles.

Some enemies will even turn into villagers, making seeking them out (and various other bonuses in the areas outside your village) a worthy endeavour.

Rinse, repeat

While there’s always something to do, be it a notjiceboard request or working towards the next village upgrade, the game’s structure won’t be to everyone’s liking.

Each chapter essentially adds a new village, and if you’ve not had a great deal of fun managing the minutiae of harvesting and selling crops in the first one, you’ll probably struggle to find the fun in the following villages.

Each comes with its own unique challenges, characters, and mechanics, but the overarching mechanics remain the same. That’s something I had a blast with, just constantly min/maxing my time, but it won’t be to everyone’s tastes.

I also found that there are some frame rate drops while playing on a TV at 4K, but those weren’t an issue in handheld. Given the option to sit back and do some village management while watching TV, though, I can see the latter being the way most people enjoy Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma.

Should you play Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma?Play it if...

You’re looking for something to scratch that Animal Crossing itch
Rune Factory isn’t quite as cutesy, but it does offer plenty of management systems for your villages. And yes, you can just walk around pulling up weeds as if Tom Nook is watching over you.

You want something to sink hours into
Between finding materials, recruiting villagers, restoring your home, and much, much more, it’s easy to get lost in Guardians of Azuma’s series of interwoven mechanics.

You’re looking for a great starting point for the series
I’ve never played a Rune Factory game, but it’s a series I’ll be keeping an eye on in the future. It’s easy to follow right from the jump.

Don't play it if...

You’re looking for a deep story
Guardians of Azuma’s story is relatively by-the-numbers, but a strong cast of characters and great voice work help it feel more than the sum of its parts.

Accessibility

As far as I could see in the settings, there are no additional subtitle sizes on offer, but you can auto-pause dialogue when a sentence is finished. You can also adjust the speed at which subtitles appear.

Button mapping is very flexible, too, meaning players can customize their button inputs as much as they’d like, and the game does a great job of keeping button tooltips on screen, too.

(Image credit: Marvelous Inc.)How I reviewed Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma

I played Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma for 25 hours, completing the main story and mopping up a whole host of side quests.

I did so on Nintendo Switch 2, switching between docked with my Sky Glass TV and playing in handheld mode, and making use of the Switch 2 Pro Controller. It marks one of my favorite Switch 2 experiences alongside The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Breath of the Wild, as well as Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, but up next it’s Hyrule Warriors Definitive Edition.

First reviewed June 2025

PolarPro QuartzLine ND filter: two-minute review

In photography, we often want more light. It’s why people seek out larger sensors and wider apertures in their cameras and lenses – in order to capture a greater amount of light in a shorter space of time. That’s brilliant if you want a fast shutter speed to freeze the action – but what if you want to use a slower shutter speed, in order to capture the motion blur of a car racing past or turn a raging river into a smooth, silky ribbon of blue?

Achieving a slow shutter speed, particular on a sunny day, can be tricky – which is where ND filters like the PolarPro QuartzLine range come in. Available in a wide range of strengths, these circular filters screw onto the front of a camera lens and reduce light transference without affecting color rendition. At least, that’s the idea.

PolarPro sent me four ND filters to test, all in 67mm thread size (they’re also available in 77mm and 82mm), in ND8, ND16, ND64 and ND1000 strengths. The ND8 filter drops light input and increases exposure time by three stops; the ND16 four stops; the ND64 six stops; and the ND1000 filter 10 stops. Obviously, having a set like this in your camera bag would be handy if you want to cover every eventuality – but it’ll be mighty expensive too.

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Each filter comes with its own hinged hard carry case and microfiber cleaning cloth, emphasising their premium positioning. The cases are hard plastic, but have a fetching brushed metal finish and magnetic closure, and each is helpfully labelled with the thread size and ND value, to reduce the time it takes to pull out the right one from your bag.

The filters themselves are well crafted and beautifully solid, so it does at least feel like that money is going somewhere. Made of brass and aluminum (and with a distinctive brass-colored finish), they’re reassuring tough, with pleasingly chunky ridges that gave me plenty of grip whenever I was attaching or detaching them from my Panasonic Lumix GH6’s lens (I used a 62mm to 67mm step-up ring, also made by PolarPro, in order to do so).

The brass frame construction should keep the screw threads in good shape too, in theory – so these filters should be fitting smoothly for many, many years to come. I found them very easy to fit, but you’d expect that from new filters. They also feature front threads, allowing other filters and attachments to be fitted over them.

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The glass, dubbed Cinema Series Glass by PolarPro, is made in Germany. A series of coatings purportedly eliminate color shift (any sort of color cast being added by the filter), and PolarPro also claims its ultra-low refractivity keeps the effects of the light passing through so minimal that it can fully resolve sensors with up to 400MP resolution. The coatings add anti-scratch, anti-oil and hydrophobic qualities too.

My Lumix GH6’s sensor is just 25.2MP, so doesn’t really help in putting the refractivity claims to the test, but in terms of color shift I can say I’m impressed. Even the most powerful filter of the four I was testing, the ND1000, doesn’t add much of visible color cast to images – but when closely comparing test shots without the filters to those with, there is a slight warm tint visible in the filtered images.

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This photo was shot as a control, with no ND filter attached (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)PolarPro QuartzLine ND color cast comparisonsImage 2 of 5

Sample photo using the ND8 filter. (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)Image 3 of 5

Sample photo using the ND16 filter. (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)Image 4 of 5

Sample photo using the ND64 filter. (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)Image 5 of 5

Sample photo using the ND1000 filter. (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

I wouldn’t call this a huge drawback, particularly as I think anyone spending this much money on ND filters probably has some experience in post-processing and editing photos. It’s nothing that can’t easily be fixed in Lightroom or similar, and most observers wouldn’t even notice it unless they were looking, but it’s definitely present.

Using the filters, I was able to capture long exposures (10 seconds or more) on bright, sunny days by the sea. These photos smoothed out the motion of the waves and made the surface of the water more transparent to give my images a much more dream-like quality. They would have been completely impossible to take without an ND filter, as too much light would have entered the camera and blown out the image.

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This long exposure turned crashing waves into silky, smooth ribbons of motion. (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)Image 2 of 6

Shot with no filter. (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)Image 3 of 6

Shot using the ND1000 filter and converted to black and white in Lightroom. (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)Image 4 of 6

A long, multi-second capture using the ND1000 filter smooths out the sea's surface and blurs the motion of a paddle boarder. (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)Image 5 of 6

A second seascape, shot with no filter. (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)Image 6 of 6

Here, the ND1000 filter was used to slow down the shutter speed for a multi-second capture. (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

I was also able to use the filters to aid my videography by helping me to shoot video with a wider aperture (i.e. for a shallow depth of field) or slower shutter speed (for more motion blur). I did find this a little more challenging at points, as it involved swapping between filters a little too often – and it’s times like that when a variable ND (or VND) filter feels invaluable. These allow you to adjust ND strength by twisting the filter, offering a much more immediate solution. I’m also currently reviewing PolarPro’s own PMVND Edition II filter with a 2-5 stop range, so look out for an in-depth review of that soon.

While PolarPro QuartzLine ND filters are certainly expensive, I was thoroughly impressed by their premium construction, glass quality and general usability, and wouldn’t hesitate to use them in my own landscape photography and videography.

PolarPro QuartzLine ND filter: price and availability

In the US, PolarPro QuartzLine ND filters cost the same price, regardless of their thread size and filter strength at the PolarPro store. Whether you pick 67mm, 77mm or 82mm threads, or the ND8, ND16, ND64, ND1000 or ND100K strengths, every filter costs $99.99. Simple and, in my opinion, good value for money – particularly given that you also get a hard storage case and cleaning cloth with each filter.

In other countries, the price can vary a lot more. In the UK, for instance, the filters seem very expensive in comparison to US pricing, and thread size and ND value seemingly have little bearing on the cost – i.e. at Amazon UK, the larger thread sizes are sometimes cheaper than the smaller ones, where logic would dictate the opposite. It’s a slightly confusing situation, with some retailers offering decent discounts while others charge the full whack.

Should I buy the PolarPro QuartzLine ND filter?

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

You want an ND filter that’ll last you many years
With its rugged construction, coated glass and included hard case, there’s no reason a QuartLine ND filter shouldn’t last you a lifetime of shooting.

You want minimal distortion and color cast
I experienced no obvious ghosting or other distortion when using the filters, and only a tiny shift in color. It’s got great optical quality.

Don't buy it if...

You want a flexible filter for ever-changing conditions
For video shooting especially, a variable ND filter that can be quickly adapted to different lighting conditions may make more sense.

You’re on a tight budget
These are premium filters and the price reflects that. If you’re a beginner or on a budget, pick up some cheaper filters first to make sure they’re something you’ll use in your photography.

How I tested the PolarPro QuartzLine ND filter

• One week of use
• Tested with photography and video capture
• Used with Panasonic Lumix GH6 camera

I tested these PolarPro QuartzLine ND filters over the course of a sunny summer's week by the sea in southern England – an ideal time and place to put this type of light-stopping filter through its paces. I tested four filters in the range, fitting them onto my Panasonic Lumix GH6 camera (with the help of a step-up ring) to capture both still photos and video, comparing the results against shots captured without the filter.

First reviewed June 2025

PocketBook InkPad Eo review

My first thought as soon as I took the InkPad Eo out of its packaging was, “Ooh, that’s different.” It’s physically unlike any PocketBook device I’ve tried before, with a premium and hefty build that it’s borrowed from Bigme – made possible after the Chinese brand became a co-owner.

This was a good move as the metal-bound chassis feels nice to hold and, despite an 8MP rear camera, there’s no bump, so it lies completely flat on a table. However, the use of metal edges and the camera could be what’s made the InkPad Eo heavier (at 470g) than some of its competition, like the Onyx Boox Go 10.3 (375g), and uncomfortable to hold for long sessions. I've tested other 10-inch E Ink writing tablets and most of them are more comfortable to hold than the InkPad Eo.

Other than its design, there’s just a couple of other positives I appreciate about the PocketBook InkPad Eo. One is the adoption of the global handwriting feature – aka the ability to write on third-party apps – which is not always supported in other epaper note-taking tablets and could well sway some potential buyers. The other is the color palette – while not as well optimized as the Kobo Colour Libra's screen, book covers on the InkPad Eo look lovely in color. However, this has not quite translated to the ink colors when writing or drawing and those look far more washed out.

(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

And that's where my positives for this device stop. While I commend the attempt at giving the Onyx Boox devices competition, the Eo is unable to hold its own in other areas.

For starters, it’s very easy to lose the stylus as it doesn’t secure magnetically to the side of the tablet itself. Moreover, the eraser on the top of the pen doesn’t quite behave as expected – it’s more a selector, and the erasing happens after you’ve selected something in the notes app. It’s not a massive lag, but I much prefer the way the Kindle Scribe’s Premium Pen or the Kobo Stylus 2 behaves – erasing as you move along the writing (or drawing), much like an actual pencil eraser would do. Even the reMarkable’s Marker and the Boox pens erase in real time.

The camera, despite being a nice touch, isn’t worth having at all. It doesn’t actually ‘scan’ a document as your phone might do – instead it takes a photo. And the quality of the image isn’t great either, much like the Onyx Boox Palma 2.

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(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Image 2 of 2

(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

The one thing you expect to do easily with any ereader is transfer files, but even that basic task was frustrating with the InkPad Eo. While there’s Dropbox support (and I’m not a user of this cloud service), there’s no cable transfer possible from a MacBook (I’m not a Windows user either). All possible solutions recommended by PocketBook that I found online to move ebooks to the library application didn’t work and I had to resort to using a microSD card instead. That worked well, along with allowing me to add custom fonts, and a restart enabled the latter easily enough. Even Boox devices don’t have Apple support, but it’s still a lot easier to transfer files without resorting to using a microSD card, and that's thanks to BooxDrop and Google Drive support.

It’s also not easy to check if a file import (in my case via the microSD card) has been successfully completed on the InkPad Eo. There’s no progress bar and the files don’t uncheck when the import is done. Strangely, there is a greyed-out Import button with a check mark, but it’s barely visible.

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(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Image 2 of 3

(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Image 3 of 3

(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

Even ghosting is a massive issue. Nearly every app and every page turn results in a light overlay of the previous screen, which can get distracting after a while because you keep expecting it to happen. And that’s despite PocketBook adopting the multiple refresh rate options that Boox devices also have, and yet the latter does it better. I found that the best refresh rate setting to successfully minimize ghosting on the Inkpad Eo is the Regal option, but the only way to select that is to choose Custom Mode, otherwise it’s greyed out. It’s a simple thing and should be available as one of the default options.

The InkPad Eo is the first epaper writing tablet from PocketBook that I’ve tested, but the user interface was instantly familiar. It’s like a love child of reMarkable and Boox, inheriting more from the latter. And, of course, that means the Eo struggles with similar issues that I’ve previously complained about with Boox. The interface is clunky and not very streamlined, with important submenus tucked away when they should be easier to access.

I’m also not too chuffed about a tablet released in April 2025 running Android 11. That’s outdated now and, even though I don’t expect security to be an issue on a device like an E Ink note-taking tablet, surely it’s time to move on – even Boox has adopted Android 13.

(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

There are a whole lot of other little bugs which can be fixed via a firmware update, but are, at present, rather annoying. For example, tapping on the Home icon doesn’t take you to a home screen at all – it just refreshes the screen you’re already on or takes you to the home page of the app you were using.

Another example is that even though PocketBook has thought about adding a Night and Bedtime frontlight setting, they’re both very bright by default and require manual adjusting anyway. So having those presets was of no use, at least to me who prefers dim screen light when reading at night.

Long story short, PocketBook needs to do better. The InkPad Eo has the makings of a good epaper writing tablet but, as it is now, it’s hard to recommend when there are other brands that do a far superior job at the same or lower price.

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(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Image 2 of 2

(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)PocketBook InkPad Eo review: specs

Display type:

E Ink Kaleido 3

Screen size:

10.3 inches

Screen resolution:

300ppi grayscale; 150ppi color

Processor:

Mediatek MT8768 (octa core 2.3GHz)

Frontlight:

Yes (SMARTlight)

Storage:

64GB (expandable via microSD)

Battery:

4,000mAh

Speaker:

Yes (stereo)

Water protection:

None

Software:

Android 11

Connectivity:

USB-C, Wi-Fi (dual band), Bluetooth 5.0

File support:

14 document, 3 image, 2 audio

Dimensions:

226 х 191 х 7 mm

Weight:

470g

PocketBook InkPad Eo review: price & availability

• Announced March 2025
• Available now in North America and Europe from authorized sellers
• List price: $550 / £449 (about AU$850)

The PocketBook InkPad Eo was announced at the end of March 2025 and has been available to buy in select markets from third-party sellers since April. With a price tag of $550 / £449 (about AU$850), it’s an expensive E Ink note-taking tablet, but then so is the Bigme InkNoteX from which it takes its cues, as are other color 10-inch E Ink writing tablets.

For example, the reMarkable Paper Pro will set you back $579 / £559 / AU$929 at the very least. For that kind of money, you’re getting a much better device too – an e-paper screen that displays color better and a very streamlined, minimal user interface. That said, it’s not the best for using as an ereader as well – its sole purpose is to be a writing tablet.

While we haven’t tested the Boox Note Air4 C, we’ve liked the previous generations and, for a color e-note taker of the same size as the InkPad Eo, with the same screen tech and very similar UX, it could be the better buy at $529.99 / AU$874 (ships to the UK via the EU warehouse for about £465).

At the time of writing, the InkPad Eo isn’t being listed at too many US stores, although Amazon has it listed for $579. It seems to be well stocked in the UK, though, although prices vary a little. For example, Amazon UK has it down for £504.26, but Currys lists it for £499. Laptops Direct is the only UK retailer stocking it for £449 at the time of writing.

PocketBook devices aren’t officially available in Australia, but imports are listed on Amazon AU and eBay, but at high markups.

Should I buy the PocketBook InkPad Eo?Buy it if...

Global handwriting is an important feature you need

Not all epaper writing tablets support handwriting in third-party apps. In fact, it's pretty rare. But PocketBook has enabled it on the InkPad Eo, which gives it a major edge over the competition.

You're a PocketBook or Bigme loyalist

There's no denying that PocketBook or Bigme fans will appreciate this tablet – it's well made and inherts Bigme's global handwriting feature. For everyone else, it might be worth looking elsewhere for an alternative.

Don't buy it if...

You don't have the patience to deal with bugs

There's a heck of a lot that's not executed well with the PocketBook InkPad Eo, and it's more than just bugs. If things like ghosting and a clunky interface are going to annoy you, you're better off spending your money elsewhere.

You want value for money

For what it offers, the InkPad Eo is expensive. You'll find far more value for money by opting for a similar tablet from another brand. And if it's an Android one you're after, the Boox devices should be top of your list.

Also consider

Onyx Boox Go 10.3

It looks lovely and it's arguably the thinnest and lightest 10-inch E Ink writing tablet I've used. It doesn't have a color display, but its feature packed and runs Android 12. It's my pick for being the best E Ink writing tablet as its more versatile than the reMarkable 2.
Read my in-depth Onyx Boox Go 10.3 review for more information.

reMarkable Paper Pro

If money is no object and you want a color epaper writing tablet, there's none better than the reMarkable Paper Pro. Instead of using the standard E Ink Kaleido 3 screen tech, it uses a customized version of the Gallery 3 display, so colors are more saturated in comparison. And as a reMarkable, it's a creator's tablet through and through.
Read our full reMarkable Paper Pro review to learn more.

How I tested the PocketBook InkPad Eo

• Used every day for three weeks as ereader and note taker
• Downloaded a few Android apps, including Kindle and Kobo for reading
• Listened to some audiobooks and music files to test speaker quality

(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

I've tested about 30 ereaders in the last eight years, so I've developed a routine when I begin a new review. First, I connect to Wi-Fi to set up the device, then immediately see if I can transfer some ebooks and comic files for testing. And if it's a note-taking tablet like the PocketBook InkPad Eo, I start a new notebook called Scribbles where I test writing, drawing and handwriting recognition.

I did all this for the InkPad Eo, then also signed into the Google Play Store to download some other apps, including some benchmarking ones as I'm always curious to see how the processor performs.

I spent about 30 hours over a period of three weeks reading ebooks, and took all my work-related notes on the InkPad Eo. This gave me plenty of experience with the workings of the tablet. I also tried out the rear camera a few times, plus tested all the refresh rate options and various settings.

Given my experience with different brands of ereaders and E Ink writing tablets, I was able to compare the InkPad Eo as objectively as possible with the competition from Onyx Boox, Kindle, Kobo and reMarkable.

Read more about how we test

[First reviewed June 2025]

Slight spoilers follow for Ironheart.

Ironheart is an underdog in every sense of the word.

Despite man-of-the-moment Ryan Coogler's involvement, the final TV show of the Marvel Phase 5 era was mostly written off well ahead of release; few other live-action Marvel TV projects have faced an uphill battle to convince Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) devotees and casual fans alike to watch it.

Write off Coogler, the comic giant, and the series' titular hero at your peril, though, because Ironheart is an impressive Disney+ TV Original that largely hits its marks. Yes, it falls into the perennial traps that other small-screen MCU projects have, but after watching all six episodes I was pleasantly surprised by its style, energy, and emotionally impactful story that explores themes around family and flawed heroes.

Tech check

Ironheart reintroduces us to Riri Williams, who made her MCU debut in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (Image credit: Marvel Studios/Disney+)

Set days after Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, i.e., the MCU movie in which Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne) made her live-action debut in, Ironheart opens with the eponymous character returning to her hometown of Chicago. The reason? She's kicked out of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for selling completed assignments to other students to fund development of her Iron Man-inspired super-suit.

Financially broke and suit-less – after the self-made prototype suit, which she steals from MIT, malfunctions on the flight home – Riri soon crosses paths with Parker Robbins/The Hood (Anthony Ramos). The mysterious, magical cloak-wearing leader of a street gang, Robbins preys on Riri's ambition to build a new, souped-up suit by saying he'll fund her creation in exchange for helping his crew conduct heists.

Ironheart occasionally paints Riri as an anti-hero in the vein of Breaking Bad's Walter White

Central to Ironheart's story is the internal struggle Riri continually wrestles with. At her core, she's a good person – indeed, due to a deeply traumatic event that occurred years prior, Riri wants to "revolutionize safety" by creating a suit that can be used by first responders and other emergency services personnel.

After she's kicked out of MIT, Riri builds a new suit at her Chicago-based childhood home (Image credit: Marvel Studios/Disney+)

It's that philanthropic nature, among other things, that draws parallels with a certain Tony Stark, whose ghost looms large over yet another MCU project. However, given their comic book ties – Stark is a long-time mentor of Riri's in Marvel literature – Stark's posthumous influence is more valid here than in prior MCU productions, even if the namedropping is occasionally incessant.

That said, while Riri wants to build on Stark's legacy and make something "iconic", her unwavering ambition and Stark-sized ego occasionally paints her as an anti-hero in the vein of Breaking Bad's Walter White or, in more familiar MCU terms, Frank Castle/The Punisher and Loki. Riri's a more complicated and naïve hero than we're used to seeing, and that make the decisions she makes, and the consequences spawned by her actions, all the more fascinating.

Fight off your demons

Ironheart does a much better job of examining post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and panic attacks than Iron Man 3 did (Image credit: Marvel Studios/Disney+)

The dichotomy at the heart of Riri's story is further heightened by the moral complexities and grief born out of the loss of her stepdad Gary (LaRoyce Hawkins) and best friend Natalie (Lyric Ross) in a random act of gun violence.

This excruciatingly painful event is not just a driving force behind Riri's ambition to make the world a safer place, but also a moment she refuses to confront. Such a deep-seated mental and emotional scar is a breeding ground for PTSD and panic attacks, which here are handled with greater precision, creative flair, and sensitivity than Stark's post-Avengers mental health problems were in Iron Man 3.

In Thorne, Ironheart has a talented lead with the swagger, emotional nuance, and comedic timing – despite its melodrama, occasional toe dips into horror, and suspense-filled Ant-Man-like heisting, Ironheart is a surprisingly funny show – to bring all aspects of its protagonist to life, too.

Thorne has the swagger, emotional nuance, and comedic timing to bring all aspects of Ironheart's protagonist to life

She's not the sole bright spot among Ironheart's cast of characters.

The scene-stealing Ross, who plays Natalie in flashbacks and also portrays N.A.T.A.L.I.E – an AI construct like Iron Man's J.A.R.V.I.S. and F.R.I.D.A.Y, and Black Panther's Griot, who Riri inadvertently creates – helps to bring a playful and squabbling relatability to the dynamic Riri shares with both characters. The pair's natural rapport is evident from the outset and, while the way in which N.A.T.A.L.I.E helps to strip away Riri's metaphorical armor to allow the latter to process her grief is a little on the nose thematically, it's a 'bestie' dynamic that's full of real heart.

Dancing with the devil

Anthony Ramos' Parker Robbins/The Hood is Ironheart's primary antagonist (Image credit: Marvel Studios/Disney+)

Ross, Riri's concerned and warm-hearted mom Ronnie Williams (Anji White) and Natalie's brother Xavier (Matthew Elam) notwithstanding, Thorne shares the most screentime with Ramos' The Hood, whose introduction is not only novel in its execution, but also happens very early on.

Some Marvel TV shows are guilty of prolonging their narrative setup, but Ironheart gets to the crux of its primary plot within the first 30 minutes of its premiere. That might seem quick, but I can fully get behind a story that tackles its meatier content sooner rather than later – and which still maintains an air of mystery despite its fast-paced nature.

Ironheart follows in most MCU TV series' footsteps by rushing through its finale

This doesn't mean Ironheart's narrative structure is consistent in its quality. Some episodes feel hurried and, by proxy, don't spend enough time reflecting on character choices or fleshing out certain plot threads. It also follows in most MCU TV series' footsteps by rushing through its finale that, spoilers notwithstanding, sets up a possible sequel season and teases wider implications for the MCU via the arrival of a character MCU fans have waited years for.

Some MCU fans think they know who Alden Ehrenreich is really playing in Ironheart (Image credit: Marvel Studios/Disney+)

Ironheart has a semi-regular issue with its villains, too. Fans were full of praise for Ramos' take on The Hood when the show's first full clip was released online, but he feels a little underdeveloped in Ironheart's first half. It's not until the series' second three-episode batch that he's fully realized as a menacing antagonist through his powerset, and positioned as a sympathetic villain via his backstory. In certain lighting, his magic-infused cloak is a tad garish, too, but I suspect that's intentional.

Joe McGillicuddy (Alden Ehrenreich) falls into a similar category. A fascinating mix of bumbling and unhinged with his own tragic past, Joe bonds with Riri over their shared technical expertise and grief until their budding camaraderie is shattered by events midway through Ironheart's six-episode run. The fallout creates another conflicted antagonist for Riri to deal with but, while Ehrenreich does a fantastic job of capturing Joe's betrayal of trust and emotional turbulence, his evolution from timid ally to complicated foe happens too quickly for my liking.

Ironheart satisfyingly blurs the lines between the magic versus technology-led storyline we've been sold

Still, Joe's transformation, along with Riri's magic-based suit upgrade and other references to the MCU's mystical elements (there are as many ties to Doctor Strange as there are to Iron Man here), satisfyingly blur the lines between the magic-versus-technology storyline we've been sold. Yes, Ironheart pits these diametrically opposed forces against each other, but also acts as a collision point where they can come together and create something wholly unique for the MCU.

What's more common is the at-times clunky and stifled dialog, which some fans pointed out in Ironheart's first trailer and isn't aided by hard cuts between specific scenes, particularly in early episodes.

It's also another Marvel production that refuses to explain certain things with enough intent. Sure, the MCU is a franchise where superpowered beings run riot and parallel universes exist among other things, but I don't think I'm asking for much by wanting a bit more story exposition, especially for viewers who haven't seen Black Panther 2. I guess my Wakanda Forever ending explainer will have to do!

My verdict

Ironheart exceeded my expectations with its smaller-scale, family-oriented, street-level-style narrative that reminded me of Hawkeye, Ms Marvel, and Daredevil: Born Again, all of which I similarly enjoyed. I feared the worst when Marvel confirmed Ironheart's unusual release schedule, but its two-part release format lends itself well to the story it tells.

It isn't the best Marvel TV Original, but I suspect Ironheart will prove a lot of people wrong. It'll be a tough ask to win round anyone who's already dismissed it but, if it does so through mine and other critics' reviews, plus positive word of mouth, then Coogler, showrunner Chinaka Hodge, and the rest of its chief creative team might have built something iconic for Riri Williams after all.

Ironheart episodes 1 to 3 are out now on Disney+. Read my Ironheart release schedule article to see when its final three episodes will be released.

Corsair Platform:4: Two-minute review

I’ve always had one big complaint about many of the best gaming desks: namely, the fact that they’re all so big. It seems that most brands assume that if you’re willing to splash out for a premium product, it means that you’re likely to have a lot of room to put it in. That leaves those of us with smaller gaming setups and no room for the likes of the Secretlab Magnus or Cooler Master GD160 ARGB in a bit of an awkward spot.

Enter Corsair, with the Corsair Platform:4. The smaller sibling of the gargantuan Corsair Platform:6, the Platform:4 has a desktop that comes in at a comparatively tiny 40 x 30 inches / 120 x 76 cm. It easily fits in the small corner where I keep my desk and, despite the smaller size, doesn't skimp on build quality and is absolutely overflowing with features.

It comes in three attractive colorways: a sleek Black with a laminate desk surface or, if you’re willing to pay more for the more premium wood variant, Light Pine Stain or Dark Walnut Stain options. As someone with mostly white PC peripherals, a blue gaming chair, and light color walls, the Light Pine Stain matches my setup perfectly and is a refreshing departure from the darker aesthetics of most gaming desks.

The desk comes bundled with a modular T-channel metal rail system that is mounted across the top of the desk and supports the mounting of accessories like microphones and storage cubbies. You also get a VESA monitor arm, which attaches to the rail and frees up some room on the desktop that would otherwise be occupied by your monitor stand - definitely appreciated when you’re working with limited space.

(Image credit: Future)

Considering the high price of the Corsair Platform:4, you’re paying a hefty premium for this rail system, though, so make sure that it’s something that you’re actually going to use before making your purchase. The desk is fully functional without it attached, but there are significantly cheaper options out there (especially if you expand your search to some of the best office desks) if you don’t like using monitor arms.

Placing a monitor directly on the desk will also block access to the built-in storage cubby. It’s a little small, with only room for a few small accessories or knick-knacks, but it does have handy integrated USB ports for charging your devices. Under the desk, you can mount a cable management tray, which is fantastic for keeping things tidy or storing little accessories. There’s ample space in it, which is ideal for holding power bricks or stashing extra cables that you don’t want to lose.

I tested the more expensive Elevate version of the Corsair Platform:4, which comes with motorised adjustable legs. I appreciate how the control panel can be mounted on either side of the desktop, but raising and lowering the desk can be a tad fiddly. It feels just a little unresponsive, and sometimes comes to a stop without warning. This isn’t too unusual for electric standing desks, which tend to move very cautiously to avoid trapping cables (or worse, limbs) in their mechanisms, but is still worth bearing in mind.

Even so, it’s easy to recommend the Corsair Platform:4 if you have the budget. It's small, stylish, constructed from quality materials, and doesn't skimp on features.

Corsair Platform:4: Price and availability

• Corsair Platform:4 starts at $699.99 / £799.99 / around AU$1,600
• Corsair Platform:4 Elevate starts at $899.99 / £999.99 / around AU$2,000
• On the premium end of the market

There's no getting around the fact that the Corsair Platform:4 is an expensive gaming desk. It starts at $699.99 / £799.99 for the basic Black laminate version. The wooden variant is then $799.99 / £899.99 and comes in either Light Pine Stain or Dark Walnut Stain.

The Corsair Platform:4 Elevate, the standing desk version, is more expensive still, starting at $899.99 / £999.99 for the Black Laminate or $999.99 / £1009.99 for wood.

This puts it right at the top of the premium end of the market and makes the wooden version even more expensive than the likes of the $949 / £829 Secretlab Magnus Pro XL, which is a considerably larger desk but offers a similar adjustment mechanism and plenty of accessories.

When there are many cheaper standing desk options out there, like the $340 / £360 / AU$420 Flexispot E7, this is only one to consider if you have a hefty budget and want unique features like the rail system.

Corsair Platform:4: Specs

Price

$699.99 / £799.99 or $899.99 / £999.99 (Elevate)

Height

29in / 74cm (up to 48in / 122cm Elevate)

Load capacity

330lbs / 150kg

Material

Steel, laminate / birchwood

Dimensions (with D-board)

29in / 74cm x 47in / 120cm x 30in / 76cm

Noise level

~50db

Corsair Platform:4: Design and features

• Lengthy assembly
• Looks and feels premium
• Plenty of customization

Given the inclusion of the rail system and many accessories, the assembly of the Corsair Platform:4 took a fair chunk longer than I’m used to. It comes well-packaged in just one massive box, with everything clearly labelled, but the added parts of the rail system and monitor arm will add on time, even for experienced gaming furniture assemblers like me.

I also had to rely on an extra pair of hands for some key steps, namely flipping the desk once the legs had been attached. With the thick wooden desktop and solid steel legs, this is a particularly heavy desk, and for safety, I would not recommend attempting to lift it solo.

I was disappointed to find that my Corsair Platform:4 also didn’t include any printed instructions. You can find a manual on the Corsair website, though it doubles as the instruction manual for the Corsair Platform:6 as well. They’re very similar products, but it does still mean that certain steps don’t apply to the Corsair Platform:4.

To give you an example, one asked me to locate some text on each leg that tells which side they need to be mounted. I looked all over for these for about 15 minutes before an internet search eventually revealed that only the Corsair Platform:6 seems to have these labels. This isn’t the end of the world, but it stings at such a high price point. If I’m paying close to $1,000 / £1,000 for a desk, clear instructions are a bare minimum.

With everything built, it’s easy to forget all this as you appreciate the meticulous quality of everything here. The legs are like steel tree trunks, with massive bases that effectively anchor it to your floor and keep wobble to an absolute minimum. The desktop, in my case, wooden, is thick and smooth with a lovely pattern and even a subtly embossed Corsair logo in one corner.

The desk cubby is small, but quite handy thanks to its USB charging capabilities. I use mine to store my PC webcam and a few other small accessories, which would otherwise be left littered around my desk, and occasionally plug my phone or DualSense Wireless Controller in using the ports down there for a bit more juice.

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(Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

(Image credit: Future)

The rail system is a bit bigger than I was expecting, but still surprisingly useful. I’ve never been a huge fan of VESA monitor arms, mainly because they’re tricky to secure properly to your desk and tend to add lots of awkward adjustments, but the one included here is rock solid.

I use a dinky 23.8-inch Lenovo monitor, much to my colleague Rob’s amusement, and it holds in place securely. Even an ultrawide model should also pose no issue according to Corsair, though bear in mind that the arm has a 27lbs / 12.2kg weight limit.

The monitor arm can be mounted at any point along the rail, which opens up loads of customization possibilities. As I only use one display, I have mine mounted in the middle at eye-level, but those with dual monitor setups could easily slide the mounted monitor off to one side or raise the arm to give it some extra vertical height.

If you’re looking for some more ways to use the rail, you also get a small plastic tray that can be mounted to it in the box. I didn’t use this, but it could be handy if you want to really maximise your storage space.

The Corsair Platform:4 is compatible with a wide range of modular accessories, too, with options to mount everything from microphones, webcams, studio lighting, a pegboard, and more. None of these are particularly cheap, but the rail will also fit standard t-nuts, so you can basically bolt whatever you want to it if you’re handy enough.

If you’re particularly DIY minded or a content creator willing to invest in creating the perfect setup, this alone could make splashing out for the Corsair Platform:4 worthwhile.

As I previously mentioned, I tested the Corsair Platform:4 Elevate - which comes with an electric height mechanism. You can save two presets or adjust the height on the fly between 29 - 48 inches / 74cm to 122cm. A handy LCD display alerts you to your current height and makes it easier to save exact presets.

(Image credit: Future)Corsair Platform:4: Performance

• Loads of cable management options
• Rail system works well
• Nice and compact size, friendly for smaller setups

I can’t complain about the performance of the Corsair Platform:4, as it’s exceptional across the board. Despite the compact overall size, the thick legs make this one of the most stable desks that I’ve ever tested, and the combination of metal and wood lends everything a luxurious feel. There are plastic elements here, but they’re kept to a tasteful minimum, so the whole thing looks absolutely fantastic and befitting of the price.

Even the rail system works brilliantly, holding my monitor in place very securely. Having the monitor mounted means that there’s much more space for my PC peripherals and my usual assortment of scattered documents, testing samples, and so on. This might be a small desk, but it punches well above its weight when it comes to just how much you can cram on it.

I absolutely despise cable management, especially given how much I have to plug in and out of my PC on a regular basis. Seriously, just try swapping between four different gaming microphones in a week without it quickly becoming a complete mess. I could still appreciate the wire management tray, though, which kept the most important cables firmly in one place.

(Image credit: Future)

Given the focus on accessories here, you do get a lot of spare bolts and tools that you will likely want to hang on to for upgrades down the line. I found that these all easily fit neatly into the wire management tray in one small box, which should hopefully reduce the chance of losing them.

The built-in storage cubby is also a practical addition, with a modest but still useful amount of space. You can also use it to run cables up to your desktop, with multiple slots for them to go in and out.

Although I mainly use my desk seated at a static height, I nevertheless also endeavoured to test the standing functionality of the Corsair Platform:4 Elevate frequently. Raising and lowering the desk is relatively quiet, but it does occasionally stop in the process. A quick tap of the button gets things moving again, but I could see this becoming frustrating if you intend to swap between standing and sitting throughout the day.

(Image credit: Future)Should you buy the Corsair Platform:4?Buy it if...

You want a premium gaming desk, but don’t have much space
There are few high-end gaming desks that are comparable in size to the Corsair Platform:4. If you’re willing to spend a lot but don’t have the room for something massive, it’s definitely worth picking up.

You’re sick of boring designs
While most gaming desks are a boring black or dark brown, the Corsair Platform:4 also comes in a charming Light Pine Stain. With its white legs and rail, it looks stunning if you have a more colorful setup.

You’re a content creator
The innovative rail system of the Corsair Platform:4 is perfect for content creators, with the ability to fit everything from your monitor to a microphone arm, studio lighting, and even your webcam.View Deal

Don't buy it if...

You don’t want the rail
The rail system here is very useful and goes a long way to justifying the desk’s high price, but if you don’t intend to use it, you are undeniably better off with cheaper alternatives.View Deal

Also consider

Not keen on the Corsair Platform:4? Here’s one cheaper standing desk to consider and a larger, but similarly premium, gaming desk option.

Corsair Platform:4

Flexispot E7

Secretlab Magnus Pro

Price

$699.99 / £799.99 / around AU$1,600 or $899.99 / £999.99 (Elevate) / around AU$2,000

$340 / £360 / AU$420

$799 / £770

Height

29in / 74cm (up to 48in / 122cm Elevate)

22.8-48.4in / 58-123cm

25.6-49.2in / 65-125cm

Load capacity

330 lbs / 150kg

275lbs / 125kg

264.6lbs / 120kg

Material

Steel, laminate / birchwood

Steel

Steel, wood fiberboard

Dimensions

29in / 74cm x 47in / 120cm x 30in / 76cm

43.3-74.8 x 26.7 x 22.8-48.4in / 110-190 x 68 x 58-123cm

59.1 x 27.6 x 25.6-49.2in / 150 x 70 x 65-125cm

Noise level

~50db

N/A

N/A

Also consider the Flexispot E7
If you want something similar to the Corsair Platform:4 that doesn’t break the bank, consider the Flexispot E7. It’s not a gaming desk, but it still performs excellently and comes in a wide range of color options.

For more information, check out our full Flexispot E7 reviewView Deal

Also consider the Secretlab Magnus Pro
If you have the space for something larger, then the Secretlab Magnus Pro should be on your radar. It’s a bit cheaper than the Corsair Platform:4, but it still boasts a lot of features that make it fantastic for gaming.

For more information, check out our full Secretlab Magnus Pro reviewView Deal

(Image credit: Future)How I tested the Corsair Platform:4

• Used as my main desk
• Tested over multiple weeks
• Extensive work and play

I used the Corsair Platform:4 as my main desk for well over a month. In that time, I played a huge variety of games on both my gaming PC and Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S while sitting at it. I was careful to use lots of the desk’s features, including its rail system, and experiment with the included accessories. I also worked from the desk daily, spending multiple hours sitting at it at a time.

Throughout my time with the Corsair: Platform 4, I compared my experience to my hands-on testing of other desks and other gaming furniture items.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed June 2025

Philips Hue Dimmer Switch: two-minute reviewTechRadar Smart Home Week

This article is part of TechRadar's Smart Home Week 2025. From lighting and switches to robot vacuums and smart thermostats, we're here to help you pick the right devices to make your life easier, and get the most out of them.

The main function of the Philips Hue Dimmer Switch, as its name suggests, is to adjust the brightness of your Philips Hue lights without the need to use a mobile app or smart speaker command. However, it can also do a lot more thanks to its customizable buttons (particularly those above and below the main dimmer control).

It's not quite as flexible as the Philips Hue Tap Dial Switch, but it puts scenes and time-based controls at your fingertips, and is one of the best smart switches for your home lighting setup.

Setting up the switch is a piece of cake. Like almost all Philips Hue accessories, it has a QR code printed on the back, which you scan using the Hue app to identify the device. You'll then be instructed to hold the top button for three seconds until the status light on the switch blinks orange, and within a few moments the switch will be added to your home.

Once that's done, you'll be asked which lights you want the remote to control. Signify (the company behind Philips Hue) recently added a new feature that prompts you to create a room or zone when adding an accessory if you haven't done so already, which prevents an issue where some users found themselves unable to use all of the switch or sensor's features later on.

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Scan the QR code on the back of the Philips Hue Dimmer Switch to add it to the app (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

Once the Dimmer Switch is assigned to a light, a zone, or a room, you can configure what each of its buttons does (Image credit: Future)

With that done, it's time to configure the buttons. The brighten/dim controls can really only be used for that purpose, which is what differentiates the Dimmer Switch from the Tap Dial. However, you have a lot more choice when it comes to the top 'power' button and the 'Hue' button at the bottom.

As standard, the top button lets you turn your selected lights on or off, but you can choose different settings depending on the time of day. For example, you might want your lights to turn on fully during the day, but have them come on at a lower brightness level at night to avoid jarring you or your partner awake.

(Image credit: Future)

The bottom button cycles through a set of scenes. The default option includes a selection of different light temperature and brightness settings, but you can choose any scenes you like – either presets from the gallery, or custom-made. You can also decide the order in which your favorites should appear as you tap the Hue button to scroll through them.

It's all very simple to configure, and once it's set up, all members of your household will be able to access use and settings with a familiar physical control. Smart lighting just got a lot more accessible.

The Dimmer Switch is lightweight and comfortable to hold, with buttons that give a pleasingly tactile click when pressed (Image credit: Future)Philips Hue Dimmer Switch: price and availability

• One of the cheaper Philips Hue smart switches
• Available globally from Philips Hue and third-party retailers
• Often sold at a discount or as part of a bundle

The Philips Hue Dimmer Switch is widely available, and can be bought direct from the Philips Hue store, or from third-party retailers.

The Dimmer Switch is one of the cheaper controllers in the Philips Hue range, with a list price of $27.99 / £19.99 / AU$39.95. For comparison. the Philips Hue Smart Button (which can perform just one function when pressed and another when held) costs $32.99 / £19.99 / AU$49.95, and the four-button Philips Hue Tap Switch Mini is $49.99 / £44.99 / AU$79.95.

The Dimmer Switch is often available at a discount, and is frequently included in bundles with the Philips Hue Bridge and a selection of smart light bulbs. You'll find all of today's best offers below.

Philips Hue Dimmer Switch: design

• Can be used as a remote or mounted on a wall
• Lightweight and comfortable to hold
• Can be mounted with screws or no-drill options
• Only available in white

The Philips Hue Dimmer Switch is a lightweight rectangular device that can be used as a handheld remote, or attached to a backing plate for use like a regular light switch. It's held on the plate with a magnet, so you can easily remove it if you want to control your lights from your sofa.

The plate offers a choice of mounting options: there are holes in the back so you can attach it to the wall using screws (not supplied), it has two strips of strong 3M tape so you can stick it up in seconds, and it's magnetic if you want to attach it to your fridge (for example). I used the adhesive tape to attach it to the wall near my blinds and it didn't budge, even when knocked.

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The 3M tape strips hold the switch firmly in place (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

You can also attach the switch's backing plate to a wall using screws (Image credit: Future)

The buttons have a pleasing click when pressed, and the handheld device weighs just 70g, including the button cell battery that's preinstalled.

My only criticism of the design, and it's a small one, is that the Philips Hue Dimmer Switch is only available in white. Many other Philips Hue accessories are also available in black, so it's a shame not to have that as an option.

Philips Hue Dimmer Switch: also consider

Philips Hue Tap Dial Switch

If you want more flexibility, this circular switch offers four programmable buttons, plus a customizable dial that you can use to dim your lights, or adjust their color. Like the Dimmer Switch, it can be wall-mounted or used as a handheld remote control.

Read our full Philips Hue Tap Dial Switch review

Philips Hue Smart Button

Smart lighting controls don't come much simpler than this: a single customizable switch that can perform your favorite function with a press. The most obvious use is to switch your lights on and off, but why not get creative in the app? Note that Signify has recently redesigned the Smart Button, making it larger and more angular, but retaining the same functions as the original model.

Read our full Philips Hue Smart Button review

Should you buy the Philips Hue Dimmer SwitchBuy it if

You live in a household with others
If your family or housemates aren't quite as tech-savvy as you, this switch will let them use your Hue setup's different lighting settings with a familiar physical control.

You don't want to replace your existing switches
Some smart switches (such as the TP-Link Tapo Smart Switch) are designed to be hard-wired into your home. This has its advantages, but the Philips Hue Dimmer Switch gives you a lot more options when it comes to placement, and there's no DIY necessary.

Don't buy it if

You only want to turn your lights on and off

The Philips Hue Smart Button is a simpler option if you don't need four customizable controls, and can often be found for a lower price than the Dimmer Switch.

You're on a tight budget

This is relatively cheap for a Philips Hue accessory, but if you really want to keep costs down then you can pick up a simple Zigbee smart switch that will work with your lights (though it won't be as customizable).

How I tested the Philips Hue Dimmer Switch

I connected the Philips Hue Dimmer Switch to the smart lights in my living room, and mounted it on a painted wall using the 3M tape provided. I experimented with different options for controlling my ceiling and entertainment lighting within the Philips Hue app, assigning various functions to the switch's buttons. My partner, who isn't familiar with the Hue app, also used the switch to control the lights and shift between different lighting scenes.

First reviewed June 2025