TechRadar Reviews

This review first appeared in issue 355 of PC Pro.

There are three key features in Copilot for Outlook: summarization, drafting and coaching. Summarization is probably the feature you’ll encounter first, as every email you receive has a prominent “Summary by Copilot” bar at the top.

Click on this, and it creates a short, easy-to-read summary of the key points in the email. How useful this will be depends on the kind of mail you get. But if you spend a long time reading complex emails and trying to work out what the point is, you’ll love it.

The second main feature, drafting, is like the drafting feature in Word, in that you give it a prompt and it writes the email for you. You can vary the tone using pop-up options – direct, neutral, casual, formal or, erm, “make it a poem” – and set the length as short, medium or long. Beware: Outlook uses the last tone you selected, so if you do decide to write a poem, remember to change it before drafting an email to your accountant.

As with Word, I’d categorize the results as “something to start with and personalize” rather than the finished article. Tonally, it veers towards the extreme: formal is very formal, and casual is probably fine for sending to family and close friends only. In my tests, direct produced the best results, although some of its phrases required toning down to stop them sounding like the kind of email you get from the bailiffs chasing you for a late payment.

My favorite feature is coaching. This checks the content of an email you’ve written and gives you tips on how to improve it, with clear advice that’s actually useful. It advised me to make my tone more confident, which professional writing coaches have told me in the past.

We've also ranked the best video conferencing software.

This review first appeared in issue 355 of PC Pro.

It could be because I tried Copilot in OneNote after all the other apps. It could be a because I’m not a regular OneNote user. Or it could be that this is indeed a, “oh, I suppose we should add it to OneNote as well” kind of effort.

Copilot appears in OneNote the same way as most other apps: as a button in the Home ribbon. You can do all the things you’d expect, such as summarizing meeting notes and creating action points. But where in Teams it feels powerful and integrated, here it feels like an add-on.

For example, I hoped that it would tie in with the transcription option, perhaps creating a rival to Otter.ai that not only delivered the notes but gave me something extra, such as sentiment analysis. But no, it couldn’t even remove the timestamps from the text when I accidentally kept them in.

You’ll also need to be careful about where you file notes, as Copilot has some difficulty discerning between the active note and all the ones filed within a project. Mind you, the fact that it can work across a bunch of collated notes has its advantages, too.

Copilot in OneNote performed best when working with my scrawled notes from a meeting, deducing that when I wrote some names next to “Who?” that these were indeed the people involved.

If you’re a OneNote fan then you’ll probably like what Copilot Pro can do. But I can’t see this making any new converts.

We've also rated the apps for note-taking.

The ThinkPad P16 Gen 2 is Lenovo's flagship mobile workstation, designed as an absolute powerhouse for engineers, designers, and professionals who need a portable workhorse of a machine. ThinkPad has always been Lenovo's trusted professional brand known for its reliability, durability, fantastic keyboard, and overall excellence as a computer.

I previously reviewed the Lenovo ThinkPad P16v Gen 2, a similar computer. I like to think of it straightforwardly because the P16v is the lite version of the P16. Or, to use Apple terms, the P16v would be the MacBook Air with upgraded RAM, and the P16 is the MacBook Pro with a Max chip. They are both some of the best Lenovo ThinkPad laptops around in their own right and are overpowered by the vast majority of users. But, for those power users, the differences become apparent.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 2: Price and Availability

The ThinkPad P16 Gen 2 starts at a base price of just under $2,000 at $1,849. With that, you get a core i5, an RTX A1000, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of SSD storage.

However, you can easily break $6,000 and even $6,500 if you opt for the maxed specs of a Core i9, an RTX 5000 Ada, 192GB of RAM, and 8TB of SSD. You can grab one of these workstations on Lenovo's website or their approved retailers.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 2: Unboxing & first impressions

Since I recently reviewed the ThinkPad P16v Gen 2, I had a good idea of what this laptop would look, feel, and operate like before I even opened the box. However, I still ended up surprised at just how much larger the P16 (no "v") was compared to the "v" variant. I will grant that it feels more durable than the other, but regardless, this laptop is not for frequent travelers - unless you know what you are getting into and need this power portably.

Outside of that shock, the rest of the first look was as to be expected. It looks like a quality ThinkPad laptop, and that's precisely what I have come to expect from Lenovo.

Another thing worth mentioning is the excellent port offering, yet the inability to charge via a USB-C connection due to it requiring the first-party power supply.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 2: Design & build quality Specs

Processor Options: 13th & 14th Gen Intel Core HX (up to i9-13980HX)
GPU Options: Nvidia RTX 1000 Ada – RTX 5000 Ada
RAM: Up to 192GB DDR5
Storage: Up to 8TB
Display:
16” 2560x1600 (165Hz, 500 nits, 100% sRGB)
Optional: 3840x2400 OLED (HDR, touchscreen, 400 nits)
Battery: 94Wh
Weight: 6.5 lbs (2.95 kg)
Ports: 2x USB-A, 2x USB-C (Thunderbolt 4), HDMI 2.1, SD card reader, Ethernet
OS: Windows 11 Pro

The Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 2 is a very robust laptop; there is no disguising that. I show the thickness difference between an iPhone 16 Pro and this laptop in one of the linked photos. Thankfully, that mass comes with a heavy-duty build, not just a heavy build. The Magnesium-aluminum chassis also has a premium and sturdy feeling, adding to the overall appeal of the ThinkPad P16 Gen 2.

One of the best features of a Lenovo ThinkPad is the keyboard, which remains top of the line when it comes to the best business laptop I've reviewed, without any loss of feel or function. The ThinkPad P16 Gen 2 also features a full numpad, the famous red trackpoint, and a comfortable trackpad.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 2: In use

My team has had the Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 2 in rotation for a few months. While it's for sure not the laptop we would choose to take on a trip with us, nor one we want to bring to the coffee shop for a light afternoon of work, it is, however, the one that we want to use around the studio or within the home due to its raw performance and abilities.

Under our stress testing, we noticed that the laptop would kick on the fans and get decently hot and a bit loud, but it kicks on the fans and cools itself down.

Another feature worth mentioning is the battery. It's impressive that this kind of power can be in a laptop form factor, but then you see that it can only last 5-7 hours with light use and a mere 2-3 with heavy load, and you realize this computer's power and lack of battery.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 2: Final verdict

The ThinkPad P16 Gen 2 is one of the best mobile workstations available, delivering exceptional CPU & GPU performance, a premium 165Hz display, and an unbeatable keyboard. However, its weight, fan noise, and thermal limits mean it’s best suited for desk-based professionals rather than frequent travelers.

The Dell OptiPlex 7420 AIO is a compact desktop solution designed for the office. It combines reliable performance with a sleek design and is powered by Intel's 14th-Gen Raptor Lake processor. The PC can have up to an Intel Core i9-14900 with 64GB of RAM and dual m.2 Gen 4 SSD slots.

Sadly, this only comes with a 23.8-inch Full HD display, which is pretty poor by today's standards. It's not the absolute best business computer around, for sure. However, in the professional office world, you won't miss it while looking at spreadsheets, older software that has not been upgraded since the early 2000's, or answering emails.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

While graphical intensity is not a focus of this computer, Dell has focused on simplicity and ease of use. Since everything is built into this compact computer, it is easy to toss on a front desk, on a medical cart that rolls around to check on patients, in a classroom, or even in small business retail scenarios.

Another critical factor to the Dell OptiPlex 7420 AIO is the fact that it can be VESA-mountable, meaning you could mount your entire workstation on a simple VESA mount that could be on a rolling cart with a portable power station, on a two-sided desk so you can flip the computer on either side of the desk, at a workstation that doesn't always need a computer, and so on. The possibilities are endless.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) Dell OptiPlex 7420: Price and Availability

The base model of the OptiPlex 7420 AIO is $1,239 and comes with an i5, 8GB RAM, and 256GB SSD. A higher-end configuration can exceed $2,300 and comes with specs like an i9, an AMD Radeon RX 6500 GPU, and/or 64GB of RAM. I spoke with Dell, and they mentioned that only a tiny fraction of their computers are purchased through their website and that computers like this are frequently purchased in corporate bulk purchases through Dell's commercial sales channels or even through third-party vendors like Amazon, Best Buy, and other tech retailers.

Dell OptiPlex 7420: Unboxing & first impressions

For years now, Dell has made a push for sustainable packaging. At this point, as a tech reviewer, I have come to expect my packages from Dell to be recycled materials. The OptiPlex 7420 AIO is no different. This packaging is rated at up to 93% recycled materials.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Once I opened the box, I found the computer, stand, base, power cable, and essential documentation. Dell has the option to add their basic keyboard and mouse if you need them, or if you have your own that you prefer to use, you could choose to use those instead. Another option is the embedded disk drive; the base resembles typical Dell monitors. But, with the embedded disk drive, this base now has the functionality of an entire disk drive built into an AIO format.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) Dell OptiPlex 7420: Design & build quality Specs

Processor: Intel 14th Gen Raptor Lake (Up to Core i9-14900)
Memory: Up to 64GB DDR5 RAM
Storage: Dual M.2 PCIe Gen4 slots, up to 2TB SSD per slot
Graphics: Intel UHD 770 (integrated) / AMD Radeon RX 6500 (discrete)
Display: 23.8-inch FHD (1920x1080)
Ports: 1x USB-C, 5x USB-A 3.2, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4
OS: Windows 11 Pro

The OptiPlex 7420 AIO is very sleek, as I have mentioned. But that's part of what makes this computer so compelling for the right audience. In a public-facing office, medical office, school, store, or something similar, you don't always want a big, flashy computer workstation with multiple monitors, flashy desktops, laptops, or big speakers. You probably want something simple, easy to upkeep, and easy to use, all while not drawing attention to the computer, the rats-nest of cabling behind the monitor, or the large space-hogging desktop tucked to the side or under a monitor.

The VESA mounting feature in this computer makes it highly versatile compared to other AIOs, especially the standard desktop. Yet, if you do choose to use the stand, you can get features like the built-in disk drive, monitor rotation, tilt, and height adjustments.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) Dell OptiPlex 7420: In use

The Dell OptiPlex 7420 AIO is unashamedly designed for office and administrative work. It's not meant to do heavy computing coding, graphic processing, video editing, or anything like that. What it is intended to do, though, is be able to access and navigate within an extensive client database and pull records for clients, or have a lot of dated and perhaps not super efficient medical programs up, or have a lot of applications going at the same time all with wicked fast response times so that your business isn't waiting for your front line's computer to load a proper file, process something into your database, or contact the right person. Keeping in line with this focus, thanks to the NVMe SSD support, the Optiplex 7420's boot time is quick, and the overall navigation and UI between programs are snappy and smooth.

The display is lacking a bit. However, 4K is not as big of a deal in the business world as in other professions. So, my only note is that it's not a super gorgeous, perfectly color-accurate monitor, and that's okay; it's not supposed to have that.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

In this day and age, with so many meetings having a virtual possibility -- that is, the chance of it being a virtual meeting on Google Meet, Zoom, WebEx, or something similar - having a webcam is nearly vital. So, Dell put a pop-up webcam with HDR and presence detection into the OptiPlex 7420. What's great is that since it's a pop-out, you can pop it out when you need it and then pop it back in when you don't, just as quickly.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

While this has a soundbar on the bottom of the display, the sound is not incredible. Still, it will be fine for video calls, listening to voicemails over a VoIP client, or watching a cooking tutorial on your break.

Dell OptiPlex 7420: Final verdict

The Dell OptiPlex 7420 All-in-One is a robust business-class AIO with solid performance and a sleek design. Equipped with Intel's 14th Gen processors and dual SSD slots, it provides excellent speed. The VESA mounting option adds versatility, making it suitable for office settings and kiosks. However, the 1080p display is disappointing, and the limited GPU options may not be the best choice for creative professionals. Nonetheless, this computer is still an excellent option for the right professional.

For similar machines, we've tested the best all-in-one computers around.

Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX: one-minute review

Asus has introduced another fantastic keyboard with the ROG Falchion Ace HFX. This 65% board, which compresses only the most essential keys onto a short panel, offers immense functionality across several areas.

The drawcard of the Falchion Ace HFX is its incredible switches. While the standard Falchion Ace is available with three switch choices, the HFX only offers one tactile feel option – comfortable to the touch magnetic keys, making this Asus’ first hall effect keyboard. It’s one of the most satisfying keyboards to use that I’ve ever laid my hands on.

Despite not offering a wireless connection, it does include a dual USB-C arrangement so that it can quickly switch between two computers with a press of a button on the side, similar to how a monitor might switch between devices. A USB dongle or Bluetooth solution might have been more practical to pull this trick off, but it’s still a welcome ability.

(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

More interesting to me is the return of Asus’ proprietary touch bar, a unique design element of the Falchion series that compresses media controls, volume, keyboard RGB brightness and other handy features into a touch panel, letting you adjust settings with taps and swipes of your finger. This feature rocked and is much more intuitive than a FN + key macro solution, though the depth of macroing with this keyboard is immense, allowing you to arrange quick commands, website hotkeys and quick Windows commands with a bindable keystroke.

With so much positive to say about the ROG Falchion Ace HFX, there aren’t many drawbacks, although the ones that are there might keep you from a purchase. This board doesn’t come cheap and is one of the most expensive options that Asus offers. The lack of a wireless variant will also leave buyers cutting down on cable clutter unimpressed, and those seeking wrist support will need to make a separate purchase.

More diehard keyboard shoppers will also be left unimpressed by the lack of hot-swapping functionality, and that there's only one switch type available (though the standard ROG Falchion offers three different options).

It’s a tremendous piece of kit. The ROG Falchion Ace HFX is one of the keyboards to beat in 2025, and it may be my favourite keyboard since the Logitech G PRO X TKL.

Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX: price and availability

(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

• How much does it cost? $199/£239.99/$AU$359
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, Australia and other regions

The ROG Falchion Ace HFX is the fourth most expensive keyboard that Asus offers, below the base model Azoth, customizable Claymore II, and the extremely expensive Azoth Extreme. The price marked for the Ace HFX is reflective of the epic magnetic switches underlying its awesome-feeling keys, but given its 65% size profile, it lacks a lot of the typically essential buttons present in the higher-priced models, including a dedicated function row and numpad.

Not that you should feel you need to move up the range for said features, because the Falchion Ace HFX is more than competent and exclusive on its own terms. Compared to the competition, it’s one of the only options to offer magnetic switches on a 65% board. You may want to consider the Logitech G Pro X 60 if you want an even smaller board, or the Glorious GMMK 3 Pro 65 if you want greater customization, but there aren't many major brands offering magnetic switches right now.

• Value: 4/5

Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX: specs Asus ROG Falchion HFX: design and features

(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

• More reserved ROG design
• Brilliant build quality
• Useful multifunction panel and dual computer support

Asus’ ROG gaming accessories are at their best when they don’t look too gamery, and the Falchion HFX looks fairly neutral compared to many other high-end boards offered by the manufacturer.

Available only in black, the one thing about this board that I would consider a tad excessive from a design perspective is the spelling out of ‘Republic of Gamers’ across the top. RGB lights behind each key are programmable with several lighting animations available.

At the top left, you’ll see an illuminated symbol, indicating which setting you’ve got your multi-function touch panel set to, cycleable with the press of a multifunction button in the top left. The panel across the back can be swiped with a fingertip, and can be used to adjust brightness and volume, change key actuation points, play and pause media, or even pull off any dedicated macros you have in mind. In the Armory Crate app, you can limit which functions the cycling button switches between, allowing for a more streamlined experience (I simply have it set to volume and media controls). This touch bar isn’t a new feature, as it’s been available on other Falchion models since 2022, but it works especially well on a small board like this.

There are also lights at the top right, indicating if win lock has been activated, if caps lock is currently on, and if ‘Rapid Trigger’ has been enabled, allowing for much quicker keystroke response times than whatever your preset mode is set to.

Your keyboard’s RGB lighting and per key actuation points can also be adjusted in the ROG Armory Crate app, where you'll find Speed Tap mode. This changes the function of the keyboard to allow for quicker directional changes by prioritising the last pressed in key – so instead of coming to a full stop when strafing in a game, you’ll move left to right or vice versa without lifting your fingers off the keys.

• Design and features: 5/5

Asus ROG Falchion HFX: Performance

(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

• 8,000Hz polling rate
• Magnetic hall effect switches with five layer dampening
• Useful competitive gaming features

The Asus ROG Falchion HFX is a gaming keyboard aimed at competitive play, through and through. It offers an exceptional 8,000Hz polling rate – an enormous amount of reports the keyboard provides your computer in a second, theoretically improving response time. As a result of this, click latency is as low as 1.1ms on average with the Falchion HFX.

The keys feel coarse in a comfortable way, allowing for satisfying tactile contact between your fingertips and your inputs. A raised dot on the W key allows you to position your hands for gaming without looking down, brilliant for low-light battle stations.

The actuation point of your keys can be adjusted readily on the fly using the multi-function touch panel, allowing for much more shallow keypresses if you so wish. Backing all of this up is the fact that the keys are magnetic, and well damped to allow for a satisfying press while also being quick and not too loud. On the less technical side, the keyboard has three adjustment angles with two sets of feet underneath.

Many of these features may go above and beyond the needs of a casual gamer and indeed are well past the desires of somebody just after a useful typing tool. But for a dedicated gamer, the ROG Falchion HFX might be the exact device for your hobby.

Mechanical keyboard enthusiasts will likely be disappointed by the lack of hot-swappable keys, and that there's only one switch to choose from. Thankfully, the base model ROG Falchion offers more switch variety – the Falchion HFX is more of a performance model with its magnetic keys.

• Performance: 5/5

Should I buy the Asus ROG Falchion HFX? Buy it if...

You crave good performance and feeling

The ROG Falchion HFX offers a brilliant intersection of form and function, contained in a 65% board and offering some of the first magnetic switches on a mainstream model.

You want to ROG out

With its lighting and key programming reliant on Asus’ Armory Crate, you’ll likely want this to compliment other Asus peripherals in your arsenal.

Don't buy it if...

The price isn’t right

The ROG Falchion HFX isn’t designed to be a budget winner, and it’ll be a poor fit if you want to save cash.

You want greater customization

Mechanical keyboard fans will likely crave hot-swappable keys, which the ROG Falchion Ace HFX does not offer.

Asus ROG Falchion HFX: also consider

Keychron C3 Pro

Compatible across Mac and Windows PCs, the C3 Pro offers a solid design and a nice price, though it won’t be a winner among serious gamers.

Read our full Keychron C3 Pro review

Corsair K65 Plus

Slightly larger at 75%, the K65 Plus is comfortable and wireless, though it is on the pricey side.

Read our full Corsair K65 Plus review

Logitech G Pro X 60

Logitech’s smallest gaming keyboard might be a welcome option if you’re after switches from a premium brand but in a tinier unit.

How I tested the Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX

I tested the Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX over four weeks, paired with other Asus products including an OLED monitor, mouse and headset. I used it exclusively on my Windows 11 gaming PC and played games including Marvel Rivals, Avowed, The Headliners and Forza Horizon 5. I also used it for some productivity tasks, such as for typing out documents.

Over that time I used it across several lighting settings, enabled different macros and put it in different positions, while constantly adjusting actuation points and diving into toggles in the Armory Crate app.

• First Reviewed February 2025

Anker 737 power bank review

Premium power banks designed for high-wattage laptop charging are rare, but the Anker 737 stands out thanks to its 140W output, making it one of the best choices for MacBook Pros and other power-hungry laptops. Anker is a well-known brand recognized for quality, and the 737 delivers top-tier performance with a 24,000 mAh (86.4 Wh) capacity, a built-in screen, and multiple ports for a variety of devices.

While the 737 also comes with a premium price tag, at least it's easy to purchase – either directly from Anker, through online stores, or on Amazon. It's often discounted by up to 30% compared to the list price, making it a great deal for those who can catch it on sale. Plus, it's flight-safe, making it perfect for travelers who need a reliable power source for tedious long-haul flights.

(Image credit: TechRadar)

The Anker 737 is one of a small number of power banks that cater to the latest high-end laptops, with the ability to supply up to 140W (28V, 5A) from the main USB-C port. Of course, it also handles charging phones or other portable devices just as well, with the second USB-C port offering up to 100W (20V, 5A) output, while the USB-A delivers 18W (9V, 2A). The 737 supports fast charging a phone at up to 27W (9V, 3A) as well as PPS 5A (3.3V – 21V) for wide compatibility, including Samsung fast charging.

At 630 grams, the Anker 737 is heavier than some alternatives, but its square 15.7 × 5.5 × 5 cm form factor is particularly well-suited for placement in drink bottle holders and is easy to pack in most bags, though it may be a tight fit in slim laptop bags. The power bank features an excellent color screen that provides real-time information on remaining capacity, battery health, and power output from each port, making it a valuable tool for monitoring device charging. It also includes a low-current charging mode for smaller accessories, activated by double pressing the power button.

The Anker 737’s standout feature is its ability to sustain a 140W output with rock-steady voltages. While it does get warm under sustained high-wattage loads, efficiency remains solid. The Gen 1 model I tested doesn't support 12V output from the USB-C ports, but the latest Gen 2 version of the Anker 737 is upgraded with 12V/3A PD-spec output that, among other things, charges DJI drone batteries at full speed.

At 140W (28V, 5A), 85% of the rated capacity is available. At a more common 100W (20V, 5A), an excellent 89% of the rated capacity is maintained. For phone charging at 9V 20W, the efficiency remains high at 87%. USB-C charging is the most efficient, while the USB-A port delivers 70.5 Wh (81.5%) at 5V 2A compared to 74.2 Wh (86%) from USB-C.

The Anker 737 charges itself impressively fast, reaching full capacity at 140W in under an hour. At 100W, it takes approximately 1.5 hours. It supports pass-through charging at up to 90W, but doesn't allow self-charging at the same time and lacks a UPS mode. The power bank uses high-quality 21700 cells and actively monitors battery health, making it an excellent choice for heavy daily use.

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(Image credit: TechRadar) Anker 737: Price & specs Anker 737: Test results

(Image credit: TechRadar) Should I buy the Anker 737? Buy it if…

You charge a laptop a lot
The 140W output on the 737 is ideal for power-hungry devices.

You value premium features like the display
It’s very useful being able to check the exact wattage being output by the 737.

Don't buy it if…

You just want a cheap power bank for occasional use
The 737 is well worth the price tag, but only if you need all the features.

You want a slim power bank
The large capacity and square form factor mean the Anker 737 won’t suit thin laptop bags

Also consider

The Anker 737 is one of the best premium power banks available, but below are a few other options if you are looking for something different.

ZMI No.20
This power bank uses premium components, has a large 25,000 mAh (90 Wh) capacity and is able to fast charge anything from a phone to a laptop at up to 100W.

Read our full ZMI No.20 review

Iniu B6 power bank
Need something easy to carry? With 20W fast-charge capability and a 10,000mAh (37Wh) capacity, the Iniu B6 is the perfect low-cost power bank to slip into your bag when on the go.

Read our full Iniu B6 power bank review

How I test power banks

I get hands-on with every power bank I test and conduct extensive evaluations in both lab and real-world scenarios. Using tools like the ChargerLab POWER-Z KM003C, I measure charge voltage, protocol support, and log capacity tests.

Each power bank is also tested with real devices, including phones, tablets, and laptops, and connected to a programmable load tester for multiple charge cycles. I carry a selection daily in both pockets and bags to assess their durability and ability to withstand everyday use.

All measurements and weights are personally verified, ensuring accuracy beyond the manufacturer’s listings.

Want to know more? Read about how we test.

ZMI No.20 power bank review

Power banks that claim to fast-charge laptops often fall short, but the ZMI No.20 delivers 100W output in a premium package. ZMI might not be a name you've heard of, but the brand is a key part of Mi (Xiaomi) and is well-known for making excellent, high-quality products. The No.20 is no exception, with a large 25,000 mAh (90 Wh) capacity, high-end components, and impressive multi-device charging capabilities. It’s one of the best power banks available, though it can sometimes be difficult to purchase in Australia and the US, and almost impossible to find in the UK. Amazon is often the best place to buy it, but keep in mind that it doesn't go on sale frequently.

I purchased this power bank personally and have used it for over two years. It remains my favourite laptop-ready power bank, thanks to its high performance, great form factor, and robust reliability.

(Image credit: Future)

The ZMI No.20 features two USB-C input/output ports and one USB-A port. The first USB-C port delivers up to 100W (20V, 5A), while the second is limited to 45W (20V, 2.25A) in or out. The USB-A port can also output 100W (20V, 5A) for PD-compatible devices like laptops, but only when using the included ZMI USB-A to USB-C cable. With a total power output of 210W across all ports, the No.20 has no issue fast charging multiple laptops, phones, or handheld gaming devices simultaneously. The 25,000 mAh capacity is also nearly the largest allowed while still being flight-safe.

This power bank also supports pass-through charging and functions as a UPS, ensuring uninterrupted power delivery when plugging or unplugging devices. It works well with low-power devices like routers (using a USB-C to 12V cable), making it a viable option for backup power needs. The remaining capacity is displayed via a simple but effective light-up percentage indicator that's easy to read in sunlight but slightly too bright at night.

The long but slim form factor makes it easy to fit in bags, including backpacks and laptop bags. At 580 grams, it’s not the lightest option, but its weight is reasonable given its high capacity, and 18.8 cm length and 8.1 cm width allow it to slip into most storage pockets in bags. While providing robust protection if dropped, the shiny plastic finish is prone to scratches. These marks are cosmetic and do not affect performance, though a sleeve can help mitigate them – albeit with some added bulk.

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(Image credit: TechRadar) ZMI No.20: Price & specs ZMI No.20: Test results

I conduct comprehensive testing of every power bank I review to ensure they meet their manufacturer’s claims. The ZMI No.20 delivers outstanding results and runs slightly cooler than competing power banks, with no observed throttling in normal use.

During testing, the No.20 output 87.9% of its capacity at 20V and 84.9% at 9V, which is above-average efficiency. It sustains 100W output on a single USB-C port or 100W + 45W across both USB-C ports without overheating. The independent USB-C ports ensure that plugging in a second device doesn't cause the first to disconnect or renegotiate power levels.

The 210W total power rating is achieved using the first USB-C port (100W) and the USB-A port (100W) with the included ZMI USB-A to USB-C cable. Connecting two 100W laptops is possible, though if both use the full 100W for an extended period, the power bank may reduce the output. After efficiency losses, the power bank can easily fully charge most laptops, giving double (or more) runtime.

When recharging with a 100W charger, the No.20 hits full capacity in about 1.5 hours (and 80% charge in under an hour), or 2.5 hours when using the 45W input.

The ZMI No.20 uses high-quality Samsung INR21700-50E cells, which typically provide better cycle life and long-term reliability compared to the pouch cells in lower-priced power banks. This makes it ideal for frequent, heavy use.

(Image credit: TechRadar) Should I buy the ZMI No.20? Buy it if...

You need to fast charge a laptop
The 100W USB-C output is ideal for power-hungry devices like laptops and gaming handhelds.

You need a large-capacity power bank
The No.20 has a 25,000 mAh capacity, making it perfect for users who frequently travel or charge multiple devices.

You use your power bank heavily
The high-quality Samsung cells and premium build make it ideal for daily heavy use.

Don't buy it if...

You need a pocket-sized power bank
The No.20 is on the larger side and is best suited for carrying in a bag.

You want a detailed display
The No.20 tells you the remaining capacity but doesn't show extra details like output wattage.

(Image credit: TechRadar) Also consider

The ZMI No.20 is one of the best premium power banks available, but below are a few other options if you are looking for something different.

Anker 737 (PowerCore 24K)
A high-end alternative with a more detailed display, a 140W output, and a love-it-or-hate-it squarish form factor.

Read our full Anker 737 power bank review

Iniu B6 power bank
With 20W fast-charge capability and a 10,000 mAh (37Wh) capacity, the Iniu B6 is the perfect low-cost power bank to slip into your bag when on the go.

Read our full Iniu B6 power bank review

How I test power banks

I get hands-on with every power bank I can and perform extensive testing in both the lab and real-world scenarios. Using equipment like the ChargerLab POWER-Z KM003C, I check charge voltage, protocol support, and log capacity tests.

Each power bank is also tested with real devices, including phones, tablets, laptops, and more, and then connected to a programmable load tester for multiple charge cycles. I carry a selection daily in both pockets and bags to assess their durability and ability to withstand rough, everyday use.

All measurements and weights are personally verified, ensuring accuracy beyond the manufacturer’s listings.

Want to know more? Read about how we test.

The EcoFlow River 3 is the latest entry-level portable power station from EcoFlow's River series. It offers a compact design, fast charging, and app integration utilizing Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The River 3 is an ideal travel-friendly power solution for campers, digital nomads, emergency backup needs, and power on the go.

Unlike some of the best portable power stations I've tested, the EcoFlow River 3 offers advanced GaN technology and a compact form with an integrated handle, standard IEC cable charging, and all of the output ports on the front of the unit for ease of use. A digital screen also shows key information that pairs beautifully with the companion app.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) EcoFlow River 3: Price and Availability

The EcoFlow River 3 has a base price of $239 (currently discounted to $179 at time of review) and is available in a couple of bundle options. You can grab just the power station or the River 3 with a 45W Solar panel for $219. While you can find the EcoFlow River 3 on the EcoFlow website, you can also find it at major retailers like Walmart, BestBuy, Amazon, Home Depot, and more.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) EcoFlow River 3: Unboxing & first impressions

The EcoFlow River 3 is not my first EcoFlow Power station. I've reviewed quite a bit from EcoFlow over the years. I just reviewed one of my all-time favorite power stations from EcoFlow, the Delta 3 Plus. However, what's incredible about the River line-up is the portability, lightweight design, and charging speeds.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Even at first unboxing, I was shocked at how light this power station is, especially while it still has 245Wh and a solid port offering. The River 3 is 10 x 8.3 x 4.4 inches and just under 8 lbs. With its comfortable integrated handle and great shape, this power station is easy to move around and work with. It's so easy and comfortable to carry around; my 5-year-old son helped me with some of my testing and moving it around. Further, River 3 is also IP54-rated dust and water-resistant; it has a fire-retardant casing and a drop resistance of up to 1.5 meters.

In the box are the River 3 Portable Power Station, an AC power cable, a car charger cable, and the user guide. I opted for the basic unit without the solar panel bundle, though you could add those quickly.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) EcoFlow River 3: Design & build quality Specs

Capacity: 245Wh

Battery: LiFePO4 (LFP), 3000+ cycles to 80%

Output:

AC: 300W (600W X-Boost)

USB: 2 x USB-A (12W), 1 x USB-C (100W)

DC: 12V Car Port (126W max)

Charging Options:

AC (320W): 0-100% in 60 minutes

Solar (110W): 3 hours in full sun

Car (100W): 2.8 hours full charge

UPS Mode: <20ms switch time

As mentioned, the EcoFlow River 3 is highly compact and portable, especially compared to similarly rated and spec'd power stations. EcoFlow boasts that this unit is 30% smaller than the industry average and has put great focus on ensuring that this is very easy to carry around, so much so that they built an easy-carry handle.

To see how compact this unit is, I tested some spots where I could put it. It fits in the back tray on the rear of my Jeep Cherokee, it fits in the bottom of a standard backpack, it fits in the cabinet of my storage space, it can fit in the storage space in a boat, in a carrier on a four-wheeler, or even in a portable tech cart like I currently have mine -- but more on this later.

On the front of the River 3 is an LED display, two AC outlets (one three-prong, one two-prong), a USB-C with 100W PD charging, two USB-A ports, and a DC car port. The two power-in ports are on the right side.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) EcoFlow River 3: In use

As I mentioned, I have tried this power station out with a few use cases. While this has been great in many areas, the use case that I have come to rely on this power station for is in a portable work cart that I utilize several days a week. One of the many roles I fill in my week is as Systems Director at a large church. In this role, I need a plethora of gear when I am on-site, and when I am on-site, I can be in any number of places throughout the campus. So, to solve this issue, I built a cart with all the cables, gear, adapters, and materials I may need for any project. The last missing piece was a way to power it, allowing me to charge my everyday carry gear in my backpack (I fit quite a bit in my Nomatic Backpack) while working throughout the building, all while also being able to power any number of computers or other technology that I may need to plug in at any given time. I solved all of these issues with the EcoFlow River 3.

The 100W USB-C power output has been fantastic for charging any of my gear (especially since 90% of what I carry daily is all USB-C to start with). I have connected two power strips to the two AC ports, granting a ton of ports for when I need to be able to plug whatever gear I need to charge. Plus, since there is then an internal battery with the River 3, I can run this setup without needing to plug in all the time, and then when the battery gets low, I can plug it in quickly and watch it recharge ridiculously fast, even when there is a load on the battery (of course, if I am putting a ton of strain on the battery with a ton of gear, it would take a little longer to recharge). So far, I have noticed that the battery within the River 3 will last for around three recharges for my MacBook Pro while also pushing a portable display from Sotsu (review coming soon).

While I don't utilize solar or car input, I could see grabbing this power station in a moment of need if we had a power outage or if I were going camping simply because of how portable and comfortable it is to use this power station. I'm also aware that my use case for this power station is unique, but I hope it shows just how versatile it is.

EcoFlow River 3: Final verdict

The EcoFlow River 3 is an ultra-portable power station for light-duty use with fast charging, UPS support, and a compact design, making it a perfect choice for travel, backing up a smaller device at home, emergency preparedness, or powering a portable workstation. It won't run high-wattage appliances, nor will it charge a Tesla or keep my house powered for hours. However, its efficiency, reliability, and portability make it a power station worth keeping and stand out in its class.

Xiaomi 15 Ultra: Two-minute review

Say hello to another bombastic entrant in Xiaomi's Ultra series. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra leads with its Leica-backed camera array, made all the more prominent by the existing 1-inch 50MP main sensor being joined by a new, larger 1/1.4-inch 200MP telephoto sensor.

As with the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, it takes superb shots that don't look as processed or technically 'perfect' as what you might expect out of Google's Pixel imaging pipeline, but they're potentially better for it. Meanwhile, its videography skills have been tailored to meet and beat the likes of the iPhone 16 Pro series across areas including resolution, control, and LOG video capture.

Beyond the excellent imaging experience, the phone's underlining internals impress, with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite running the show. That's backed up by tangible optimization benefits from Xiaomi HyperCore resource management, a new IceCool vapor chamber, and the fastest storage and RAM you'll find on any phone out right now.

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

HyperOS 2.0 (atop Android 15) expands on the AI feature set introduced on the 14 Ultra, with useful translation, productivity and image editing tools. There's nothing that sets Xiaomi's AI feature set apart from major rivals, but it delivers on its promises (save for Reflection Removal, which refused to work correctly in testing).

Beyond AI, there is a wealth of nice refinements to the look and feel of the user experience, however inconsistencies and some inexplicable choices mean Xiaomi's interface remains one of the more convoluted and trickier to deal with. The company has also only committed to four years of OS and six years of security updates, lagging behind industry leaders and harming the phone's long-term value proposition.

The screen is stunning and boasts better drop resistance than its predecessor's, while the new Si-C (silicon carbide) battery lasts less time than expected but can be replenished quickly, thanks to rapid 90W charging. Presumedly due to some EU regulation, 15 Ultras sold in the EU come with a smaller battery than their Chinese counterparts, although this isn't an ailment that's unique to Xiaomi.

All in all, Xiaomi has improved on everything that made the last Ultra so great, while most of the weaknesses are persistent pain points, more deeply rooted in Xiaomi's approach (primarily to software).

For the price, this is a respectable uber-flagship, however those hoping to get their hands on one in markets like the US or Australia will have a tough time doing so, as Xiaomi doesn't sell its phones in these regions, and carrier support isn't guaranteed.

@techradar

♬ Relaxed (Sped Up) - MC Mablo Dos Paredões Xiaomi 15 Ultra review: Price and availability

• Priced from £1,299 / €1,599
• Released February 27 in China, March 2 internationally
• Limited to no availability in US and Australia

As with its predecessor, fans in Xiaomi's homeland of China were treated to a native launch of the 15 Ultra first, on February 27. The company then staged an international release in Barcelona just days later, on March 2.

The phone went on sale on the same day, at 14:30pm GMT, coming in with a starting price of £1,299 / €1,599 across the UK and Europe (the same as its predecessor, in the UK). In some markets, there's also a higher 1TB storage model, which costs £200 more.

In regions like the UK, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra undercuts principle rivals – the Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max – by £50 and £100 respectively, when comparing like-for-like storage capacities. The main difference being that both of those alternatives can be had for less, if you're willing to drop down to 256GB of onboard space, which Xiaomi doesn't offer with the 15 Ultra. Both also come with less RAM than the Xiaomi.

As ever with Chinese phone makers such as Xiaomi, while the 15 Ultra's March 2 launch was heralded as its 'international' release, the brand doesn't sell smartphones in key markets like the US and Australia (although you will find their smart home and lifestyle products there). As such, beyond importing or buying via third-party retailers, you won't find the Xiaomi 15 Ultra locally; not to mention there may be carrier band incompatibilities with networks in those markets.

• Value score: 4.5 / 5

Xiaomi 15 Ultra review: Specs Xiaomi 15 Ultra review: Design

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

• Leica camera-inspired colorway
• Xiaomi Shield Glass 2.0 w/ improved drop resistance
• IP68-certified against dust and water

After dropping down display sizes following the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra, subsequent generations of the series have generally hovered around the same weight and dimensions, and that continues with the 15 Ultra.

It's a hefty device (226g or 229g, depending on your choice of finish), and a hair thicker than its predecessor. That makes it one of the weightiest candy bar flagships of the current generation and a trait you'll notice in prolonged use, even if it does also reinforce the Ultra's air of premium power.

Aesthetically, the pillowed glass front, chamfered metal frame and large circular camera bump are consistent with the aesthetic Xiaomi has cultivated over the last few generations of Ultra, and stands apart from the more square-jawed looks of its most prominent rivals (save for, perhaps, the similarly curvaceous Honor Magic 7 Pro).

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

One of the most notable cosmetic changes is to the camera hardware. Whilst the circular quad-sensor array on the 13 Ultra and 14 Ultra offered a pleasing symmetry, Xiaomi has had to shuffle things around quite drastically to accommodate the phone's new headline telephoto snapper. The result is an asymmetrical assortment of lenses that I'd say is weaker visually but gives the 15 Ultra a more utilitarian look, which some might appreciate.

Along with the base all-black and all-white colorways – as was available on the 14 Ultra – this year you also have the option of a Silver Chrome variant (pictured), which tries to evoke the visual identity of Leica's iconic M3.

It's a bit on the nose, as a representation of the ongoing brand partnership between Xiaomi and Leica goes, but it's also undeniably distinct. Two-thirds of the phone's 'aerospace-grade' fiberglass back is wrapped in black faux leather, which stands in contrast to the satin-finish silver it's next to.

The leather has the practical bonus of added grip and after two weeks of testing, hasn't yet shown any signs of wear. That might be down to the fact that I also threw on the included glossy clear hard-shell case whenever taking the phone out and about, though.

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Xiaomi once again launched a Photography Kit accessory pack with its latest Ultra (Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)Image 2 of 2

This generation is called the 'Legend Edition', complete with detachable raised shutter and thumb grip (Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

On the subject of durability, like its predecessors, the 15 Ultra packs IP68-certified dust and water resistance, which while great, does now technically lag behind key rivals, like the Oppo Find X8 Pro, OnePlus 13 and aforementioned Magic 7 Pro. In addition to IP68-protection, all three of these alternatives have adopted IP69-certification too (check out our pick of the best rugged phones for a rundown of some of the hardiest handsets out there).

While that pillowed glass frontage does seem a little exposed, especially if you were to fumble the 15 Ultra face-down, it's clad in Xiaomi Shield Glass 2.0. The 14 Ultra sported its first-gen Shield Glass, which claimed to be 10x more drop resistant than the Gorilla Glass Victus on the 13 Ultra, while the 2.0 variant is supposedly 16x more resistant, compared to Victus. In theory, a drop on that 'All Round Liquid Display' shouldn't prove fatal.

Xiaomi hasn't eradicated Corning's presence from the Ultra outright, however, with Gorilla Glass 7i covering the camera array on the phone's back. Despite being as scratch resistant as the brand's top-tier Victus 2 glass, when paying Ultra prices, I'd have hoped for sapphire glass or something with even higher scratch resistance (even at the expense of drop durability), considering part of its job is ensuring camera clarity.

• Design score: 4 / 5

Xiaomi 15 Ultra review: Display & audio

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

• 6.73-inch 2K 20:9 (3200 x 1440) LTPO AMOLED
• 1Hz to 120Hz variable refresh rate
• Improved 'multi-scenario' 3,200-nit peak brightness

The main generational improvement to the viewing experience on the 15 Ultra is its higher peak brightness: an emissive 3,200-nit ceiling that outpaces all its mainstream rivals (the closest being the Super Actua display on the Pixel 9 Pro line, at 3,000-nits), only really falling short of Oppo's and OnePlus' latest flagships, which both claim to reach as high as 4,500-nits.

As with the 14 Ultra, the viewing experience here is unquestionably excellent. Out of the box, it serves up Full HD+ visuals and a dynamic refresh rate (between 1 and 120Hz), however, you have the option to crank the resolution up in the settings menu, to make the most of the phone's impressive 522ppi pixel density. You can also fix motion at 60Hz (for lower power consumption) or 120Hz (for more fluid viewing), and you can even force that higher refresh rate on an app-by-app basis.

Along with options for resolution and HDR upscaling, as well as motion smoothing and TÜV Rheinland-certified blue light eye protection, the 15 Ultra's display also makes the switch to an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, which proves faster and more reliable than the previous optical solution, even when your hands are a little wet.

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

Despite an asymmetrical down and forward-firing stereo speaker pair, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra outputs sound with clear separation and clarity through almost the entirety of its volume range.

At maximum volume, the stability of higher frequencies begins to waver, while bass is present throughout, but could be more prominent in the mix. Dolby Atmos support brings with it a set of EQ sliders (including presets) and there's effective spatial audio too.

• Display & audio score: 4.5 / 5

Xiaomi 15 Ultra review: Software

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

• Launches on HyperOS 2.0 atop Android 15
• New AI features include Interpreter and Reflection Removal
• 4 years of OS + 6 years of security updates

Last year marked a pretty notable shift for Xiaomi's mobile user experience. The company retired MIUI and replaced it with HyperOS, which although familiar on the surface, served up some notable quality-of-life improvements behind the scenes (it took up significantly less space on your device's storage, for example). It also served as the launchpad for their AI feature set.

Now, the Xiaomi 15 series arrives on HyperOS 2.0 (running atop Android 15). For the most part it adds an extra layer of visual polish, with the likes of the Artistic Lock Screens now able to support video, alongside subtle new animations throughout the UI that generally elevate the experience (even if some might be a little heavy-handed).

Better contrast and reworked UI elements across the Settings, Clock and Calendar apps, make them easier to use, as do a tweaked volume control layout and the ability to long-press on control panel entries – like brightness – to expand and access additional features (very iOS-like in its execution).

Frustratingly, Xiaomi insists on continuing to bury or completely hide some fundamental Android controls (such as Extra Dim) without explanation, but it does at least finally let you toggle Today's Recommendations off, which means there's less cruft within your home screen app folders.

HyperOS is a deeply customizable and capable user experience, provided you've got the stones to learn its nuances and forgive its inconsistencies.

Look familiar Apple Intelligence users? (Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

There are new and improved AI tools spanning writing, image editing, and language across HyperOS 2.0, with Xiaomi's repetoire most closely mirroring experiences from the likes of OnePlus. Apple, Oppo, Samsung and Google have all leant a little harder into generative imagery on their latest devices, which isn't really part of the experience on the 15 Ultra, beyond image expansion and the ever-creepy AI portrait (check out our Xiaomi 14 review for a deep-dive on that).

The AI Writing toolset has been fleshed out, with summarization, proofreading, extension and tone alteration; all in a handy pop-up card that, once again, looks suspiciously like Apple Intelligence's interface. Like Samsung's Writing Assist, you can call on these tools essentially anywhere you enter text, which creates more opportunities to actually use them.

The translation app – AI Subtitle – has a well thought out and easy to use interface, allowing for conversational use with a speaker sitting either side of the phone, while the existing image editing tools (Expand, Erase, and Sky) have been joined by Enhance and Remove Reflections options (although the latter was next to useless, in testing).

Erase has also been bumped up to Erase Pro, which uses a larger model for improved results, however, unlike the base feature, it relies on an active internet connection to function. In fact, when disabling my data connection, practically none of the 15 Ultra's AI features worked offline, suggesting that the all rely on off-device processing to varying degrees (the exceptions being the base Erase, Remove Reflections and Sky image editing tools).

At the phone's Chinese launch, Xiaomi also showcased interconnectivity with iOS, iPadOS and MacOS devices, including Oppo Find N5-like screen mirroring and wireless file transfer, which is on track to come to global devices in the near future (as such, I haven't been able to test this feature).

The 15 Ultra's image editing toolset (Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

Part of the price justification, when it comes to these top-shelf phones, is that they come with long-term support. Apple, Google and Samsung all offer a commitment to around seven years of operating system and security updates, so you know your phone will be supported for the entire time you use it, and also benefit from new functionality over time too.

Despite an improved six years' commitment to security updates with the 15 Ultra, Xiaomi has only promised four years of OS updates, which hurts the phone's value proposition, relative to some of the best phones already on the market.

• Software score: 3.5 / 5

Xiaomi 15 Ultra review: Cameras

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

• 50MP f/1.63, 1-inch Sony LYT-900 main sensor w/ OIS
• 50MP f/2.2, Samsung ISOCELL JN5 ultra-wide w/ 115º FoV
• 50MP f/1.8, floating 3x Sony IMX858 telephoto w/ OIS + 10cm macro mode
• 200MP f/2.6, periscope 4.3x Samsung ISOCELL HP9 telephoto w/ OIS
• 32MP OmniVision OV32B front camera w/ 90º FoV

The previous Ultra – with the same 1-inch main Sony sensor – in my opinion, captured shots as close as any phone has yet come to emulating what you might more readily expect from the best cameras.

Most of the best camera phones – the Pixels and Galaxys of the world – take technically excellent smartphone photos; replete with tone mapping and HDR processing, detail enhancement and face brightening. While the 15 Ultra has access to all these same tricks, however, it handles images very differently... more authentically.

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The 200MP telephoto can let in enough light for fast-motion macro shooting (Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)Image 2 of 20

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Leica 'Blue' monochrome filter (Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)Image 5 of 20

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Minimum amount of bokeh in Portrait mode (Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)Image 12 of 20

Standard amount of bokeh in Portrait mode (Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)Image 13 of 20

Maximum amount of bokeh in Portrait mode (note where edge detection falters around the whiskers) (Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)Image 14 of 20

Macro mode (Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)Image 15 of 20

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Night mode tends to over-correct on white balance, but otherwise impresses (Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)Image 20 of 20

Accurate real-world lighting conditions in which the Night mode shot was taken (Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

Xiaomi's processing isn't as technically savvy as, say, Google's and the camera system can be a little inconsistent – especially with attributes like white balance and edge detection (much like on the 14 Ultra) – but it doesn't shy away from contrast and shadow, which when twinned with the natural depth effect afforded to that 1-inch sensor, can help you capture truly arresting shots without really trying.

Add to that the Pro mode manual controls and baked-in Leica filters, and there's a lot you can do with that main snapper, without the need for post-capture editing. That lead 50MP sensor is just the start, of course.

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(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

The reason this phone's camera system looks so physically different to its predecessor's is because Xiaomi needed to make room for a huge new 1/1.4-inch telephoto sensor (up from 1/2.51-inches). The 200MP Samsung ISOCELL HP9 that Vivo put to work on its most recent flagship – the X200 Pro – now also finds a home on the 15 Ultra.

Here, it serves up an equivalent 100mm focal length, and helps build on the existing camera system's impressive versatility. That large size means it's able to take in far more light than your average periscopic telephoto sensor (Xiaomi claims 136% more than the 14 Ultra's equivalent), but it's also likely the reason why the 15 Ultra lost out on its predecessor's mechanical aperture; there just wasn't room.

As trade-offs go, it's a compromise I welcome, as this higher fidelity telephoto is far more practical across zoom, portrait and even macro shooting. Speaking of macro, one of the biggest limitations of such a large main sensor is its minimum focal range, which is why it's a relief that the automatic macro mode kicks in and switches to a pleasingly competent ultra-wide.

No longer being unable to stop down in particularly bright shooting scenarios may irk videographers, but at least the Photography Kit allows for ND filters and the like, even if that's more of a band-aid than a solution

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Leica Vibrant (Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)Image 2 of 2

Leica Authentic (Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

As well as filters, Leica's involvement expands to two shooting profiles: Leica Vibrant (the default on Xiaomi's phones) and the more muted Leica Authentic (see above), while some high quality filters can be activatated in-camera too (the monochromatic 'Blue' was a personal highlight).

Xiaomi made a big song and dance about the 14 Pro's video chops, even though stabilization at some resolutions was terrible at launch (later fixed via software updates). Thankfully, that doesn't appear to be a problem with the 15 Ultra's videography skills. You can switch between all the phone's rear sensors while recording at up to 4K/30fps, with options for 4K/120fps, and even 8K/30fps capture, if desired.

The 15 Ultra also joins an exclusive group, by being the only other phone besides the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro lines to support ACES (Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences) Log video capture (alongside Dolby Vision recording); making it a powerful choice for serious videographers, especially those who prefer Android to iOS.

• Camera score: 4.5 / 5

Xiaomi 15 Ultra review: Performance

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

• Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC
• LPDDR5X RAM & UFS 4.1 storage
• Xiaomi HyperCore system management

As with the rest of 2025's Android flagship contingent so far, the 15 Ultra arrives running on Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset; in most regions accompanied by 16GB of RAM and 512GB or 1TB of the fastest and most power efficient UFS 4.1 storage on the market (there is a 12GB RAM/256GB version that's trickier to come by).

Xiaomi says the chip serves up 45% better multi-core CPU performance (compared to the 14 Ultra), artificial benchmarking places on equal footing with the recent Honor Magic 7 Pro and the company even featured a slide during its Chinese launch, highlighting every aspect in which it trumps the iPhone 16 Pro Max; including gaming and networking performance.

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

A new dual channel 'IceLoop' vapour chamber offers enhanced cooling, which in real-world testing ensured that even after an hour's gameplay on a demanding title like Zenless Zone Zero with cranked visual settings (i.e. 60fps instead of 30fps), the phone never rose past a slight warmth.

Game Turbo is also on-hand to prioritize gaming performance, while also silencing notifications and the like, although finding how to bring the app onto your home screen to manage installed games takes some doing (hint: it's hidden within Xiaomi's Security app, of all places).

As with every other phone that relies on the Snapdragon 8 Elite, it offers buckets of headroom, ensuring whatever phone it's in will feel fast and remain capable longer than most others in the long term. Xiaomi's latest HyperCore technology then sits on top, better managing resource allocation, so that opening and reopening apps is faster; meaning less time staring at those initial splash screens than before.

• Performance score: 5 / 5

Xiaomi 15 Ultra review: Battery

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

• Larger 5,410mAh battery than predecessor
• Up to 90W wired & 50W wireless charging
• 7 hours of screen-on time per charge

While Xiaomi hasn't disclosed why, as with the Honor Magic 7 Pro, the international version of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra packs in a smaller battery (5,410mAh), compared to the Chinese variant (6,000mAh). That said, 5,410mAh is still pretty capacious, and Xiaomi's Si-C Surge Battery tech offers up increased capacity, without adding addition bulk to the phone's design; Apple and Samsung should take notes.

True to the brand, fast charging is part of the equation here, with the same impressive 90W wired and 80W wireless charging support (just don't expect a charger in-box in Europe or the UK).

If you are able to source the correct adapter, at standard speeds the 15 Ultra refilled to 56% in 30 minutes and hit 100% after 67 minutes. If you dip into the phone's battery settings, however, you can enable Top Speed mode, which warns of more noticeable warmth when charging, in the pursuit of faster recharge speeds. When enabled, the phone hit 44% in 30 minutes and 100% in 50.

If you're the forgetful type, Top Speed mode might better serve you, otherwise the results, to me, suggest it's better to leave the phone in standard charging mode, which still should still prove quick enough for most users (and will likely prolong battery health).

While benchmarking using PCMark 3.0's battery test dished out an impressive score on par to the Ultra's most like-minded and similarly-capacious Si-C battery-toting rivals, real-world longevity underwhelmed at only 7 hours of use per charge. That equates to a day's use, but considering the battery tech, system improvements and capacity of the cell(s), I would have expected closer to the Magic 7 Pro, which has a marginally smaller battery but lasted 45% longer in testing.

• Battery score: 4 / 5

Should you buy the Xiaomi 15 Ultra? Buy it if...

You want one of the best camera phones today
If you couldn't tell by the design, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is all about the camera. While it's strong on all fronts, its camera is the prime reason to consider it.

You want a great multimedia experience
The 15 Ultra's top-tier internals and crisp 2K OLED screen make it great for gaming and enjoying media.

Don't buy it if...

You want a long-lasting device
While fast charging is superb, battery life is pretty middle of the road. As for long-term use, only four years of OS updates for a phone this expensive isn't great.

You like a clean, easy-to-use user experience
HyperOS 2.0 is certainly more elegant and easier to use than previous iterations of Xiaomi's mobile interface, but it comes with a high learning curve and some truly illogical inconsistencies compared to other operating systems out there.

Xiaomi 15 Ultra review: Also consider

It's clear from the jump where the Xiaomi 15 Ultra's strengths lie, but there are numerous alternatives that offer something similar or excel in those areas where Xiaomi still needs to improve.

iPhone 16 Pro Max
Sure, it's a fraction more expensive, but the top-tier iPhone of today shares in the 15 Ultra's emphasis on capturing pro-grade video, while the user experience is cleaner and will likely receive OS updates for longer.

Read our full iPhone 16 Pro Max review

Honor Magic 7 Pro
Same chipset, same emphasis on photography, with impressive zoom abilities, plus longer-lasting battery life and longer OS update support for less money.

Read our full Honor Magic 7 Pro review

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
A similar feature set, with a focus on AI, and longer software support render this Ultra a worthwhile alternative. It's also readily available in markets where the 15 Ultra isn't

Read our full Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra review

How I tested the Xiaomi 15 Ultra

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

• Review test period: two weeks
• Testing included: everyday use including web browsing, social media, photography, video calling, gaming, streaming video, music playback
• Tools used: Geekbench 6, Geekbench ML, 3DMark, native Android stats, Xiaomi 120W charger

Xiaomi sent me the 15 Ultra just ahead of its Chinese and international launch events. I used the phone as my daily driver over a couple of weeks; taking it to social events for camera testing, gaming and other general smartphone use; from smart home control to social media and web browsing.

Benchmarks were carried out in both Balanced and Performance modes, although most of the time Balanced mode results were actually high. As often happens, Xiaomi devices block access to servers for graphical benchmarking apps, so I was only able to quantify CPU performance, while graphical testing was anecdotal, based on gaming usage and the like.

Having reviewed smartphones for nearly 15 years, including numerous Xiaomi smartphones, as well as devices from the company's key competition, I felt equipped to review this flagship, assessing its strengths and abilities against the market it's competing in.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed February 2025

Thrustmaster F/A-18 Super Hornet: One-minute review

If you’ve read our Thrustmaster Viper TQS Mission Pack review, you’ll know that flight sim tech is getting closer than ever to turning your setup into something plucked right from a fighter jet.

The Thrustmaster F/A-18 Super Hornet follows on that same line of thinking, dovetailing beautifully with its sister product while offering a fantastic flight stick in its own right, packed with input options and plenty of settings to tweak the game feel to your liking.

It’s ludicrously expensive, though. The review unit we’re testing is formed of multiple modular sections, with the company’s AVA base, a flight stick, and a base plate. These all combine in a nifty bundle for $579 / £450 (cheaper than buying them piecemeal) but it’s definitely an investment for a flight enthusiast.

It’s still hard not to be impressed. It’s a hefty stick, one that would feel right at home doing loop-de-loops in the sky, and it’s absolutely packed with inputs with switches, buttons, and triggers all over it.

If you’re looking to take your flight sim experience to new heights, it’s hard to look past, but don’t forget that the HOTAS X is a much more affordable, entry-level model that comes with a throttle – something the F/A-18 Super Hornet doesn’t have in the box.

(Image credit: Future) Thrustmaster F/A-18 Super Hornet: Price and availability

• List price: $579 / £450
• Available worldwide
• Offered in parts but this bundle is much cheaper

If you do want to pick up each part of the setup we’re testing here for the Thrustmaster F/A-18 Super Hornet, you can expect to spend a fair amount more, with just the baseplate alone coming in at $25 / £25.

That makes the bundle the way to go, and thankfully it’s easy to put together. It took me around five minutes to get everything hooked up, and the weight is a dead giveaway that it’s built to last, weighing in at 7.6lbs / 3.5kg once it’s put together.

The bundle includes the offset adapter, too, letting you tweak the angle at which the stick rests, either for realism or just for comfort.

Thrustmaster F/A-18 Super Hornet: Specs Thrustmaster F/A-18 Super Hornet: Design and features

• The base plate could do with better feet
• Feels great to use
• Satisfying inputs

As with the Viper TQS Mission Pack, it’s hard not to be in awe of the Thrustmaster F/A-18 Super Hornet once you unbox it.

It’s easy to put together, with a few screws attaching the AVA base to the base plate, and the stick basically screws on without any strenuous effort. It’s really easy to get started, too, since you just need to plug in your USB-C cable (included in the box) and you’re away.

Compared to the T Flight HOTAS I’ve been using for years, there’s a real weight to any movement on the Thrustmaster F/A-18 Super Hornet, and it makes flying feel more authentic as a result.

Button-wise, there’s a trio of hat switches. Two are at the top, while one rests under your thumb, and if the game you’re playing supports all of them you’ll have more buttons than you know what to do with. Two are four-way, while another is eight-way, and combined with physical buttons you have a whopping 19 on a stick that really doesn’t waste any space at all.

Everything feels great to press, and there’s enough effort needed to hit things like the rear buttons so that you won’t find yourself accidentally hitting them too often.

Special props should be given to the trigger, too, which registers full pulls and half pulls if your game supports that, and always feels great to pull whether you’re playing something more grounded or more fantastical.

(Image credit: Future) Thrustmaster F/A-18 Super Hornet: Performance

• Plug and play
• Customizable innards
• T.A.R.G.E.T. software is basically just for drivers

As with the Viper, Thrustmaster recommends using its T.A.R.G.E.T. software, but you can really just use it for the drivers and little else. I found everything was detected nicely in Windows’ own control panel for input devices, and that was a better spot for quick testing of deadzones and the like.

Flight sim fans may lean on it for preloading layouts built to approximate real flight controls, but as I’ve mentioned before, I fancy myself more of a Han Solo than an airline pilot, and the Thrustmaster F/A-18 Super Hornet helps fulfill those dogfighting dreams wonderfully - once you map controls.

If you’re using this and the Viper, games should switch to make the latter the secondary input, but it’s worth noting I ran into some bother as certain games mapped functions to the Thrustmaster F/A-18 Super Hornet that it doesn’t have access to, leading to a bizarre endless spin in the likes of Elite Dangerous and Star Wars: Squadrons. Remapping buttons did the trick, but if you’re worried you’ve got a dodgy unit, rest assured it’s a minor issue.

That aside, both games feel great when using the Thrustmaster F/A-18 Super Hornet. (Intentional) barrel rolls and locking onto TIE Fighters became second nature, even without using the Viper, and I found myself tinkering with the inner chassis just to get things dialed in.

The AVA base can be opened up with ease, letting discerning pilots adjust resistance, travel, and more. It’s easily done and adds a level beyond simple button remapping that experts will no doubt have an awful lot of fun with.

In fact, the only real complaint is that in the heat of the moment, as I pulled back on the stick, I found the feet on the baseplate didn’t give quite as much resistance as I had hoped. That could be down to me and having a relatively smooth-feeling desk, but it’s something to consider.

(Image credit: Future) Should I buy the Thrustmaster F/A-18 Super Hornet? Buy it if...

You’re a flying enthusiast
The price of admission is high, but this weighty stick has everything you could need for just about any flying title.

You’re a tinkerer
Digital aviation experts will no doubt delight in customizing the inner workings of the Thrustmaster F/A-18 Super Hornet.

Don't buy it if...

You’re on a budget
Sadly, it’s not the cheapest stick around, making it likely to be out of the reach for more casual flying fans.

Also consider...

Still not sold on the Thrustmaster F/A-18 Super Hornet? Here’s how it compares to two similar products.

Turtle Beach VelocityOne
As we mentioned in our Viper review, Turtle Beach’s VelocityOne is a slick stick (say that ten times, quickly), with an OLED display and a comfortable stick with plenty of inputs. It’s not as weighty, though, which makes it feel less premium.

For more information, check out our full Turtle Beach VelocityOne review

Logitech T Flight Hotas One
Our trusty fallback, the T Flight HOTAS remains a very comfortable stick with a throttle included, all for less than half the price of the F/A-18 Super Hornet. It works on Xbox One and Series X|S consoles as well.

For more information, check out our full T Flight Hotas One review

(Image credit: Future) How I tested the Thrustmaster F/A-18 Super Hornet

• Tested over a period of months
• Used on a gaming PC with an RTX 4070 Ti
• Tested with Elite Dangerous, Star Wars Squadrons, and Microsoft Flight Simulator

I’ve been testing the Thrustmaster F/A-18 Super Hornet for a couple of months, but the aforementioned remapping issues meant things took a little longer to settle than I’d care to admit.

Once that was sorted, though, it was off to the races (or airport?). I tested it with Microsoft Flight Simulator for some trans-Atlantic trips, but as I mentioned above, I mostly used it for dogfighting in Star Wars Squadrons or hauling space cargo in Elite Dangerous.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed February 2025

The EcoFlow Delta Pro 3 takes portable power to new heights. This isn't just a power station that can power your iPhone while camping; this is a power station that offers the ability to operate as a whole-home backup solution, power an RV, power an off-grid domicile, charge a Tesla, or even run an industrial popcorn machine for hours on end (more on this later).

Much like Anker Solix's F3800, I have written two pieces on the EcoFlow Delta Pro 3, the largest offering of the company's line-up. But this new model, the third-generation, boasts more capacity, faster charging, and improved expandability compared to the earlier Delta models, making it one of the most advanced consumer power stations available - and a phenomenal option for those who need high output and high capacity.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) EcoFlow Delta Pro 3: Price and Availability

The base price of the Delta Pro 3 is $3,699, currently on sale for $3,199. Since its release, the cost has lowered. However, it is still a premium offering. EcoFlow is offering a handful of bundle options to expand the already impressive capabilities of its flagship power station. These include a solar panel bundle, a dual-fuel brilliant generator bundle, and an extra battery bundle that could expand the capacity to 48kWh.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) EcoFlow Delta Pro 3: Unboxing & first impressions

One of the first things I noticed about the Delta Pro 3 was its compact size and incredible weight. I know batteries are heavy and regularly work with large power stations, but I was still shocked. For the power output that the Delta Pro 3 can produce, the size is not that overbearing. It does, however, weigh in at just over 113 pounds, so make sure that you either have help to move it around or that you're not going up and down stairs or loading it anywhere.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

The build quality is what I would expect from a company like EcoFlow. It has an industrial-grade IP65-rated battery for dust and water resistance, too.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Another shocking thing about the design is it has a built-in telescoping handle. I expected wheels, mostly because I saw them in the picture before arrival but also because the unit is so heavy. I also noticed a carrying handle on the top, so I expected that to be it. However, once I got the unit, I saw a telescoping handle that comes out of the underside of the power station, allowing for even easier transportation without breaking your back to move the power station from place to place on the large back wheels.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) EcoFlow Delta Pro 3: Design & build quality Specs

Capacity: 4096Wh (Expandable to 48kWh with extra batteries)
Battery: LiFePO4 (LFP), 4000+ cycles to 80%
Charging:
• AC: 3600W (240V) / 1800W (120V)
• Solar: 2600W max
• EV charging support
• Dual charging (AC + Solar up to 7000W)
UPS Mode: 10ms switchover for uninterrupted power
Port Layout:
• 7 AC outlets (4000W, 8000W surge)
• 4 USB ports (USB-A and USB-C, up to 100W)
• RV 30A TT-30R outlet (ideal for RV users)
• 120V/240V outputs for home appliances
Dimensions: 27.3” x 13.4” x 16.1”
Weight: 113.5 lbs (51.5kg)

This portable power station has a massive battery, so don't expect to take this thing hiking. However, it is crucial to note that EcoFlow has integrated some rugged wheels to get you to where you may need power the most. Outside the telescoping handle, the EcoFlow Delta Pro 3 has an industrial-grade plastic casing to help it withstand heavy use. And, while I don't think anyone would intentionally take this beast out in the rain, it is IP65-rated, making it resistant to dust and water and, therefore, suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) EcoFlow Delta Pro 3: In use

Portable power stations are something that I didn't realize how much I would use them until I had an abundance. They are so helpful not only as home backups as UPS but also as power in strange places you may not have power or even to offer a port you may not otherwise have.

I've had the EcoFlow Delta Pro 3 for many months and tested it in many scenarios. Some have been realistic and useful for the masses, and others have been highly specialized and unique to what I needed.

First, to discuss the common uses, this power station functions beautifully as a UPS and whole home backup solution. Granted, if you are trying to hook this up to run your entire house with the standard outlets, you'll need some additional pieces to wire it into your home. But, if you want to run a local dose of plugs that can be plugged into this power station, you are also in luck. This unit operates as a UPS with a 10ms switchover time, which ensures no interruptions for critical appliances or lamps, just the same.

What sets this power station apart is that it's powerful enough to output what a large generator would, but without fumes or gas. So, you can get 240v power anywhere without making room for venting a gas/diesel generator. I did this a couple of times for testing purposes to see what the capabilities are.

I was able to push the Delta Pro 3 to charge a Tesla (though, of course, not full capacity off just the internal battery, but it was able to add quite a bit of capacity to the battery while sipping off the 120v wall), I was able to run a giant industrial sized bounce house blower, and even a commercial sized popcorn machine on full power for several hours while also plugged into a 120v outlet.

This power station is phenomenal for off-grid power, running off of just the sun and some solar panels. It can be an excellent option for those trying to make a fully powered tiny home in a van or truck. It can be a fantastic option for high power on demand anywhere. It can also be an excellent option for job sites.

EcoFlow Delta Pro 3: Final verdict

The EcoFlow Delta Pro 3 is a game-changer for high-capacity portable power. With seamless smart home integration, massive battery capacity, and rapid charging options, it’s one of the best solutions for home backup, RV life, and professional off-grid power. Though heavy and pricey, its performance and versatility justify the investment for serious users needing a portable power solution.

The ProtoArc EC100 is an ergonomic office chair designed for all-day comfort without breaking the bank. I've had the opportunity to review the best chairs for years, and many of them are getting expensive. ProtoArc, while I didn't know them very well before this chair, has created a quality chair that is easy to set up, comfortable, and good-looking for the more palatable cost of just under $200.

ProtoArc's focus for the EC100 is lumbar support, breathability, and a great cushion, all in a budget chair far more accessible than some bigger-named companies we've reviewed in our round-up of the best office chairs.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) ProtoArc EC100: Price and Availability

The ProtoArc EC100 has excellent build quality for a mere $189 and is sold on Amazon, ProtoArc's website, and a handful of other retailers. ProtoArc runs occasional discounts.

At the time of review, the red and black colorways were sold out, but the grey option is still available (as you'll see in the photos since I have the grey color).

Lastly, the EC100 comes with ProtoArc's fair but not amazing two-year warranty and a 30-day return policy.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) ProtoArc EC100: Unboxing & first impressions

The ProtoArc EC100 was an effortless and straightforward assembly. It took around 20 minutes to complete, and the parts were clearly labeled.

Everything was neatly packed in the box, so nothing got damaged in transit, and every piece felt well-built, making me feel confident that this chair wouldn't just break right away.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

My first impression of this chair was that it was a good mix between premium and budget. It has a sturdy base, quality parts, and a decent design. It fits the design language of other ergonomic office chairs I have tested. Further, after assembly, none of the pieces bolted together felt loose, which is another good sign of a quality design. The mesh back is lightweight and highly breathable, which I love, and the seat cushion is relatively thick and well-padded.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) ProtoArc EC100: Design & build quality Specs

Seat Height: 18.5” – 21.5”
Material: Mesh back, high-density foam seat
Weight Capacity: 280 lbs
Recline Angle: 90° – 130°
Armrest Adjustments: 7-position armrests
Headrest Adjustments: 2.7” vertical, 60° rotation
Lumbar Support: Adaptive, non-adjustable
Base Material: Steel
Chair Weight: 36 lbs

One of the best things about the ProtoArc EC100 is that I can recommend it as a great option to most people. This is partly because of the budget-friendly price tag and partly because this chair is designed for individuals 5'3" - 6'5" with a weight range of 90lbs to 280lbs. That's a huge range I'm not sure I've seen before.

While in use, the sturdy and high-quality frame is sleek and provides the support needed. The EC100's mesh back is breathable, keeping users cool during the day and helping cut back on getting sweaty while cocooned into an old leather-style chair.

The cushion has a spring enhancement, providing better pressure distribution, according to ProtoArc. I like to see it as feeling like there is support to my support, providing a comfortable seat, but also feeling like I'm not going to sink into memory foam or a soft cushion -- it feels like I have something holding me up as well. ProtoArc also claims that this spring-enhanced seat cushion provides better pressure distribution, making you feel more comfortable for longer. Pairing this with another feature that ProtoArc boldly proclaims is the Ergonomic S-shaped backrest, which is supposed to help with spine alignment. Lastly, add those features to the 7-position armrest, and you get a highly customizable, ergonomically comfortable, built-for-all chair at a great price, too.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) ProtoArc EC100: In use

My team and I have had this chair in our rotation since September 2024. Yes, that's been a while. However, this chair has worked its way around and into the perfect desk setup for this kind of chair. Since this chair is highly flexible, I wanted to pair it with an equally flexible desk since it is highly adaptable. So, I paired it with a desk that works as a hot desk right now, easily able to run any computer setup or even frequently running an iPad Air setup.

This chair is frequently used by individuals who are around 5'5" and are under 150lbs and those who are above 6 feet and are just over 200lbs. What's impressive about this chair is that it feels (or so I am told) just as comfortable to both ends of the spectrum. The lumbar support is firm but not too firm, the seat cushion is relaxed, and the armrests are nice and adjustable. However, one thing I have noticed is that the seat cushion is comfortable, but it is less breathable than if you have full-mesh chairs. If you run pretty warm during the day and want something to help keep you cool, this can do it for your back, but it may be too warm for your... lower half of your body...

Another thing we noticed compared to other chairs is that while many can choose where to click into place at a few options while reclining back, this chair can only sit up, lay back, or have tension in between, with no other locking positions. Most of the time, this is fine, and we don't notice, but in the few times one of us has wanted to lock it back, it's a bummer that we only have two options.

ProtoArc EC100: Final verdict

The ProtoArc EC100 is a budget-friendly ergonomic chair designed to fit a wide range of heights and weights while staying comfortable and adjustable. While it's not perfect, it's a fantastic option for those who need a chair for a hot-desk situation, want a chair for their home office, or if you are simply in the market for a chair and don't want to break the bank.

For more office essentials, we've tested the best standing desks you can get right now.

Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell: two-minute review

The Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell is a very good video doorbell that’s held back a little by a limited battery life and one accessory omission. If you live alone and are willing to charge up the battery on a weekly basis or set it up in a wired configuration, its 9:16 aspect ratio, microSD reader (not to mention included 32GB SD card), and a host of features makes it among the best video doorbells for you to consider.

The battery life is not what one would want in a device that should take the place of the best home security cameras for your front door. It’s also a little disconcerting that the doorbell chime is a separate purchase. The only way to get notifications outside of your phone then is through Alexa or Google Assistant, so there are at least options.

At the very least, the 4K resolution extends to a 9:16 ratio so you can get a full view of whomever or whatever is at your front door. It also has color night vision as well as a night light and two-way talk. As mentioned, it has some voice assistant support as well.

The setup and installation is pretty straightforward as well. All in all, the Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell is a solid option, especially if you’re willing to wire it up. I would also suggest spending the extra cash for the doorbell chime, unless you already have an Alexa or Google smart home setup.

The Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell has a single camera with an impressive aspect ratio. Many other doorbells use two cameras to cover the same area (Image credit: James Holland) Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell: specs Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell: price and availability

• List price: $199.99 (about £160 / AU$320)
• Available in the US

The Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell has a price tag of $199.99 (about £160 / AU$320), which isn't bad, especially considering that something like the Phillips 7000 Series Video Doorbell is a bit pricier at $229.99 (about £180 / AU$350). Unfortunately it's only available in the US, so if you’re in the UK or Australia, you’re limited to the 2K Video doorbell at a $149.99 / £149.99 / AU$327 price point.

The Lorex model offers a 9:16 aspect ratio, while the Phillips uses a dual-camera design for a somewhat similar full body view. Both allow you to do wired and wireless power. However, the Lorex comes with a 32GB SD card compared to the 8GB built-in storage. Of course, the Phillips model does come with a Wi-Fi chime box, whereas the one for Lorex (which is, luckily compatible with quite a few of the brand’s video doorbells) requires a separate purchase of $49.99/ £59.99 / AU$69.00.

If we look at other 4K video doorbells, the Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell’s price tag seems to be about what one should expect. The SwannBuddy 4K goes for $199 / £169 / AU$299, however, it does offer a bit more value, as it not only also comes with a microSD reader and 32GB SD card so you don’t have to spring for a subscription, but it also comes with a doorbell chime included. The Lorex is a little easier to install, partially thanks to the use of plastic mounting brackets instead of metal. The Lorex is also more flexible since it comes with a couple angled brackets so that you can get a clear view of whoever is in front of the door.

• Value score: 4/5

Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell: design

• Has microSD reader for onboard storage
• Comes with two different angled brackets
• Straightforward installation

The Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell is available in black and white (the one reviewed here is black) and looks about the same and is a similar size to most other video doorbells you’ll come across. It is a little bit smaller than the Phillips Series 7000 I reviewed as it stands a little over five inches tall compared to the Phillips’ over six inches of height. Functionally, it doesn’t make much of a difference.

The front of the doorbell is composed of the camera on top, the logo etched across the middle, and the actual button lined by an LED indicator that lights up when pressed (or when the doorbell is triggered by someone or something passing in front of it).

Image 1 of 2

The package includes a mounting bracket and two angled plates (Image credit: James Holland)Image 2 of 2

Installation is pretty straightforward (Image credit: James Holland)

The microSD card reader and a micro-USB port for charging sit on the side behind a silicon cover that’s actually a bit tough to pop out (and will be covered by the mounting bracket when installed on a door). While it takes some work to get out (unless you have long nails), it does help keep the integrity of this doorbell’s IP65 rating, meaning that you don’t have to worry about a heavy rain shorting the doorbell.

If you want to wire this doorbell up instead of going the wireless route, which you might want to once you read my thoughts on the battery life, the ports are on the back of the unit. And as is to be expected, the necessary wires are included in a little bag that also includes a pin used to remove the doorbell from the bracket.

The doorbell has a micro USB port and a microSD card reader, both of which are shielded from the elements (Image credit: James Holland)

Also included are three different mounting brackets. Or should I say, one flat bracket that must be used and then two additional ones that are angled to the side or downward to adjust the viewing angle of the doorbell if you don’t want it to just look straight ahead.

Since I’ve mentioned the brackets, I should mention that installation is pretty easy. Just charge up the doorbell, screw in the mounting bracket(s), connect the doorbell to the app (the usual follow-the-directions-on-the-screen situation), pop in the doorbell into the bracket, and you’re good to go.

• Design score: 4.5/5

Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell: performance

• Sharp 4K resolution with full-body 9:16 aspect ratio
• Supports Alexa and Google Assistant
• Battery life isn't great

The Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell offers an 8MP camera with 4K resolution (2160 × 3840p) in a unique 9:16 ratio. I appreciate the full body angle so that I can get a clear view of the front door. Someone would have to stand really close to the camera to hide something out of view. And since it has that higher resolution, everything comes through clearly.

Image 1 of 2

Video is clear and crisp during the daytime, with impressive viewing angles (Image credit: James Holland)Image 2 of 2

Footage recorded at night is crisp as well (Image credit: James Holland)

It’s just as clear at night, if a bit more monochromatic. This is intentional as you can change a setting to see whatever’s at your door in color, though it’s not quite as crisp.

There’s a little bit of a lag but seems to be just a second or so – certainly not long enough to hamper a conversation. Speaking of, the microphone is adequate though it picks up more environmental noise than I would like. At least, there’s responsive two-way audio.

Image 1 of 2

(Image credit: James Holland)Image 2 of 2

(Image credit: James Holland)

Since the doorbell chime is sold separately, it’s up to me (or whomever has the app on their phone) to keep an eye for notifications. While I miss the physical chime, I was able to connect the doorbell to Alexa to serve in that capacity (this video doorbell also supports Google Assistant). There’s also the option to share the doorbell with other users so other people in the household are also notified when there’s someone at the door.

Since the Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell is capable of wired and wireless power, I highly suggest you go the wired route. While it doesn’t take too long to charge up, it took about a week to go from a 100% charge to 20%. That means I have to charge it almost every week to keep using it.

There's no separate charm to notify you when someone is at the door, but connecting the doorbell to Alexa will let you receive alerts through a smart speaker (Image credit: James Holland)

Now, I will mention that we have dogs that need to be let out several times a day and multiple people in the home where this doorbell is being tested, so the Lorex is regularly triggered. Still, a weekly charge-up is not something anyone would expect for a video doorbell.

• Performance score: 4/5

Should you buy the Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell? Buy it if

You want to see everything in front of your door

Thanks to that 9:16 aspect ratio, not to mention the 4K resolution, you can get a full view of whatever’s at your front door and not just a headshot.

You don’t want to spring for a subscription

With some video doorbells, you need to pay for a subscription to get a decent amount of storage. You don’t need that here since it has a microSD card reader and includes a 32GB card.

You want voice assistant support

This doorbell works with both Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing easy integration into your smart home (if you use one of those two ecosystems).

Don't buy it if

You want a long lasting wireless doorbell

Whatever the reason, the Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell needs to get recharged almost weekly. This is not the doorbell for you, if you want something that’s set-it-and-forget-it.

You’re limited on funds

Not only is it a bit pricey for a video doorbell (though mostly on par with other 4K video doorbells), it doesn’t come with a doorbell chime, which is sold separately.

Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell: also consider

Phillips 7000 Series Video Doorbell

Not only is it easy to install and use, the video quality is crisp and the onboard storage is enough to forgo a subscription. It is on the pricey side, has a bit of a delay, and sometimes has audio issues. On the bright side, it can be used both wired and wirelessly.

Read our full Phillips 7000 Series Video Doorbell review

SwannBuddy 4K

The SwannBuddy 4K is about the same price as the Lorex, also offers superb video quality, and even allows you to communicate through pre-recorded voice messages. It comes with an included SD card and even a doorbell chime, but doesn’t have angled or plastic mounting brackets, which could be an issue for placement or antique door frames.

Read our full SwannBuddy 4K review

How I tested the Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell

To test the Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell, I used it for a couple weeks to not only answer the door, but to monitor all activity coming in and out (mostly my brother-in-law letting the dogs out to pee). I also played around with and tested the various settings in the app to see how they work, including the voice assistant and night vision settings.

Tested February 2025

GameSir Kaleid Flux: one-minute review

(Image credit: Future)

The GameSir Kaleid Flux is a wired controller in the mold of the official Xbox Wireless Controller, adopting a similar layout but with a few extra features and functions to set it apart.

The large front panel and asymmetrical analog sticks will be familiar aspects to many gamers at this point. However, the D-pad is one point of difference, as it adopts a more traditional four-prong design rather than a circular one a la the Xbox controller. It’s also gold in color, as are the trigger buttons.

The Kaleid Flux further distinguishes itself with RGB lighting visible behind the transparent front panel, which offers high levels of brightness. Like the best PC controllers, this can be adjusted and customized.

You’ll also find some extra buttons, including an 'M' (multifunction) button that can be used to make various tweaks when used in combination with other inputs. These include changing audio and mic volumes of connected headsets, toggling the analog functionality of the triggers, and configuring the RGB lighting.

This M button can also be used to assign inputs to the back buttons, which are located underneath the grips. This can also be done using GameSir’s Nexus software, which contains various other adjustments, including those for the analog sticks, triggers, vibration and lighting.

When gaming, the Kaleid Flux performs well for the most part. It feels light and comfortable, fitting my hands without issue. Although it’s a wired controller, it features a detachable USB cable, but thankfully the deep recess and secure hold of the port means there’s very little danger of it coming loose.

The face buttons are snappy yet well-damped, and so too is the D-pad, making for accurate and satisfying inputs. The back buttons are also easy to use, thanks to their tactile nature and positioning, which makes them hard to mispress. The sticks are similarly smooth and precise as well.

What’s more, the ability to set the triggers to always vibrate, with the intensity based on their travel, is a useful one, helping in situations where precise feedback is important – although the feel of this vibration isn’t the most pleasant sensation.

However, it’s a shame there aren’t more advanced tweaks available within Nexus, such as the ability to change the curve profile for the analog sticks. And while there is an option to swap the D-pad and left analog stick inputs, there’s no option to switch both sticks with each other, which I would’ve found more useful.

For a wired controller, the Kaleid Flux is a little on the expensive side. There are wireless gamepads with similar prices, such as the official Xbox Wireless Controller. It also lacks the same level of compatibility and advanced adjustments of some of its rivals, such as the Manba One.

The Kaleid Flux is by no means a bad controller, since it offers good performance and ergonomics, but you’ll have to consider whether you can live with its limitations given its asking price.

GameSir Kaleid Flux review: Price and availability

• $46 / £59 (about AU$75)
• Available now in a single colorway
• Wireless rivals are similarly priced

The Kaleid Flux costs $46 / £59 (about AU$75) and comes in one colorway: black with gold accents.

If you’re looking for one of the best Xbox controllers, then you can’t do much better than the official Xbox Wireless Controller. This nominally costs about the same as the Kaleid Flux, but it can often be found for less. However, it doesn’t come with a rechargeable battery – you’ll have to use AAs or pay extra for the optional rechargeable battery pack. The official software also lacks even basic customization options, such as button remapping.

If your heart is set on a Hall Effect controller, then the Manba One is a viable alternative to the Kaleid Flux. What’s more, it features more advanced customizations, including multiple curve profiles for the analog sticks. It’s also wireless and has Nintendo Switch and mobile support, yet the price difference (at least in the UK) isn’t much greater.

GameSir Kaleid Flux review: specs

(Image credit: Future) GameSir Kaleid Flux review: design and features

• Wired only
• Useful multifunction button and back buttons
• Mixed software

The Kaleid Flux adopts a familiar gamepad design popularized by Xbox controllers, with its substantial front panel and asymmetrical analog sticks. However, it adds some panache with its gold D-pad and shoulder buttons, as well as RGB lighting, which sits behind the transparent front panel, offering plenty of luminescence should you want it.

The overall construction of the body is solid and the materials feel durable. This extends to the membrane face buttons, which are reassuringly damped and smooth in operation. Despite its solidity, the Kaleid Flux also feels quite light.Although the grips aren’t rubberized, the plastic has a dotted texture which I found offered plenty of grip during my play sessions.

The included braided USB cable is similarly well-made. Since the Kaleid Flux can’t be used wirelessly, it’s a little curious the cable is detachable, but thanks to the deep recess of the port on the controller, it’s very secure and I had no concerns at all about it coming loose in the heat of the moment.

You’ll find the usual gamepad buttons on the Kaleid Flux, including an Xbox home button in the middle. However, there are some extra buttons, including a share button just below the home button, and an M button, which acts as a modifier allowing you to adjust various settings on the fly when pressed in conjunction with other inputs.

You can switch profiles, adjust RGB effects and brightness, toggle the triggers between analog and digital modes, and adjust audio output and microphone volumes when a headset is connected via the 3.5mm jack. The M button is well positioned, making it easy to reach with your thumb.

The Kaleid Flux also has two back buttons located under the grips. These can be assigned inputs by using the M button or GameSir’s Nexus software on a Windows PC.

This software allows for further customizations, including button remapping and various other tweaks. For the analog sticks, there are dead zone adjustments and an option to toggle raw input mode. However, there’s no option to swap the left and right stick inputs with one another, which is a shame. You can swap the left stick with the D-pad, but personally I find this switch less useful.

For the triggers, there are alterable parameters for their travel distance, and you’ll also find a toggle for switching between analog and digital modes here too. Vibration intensity can be adjusted as well, and there are independent settings for trigger and grip vibrations, which is more than many other controllers and their companion software offer.

(Image credit: Future) GameSir Kaleid Flux review: performance

• Good trigger feedback
• Reasonably precise sticks
• Some performance tweaks missing

The Kaleid Flux performs well when gaming. The aforementioned damped buttons make for satisfying yet snappy presses, with the D-pad being a particular highlight in this regard. Its long prongs also meant that mispressing certain directions wasn’t an issue for me, yet it still retains that rolling ability when adjacent directions need to be hit in quick succession – which made Tekken 8 more pleasurable for me to play.

Offering sufficient precision and feedback, the Hall effect analog sticks perform well too. It’s a shame, however, that their response curves can’t be altered, as they can on other controllers, such as the Manba One.

The triggers also employ Hall effect technology. They offer just the right amount of travel in my view, and allow for both precise, gradual actuation, which I welcomed when playing Art of Rally for maximum car control. However, they're still amenable to snappy inputs when required.

Should you require more snappiness, however, the ability to toggle the triggers between analog and digital modes is a useful one, as it allows you to perform quickfire presses – useful in shooters where you might not need the full travel of an analog trigger. However, if you want to switch modes quickly you’ll be disappointed, as there’s some delay when using the M button method for toggling between them (it may prove quicker using Nexus instead).

The triggers also have a vibrate function, and in Nexus you can set the Kaleid Flux to override in-game settings and instead vibrate them whenever they’re pressed, with intensity based on their travel. I found this particularly useful for racing games, where the feedback this provided made accelerating and braking more tactile.

However, the nature of this vibration is a little strange, feeling more like a buzz, which isn’t the most pleasant sensation under the finger. Also, there’s a slight dead zone at the start, meaning the vibration doesn’t kick in until the triggers are a certain way along. However, both of these are minor gripes and weren’t enough to derail the experience.

One particular quirk of the Kaleid Flux I noticed (at least in the unit I reviewed) is that the left grip vibration was notably stronger than the right. This could be an issue with the motor, but regardless, this again wasn’t immersion-breaking.

(Image credit: Future) Should I buy the GameSir Kaleid Flux? Buy it if...

You want something comfortable
The Kaleid Flux is light and it fit my hands perfectly. It sticks to the ergonomic excellence of the official Xbox controller.

You want good trigger feel
By default, the triggers offer plenty of feedback, but the option to increase vibration depending on how hard they’re pressed adds to their tactility.

Don't buy it if...

You want a wireless controller
In today’s gaming landscape, wired peripherals are starting to feel a little outmoded, especially considering the performance and declining costs of their wireless counterparts.

You want wide platform support
The Kaleid Flux only officially supports Windows, Xbox, and Steam Deck, which is a shame when other gamepads offer wider compatibility.

Also consider...

There's no shortage of PC and Xbox controllers out there, so take a look at these two wireless alternatives.

Xbox Wireless Controller
As our best Xbox controller and best PC controller, you can’t go far wrong with the Xbox Wireless Controller. It’s wide compatibility and ubiquity make it a dependable companion for your gaming sessions. It does miss out on rechargeable batteries as standard, and there’s no native customization software, but you can pick one up for a bargain if you shop around. Read our Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller review.

Manba One
The Manba One is another controller with Hall effect technology, but it features more advanced performance-related tweaks via its software. It can also be used wirelessly thanks to its Bluetooth capabilities, and it’s compatible with a PC, the Nintendo Switch and mobile devices. It does cost more than the Kaleid Flux, but not by much. Read our Manba One review.

How I tested the GameSir Kaleid Flux

• Tested for a week
• Played a variety of games
• Plentiful gaming experience

I tested the Kaleid Flux for about a week, during which time I used it to play a variety of games on PC.

I played Art of Rally – a racing game that provided a good test for trigger feedback thanks to the accelerating and braking controls – and Tekken 8, which is great for putting the D-pad and face buttons through their paces, since the game requires quick and precise inputs. I also played the Mafia: Definitive Edition to test the precision of the analog sticks when shooting.

I also made sure to use as many features and functions on the Kaleid Flux as possible, including the two back buttons and M button, and tried to make every tweak and adjustment on offer via GameSir’s Nexus software tool.

I have been gaming for over 25 years across a variety of platforms, and have experienced many controllers over this time, including models that I’ve reviewed.

• First reviewed January 2025
• Read more about how we test

Happy Plugs Joy Speaker review: two-minute review

The Happy Plugs Joy Speaker aims to offer good vibrations, a pleasing design and stunning, portable build. Don’t worry, it’s only a Bluetooth speaker. And for the most part, this diminutive portable speaker achieves what it sets out to do. It has an eye-catching shape fit for fashionistas, decent all-round audio and impressive build quality. But unfortunately for the Happy Plugs Joy Speaker, it just falls short of its competitors in a couple of crucial areas.

Before we get into that, though, let’s start with a sound assessment. Due to its tiny size, the Happy Plugs Joy Speaker is pretty limited in terms of the quality and volume it can produce. It has a single 45mm, 5W full-range driver that produces typically clear, tonally-accurate audio. Some sounds can get a touch edgy at times – especially those in the treble range while listening at higher volumes.

But again, I still felt that the Happy Plugs Joy Speaker sounded fine given its intrinsic limitations. Specifically, I was surprised by the meatiness of the bass on offer. Next to the not-much-smaller JBL Go 4, I found the Joy speaker capable of dishing up superior low-end impact. You won’t find the extra serving of detail that some of the best Bluetooth speakers can deliver, though, with more subtle sonic ornaments often hard to uncover. It’s also worth noting that the speaker only harnesses the basic SBC Bluetooth codec, so you won’t be able to enjoy higher-quality aptX files at their very best.

Perhaps unconventionally, the draw of this speaker isn’t all too much to do with sound – it’s about style. Happy Plugs refers to the Joy Speaker as “fashion tech designed in Sweden”, giving it a real sense of identity. Its rounded look, attractive color options and lace attachment certainly give it that je ne sais quoi, something that can often be overlooked in a cheaper, more bare bones speaker such as this.

Speaking of price, this Happy Plugs product will set you back just $49.99 / £39.99. Realistically, that’s pretty standard stuff for a speaker in this weight class but still, it's a looker for the money. Competitors like the JBL Go 4 and Sony SRS-XB100 have very similar list prices. Other than its winsome design, the Happy Plugs Joy doesn’t really do enough to set itself apart from some pretty fierce competition, in my view.

That predominantly comes down to its disappointing feature-set. Sure, the built-in mic works to a commendable standard and the ability to pair another Joy Speaker for stereo sound is handy, but that’s about it as far as features go, bar the inclusion of an AUX port for wired listening. There’s no companion app or way to adjust EQ – something I’d expect for a speaker released in 2025.

Another issue is the poor dust- and waterproofing offered by the Joy Speaker. It is only IPX4 rated, meaning it can withstand some water splashes or rainfall, but little else. Given you see a whole bunch of competitors, like the Ultimate Ears Miniroll, offering IP67-rated protection against dust and water submersion, IPX4 just feels a bit underwhelming, I’m afraid.

When you pair the fairly feeble protection against the elements with the speaker’s 5W maximum power output, it’s safe to say the Joy Speaker is better suited to bedroom use, rather than taking into the great outdoors or a party environment.

And if a small, personal speaker is all you’re looking for, the Happy Plugs Joy is still an OK option at a reasonable price. Its stylish edge will no doubt earn its fair share of plaudits, even if there’s a shortage of features and undercooked protection against the elements. Overall, I’d still say you’re better off with the JBL Go 4, or even one of the best waterproof speakers like the excellent Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 – both of which offer impressive audio in a similarly mini package, but one that can also be dunked fully in a pool and survive.

(Image credit: Future) Happy Plugs Joy Speaker review: price and release date

• $49.99 / £39.99 (about AU$80)
• Launched in January 2025

The Happy Plugs Joy Speaker released at the beginning of 2025, carrying a very modest list price of $49.99 / £39.99 (about AU$80). That price applies to each of the four color variants this speaker comes in, namely: Black; Blue; Green; and Pink. The Happy Plug Joy Speaker’s main competitors at this price-point include the excellent JBL Clip 5 and supremely durable LG XBoom Go XG2T – more on those in the ‘Also Consider’ section.

(Image credit: Future) Happy Plugs Joy Speaker review: specs Happy Plugs Joy Speaker review: features

• Lacks companion app and EQ adjustment
• Middling battery life
• Has effective built-in mic

I don’t like to do this, honestly I don’t – but I’m going to start on a negative note. The Happy Plugs Joy Speaker has a pretty limited set of features. For a speaker released in 2025, that’s pretty disappointing – even for a small one like this.

A lot of that stems from the omission of a companion app, which instantly restricts what this thing can do. You won’t find any ways to adjust EQ, view connected devices or get the visual on battery life, for example. That’s a bit of a let down when you consider that small options like the JBL Go 4 offer all of this and more (we’ll talk more about this little treasure later).

There are some features of note, though, like the inclusion of a built-in mic, stereo pairing and an AUX port for wired listening. Now, in fairness, the inbuilt microphone is above average – I found call quality to be slightly superior to my phone in speaker or earpiece mode. Similarly, when recording a voice note, I felt that my speech was clear at varying distances, even if there was a bit of feedback lurking in the background.

Stereo pairing is a handy inclusion, especially as this speaker can’t get too loud – more on that later. AUX is cool too if you’re into wired listening, but I suspect most will stick with Bluetooth. This uses version 5.3, which is plenty good enough – although some competitors are using version 5.4 as of the time of writing.

On top of this, you’re getting up to eight hours of playtime with the Happy Plugs Joy. That’s fairly average stuff. Sure, it’s superior to the seven hours offered by the JBL Go 4, but it’s vastly inferior to the fantastic 16 hours you’ll get with the Sony SRS-XB100. A strong battery life would’ve added some much needed credit into this speaker’s account, but ultimately it just feels a bit uninteresting, feature-wise.

• Features score: 2.5/5

(Image credit: Future) Happy Plugs Joy Speaker review: sound quality

• Decently clear all-round audio
• Surprisingly full bass output
• Fairly weak power output

Sound-wise, I was left with conflicting thoughts on the Happy Plugs Joy Speaker. Right off the bat, I can tell you that the manufacturer’s claim of “high quality audio” is stretching the meaning a bit. When tuning into That Lady Pts. 1 & 2 by The Isley Brothers, I found some percussive elements to be a touch tinny-sounding at high volumes and side-by-side with the JBL Go 4, vocals occasionally lacked control.

But overall, I still felt that sound quality was solid for both its size and price. And in some areas it outclassed the Go 4. For instance, when bumping Dasha - Tour Mauborg Remix by Fusion Affair, the bass thump running throughout hit with significantly more impact and weight when listening via the Happy Plugs Joy Speaker. Similarly, I was impressed by the depth of the drum machine in Black Eye by Allie X, even if the speaker wasn’t quite dynamic enough to replicate the bouncing effect of the bass bounding throughout the intro.

In addition, I sensed that the acoustic guitar running through Come sweet death, second impact by Megumi Hayashibara was fairly expressive and tonally accurate. It was also pleasantly forward until vocals entered the fray and deservedly assumed the limelight. I will caveat that with a note that densely layered tracks, such as I Want You by Moloko, aren’t expertly emulated, with synths, vocals, percussion, strings and more sometimes bunching up to create a slightly restricted-sounding result.

But much of that is down to the inherent limitations of speakers this small. You’re rarely going to be smacked by a majestically broad, nuanced soundstage or massively full-sounding profile from a model this mini – I have tested enough speakers of this size to know it. I wasn’t getting a huge dose of detail out of my favorite tracks either, with more granular sonic elements often left under wraps. That reminds me: this speaker only supports the basic SBC codec – no aptX or LDAC for less-compressed Bluetooth streaming this time out, I’m afraid.

Another issue that’s pretty typical of tiny speakers like this is relatively low power output. And the Happy Plugs Joy Speaker doesn’t look to buck that trend. It has a single 5W 45mm driver that can’t get all too loud. Sure, it will have enough power for solo bedroom listening, but if you’re turning up to the party with this, you’re going to be left wanting more. On that note, if you’re more of a party animal, it's well worth checking out our guide to the best party speakers.

So here I am, left with pretty mixed feelings. Overall, I’m leaning towards a positive outlook on the Happy Plugs Joy Speaker – and not just because of the name. It offers generally clear audio, surprisingly attention-grabbing bass output and stereo sound – if you have two paired in stereo mode. But there are some imperfections, too, including occasionally tinny output, restricted volume potential and a lack of detail.

• Sound quality score: 3.5/5

(Image credit: Future) Happy Plugs Joy Speaker review: design

• Small, stunning appearance
• Outdated IPX4 waterproofing
• Beautiful color options

But arguably the main strength of this lil’ speaker is its eye-catching design – after all, Happy Plugs itself describes the Joy Speaker as “a statement piece”. I’m not sure if it’s quite the fashion revolution that it's made out to be, but still, I really like the look of this speaker. (Is it worth mentioning that some of the TechRadar team call this review sample Grogu? I suppose I just have.)

The Joy speaker almost has a rounded trapezoid structure, with a classy-looking fabric speaker grille on its front and reverse side. It also has five small, easy-to-use button controls on the top, which subtly blend into the rubber casing that coats the edge of the device. These include play/pause, call and volume controls, as well as power on/off and Bluetooth. There’s a small LED that flashes to indicate if the speaker is charging or in pairing mode, which is a useful visual prompt as well.

On the side of the Joy Speaker, you’ll discover a tab, under which lies a USB-C port that can charge the speaker from 0-100% in two and a half hours, as well as an AUX port. This will let you play music via a wired connection, if you feel so inclined.

One more highlight – I’m a big fan of the color options available here. I tested out a broccoli-shade green model, but there’s also a dusty pink or blue and a deep black variant available. These colorways compliment the speaker’s “fashion tech” identity to a tee and make for a nice break from the plain, single color direction a lot of rivals go in.

This is all positive stuff so far, but when it comes to practicality, this speaker is a bit of a mixed bag. First, the pros. The lace attached to the side of the speaker looks sleek and is super effective for hanging it off a backpack or nearby attachment. There are also four mini rubber feet on the speaker that keep it in an upright position, even if it gets knocked a little. But I have one major gripe: the dust and waterproof rating.

The Happy Plugs Joy Speaker is only IPX4-rated, meaning it’s resistant to light rain and splashes of water, but little more. For a speaker in this age, that’s simply not cutting it. Almost every major manufacturer is putting out IP67 – or at least IPX7-rated speakers, which enables them to survive submersion under water for extended periods of time. IPX4 isn’t ideal for listening at the beach or in the shower, for instance, whereas a speaker like the Ultimate Ears Miniroll will easily be able to pull through.

• Design score: 4/5

(Image credit: Future) Happy Plugs Joy Speaker review: value

• Price is in-line with competition
• Sound is about what you’d expect in this range
• But competitors offer superior feature-set and durability

At $49.99 / £39.99, the Happy Plugs Joy Speaker very much blends in with rivals including the JBL Go 4 and Sony SRS-XB100. It’s by no means expensive, but not a crazy bargain either. Due to its age, you can occasionally find the Go 4 for less than $40 / £30, which is phenomenal value for money, so with time, I’d hope to see the Joy Speaker discounted to a similar level.

For a speaker of its size, the Joy Speaker does perform pretty well where it matters most – sound. Of course, you’re not going to get perfectly crisp, detailed or booming audio, but for the most part it's expressive and clear enough to keep you engaged and enjoying your queued tunes. And of course, it is very easy on the eye. There’s not a lot of power here and it's not so well protected against the elements, but if you’re just looking for a speaker to use in your bedroom, it will do the trick, no problem.

Ultimately, there are a host of better-value options out there. I mentioned the JBL Go 4 there, which can sound a little thinner through the low-end but does have EQ adjustment options, a useful companion app and superior protection against the elements. Even the LG XBoom Go XG2T – which I marked down for limited EQ presets – still had some… and it offered superior battery life.

In its own right, the Happy Plugs Joy Speaker is fine value-wise. It gets the basics right, but just skips out on a few too many niceties to outdo its rivals. Unless you’re a real lover of its design, I’d wager that you’ll be tempted to consider some of those other options.

• Value score: 3.5/5

(Image credit: Future) Should I buy the Happy Plugs Joy Speaker? Buy it if...

You’re all about style
If the most important thing for you is stunning looks, the Happy Plugs Joy Speaker is well worth considering. It comes in four neat colorways, has a mini, curved build and dons well-sized buttons to boot.

You’re on a budget
The Happy Plugs Joy isn’t outrageously cheap for a speaker of this size, but it’s definitely not overly expensive either. At $49.99 / £39.99 it’s a nice option if you’re on a budget, although there are some small competitors, like the LG XBoom Go XG2T, that can be found at a similar pricepoint on sale, so make sure to weigh your options.

Don't buy it if...

You want top-tier sound quality
Given that it’s a small-sized speaker, the Happy Plugs Joy sounds decent. But if you want a beautiful sonic experience for this size, you’ll be better off with an option like the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 – more on that below.

You’re looking for a speaker that’s shower or beach-ready
One of my biggest gripes with this speaker is its weak dust and waterproofing. It’s just IPX4 rated, meaning it can survive water splashes, but not submersion or anything. That’s not great considering a lot of competitors, like the JBL Go 4, can withstand being dunked a meter underwater for 30 minutes.

Happy Plugs Joy Speaker review: also consider

JBL Go 4
The JBL Go 4 is a diminutive, stylish and solid-sounding speaker that’s ideal for on-the-go listening. It offers pretty controlled audio given its size and surprising levels of loudness. On top of that, it has a superior IP67 waterproof rating, in-app EQ adjustment and cool color options to match. Read our full JBL Go 4 review.

Tribit Stormbox Micro 2
Tribit has been putting out some amazing value audio tech over the past two years and the Stormbox Micro 2 is no exception. With excellent sound quality, fantastic protection against the elements, an awesome 12-hour battery life and the ability to charge your phone, there’s just so much to love here. Read our full Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 review.

Happy Plugs Joy Speaker review: how I tested

• Tested for one week
• Mainly used at our music testing space at Future Labs
• Predominantly tested using Tidal

I spent hours playing music on the Happy Plugs Joy Speaker. I tried it out in a handful of environments, but mainly at our music testing room at Future Labs to best judge the audio quality in a quiet, controlled space.

When blasting tunes, I mainly took to Tidal using my Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, where I streamed tracks from our carefully curated TechRadar reference playlist, as well as my personal library. I also tested the Happy Plugs Joy Speaker alongside the JBL Go 4 to compare sound quality, design elements and loudness.

• First reviewed: February 2025
• Read more about how we test

Tineco Pure One A50S: two-minute review Product info

This model has slightly different names in different territories:

US: Tineco Pure One A50S
UK: Tineco Pure One A50S Plus

For this review, I tested the UK version, which has an extra 'mini power brush' compared to the US version.

While it certainly has a few foibles, the Tineco Pure One A50S cordless stick vacuum offers a decent combination of features and performance. I tried out the 'Plus' version, which comes with an extra detail tool, and while I wouldn't count it amongst the best cordless vacuums I've reviewed, it does come with some appealing features.

Its 60-degree or so swiveling floorhead and bendable wand make it easy to maneuver around furniture and under beds. The suction power is very impressive, too, effectively picking up dust, debris and even pet hair from various floor types. That said, I wouldn't recommend this model solely for dealing with pet hair because its floorhead feels very resistant on carpet and is therefore tiring to push and pull.

On the other hand, the smart DustSense sensor, which automatically adjusts suction power based on the amount of dirt detected, is genuinely useful and certainly contributes to more efficient cleaning. Battery life is reasonable, too, though larger homes might require a recharge for a thorough clean; and it has a larger bin than the norm which in turn reduces the need to empty it too often. However, while it performs very well at sucking stuff up, the A50S is let down by poor ergonomics and a few other niggling design details.

That's the short version; read on for my full Tineco Pure One A50S Plus review.

Tineco Pure One A50S review: price & availability

• List price: $329 / £329
• Launched: Fall 2024

The Tineco Pure One A50S has a list price of $329 / £329, which puts it in the mid-range price bracket for cordless vacuums. It's available to buy direct from Tineco, or via Amazon.

It's competitively priced when compared to other mid-priced cordless vacuums with similar features. However, there's some very strong competition out there, most notably the Dreame R20 which, while equipped with a smaller bin, is lighter in the hand and therefore easier to use.

If you're smart about when you buy, you might be able to avoid paying list price too. At time of writing the UK version was discounted to £229 on the Tineco site, for example. The Black Friday sales tend to be an especially good time to shop for new appliances.

• Value for money score: 3.5 out of 5

Tineco Pure One A50S specs Tineco Pure One A50S review: design

• Forward-bending wand for cleaning under beds
• Handle a little awkward and uncomfortable to hold
• No instruction manual included

Tineco – a sub brand of Ecovacs the robot vac company – has been producing innovative cordless vacs, wet and dry mops and carpet cleaners since 1998. The Chinese company is perhaps best known for the high level of 'smarts' it injects into the majority of its products. Chief amongst these is the interface, which invariably involves a (sometimes quite huge) colorful onboard LCD monitor that provides the user with all manner of information, often using animation for added pizzazz. Tech nerds (me included) love this kind of stuff, though I wouldn't say any of it makes Tineco's machines any easier or more efficient to use.

(Image credit: Future)

However, while other models like the Tineco Pure One S15 Pro and PURE One S11 come with huge, colorful circular displays at the head of the hand unit, this model opts for a much smaller and less fancy info monitor that provides little more than three vacuum modes – Eco, Auto and Max – plus a couple of tiny icons that light up if the air channel is blocked or the brushroll is tangled. There's also a simple three-bar battery level indicator. Oh, and you thankfully don't get a trigger with this model – instead you tap a simple on/off button on the rear.

(Image credit: Future)

Elaborating on these power modes a little more, the A50S Plus uses a feature called DustSense that automatically adjusts the suction draw depending on the amount of muck it detects. Many modern stick vacs have this feature and it provides a good balance between cleaning efficiency and battery use. However, I find the 'Auto' power band description a bit confusing because from what I've noticed, both Eco and Auto use the DustSense function whenever the floorhead sensor detects some extra detritus. And you can hear the change in motor pitch as the power is increased, usually for just a few seconds.

From what I can gather, the Eco mode ramps the power up to the equivalent of Auto mode, and Auto mode increases its power to the equivalent of Max mode which doesn't use DustSense at all because it's already at maximum power. You still with me? This means that 'Auto' is actually a false flag and more like a medium mode. Not sure why Tineco's designers opted for this labelling but I'm guessing they called the equivalent of a medium mode 'Auto' for marketing reasons because, well, everyone uses auto mode on every device, right?

According to Tineco, the Pure One A50S Plus boasts 185 Watts of suction power which is rather confusing since most manufacturers use either Air Watts or Pascals when measuring their products' statistics (here's more on how to tell how much suction your vacuum has). All I know is that there is no shortage of suction power here, as I'll get into in more detail in the Performance section.

(Image credit: Future)

Let's take a quick tour of the Pure One A50S Plus' handle design, starting with its ergonomics. The A50S Plus's handle is comprised of two grip sections, and your hand naturally gravitates to the rear handle because that's the area with the small protruding finger support. Also, this is the type of hand position that most stick vac manufacturers opt for.

However, I've found that if you use the rear section of the handle, the angular edge of the info screen mount digs into the flesh between thumb and index finger and rests on a pressure point that hurts after just a few minutes of use (Dyson's vacs have a similar effect). But worse than that, this position also involves bending the arm at the elbow which means your biceps and anterior muscles in the forearm end up holding all the weight, while the shoulder muscles take care of the pushing and pulling.

(Image credit: Future)

Call me a loafer but I want an easier ride when doing one of the most mundane tasks in the home, so I tend to vacuum with a completely straight arm while performing a pendulum motion using mostly the top of my biceps and shoulder muscle group. I simply walk slowly forward while swinging the whole unit back and forth like a grandfather clock's pendulum. You should try it.

(Image credit: Future)

However, if the handle on the vac is positioned in a way that involves bending the wrist and arm – like this and most other models – I immediately ask myself why manufacturers continue to insist on making models with right-angled handles on the rear when they should ideally be positioned above, and be smooth and circular in shape. Roidmi with its rounded rectangular handle on the X30 Pro, Miele's Duoflex models and Vax with its Blade series have managed it, so why has no one else cottoned on?

But I digress, because, as alluded to above, the Tineco A50S Plus does indeed have a second grip section at the top, though it's still not especially comfortable to use because the pinky finger is squashed in the process. It's not terrible but it's not brilliant either. Also, this model's weight – 3.3kgs with wand and main floorhead – is higher than other models I've tested – just over half a kilo heavier than the Dreame R20 I very recently reviewed – and that makes it feel heavy in the hand, especially during a long session on the pile.

(Image credit: Future)

While most stick vacs ship with a relatively small dust bin of between 0.5 liters and 0.8 liters, this one comes with a substantial one-liter capacity for longer cleaning sessions and fewer trips to the kitchen bin. The emptying mechanism is pretty much the same as all stick vacs, Dyson notwithstanding. In other words you awkwardly unlatch the bin section from the motor housing, and flip a latch to empty the contents. Since this bin is larger than most, clumped pet hair tends to fall out though it might involve a gentle tap of the unit against the inside of the kitchen bin. However, it can be a bit fiddly to fit the bin back onto the vac.

Since the inner mesh filter inside the cyclone section was as dusty as expected, I attempted to pull it out to give it a clean but it wouldn't budge. So I tried twisting it, still to no avail. I then reached for the accompanying manual only to discover that it was full of useless safety and troubleshooting information with absolutely nothing on how to use the machine, let alone remove the mesh filter. So I went online and downloaded the manual from the Tineco website but it was the same piece of safety literature. Needless to say the mesh filter is still firmly attached and perhaps it's designed that way – answers on a postcard please. [Ed's note: we contacted Tineco's PRs, who say the filter can be removed, although we're still not sure exactly how.]

(Image credit: Future)

I was, however, able to access the washable sponge HEPA filter system, which works in tandem with said mesh filter to remove '99.9% of dust and debris as small as 0.3μm', one micrometer. This model also includes a scent block that clips under the battery to help keep carpet smells at bay. (This last feature is unusual but not unheard of – it's most associated with today's best Shark vacuums.)

(Image credit: Future)

Regarding the business end, this model comes with a sturdy articulating wand that can bend 90-degrees for easy access under beds and sofas, and a 23cm brush bar comprising two rows of chevron-shaped bristles designed for both hard floor and carpet. The roller brush can be easily removed for cleaning.

In general, the build feels clunky, unrefined, and less maneuverable than other vacuums I've tested – not just pricy models like those made by Dyson, but even more budget-friendly options from the likes of Dreame.

(Image credit: Future)

According to the blurb, the Tineco's 3DSense brush bar has built-in sensors that will automatically boost suction whenever it detects the edge of a skirting board. In fact you can see two small cutouts on each side of the floorhead's housing, which allow the suction to draw in air from the sides, along with any dust that's lurking along the edges. Nice. There are also two rows of stiff combs at the rear of the brush to prevent entangling of hair and cotton strands.

In order to help the brushroll collect larger particles on hard floor and when using it on carpet to help reduce friction, the floorhead is also equipped with an air intake switch that opens two little ports where the front of the head meets the floor. And, in a nod to the best Dyson vacuums on the market, this model's front headlight is green colored to make dust on hard floors more visible. However, unlike the Dyson, which uses a laser to highlight even the finest of particles, this model uses a simple green LED bulb. Nevertheless, it's still surprisingly effective.

(Image credit: Future)

For use in handheld mode, the Tineco also comes packaged with a motorized upholstery brush, a detail nozzle with slide-down brush fitting and a wall mount that holds everything in one place. The rear handle position works just fine with this setup, though the body does feel heavy when held up high. Also, like the majority of cordless stick vacs, this model won't stand up on its own so there will be times during use when you'll just have to prop it up against something while you shift any furniture around.

• Design score: 2.5 out of 5

Tineco Pure One A50S review: performance

• Great suction performance
• Decent running time
• Too much suction resistance on carpet

The first thing you notice when holding the Tineco Pure One A50S Plus for the first time is the 3.3kg weight, which makes it feel a bit clunky when carrying it around – a bit like the equally hefty Dyson gen5detect. Personally, I think much of the weight comes from the wand and its over-engineered centre section where it bends at 90-degrees.

Since this vac only comes with one floorhead, which is designed more towards carpet use, it isn't as smooth sounding on hard floor as most hard floor-specific soft rollers. However, while the A50S has proved to be a very impressive cleaner on carpet (see results below), the design of the floorhead makes it feel very stiff to push on even medium-pile carpet, and that's with the little front air-intake wide open and the power in Auto (i.e. medium) mode.

(Image credit: Future)

Moreover, when the DustSense feature kicks in, it produces even more friction between the front of the floorhead and the carpet. Put another way, your arm will feel like it's had a good workout after just five minutes of cleaning, although the aforementioned pendulum action helps in this regard. In hindsight I would opt for vacuuming on carpet in ECO mode, which applies less downward suction to the floor and makes it that little bit easier to push.

The Tineco A50S's floorhead articulates up to about 60-degrees – less than a Dyson or the Dreame R20, but decent enough for easy steering around furnishings. However, it is a bit of a struggle removing the wand to swap over to any of the hand tools. The fit is very firm – which is good – but also tricky to release. Incidentally, while quite heavy to hold up in the air, the handheld side of it using the mini motorized brush head is efficient at doing the stairs, the car, the dog bed and sofas, and so on.

I tested the Tineco A50S's noise level and it's not too shabby. In ECO mode it registered at a pleasant 63dB at shoulder height, 66dB in Auto mode and a not considerably louder 69dB in Max mode.

Suction tests

As well as assessing general usability, I ran a series of suction tests. For my main hard floor vacuum test I scattered 25g of oats, flour, orzo pasta, crushed digestive biscuit and a few Coco Pops and set the unit to Auto mode. The motor started gently before the DustSense sensor ramped up the power as soon as it detected the extra debris.

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Debris laid out on hard floor ready for suction test (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 3

During the suction test on hard floor... (Image credit: Future)Image 3 of 3

... and after (Image credit: Future)

Impressively, it collected everything – even the large pieces – in one sweep. Weighing the contents of the bin, it collected 24g in all but I'm betting at least 1g of the flour likely remained in the bin and around the mesh filter. And that's a great result in my opinion.

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Debris scattered on carpet ready for suction test... (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

... and the results following the test (Image credit: Future)

For the carpet test I used the same pre-weighed 25 grams of ingredients and used the same Auto setting with the front air intake open. This test required one back-and-forth sweep to remove the majority of the debris and a few more quick passes to remove any evidence of flour.

Like the hard floor test, I measured the bin's contents but this time it said 26 grams because it had also collected some hidden dust in the carpet. Yes, it did take a lot of effort to push the floorhead on the medium-pile rug I used but, hey, it did the job and did it well.

• Performance score: 4 out of 5

Tineco Pure One A50S review: battery life

• Lasts around 70 minutes in Eco, 17 minutes in Auto and 10 in Max
• Will automatically drop to Eco mode as battery life runs low
• Recharge takes just over three hours

Tineco states a maximum runtime of 70 minutes, which is up there with the longest you'll find anywhere. However, that figure is always for the lowest powered mode. However, I ran a test in Auto mode on a 50:50 medium-pile carpet and tiled hard floor mix and after seven minutes the battery depleted by two bars (from three). Nevertheless, it carried on running till around 17 minutes before automatically switching to Eco mode where it continued at lower power before coming to a stop at 20 minutes and 22 seconds.

In Max mode, runtimes are understandably shorter. I ran this test on hard floor only, because it's too powerful and creates too much friction on carpet. From full charge, it lasted just shy on 10 minutes in Max, before dropping to Eco where it ran until 12 mins 16 seconds before stopping.

Now I should add that most day-to-day vacuum tasks would likely be just one or two rooms unless doing a full spring clean, so 20 minutes in Auto mode is perfectly acceptable, especially given the the DustSense feature boosts the power and battery usage when it detects extra dirt. However, if you have a weekly cleaner who uses your cleaning tools to vacuum the entire home, this model may struggle to complete a whole three bedroom house with kitchen lounge, dining room and bathrooms on a single charge, especially if used entirely in Auto mode.

Now that the battery was completely flat, I fully recharged it and it took exactly three hours and four minutes, which is about average for a cordless stick vac. By the way, I did notice that the charging bar on the screen turns off after a set amount of time so you will need to press the power button while it's connected to the mains to check its progress. However, there is also a green light on the side that pulsates throughout the charging process so I would use that as a charging state reference.

• Battery life score: 4 out of 5

Should you buy the Tineco Pure One A50S? Buy it if...

You want great pick-up performance

This model sucks like a limpet, and aced all my suction tests.

You need a large bin

The A50S Plus ships with a larger-than-average 1-liter dust bin – closer to what you'd expect on an upright vacuum than your standard stick vac.

You want automatic suction control

The Tineco's DustSense feature works well, and will ensure an efficient clean that won't deplete the battery.

Don't buy it if...

Your strength isn't what it used to be

The A50S is difficult to push on carpet, and it's heavier than average too.

You need something light in the hand

There are lighter stick vacs on the market, and this one is especially weighty when used in handheld mode.

How I tested the Tineco Pure One A50S

I received the Tineco Pure One A50S Plus a few weeks ago so have had plenty of time to live with it and put it through its daily paces. Despite some annoying traits, it does vacuum well and I do rate the extra large bin. Aside from general vacuuming on both hard wooden flooring and carpets up to medium pile, I also tested it using a variety of ingredients – including some large biscuit crumbs – and it sailed through both floor-type tests. However, my overriding thoughts is that it feels a bit clunky when compared to other stick vacs I've used.

Read more about how we test vacuum cleaners.

• First reviewed February 2025

Thrustmaster T598: One-minute review

In a previous era, the line in the sand for racing wheels was drawn between those with force feedback, and those without. Today it’s about direct drive vs. belt-driven force feedback, and with the arrival of this innovative new T598 comes an affordable way to enjoy direct drive’s benefits.

Specifically, it delivers an ultra-smooth, cogging-free steering experience, powered by an axial DD motor which doesn’t judder or feel grainy when it sends resistance through your hands like belt-driven wheels can.

In fact, Thrustmaster says the new axial design allows for even smoother, more detailed feedback than existing – and much pricier – direct drive bases, and having spent months using this as my daily driver, I’m inclined to agree.

There are concessions to hit a competitive price point, most notably an all-plastic wheel with very basic inputs and no rotary dials, but importantly, the wheel itself is swappable for other Thrustmaster or third-party units. That makes this an excellent starting platform to build upon in the long term, especially when you consider the high quality pedals bundled with it.

(Image credit: Future) Thrustmaster T598: Price and availability

• List price: $499.99 / £449.99 (around AU$899.99)
• Similar pricing to Fanatec’s CSL 5Nm Ready2Race bundle (around $399.95 / £400)
• Also up against Moza’s R5 bundle: $599 / £460

What a time to be alive – multiple direct drive bundles available for under $500 / £500. Fanatec and Moza have the most popular products in this range, and the T598’s priced to take them on directly. It’s also considerably cheaper than Thrustmaster’s own belt-driven T-GT II wheel, and excellent as the latter may be, it makes sense to spend less on newer tech that provides better driving sensation.

While the Fanatec CSL 5Nm bundle may look cheaper on paper, the online pricing doesn’t include VAT for UK customers, and you may need to buy extras like the desk mount, depending on your setup. Availability is an ongoing issue with Fanatec stock, too.

Thrustmaster T598: Specs Thrustmaster T598: Design and features

• Basic but functional wheel rim
• Odd wheelbase shape
• The pedals look pro

Let’s start with that axial direct drive. What does it mean? It’s all about the design and positioning of the internal components that generate the torque resistance inside the wheelbase. While traditional motor design can generate an undesirable ‘cogging’ sensation where operating the wheel feels grainy or juddery, the T598’s axial flux motor has been designed to eliminate it and deliver smoother steering and feedback.

And that’s why, one suspects, the wheelbase itself is such an odd shape. While Fanatec and Moza offer box-shaped motors, the T598’s hexagonal base sits much taller. It’s been styled with some jet engine-like lines, but the fact remains that this thing looks quite conspicuous. Fortunately I was able to install it onto my Playseat Sensation Pro’s wheelbase shelf without too many dramas, and the tall base doesn’t impact visibility.

The wheel rim itself attaches via a quick release mechanism, although in name only - it takes considerably longer to install or take off the wheel from the base than Logitech’s G Pro wheel, or Fanatec’s QR2 system. Like the wheelbase, the rim’s predominantly plastic, with textured rubberized hand grips and a carbon fiber effect in the central panel that, frankly, isn’t fooling anyone.

(Image credit: Future)

A decent array of input buttons have been placed around the wheel in ergonomically sensible fashion. On the bottom-left and bottom-right corners you’ve got two four-way d-pads, with three console controller-style buttons in the middle. The four face buttons and two of the shoulder buttons are translated to two three-button clusters within easy reach of your thumbs. Then to the rear, of course, you’ve got two nice big aluminium magnetic shifters, with a satisfyingly mechanical thunk to their action.

The pedal offering here is particularly strong for a bundle, and features two load cell pedal units on an all-metal base. This is a modular design, so you can add a pedal and shift the unit placements to your taste, and swap out springs of varying stiffness to get you the brake and accelerator feel that you’re looking for.

Personally, even the stiffest spring set at the highest tension position doesn’t quite get me that high resistance, GT car-like stamp that I’m looking for, but I wouldn’t expect to be able to dial in such an exact preference from a bundle at this price. The main thing is that I’m able to swap parts in or out later to fine-tune that.

Similarly, you can use the wheelbase itself with multiple different wheel rims, including those already part of Thrustmaster’s range via an adapter, or natively using the new Hypercar wheel. Adapters can sometimes disrupt the immediacy of feedback, or the smoothness, so I’ll have to reserve judgment on how well it works with this particular wheelbase until I test it with some different wheels.

One final note on the design - tweaking the settings is currently handled via physical controls and a small LED screen on the wheelbase itself, rather than via Thrustmaster’s proprietary software. This is far from ideal, but I was able to dial in a few different profiles in this way without too much hair-pulling.

(Image credit: Future) Thrustmaster T598: Performance

• Butter-smooth actuation
• Enough torque for most racers
• Compatible games library is growing gradually

If the T598’s design is all about making small compromises to keep the price competitive, its performance and driving experience are where this new contender really shines.

The axial drive system really discerns itself from competitors. You do feel a difference in smoothness, both in comparison to belt-driven force feedback wheels like Logitech’s G923, and direct drive wheels like Moza and Fanatec’s similarly priced CSL 5Nm and R5 bundles, respectively. It’s not night and day, but considering the competitive pricing, it’s impressive to feel the benefits of a breakthrough tech in this package.

Since it hit the market there’s been some discussion among sim racers as to whether the stated 6Nm of torque is enough. Can it really actuate those severe traction loss events, and convey the feeling of dramatic weight shifts while steering under braking? Yes. Yes it can.

Indeed, using some of the profiles Thrustmaster sent me to use with Assetto Corsa Competizione, I found my hands actually aching after 10-15 laps from the sheer exertion of countering that torque. There’s plenty of resistance here.

(Image credit: Future)

Indeed, when you delve into the spec sheet you’ll see that the T598 has a 100% torque overshoot capability. So in theory it can actuate signals of up to 10Nm, and that axial arrangement means it’s easier to keep latency nice and low when that happens - torque undershoot or overshoot is usually the result of motor inertia lagging to meet the new torque demand, and that’s exactly what this new internal motor arrangement’s designed to minimize. In short: when torque overshoot does occur, it doesn’t produce cogging.

But let’s get our noses out of the theory books and back into the driving experience. While it’s definitely inconvenient to have to adjust universal wheel settings via a display on the wheelbase rather than using software, there are some cool features in here that add to the experience, like the gearshift jolt effect. When you turn this all the way up, you feel a surge of power which jolts you backwards on upshifts to simulate the momentary disruption in acceleration when shifting, then feeling the power being laid back down.

Like a lot of sim racers, I prefer to dial down the resistance a bit for easier, more consistent lapping, particularly over longer endurance races. It’s here, in the settings sweet spot (about 50-75% effects strength) where I particularly appreciate how smoothly the feedback’s delivered, and how rock-solid the connection between wheel rim and wheelbase is, even if it’s not connected via a fancy motorsport-style quick release mechanism as you’d find on a Fanatec wheel.

Given that such a bounty of great direct drive sensations is bundled with a sturdy pedal base that looks and feels much more expensive than it is, we’ve got a real winner in this bundle.

Should I buy the Thrustmaster T598? Buy it if...

You’ve been on the fence about direct drive wheels
Now’s the time. This bundle perfectly demonstrates that they’re now affordable in bundles that don’t force major compromises on you.

You’re a smooth operator
It’s incredible how silky the feedback feels, and how the axial motor eliminates that cogging sensation.

You want a solid base to upgrade over time
Everything from the wheel rim to individual pedals can be swapped out or upgraded, so it’s a great foundation purchase.

Don't buy it if...

You’re not a tinkerer
It generally takes some settings tweaking in each game to get the right feel, and that’s done via physical controls on the wheelbase only.

You want a luxurious wheelrim
The rim itself is the weak spot of this package, and doesn’t look or feel very premium.

You like to adjust dials mid-lap
There are no dials or POV hat switches on the wheel rim’s input layout, which means changing TC, brake balance or ABS is a bit more fiddly than usual.

Also consider...

If the Thrustmaster T598 doesn’t grind your gears, consider these rival packages.

Thrustmaster T-GT II
Old school belt-driven force feedback tech, but it still feels weighty and articulate. Less tweaking required than the T598.

For more information read our full Thrustmaster T-GT II review

Logitech G923
It’s ubiquitous for a reason. Well-built, a smart button layout, and Trueforce feedback adds something extra to supported games when it comes to detailed articulation.

For more information read out full Logitech G923 review

How I tested the Thrustmaster T598

• Two months of regular use during testing
• Used with PC and PS5
• Racing sims and arcade titles tested

As an Assetto Corsa Competizione obsessive, I put the majority of my hours spent with the T598 into hotlapping in an M4 and ranked endurance racing. Kunos’s new Assetto Corsa EVO also saw some serious hours, along with The Crew Motorfest on the arcade side of the spectrum, and F1 24. I tested the T598 as a PC racing wheel, and a PS5 racing wheel thoroughly on both platforms overall.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed February 2025

Razer Handheld Dock Chroma: One-minute review

The Razer Handheld Dock Chroma is the most stylish Steam Deck dock I’ve ever seen, offering a sleek all-black aesthetic that compliments the handheld PC perfectly in addition to some pleasingly bright RGB lighting.

While a similar price to the official Valve offering (and notably more expensive than the many standard laptop docks out there that also work with Steam Deck), it ranks among some of the best Steam Deck accessories thanks to a nifty integrated stand that provides a neat way to adjust the position of your Deck if you intend to play without an external display. This can also be folded down for easy transport and the use of durable metal components makes it easy to stash in a rucksack on the move without having to worry about potential damage.

There is also no shortage of ports, with the dock coming equipped with a USB-C input for charging, three 5 Gbps USB-A ports for your various controllers, a Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) port, and an HDMI 2.0 video output. The lack of a DisplayPort option is a shame, especially as there is one present on the official Steam Deck Dock, but realistically the up to 4K 60hz / 1440p 120Hz of HDMI 2.0 is going to be more than enough if you’re keen to hook your Steam Deck up to a TV.

While clearly designed with the Steam Deck in mind, the Razer Handheld Dock Chroma is also fully compatible with other handheld PCs including the Asus ROG Ally and even some Android gaming tablets.

There might be cheaper alternatives out there, but the overall proposition of the Razer Handheld Dock Chroma makes it well worth considering if you’re after a premium option.

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(Image credit: Future) Razer Handheld Dock Chroma: Price and availability

• Costs $79.99 / £79.99 / AU$149.95
• Available via Razer and Amazon
• More expensive than your average laptop dock

The Razer Handheld Dock Chroma is readily available in the US, UK, and Australia via Razer and online retailers like Amazon. It comes in at $79.99 / £79.99 / AU$149.95, which puts it around the price of the official Valve Steam Deck Docking Station (which is $89 / £69). It’s quite good value compared to Valve’s offering, as it benefits from the adjustable stand and addition of RGB.

If you’re on a budget, however, you’re better off going for one of the countless cheaper laptop docks available via Amazon. These are not specifically designed for the Steam Deck, but generally will still work. To give an example, the Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1) costs just $34.99 / £19.99 and offers a cheaper but still effective way to get your Steam Deck on an external display.

Razer Handheld Dock Chroma: Specs

(Image credit: Future) Razer Handheld Dock Chroma: Design and features

• Robust and sturdy design
• Adjustable stand
• RGB lighting

The Razer Handheld Dock Chroma has a very sleek design, coming in a slick matte black. It looks like a small rectangular box when taken out of the packaging, with the adjustable stand portion positioned flush on top of the box.

To set it all up, you simply have to pull the stand out and slot it into place, which creates a sturdy little shelf where your Steam Deck can rest while it’s plugged in via the attached USB-C cable. A ribbed rubberized strip helps support the Steam Deck when it’s docked, preventing it from sliding out easily and stopping it from picking up any scratches from the dock itself.

The stand is adjustable, with a few positions allowing you to angle your Steam Deck or a more vertical or horizontal orientation - which is great if you don’t intend to use an external display and want a clear view of the system’s screen from your seat. It also helps when you’re using the other supported devices, be that the Asus ROG Ally or a gaming tablet. I tested the recently released Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 in the dock and, after some small adjustments, it was in the perfect position for watching videos or playing some Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile with a wired controller.

The majority of the Razer Handheld Dock Chroma is constructed with sturdy-feeling plastic, with a layer of soft foam on the underside to prevent slippage. The shelf where the Steam Deck sits is a robust metal, which is not only hard-wearing but also feels suitably premium given the price. At the bottom of the front of the dock is a thin RGB lighting strip that illuminates when the dock is in use. This is bright and attractive, with a plethora of in-built modes that you can cycle through via a small button on the right-hand side of the dock.

On the back of the dock are all your ports. There’s one HDMI 2.0, 3 x USB-A, 1 x Gigabit Ethernet port, and a USB-C port used for 100W power delivery with passthrough charging. This is a decent selection, though not as many options as you would get with a more specialist bit of kit like the Anker Prime Charging Docking Station (14-in-1, Dual Display, 160W).

(Image credit: Future) Razer Handheld Dock Chroma: Performance

• Perfect for Steam Deck
• Seamless set up
• Easy to store in a bag

The Razer Handheld Dock Chroma is perfect for Steam Deck and there’s very little to fault it on in performance terms. You simply slot the Steam Deck in, plug in your display, and use the USB-C ports for any desired accessories, be that a keyboard and mouse or a quality gamepad like the Xbox Wireless Controller, and you’re ready to play on your monitor or TV. It’s about as seamless as you can get and I didn’t encounter any problems getting it all set up on a variety of screens throughout my testing.

The lack of HDMI 2.1 support here is a shame on paper, especially compared to alternatives like the BenQ beCreatus GR10, though practically doesn’t really make that much of a difference. In my testing, I was not able to find a single game that I would be able to run on my Steam Deck OLED at an 8K resolution, or in 4K at above 60 fps.

Compared to other Steam Deck docks, the Razer Handheld Dock Chroma is also impressively portable. Being able to fold everything flat makes it easy to stash in your bag alongside your Steam Deck. It’s heavier than most given the incorporation of metal, but it’s hard to complain about that when the result is a product that really feels like it could take a beating if you happened to drop it out on your travels.

(Image credit: Future) Should I buy the Razer Handheld Dock Chroma? Buy it if...

You want a great-looking Steam Deck dock
With its slick design and RGB lighting, the Razer Handheld Dock Chroma is one of the best-looking Steam Deck docks out there today. Pick it up if you’re willing to spend more on an accessory for aesthetic reasons.

You want to use it without a monitor
The adjustable viewing angles of the Razer Handheld Dock Chroma are a big plus, making it significantly easier to play in the dock without an external monitor.

You want a sturdy dock
The incorporation of metal and general sturdiness of the Razer Handheld Dock Chroma is also superb. This is a dock that you can stash in your rucksack without fear of it picking up any substantial damage.

Don't buy it if...

Pure value is your number one concern
There are plenty of generic laptop docks that also work with the Steam Deck, and come in significantly cheaper than the Razer Handheld Dock Chroma.

Also consider...

Want some alternatives to the Razer Handheld Dock Chroma? Check out these two strong options.

BenQ beCreatus GR10
The BenQ beCreatus GR10 is more expensive than the Razer Handheld Dock Chroma and lacks RGB, but it does offer HDMI 2.1 support for those eager to crank up the video quality. It’s also a lot lighter.

Read our full BenQ beCreatus GR10 review

Anker Prime Charging Docking Station (14-in-1, Dual Display, 160W)
The Anker Prime Charging Docking Station (14-in-1, Dual Display, 160W) is a serious bit of kit that offers the complete desktop docking solution. Although designed for laptops, it also works with the Steam Deck and, while pricey, does frequently go on sale.

Read our full Anker Prime Charging Docking Station (14-in-1, Dual Display, 160W) review

(Image credit: Future) How I tested the Razer Handheld Dock Chroma

• Tested for over a week
• Tried with a Steam Deck OLED and gaming tablet
• Compared to other docks

I tested the Razer Handheld Dock Chroma for over a week, during which time I played plenty of games on my Steam Deck OLED including lots of Disco Elysium and Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake in addition to a few hours of play on the Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 gaming tablet.

Throughout my time with the dock, I tried a variety of monitors and TVs in addition to accessories such as the Asus ROG Harpe Ace Aim Lab Edition mouse, Endgame Gear Kb65he keyboard, Xbox Wireless Controller, and more. I constantly compared my experience with my hands-on time with other laptop docks like the Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1).

Read more about how we test

First reviewed February 2025

Eufy E20: two-minute review

The Eufy E20 is an ingenious piece of design. It's a self-emptying robotic vacuum that also doubles as both a stick and handheld vacuum, so when it's finished cleaning the floors, you can take over and vacuum the stairs, a sofa, or your car interior. It has strong suction (up to 30,000 Pa in handheld mode) and is more capable than some other robots at climbing over raised door thresholds and wading through thick rugs.

The setup process is quick and simple, and the Eufy app is easy to use, with plenty of options for adjusting settings, creating cleaning schedules and even driving the robot manually, if you prefer. The docking station is relatively compact and the crevice tool neatly stores inside the robot itself when not in use. And, while you'll need to find somewhere to store the stick attachment, it does at least stand up on its own.

I've tested some of the best robot vacuums on the market, and the E20's robo element holds up pretty well in comparison, although it's not quite perfect. Its cleaning powers was good and I was mostly impressed by its navigation skills, although during my review period it sometimes behaved erratically and was occasionally let down by imperfect obstacle avoidance. It frequently head-butted the (open) kitchen door and pushed shoes instead of driving cleanly around them. I also had to remove tangled hair from the roller brush more frequently than with some other robotic vacuums.

The manual vacuum works surprisingly well, and while it lacks the robust build quality and extra features found on today's best cordless vacuums, it was still capable enough to replace my regular Dyson for the duration of my review. If you don't already own a stick vacuum, or yours needs replacing, the E20 is an effective all-in-one solution that delivers strong value for money.

That's the short version; read on for my full Eufy E20 review.

(Image credit: Future) Eufy E20 review: price & availability

• List price: $549.99 / £549
• Launched: February 2025
• Available: US / UK

The Eufy E20 was announced at CES 2025 – where it won the Best of Innovation in Home Appliances award – and went on sale earlier in February 2025. At list price, it costs $550 / £550 / AU$999, which makes it a mid-range robotic vacuum. At time of writing, Eufy's own website offered a $50 discount, so it looks like you'll be able to avoid paying full price if you're smart about when you buy.

However, the E20 isn't just a robot vacuum – it's also a cordless stick vacuum (which can be used as a handheld). This plausibly means customers could buy the E20 and do without any other form of vacuum for their entire home, since in stick and handheld mode it can handle the stairs, a sofa, your car interior and everywhere else unreachable by rival robots.

While this 3-in-1 design is unusual, it's not completely unique. Currently on the market is the Yeedi C12 Combo, which similarly bundles stick vac and robovac on the same docking station, although there the handheld doesn't sit inside the robot vacuum. That option is US-only, and costs $699.99 / (about £560 / AU$1,110).

There's also the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo, which has a handheld included (but no wand to turn it into a floor vac). Again, it's not available in the UK, but is significantly more expensive at $1,199.99 / AU$2,299 (about £950).

If we focus on Eufy's own range, and the robot vacuum-only options, the E20's price puts it roughly on par with the $650 Eufy Omni C20. However that self-emptying robot comes with a powered rotating mop, which the E20 lacks. Below both sits the $450 Eufy L60, which has the same self-emptying design but also lacks a mop.

Ultimately, the E20 is good value if you don't already own a handheld or stick vacuum, and if you're happy to mop the floors yourself. A good stick vacuum will typically cost £350 / $350 or more (although some are far pricier), so factoring that in, the Eufy E20 starts to make sense.

• Value for money score: 4 out of 5

Eufy E20 specs Eufy E20 review: design

• Innovative 3-in-1 design can function as robovac, stick vac and handheld
• Robovac and handheld dock and empty into the same base
• No mopping capabilities

The Eufy E20's design is by far its most compelling attribute. This is a robotic vacuum that doubles as a handheld vacuum with both stick and brush attachments for cleaning floors, steps and sofas. Or, think of it as a handheld vacuum that can be docked into a robot, which then charges and empties its onboard dustbin via the included docking station.

It's a clever approach to the number one problem with robotic vacuums – that, no matter how intelligent and powerful they are, they cannot tackle the stairs, furniture or your car. With the E20, Eufy presents a machine that can handle just about everything, and means you don't need to purchase an additional handheld vacuum. All that's missing is a mop.

The motorized part of the robot looks much like other robotic vacuums, complete with wheels, roller brush and spinning side brush. But with the press of a big red button, the handheld element – which comprises the robot's suction system, dustbin and battery – detaches, ready to be used as a handheld. A stick attachment with powered roller brush for vacuuming the floor is included in the box, along with a crevice tool and a brush for vacuuming furniture. The stick doesn't come with a wall mount (as other handheld vacuums do), but can stand up on its own, making it easy to store without falling over, and the crevice tool handily tucks into a storage slot on the robot itself.

(Image credit: Future)

The robot measures 13.5 inches (34 cm) in diameter and is 5.5 inches (14 cm) tall. The base station is 10 inches (25.5cm) wide, 15.5 inches (39cm) tall and 6in (15cm) deep. When docked and charging, the total footprint of the robot and base station is 13.5in (34 cm) wide and 18in (46cm) deep.

The stick attachment for using the vacuum as a handheld is 34 inches (86cm) long. As ever with robotic vacuums, it is recommended that you leave plenty of space in front of, and to the side of, the docking station. This isn't entirely necessary, but bear in mind that if the dock is close to a wall the robot won't be able to reach that area of the floor.

(Image credit: Future)

The handheld section uses a bagless design and can be emptied manually. Or, you can place it back onto the robot and it'll then empty automatically into the charging dock, which uses a 3.5-liter dust bag that Eufy says needs replacing every 75 days. The robot empties itself when it sees fit, although you can have it empty on command with a press of a button.

(Image credit: Future)

Installing and setting up the Eufy E20 is easy. It connects to the Eufy app just like the company's other robotic vacuums, then drives around to create an editable map of your home. After that, you can task the robot with cleaning your entire property, or targeting one room or just a specific area of your choosing. There's also plenty of customization, with several suction strengths to pick from, but I'll come back to this in the performance section of the review.

Lastly, a strange quirk of the E20's design is how the robot's charge point is at the opposite side to the dust bin. This means the robot first parks at the docking station to empty its dust bin, then drives back out, turns around, and parks again, this time facing the opposite way so its charge point can connect to the dock.

• Design score: 4.5 out of 5

Eufy E20 review: performance

• Robovac mostly performs well on suction and object avoidance
• ... although some navigation issues and erratic behavior
• Manual vacuum surprisingly capable too, if a bit loud

The setup process took just a few minutes, with the robot successfully navigating its way around my apartment on its first attempt. It created a fairly accurate map, which I was able to quickly edit – changing a couple of room boundaries and naming each room – from the app with just a few taps. I also created a no-go zone to prevent the robot from driving under the living room sofa, as the amount of stuff under there meant it was bound to get stuck. Finally, I used the app to mark the bedroom floor as a medium pile carpet, and to plot the location of a high pile rug in the living room.

Right away, I was impressed by how the E20 clambered its way over a set of relatively high doorway thresholds without getting stuck. It even reversed then drove forward more quickly after failing on its first attempt. Some other Eufy robots, including the vastly more expensive Omni S1 Pro, have failed to reliably clear these thresholds. I asked Eufy about this but a spokesperson said there have been no changes to the robot's intelligence in this regard.

(Image credit: Future)

It also drove over a thick rug without getting stuck – also something pricier robots often fail to do – but got tangled up in some tassels at the end of the rug. This is understandable, and if you have such a rug you'll want to either mark it as a no-go zone in the app, or move it before each clean.

The robot mostly navigated very well, but on one occasion, after being untangled from the rug, it first said it "wasn't on the ground", when it was, then seemingly got lost despite saying it had correctly positioned itself. Another press of the home button fixed this, and after several minutes of exploration, it found its way back to the dock.

(Image credit: Future)

During daily use, I found the E20's navigation to be a little clumsy and inconsistent. Sometimes it would drive precisely along a wall, leaving the tiniest of gaps, while other times it would push shoes around instead of driving around them, and head-butt open doors. On one occasion, when tasked with vacuuming the bedroom, the robot arrived at the entrance to the room and cleaned for just a few moments, before declaring the task complete and returning to base. I tried again, but this time it failed to enter the room and instead drove off into the living room, before returning and successfully entering the bedroom.

Although I've highlighted a few unfortunate failings here, the E20 mostly performed well. I especially like how it drove more quickly at any raised thresholds it failed to clear at the first attempt, and how it cleaned in neat lines – and at a decent speed – when in a large, open space. Only in the more cluttered corners of my home, such as where doors can't be fully opened and access is restricted by relatively complex objects like a portable heater and an office chair, did the E20 struggle. In a larger home with more open space I can see if performing better.

(Image credit: Future)

Before I get to the specific cleaning challenges, I should talk about the E20's handheld function. This performs very well indeed, with the stick attachment easy to fit and remove, and the crevice tool handy for vacuuming furniture, a car interior, and other hard-to-reach areas. In handheld mode the E20 deploys its maximum 30,000 Pa of suction (compared to 8,000 Pa when used as a robot, as power is also needed for the motors and navigation system). It did a great job of cleaning hard floors, carpets, rugs and sofas, and entirely replaced my Dyson Cyclone V10 for the duration of the test.

There are four levels of suction power, selected by repeatedly pressing the power button and indicated by a light bar on the side of the vacuum. A long press of the same button turns the vacuum on and off.

(Image credit: Future)

Although the manual vacuum works well and has plenty of power, it is rather loud. I recorded a peak loudness of 92 dB at maximum suction (the same as the Dyson V10 at full power), but a more comfortable 82-85 dB at the Eufy's lower power settings.

Being able to use a robotic vacuum as a handheld is a bit of a game-changer, even if the robot isn't quite the smartest around. I can imagine scheduling the robot to clean every few days, then using the stick attachment for occasional top-ups – like tidying up crumbs after food prep – and picking the crevice tool for furniture.

All that's missing is a mop, but at this price point that omission is understandable. A static mopping pad could have been added, as with the SwitchBot K10+ Pro, but since that doesn't work too well, I prefer Eufy's approach of reducing complexity and going without.

Suction tests

Now for the specific tests, starting with how the E20 performs with fine dust, made from a mixture of flour and crushed digestives, on a hard floor. Since it's a small room, I set the robot to vacuum the entire floor once at its lowest power setting, called Quiet and with a loudness measured at 63 dB.

The results were impressive, with almost all evidence of the flour/crumb fix picked up on a single pass at the lowest suction level. I noticed how the E20 didn't flick debris all over the room with its spinning side brush, as other robotic vacuums are often guilty of. In this case, a second pass wasn't required.

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Crumb mix sprinkled on hard floor, ready for suction test (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

Results after cleaning in quiet mode (Image credit: Future)

I then repeated the test on carpet, and the results were less impressive. The E20 spilled some of its bin contents when clearing the doorway threshold (which sees it climb from exposed floorboards up to a carpet), then failed to lift all of the crumb mix on its first pass. I repeated the test using the next suction level, called Standard (measured at 65 dB), but the robot failed, stating: “Route unavailable. Unable to reach the target point.”

This error occurs when a custom cleaning zone includes an area beyond the confines of the map. Even if it just touches an object like your bed, for example, the task will fail, so you need to be extra careful when creating the custom zone.

Most of the crumb mix was picked up using Standard mode, but some still remained. A single pass on the next mode, called Turbo (66 dB), picked up all debris. After this, the robot emptied its dust bin (79 dB) and put itself on charge.

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Crumb mix sprinkled on carpet, ready for suction test (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 3

Results in quiet suction mode (Image credit: Future)Image 3 of 3

Results in standard mode (Image credit: Future)

I then repeated the tests, but this time replaced the crumb mix with oats to see how the E20 performed with larger debris. On hard floor the lowest suction level is powerful enough to pick up the oats, but the robot flicked debris around the room with its spinning side brush and left quite a bit of mess behind, as most robotic vacuums do in this test.

Next, I upped the suction strength to Standard and switched to two passes instead of one, and the E20 did a fantastic job. The room was left almost spotless, with practically no debris missed at all. Impressive.

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Oats sprinkled on hard floor, ready for suction test (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 3

Results in quiet mode (Image credit: Future)Image 3 of 3

Results after two passes in standard mode (Image credit: Future)

I repeated the oats test on carpet and found that two passes with Standard mode was the best option. The robot did a great job, picking up all debris save for just two stray oats.

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Oats sprinkled on carpet, ready for suction test (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

Results after two passes in standard mode (Image credit: Future)

Finally, obstacle avoidance. I used a sock, a shoe and a USB cable to test the E20's ability to spot objects and navigate around. It did a great job of avoiding both the shoe and sock, getting close (but not too close) to each, then continuing its cleaning routine.

(Image credit: Future)

Unfortunately, it didn't care for the USB cable, and ate it almost immediately. This wrapped around the roller brush, stopping the robot and causing it to ask for help. No damage was caused, but it was clearly a failure.

(Image credit: Future)

Eufy says the E20 uses LiDAR and 'dual laser sensors” to scan its environment and avoid obstacles over 15mm in size. The USB cable is less than 15mm wide, but is of course much longer than that. Eufy also says the roller brush rotates in reverse after cleaning and uses a built-in comb to dislodge hair, but when retrieving the cable I also had to remove a clump of hair that had tangled itself around the roller after just a handful of cleans.

• Performance score: 3.5 out of 5

Eufy E20 review: app

• Simple setup and use
• Highly configurable
• Easy to schedule and adjust settings

Eufy's app is a good one. Setting up the E20 is quick and easy – just as it is with Eufy's other robotic vacuums – and the app is responsive, stable and intuitive. Part of the setup process includes telling the robot to create a map by exploring your home. You can then use the app to name rooms and make edits, such as creating no-go zones, labelling where carpets are, and moving any boundaries the E20 might have got wrong. I wish there was an option to label raised thresholds, so that the robot would know to drive more quickly, or at an angle, to clear them reliably.

You can tell the robot to cover an area once or twice during each clean, and there are four suction strengths. You can also tell the E20 to vacuum the entire map, clean a single room, or draw a specific zone for it to target.

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(Image credit: Eufy)

Head into the comprehensive settings page and there are options for creating a daily or weekly schedule, adjusting how often it self-empties into the docking station, setting a child lock, and even taking manual control to drive the robot yourself. There's also a handy page showing the remaining life of replaceable components like the filter, brushes and dust bag.

• App score: 4.5 out of 5

Should you buy the Eufy E20? Buy it if...

You don't already own a manual vacuum

The key selling point here is how the E20 is a robot that can double as a handheld vacuum, plus there's a stick attachment too. If you already own a handheld or stick vacuum, then obviously the E20 isn't for you. But if you don't, or you want to buy a new one, this robot is a great idea.

You don't need a robo–mop

The E20 does not have any mopping functionality at all. So if you want to give your hard floors a wet clean, you'll have to do that manually. If you've got carpets then great, the robot does the majority of the work and the handheld function is there for stairs and furniture.

You're on a mid-range budget

I won't pretend that the E20 is a cheap product, but in many cases it actually costs less than purchasing a robotic vacuum and a handheld/stick vacuum individually.

Don't buy it if...

You want the best stick vacuum on the market

Although it works pretty well as a stick/handheld vacuum, the Eufy E20 lacks the quality feel and extra functionality of more premium options from the likes of Dyson and Shark. But then you're likely to use this feature less, since the robot does a lot of the work for you.

You want a robotic mop

Unlike a lot of robotic vacuums at this price point, the E20 does not have a mopping function. This could be something that Eufy adds to a future model, but for now you'll have to mop hard floors yourself.

You have thick carpet, or rugs with tassels

The E20 managed surprisingly well with carpet and rugs – better than some far pricier rivals – but it got tangled up in the tassels of a rug, and also ate a USB cable. You'll either need to move such rugs before each clean, mark them as no-go zones or consider a different type of vacuum. Granted, this is true of all robovacs.

How I tested the Eufy E20

I set up the Eufy 20 in my home and used it as my only vacuum cleaner for a month. It entirely replaced my own handheld vacuum and was used to clean every room. This included hard floors and carpets, and I also used the E20 in handheld mode to clean a sofa and my car interior. After living with the E20 for a month, I completed a series of specific tests to discover exactly how well it performs.

Read more about how we test robot vacuum cleaners.

• First reviewed January 2025

BenQ GW2486TC Eye-Care Monitor: Two-minute review

The BenQ GW2486TC is a great monitor for those that just need more screen real estate. It helps that there are some included features to make hours of use a bit more palatable, such as the ones focused on minimizing eye strain. After all, not everyone needs an ultra widescreen 8K monitor with HDR and a super fast refresh rate. Most of us just want more space while working. This monitor does that.

It also helps that it is very affordable for an external monitor. Sure, this is just a 24-inch model with quite a few limitations, like a 1080p resolution with a somewhat limited color coverage – you shouldn’t be using this for most types of color correction and editing. And there’s no KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) switching on hand, either. But, it’s got great ergonomics to help you get the most comfortable view of your work.

So, if you’re okay with those compromises, meaning you’re not also a gamer or creative, and can skip out on the unfortunate lack of cable management, this might be one of the best business monitors for you.

BenQ GW2486TC: Price and availability

(Image credit: Future / James Holland)

• How much does it cost? $189.99 / £149.99 / AU$289.00
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK and Australia

The best monitors come in at all sorts of price points, and you usually have to pay a bit more than the BenQ GW2486TC Eye-Care Monitor. The going price of this monitor, $189.99 / £149.99 / AU$289, is about as reasonable as it gets.

While you can find some other great deals such as the 27-inch gaming-oriented Arzopa M1RC with its £239 / $269 MRSP out there, they’re few and far between. Of course, the Arzopa does have QHD (2560 x 1440p) resolution and a 180Hz refresh rate. But it’s missing speakers and the eye-care oriented features of the BenQ reviewed here.

If you need more features, you’re most likely going to have to spend a bit more. The 4K BenQ PD2705UA has about every feature one could imagine as well as the kind of color coverage and accuracy for editing work, unlike the GW2486TC. You can even split the screen between two different sources as well as use KVM. It’s also more than double the price at $549.99 / £549.99 / AU$739.

• Value: 5 / 5

BenQ GW2486TC: Specs BenQ GW2486TC: Design

• Fantastic ergonomics for personalized viewing angles
• Good port selection including USB-C with power delivery
• No cable management

The BenQ GW2486TC Eye-Care Monitor might be cheap, but it is an attractive looking monitor. In all-white, it’s neither drab or boring. In fact, the worst thing about this 24-inch monitor is probably its display panel, which is a basic IPS 1080p one with a typical 178-degree viewing angle.

But when it comes to this monitor’s design, there’s plenty to like, particularly the ergonomics. Thanks to its tall stand, there’s 130mm of height adjustment. Once you have at eye level (or wherever you prefer to have the monitor seated), there’s a 45 degree swivel either left or right, a five degree downward tilt and a 20 degree upward one, not to mention a 90 degree pivot in either direction if you need the display in portrait for some reason (like coding).

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(Image credit: Future / James Holland)

The only real issue I have with the BenQ GW2486TC Eye-Care Monitor’s design is the fact that there’s no real cable management. There is a hole at the top of the stand that, to me at least, looks like it’s to pick up the monitor that could be conceivably used for cable management. However, the ports all face downward so that is fairly inconvenient.

As far as ports go, there’s a decent array including one DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 1.4, USB-C with 65W power delivery (enough for an Ultrabook but not a gaming laptop), and two USB-A downstream ports for charging up accessories. However, those USB ports are not for KVM and don’t do any passthrough to the source computer. On the bright side, this monitor can be daisy chained with another for more screen real estate.

• Design: 4 / 5

BenQ GW2486TC: Features

• OSD Menu is easy to navigate
• A number of eye-care modes help with long sessions in front of the screen
• Plenty of additional modes for various work purposes

(Image credit: Future / James Holland)

The OSD menu is pretty straightforward to use on the BenQ GW2486TC Eye-Care Monitor. Instead of a single joystick for control, there are a number of buttons along the bottom right corner of the monitor. Whenever you press any of the buttons, the OSD menu pops up with an overlay on your screen showing icons for categories. Once you select a category, the OSD opens up deeper menu options while providing icons for what each button does. Overall, it’s very straightforward to navigate, whether you’re changing modes, messing with specific settings like color temperature or adjusting audio settings.

Where this monitor shines best is in its various modes, particularly the eye-care oriented ones, meant to minimize eye strain from sitting in front of a screen too long. Not only are there modes that limit the amount of blue light, as well as one to adjust for color weakness, but it has its brightness intelligence gen 2 tech, which automatically adjusts screen brightness according to ambient light for what’s most ideal. And, I found it to work fairly quickly. There are also modes for coding, ePaper, sRGB, and MBook that are helpful to have on hand, even if these aren’t necessarily all that unique.

• Features: 4.5 / 5

BenQ GW2486TC: Performance

• Screen is good, but nothing special, except for a faster refresh rate
• Audio quality is passable
• Comes with built-in mic with noise cancellation

(Image credit: Future / James Holland)

When it comes to performance, it’s critical to take the BenQ GW2486TC Eye-Care Monitor for what it is – a budget-oriented office monitor. You’re not getting a wow factor here, nor should you. The IPS panel is a basic 1920 by 1080 resolution with a solid color coverage of 99% sRGB. Its 250 nits is good enough for office use, but can be a bit dark when using it for certain types of media. While I did use this for some gaming and had no issues with it, this is certainly not where it excels, especially with a 1300:1 contrast. It’s fine for that purpose, helped along by a 100Hz refresh rate (despite having a 5ms response time).

The audio quality on monitors is usually nothing special. The BenQ GW2486TC is no exception. The two 2-watt drivers offer enough volume for anyone sitting at their desk who doesn't want to purchase or fiddle with external speakers, though they’re worth it in my humble opinion. There’s not much in terms of low-end from the downward-facing speakers – no surprise there – and, overall, are fairly boxy sounding. The best thing one can say about the audio is that it’s there and it’s not terrible. For an office monitor, that’s generally good enough.

It’s worth noting that there’s also a built-in microphone with adjustable noise cancellation for use with zoom calls.

• Performance: 3.5 / 5

Should I buy the BenQ GW2486TC Eye-Care Monitor?  Buy it if… 

You want a productivity monitor on a budget

If you have limited funds but you want a monitor for productivity, the BenQ GW2486TC Eye-Care Monitor is an ideal one thanks to the eye-care features, USB-C port, and flexible ergonomics.

You need great ergonomics

This monitor can go into a portrait orientation in either direction, has a broad height adjustment range, and can swivel and tilt enough so that it can properly face you no matter your setup.

You need USB-C

Even now, not all monitors come with a USB-C port. If you need one to connect your MacBook Air, for example, you can not only do that, but you can charge it in the process.

 Don’t buy it if… 

You need cable management or KVM

This is a budget monitor so there are some things missing that one would find on pricier models, such as cable management or KVM. If you’re a neat freak or want to connect more than one computer, you should invest in a monitor with one, or preferably both, features.

You want a higher resolution

The panel on this monitor is fairly basic so you’re limited to 1080p. If you want a sharper resolution for any reason, it’s worth spending the extra cash for it.

Also Consider

Arzopa M1RC

The Arzopa M1RC might be missing some of the productivity-oriented features and appointments of the BenQ, but you get a sharper QHD resolution and an even faster 180Hz refresh rate for not much more money.

Read our full Arzopa M1RC review

BenQ PD2705UA

If you want a little more out of a productivity-oriented monitor, consider the BenQ PD2705UA. It’s more than double the price but has a much sharper image, KVM, and side-by-side picture as well as picture-in-picture for those with two computers, not to mention HDR and cable management.

Read our full BenQ PD2705UA review

How I tested the BenQ GW2486TC Eye-Care Monitor

I used the BenQ GW2486TC Eye-Care Monitor regularly for a month. I tested it with various games and media, used it for work, and tested out its various eye-care modes. I spent some time listening to the speakers. And played around with the ergonomics.

The BenQ GW2486TC Eye-Care Monitor has shown itself to be a capable monitor for productivity, particularly for those on a budget who don’t need things like KVM and don’t care about cable management.

I’ve tested a lot of tech gear over the years from laptops to keyboards and speakers, and so have been able to use my expertise towards giving an honest and fair opinion, not to mention a critical eye, to any product I test.

• First reviewed January 2025