TechRadar Reviews

HoverAir X1 PRO & PROMAX: one-minute review

With all the recent hype surrounding the launch of the DJI Neo, we can't forget that it was the HoverAir X1 that originally delivered highly effective and, indeed, exciting selfie drone functionality to the mainstream. Building on the success of the HoverAir X1, ZeroZero Robotics has created two new models aimed at more demanding users, with upgraded cameras, improved performance and some interesting new accessories.

The HoverAir X1 PRO and HoverAir X1 PROMAX are more advanced models that will sit alongside the original HoverAir X1. So, this puts more advanced selfie drones at a total of four to choose from. I've flown and reviewed both the DJI Neo and the HoverAir X1, and although both are fantastic drones, for me it's the HoverAir drones that excel in this niche yet growing corner of the drone market.

(Image credit: James Abbott)

With camera drones and FPV drones dominating, the success of selfie drones is a welcome surprise, and they offer something different. The HoverAir X1 PRO is aimed at snow sports and cycling, while the higher-end HoverAir X1 PROMAX is aimed at professional content creation. However, both perform equally well in those scenarios, so cost and camera requirements will be the deciding factor for many people.

Without going into too much detail, and focusing on the profound similarities between the HoverAir X1 PRO and HoverAir X1 PROMAX, both drones offer a variety of intelligent flight modes with drone-only activation, and manual flight control with the smartphone app and a separately available controller.

So, what are the key differences between the two models? We'll go into more detail later, but the PRO can capture 4K video up to 60fps with FHD available up to 120fps, while the PROMAX can capture 8K video up to 30fps with 4K and FHD available up to 120fps alongside 4K 10-bit HLG up to 60fps. Both capture photos in JPEG format.

HoverAir X1 Pro: specs HoverAir X1 Pro: release date and price

• Released September 26 2024
• Several kit options are available
• More expensive than the DJI Neo

The HoverAir X1 PRO & PROMAX were first available via Indiegogo after a successful crowdfunding campaign, and are now available on the HoverAir website with a shipping date of November 2, with multiple kit options and accessories available. The Standard kit, which includes the drone, one battery, a USB-C cable and a soft storage bag costs $499 / £459 for the PRO while the PROMAX costs $699 / £639. Pricing for Australia is in USD.

The Combo kit includes all of the above plus a second battery, charging hub, 65W power adaptor and a combo case. The PRO version costs $679 / £629 while the PROMAX version costs $879 / £799. This does make the two drones quite expensive for the two main kits that are available, and will likely mean they face fierce competition from the less expensive DJI Neo.

There are also several accessories available, so here's a breakdown of the prices for some of the options available. The PowerCase is $169 / £155, the Beacon and Joystick bundle is $228 / £208, the Multi-function Carry Bag is $79 / £69, the HandleBar Mount is $20, and the ND Filter set is $69 / £65. Buying a Combo kit and several accessories takes the cost of a HoverAir X1 Pro or PROMAX kit into the same price bracket as the DJI Air 3, so this is something to consider.

• Price score: 4/5

(Image credit: James Abbott) HoverAir X1 Pro: design and handling

• Compact folding design
• Enclosed propellers
• Excellent manual flight control via the app

Both the HoverAir X1 PRO and PROMAX feature an identical lightweight folding design that makes them a similar height and width, but slightly shorter than a VHS cassette when folded. At just 6.75oz / 191.5g and 6.79oz / 192.5g respectively, you'll barely even realise you're carrying them, and both will easily fit inside a jacket pocket.

HoverAir X1 PROMAX key specs

Camera: 1/1.3in CMOS & 16mm lens
Video resolution: Up to 8K
Frame rates: 8K up to 30fps, 4K up to 120fps, 10-bit HLG up to 60fps, FHD up to 120fps
Video transmission range: Phone (App): 500 m / Beacon (Controller) up to 1km
Flight modes: Manual flight and multiple intelligent flight modes
Battery: 1920mAh / up to 16 minutes flight time
Charger type: USB-C cable, charging hub, 65W power adapter
Weight: 6.79oz / 192.5g
Dimensions: 4.13 x 5.86 x 1.34in / 105 x 149 x 34mm folded / 6.81 x 5.86 x 1.53in / 173 x 149 x 39mm unfolded

The overall design is minimalistic, with just a single button surrounded by a directional selector button with a small OLED screen above. This is all you need to initiate flight with just the drone, although to adjust settings and intelligent flight mode parameters you will need to connect the drone to the smartphone app.

The propellers are fully enclosed in a tough plastic frame that keeps the propellers, people and objects safe. Plus, they can withstand bumps and crashesm – and, yes, this was put to the test when I turned quickly on a skateboard ramp and knocked the drone out of the air onto concrete.

The PRO and PROMAX are great at following subjects, but erratic movements where direction is changed in a split second can be problematic, because the drones can't respond quickly enough. Most of the time in these situations, the drones simply lose the subject.

The 1920mAh batteries are advertised to provide up to 16 minutes of flight time, and I was achieving flight times close to this in autumn temperatures, so this appears to be reliable.

Of course, this is nowhere near as long as a traditional camera drone, but the PRO and PROMAX are more suited to short bursts of flight, whether using the intelligent flight modes or manual control. Thermal batteries are available separately for use in cold climates with temperatures as low as -4F / -20C.

Image 1 of 5

(Image credit: James Abbott)Image 2 of 5

(Image credit: James Abbott)Image 3 of 5

(Image credit: James Abbott)Image 4 of 5

(Image credit: James Abbott)Image 5 of 5

(Image credit: James Abbott)

To prepare the drones for flight, you simply fold the propeller guards out from beneath the airframe and you're ready to go once they're switched on and the desired mode is selected. This can be with just the drone, using the Hover X1 app or using a physical controller that's available separately and we'll cover that in the next section. Once you've finished flying, simply switch off and fold the drone and the gimbal tilts down to protect the lens.

(Image credit: James Abbott)

Going back to the Hover X1 app, the manual flight interface has been drastically improved and now works in horizontal mode with left and right virtual controls, overlaid on the large camera view, which allows you to enjoy the same level of control as a physical controller.

Admittedly, it's not as good as a physical controller, but I was able to achieve complex maneuvers using both controls at the same time while also incorporating gimbal movement.

This may not sound overly impressive, but for app-based drone control I was hugely impressed and this is the best application of virtual controls that I've ever used. I can confidently say that even if you were to not buy the physical controller, you can still enjoy camera drone-style manual flight, albeit at a shorter distance, with just the Hover X1 app.

• Design score: 5/5

HoverAir X1 Pro: features and performance

• Fast follow flight speeds
• Intelligent flight modes
• Palm take off

The main flight aspect of the HoverAir X1 PRO and PROMAX is the intelligent flight modes that use advanced AI algorithms to both track the subject and keep them in the centre of the frame. Just like the original HoverAir X1, the PRO and PROMAX perform superbly when tracking or flying around both static and moving subjects. One feature that makes flying and landing simple is palm take-off and landing, although you can land the drones like a camera drone when using the physical controller.

Both drones can achieve a follow flight speed of up to an impressive 26mph, with bursts up to 37mph. During testing, while cycling, both had no problems keeping up, but what was interesting and to a degree frustrating was the seemingly slow horizontal flight when flying manually. This was even after increasing the speed rates for the drones within Joystick settings in the Hover X1 app where 22.3mph should be possible.

The PRO and PROMAX have wind resistance Level 5, which equates to 24mph and is high when you consider the size and weight of the drone. It wasn't tested in winds of this level, but in gusts approaching 20mph, the two drones showed no signs of struggling and video remained smooth. Both can also fly over water, snow, cliffs and at night when OmniTerrain is active.

Image 1 of 3

(Image credit: James Abbott)Image 2 of 3

(Image credit: James Abbott)Image 3 of 3

(Image credit: James Abbott)

The PRO and PROMAX, unlike the HoverAir X1, feature active collision detection with the PRO having active rear-side collision detection thanks to a proximity sensor, while the PROMAX offers this alongside vision-based rear-side collision detection using a vision sensor for more effective collision avoidance. Both systems work well when using the intelligent flight modes, but collision avoidance on the whole isn’t as effective as a 360-degree system.

The intelligent flight modes include Hover, Zoom Out, Follow, Orbit, Bird's Eye, Dolly Track and Side Track. All of these work as you'd expect, with Follow, Dolly Track and Side Track being the most fun.

Tracking performance is also excellent and the drones were able to navigate complex environments with ease. There's also Return to Home functionality that's particularly useful when flying the drone manually, but you do have to keep an eye on the video feed for potential obstacles.

Another difference between the two drones is the amount of onboard storage they offer, with the PRO having 32GB and the PROMAX packing in 64GB. This makes sense since the PROMAX is capable of capturing 8K video which has high storage demands. Both can also take microSD cards up to a 1GB capacity.

One aspect of the PRO and PROMAX that hugely improves useability and extends performance is the optional accessories. Whether or not you'll need these will come down to you, but they are all cleverly designed and transform the PRO and PROMAX into more of a drone system than simple selfie drones.

The Beacon is a small unit with a screen that improves subject tracking and can even be used to control the drones manually, although this is fiddly. The Beacon does improve tracking and provides the ability to change intelligent flight modes alongside displaying the camera view where you can capture video and shoot photos.

Image 1 of 6

(Image credit: James Abbott)Image 2 of 6

(Image credit: James Abbott)Image 3 of 6

(Image credit: James Abbott)Image 4 of 6

(Image credit: James Abbott)Image 5 of 6

(Image credit: James Abbott)Image 6 of 6

(Image credit: James Abbott)

This does undoubtedly provide reliable tracking as tested when cycling using the HandleBar Mount, but the tracking the drones are capable of without the Beacon is so effective that it's not possible to say how much better the Beacon is. The Beacon screen with video record and photo buttons alongside the Live View is still useful and using the Beacon does instil confidence.

The Beacon is best paired with the Joysticks that can be used to create a one-handed motion controller, used together with the Beacon screen providing the camera view, or all of the above with your smartphone acting as the screen. The Joysticks attach to the end of the Beacon with grips that fold down to provide an impressive controller option.

Using the Beacon alone or as part of a controller option extends the range of the drone from up to 1640ft / 500m with the app to 3280ft / 1km with the Beacon. For the former, I'm not sure how reliable this is because when flying at 80m directly overhead I lost the video feed in the Hover X1 app, although I did maintain control of the drone.

Beacon-based control works well, although using early firmware has thrown up some connectivity issues when using a phone attached to the controller; these were being ironed out with updates during the testing period. There's also a Magnetic Clip for the Beacon to attach it to clothing, a Magnetic Adaptor Mount and a Handlebar Mount which make attaching the Beacon to yourself or your bike incredibly simple.

Image 1 of 2

(Image credit: James Abbott)Image 2 of 2

(Image credit: James Abbott)

One accessory that's incredibly innovative and, indeed, useful, is the PowerCase for X1 PRO and PROMAX. This is a hard case where you attach an adaptor to the PRO or PROMAX and the case provides around 2.5 battery charges. There's a window that allows you to see the current charge level on the drone's OLED screen, and a strap can be attached for easy carrying. This case allows you to take out just the drone and a single battery, with plenty of charge for a day out.

Other accessories include a set of four ND filters for controlling shutter speed when capturing video. These are comprised of ND8, ND16, ND32 and ND64 filters in a small hard case. There's also a Multi-functional Carry Bag, which is a great way to carry the drones around and the bag can also be attached to the crossbar of bikes by unzipping the centre of the bag and using the enclosed Velcro straps.

• Features & performance score: 5/5

HoverAir X1 Pro: image and video quality

• PROMAX offers the best image quality
• Video is great with both drones
• Photo quality is good but not great

(Image credit: James Abbott)

Being a selfie drone with intelligent tracking capabilities, both the PRO and PROMAX produce better quality video than photos, with the PROMAX being the superior of the two. It's also the camera department where these two near-identical drones differ with the PRO sporting a 1/2in CMOS sensor with an equivalent focal length of 17mm. The PROMAX features a 1/1.3in CMOS sensor and 7-layer lens, alongside up to 14 stops of dynamic range and an equivalent focal length of 16mm.

The operation of the cameras and settings is identical for each drone, but the PRO is capable of capturing video in 4K at up to 60fps and 1080p at up to 120fps for slow motion capture. The PROMAX expands greatly on this with 8K up to 30fps, 4K at up to 120FPS for slow motion capture, 4K 10-bit HLG up to 60fps and 1080p up to 120fps. Image quality from both is great overall, although the PROMAX does excel here with improved image quality for both photos and videos.

File sizes for 8K videos are huge, and the need for most people to export at this resolution is limited. But with the PROMAX you can capture at 8K and export at 4K to produce sharp results with a future-proofed original resolution. But only if you have the storage available to keep such large video files. There are also 2.7K and 1080p vertical video options with both drones at frame rates up to 60fps.

Image 1 of 10

(Image credit: James Abbott)Image 2 of 10

(Image credit: James Abbott)Image 3 of 10

(Image credit: James Abbott)Image 4 of 10

(Image credit: James Abbott)Image 5 of 10

(Image credit: James Abbott)Image 6 of 10

(Image credit: James Abbott)Image 7 of 10

(Image credit: James Abbott)Image 8 of 10

(Image credit: James Abbott)Image 9 of 10

(Image credit: James Abbott)Image 10 of 10

(Image credit: James Abbott)

Photo quality is good, but you can only capture stills in JPEG format and JPEG processing is visible at all ISO levels. Plus, naturally, color rendition is reduced as the ISO setting is increased so higher ISO photos do appear less saturated than those taken at lower settings. With the PROMAX being aimed more at content creation, the ability to capture photos in DNG format would make sense but is unfortunately unavailable.

The PRO captures photos at 4000x3000px with the ability to use a 2X zoom that produces photos at this resolution with little loss in image quality. The PROMAX can capture in this mode with the zoom feature available, or at a higher 8000x6000px resolution. The larger sensor of the PROMAX undoubtedly produces better image quality, but the PRO remains impressive overall.

• Image and video quality score: 4/5

X1 Pro Max Beacon tracking video X1 Pro Intelligent flight modes video X1 PRO App and controller video HoverAir X1 PRO & PROMAX: testing scorecard Should I buy the HoverAir X1 PRO or the PROMAX? Buy it if...

You want to track your adventures
The HoverAir X1 Pro and PROMAX are the best selfie drones available and are fantastic at tracking moving subjects, both drone-only and using the Beacon.

You value innovative design
These drones and their companion accessories are incredibly innovative and easy to use. They offer a true balance of style and substance.

You'd like a compact selfie drone
The folding aspect of the PRO and PROMAX makes them incredibly portable alongside their compact and lightweight design.

Don't buy it if...

You would like a more powerful drone
The HoverAir X1 PRO and PROMAX offer a wind resistance of Level 5, but larger medium-sized camera drones are much more suited to windy conditions.

You don’t want or need tracking functionality
The main point of selfie drones is their subject-tracking capabilities, so if you don’t want a drone primarily for this the PRO and PROMAX aren’t for you.

You're on a budget
The HoverAir X1 PRO and PROMAX aren't the cheapest selfie drones available, so if you're on a tight budget consider the DJI Neo which is much less expensive.

HoverAir X1 PRO & PROMAX: also consider DJI Neo

The DJI Neo is a beginner friendly selfie drone with several different flight control options available to meet the needs of different types of drone pilot. It's capable of autonomous flight for capturing fast-paced action using AI algorithms and can capture up to 4K video and JPEG photos for a lower cost than the X1 PRO and PROMAX.

Read our in-depth DJI Neo review

How I tested the HoverAir X1 PRO & PROMAX

• All features and functions tested
• All accessories tested
• Flown in challenging conditions

The HoverAir X1 Pro and PROMAX were tested primarily for their subject tracking capabilities using slower and faster-moving activities to test this. Each flight mode was used alongside manual flight with the Hover X1 app and the Joysticks attached to the Beacon for a camera drone-like experience.

All video and photo modes were tested in a range of lighting conditions extending from bright sunlight to overcast to low light at dusk to push ISO settings. All accessories were also tested to see how much and how well they enhanced the overall useability of the PRO and PROMAX.

Having previously reviewed the HoverAir X1 and the DJI Neo, I was aware of what to expect with drones of this type. But with enhanced features including faster flight speeds, it was possible to push these drones harder to fully experience their capabilities.

First reviewed October 2024

Review info

Platform reviewed: PS5
Available on: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC
Release date: October 25, 2024

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 feels like a throwback in the very best of ways. Lead developers Treyarch and Raven Software have smartly combined some of the most successful elements from entries across the long-running first-person shooter (FPS) series to craft a highly polished experience that excels in almost every regard. 

Classic systems such as the traditional prestige mechanics, which offer the most dedicated online players the opportunity to partially reset their progress for exclusive rewards, or the simple but effective weapon attachments still haven’t lost their luster in 2024. It’s not all things that we’ve seen before though, as a handful of clever new innovations, like the flagship ‘omnimovement’ system, and the most high-fidelity graphics we've seen yet successfully drive the franchise forward and keep each facet of the experience feeling fresh.

The result is one of the best FPS games in almost a decade and a must-play for fans of the genre. There are still a couple of sore spots, like a handful of poorly designed multiplayer maps, that hold things back from total perfection, but, with plenty of new content on the way through a barrage of seasonal updates, the next twelve months of Call of Duty are well-positioned to be some of the greatest yet. 

On the run

(Image credit: Activision)

The Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 campaign picks up roughly ten years after the story of 2020’s Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. Set in 1991, it’s loosely centered around the events of the Gulf War, though with more of an eye towards covert espionage than boots-on-the-ground conflict. You play as a group of CIA operatives, sent into Iraq to intercept the Iraqi Minister of Defense and bring him back to the government in one piece.

As you might expect, this simple task goes wrong in a matter of minutes when a mysterious military force emerges from the shadows to thwart your mission. Reunited with the fan-favorite rogue spy Russel Adler, it soon becomes apparent that this organization, known as Pantheon, has close ties with the CIA, forcing the team off the grid. It’s a classic Mission Impossible-style premise and, while nothing particularly complex or sophisticated, is a perfectly serviceable framework for a series of absolutely stellar set pieces.

Best bit

(Image credit: Activision)

In a strong field, one particular campaign sequence sees you work as a team, cinematically swapping between characters to break into a shady casino is an absolute treat. 

Variety elevates every moment campaign, with all manner of surprising mechanics and environments crammed into its roughly nine-hour runtime. There’s a refreshingly open assassination segment early on, with a variety of possible approaches that incentivises at least a couple of replays. Later on, you’re stealthily infiltrating a political fundraising event, investigating different possible leads, and scanning clues with a high-tech spy camera before a hair-raising motorcycle chase. 

One highly memorable mission even takes on a wholly unexpected survival horror edge, equipping you with an overpowered grapple hook and bombarding you with legions of imagined zombies and powerful boss monsters.

In between each mission, you’re sent back to your safehouse, which offers its own suite of activities. Levels are littered with cash, which can be hoovered up and spent on safehouse upgrades to unlock new perks and gear going forward. Quite a few puzzles are hidden across its grounds too, giving achievement hunters plenty of incentive not just to blitz through the story.

This is also without a doubt the best-looking campaign in Call of Duty history, surpassing even the visual excellence of 2022’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. Multiple areas are breathtakingly realistic, with absolutely stunning, highly detailed textures and advanced lighting effects. Some of the more abstract scenes also allow the developer to really show off its artistic chops, with bright primary colors and an effective dream-like atmosphere. Performance is delightfully smooth on PlayStation 5 to boot, with resolutely stable frame rates even in the most intense moments. 

Back to basics 

(Image credit: Activision)

This year’s multiplayer experience smooths out many of my biggest frustrations with recent entries, returning to a formula that will feel immediately familiar to long-time fans. The painfully convoluted weapon attachment system of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is no more, superseded by a simplified selection of accessories that still offers plenty of customization without ever seeming overwhelming.

Rather than countless barely distinct options, each attachment category is populated by a handful of more significant mods. Some provide little buffs, while others bring much bigger bonuses alongside a noticeable drawback or two. Player perks have also been whittled down and are finally available right from the start of a match rather than staggered intervals. 

You can choose up to three per loadout, with every perk sorted into a distinct Enforcer, Recon, or Strategist category. While you are free to mix and match between these categories to create your own custom builds, equipping three perks of the same type yields some very powerful bonuses. Picking three Enforcer ones, for example, gives you a major movement speed and health regeneration boost after each successful kill. These combinations are significant enough to tangibly impact play, but everything is still well balanced with no particular set taking a clear lead.

(Image credit: Activision)

The brand-new ‘ominmovement’ system, which lets you sprint, slide, and dive in any direction, is well integrated and leads to countless thrilling moments. Diving backwards off a tall ledge while peppering an enemy with bullets feels completely natural and it’s almost hard to believe that movement hasn’t always been this way. Combined with the high number of more compact 6v6 maps in its 16-map line up, most online matches have an absolutely incredible sense of pace. 

There are some notable exceptions, though, mainly thanks to a small number of quite poor maps. Scud, which is set against the ruins of a decimated desert outpost, is a particularly sore example with far too many open sightlines that encourage slow games to a crawl as players favor sitting in key positions with sniper rifles. Rewind, a delightfully 1990s strip mall, is significantly better but still feels a little empty in a 6v6 format given its large size. These complaints will almost inevitably be addressed in future updates as more maps arrive, but it does still slightly dampen the online experience at launch.

Army of the dead

(Image credit: Activision)

The round-based zombies mode is another area where Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 borrows plenty from past games. For the uninitiated, the Zombies mode is deceptively simple - you drop into one of two maps with up to three friends and try to survive against increasingly powerful waves of the undead. Mowing down shambling creatures yields cash, spent on unlocking new areas of the map, buying new weapons, or sticking your gear through a Pack-a-Punch machine for an additional bit of kick. It's an incredibly effective formula and significantly more enjoyable than the more open-world Modern Warfare Zombies found in last year’s game.

That’s far from everything to discover, however, with a raft of easter eggs ranging from cute little references to entire story sequences hidden for the most dedicated players. Exclusive cosmetics, secret achievements, and plenty of level XP reward those who dig deep. I’ve already spent hours in the Zombies mode and, while I did manage to survive to round 41 and find the hilarious zombie bowling minigame on the Liberty Falls map, I still feel like I’m barely scratching the surface of everything that it has in store.

All three major components of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 are an absolute blast and are so brimming with content that they would even work well as entirely standalone games. As a complete package, the level of quality here is something that we haven’t seen from the franchise in years. Call of Duty is well and truly back. 

Should I play Call of Duty: Black Ops 6?

(Image credit: Activision) Play it if…

You want a blockbuster campaign
The Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 campaign is the franchise at its best, filled with memorable set pieces and engaging mechanics.

You love frantic multiplayer
The online multiplayer is also a treat, with fast-paced encounters and a new ‘omnimovement’ system that practically generates action-movie moments.

Zombies is your go-to
The round-based zombies offering in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is some of the best it’s been in years. Expect hours of entertainment if you manage to pull together a few friends for a squad.

Don’t play it if…

You prefer larger-scale maps
The 16 launch maps in this year’s installment are mostly quite small. If you prefer larger maps, stick with the likes of 2022’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and its huge Ground War mode instead.

Accessibility

(Image credit: Activision)

There are plenty of accessibility features in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. This includes a wide array of subtitle options for the campaign, and the ability to customize the colors of the entire UI and apply a range of visual filters.

The controls can be fully remapped across the board in both controller and keyboard play, with a range of assist settings that can remove the need to hold certain inputs if required.

How I reviewed Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

I'm a regular Call of Duty player with prior experience reviewing the series in addition to a wide range of other FPS titles. I completed the Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 campaign in a single sitting, clocking in at roughly ten hours including the time I spent exploring the safehouse and replaying a few missions.

I then spent around twenty hours (and counting) in its multiplayer mode, trying out all of its available playlists and maps. During that time I reached the maximum level and began Prestige 1. I also played multiple Zombies matches with friends and solo, getting to grips with its mechanics and the two launch maps.

I played on PlayStation 5 using a DualSense Wireless Controller. For audio, I relied on a pair of Astro A50 X headphones, which I found really helped the detailed sound effects shine. Throughout my time with the game, I compared my experience with that of other Call of Duty games. 

First reviewed October 2024.

Secretlab Titan Evo NanoGen Edition: Two-minute review

The Secretlab Titan Evo NanoGen Edition is a new variant of the classic chair from the brand featuring some brand-new materials. While there’s a familiar chair under the hood, these materials elevate this edition a little beyond its brethren in terms of sheer comfort.

The new soft materials - which Secretlab refers to as NanoGen Hybrid Leatherette and NanoFoam Composite - are legitimately excellent and make for an extremely comfortable chair. The former is an exceptionally soft leatherette that’s a joy to touch, and a material that Secretlab claims is its toughest and plushest yet, offering enhanced stain resistance. latter is a supportive yet delightfully comfortable composite that feels like it has memory foam qualities when you lean back into it. Overall, it does make for some of the comfiest chair materials I’ve experienced in years.

As comfortable as these new materials are - and they really are, don’t get me wrong - I don’t think they’re so good that a regular Titan Evo would feel uncomfortable comparatively. The reality is that a regular Titan Evo is still going to be a great gaming chair, provide excellent support and comfort, and come in a chunk cheaper. This is the NanoGen’s biggest challenge; to justify the jump in cost and convince most people to get it. 

More generally, though, as a premium chair, the price is still quite aggressive in the face of the competition. With the likes of the Herman Miller x Logitech Embody and the Razer Fujin Pro coming in substantially more expensive.

Aside from the materials and price tag, the NanoGen shares almost everything else with the now well-established Titan Evo line - everything that makes that chair our pick for the best gaming chair money can buy. From an easy-as-pie construction to a robust and weighty build, plus a host of support- and comfort-enhancing features like excellent armrests and a robust set of adjustability options to a slick and chic finish to every part, the NanoGen Edition channels everything great about the Titan Evo under its new hood.

As a result, all in, the NanoGen largely justifies the price tag and its position as one of the most comfortable gaming chairs. It’s a superb chair and the new materials are not just gimmicks - they make a wonderful difference in terms of comfort and support.

(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar) Secretlab Titan Evo NanoGen Edition: Price and availability

• List price: R size: $799 / £669 / AU$1,099; XL size: $849 / £719 / AU$1,199
• Available in Pure White and Pure Black only
• Available in US, CA, EU, AU, NZ, SG, MY; coming soon to the UK

Coming in at the above prices, this new Titan Evo does come in notably higher than other models adding $250 / £200 over a regular Titan Evo size, and a jump of $200 / £180 for the XL size. 

Whether the materials alone are worth this extra investment will likely depend on your preferences, needs, and budget. However, even at this early part of my review, I wouldn’t go as far as saying that the NanoGen Edition makes the other Titan Evo chairs obsolete or ‘uncomfortable’ by comparison at all. As a result, this new edition has its work cut out for it to really warrant and justify the higher price tag.

However, this still comes in much cheaper than the likes of the Herman Miller x Logitech Embody and the Razer Fujin Pro and offers that trademark Secretlab premium gaming chair feel and experience. 

In turn, the NanoGen Edition is still much more expensive than the AndaSeat Kaiser 3 XL, a spacious chair that could provide some stern value-based competition.

(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar) Secretlab Titan Evo NanoGen Edition: Specs Secretlab Titan Evo NanoGen Edition: Design and aesthetics

• White look is very chic
• Signature Secretlab design and build quality
• An equally office-friendly aesthetic

At a glance, the NanoGen Edition looks identical to a Titan Evo chair. The chair has a simple, restrained, and chic look in the white finish sent to us for review, and I can imagine the black chair looking equally as slick and perhaps even more office-friendly than the white. 

There are no wild flourishes adorning the all-white finish on our chair and it’s a symphony in clean white leatherette material. However, the slight chink in this is the inclusion of a grey armrest and headrest, which are soft and comfortable, but next to the white of the rest of the chair have an almost dirty look. It’s not a huge detractor by any means but something that’s noticeable given that ultra-clean finish elsewhere.

The overall design is straight from the Titan Evo line too, so with that in mind, the build quality and feature set are excellent. It is so well built and robust that you can have serious confidence in this, no matter your seating preference or how aggressively you might shoot about your space.

(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)

The fabulous castors are as smooth as ever, on the wide wheelbase that provides excellent stability given its (quite large) footprint. The armrests are also a delight. The NanoGen Edition chair features Secretlab’s PlushCell Memory Foam Armrest Tops on its all-new heavy-duty full metal 4D armests, both of which are superb.

There are so many customization options with the armrests themselves - which also offer a great range of adjustment, 50% more than previous iterations - that I’m still tinkering to get the perfect setup weeks into testing. They are sturdy as heck too, while the armrest tops are wonderfully comfortable, swallowing up your elbows in soft cushioned goodness. 

The magnetic fixing of the armrest top means you can swap out to another material too should you wish at another time adding further customizability. The only other way it could get even more customizable would be to attach the new Secretlab Ergonomic Recliner.

(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar) Secretlab Titan Evo NanoGen Edition: Comfort and adjustability

• Wonderfully soft materials
• New foam is extremely comfortable
• Plenty of adjustability

In short, the Secretlab Titan Evo NanoGen Edition is one of the comfiest chairs I’ve sat on. The new NanoFoam within the chair and the NanoGen Leatherette material that finishes it combined with the brilliant design, build, proportions, and frame of a Titan Evo make one seriously comfy chair.

Sinking into the seat or back and being embraced by the NanoFoam finished in that super-soft new leatherette is really something - and also offers something different to the Secretlab Titan Evo SoftWeave chairs. I’m looking forward to it remaining my go-to daily driver when I'm in the office, but it won’t quite displace the Herman Miller Embody I have at home. 

The NanoGen Edition shares the majority of its adjustability options with the wider Titan Evo line so if you’re familiar with those chairs at all, then you’ll be right at home with this one too. Given that I’m used to a shorter chair in the Embody, I have found that if you’re a sloucher or someone who doesn’t totally sit right back into their chair, you’ll need to get used to that - there’s no use to the chair unless you actually lean and sit into it after all.

Working from the ground up, underneath are the usual levers for seat height adjustment and tilt adjustment. On the seat itself, you have a lever for the back recline (which can go all the way to…), on the side, there’s the wheel for the built-in lumbar support (a joy to have), and then there are the armrests.

I have found these to be a particular highlight; as someone who leans a lot on their elbows, the memory foam material was extremely comfy straight away, but the excellent range of adjustability means you won’t be short of different positions for support either. Finishing it off, the magnetic cushion for your head is a soft delight too, but you can remove it if you prefer.

As we know from the brand, it’s all supremely easy to adjust - though you may find yourself tinkering for weeks, like me, chasing that perfect setup.

(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar) Secretlab Titan Evo NanoGen Edition: Assembly

• Takes around 30-45 minutes solo
• All tools provided
• Magnetic parts make it easy

Unlike other premium chairs, such as those from Herman Miller which can roll straight out of the box ready to go, the Secretlab NanoGen Edition does require some construction. Coming neatly and securely flat packed, my XL version was a bit weighty in its box but I could easily slide it around our office carpet on my own to get it in position.

The actual construction of the chair doesn’t take long at all, even on one's own with an XL size. There are essentially only three parts to it - the wheelbase, the seat, and the back - which makes it easy to process which parts slot into others. My time was about 30 minutes all in (maybe 45 if you count some checking of the instructions), though if you’ve built a Secretlab chair before, expect your time to be lower.

(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)

The large-scale instructions on the box are easy to follow and consist of only a few steps, with some minor ‘sub-steps’. You also get all the tools included in the box which is excellent. Magnetic armrests and covers to hide screws are then the icing on the cake and make finishing the chair’s build easy as pie.

The screws are easy to attach and tighten even for someone with small slightly-different hands like mine, and the only time I really found it awkward was when aligning the backrest to the seat. Otherwise, there’s no awkward alignment for bits or the need for a flashlight, and it’s eminently doable on your own - plus you get to squeeze and caress that exquisite material up close all the while.

Should you buy the Secretlab Titan Evo NanoGen Edition? Buy it if...

You’re after some supremely soft and comfortable materials for your gaming chair
The NanoGen material and NanoFoam within this chair make for excellent comfort. The chair is supremely soft and comfortable on your posterior and back, and the brilliant armrests complete the whole package.

You want the latest in materials from Secretlab
If you were already sold on a Secretlab chair, and are now on the lookout for the best and latest materials going from the brand, then the NanoGen Edition is for you.

You want a chair for long work and play sessions
Combining the comfort of the new materials as well as the pedigree of the Titan Evo means this chair is a joy for long periods of work and play, and the easiest of recommendations for those looking for something for hours of comfort.

Don't buy it if...

You’re not sold on paying more for the materials
The materials on the NanoGen edition are superb but the jump in price means the ‘regular’ Titan Evo could represent better value for your money if you’re not convinced about the new materials and their fancy names.

You’re on a tight budget
Yup, it seems like an obvious point to make but as good as they are Secretlab chairs still require a healthy investment - and one that only increases with the new NanoGen materials.

Also consider...

If you’re still not convinced by the NanoGen Edition, then these two other chairs could be worth considering.

Secretlab Titan Evo 2022
The ‘regular’ Titan Evo chair is still an absolute belter and our pick for the top gaming chair overall you can buy right now. It shares a lot with the NanoGen Edition but crucially comes in a bit cheaper and is still an excellently comfortable gaming chair. If you want comfort from Secretlab but are looking to save money, then the regular Titan Evo could be the way to go.

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

AndaSeat Kaiser 3 XL
If you’re looking for a larger chair but want to maximize value and get some great comfort-focused features at the same time then the AndaSeat Kaiser 3 XL is a fine alternative. Featuring incredibly comfortable and plus materials as well as all the trimmings from lumbar support to 4D arms, it's a great value proposition.

For more information, check out our full AndaSeat Kaiser 3 XL review. 

How I tested the Secretlab Titan Evo NanoGen Edition

• Tested over the course of multiple weeks
• Compared to other gaming chairs from the likes of Herman Miller
• Tested in all positions

I tested the Secretlab Titan Evo NanoGen Edition by deploying it as my go-to, daily office chair, and used it over the course of four weeks.

I used it for long stretches of work and also some handheld gaming, and gave each feature and element of the chair a thorough testing in all seating positions, from leaning back, to cross-legged, and everything in between.

Fortunately, I was also able to directly compare it against other chairs we have in the office, notably a Herman Miller Aeron which is currently being reviewed too.

Read more about how we test 

First reviewed October 2024

Nubia Red Magic Nova Tablet review: Two-minute review

Not content with all but cornering the market in affordable gaming phones, Nubia has now turned its attention to addressing an even more niche market: that of the gaming tablet.

Following the limited launch of the Red Magic Tablet in 2023, the Red Magic Nova Tablet stands as Nubia’s first globally available gaming tablet, and is positioned as a full-sized tablet with top-level gaming performance at a mid-market price.

The Nova largely delivers on that promise, offering a level of gaming performance that punches well above its weight. This machine flies through high-end games on top settings, and although its 10.9-inch 144Hz IPS LCD isn’t the best screen on the market, it is able to keep up with the tablet’s monstrous Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Leading Version processor. That’s good news for any games that can hit 120fps or higher.

There is the slight sense that Nubia hasn’t quite thought this whole gaming tablet thing through, though. For example, you have to suspect that committed gamers will be pairing up a Bluetooth controller, so a kickstand or a bundled-in case with a stand would have been useful.

Elsewhere, while performance is extremely impressive, our gaming benchmarks suggest that the Nova Tablet isn’t quite as stable across extended intensive sessions as you might hope. It’s nothing to worry about with today’s most advanced games, though, where everything flies.

Meanwhile, Nubia’s custom UI continues to need work, though Game Space remains a solid way to tweak and optimize your gaming experience.

All in all, the Red Magic Nova Tablet comes across as an extremely capable, keenly priced tablet that perhaps hasn’t yet reached its final form. Those looking for the best tablet performance for less than $500/ £500 should definitely consider it, and we’re excited to see how Nubia’s Red Magic sub-brand refines and develops its gaming tablet vision in future products.

Nubia Red Magic Nova Tablet review: price and availability

(Image credit: Future)

• From $499/ £439
• Open availability from October 16, 2024

The Nubia Red Magic Nova Tablet went on sale on October 16, 2024, though at the time of writing, stock has run out due to high demand, and the device is listed as being available to pre-order on Red Magic's official website. Red Magic has, however, told TechRadar that stock will be replenished in November.

Nubia’s Red Magic sub-brand has always supplied outstanding value for money, and that continues to be the case with its first global gaming tablet. Pricing starts from just $499/£439 for the model with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.

There’s also a second, more premium model with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage available for $649 / £559.

You won’t find another Android-based tablet with this level of performance for such a low price. The OnePlus Pad 2 gets closest, offering the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and a similarly swift 144Hz display at a price of £499.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE gets closer to the Red Magic on price, starting from £449. However, it doesn’t even approach the Nova Tablet on raw performance.

It’s possible to buy a tablet that outstrips the Red Magic Nova Tablet for raw performance, but you’ll need to switch over to team Apple to do so. Even then, the mighty M2-powered iPad Air, which starts from $599 / £599, sports a puny 60Hz display, and lacks the Red Magic’s meaty cooling system for sustained gaming.

• Value score: 5/5

Nubia Red Magic Nova Tablet review: specs Nubia Red Magic Nova Tablet review: design Image 1 of 3

(Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 3

(Image credit: Future)Image 3 of 3

(Image credit: Future)

• Standard tablet shape and size with mostly metal body
• Signature semi-transparent window and RGB
• No 3.5mm headphone jack
• Would benefit from a bundled case or an integrated kickstand

Nubia’s Red Magic gaming phones are pretty chunky and angular, but the Nova’s design is more in line with what you’d expect from a regular tablet. It’s got that familiar flat-edged form factor, with an all-metal body and tightly rounded corners.

At 7.3mm, this isn’t the thinnest tablet on the market, but nor is it distractingly thick. By the same token, a weight of 530g is only a little heavier than the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE – though Nubia’s use of the word ‘dainty’ on its website is a bit of a stretch.

It’s only when you turn the Nova Tablet over and look at the back that it makes its gaming aspirations known. Nubia has applied its familiar semi-transparent finish to the thin band running between the camera module and the opposite edge of the tablet.

Those aren’t actual components you can see through the transparent material, just a fancy bit of circuitry accented by a gold color. You also get a little diagram sketching out the internal heat pipe, with the words ‘Cooling System’ helpfully printed on it. Nubia has also advertised the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Leading Version chip in a similar manner.

One genuine component on display is the cooling fan, which can be seen alongside the rear camera. This lights up in full RGB when in use, as do the words ‘Red Magic’ in the opposite corner. It’s not exactly subtle by normal standards, but relative to the wider gamer aesthetic, it’s all quite low-key.

Image 1 of 2

(Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

(Image credit: Future)

The tablet feels nice to handle, with a power key partly recessed on the left edge. This doubles as a fingerprint sensor, and it performs quickly and reliably. As always, it’s never quite as intuitive an experience as the same system on a smartphone, but there is also a basic facial recognition system in place.

I’m a little puzzled by the omission of a 3.5mm headphone jack on the Red Magic. Given the size and thickness of the tablet and its gaming focus, providing the means for latency-free personal audio would seem like an obvious step.

Indeed, it feels as if Nubia hasn’t quite hit upon the final form of the gaming tablet just yet. It makes sense that the Nova lacks the capacitive air trigger buttons of, say, the Red Magic 9S Pro, as gamers are going to be pairing it up with a Bluetooth controller rather than holding it like a phone (though the idea of some rear-mounted capacitive controls is an intriguing one).

With this in mind, I’d argue that having a case with a decent kickstand would be more than a nice extra here, entering into ‘must-have’ territory. The company assures me that an optional cover should be available for the Nova Tablet’s global launch (alongside a stylus), but I wonder if such a thing should come as standard, even if that meant a slightly higher asking price. This feels like the kind of tablet that would really benefit from one. There’s even a case to be made for the device itself having a built-in kickstand, rather like the Nintendo Switch.

• Design score: 3.5/5

Nubia Red Magic Nova Tablet review: display

(Image credit: Future)

• 10.9-inch IPS LCD with 2.8K resolution
• Rapid 144Hz refresh rate
• 550 nits peak brightness

The Red Magic Nova Tablet employs a 10.9-inch display, which doesn’t feel as large as it once did. Not with the likes of the OnePlus Pad 2 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus bursting past the 12-inch mark.

It’s nice and sharp at 1800 x 2880 (Nubia calls this resolution ‘2.8K’), but the stand-out spec is a 144Hz refresh rate. The OnePlus Pad 2 also hits this mark, but it’s not what you’d call a typical refresh rate for a tablet. True, most mobile games won’t even hit the heady heights of 120Hz, but it’s nice to see a little headroom here nonetheless.

This refresh rate is paired with an 840Hz touch sampling rate, which means that it’s nice and responsive for those speedy multiplayer action games, should you not be using a paired Bluetooth controller.

Image quality is solid rather than spectacular. What with this being an IPS LCD, it lacks the pop and punch of an OLED, but that’s still not the kind of component you’ll typically find in a mid-priced tablet.

I would have liked the Nova to get a little brighter, though. Nubia cites a top brightness of 550 nits, which is fine. In practical terms, I frequently found myself cranking it up to the top brightness even when viewing the tablet indoors. This yielded a comfortable viewing experience, but a little more would have been welcome to help overcome those instances of glare or reflectiveness.

The screen is flanked by four symmetrically arranged speakers, with assistance from DTS-X Ultra Sound for a so-called “3D audio experience”. The resulting output is clear and loud, though we’re not talking about anything approaching iPad quality here which, given that price tag, is wholly understandable.

• Display score: 3.5/5

Nubia Red Magic Nova Tablet review: performance

(Image credit: Future)

• Slightly faster Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 ‘Leading Version’ chip
• 12GB or 16GB RAM of LPDDR5X RAM
• 256GB or 512GB UFS 4.0 storage

Nubia has used the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Leading Version chip here that powers its latest gaming smartphone, the Red Magic 9S Pro. This is a slightly overclocked version of the chip that runs most of the best Android phones in 2024. In other words, it’s one of the very best mobile chips on the market. In benchmarking terms, it’ll top or at least match anything running on Android, and you’ll need to invest in an Apple M2-powered iPad Air or an M4-powered iPad Pro to flat-out beat it.

General performance is unimpeachable, especially with either 12 or 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM backing it up. I’m testing the top spec, and I couldn’t make it sweat at all in general usage.

Of course, it’s not in regular scenarios that this tablet needs to be judged. This is a machine that’s built for gaming performance, and there isn’t much to worry about on that front either.

It’ll run both Genshin Impact and Wreckfest on maxed-out graphical settings with more or less perfect fluidity. That’s to be expected, because both of those games are a few years old now.

This speaks to a wider issue with dedicated mobile gaming devices. Mobile games themselves haven’t really pushed any technical boundaries for quite some time – at least not on Android – while mobile processors continue to get more and more powerful. The end result is that even a half-decent mid-range smartphone can play these more visually opulent games pretty well.

Where these gaming devices can set themselves apart is with sustained performance. Those top-notch off-the-shelf chips, when paired with bespoke cooling systems, can run faster for longer. To that end, Nubia has equipped the Red Magic Nova Tablet with a 20,000 RPM cooling fan.

Interestingly, you don’t get the accompanying open vent of the Red Magic smartphone series. This device instead uses the extra internal volume to create an extended but closed loop for cooling. Allied to that is a nine-layer cooling system, together with a 103mm-long 3D heat pipe.

It all sounds very impressive, but I was a little concerned about the performance stability of the Red Magic Nova Tablet. I ran a couple of 3D Mark Stress Tests, which simulate extended gaming performance through 20 consecutive minute-long graphical tests, with the tablet set to maximum gaming performance via the Game Space UI.

The results were mixed. The high-end Solar Bay Stress Test, in particular, ranged from 72% (fairly stable) to 26.5% (downright unstable), indicating that at least some degree of throttling is taking place over time. Switching between Rising and Balanced performance modes didn’t seem to make any difference here, either.

Even that top mark of 72% is far from blistering. It’s about what I got with the new Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Plus – a capable performer for sure, but also not a gaming specialist with a particularly extensive cooling system. True, the Red Magic scored higher marks in general, but it was no more consistent with it. I should also note that the tablet would occasionally run uncomfortably hot by the end of these tests.

Interestingly, I found similarly less-than-stellar results in these tests on the Red Magic 9S Pro smartphone. No other tablet or phone series has such a meaty cooling system, so could this indicate some inherent thermal limitations with the overclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Leading Version?

We should always bring it back to the games regardless, and in real-world use, I didn’t run into any throttling issues when gaming for extended spells. After an hour of Wreckfest running on maximum graphical settings, I didn’t notice any big drop in frame rate.

Nubia has included a single 50MP camera on the rear of the phone. Suffice it to say, if no tablet is particularly great for taking pictures, then a mid-priced gaming tablet definitely shouldn’t be relied upon. It’s an appropriately bare-bones offering with no OIS, though it does at least support 4K video at 30fps.

The 20MP selfie camera is similarly limited, though at least Nubia hasn’t resorted to using a terrible under-display example, like with its smartphones. It’ll do fine for video calls.

• Performance score: 4.5/5

Nubia Red Magic Nova Tablet review: software

(Image credit: Future)

• Red Magic OS 9.5 on Android 14
• Ugly but functional UI
• Game Space UI lets you fine-tune your gaming setup

Software has always been a bit of a weakness with Red Magic devices, and that hasn’t changed with the transition to a larger tablet form factor. You’re getting the same Red Magic OS 9.5 that ran on the Red Magic 9S Pro smartphone, layered over the same Android 14 OS.

It’s not an attractive UI, despite Nubia having corrected a lot of its worst aspects such as clumsy screen-filling widgets and poorly translated text. It still feels a little unfinished, as evidenced by the odd syntax-mangling Game Space notification.

I’d rather not have to deal with Nubia’s custom feed to the left of the main home screen, which pulls in randomly chosen news stories, as well as the kind of game recommendations no self-respecting gamer would entertain.

On a similar point, there are two folders dedicated to Hot Apps and Hot Games on the home screen. Needless to say, none of the applications contained within look remotely ‘hot’.

With all that said, Red Magic OS 9.5 is perfectly smooth and functional. It runs at a consistently speedy lick, and doesn’t flood the home screen with third-party apps. Yes, there’s an extraneous web browser, and yes, Booking.com sneaks its way in again. But both are at least stashed away in the app tray.

There’s no physical switch to activate Nubia’s Game Space app here, unlike with the brand’s gaming phones. It’s still there, though, running along in the background while playing games, as well as being accessible from the drop-down notification menu.

You can use this app to tweak fan, CPU, and GPU settings, and to set up screen recording. You can also tweak screen sensitivity settings here, as well as play around with screen ratios, among other things. It’s a powerful tool for gamers looking to set their favored game up just so.

Ultimately, Red Magic OS 9.5 is a perfectly functional UI that’s easy enough to work with, if tough to truly love.

• Software score: 3.5/5

Nubia Red Magic Nova Tablet review: battery life

(Image credit: Future)

• 10,100mAh battery
• 10 hours of light gaming is possible
• 80W charging gets it from 0 to 100% in an hour

Nubia has equipped the Red Magic Nova Tablet with a monstrous 10,100mAh battery. That’s bigger even than that of the OnePlus Pad 2, which is a bigger device.

The official estimate for battery life here is up to 10 hours of uninterrupted gaming on a single charge. However, this would presumably be with the display refresh rate set to 60Hz, the brightness kept relatively low, and a fairly undemanding game being played. I suspect that this isn’t a particularly representative scenario for your average committed gamer.

For my own usage, with the brightness and refresh rate cranked up to maximum, I couldn’t get anywhere near that figure, regardless of the game. After 30 minutes of Warzone Mobile, the battery life had dropped by 17%, which maps out to around three hours of gaming.

Even with lighter fare, I couldn’t get close to that stated figure. After 30 minutes of Slay the Spire, that percentage had dropped by 12%, suggesting it would have lasted four hours.

In more normal usage, with a little light gaming, some web browsing, and light app usage, you could very well get through a full working day on a single charge.

With such a large cell, there’s always the worry about charging times. Nubia has mitigated this with 80W charging support, and it even includes the brick in the box.

I couldn’t quite match Nubia’s estimate of a full charge in 55 minutes, but it still only took a smidgen over an hour in my testing. A quick 15-minute splash got it to 36%.

• Battery score: 4/5

Should I buy the Nubia Red Magic Nova Tablet? Buy it if...

You want the fastest tablet possible for less than $500/£500
In terms of performance bang for your buck, the Red Magic Nova Tablet beats all comers.

You’re a committed mobile gamer
The Nova Tablet is set up for gaming, with top-level performance and a suite of game-enhancing tools.

You dig the gamer aesthetic
Nubia hasn’t gone too hard on the gamer aesthetic, but you still get a ‘cool’ semi-transparent motif on the back with some RGB lighting.

Don't buy it if...

You’re a fan of clean UIs
Nubia’s custom software is a little on the ugly side, straying too far from stock Android.

You want the ultimate gaming tablet experience, money no object
It might be fast and gaming-focused, but an iPad Pro remains a better gaming tablet overall.

You want a genuinely mobile gaming device
The Red Magic Nova Tablet isn’t too big or heavy, but it’s still not ideal for gaming on the move.

Nubia Red Magic Nova Tablet: also consider

OnePlus Pad 2
The OnePlus Pad 2 is perhaps the most direct competitor here, with its £549/£499 pricing, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 power, and larger 12.1-inch 144Hz display.

iPad Air (2024)
The latest 11-inch iPad Air is more expensive than the Nova Tablet at $599 / £599, and its 60Hz display isn’t massively gamer-friendly, but it’s more powerful and has access to a bigger library of high-end games.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE is similarly priced and a classier all-round operator, but it lacks the Nova Tablet’s gaming chops thanks to inferior power and a 90Hz display.

How I tested the Nubia Red Magic Nova Tablet

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

First reviewed: October 2024

Onyx Boox Go 10.3 Monochrome: one-minute review

Onyx has been aggressively pushing out new ereaders and e-paper writing tablets for a while now – the brand released the unique and compact Onyx Boox Palma and the Boox Note Air 3 series in quick succession, then followed it up with a new series called Go. This includes the Onyx Boox Go Color 7 ereader and the Boox Go 10.3 writing tablet that launched together, and a smaller Go 6 ereader that came later. It’s nice to have choices but, at the speed that it’s churning out new models, is Onyx making great products to keep up with the competition?

With the Boox Go 10.3, the Chinese brand has done better than what it did with the Go Color 7, which had too many software flaws when I tested it. The Go 10.3, on the other hand, is a far better device that looks remarkably like the reMarkable 2.

As the name suggests, it’s a 10.3-inch dedicated e-paper writing tablet and, like its Scandinavian counterpart, writes like a dream. Stylus input is fantastic with no lag whatsoever. With different pen and brush choices, plus different nib thicknesses, it will easily work as a digital sketch pad too.

While the reMarkable 2 was designed to remove distractions from the creative process, the Go 10.3 isn’t so discerning – you get full access to the Google Play Store on account of it running on a trimmed-down version of Android 12, plus there are a lot more features in the note-taking application than on a reMarkable. It’s important to note that not all third-party apps will allow stylus input, so you’ll need to decide which ones will be the most useful to you.

It can also double up as an ereader thanks to the baked-in library app (NeoReader), something the reMarkable doesn’t quite master. However, lacking a screen light – just like the reMarkable – you’re not going to be able to use it for nighttime reading.

What I find most impressive here is that Onyx has trimmed its user interface down to make it a lot – and I do mean A LOT – more streamlined than on its previous e-ink tablets, but it still requires a slight learning curve. If you’re willing to put that time in, it could well be the better e-paper writing tablet for you, especially since the price difference between it and the reMarkable 2 isn’t all that different.

(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar) Onyx Boox Go 10.3 review: price & availability

• List price: $379.99 / €419.99 (about £355) / AU$699
• Ships with a stylus and magnetic sleep case from the Boox Shop
• Available to buy directly from the Boox Shop or third-party retailers

Launched in June 2024, the Boox Go 10.3 e-paper tablet carries a list price of $379.99 / €419.99 (about £355) / AU$699. When purchased directly from the Boox Shop, this price includes the stylus and a beige magnetic sleep case, but the latter may not be available as part of the bundle in some markets when bought from third-party resellers.

Given the reMarkable 2 has a similar price tag, now available for $379 / £389 / AU$639 bundled with the base Marker – which is a small drop since the reMarkable Paper Pro was launched – the Boox is quite well priced. In fact, it’s cheaper than the company’s own Onyx Boox Note Air 3, which retails for $479 / €549.99 (around £445) / AU$749 at full price.

However, without a screen light, it’s a little hard to recommend over other writing e-paper tablets like the Kobo Elipsa 2E ($399 / £350 / AU$629) and the Amazon Kindle Scribe (starting price of $339 / £339 / AU$549). If you want something far more portable than the 10-inch tablets, the Kobo Libra Colour will set you back $219.99 / £219.99 / AU$359.95 plus an additional $69.99 / £69.95 / AU$119.95 for the Kobo Stylus 2 purchased separately – that's good bang for buck considering you get a good color display and the full suite of Kobo writing features.

• Value score: 3.5 / 5

(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar) Onyx Boox Go 10.3 review: specs Onyx Boox Go 10.3 review: Design & display

• Beautiful, slimline design in white and grey
• 10.3-inch E Ink Carta 1200 screen with no frontlighting
• Built-in speakers and mic

The Boox Go 10.3 takes a lot of its design cues from the reMarkable 2 but there are some differences that make the Onyx tablet smaller, lighter and potentially more durable. For starters, the Go 10.3 has a textured rear panel that feels very much like faux leather but is plastic. It offers a lot more grip than the glass on reMarkable 2, and makes the Boox lighter in comparison. This also means that the Go 10.3 doesn’t need the little nubs that the reMarkable uses as feet to protect its rear panel.

The aluminum edges of the Go 10.3 are rounded, leading to slim bezels that sit flush with the glass screen. The lower bezel, which is broader on both the Boox and the reMarkable, is comparatively smaller on the Go 10.3, making it the slightly shorter tablet and potentially shaves off a tiny weight too. The flip side to that is the Go 10.3 is more prone to accidental screen touches as compared to the reMarkable 2. Personally, I prefer the bezels on the reMarkable 2, with the metallic finish and white borders – epitomizing Scandinavian minimalism – compared to the light grey on the Boox.

Keeping the rest of the design looking sleek, the Go 10.3’s power button, placed on the top right edge (compared to the top left on the reMarkable), sticks out only marginally, so you can find it by feel. The bottom edge houses the USB-C port in the middle, with speaker and mic grills on either side of it.

The Boox Go 10.3 lying atop the reMarkable 2 (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

The Go 10.3 is now arguably the thinnest writing tablet in this class – its thickness is only just enough to enclose the aforementioned USB-C port – measuring just 4.6mm. That’s just a millimeter less than the reMarkable 2 which, until now, has held the title of the thinnest e-paper writing tablet. The Go 10.3 tips the scales at a mere 375g, which is lighter than the reMarkable 2 (403.5g) and the 2022 Amazon Kindle Scribe (433g). Despite that, it doesn’t feel fragile in the hand.

As the name suggests, the Boox boasts a 10.3-inch display, which uses the E Ink Carta 1200 screen technology. That’s now a generation behind with the Carta 1300 already in use in the Kobo Clara BW and Amazon adopting it in its 2024 range of Kindles. Where the Go 10.3 one-ups the reMarkable 2 is in screen resolution and overall contrast – you get a 300ppi display here (compared to 226ppi), while a side-by-side comparison shows that the blacks are blacker on the Boox. This makes text appear sharper on the Go 10.3 as compared to its competition, although the contrast on the Kobo Elipsa 2E (which also has a 227ppi screen resolution) is much better than the Go 10.3, which makes the latter a superior ereader.

That said, the reMarkable’s screen has a better anti-glare coating than the Boox – during my testing I frequently had issues with overhead lights creating bright spots on the Go 10.3, which made reading at certain angles quite difficult.

Image 1 of 2

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

(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

Thanks to the glass layer on the screen, writing on the Go 10.3 is a pleasure. I’d say it comes close to the reMarkable 2 and the Kindle Scribe – which are my favourite e-paper tablets to write on – with the Boox coming in a very close third. It ships with a stylus, which is a basic pen that doesn’t have the eraser functionality – for such a premium tablet, I think that’s a glaring omission.

If you’re buying the tablet directly from Onyx, you’ll also get a magnetic sleepcover for the Go 10.3. It’s a lovely-looking beige faux-leather folio, with a fold on the rear panel to convert it into a stand. However, the flap that keeps the folio closed is a separate piece that attaches magnetically and is easily dislodged when taking the tablet in and out of the bag. In fact, if you fold the cover back completely, the flap magnetically sticks to the front panel and comes away with it when you close the folio. It’s a small thing but I found it so annoying that I stopped using it after a couple of days into my testing.

Unfortunately you’re likely to lose the stylus without the folio case. While the right edge of the Go 10.3 is magnetic to secure the stylus, it’s too darn weak to be of any use. The curved edge doesn’t help either, reducing the amount of surface area the pen gets to secure itself to.

• Design & display score: 4 / 5

The Boox Go 10.3 beside the reMarkable 2 – the former is slightly shorter and thinner (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar) Onyx Boox Go 10.3 review: Software & user interface

As mentioned earlier in this review, the Boox Go 10.3 runs a custom, trimmed-down version of Android 12 that focuses purely on reading and writing. Importantly, Onyx has also used this focus to streamline the user interface on the Go 10.3, which makes it a much easier Boox tablet to use than any I’ve tested before.

I suspect it’s this better UX that has eliminated a lot of the software issues I had with the Onyx Boox Go Color 7, or the company put all its efforts into the bigger flagship tablet and didn’t test out the smaller ereader enough before release. Whatever the reason, it means the Go 10.3 is a superior writing tablet that can give the reMarkable 2 a run for its money.

So while you won’t get the smartphone experience here, you will be able to download third-party apps from the Google Play Store, which makes the Go 10.3 a more versatile writing tablet than anything from the competition.

Android OS and apps

• Customized Android UX
• The most streamlined UX of any previous Boox writing tablet
• Not all third-party apps are usable

All current Boox devices run on a customized version of Android – Android 12 in this case – which is how you’re able to get access to the Google Play Store. Despite the OS being a little out of date compared to what you’d get on the latest Android phone, it’s not an issue for an e-paper tablet.

The Boox already has full support for Evernote and OneNote, as well as easy syncing to cloud services like Dropbox and Google Drive, but you can also download and use other apps that you prefer. One thing to keep in mind is that not all of them will offer stylus input if the developer hasn’t allowed for it on the Android version of that particular app, or there could be input delays when rendering the writing on screen, which happened to me when trying Evernote.

Another thing to keep in mind when using an e-paper tablet like the Go 10.3 is that not all apps are optimized for this kind of display. Practically every app on the Play Store will have been developed for use on an LCD or OLED display – so a smartphone or a multimedia tablet – and E Ink’s screen tech doesn’t respond as well. Firstly, the screen refresh rate isn’t fast enough for most non-productivity applications, so while you can watch videos on YouTube in black and white, it’s not the best experience. You can play some mobile games (again, in black and white), but your graphics won’t be as clean as on your phone or regular tablet, and that’s despite the Go 10.3 using a mid-range Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 processor paired with an Adreno 610 GPU.

(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

What I really like about the Go 10.3 over other similar Onyx Boox note-taking tablets is the overall user interface – it’s a lot cleaner and streamlined here, and isn’t plagued with the same software glitches I found when I tested the Boox Go Color 7. The only problem is that the default Fonts folder in the Settings isn’t connected to the Storage tab where it needs to live – so anyone sideloading fonts will need to create a new Fonts folder under Storage to make them work on NeoReader (the native library app).

The main applications are arranged to the left, making navigation simple, and an easy swipe up from the bottom bezel exits the app you're on. The system settings are also more streamlined, but there are still plenty of customization options within the System Display tab and Gestures. The latter is similar to what you’d find on other Android devices which, I personally think, is a bit of an overkill for the Go 10.3 but I’m sure other users would appreciate the various options.

As with other Boox devices, there’s also a NaviBall, which is optional to use. Tap on this circular icon and it will open a selection of up to nine configurable buttons to trigger up to 30 different functions.

(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

You also have the Control Center on the Go 10.3 which is an easy way to access specific features like the AI assistant, Boox cloud storage, Kids Mode, Split Screen and, importantly, the E Ink Center. The last option is the most useful in my opinion as this is where you can control a lot of the system settings for the device, especially adjusting the refresh rate from a choice of four speed settings. Better yet, you can set individual apps at different refresh rates to suit.

The one feature on any Boox device that’s been the least useful is the built-in bookstore. You’ll typically find titles that are already in the public domain, but considering you can always use the Kindle or Kobo app on the Go 10.3, you can ignore the Store tab entirely. You can also use the native browser to make purchases online.

One thing to note here: like the Boox Go Color 7, the Go 10.3 doesn't register on a Mac device's Finder application, which makes it hard to transfer files via a cable. It does, however, register on a Windows machine, but I found that existing files cannot be found via the usual pathways. The best way to use this Boox tablet is via cloud sync.

• Software score: 4 / 5

(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar) Writing & productivity

• Native note-taking app is great but might be overkill for some users
• Broad support for note apps and cloud services
• Excellent stylus input

When it comes to writing, the Go 10.3 has excellent stylus input – there was never any lag during my testing. That said, I did have the input fail a few times on the native Notes app (where a line appeared on screen the moment the stylus touches it), and a full restart of the tablet was needed to fixed the problem. I’ve encountered this issue on the Kobo Elipsa 2E as well, but the latter allows for just that page to be refreshed, which solves the problem quicker than on the Boox.

Despite being a grayscale device, there is support for a handful of colors on the Go 10.3. You’ll see the options when you choose a pen or brush type in the Notes app and, when exported – as a PDF or PNG file – you’ll see those colors displayed on your computer.

There are five pen types to choose from, each with up to five thickness (width) levels.

There’s a heck of a lot of other functionalities within the Notes app itself, so you really don’t need a third-party application for writing or drawing, unless you’re syncing them to a specific cloud account.

You can add shapes and layers for, say, flowcharts and you can insert links to notes as well. The AI icon helps convert handwritten notes to text and, for the most part, the conversion is correct unless your handwriting is literally chicken scratches. Similar to the reMarkable 2, the Go 10.3 is excellent for annotating PDF files – you can fill forms and sign on the device, then export to your computer or a cloud service of your choice. There’s also image-to-text support (OCR) available if you need it, which will make pretty much anything within the powerful Notes app searchable.

Image 1 of 3

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

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

(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

Each document can have up to 500 pages, but I found that the bigger the notebook gets, the slower it is to reopen the next time you want to access it on the Go 10.3. This happened with a 7-page document, and the largest I had during my testing was 10 pages, so I’m not entirely sure how well a 100-page document will perform, let alone 500 pages. The aforementioned 10-page document even crashed once during my testing period.

The one thing I wish the native Notes app had was an easier way to delete individual pages within a document. This functionality exists, but is hidden away: you need to tap on the page number displayed on the top right corner, which opens the individual pages on a side panel. There, you need to spot the three dots for each page and then select ‘delete’. It’s a lot easier to do this on other writing tablets like the reMarkable 2, the Kobo Elipsa 2E and the Kindle Scribe.

Another missing feature for multi-page documents is tap-to-turn – you have to use the arrow icons on the top right corner to navigate page by page, or open the side panel to reveal all the pages.

If you’re a digital artist, the Go 10.3 will make an ideal sketchpad. There’s 4,096 pressure sensitivity levels that can capture nuances of the stylus quite well, with brush strokes looking quite detailed on the E Ink display. That said, there’s no tilt support on the Go 10.3, which you will get on the reMarkable 2.

• Writing and productivity score: 4.5 / 5

Reading

• Native library app is full featured
• Default Fonts folder is not linked for use
• Lacks a screen light for nighttime reading

Like the native Notes application, the baked-in NeoReader is also full-featured and has been built for e-paper screens. Text is sharp and very readable on the grayscale display and the customizable Floating Toolbar is handy for quick access to shortcuts. However, comparing the 300ppi display on the Go 10.3 with the 227ppi Kobo Elipsa 2E shows a marked difference in contrast – the lower resolution screen has darker text, which makes it stand out more without the frontlight on.

The Boox Go 10.3 (left) is fine to read on but lacks contrast when compared directly to the Kobo Elipsa 2E (right) (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

On the Go 10.3, however, the lack of a light – which it borrows from the reMarkable 2 – makes it hard to use as an ereader for nighttime reading. So if you want your e-ink tablet to double as both an ereader and a note-taker, you might be better off looking elsewhere.

And while there’s wide font support, the NeoReader only has a single (unnamed) serif option available for use without dedicated weights or stylization (like bold and italics). While you can sideload a plethora of fonts, they don’t get saved within the default Fonts folder – instead, you need to create a new one within Storage for the additional fonts to be enabled within the library app.

If you happen to already have a Kindle or Kobo account, I personally recommend them over NeoReader, although the customizations here will be limited to what the two platforms allow on their Android apps. The page setup, though, is cleaner and makes reading a nicer experience. And, as I’ve previously mentioned, the built-in bookstore isn’t worth checking out at all.

• Reading score: 3.5 / 5

Onyx Boox Go 10.3 review: Performance

• Minimal ghosting compared to other Boox tablets
• Responsive screen
• Decent battery life, but significant drain in sleep mode

The combination of the mid-range Snapdragon 680 CPU and the Adreno 610 GPU is plenty to keep the Go 10.3 ticking along real nicely. During my testing, I noticed no issues with core tasks like writing and reading.

It’s arguably one of the best writing experiences I’ve had on an e-ink tablet, with absolutely no stylus input lag, although I found some multi-page handwritten documents can take a little longer than expected to open. One of my documents, which was 10 pages, even crashed, although I think I’ll put this down as a one-off as it happened just once. That said, launching Android apps is quite fast for a device like this and can match some budget phones or traditional tablets.

Individual apps can have their own refresh rates set, which is excellent, although even at the fastest speed, some apps might stutter. This includes the browser which, when scrolling through rapidly, will have a few hiccups. That’s natural, though, as it’s just how e-ink screens are.

One improvement I’ve noticed on the Go 10.3 compared to other Boox tablets is the lack of ghosting. During my testing, I experienced only the mildest when I was using the browser, but had no issues when using the Notes app to write or draw. I did have the occasional overlay when using the NeoReader but, again, it was significantly less than other Boox devices.

(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

Without a screen light, the 3,700mAh battery can go quite the distance – depending on how much you use the Go 10.3, it can last 2-3 weeks on a single charge. However, there is a significant drain when the tablet is in sleep mode. I found it can drop anywhere from 2% to 10%, depending on how long it stays inactive. Onyx gets around this issue by allowing you to let the device power down completely after a day or two of inactivity (you can select this in the Settings pane), but even then I found a little battery drain. While this issue might be fixable via a future firmware update, it can mean that a full charge could last no more than a week.

Moreover, if you use the built-in speakers for listening to audiobooks or music, you might end up draining the battery a little faster than when using it for just writing and reading. And while sound quality isn't the best for music, it's perfectly adequate for audiobook narrations and can get quite loud within a small room. I personally prefer using one of the best wireless headphones for listening on any e-ink tablet.

Topping up the battery isn’t too bad – I found the Go 10.3 went from 20% to full in approximately two hours. This is when plugged into a 65W wall charger and using a high quality USB-C to C cable (not the provided one) – it will be slower to juice up if you plug the device into a PC, laptop or a docking station, or if you use a USB-A to C cable.

• Performance score: 4 / 5

(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar) Should I buy the Onyx Boox Go 10.3 e-paper tablet? Buy it if...

You want the lightest, thinnest e-paper writing tablet

Thinner and lighter than even the reMarkable 2, the Boox Go 10.3 is arguably the best-looking 10-inch e-paper writing tablet I've tested. It's just a shame that the stylus doesn't secure well to the side or the top of the device.

You want access to Android apps on your e-ink tablet

There are plenty of 10-inch e-paper writing tablets to choose from these days, but the ability to use third-party Android apps might just prove to be advantageous to some users.

You want to do more than just read and write on the e-ink tablet

It might not support stylus tilt functionality, but the Boox Go 10.3 is still wonderful to draw on. And writing is just as great, if not better, with no input lag to complain about. Better yet, it's got built-in speakers, so you can listen to music or audiobooks (even stream via the Android app of your choice).

Don't buy it if...

You want your writing tablet to double as your ereader as well

While you can read on the Boox Go 10.3 just fine, the lack of a frontlight means it's not much use in the dark, when many an avid reader would love to wind down with a good book.

You need more than 64GB of storage

For an expensive tablet, it's a shame that the Boox Go 10.3 has no expandable storage – especially since there are other Boox devices that come with a microSD tray that can support up to an additional 1TB of data.

You'd prefer a more budget-friendly option

Most 10-inch e-ink note-taking tablets are expensive, but if you don't mind opting for a smaller device, like the Kobo Libra Colour or the Kobo Sage, you can save a lot of money despite having to purchase the stylus separately.

Also consider

reMarkable 2

It might be getting a little long in the tooth (having released in 2020), but this Scandinavian writing tablet nails productivity perfectly. No distractions, minimalistic user interface and a remarkable (pun intended) writing experience. If you have some extra cash, the keyboard folio can be real handy.
Read our in-depth reMarkable 2 review for more details

Amazon Kindle Scribe

While there's a new (2024) edition of the Scribe available now, the original Amazon writing tablet is a little cheaper and a very good alternative if you want a 10-inch e-ink note-taker. It's the only such device to support Microsoft Word documents natively and it's screen is arguably one of the most well-optimized displays I've tested.
Read our full Amazon Kindle Scribe review to learn more

Kobo Elipsa 2E

It's not the smoothest screen to write on, but the note-taking features in Kobo's Advanced Notebooks is par excellence. Handwriting recognition is also one of the best I've tested and, to me, this is arguably the best alternative to opt for if you want both an ereader and a writing tablet in one.
Read our full Kobo Elipsa 2E review for more information

If you prefer something smaller and cheaper, you can opt for the Kobo Libra Colour – you'll get a 7-inch color display and the full Kobo writing suite, but you will need to purchase the stylus separately.
Check out our in-depth Kobo Libra Colour review to learn more

How I tested the Onyx Boox Go 10.3

• Used the device for approximately two months
• It became my main writing device during that time
• Did some reading and listened to some audio files as well

(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

The first thing I did when I took the Go 10.3 out of its box was to sign into my Onyx account to sync existing notes across from previous Boox tablets I've used. I then signed into my Google account to transfer some ebooks to the tablet and access the Play Store.

Previous experience with Boox devices had already taught me to avoid the built-in bookstore, so I promptly downloaded both the Kindle and Kobo Android apps to access the libraries I've built up on those two platforms. I also downloaded a couple of benchmarking applications to determine what CPU was being used (Onyx doesn't make it very clear on its site) and check the battery stats.

The Go 10.3 then became my daily note-taker – I used it for a lot of work-related notes, including jotting down points for this review – and, even though I'm no artist, I did try drawing some simple sketches. All my notes are synced to my Google Drive account for access on a laptop or PC, and I also exported a couple of documents to cloud storage as PDFs for printing.

Given this is a writing tablet first and foremost, I tested the native Notes app thoroughly, but also tried out Evernote briefly.

Read more about how we test

[First published October 2024]

Review info

Platform reviewed: PS5
Available on: PS5, PC
Release date: October 31, 2024

PlayStation Studios holds the keys to a staggering number of franchises, but the company really, really wants you to know about Horizon.

That’s the impression I’ve been getting ever since Horizon Zero Dawn debuted on the PlayStation 4 back in 2017, with the company catapulting protagonist Aloy to the front of as many marketing campaigns as possible since. Perhaps that’s down to Hermen Hulst moving from developer Guerilla Games up the ladder to become the boss of Sony’s first-party output, but whatever the case, the franchise is here to stay.

And, while we’re due a blocky version of Aloy’s adventures this year with LEGO Horizon Adventures, we’ve also got a drop-dead gorgeous remaster of the PS4 original coming to PlayStation 5.

If you’ve not caught up with Aloy and her robot-slaying bow skills, Horizon: Zero Dawn Remastered offers the best opportunity to do so as one of the best PS5 games of recent years. If you’re a seasoned member of the tribe, however, you may find less to enjoy. 

A post-post-apocalypse, again 

(Image credit: Sony/PlayStation)

It’s worth noting that attaching ‘Remastered’ to the title of the base game actually feels a little like a misnomer in this context. This is far more impressive than a new lick of paint over the first, original version of the game. That’s not to say it isn’t drastically prettier (which I’ll come to shortly), but if you’re expecting the game to feel a little less special based on that title, you may be surprised.

Within ten minutes, I played as a young Aloy wandering the subterranean halls of a lab that’s been buried for centuries. Aside from the way the light bounces off the water, reflecting intricately across the walls, when Aloy first grabs her Focus (the gadget she uses to navigate the world), the way its purple-hued UI contrasts with the cavernous corridors made me sit forward in my chair.

Exteriors also showcase a significant glow-up. I found there to be more dynamic lighting and lens flare on display, both from the sunlight over mountains and trees and from the angry eye of the Watcher machines, but it’s the foliage that feels most impressive.

(Image credit: Sony/PlayStation)

Aloy walks through it as it sways and reacts to her movements, and she reaches out her hands to touch it in return. Cutscene motion capture has been redone in many spots (at least according to Sony), but some slightly iffy animations with the younger Aloy feel a little off, notably when she falls awkwardly into the aforementioned lab.

That’s alleviated after the time jump that sees her reintroduced as an adult, however, and from that moment on you’d struggle to tell the difference between this remaster and the second game in the series, 2022’s Horizon Forbidden West.

It’s not just Aloy that sees a glow-up, either. Her mentor, Rost, has more detail in his character model, with a more realistic beard than I remember in 2017, and while some unnamed non-player characters (NPCs) look much the same, all named characters have drastically improved detail in their features and clothing, right down to stitching on outfits.

That extends to the machines that roam the world, too, with everything from the Watcher to the Thunderjaw to the Stormbird having clearer, more mechanical details like robotic sinews and circuitry.

Time for another look

(Image credit: Sony/PlayStation)

Sure, it’s prettier than the 2017 original, but Zero Dawn was never a slouch in the visual department. In fact, the reason fewer people were talking about it was likely its awkward release timing alongside the Nintendo Switch and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - another open-world game that enjoyed the benefit of being attached to an established franchise.

With that in mind, this remaster marks a great opportunity to look at Zero Dawn free of those contemporaneous comparisons, and it’s remarkable just how well the game’s underlying mechanics hold up.

It’s a game full of satisfying moments, most notably in combat. Whacking a robot to see its armor plating fly off and sparks fly remains just as enjoyable now as it was in 2017, and while stealth remains a formulaic process of wandering between patches of long grass, there’s something so kinetic about Zero Dawn’s bow and trap combo that makes it no wonder Sony is reportedly working on a game-as-a-service within this universe.

Using the tripcaster to fell a colossal mechanical beast, or sliding away from a Strider while triggering slow motion to fire a fire arrow at the canister on its back are made more tactile by the improved rumble and haptic triggers of the DualSense wireless controller this time around, and while the sound of the Focus through the controller speakers still feels a little annoying at times, the whole thing tickles the brain so nicely that I’d suggest Horizon is to third-person combat what Destiny is to first-person shooters. 

Best Bit

(Image credit: Sony/PlayStation)

There’s a moment right at the start of the game where a young Aloy wanders through the ruins of a lab that’s been buried underground. The way the light in the area reflects off the water in the cave-like lab is a great early showcase of this remaster’s graphical fidelity.

Everything is executed to such an impressive level of finesse that I can see myself grinding levels to earn skills for Aloy all over again, and that’s even with features from the sequel missing like vertical traps and a charged spear attack. That means coming back from Forbidden West doesn’t feel as jarring as it could have done, and if you’ve not played Zero Dawn before playing the sequel then there’s never been a better time. 

A big part of why it feels so good to play is the performance mode options, which are pretty much a straight transplant from Horizon Forbidden West. Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered runs in 4K in Favor Resolution mode but can run in Favor Performance Mode at 30, 40, and 60 frames per second (FPS) modes with tradeoffs at each level on PC, while the PS5 version offers just a 60 FPS version. 

I will say that while Resolution mode is often my preference for increased detail, the Performance mode quickly became my standard way to enjoy the remaster. That’s mostly down to the increased fluidity which can be felt throughout just about any animation, whether it’s Aloy running or aiming her bow. Whichever mode I tested, however, I didn’t see frame drops of any real consequence, nor any major drop in visual fidelity.

The only real disappointment when returning from the sequel is that Horizon Zero Dawn’s world is noticeably flatter in terms of topography. There are still hills and craggy cliffs to climb, but Forbidden West added more in the way of verticality to its terrain which makes things feel a little less varied here.

"I’ve been here before"

(Image credit: Sony/PlayStation)

Horizon: Zero Dawn Remastered is £45 / $50 for anyone jumping in for the first time, but if you already own it you’ll get it for just £10 / $10. For that, it’s hard not to be tempted given what’s on offer visually, and given it’s been free on various PlayStation promotions in the past, you may be surprised to know you already have access to it.

This Remaster also includes the Frozen Wilds expansion which adds a new region, quests, and skills for Aloy to unlock, making it a truly complete edition - except we’ve already had a Complete Edition… and a PS5 performance patch, too.

That might mean you’re less excited to go back than you otherwise would have been, but you can import your save if you left off at any point prior. The process is very simple, and leans on cloud saves too - I was grateful to have found some old saves from back in 2018 that I could use to get back to some of the game’s most impressive machines. You can also start a New Game+ from your prior save. The Photo Mode is also great, offering a whole host of options with which I snagged the majority of the shots in this review and it’s easy to dive in and out of it from the pause menu. 

Your level of enjoyment in Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered will likely depend on how much time you’ve spent with it before. If it turned you into a lifelong fan of Aloy’s adventures, then you’ll undoubtedly pay the modest fee for a visually stunning facelift of the first chapter. If you finished it and put it down, there may be less reason for you to return.

You’ll be disappointed if you’re looking for new content, but that’s not what this Remaster is about. It’s a stunning game, and if you want to revisit the game - or you missed Frozen Wilds and want to see that in all its glory - then this is the definitive and best-looking version of the game to play now. 

Should you play Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered? Play it if...

You flat-out missed it last time
Horizon has become a big franchise for PlayStation, and this is a great way to experience its beginnings if you’ve not played the PS4 or upscaled PS5 version.

You want to enjoy your PS5’s graphical prowess
As far as PlayStation exclusives go, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered is a great way to show off the console’s power with some genuinely impressive visuals and character models.

You’re looking for more Horizon
If you’ve been hankering for more PS5 Horizon content after finishing Forbidden West then this is the way to get it - even if it’s retreading old ground in terms of benign a remastered of the original, the cheap upgrade price of $10 / £10 represents exceptional value, and it almost feels like a whole new adventure.

Don't play it if...

You’re looking for new content for the game
Aside from the inclusion of Frozen Wilds, there’s little new here that wasn’t around at launch in 2017. The low upgrade pricing helps entice, but unless you’re a huge Horizon fan, you’ll likely dip in and dip out.

Accessibility

Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered follows on from Forbidden West with an array of accessibility features including remappable buttons, hold/press options for commands, adjustable weapon wheel speed, and co-pilot functionality to allow a second controller to be used to mirror controls. There are also a series of difficulty settings to make the game easier or more challenging, including modifiers to damage dealt, damage taken, and an auto heal option.

You can opt to have quest destinations automatically show on screen or to be able to explore and find them by yourself, while subtitles are offered in multiple sizes and with or without backgrounds. Tinnitus sounds can also be switched off entirely, and there are audio and vibration cues when action prompts are shown on screen.

The biggest omission, however, is colorblind modes. While these were added post-launch with Forbidden West, they’re simply not here in Zero Dawn Remastered. Here’s hoping it’s patched in soon.

(Image credit: Sony/PlayStation) How I reviewed Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered

I played the game from the beginning for around 10 hours, before jumping into a late game save from the PS4 version to tackle bigger, endgame-level machines for a further five hours.

I spent half of the time in Performance mode, and the other half in the quality mode to test the differences between them. All of this was done on a base (launch) PlayStation 5 console with a Sky Glass 4K TV and the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7P.

First reviewed October 2024

Leica Q3 43: two-minute review

You know a camera’s special when you don’t want to return it after a review. Almost as soon as I got it in my hands, I knew that would be the case with the Leica Q3 43. To call this one of the best compact cameras is to do it a serious disservice: we’ve already waxed lyrical about how incredible the Q3 model is in our full Leica Q3 review – and this edition shares the same core qualities.

All of the Leica hallmarks are here: beautiful design, stunning build quality, and tactile handling. You get a powerful 60.3MP full-frame sensor, comfortably the most capable you’ll find in any compact camera, with support for 8K 30p video. You also get the same niggles as the standard Q3, including relatively average battery life and autofocus that’s bettered elsewhere. And, of course, there’s the eye-watering Leica price tag.

What sets this edition apart is the glass. This is still a fast, fixed-focal length affair, but the clue with the 43 is in the name: it’s fronted by a 43mm prime lens that’s meant to mimic the natural perspective of your eyes. Wider than 35mm, tighter than 50mm, that focal length offers an unusual field of view which somehow feels instantly and intuitively familiar.

(Image credit: Future)

Even more so than the standard Q3, the Q3 43 feels like the perfect everyday camera. Set aside the cost factor and you’ve got a sublime camera with a focal length that really invites you to view the world, and which also gives you the tools to capture it effectively. With a fast f/2 aperture at its widest, the specially designed APO-Summicron lens nails all of the benchmarks: beautifully smooth bokeh, minimal distortion, and absolutely pin-sharp detail.

That, combined with the high-resolution sensor, makes the Q3 43 a camera that's at home in almost any scenario. Having shot with it for a week, the 43mm focal length lends itself wonderfully to street portraiture, producing stills with a real sense of intimacy. Should you need to re-frame, you have a whole lot of pixels to play with.

There are many things that make the Leica Q3 43 truly unique. No other compact ships with a 43mm prime lens. And you don’t find too many cameras of any description with a 60MP full-frame sensor inside, let alone one that looks and feels this good to shoot with. In short, the Q3 43 is everything a compact camera should be. If you can afford its inordinate price tag, it’s one you’ll never want to leave home without.

(Image credit: Future) Leica Q3 43: Specs Leica Q3 43: Price and availability

• Launched on 26 September 2024
• Priced at $6,295 / £5,900 / AU$11,890

The Leica Q3 43 was released on 26 September 2024. It’s priced at $6,295 / £5,900 / AU$11,890, which means it will set you back more than many of the best mirrorless cameras. It’s an undeniably premium piece of kit with niche appeal. Red-dot cameras never come cheap, and what you’re paying for here goes beyond the spec sheet; it’s the Leica design, build quality, and shooting experience.

The 43 is slightly more expensive than the standard Leica Q3, which is priced at $5,995 / £5,300 / AU$9,790. At this end of the price spectrum, though, you won’t be choosing between the two cameras based on cost. Instead, it’ll come down to whether you’d prefer your full-frame Leica compact with a 28mm or 43mm focal length.

Leica Q3 43: Design

• Identical body to the Leica Q3
• Modern, minimalist design
• Tactile controls and tilting touchscreen

Besides the lens, everything about the 43 is physically identical to the Leica Q3. That means you get the same weighty, magnesium die-cast construction, with the same beautifully pared-back design and the same wonderfully tactile control layout. There’s nothing quite like it at any price point, and you really have to hold the Q3 43 in your hands to appreciate the way it feels.

Everything about this camera is premium, from the weighting of the body to the perfectly judged resistance of the control rings. This is a camera that you want to handle, and one that rewards you with satisfying physical feedback at every turn. The manual focus ring is just one example: it’s so enjoyable to use that you might forget the Q3 43 also has an excellent autofocus option. It's the same story with the macro ring, which twists to reveal a different set of markings for close-up focusing.

This is the kind of camera that you’ll come back to, when it’s sitting on your kitchen counter or entrance hall table, just to pick it up and appreciate it. It's a camera that you’ll never want to leave home without – not only because you want to shoot stills with it, but because the Q3 43 makes it such a joy to do so.

That also extends to the interface, both physical and digital. Pressing and holding to customize buttons makes it easy to adapt the user experience to your liking, while the quick touch menu on the screen feels responsive and intuitive.

Image 1 of 3

(Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 3

(Image credit: Future)Image 3 of 3

(Image credit: Future)

That’s not to say it’s a perfect camera. Like the Leica Q3, the 43 has a small indentation on the rear which serves as a thumb rest, but the compact dimensions mean there isn’t much room for ergonomic sculpting – there are more comfortable cameras to grip over long periods.

As in our review of the Leica Q3, we also felt that the tilting touchscreen isn’t perfectly implemented. While it’s theoretically useful when you're shooting from the hip, it’s not the easiest display to pull out and adjust. During our time with the 43, we were more naturally drawn to the high-res 5.76m-dot viewfinder.

Really, though, it’s very hard to pick fault with a camera that feels as good to use as the Q3 43. Shoot with it for a day, and you’ll wonder how you’ll ever fully enjoy a different camera again.

Leica Q3 43: Features and performance

• Phase detection autofocus
• Lens-based image stabilization
• Single SD UHS-II card slot

In most respects, the Leica Q3 43 shares its spec sheet with the Leica Q3. That includes the 60.3MP full-frame sensor, 8K 30p video recording, and Leica’s best phase-detection autofocus to date, complete with human tracking that’s broadly sticky. And like the Leica Q3, it also has some features which highlight its status as an everyday camera – albeit a very expensive one.

There’s the maximum burst speed of 15fps, which you can only use with the electronic shutter. You also get just one SD UHS-II card slot, while the lens-based image stabilization still can’t compete with the best. You can read more fully about how these features perform in our Leica Q3 review, but the takeaway is that this isn’t a camera with the outright performance to rival the best mirrorless cameras.

What you’re getting here is not a heavyweight workhorse, but a sublime tool for everyday use. That’s reflected in features such as Leica Looks: preset image styles which can be loaded via the Leica Fotos app over Wi-Fi, allowing less-experienced photographers to achieve different and dynamic effects with no editing. The original DNG files are kept, so it’s non-destructive.

Image 1 of 3

(Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 3

(Image credit: Future)Image 3 of 3

(Image credit: Future) Leica Q3 43: Image quality

• 60.3MP full-frame sensor
• Fixed 43mm f/2 prime lens
• Digital cropping up to 150mm

Where the Leica Q3 has an uncropped 28mm field of view similar to that of your smartphone’s primary camera, the 43 mimics human vision with its APO-Summicron 43mm f/2 ASPH lens. That gives you a slightly tighter crop than the more familiar 50mm prime, but a wider angle than the Q3, or any 35mm lenses you might have used. While it’s an unfamiliar number, it’s also an incredibly intuitive one.

By offering a natural, distortion-free view, that glass offers an intimate perspective. It’s one that invites you to look at the world and capture it, whether that’s a portrait, a street scene or something else entirely. Both when framing and reviewing what you’ve shot, there’s a sense of scenes being true to life, both in stills and video.

Specially designed for the 43, the APO-Summicron lens is tightly packaged and pin-sharp. Thanks to its fast f/2 aperture it’s capable of soft backgrounds and beautifully smooth bokeh, strengthening its credentials as a portrait star. We also detected minimal distortion in stills.

Image 1 of 6

(Image credit: Chris Rowlands)Image 2 of 6

(Image credit: Chris Rowlands)Image 3 of 6

(Image credit: Chris Rowlands)Image 4 of 6

(Image credit: Chris Rowlands)Image 5 of 6

(Image credit: Chris Rowlands)Image 6 of 6

(Image credit: Chris Rowlands)

Paired with the Q3 43's 60.3MP full-frame sensor, this is a lens that can produce stunning images in a whole range of scenarios, from high-contrast backlit portraits to detailed macro shots. Low light wasn’t an issue either: the lens and sensor pairing seemed able to gather a fair amount of light, and where it was necessary to bump up the ISO we didn’t notice a huge loss of detail in the fine grain of noise.

Like the Leica Q3, you have the option to apply a digital crop. This doesn’t alter the perspective or depth of field, but it does give you the versatility to frame in on subjects. Starting at 43mm, you can apply the digital crop all the way up to 150mm, which is notably tighter than the 90mm maximum of the Leica Q3. It’s a useful trick, although I would generally prefer to crop in after the fact. Helpfully, the crop is only applied to JPEG files, with the full area retained in DNG raw files.

On the standard setting, JPEG images out of the Q3 43 are pleasingly sharp and dynamic. Colors can feel a little understated, but there’s a realism to JPEG stills that nicely complements the 43mm field of view. That said, we’d always advise recording shots in both JPEG and Leica’s DNG format, to give yourself maximum editing flexibility.

Image 1 of 3

(Image credit: Chris Rowlands)Image 2 of 3

(Image credit: Chris Rowlands)Image 3 of 3

(Image credit: Chris Rowlands) Should I buy the Leica Q3 43?

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

You want the ultimate compact camera
With a high-resolution sensor, an incredibly sharp lens and a beautifully designed body, the Leica Q3 43 sets the benchmark for what a premium compact should look, feel, and shoot like.

You want a fresh, unique perspective
Giving a natural and intuitive perspective similar to that of the human eye, the 43mm prime lens is a unique proposition among premium compacts, offering a real sense of immersion.

You want to fall in love with photography again
Quite simply, the Leica Q3 43 is a sublime camera to shoot with. From the tactile handling to the familiar field of view, it’s exactly what photography should feel like.

Don't buy it if...

You’re on any kind of budget
The Q3 43 is a stunning camera in almost every respect, but you’ll also have to pay a hefty sum for the privilege of owning it. Its price tag will mean it stays in wish-list territory for most people.

You want different focal lengths
You can crop in on the 60.3MP sensor to simulate zoom up to 150mm, but you’ll need to look elsewhere if you want the genuine versatility of different focal lengths.

You shoot a lot of video

While it can record 8K footage at 30fps, recording limits, the absence of a 3.5mm input, and average image stabilization mean this is a camera for stills first and foremost.

How I tested the Leica Q3 43

(Image credit: Future)

• I used the camera for a week
• I shot more than 300 stills
• I took pictures in a range of conditions

Premium or not, the Leica Q3 43 is pitched as the kind of compact you’ll want to take with you everywhere – so that’s exactly what I did. With a loan period of only a week, I made the most of every day: it went wherever I went. That meant taking the 43 about town, on a drive to the beach, and just about everywhere else.

I shot more than 300 stills over the course of seven days, covering a whole range of scenes and conditions. That included the brightest sunlight that an autumn day in the UK could muster, the more familiar cloudy skies of September, the honey tones of the golden hour, and dark nights sat by a fire pit.

Because the 43mm prime lens is what distinguishes this edition from the standard Q3, I paid particular attention to how that felt when framing different subjects in different scenarios. That spanned taking portraits, street shots, landscapes, and close-ups, to get a full impression of how it feels to work with that unique frame of view.

First reviewed October 2024

Batman: Arkham Shadow is a masterclass in what a VR game should be. It thrusts you into an immersive experience with gameplay that encourages realistic fighting movement and interacting with your environment in ways a flat console title could never offer, and the narrative-driven mystery is packed with emotionally powerful scenes that’ll have you forgetting you aren’t really Bruce Wayne for a moment.

Review Info

Platform reviewed: Meta Quest 3
Available on: Meta Quest 3, Meta Quest 3S
Release date: October 21, 2024

These elements culminate in an experience that I never wanted to put down. Every one of my Arkham Shadow play sessions would begin with me unplugging my fully charged Meta Quest 3, and end with me taking it off because my battery had hit zero.

The only letdown from this otherwise flawless VR game is Arkham Shadow is chocked full of glitches.

The vast majority are minor – visual defects here and there – and anything actually game-breaking is easily solved by resetting to the last generously doled-out checkpoint (meaning I lost at most 10s of progress any time I had to reload). However, a few bugs near the finale caused my game to crash partway through what felt like a significant flashback (when I rebooted the title I had skipped it, with no way to rewatch it) and the final challenging puzzle of the adventure became an utter frustration as I was forced to replay it half a dozen times because interactable items wouldn’t behave properly causing me to fail (with it only being solved by another hard reset).

Can you save Gotham? (Image credit: Meta / Camouflaj)

Batman: Arkham Shadow is easily up there with the best VR games ever, there are even arguments to be made that it’s the best VR game of all time. It's such a delightful experience I’d count it among the top games of 2024, period. Everyone with a Meta Quest 3 or Meta Quest 3S should play it whether they got it free with a recent headset purchase or not, and those of you who have previously dismissed VR should seriously consider getting a Quest 3 to try this game (and then explore everything else the platform has to offer like Vendetta Forever, Asgard’s Wrath 2, and Walkabout Mini Golf).

Unfortunately, the glitches have to knock it down a peg right now – which is why it’s not getting a five-star score despite my praise. I’m sure in a month or two when the holes have been patched it’ll be perfect, but as it stands today it’s not quite there.

Ready for a brawl

Now that I’ve frontloaded my only issue with Arkham Shadow, let’s get into everything that makes it special starting with combat.

Arkhamverse titles are defined by their fighting, a flowing dance of blows interspersed with combo finishers and gadget trickery. Beyond moving the camera from third to first person, Arkham Shadow is a perfect recreation of this system with fights feeling utterly thrilling.

To build up your combo you must do more than merely fling your arms wildly, instead like a boxer you must mix up your straight punches with hooks or a quick flurry of blows as the game instructs you. You’ll also want to dodge out of the way of attacks or punch to counter them and keep building your combo. And just like any other Batman game, you can rely on a well-timed Batarang or small explosive to disorientate your enemies to earn a few extra points in your combat scorecard and level up faster.

Leveling up allows you to upgrade your skills, armor, and gadgets – with my favorite being a quick takedown option for knife enemies that have you pull off a brutal finishing blow after dodging their swipes.

Arkham Shadow's combat is fantastic (Image credit: Meta / Camouflaj)

There’s also the iconic predator mode stealth sections in which Batman is encouraged to take a more discrete approach – silently taking enemies down by choking them out while they’re not looking or suspending them from perches.

These more puzzle-like combats require a mixture of patience and out-of-the-box thinking to solve them silently, though you can always rely on a quick smokescreen if stealth isn’t your forte.

Once you have mastered your predator and combat skills you can put them to the test in three bonus challenge scenarios respectively. They’re short and sweet but give you a chance to truly flex once you’ve unlocked every upgrade and finished the campaign.

Who is the Rat King?

Speaking of, while I’ll keep things spoiler-lite, know that the Arkham Shadow narrative is a treat – even Batman super fans will get caught up in the Cult of the Rat King mystery that will keep you guessing until the credits roll.

Best Bit

(Image credit: Meta / Camouflaj)

I adored the mystery of Arkham Shadow, even as an Arkhamverse and Batman fan I was caught off guard by the narrative's twists.

One big deviation Arkham Shadow takes from the rest of the series is a decent chunk of your time (I’d say about 15 to 20% of the game) is spent out of the suit. This gives you the chance to interact with members of Gotham City on a more human level, even RP as Bruce Wayne a bit with dialogue choices. This isn’t the Batman Telltale game, your actions won’t impact the story’s outcome at all, though it will change a few interactions and make it feel like you’re able to put your stamp on Batman.

Through its Batman, and non-Batman, encounters, Arkham Shadow does well to carve out its take on the series’ allies and Rogues Gallery too. Given the title's placement between Origins and Asylum developer Camouflaj is somewhat restricted in what it can and can’t do. Jim Gordon, for example, can’t be killed off because we know he survives into future entries.

You wouldn’t notice these constraints while playing, however. The compelling narrative has a believable flow, and Arkham Shadow finds time and space to show us a different side to the likes of Jim Gordon, Harleen Quinzel, Harvey Dent, and others while still making them feel like the characters we love (or love to hate).

While you can get more up close and personal with the Arkhamverse lore in this entry, fans of the series’ collectibles which reward you with bonus side-stories and background info will appreciate the litany of secrets hidden in Shadow.

There are Rat King Idols and Broadcasts to destroy, patient tapes to recover, memories of Arkham Origins to recollect, and carvings to decipher. Each is hidden just out of sight, behind a tricky puzzle, or requiring you to come back later once you’ve picked up a gadget in Asylum’s Metroidvania style.

Collectathons can feel tedious, but gathering up every item was a lot of fun with a really solid mix of puzzles relying on uniquely VR gameplay or simple brain teasers – or in some cases, not so simple.

Gathering them all as I did should mean Arkham Shadow will last you between 10 and 15 hours, which is about as long as the campaign of Arkham Asylum with a side quest or two thrown in.

Should you play Batman: Arkham Shadow? Play it if...

You've always wanted to be Batman
More so than any game before it Arkham Shadow turns you into Gotham's vigilante that'll leave you wanting to shout iconic quotes long into the night.

You have a Meta Quest 3
If you have a Quest 3 or Quest 3S even if you didn't get this title for free with your headset you need to play it ASAP.

Don't play it if

You hate glitches
Arkham Shadow is fun but darn glitchy. If you want a smooth experience wait for a few more patches then give it a try.View Deal

You get very easily motion sick
With no teleportation movement Arkham Shadow is a little inaccessible to VR newcomers and those of you who get easily motion sick. That said, I can struggle with motion sickness in VR too still, but this game's other comfort controls helped my enjoy hours long play sessions.View Deal

Accessibility

Like other VR games, Arkham Shadow requires a fair amount of movement. You can play it seated using the height calibration setting (though standing is more immersive), but you will need a full range of arm movement to engage with the combat and its mobility puzzles.

Additionally, this game can only be played with smooth control stick movement giving it a ‘Moderate’ score on Meta’s comfort scale. Even though I’m a VR veteran at this point I still get motion sickness very easily so this did worry me, however, I found that with the vignette turned to medium I was able to play for hours – literally the whole battery life of my Meta Quest 3 – without feeling sick. Absolute newcomers may want to get a little more used to VR before diving in quite so deeply, but from my experience, the lack of teleportation movement shouldn’t be a major accessibility issue.

How I tested Batman: Arkham Shadow

For this review of Batman: Arkham Shadow I achieved a 100% completion rate – that means I found every collectible and finished the story. I had intended to simply complete the main quest, but I found the experience so gripping I wanted to squeeze every last drop of Batman I could out of this title. I also played on Hard difficulty which provided a decent challenge. If you’ve played Arkham games or a few VR action titles before this is the level I’d recommend.

To review it I did try the game on my Meta Quest 3S, but the vast majority of the time I used my Meta Quest 3. It’s the standard headset outfitted with the Razer head strap and facial interface for added comfort – something I greatly appreciated during my hours-long play sessions.

SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds: Two-minute review

The SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds might be the best gaming earbuds I’ve ever tested. As an overall package they deliver on every front; from battery life to audio quality, to comfort and fit, to features. They are truly impressive and are one of the easiest recommendations I’ll ever make.

Coming in chic white or slick black (depending on the platform variant you go for), each GameBud is of a compact and neat design that sits nicely in the ear, with a simple push-and-twist motion to keep them secure. They’re lightweight too, and the touchpad makes for easy control. The case is also compact and can easily slip into a pocket neatly.

The GameBuds’ stature may be small, then, but they cram in a bunch of features that make the proposition incredibly compelling - before you even put them on. With active noise canceling (ANC), IP55 water-resistant rating, and multi-platform compatibility, the feature set is off to a strong start - but it gets much better. 

The inclusion of a quick-charge function and a wireless charging-compatible case is an excellent bonus and means you have another chance to keep your case and buds juiced for longer use, while dual 2.4Ghz and Bluetooth 5.3 offer the latest wireless connectivity. The headline feature and bonus however is, like this year’s addition to the SteelSeries headset lineup, the Arctis Nova 5 Wireless, the GameBuds work with the SteelSeries Arctis App giving you access to more than 100 expertly designed audio presets for an enormous amount of games. 

A good design and extensive feature set are all well and good, but it needs to be backed up with quality and excellence in gaming audio - which the GameBuds do by the bucket load. Channeling all that makes SteelSeries gaming audio gear excellent and outrageously good for all games, the GameBuds provide brilliant audio, across all genres and gameplay situations, be they quiet and tense, or busy and wild. Our testing revealed barely any weaknesses in work, play, and entertainment use, and the GameBuds are some of the finest-sounding buds I’ve used.

Caveats and negatives are few and far between on the whole. You will get a better fit with third-party foam tips as the standard rubber ones provided are basic at best, and the controls do take a noticeable amount of pressure which means you will rock or push the earbud into your ear a bit every time you engage with them. However, beyond that, there’s very little to detract from the GameBuds’ performance in any way. 

Some competing gaming earbuds may fulfill their particular brief with more specificity - like the PlayStation Pulse Explore earbuds and their PlayStation Portal compatibility, for example - but if you’re looking for the most complete package generally, then these might just be the best gaming earbuds you can buy right now.

(Image credit: Future) SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds: Price and availability

• List price: $159.99 / £159.99 / AU$359
• Launch at retailers on October 29
• Pre-order stock fluctuated due to popularity

Squarely in the same price bracket as the Sony Inzone Buds, the Razer Hammerhead HyperSpeed buds, and the PlayStation Pulse Explore buds, the GameBuds find themselves in good company. All are targeting the high-end wireless gaming earbud market, and all earn their place in it, with the GameBuds certainly doing enough to rub shoulders (or ears, I suppose) with the aforementioned sets.

Already proving incredibly popular, the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds have sold out on the brand’s own storefront in the pre-order phase too, and I’d expect interest to remain high after launch.

Given the feature set on offer here, I think the GameBuds are priced fairly and almost aggressively; they can run a race with any other premium earbud set, and go a long way to justify the price tag. 

SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds: Specs

(Image credit: Future) SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds: Design and features

• Neat, tidy, and compact design
• Push controls are intuitive but need a bit of pressure
• Wireless charging is a great bonus

Weighing only 0.19oz / 5.3g each, it only takes a simple push and a slight twist to make them sit nicely and fit comfortably in the ear. SteelSeries says it has used scans of 40,000 ears to help shape the design of the GameBuds, though gaming earbuds will always be subject to your own unique ears. I have found them comfortable, on the whole, while also easy to interact with, and not subject to falling out of my ears easily.

Much like the Pulse Explore earbuds, however, I have found in my testing that the included ear tips are bang average; serviceable at best, but not brilliant for really long sessions. I have much preferred using third-party foam tips as a solution for a better fit - and one that aids sound isolation and quality too. It's slightly disappointing that another purchase is needed to augment and really get the best out of the GameBuds’ fit.

The GameBuds ditch the usual touch controls often seen on earbuds and instead, opt for something more akin to a laptop touchpad. This makes accidental inputs much harder which is welcome, but I have found that the touchpad still requires a decent push to actuate, thus slightly rocking or pushing back the earbud while it’s in your ear. It never quite feels like I’m pushing them out of position or making them loose, but it’s still not quite perfect.

(Image credit: Future)

The 2.4Ghz wireless connectivity is not new but is excellent, and the corresponding dongle is wonderfully compact and has been designed with the PS5’s USB-C ports in mind, ensuring it doesn’t block one port while plugged into another. Teaming this with Bluetooth 5.3 rounds out a robust pairing of wireless connections.

In terms of compatibility, our PlayStation unit will play nice with PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, and mobile. If you want the best level of multiplatform compatibility, however, then go for the Xbox version, which follows the modern gaming headset trend of being compatible with all major consoles and devices.

The case is a small pill box, with a nice finish and compact nature, carrying the two buds and the dongle in sweetly. The ace up the sleeve of the case is the fact that it’s wireless charging compatible, however, and this is a really welcome extra feature adding a welcome level of functionality to what is otherwise just a regular charging and carrying case. Having another means of charging and potential battery life can be a critical factor for wireless gaming peripherals, and having such an extra without the need for a cable is even better. Adding this onto the claimed battery life of up to 10 hours per charge for the buds and you’ve got a robust proposition. 

SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds: Performance

• Excellent audio for earbuds
• Incredible flexibility and customizability with the app
• Great battery life

Straight out of the box, the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds have excellent sounds. Crammed into those tiny 6mm drivers is an audio soundstage that’s incredibly detailed and wonderfully vibrant up and down the spectrum. I was even nicely surprised by the amount, quality, and depth of bass. Along with the Pulse Explore earbuds (with their fancy planar magnetic drivers), these produced some of the finest gaming audio I’ve experienced in buds. From single-player games like Star Wars Outlaws and Doom (2016) to playing Diablo 4 online with a pal, the GameBuds excelled. After a while, it didn’t feel like I was receiving audio from just small earbuds, and the buds can certainly run some PS5 headsets or Xbox Series X headsets for their money on audio quality alone.

This default audio quality is made better with the Arctis Companion App. Replicating its success with the Nova 5 headset, the companion app allows you to swap between expertly crafted audio presets while playing games simultaneously. These presets and this flexibility are not a gimmick, either, and you can really find EQs to suit all kinds of games that will enhance the audio experience. The ANC does kill off the bass a little as I’ve always found with it, but it’s robust enough to remain a welcome feature.

(Image credit: Future/SteelSeries)

As mentioned above, actually using the onboard controls walks the risky line between being good for avoiding accidental presses, while requiring a bit of force so as to move the buds a little with each push. It’s not a deal breaker and is another thing I have got used to with time but remains a slight crease in the experience.

Going some way to mimic a solution that the Nova Pro Wireless offers with its infinity power system (USB-C cable charging, while its dock also charges a spare battery ready to swap in at any point), I have found the case’s wireless charging functionality to be a great boon and a fine way of extending the charge and life available to me. More broadly, in my testing, I’ve found the battery life claims SteelSeries about the buds to be true to life (around 10 hours per charge for the buds).

The mic is pretty good too, for some earbuds at least. After a slight raising of the volume of the mic on PS5, my buddy reported that I didn’t sound anything majorly different from my usual headset too, and it also came across as crystal clear during work and phone calls.

With such performance on offer, layered on top of the fine design, and extensive feature set, it's sufficient to say that the SteelSeries Arctis Game Buds are some of the best in the business and could be the only pair of gaming earbuds you’ll ever need.

(Image credit: Future) Should you buy the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds? Buy it if...

You want the best all-around gaming earbuds package going
Simply put, the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds do it all, and do so fantastically. From superb audio to compatibility and customizability, and from a slick design to an ingenious addition to battery life, there are barely any chinks in the GameBuds’ armor.

You want some of the best sounding gaming earbuds
Putting all the features and design qualities to one side, the Arctis GameBuds are simply one of the best sets of gaming earbuds when it comes to sheer audio quality.

You need excellent versatility, flexibility, and customizability in your earbuds
From multiplatform compatibility to choosing audio presets on the fly through the app on your phone, the options available to you with the GameBuds is superb and should be noted by anyone looking to get the most out of one set of buds.

Don't buy it if...

You only need cheap multiplatform compatibility via wired buds
The GameBuds’ wireless multiplatform compatibility is in a wireless form which bumps up the price a bit. If you only need something cheap to go multiplatform then a wired set might be best for you.

You need buds for the PlayStation Portal
Despite being excellent for PlayStation consoles, the Arctis GameBuds won’t serve you by default on PlayStation Portal due to Sony owning the wireless connection to its handheld remote play device. 

Also consider...

If you’re still not sold on the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds then consider these two similar products.

PlayStation Pulse Explore earbuds
For users on PS5 and PlayStation Portal particularly, the Pulse Explore earbuds and their planar magnetic drivers offer some of the best gaming audio I’ve ever experienced in buds. If you value super high-quality audio quality and mainly play on PS5 and PS Portal then these are a great alternative.

For more information, check out our full PlayStation Pulse Explore earbuds review. 

Razer Hammerhead Hyperspeed earbuds
Designed for Xbox, these Razer earbuds are a great option for those who prioritize Razer-grade gaming audio that emanates from sizable drivers (10mm in this case), and decent battery life. Note: Our Hammerhead Hyperspeed review is of the PS5 model of the buds, but the quality and specs are the same as the Xbox variant.

For more information, check out our full Razer Hammerhead Hyperspeed review. 

How I tested the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds

• Tested over the course of four weeks
• Used on multiple platforms including PS5, PC, and mobile
• Compared to other earbuds from the likes of Razer and PlayStation

I tested the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds over the course of about four weeks for my review. Putting them to the test on my RTX 3090-powered gaming PC, PS5, and mobile, I used them for a whole host of functions from gaming to work meetings, from phone calls to music listening

They replaced my usual earbuds, the Razer Hammerhead True Wireless earbuds when going out for walks or on the commute, and they replaced my SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless on PC and PS5 for work and play. As a result, I was able to compare them directly to those headsets, as well as the PlayStation Pulse Explore earbuds that I have for use on my PS5 and PlayStation Portal.

In terms of specific games, I tested the GameBuds with Frostpunk 2 on PC, and on Doom (2016), Star Wars Outlaws, Pentiment, and Diablo 4 on PS5 (the latter being an online co-op playthrough with a friend who was able to verify the quality of the mic during gameplay action). 

Read more about how we test

First reviewed September/October 2024.

Review info

Platform reviewed: PS5
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC, Nintendo Switch
Release date: October 29, 2024 (Nintendo Switch TBC)

In retrospect, Life is Strange: Double Exposure seems like an almost impossible sequel for developer Deck Nine to create. Even if that’s not the case, it’s hard to argue that the one we received is a success.

Who is Max Caufield? That depends on the decisions you made playing the first episodic supernatural adventure game. Don’t Nod’s 2013 success with the original Life is Strange was a lightning bolt, an episodic coming-of-age story driven by the emotional impulses of both the player and Max acting as one. Returning to Arcadia Bay and meeting your lost friend culminating in a decision to save her life and destroy your hometown or allow her to die to save it, commits the first game to a contained but forceful and emotional arc about the morality of controlling the fates of others.

In Life is Strange: Double Exposure, Max is no longer the teenager we once knew. She’s an adult, a photographer-in-residence, and a teacher at Caledon University in Vermont. She has a new life. She can’t use her rewind powers anymore to turn back time, but she’s seemingly settled in a new home and has two close friends in the geeky astronomer Moses and Safi, a poet and undergraduate.

One night, after watching a meteor shower on the snowy observatory rooftop, Safi leaves to take a phone call only to be shot dead in the night by a mystery assailant. Shocked by trauma, Max discovers a new ability to switch between a timeline where she lives and one where she dies, and uses this ability to try and understand her death, who killed her, and perhaps even save her.

Scars of the Past

(Image credit: Square Enix)

Make no mistake, my disappointment with Life is Strange: Double Exposure doesn’t come from a disdain for the decision not to bring back fan-favorite Chloe, Max’s romantic interest from the first game. While there has been some controversy over this decision, as she fails to make an appearance regardless of whether you let her live or die in the first game, this is not what holds things back narratively.

The overhanging cloud of Arcadia Bay, and the gulf between the state of reality where Chloe lives and dies, are so massive that attempting to tell a story that fails to commit to making one ending canon (or possibly both) results in a game that seems unable to move beyond history to explore who Max is today. Max claims that she has moved on, but the game inherently can’t. The result hamstrings the story from developing in certain directions at risk of contradicting either ending while stopping it from really having anything interesting to say by the time credits roll.

The result is a big disconnect between Max and the player. You may remember the events of the first game, and they may influence the way you act here, but the story can't acknowledge them. The loss of your friend and love interest, or the loss of an entire town, are major events that should define Max but are entirely absent aside from a few easter eggs.

(Image credit: Square Enix)

Narrative aside, there are also some problems with the mechanics this time around. Rather than a rewind ability like in the original game, Max discovers an evolution of her powers that allows her to jump between two timelines; her own, and another where Safi is still alive. What could be a tool to play with the morals of jumping between both to manipulate dual versions of these characters instead feels like annoying busywork.

In the moment-to-moment action, the power is surprisingly limited. You can’t switch timelines at will, nor integrate your experiences and knowledge from each timeline into gameplay without the game prompting you first. This means you’re left running backwards and forwards to find the spot to jump, and are left with little reason to even think about using the power without being prompted first unless you want to seek out collectible photos. It’s exhausting rather than interesting.

Best bit

(Image credit: Square Enix)

Moments of reflection backed by a strong selection of licensed indie pop offer genuine tranquility in the calm and beautiful snow-covered Vermont landscapes.

Compared to how much time travel was an active part of the narrative, the timeline-shifting powers merely dilute the characters we interact with. We barely get to know any of them before the major inciting incident and the resulting timeline split creates two versions of every character which prevents us from getting to know them deeply. Amanda is positioned as a love interest, but the interactions with this simultaneously disinterested and intrigued rural lesbian in differing timelines left me unable to understand who she was, or even care about learning more.

No matter how disinterested I acted in both timelines, Vinh also would not stop acting flirtatiously and I soon wanted to file a restraining order. Conversations and relationships between characters are a major step down from the last Deck Nine installment, Life is Strange True Colors.

What is it all for?

(Image credit: Square Enix)

Safi’s death and the mystery behind that should draw you in but we barely know Safi before her death. I spent multiple episodes effectively trying to save a girl that I knew nothing about. Even when you do learn more about her past through our investigation and other events, much of her past remains obscured in a way that leaves her feeling like more of a plot device than a real friend. Major story decisions I made involving her character felt cold and meaningless.

It’s hard not to see this as a missed opportunity. The franchise has continued Max’s story before, albeit in comic form. It even integrates multiple timelines and shifting powers. While this comic begins continuing the story from the perspective of one ending (the destruction of Arcadia Bay), it also uses multiple timelines to its advantage, and in doing so creates a canon where both endings can exist.

By embracing the difficult decision, rather than trying to avoid it, it’s possible to more deeply introspect on Max as a character in a way that not only keeps you invested, but even makes you reconsider what was truly the right thing to do.

Does this mean that the game should have merely remade the comics? No! But it shows that committing to the impossible choice of the past rather than trying to skirt around it allows you to explore these characters in the depth they deserve.

Life is Strange: Double Exposure is trapped by continuity. The past makes us who we are, but we are not defined by it. It’s a shame that developer Deck Nine didn't get the memo.

Should I play Life is Strange: Double Exposure? Play it if...

The series’ gameplay is the main draw
While the story suffers, the gameplay formula that blends puzzles with talking to characters and making decisions that impact relationships with them remains the same as ever.

Don't play it if...

You care for the story
Narratively the game is disjointed and disconnected. If you’re here to enjoy Max’s story, it unfortunately falls short.

Building character relationships is key
Often the split timelines leave you unable to connect with a character due to their constantly-shifting personalities between two timelines, making this core part of the narrative hook of the games suffer as a result.

Accessibility 

Life is Strange: Double Exposure offers extensive accessibility settings and content warnings for transphobia, mentions of suicide, blood, loud noises, and more. Accessibility includes obvious things like subtitles, but also a camera assist, the ability to skip some gameplay, longer choice times, reduced motion, simple power effects to avoid flashing lights, and alternate controls for anything that needs multiple button presses.

How I reviewed Life is Strange: Double Exposure

I played Life is Strange: Double Exposure on a launch model PS5 using a DualSense Wireless Controller and an ASUS VG27AQL1A gaming monitor. For audio, I utilized a wireless headphone adapter and played the game using Apple AirPods Max. It took just shy of 10 hours to complete the five episodes and reach the ending.

First reviewed October 2024.

Review info

Platform reviewed: PS5
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
Release date: October 31, 2024

Dragon Age: The Veilguard offers a flawed yet engrossing story-driven action role-playing game (RPG) experience. Uplifted by a compelling cast of supporting characters, an impressively dynamic combat system, and gorgeous environments, Veilguard never quite escapes the long shadow of its predecessors. This makes for a memorable third-person fantasy adventure which, while likely to appeal to long-time fans of the series, may bamboozle newcomers with its onslaught of proper nouns and specialist terms.

It’s been nearly a decade since the RPG veterans at BioWare released Dragon Age: Inquisition, the predecessor to Veilguard. Despite this gap, Veilguard builds directly and insistently upon plotlines and themes developed in Inquisition, to the extent that the 2014 RPG often feels like required reading for this latest release.

This issue is baked into the RPG’s core premise. You play as ‘Rook’, a troubleshooter employed by Varric, a sassy and lovable bard from Dragon Age 2 and Inquisition who is putting together a team to stop the ancient elven mage Solas (another Inquisition character) from ending the world in a catastrophic ritual.

(Image credit: EA/BioWare)

After an exciting twist, you’ll put together a team of talented misfits while squatting in Solas’ magical interdimensional summerhouse, using a network of portals to zip across the world to put out fires, make friends, and try to prevent an impending apocalypse. These trips involve journeys to gorgeous, explorable environments where you’ll traverse beautiful vistas, battle bad guys, and solve problems. Sometimes you’ll make tough ethical decisions along the way which affect the main story, too, though such opportunities are more scarce than would be ideal.

As pitches for a grand adventure go, it’s strong, if a little by the numbers. However, if you don’t know who Varric or Solas are or why the world of Thedas is in this mess, you may find yourself adrift. Contrary to the likes of Baldur’s Gate 3 and Metaphor: ReFantazio which stand alone, Veilguard exists under the long shadow of its predecessors, building on existing themes and plotlines while rarely establishing new threads. Though there is an in-game repository of information (known as the ‘codex’), the vast reams of text on offer can often feel off-putting rather than inviting.

For long-time series fans, this is a feature, rather than a bug. Seeing answers and resolutions to long-time mysteries (some of which date back to the original Dragon Age: Origins in 2009) makes for some powerful and rewarding catharsis. However, regardless of its impressive combat and strong writing, Veilguard is defined by its past. While the RPG never outright collapses under the weight of its predecessors, it certainly buckles and bends with regularity.

Fight club

(Image credit: EA/BioWare)

Veilguard’s combat system is a courageous offering, combining engaging, kinetic action with occasional moments of thoughtful strategy. As you battle, you’ll use a real-time combination of attacks, dodges, parries, and special skills to win victory. Much like BioWare’s sci-fi series Mass Effect, combat exists in real-time but may be paused at the touch of a button, allowing you to direct your comrades or select some of your more powerful, cooldown-based abilities. These abilities vary wildly depending on your build. As a Rogue, I had access to special bombs, daring shooting techniques, and devastating sword attacks, all of which could be refined and tweaked as I leveled up.

Abilities can be strung together in combos, where certain actions ‘detonate’ corresponding status ailments (such as ongoing damage over time or a flat damage reduction), creating a satisfying magical explosion. What’s more, given that these abilities work on a cooldown, you often have to choose between damaging combos and necessary combat utility. Is it better to heal or to unleash a maelstrom of deadly necrotic magic? Do I have my ally taunt my opponents, or should I order them to make me temporarily invulnerable with an inspiring shout? Questions like this keep Veilguard’s combat engaging hundreds of battles into the campaign.

(Image credit: EA/BioWare)

All of this is punctuated by a slick system of parries and dodges, allowing you to rapidly react to enemy attacks. Parry at the right time, and you’ll perform a ‘perfect parry’, sometimes stunning your opponent and, depending on your build, offering you significant buffs to damage. This adds an ebb and flow to battles, rewarding you for attentive play. However, those looking for a more laid-back experience can easily customize Veilguard’s combat difficulty to suit their needs, tweaking granular elements from parry windows to enemy health.

This sort of customisability is at the forefront of Veilguard. Not only is the character creation process detailed enough to give Starfield and Cyberpunk 2077 a run for their money with its wide range of body types and permutations, but you also have access to a massive advancement tree which varies depending on your class. This tree contains dozens of nodes, each unlocking novelties ranging from significant passive buffs to brand-new abilities. Each of the game’s three core classes (Warrior, Rogue, and Mage) boasts a completely different tree and, thanks to the meaningful choices on offer, I always found myself looking forward to my next level up.

Bonding moments

(Image credit: EA/BioWare)

BioWare RPGs tend to live and die on the strength of their supporting cast, and Veilguard is no exception. While I shall do my best to avoid spoilers, rest assured that the cast of supporting characters in Veilguard is diverse and relatable.

Each companion’s personal storyline is a coherent multi-part adventure, composed of dramatic set-piece battles, gripping dialogue, and gentle walk-and-talk scenes framed against Veilguard’s jaw-dropping environments. Having a gut-wrenching discussion about family trauma is one thing, but doing so on a sprawling, torchlit coastline at dusk elevates the scene to new heights. Though these scenes are occasionally undermined by slightly janky facial animations, such flaws rarely detract from the meaningful exchanges on the screen.

Best Bit

(Image credit: EA/BioWare)

Getting to know Taash, a brusque dragon hunter, was a particular highlight. Without spoiling too much, Taash’s story is intimate and relatable, addressing themes of family, identity, and personal growth in a moving and refreshing way. It’s arguably one of the strongest personal storylines in a Bioware game to date.

Veilguard draws each of its companions from a different faction and, by extension, a different region of the setting. This ensures that their differences in opinion seem organic rather than forced. It follows that an upstanding and knightly Grey Warden would be skeptical of a dubious assassin from the cutthroat, Venice-inspired nation of Antiva.

Unfortunately, not every aspect of Veilguard’s storytelling is as consistent or impressive as these character-driven vignettes. The RPG’s explorable environments boast plenty of side quests, but almost all of them are forgettable and leave little scope for decision points and player agency. In one particularly disappointing showing, you meet a fan-favorite character from Dragon Age 2, only for her to have you fight a series of repetitive arena battles as she offers repeated, canned dialogue after each of your victories. While Veilguard rarely stumbles to this extent, the side-quests often feel rushed and do little to broaden the fantasy.

Despite its high barrier to entry, the main story does demonstrate opportunities to make meaningful decisions as a player character. One particularly gut-wrenching decision forced me to choose between two missions offered by different companions. There was only time for one, and, no matter what I did, somebody was bound to lose out. When I made my decision, the venomous disappointment of the offended party felt compelling and realized.

It’s these moments that cement Veilguard’s place in the Dragon Age canon. While flawed, janky, and rushed in places, BioWare’s latest delivers a coherent and rewarding adventure that will delight fans of the series. However, those newer to Dragon Age will need to hit the books if they want to enjoy everything Veilguard has to offer.

Should you play Dragon Age: The Veilguard? Play it if...

You’re a Dragon Age fan
For fans of the Dragon Age setting, Veilguard is an absolute treat. If you’ve been yearning to return to Thedas, you’ve come to the right place. The campaign is a whistle-stop tour of yet-unexplored locales - a wish come true for long-time fans.

You love ensemble casts
Veilguard treats its supporting characters with love and attention. Invest time and effort into this RPG’s ensemble and you’ll be rewarded with resonant, relatable, and memorable character drama.

You enjoy character customization
The character creation systems in Veilguard are as comprehensive as they come. In addition to extensive face and body customization which includes a wide range of gender presentations, you can also choose from six meaningful backstories which affect dialogue in the game proper.

Don't play it if...

You're concerned about having to learn a whole new fantasy setting
While it’s entirely possible to enjoy Veilguard as a newcomer, complex in-setting terms and weighty pre-existing plotlines come at you thick and fast. If you’re new, make sure you’ve got a wiki open in another tab or you’re liable to have a confusing time. If you’re looking for a fantasy epic with less of a buy-in, we recommend Baldur’s Gate 3.

You’re looking for a full-on open-world experience
Veilguard frames its main campaign and companion missions amidst a range of gorgeous and varied environments. While there are places to explore and things to collect, the side-quests are far thinner than would be ideal. Those looking for an open-world RPG will be better served by Elden Ring or Diablo 4.

Accessibility

Dragon Age: The Veilguard offers a broad range of accessibility options. The game offers filters for colorblind players with Protanopia, Deuteranopia, and Tritanopia. Subtitle size and frequency can also be customized. Visual effects such as motion blur, camera shake, and depth of field can also be adjusted.

Combat and exploration are highly customizable. Difficulty in battle can be tailored to remove requirements for quick and precise input timing while the glint distance on objects can be adjusted along with objective marker and waypoint visibility. There are also sliders for the camera and aiming sensitivity.

(Image credit: EA/BioWare) How I reviewed Dragon Age: The Veilguard

I spent over 35 hours with Dragon Age: The Veilguard, taking time to explore the central campaign, companion storylines, and numerous side-quests. I took the time to experiment with all three classes as well as a wide range of different builds. I also replayed certain set pieces throughout the game to test the extent to which making different choices would affect the story.

I played the game on PS5 on a 48-inch LG C2 OLED 4K TV with a Dualsense Wireless Controller. The game mostly ran smoothly, but I did occasionally notice input lag when in menus. That said, the lag was rarely sufficient to meaningfully detract from the experience.

First reviewed October 2024

Vitafit Smart Bathroom Scale: One minute review

The Vitafit Smart Bathroom Scale is an incredibly cheap bathroom scale that has become essential to my fitness routine. It’s well-built and features a minimalist design that will look at home in almost any bathroom setting.

Connection to an Android smartphone or iPhone is provided via Bluetooth, and the results are delivered to a comprehensive companion app that lets you track your metrics, in addition to trends over time in all your key measurements.

It provides all the markers of body composition you’d expect including BMI, weight, body fat, and more. Accuracy-wise, it delivers surprisingly on-point results in comparison to a premium body composition machine when it comes to the core metrics, but some more niche measurements yielded more erratic results.

With a very high max weight of 180kg / 400lb and features for measuring children and babies, this is a great cheap smart scale for the whole family, lacking a few premium features of more expensive rivals, but one that certainly belongs on our best smart scales list.

(Image credit: Future) Vitafit Smart Bathroom Scale: Price and availability

• Available now
• $20 / £39.99 / AU$25.99

The Vitafit Smart Bathroom Scale is available exclusively through Amazon in the UK, US, and Australia, as well as plenty of other territories.

In the UK, it’s priced at £35.99, whereas in the US and AU, it’s significantly cheaper at $20 / AU$25.99 respectively. You can usually find it on Amazon discounted in the UK, especially around big sales events, where it’s routinely reduced by up to 50%.

The unit reviewed here was bought during one of these sales for £19.99.

• Value score: 5/5

Vitafit Smart Bathroom Scale: Design

(Image credit: Future)

• Sleek design
• Well-built

The Vitafit Smart Bathroom Scale is a 28cm-square of sleek, tempered glass raised up on a plastic base. It houses four electrodes, one in each corner, connected to sensors housed in the base of the device. The LED display, which shows your initial weight and the status screen while measurements are carried out, measures 3.4 inches x 1.6 inches. A foot in each corner features an anti-slip pad to stop the scale from moving around on the floor.

As with most smart scales, there’s not much to write home about here, but the design that is on show really impresses. For a $20-ish smart scale, the glass feels strong and premium, as do the electrodes. The overall aesthetic won’t look out of place in any bathroom, and there’s also a silver option if the black isn’t up your street.

Underneath hides the battery compartment, which houses three AAA batteries for power (included). Overall, the design is really clean and minimalistic, and the scale is very well put together and exudes strong build quality.

• Design score: 5/5

Vitafit Smart Bathroom Scale: Features

(Image credit: Future)

• High max weight
• Rich choice of metrics
• Very strong companion app

For a scale so cheap, the Vitafit houses an impressive array of features. Present (but not tested) include a baby mode you can use to keep track of your baby’s weight and a child mode for 2-18-year-olds. The former gives you weight measurements for a baby held in your arms, and the latter measures only weight and BMI in children.

The Vitafit works with its accompanying Vitafit app for iPhone and Android. Once connected, you simply open the app and step on the scales. The app provides almost instant measurements for weight, as well as a quick-glance view of how that has changed since your last measurement.

The Body Composition screen of the app lists weight, body fat, body fat-free, bone mass, muscle mass, protein, and body water metrics, as well as a differential if you’ve inputted a target weight. The second screen on the app’s measurement page shows your BMI (body mass index), visceral and subcutaneous fat, skeletal muscle, BMR (basal metabolic rate), and metabolic age (a number indicating the theoretical "age" of your body).

There’s also a screen where you can input key measurements, such as your height.

(Image credit: Future)

The other noteworthy feature is the trends screen, which can give you day, week, and month views of your measurement trends for six key metrics including weight, BMI, and body fat. This helps gauge your progress over time to make sure you’re trending in the right direction if you’re trying to lose weight or build muscle as part of your fitness routine.

The Vitafit app also synchronizes with Google Fit, Fitbit, and Apple Health, so you can see your measurements in your native fitness app of choice. We tested the Vitafit using an iPhone, and the synchronization with the Apple Health app was seamless, automatically populating the Body Measurements section with all the relevant info. The Vitafit app works with iOS 9 and beyond, or Android 4.3 and later, so any of the latest smartphones will be compatible.

The Vitafit supports multiple users, who can be added to the app by a user selection screen, and Vitafit says you can add an unlimited number of users, making it perfect for couples or larger families.

There’s also a zero-current mode, making this scale suitable for pregnant women and babies. Zero-current mode provides a weight and BMI reading, but none of the other metrics.

The Vitafit’s weight limit is registered as 400 pounds / 180kg, which is a lot higher than our current best smart scale pick, the Xiaomi Mi Body Composition Scale 2, making the Vitafit suitable for those on the heavier side. The Vitafit does lack Wi-Fi connectivity, so you’ll need your smartphone handy when you use it. It also lacks some features of more premium options like heart rate monitoring.

• Features score: 4.5/5

Vitafit Smart Bathroom Scale: Performance

(Image credit: Future)

• Very quick results
• Strong accuracy in key measurements
• Some wayward readings

In terms of setup and ease of use, the Vitafit Smart Bathroom Scale performs admirably. Connecting it to my smartphone was a doddle, and once paired, the relay time between scale and iPhone was surprisingly snappy. Your weight readout will appear on your iPhone in less than a second, and the other metrics in maybe five seconds, so there’s no standing around waiting for the machine to calibrate or gather its data.

The only true test of a smart scale’s performance is its accuracy, however. To that end, we tested the Vitafit smart scale in a direct comparison against the Tanita MC-780MA P body composition machine, housed in my local gym.

I ran a test on the Vitafit, then the Tanita within about five minutes, before returning home and re-running the test on the Vitafit again. Each result is compared against the Tanita in the difference column.

As you can see from the below table, the Vitafit provides some results that came incredibly close to the £6,500/$8,500 medical grade Tanita. In both tests, the Vitafit came within 150 grams of the Tanita for body weight. Bone Mass in kg was also incredibly similar, as were skeletal muscle mass and BMI.

A couple of results showed a bit more variance, notably Body Fat as a percentage and Fat Free Mass (FFM) expressed as kilograms. Muscle mass on the Tanita was given as a weight, but as a percentage on the Vitafit, converted, the latter was less than 1.5 kg out.

There were a couple of big misses, including body water – off by more than 5% in each reading, and BMR (basal metabolic rate). It’s worth noting, however, that there are multiple ways to calculate the latter that can yield different results, so it’s possible this may reflect a difference in methodology rather than a discrepancy in the measurement.

Visceral Fat and Metabolic age were also pretty wild, the former – a measure of belly fat within the abdominal cavity – was probably the most alarming given that the Tanita gave us a healthy reading, while the Vitafit gave us an excessive score.

Overall, given the price of the Vitafit and its competition, I’d say this is an impressive set of results. Most importantly, crucial markers of health and well-being like weight, body fat, and BMI all appear to be super-accurate when using the Vitafit. Undoubtedly it’s not perfect, but I’d say that for the price this is unparalleled performance.

It’s worth taking some of Vitafit’s more specialized measurements with a pinch of salt, but it's more than a match when it comes to the main metrics you’d expect, making it an ideal companion for weight loss or overall monitoring of your health and wellbeing.

What’s more, the small variance between the two Vitafit scores shows more generally it’s giving out consistent results with each use and can still be massively effective as a tool for weight loss and health tracking, provided you allow for the margin of error.

• Performance score: 3.5/5

Vitafit Smart Bathroom Scale: Scorecard Vitafit Smart Bathroom Scale: Should I buy?

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

You want the cheapest smart scale

The Vitafit is unbelievably good value considering its price and feature set.

You want a companion for weight loss tracking

The Vitafit is excellent for tracking your weight loss goals and overall trends in body composition.

You want a scale the whole family can use

With multiple users and features for babies and children, this is an ideal scale for the whole family.

Don't buy it if...

You want the most accurate measurements

In some fringe metrics, the Vitafit delivers wayward results.

You want premium features

The Vitafit lacks some premium smart scale features like Wi-Fi and heart rate readings.

Also consider How I tested

I have used the Vitafit smart scale for four months, regularly weighing myself using the app on my iPhone. I’ve tested every corner of the app and its features, and conducted rigorous testing for accuracy, comparing results in a controlled environment versus the Tanita MC-780MA body composition analyzer, a professional-grade body composition machine worth £6,500.

Garmin Dash Cam X310: one-minute review

The Garmin X310 is a 5-star dash cam that is compact, easy to use, and shoots 4K video with HDR at 30 fps. It ticks a lot of boxes, while also looking and feeling like a quality product, reliably recording high-quality footage, and packing several routes for upgrading – from a parking mode, to the option for live remote viewing and connecting several synchronized dash cams to one vehicle.

It all works very well, as Garmin dash cams have for years now, and the integrated polarizing lens is a nice bonus. But the X310 is expensive, and while 4K video is nice to have, it doesn’t offer enough to convince owners of Garmin’s last flagship, the Dash Cam 67W, a reason to upgrade. However, if you’re new to dash cams and have the budget, this is a fantastic option and one of the best dash cams available.

(Image credit: Future) Garmin Dash Cam X310: price and availability

As of October 2024, this is the new flagship of the Garmin dash cam range. It is priced at $399.99 / £349.99 / AU$679 and is available now.

It sits above the equally new X210 ($299.99 / £259.99 / AU$499), the X110 ($199.99 / £199.99 / AU$349) and the entry-level Dash Cam Mini 3 ($149.99 / £149.99 / AU$249).

Garmin Dash Cam X310: specs Garmin Dash Cam X310: Design

This is Garmin’s flagship dash cam, but it’s still remarkably compact, at 70 x 42.2 x 19.5 mm. It’s about twice the size of the tiny Dash Cam Mini 3, which considering the X310 has a 2.41-inch display on the back and 4K capabilities, is mighty impressive.

The simple, rectangular body houses two buttons on the right (for power and manually saving a recording), a USB-C port on the left, and a microSD card slot on the bottom. Garmin doesn’t include a memory card with this dash can, which feels a bit mean considering the high price and that this is their flagship model.

(Image credit: Future)

Garmin’s fantastically simple windshield mount makes a welcome return for this generation of dash cam. It’s a short arm that attaches to the dash cam with a ball-and-socket joint for plenty of adjustability, then fixes to a magnetic metal disc, which then sticks to the windshield with adhesive. The disc stays on your windshield, while the dash cam can be removed whenever you like, then snaps back into place magnetically when you need it.

The whole mounting system takes up far less space than that of any other dash cam brand, and makes for a discrete installation.

(Image credit: Future) Garmin Dash Cam X310: Performance

The specs alone should be enough to tell all you need to know. It doesn’t feel long since 4K dash cams represented a brave new world, and a world where video quality didn’t necessarily live up to expectations. There are no such concerns with the Garmin X310.

By default, it records 4K resolution with HDR at 30 frames per second, and the footage looks fantastic. You could argue that 4K is overkill for a dash cam, and while you may often be right, there‘s no denying the quality displayed here. Videos are smooth and full of detail, with accurate colors and nice control over the exposure and white balance.

The X310 also lets you record in 1080p Full HD with HDR at 30 fps, or if you drop the HDR the frame rate can be cranked up to 120 fps. The latter is a perfectly good option, and results in even smoother footage that retains plenty of detail when paused, thanks to all those extra frames. But the default 4K option is probably what most buyers will stick with, and for good reason. This produces some of the best video I’ve seen from any dash cam – and certainly the best from one as compact as the Garmin X310.

Previously an optional extra, Garmin now fits its dash cams with an integrated polarizing filter. This is designed to reduce windshield reflections and on a sunny day we found it did a great job. The blue fabric dashboard of our test car (used for the daytime recording in this review) was practically invisible, and didn’t once reflect across the windshield.

(Image credit: Future)

Nighttime recordings lose some detail, naturally, and there’s more noise as the camera battles against the low light. Footage is still very good though, and while vehicle license plates generally aren’t readable on the move, they come into clear focus when stationary and in reasonably close proximity.

One small downgrade from Garmin’s previous flagship, the 67W, is how the lens field of view has shrunk from 180 degrees to 140. I always liked how Garmin’s lenses were wider than the competition, but losing 40 degrees in pursuit of a less distorted image – one that suffers less from a curved fisheye effect at its edges – isn’t such a big deal.

Using the X310 is as easy as ever. You don’t even have to create a Garmin account, if you don’t want to. Just insert a microSD card (there isn’t one included in the box), plug it in to the 12-volt (lighter) socket and away you go; it starts recording when the car is switched on. The 2.4in touchscreen can be used to adjust settings, like video resolution, so you don’t need to use Garmin’s Drive app either, if you don’t want to.

(Image credit: Future)

That said, the app is used to handle software updates (one was available when we began our review), and it’s an easier way to access the dash cam’s settings menu. Here, I chose to switch off the collision warning system, since it twice alerted me to an imminent collision, despite my car being parked at the time. On one occasion there wasn’t even another vehicle passing by. The app is also where you set up Vault, an optional subscription service where recordings are uploaded to Garmin’s cloud storage via your smartphone’s internet connection. It’s a handy feature, but at £9.99 a month I feel it doesn’t offer enough, especially versus the Nextbase iQ smart dash cam with its connected features. I’m happy to have recordings saved to my microSD card instead, where they can be transferred to my phone manually.

Paying for Vault also unlocks the Parking Guard function, which requires a constant power supply (cables sold separately) and an active Wi-Fi connection, such as to a hotspot left in the car. With all that set up, the dash cam will alert your phone when it senses a collision (or potential theft) and provide a live view.

Lastly, Garmin’s voice control system works as well as ever. It’s a handy way to turn the microphone off, or manually save a piece of footage (although pressing a button or tapping the screen does the same thing).

Should you buy the Garmin Dash Cam X310?

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

You want 4K video
This dash cam shoots 4K video with HDR at 30 fps. The results are fantastic, with lots of detail, accurate colors, balanced exposure and very little grain, even at night. There’s also an option for 1080p at 120 fps, if you prefer.

You need GPS
Integrated GPS means all your video recordings include your vehicle’s speed and location, using GPS coordinates. These can act as crucial pieces of evidence if you’re accused of causing a collision.

You’d like the option for expansion
Although it works great on its own, the X310 can be improved. Garmin sells a permanent power cable to enable the parking mode. After that, you can add a Wi-Fi hotspot to your car and access the dash cam remotely via the Drive app, then through the same app you can add up to three more Garmin dash cams, all recording in sync to provide 360-degree coverage around your vehicle.

Don't buy it if...

You’re on a tight budget
This is an expensive dash cam and 4K video is very much a luxury that many drivers can do without. Dash cams can cost very, very little, and while we wouldn’t necessarily recommend the cheapest possible model, there are many alternatives that cost a third of the X310.

You want the smallest dash cam
The X310 is compact for what it offers, but if you want one even smaller you should look at the equally new Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3 instead. It lacks a screen (and GPS) but is truly tiny.

You already have the Garmin 67W
Garmin’s latest flagship, the 67W, is still a great dash cam. The X310 adds 4K video and a polarizing lens, yet costs over 50 percent more. If you have a 67W and it still works fine, the new model isn’t worth upgrading to.

How I tested the Garmin Dash Cam X310

• I installed the Dash Cam X310 into two cars
• I used the dash cam during multiple journeys, during the day and also at night
• I set up the dash cam using the Garmin Drive smartphone app

I installed the Garmin X310 in two different cars and used it frequently for a variety of journeys during the day and at night. I tried out its various features and transferred video recordings to both my smartphone and computer for a closer look.

• First reviewed October 2024

Earfun UBoom X review: two-minute review

If you’re on the hunt for an affordable, bass-heavy party speaker the Earfun UBoom X might be your perfect match. This mini boombox sets out to deliver one thing above all – powerful, ground-shaking low frequency sound. Thankfully it achieves this without any difficulty.

Here’s the thing, though: the Earfun UBoom X isn’t a beautiful-sounding all-rounder for the audiophiles out there. It doesn’t offer massively detailed sound or the sharpest quality across the frequencies and steers clear of offering fancy audio codecs like aptX or LDAC. But again, this isn’t really too much of a miss given its party-ready profile. On top of that, sound is actually pretty customizable – just download the Earfun Audio app and you can select from a giant cohort of EQ options, including genre-specific, environment-optimized and custom options.

Some of these, such as Outdoor+, BOOM xxX and Ground 0 really lean into the strengths of the speaker’s bass. However, if you prefer a more neutral sound, there are options like Studio, which was crafted by audio expert and multi-time Earfun collaborator Oluv’Sone.

With meaty bass comes plenty of weight too. Yes, this is a pretty heavy creature and so the option to carry it via a handle for short distances or the included strap for longer ones is most welcome. And that’s part of a wider theme with the UBoom X – it’s a very practical speaker. Whether we’re talking about its IP67 dustproof and waterproof rating or its ability to double up as a power bank, you’ll find plenty of utility here. Sure, looks-wise it may not be as pretty as some of the best Bluetooth speakers, but you do still get LED lights that are decently fun and customizable and can be turned off if you’d prefer.

Another attractive aspect of the UBoom X is its excellent battery life. You get around 30 hours of playtime here, which stands up against some top competitors in the party speaker space, like the Tribit Stormbox Blast, for instance. Features-wise, you also get a relatively generous amount to play with, including the aforementioned EQ settings, video mode (for low latency), voice assistant compatibility and LED light calibration.

So, for a deep bass floor, top battery life and healthy portion of features, you’d expect to pay up a fair amount. However, Earfun are already offering the UBoom X on discount – it’s widely available for as little as $159.99 / £149.99 (about AU$240), which is impeccable value.

Overall, the Earfun UBoom X is a speaker worth your while, but only if you’re a certain type of listener. If you’re someone that wants a more balanced, intricately detailed and crisp sound, you may prefer a Bluetooth speaker like the JBL Xtreme 4, which also launched in 2024. However, if you’re someone that’s all about bass-heavy bangers, loves to throw house parties or wants enough low-end power for noisy outdoor events, this is a strong pick. With waterproofing, a sturdy build and a tempting low-price, the Earfun UBoom X is a very solid boombox-style speaker and one that can compete competently against even some of the best party speakers.

(Image credit: Future) Earfun UBoom X review: price and release date

• List price of $189.99 / £189.99 (around AU$280)
• Launched on October 2024
• Already discounted despite recent release

The Earfun UBoom X is available at a pretty modest price for a Bluetooth speaker of its size. I mean, it launched with a list price of $189.99 / £189.99 (around AU$280), but it’s (perhaps cheekily) already available for considerably less. When I checked both the Earfun website and Amazon, I spotted the UBoom X listed for $159.99 / £149.99, so don’t spend any more than this if you decide to snap it up.

This is a very new Bluetooth speaker, having only launched on 8 October 2024 in the US and UK. Perhaps unfortunately, though, the UBoom X released with just one color variant, a plain yet classic Black.

(Image credit: Future) Earfun UBoom X review: specs Earfun UBoom X review: features

• Excellent 30-hour battery life
• Awesome EQ settings
• Easy-to-use companion app

The Earfun UBoom X may not have an exhaustively long feature-set, but it still has all the key inclusions you’d expect from a party-ready Bluetooth speaker.

First things first, you’re getting a simple and decently well-equipped Earfun Audio companion app that is free to download. The star of the show here is EQ adjustment – there are a ton of presets available, but you can also customize your own sound or tweak existing options. The core Earfun EQ options are very solid and I often found myself switching to Electronic for deep bass with bright treble or Hit for percussion-heavy tracks. In addition, you get a unique section of EQ options from audio specialist Oluv’Sone, including some truly earth-shaking options like BOOM xxX and Ground 0.

There’s not a load more to play with in the app. You can activate video mode, which reduces audio latency, adjust voice volume or consult the user manual. But the main attraction outside of EQ is adjustable light settings. Although you can adjust the inbuilt LED lighting on the speaker itself, being able to switch things up remotely is super convenient, especially if you’re in a dark room / outdoor space. You can select between rhythmic flashing and a constant display or just switch the lights off entirely, but you can also adjust the color to your liking (or stick to the default multicolor option).

Beyond app functionality, you also get Party Mode, which enables you to connect up to 50 UBoom X speakers at once. If any of you out there are planning to pair 50 of these, I fear you could cause tremors to spread across the land – honestly, this will give you some incredible low-end power – ideal if you’re hosting an outdoor event. One multi-device feature that I was hoping to see was multi-point. This enables you to connect two (or more) devices to a Bluetooth speaker at once – ideal if you’re sharing DJ responsibilities with a friend. Unfortunately, this was missing, but if you’re using Spotify to play music, you can always just use the Jam function instead of connecting two devices separately.

Finally, it's worth noting some features that make the UBoom X an ultra-practical Bluetooth speaker. First of all, it has an inbuilt microphone, meaning you can take hands-free calls and also harness the power of both Google assist and Apple’s Siri voice assistant. Secondly, the UBoom X can double up as a power bank, thanks to its USB-C out port, which can be a lifesaver if your phone is on its last legs when you’re out and about. And there’s plenty of power to go around. This speaker boasts up to 30 hours of playtime – that’s truly exceptional and means you’ll rarely have to charge it.

• Features score: 4/5

(Image credit: Future) Earfun UBoom X review: sound quality

• Almighty bass output
• Decent but not particularly detailed audio performance
• Pretty loud thanks to total 80W output

OK reader, let’s get something straight before we dive into sound quality. This is, at its core, a party speaker. So what am I looking for? Booming bass that can cut through background noise or outdoor distractions, high potential volume and relatively clear overall audio quality. And luckily, the Earfun UBoom X has all three of these.

And given that this chunky lad has ‘Boom’ in its name let’s start with bass. Just as you’d hope, this thing goes really hard on the low-end – even when using the default EQ mode I was struck by meaty bass with impressive depth. When I tuned into I Want You by Moloko I instantly found my head bopping to the pumping, room-filling bass and when switching to BOOM xxX mode, our testing space was almost shaking from the pure power on display. Sure, the breathiness of vocals in the intro wasn’t recreated in the most natural-sounding or authentic manner, but this wasn’t a huge concern for me given the UBoom X’s party speaker profile.

The Earfun UBoom X speaker is undoubtedly inclined to lean heavily on bass straight out of the box, which is perfect if you’re into house, drum and bass or any genres that emphasize low frequency sounds above all. For instance, when listening to Da Fonk (feat. Joni) by Mochakk – an energetic house track – the UBoom X was truly in its element, with hard-hitting, intoxicating bass hits, which were astonishingly powerful in Ground 0 mode. OK, some of the vocal chops didn’t cut through as clearly as you’d expect from a more balanced (and expensive) party speaker like the JBL Xtreme 4, but they weren’t muddied too badly at all. And this ground-shaking bass output isn’t just pleasing sonically; it's very practical for a portable boombox like this, especially if you’re hosting outdoor events or visiting places with lots of background noise, like the beach.

Let’s say, though, just for the sake of it, you’d like to tone bass levels down a bit for a more balanced sound. Well, you’re in luck. You can select the Studio EQ option from the Earfun app – this is more neutral-sounding, albeit quieter. I tried listening to The Ripple Effect podcast from James Lawrence Alcott in this mode and found vocals to be clear, even at high volumes.

Audio isn’t always particularly detailed, however. For instance, when listening to You Can Go Your Own Way by Fleetwood Mac, harmonies in the chorus sounded slightly narrow and restricted. At times, mid range sounds were slightly overpowered by low-frequency ones too. I also found when tuning into Holy Holy by Geordie Greep (using default EQ settings) that the theatrical strings, smooth bass, dancing keys and choppy electric guitar – although all audible – lacked the levels of instrumental separation that I’d like. One more critique on sound (sorry Earfun) – treble can be quite bright with the UBoom X, but it’s not always ultra-crisp. For instance, in Rains again by Solji the intermittent downpour sound effects were a tad staticky, but again, for a boombox-style speaker, this won’t be grating for most listeners.

I did, however, encounter one more slight audio-related issue during the testing process. On a number of occasions, I would turn the volume up or down on my phone while connected to the speaker via Bluetooth, and sound would cut out for a split second. Earfun assured me that this is not a common issue, but that it should be fixed via an in-app firmware update around the end of October 2024.

Overall, though, the UBoom X completes what it sets out to do very nicely. OK, it’s not going to blow the socks off audiophiles with super-detailed sound, there’s no fancy codecs like LDAC or similar and bass may be a little heavy-handed for some. But for an out-and-out party speaker at this price-point, I think this has a great sound profile with respectable loudness, thanks to an 80W maximum power output. Just don’t expect prime sonic clarity, especially as you edge closer to 100% volume.

• Sound quality score: 4/5

(Image credit: Future) Earfun UBoom X review: design

• Doesn’t look the most high-quality
• Fairly low-key light show
• IP67 dustproof and waterproof rating

The Earfun UBoom X delivers exactly what you’d expect from a larger Bluetooth speaker. It dons a mini-boombox look with a blocky, solid build and wide carry handle. It definitely pulls off the boombox aesthetic well, but it does admittedly lack a splash of character. For instance, there are no color options here – it’s black or nothing – which is fine, but I’d prefer some more vibrant alternatives. The bass radiators on the side of the speaker are also a bit plain and don’t have the most visually satisfying vibration effect, leaving this speaker looking slightly flat in the looks department.

On that point, this isn’t a premium product so you shouldn’t expect stunning build quality, but I couldn’t help but feel that the UBoom X is a tad cheap-looking. The outer casing is pretty plasticky and the black speaker grille doesn’t look or feel very hardy. This isn’t too much of a problem given that this is available for less than £200 / $200, but if you want a super-stylish speaker it may be worth looking elsewhere.

Something I did personally like about the UBoom X’s design, though, is its LED lights. These are bright and eye-catching, but don’t venture into the tacky or overbearing territory that so many competitors fall victim of. We’ve not always been a fan of in-your-face lighting on party speakers like the Tribit Stormbox Blast, but the UBoom X never oversteps with its two circular LEDs. It’s worth noting that these only shine through the front of the speaker grille too, so if you’re someone that wants something ultra-flashy, this might not be your best option.

Something that is indisputably brilliant about this Bluetooth speaker, though, is its IP67 dustproof and waterproof rating. This means that the speaker can survive being submerged under a meter of water for up to 30 minutes. It’s also floatable, meaning you can take it in the sea or pool with you without fear of a disastrous malfunction. Another practical inclusion is metal hooks on top of the speaker. There’s a strap included with the UBoom X so that you can carry it around – a neat touch given that this thing is a heavy beast. Yep, it weighs in at 9.2lbs / 4.2kg and that’s quite hefty, so the option to sling it over your shoulder adds a lot of portability points.

One final highlight is the speaker’s simplistic yet effective layout. For instance, the button controls are all well-sized and it’s clear what function they provide. There’s also a rubber tab on the reverse side that can be undone to access the AUX port and access the USB-C input or output ports. So, although this may not be the sleekest boombox imaginable, it still offers more than enough convenience as well as protection against the elements – for a party speaker, that’s what matters most.

• Design score: 4/5

(Image credit: Future) Earfun UBoom X review: value

• Won’t set you back too much at all
• Great bass output against similarly priced competitors
• Buying multiple may be worth it

When it comes to value, the Earfun UBoom X performs very nicely. I think it’s clear – you can’t expect astonishing overall audio from this thing. In fact, there’ll be a lot of other boombox style speakers around that can boast even better low-end output. But if you want a cheap, bass-heavy Bluetooth speaker, the UBoom X is a textbook compromise between price and performance.

This speaker is already available for around $159.99 / £149.99 (about AU$240), which isn’t much at all for a larger portable speaker like this. That’s even less than the likes of the Tribit Stormbox Blast, a similarly sized party speaker. Brands like JBL can charge double or more than this for their boombox speaker, meaning you may even prefer to grab two UBoom Xs and harness the power of Party Mode. Given the 30 hour battery life and highly customizable sound here, the UBoom X is a great value option for your next Bluetooth speaker.

• Value score: 4.5/5

(Image credit: Future) Should I buy the Earfun UBoom X? Buy it if...

You love bass-heavy bangers
The Earfun UBoom X doesn’t leave much to the imagination with its name. You know what you’re getting: bold, pumping bass that’s always looking to be the star of the show. If you love house, drum and bass, or any genre that lays it on thick in the low end, you’ll likely love what this Bluetooth speaker’s got going on. You can get even more power in the bass department with the BOOM xxX and Ground 0 EQ modes too, so make sure to have a play around if you want to max out lower-frequency sounds.

You’re always hosting house parties or outdoor events
If you’re hosting a lot of parties (or impromptu gatherings tend to escalate), this is an awesome option. Not only does it have incredible bass output to keep your guests moving, but it's IP67-rated, meaning it's fit for environments like pools, beaches or similar.

Don't buy it if...

You want a more rounded and refined sound
If you’re an audiophile wanting beautifully calibrated, neutral and hi-res sound, you’re looking in the wrong place. This is, at its core, a party speaker that is far more weighted towards bass output than anything else. OK, it performs adequately across the mid-range and treble, but you’re not going to hear every intricate, textured detail in your favorite tracks, especially given the absence of fancier audio codecs, such as LDAC.

Gorgeous looks matter most to you
I’ll come clean…I had a lot of fun with the Earfun UBoom X but I’d be lying if I said it’s a thing of beauty. Sure, it’s pretty faithful to the typical boombox design, but it is a tad cheap-looking and plasticky. Not to mention it only comes in one color variant. If stunning looks are a non-negotiable, this might not be for you.

Earfun UBoom X review: also consider

Tribit Stormbox Blast
We’ve recommended the Tribit Stormbox Blast many a time – and for good reason too. It's a speaker that just keeps going (and going) thanks to its epic 30 hour battery life. It also boasts massive sound, excellent ease-of-use and eye-catching LED lights. It's typically priced very similarly to the Earfun UBoom X too, making it a worthy consideration in your hunt for a party speaker. Be warned, however, this is one big boy weighing in at 11.6lbs / 5.3kg – so prepare for a workout if you’re planning to take it out and about. Read our full Tribit Stormbox Blast review.

JBL Xtreme 4
Let’s address the elephant in the room – this is a considerably more expensive speaker than the Earfun UBoom X. However, the JBL Xtreme 4 has appeared on sale a handful of times in 2024, at times dropping below the $290 / £260 mark. Now, if you have the extra cash, the JBL Xtreme 4 is an excellent, lighter weight choice. It has beautifully well-rounded and surprisingly detailed sound, a rough and ready design and brilliant battery life. Bass doesn’t boom quite as hard as the UBoom X but is still impactful here with some EQ tweaks. Read our full JBL Xtreme 4 review.

Earfun UBoom X review: how I tested

(Image credit: Future)

• Spent hours listening to music, podcasts and video
• Primarily used in music testing space, future Labs
• Predominantly tested using Tidal on Samsung Galaxy S24 FE

I spent hours listening to the Earfun UBoom X in our music testing space at future Labs. During my time with the UBoom X, I played tons of tracks from my personal music library, but also tuned into the TechRadar testing playlist, which I always use to pick apart performance across a variety of genres and frequency ranges. When listening to music, I connected to the speaker with the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE and primarily listened via Tidal.

This wasn’t all though: I also listened to a podcast on Spotify and watched video content on YouTube in order to assess quality across different platforms and mediums. When appropriate, I used the JBL Xtreme 4 to compare audio quality, design choices and usability.

• First reviewed: October 2024
• Read more about how we test

RingConn Gen 2: Two minute review

Smart rings have been picking up steam in the wearables space since the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Ring, which helped to put this burgeoning tech trend on the map. However, hone in on the price – or the ongoing subscription fees – and it’s easy to be put off. That’s where a more affordable option such as the RingConn Gen 2 smart ring comes in.

At $299 (around £250 / AU$485) it isn't "cheap" in real terms, but next to the competition the RingConn Gen 2 is an appealing option – especially when you consider it delivers solid health metric tracking in a sleek and stylish package.

It tracks your sleep, heart rate, activity, and stress, to determine your overall wellness score – plus it can gamify keeping healthy further with badges awarded for good habits. You’ll find it falls down somewhat when it comes to fitness tracking, because it doesn’t start this tracking automatically, so you can forget to log your workouts. In addition, it only tracks running, cycling, and walking right now. So if you’re someone looking for tech to help you achieve your sporting goals, this ring is unlikely to be for you.

The band itself – which comes in sizes 6 to 14, in black, gold or silver – looks just like any other regular ring, and it’s durable with a top-class IP68 dust-proof and waterproof rating plus a design that even after a few weeks of regular use didn't appear to become scratched.

The RingConn Gen 2 also offers a supremely long battery life, remaining charged for up to 12 days. With the charging case you can get an additional 150 days out of it before you need to search out a plug socket again.

This long battery life helps ensure the RingConn Gen 2 won’t run out of power overnight for several nights in a row, which is of importance for its new sleep apnea monitoring feature. It isn't yet FDA-approved, but it does apparently boast a 90.7% accuracy rating, and can help to either warn you of potential health issues or provide some peace of mind – although it isn't a replacement for a medical professional.

Overall, then, the RingConn Gen 2 is a solid option for people who want to try a smart ring but don’t want to over-commit, and while it's a little pricier than its predecessor, the upgrades go some way to justify its higher price.

(Image credit: Future) RingConn Gen 2: Specs RingConn Gen 2: Price and Availability

The RingConn Gen 2 is available for purchase online through the company's website for $299 or around £250 / AU$485. RingConn does ship to the UK and Australia, although the price online is only given in dollars.

One major cost advantage of the RingConn Gen 2 and its predecessor – beyond their already relatively budget-friendly price – is that RingConn doesn’t charge you a monthly fee to access its full set of features. On the flipside the RingConn’s tracking isn’t quite as in depth as you’ll find from pricier options on our list of the best smart rings.

It’s a slight disappointment that the Gen 2 model is pricier than its $279 predecessor, although given how frequently the previous model was on sale, we expect this new RingConn smart ring will be discounted regularly, too. In particular, keep an eye out for sales events such as Black Friday to see if you can pick it up for a lower price.

RingConn Gen 2: Design

• Thin yet durable design
• Comes in three colors
• Supports sizes from 6 to 14

The RingConn Gen 2 doesn't reinvent the wheel, so to speak, when it comes to smart ring design. It's a classic band shape that's available in sizes from 6 to 14. Based on your size, it weighs between 2g and 3g, and has a width of 6.8mm, and a thickness of 2mm. In essence, you won't be able to tell the difference between this ring and any other band unless someone catches it glowing when the sensors are monitoring your health metrics.

It's available in three colors; I’m a fan of the matte black finish, but jewelry traditionalists might prefer the silver or gold options. Whichever band you choose, the RingConn Gen 2 arrives with an IP68 dust-proof and waterproof rating, so it can survive being worn to the beach, or when you’re washing the dishes.

(Image credit: Future)

I can’t speak for the durability of the other bands, but even following several weeks of constant use, my matte black RingConn Gen 2 is showing no visible signs of wear and tear – the band is scuff-free and about as pristine as the day I received it in the mail.

Just a few point to note for those of you who haven’t used a smart ring before. Before buying a RingConn smart ring, I’d recommend requesting a free sizing kit – you do this when you order your ring by selecting the “Don’t know my size” option. I'd request the kit even if you regularly wear a ring or have a smart ring from a different brand, since the RingConn sizes might not be an exact match to what you’re wearing because of the bumps on the inside edge from the placement of sensors.

Wear the dummy rings constantly for a couple of days; your ring size fluctuates through the day, so the "perfect fit" at the time you happen test could end up being too big or too small overall. The ideal size will fit snuggly: it shouldn’t slide off, but neither should it be a struggle to remove. This will mean the ring sits in the correct position throughout the day, rather than moving out of its proper orientation – something that can lead to inaccurate readings. Place your order once you’re certain of the size you need.

In addition, if like me you're not a regular ring wearer, you’ll need to get into the habit of not losing your band when you take it off. I recommend putting the ring in its case if you do take it off, or leaving it in a specific spot each time.

• Design score: 4/5

RingConn Gen 2: Features

• New sleep apnea tracking
• Monitors health vitals, sleep, stress and activity
• Limited fitness tracking

Using the smart ring and accompanying RingConn app, you can monitor five key stats: Sleep, Activity, Stress, Heart Rate and SpO2 levels. Using these metrics, the RingConn app provides you with an overall Wellness Balance score, and tips on how to improve your rating. I’ve taken it easy these past few days, so right now for me it’s recommending I try some moderate or high-intensity workouts to relieve some stress and up my activity rating.

Beyond a simple score for each metric you can click into the Sleep, Stress, Vital Signs and Activity sub-menus to view more in-depth stats such as a graph of your sleep cycle, your heart rate throughout the day, and a record of the calories the ring estimates you’ve burned.

If stats alone aren’t enough to keep you motivated, the app awards badges for achieving optimal health targets for a little added gamification.

(Image credit: Future)

In addition to the main stats, there’s also a fifth menu for the RingConn Gen 2’s brand new Sleep Apnea tracking, which is reportedly 90.7% reliable according to RingConn’s studies (although it's yet to be FDA approved). After initiating a comprehensive assessment over three nights of sleep, the app will either end regular monitoring if you don’t appear to have an issue, or will recommend that you speak to a medical professional if it believes you might have sleep apnea.

While the RingConn Gen 2 isn't suitable for in-depth monitoring or treatment of the condition, the sleep apnea feature can help to put your mind at ease if you’re concerned about your sleep health (although a doctor is the best person to speak to if you’re worried about sleep apnea).

However, it's with fitness tracking that the RingConn Gen 2 falls down. It doesn't have the capability to automatically detect when you start exercising; you have to manually start tracking from within the app – with it currently only supporting running, cycling and walking. As such, I often didn't remember to activate fitness tracking, meaning much of my activity went unrecorded.

• Features score: 3.5/5

RingConn Gen 2: Performance

• 12-day battery life
• In-depth sleep stats
• Fitness tracking is easy to forget to activate

Throughout the day, the RingConn Gen 2 automatically collects your health metrics – at five- or thirty-minute intervals based on your preferences – and stores them on the device until it can sync with the RingConn app. Note, however, that you can manually request a scan using the RingConn app.

I did find it had some occasional syncing issues during testing, although on these occasions I was simply left waiting for a few more seconds for the app to update with the latest info. Overall, it was a seamless experience.

The app itself is fairly intuitive, and while there is a fair amount going on, the homescreen struck the right balance between busy and informative. Conversely, the sub-menus that deliver more in-depth analysis of your stats were a little more cluttered, although the ability to edit those busier menus and rearrange the blocks meant I was able to move the stats I cared most about to the top to help simplify my health data monitoring.

When it comes to accuracy, the RingConn Gen 2 appears to do a great job, with its results matching up closely with the scores achieved through my Fitbit.

(Image credit: RingConn)

The smart ring’s fitness tracking it isn't too bad, but as mentioned, it's held back by limited sports options and the fact it doesn’t activate automatically. If you do switch it on for your walk, run, or bike ride, the app will deliver an in-depth breakdown in the activity menu that shows how far you travelled (complete with a map of your route), the number of calories you burned, and a graph of your heart rate, color-coded to different heart rate zones such as Warm-Up, Fat Burning, and Aerobic. In terms of the latter, it will even break down precisely how long you spent in each zone as you'll see with other fitness trackers.

The one area that the RingConn Gen 2 is truly superb is battery life, with its 12-day offering trumping even top-end rivals such as the Samsung Galaxy Ring with its seven-day battery life. During tests, the RingConn Gen 2 delivered on its promise, and when it did eventually start to run low, the ring’s charging case – which can store an additional 150 days worth of charge – was able to top it up fairly speedily.

Now, I simply charge the ring whenever I take a shower, to keep it hovering steadily around the upper end of its battery life. In the app I can see the percentage and estimated usage time it has remaining by tapping on the ring icon in the top-right corner.

• Performance score: 4/5

Should you buy the RingConn Gen 2 Buy it if...

You want an affordable option
At only $299, and with no monthly fees, the RingConn Gen 2 smart ring is a solid, affordable yet still well-specced alternative to the best smart rings out there.

You need a long battery life
Offering a 12-day battery life and a charging case that can extend it to 150 days before you need to rely on a power outlet, this smart ring can definitely go the distance.

You’re not sure about smart rings
With its relatively easy set-up process and low(ish) cost, the RingConn Gen 2 is an excellent choice for people who want to try the smart ring experience without over-committing.

Don’t buy it if…

You want a fitness tracker
Smart rings are useful for health monitoring, but this ring isn’t the best for fitness tracking due to limited workout options and because it won’t turn on automatically.

You want something high-end
While there’s a lot to be said for an affordable option, high-end models from rivals such as Oura and Samsung do offer a more seamless and in-depth experience (albeit at a higher cost).

You value function over fashion
Smart rings are ideal for people who want to wear a regular watch but don’t want to lose out on health tracking. If you’d rather get something more feature-rich, a smartwatch or fitness tracker would be a better bet.

Also Consider

Samsung Galaxy Ring
With excellent software, and no monthly payments, the Galaxy Ring is our current pick for the best smart ring available. It's pricier, but its added benefits could be enough to sway you.
Read our Samsung Galaxy Ring review

Oura Gen 4
Oura is almost synonymous with smart rings, and its latest gen 4 model has just entered the scene. While it's pricier (especially when you factor in the subscription), those interested in buying a smart ring should at least give this one some attention.
Read our Oura Ring 4 review

Fitbit Luxe
If you aren’t dead-set on getting a smart ring, then the Fitbit Luxe is our pick for the best fitness tracker in general thanks to its excellent monitoring abilities and stylish design
Read our Fitbit Luxe review

How I tested the RingConn Gen 2

To test the RingConn Gen 2 I wore it pretty much all day, every day for a few weeks. It tracked me while I worked from home, when I did workouts, when I went out for walks, and while I slept. This meant I was able to see how well the ring performed in my regular daily routine as a health monitoring tool.

For a few days of testing the RingConn Gen 2, I wore my trusty Fitbit tracker alongside to compare the results of both devices and gauge accuracy. The results weren’t always an exact match, but for the stats that both devices were monitoring, they did align fairly closely.

Read more about how we test.

• First reviewed October 2024

Reolink Altas PT Ultra: two-minute review

A brand new model from a company that has been producing security solutions since 2009, the Altas (not Atlas) PT Ultra is intended for those who are serious about security. A bulky model featuring a 355-degree pan and 90-degree tilt camera, it’s ideally suited for small businesses and individuals wanting to monitor their premises on a regular, or even constant, basis.

However, it’s not the most straightforward to install, requiring a little bit of DIY skill to mount the bracket which the camera then slots into. Thankfully though, mounting templates, screws, and wall plugs are all provided in the box. Various mounting options are catered for, including a ceiling and wall mount. It’s even possible to install on a tree using the tree mounting strap provided.

(Image credit: Chris Price)

As with most of the best home security cameras these days, the Altas is controlled via your smartphone. Simply download the Reolink app and scan the QR code printed on the device to go through the setup instructions, complete with voice commands. Unlike many security cameras, the Reolink Altas PT Ultra supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi frequencies. It can also store footage on a MicroSD card up to 512GB (not supplied) or the company’s Home Hub/Home Hub Pro server (also not supplied).

Alternatively, you can pay for a subscription to store footage in the cloud. Currently the standard plan costs $6.99 / £3.49 / AU$4.99 per month or $69.99 / £34.49 / AU$49.99 a year for 30-day cloud video history, 30GB video storage and support for up to five cameras.

Using the app, you can set the pan and tilt camera both to record and track different types of movement automatically (human, animals, cars etc.) or you can control the camera manually via the app using the up and down arrow keys. There’s even a 10-second pre-record option which, like a body-worn camera or dashcam, constantly records in the background (this can be switched off if the battery falls to below a certain level).

(Image credit: Chris Price)

Notifications can either be pushed to your mobile phone or via email if you want to go old school. If you want to record more than just motion-triggered events, you can set the camera up for continuous recording. Alternatively, it’s possible to set up a timer schedule of when you want recordings to take place using the slider controls in the menu.

Finally, in addition to recording footage there’s also the option of talking to potential intruders via the built-in microphone. And if reasoning with them doesn’t work there are also options to trigger the onboard alarm or switch the camera’s bright lights on all at the touch of a button.

Reolink Altas PT Ultra: subscription options

Reolink Cloud, Classic Plan Series. Standard Plan: Up to 30-day cloud video history, up to five cameras supported, up to 30GB cloud storage. $6.99 / £3.49 / AU$4.99 per month or $69.99 / £34.49 / AU$49.99 per year.

Reolink Cloud, Classic Plan Series. Premier Plan: Up to 30-day cloud video history, up to 10 cameras supported, up to 80GB cloud storage. $10.99 / £6.89 / AU$9.99 per month, $104.99 / £68.19 / AU$99 per year.

Reolink Altas PT Ultra: price and availability

• How much does it cost? $229 / £229 / AU$359
• When is it available? Available since October 2024
• Where is it available? UK / US / Australia

Given you can now get an outdoor security camera for under £100 (such as the £89 Ring Stick-Up Cam) the Reolink seems very expensive at first glance. But then this device isn’t just intended for personal use. It’s also ideal for small businesses who want to keep an eye on their premises.

Another benefit is that you don’t have to pay the monthly subscription fee which often helps to subsidise the price of security cameras, rather like expensive printer cartridges subsidise cheap printers. Instead, you can use a MicroSD card or a ReoLink home hub to store footage rather than paying to store it in the cloud.

Also, unlike other models, the Reolink Altas PT Ultra combines a very large integrated lithium ion battery with a stand-alone solar panel as standard whereas often this is an optional extra. And while the solar panel didn’t prove particularly useful in the UK during a rainy and overcast couple of weeks in Autumn, it’s a great way of supplementing the device’s power in sunnier times.

Of course, the Reolink Atlas PT Ultra isn’t for everyone. There are much certainly much cheaper models on the market if you just want to track occasional motion. But if it’s constant monitoring combined with high performance video you are after then it’s certainly worth paying the premium.

• Value score: 3.5/5

Reolink Altas PT Ultra: design

• Solidly built
• Hefty mounting bracket provided
• Large integrated camera

The first thing you notice about the ReoLink Altas PT Ultra is just how big and heavy it is. Not that this is a criticism necessarily, just that it feels much chunkier than other models on the market. It also requires some DIY skills to drill all the necessary holes to install the mounting bracket into which the camera slots.

We installed the ReoLink Atlas on the front of a back garden office, but equally it could have been mounted on a ceiling. The only thing you need to be mindful of is leaving enough room for the built-in antenna which is designed to be angled directly upwards from the pan and tilt camera.

Image 1 of 3

(Image credit: Chris Price)Image 2 of 3

(Image credit: Chris Price)Image 3 of 3

(Image credit: Chris Price)

A waterproof cover beneath the lens hides the MicroSD storage while above the lens are the powerful white lights. These lights are triggered by motion when it’s dark or can be switched on by pressing a button on the app. A microphone hole and daylight sensor are also provided in the main camera housing with a large speaker and USB-C charging port located on the underside of the unit close to the mounting bracket.

(Image credit: Chris Price)

You can simply slide the camera out of the mounting bracket to charge it via the mains using the USB-C cable provided (you will need your own USB plug as this isn’t supplied). Alternatively, you can connect the camera via the same USB-port to the solar panel for additional power on sunny days. A generous amount of cable is provided for the solar panel and it’s surprisingly easy both to install (just three screws required), as well as angle towards the sky.

• Design score: 4/5

Reolink Altas PT Ultra: performance

• 4K ultra high-definition resolution
• Large battery for continuous recording
• Color night vision

Undoubtedly, it’s when it comes to performance that the Reolink Altas PT really comes into its own. Testing the video quality during the day, I was impressed with the 4K resolution which displayed the flora and fauna of my garden in rich detail as well as capturing family members and pets in high resolution (no intruders were spotted during the test period!)

Image 1 of 2

(Image credit: Chris Price)Image 2 of 2

(Image credit: Chris Price)

However, it’s at night where the camera really excels. Whereas most security cameras only display poor black and white images at night, the Reolink features ColorX technology enabling full-color footage without the need for spotlights (though in extremely dark environments the built-in spotlights will come on to enhance visibility).

Obviously, because the Reolink Altas PT is a 355-degree pan and 90-degree tilt camera it’s able to track and record movement from various sources without worrying about any blind spots. Another bonus is the large built in 20,000 mAh battery – over twice the size of the battery in the Eufy 4K S330 security camera, for example. This enables continuous recording 12 hours a day for over a week.

Image 1 of 2

(Image credit: Chris Price)Image 2 of 2

(Image credit: Chris Price)

Reolink claims that the 6W solar panel can charge up to 35% of the battery with just one day of sunshine. However, we found that the solar panel actually contributed very little during rainy Autumn days in London – certainly not more than a couple of percent in a day. Nevertheless, even without the solar panels contributing much power, we found that during a 10 day period outdoors we didn’t need to remove the camera from its mount once for charging.

• Performance score: 4.5/5

Should you buy the Reolink Altas PT Ultra? Buy it if

You want to monitor your property constantly

The large rechargeable battery combined with solar panel means that can record footage 12 hours a day for over a week.

You want high quality video footage

The Reolink offers exceptional video quality, particularly at night thanks to its color night vision facility.

Don't buy it if

You want a lightweight plug and play solution

The Reolink is a bulky unit which requires DIY installation.

You're on a limited budget

Featuring a wealth of features, the Reolink is more expensive than some of its lower-specification competitors.

Reolink Altas PT Ultra: also consider

Not completely sold on the Reolink Altas PT Ultra? Here are two more options to consider.

Ring Spotlight Cam Pro (Battery)

Available in black or white, this outdoor security camera from Amazon-owned Ring boasts two 3,000K spotlights. You can also buy a mains-powered version as well as a separate solar panel.

Read our full Ring Spotlight Cam Pro review

Eufy 4K S330 Security Camera

An extremely innovative battery and solar-powered camera, the Eufy can be used with the supplied 4G Sim card to capture recordings, making it ideal for those who live in areas with poor Wi-Fi/broadband.

Read our full Eufy 4K S330 Security Camera review

How I tested the Reolink Altas PT Ultra

• I used the Reolink every day for two weeks
• I set it up myself using the fittings provided by the manufacturer
• The security camera was installed on the outside of my garden office (the solar panel was set up temporarily)

I installed the Reolink Altas on the front of my garden office for around 10 days so it could capture footage from the garden. After this period I then brought it indoors so I could use it to track movement a little more and also check battery usage.

Before setting up I made sure that the camera only focused on my own property by excluding parts of the frame that could capture the neighbour’s garden using the app. I also switched off the siren and only used the powerful spotlights briefly outdoors. Both the siren and spotlights were tested more thoroughly indoors.

Because it was autumn in the UK and the solar panel was largely ineffective, this was installed only temporarily on an outdoor table and also on the garden office door for a few days.

Learn more about how we test on TechRadar.

First reviewed October 2024

Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro: Two-minute review

The Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro hopes to distill the brand’s sonic pedigree into a gaming headset, by adopting a minimal design in every sense, devoid of extra features, and focusing completely on audio quality and comfort.

The appearance is certainly spartan. The total-black design is only offset by a few dashes of orange, but that’s about the only giveaway as to its intended gaming audience. Overall, I think it is a smart-looking headset that doesn't draw attention to itself.

This minimalism extends to its overall form, as the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro cuts a rather slender profile, at least compared to some of the best wired gaming headsets. It also feels quite light, and the thick cable surprisingly doesn’t weigh it down.

The whole headset feels premium and engineered to a high standard, but as I’ve found with other Beyerdynamic headsets, the mechanism for adjusting the driver position feels clunky. Also, the strain reliefs on the cable fail to reassure me that they’ll prevent fraying over time.

As you would expect from Beyerdynamic, the MMX 300 Pro has excellent sound, with all frequencies coming through clearly. However, the bass is a little weak compared to headphones designed for music, so the headset wouldn’t be my go-to choice for audio playback alone. However, compared to other gaming headsets, it’s still among the best in this regard – it’s a shame, though, that there are no listening modes to choose from or EQ adjustments to make.

The microphone is well-made and very sturdy, yet the gooseneck design still allows for flexible adjustments. This makes getting it in the optimal position easy. While it doesn't detach or retract, it does fold out of the way quite well. The vocal quality is excellent, and it does a great job of blocking unwanted sounds coming through.

As for comfort, the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro excels in this department too. Although the fit is tight, the ear cups and headband provide enough cushioning for extended use. However, the inside of the drivers did make slight contact with my ears, which can cause fatigue after a while – but this takes a very long time to manifest.

The connectivity and usability flaws found on the Beyerdynamic MMX 200 Wireless are non-existent here, with the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro making for a slimmer, easier-to-use headset with arguably even better sound. However, given its hefty price tag, it’s hard to recommend it over other wired gaming headsets, as the competition is so fierce in this sector, making for better value alternatives than the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro.

Case in point: the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro, which is the best wireless gaming headset in our view, is cheaper but still has great sound and packs in more features. Meanwhile, the Epos H3, our pick as the best wired headset, is considerably cheaper and performs brilliantly in most areas.

(Image credit: Future) Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro review: Price and availability

• $299 / £259 / AU$499
• Available now
• Black only (unless customized)

The Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro costs $299 / £259 / AU$499 and comes in one stock color: black. If you order from the company’s website, you can customize the look of the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro in a variety of ways, with intricate patterns and engraving options available.

Beyerdynamic’s wireless gaming headset, the MMX 200 Wireless, is considerably cheaper than the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro, despite its multiple connectivity options and extra features. However, by keeping things simple with wired connectivity, the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro avoids many of the pitfalls of the MMX 200 Wireless. It’s also less bulky and more comfortable, yet still offers Beyerdynamic’s trademark audio quality, albeit with less low-end impact than you might expect. Whether these advantages of the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro justify the steep price increase, I’m not so sure – especially when you consider the lack of features.

For those looking for more out of a gaming headset, the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro could fit the bill: not only does it come with software to adjust various parameters, but it’s also wireless and cheaper than the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro. And if you’re after one of the best PC gaming headsets specifically, then the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is our top pick in this sector: although it’s considerably more expensive than the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro, it does feature multiple connectivity options and a long battery life, in addition to great sound.

Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro reviewed: Specs

(Image credit: Future) Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro review: Design and features

• Austere looks
• Thin, light and comfortable
• Lacking features

Much like Beyerdynamic’s other gaming headsets and headphones, the MMX 300 Pro cuts an understated figure. The black finish is enlivened slightly by some orange accents, but these are the only concessions to its gaming audience. Most aspects of the headset look and feel premium. The hard plastic shells of each driver have a smooth matte finish, while the headband and ear cups are plush yet durable.

The drivers are supported by heavy-duty metal hooks which again are solidly built. However, the mechanism used to adjust their position fails to match the same level of engineering, as it feels clunky to operate – an issue I’ve found with other Beyerdynamic headsets and headphones.

However, the form factor of the MMX 300 Pro represents an improvement over other Beyerdynamic models. It has a relatively slim profile, being less wide and unwieldy than the MMX 200 Wireless. The divers and ear pads are thinner, and the whole headset feels lighter too.

The Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro is also more comfortable to wear, offering plenty of cushioning around the ears and the headband. The materials used here feel durable, but both the headband and the ear pads are replaceable should they perish.

I’m usually not fond of circular driver designs, preferring an oval shape, but here, thanks to the lack of bulk, I had no trouble wearing them, even with glasses. Unlike the MMX 200 Wireless, the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro didn’t get in the way when I leaned back in a chair or sofa. However, I did notice the inside of the drivers touching my ears slightly, which can cause aches after very long sessions exceeding two or three hours. They also don’t swivel, which means hanging them around your neck or storing them isn’t as easy as with other headsets.

(Image credit: Future)

The analog cable is thick and strong, yet it doesn’t weigh down the headset; I could barely tell it was there, which is exactly what you want from a headphone cable. There’s some strain relief around the jacks, but these don’t seem to be the strongest, so I’m not completely confident they’ll prevent fraying in the long run. Another drawback is the rubber material on these reliefs, as it picks up dust and debris far too easily.

The jack secures tightly into the left driver, which is deeply recessed. However, it doesn’t offer an audible click when inserted, which can make it tricky to know if it’s inserted all the way. The instructions say to twist it slightly when inserting, but there is no feedback indicating how much this needs to be done, and it didn’t seem to make a difference whether I twisted it in or not.

The inline control module, which features output and input volume controls and a mute mic slider, is chunky but unobtrusive. The buttons and wheel feel premium here too and are easy to operate, although perhaps a touch too small for my liking.

The microphone on the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro is similarly well-built. The swivel function is smooth yet sturdy, and the cloth tip cover is thicker than on some other gaming headsets, which bodes well for its longevity. The gooseneck is easily adjustable and stays in position once fixed, making for the perfect blend of flexibility and security.

One drawback of the mic, however, is that it still can’t be detached or folded away completely, although it can be rotated upwards to keep it out of the way. In contrast, the MMX 200 Wireless has a detachable mic, and the PlayStation Pulse Elite, one of the best PS5 headsets, has a retractable mic for an even more elegant solution.

In focusing on high-quality audio, the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro appears to have sacrificed features. There are no options to adjust the sound, other than volume, either via buttons or software. For a wired headset at this price, you would expect more; even the cheaper MMX 200 Wireless has an Augmented Mode for ambient noise passthrough, but the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro gets no such endowments.

(Image credit: Future) Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro: Performance

• Superb gaming audio
• Great mic clarity
• Low-end lacking slightly

The sound produced by the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro is impressive. The STELLAR.45 drivers render all frequencies with clarity, especially the highs and upper mids. The closed-back design helps to improve the sense of space and immersion as well.

However, while there is some punch to the low end, it still lacks the depth of bass you would expect. This isn’t such a problem for gaming, but it’s more disappointing when listening to music. Other headsets feature different modes for different scenarios, but this isn’t an option with the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro – you get what you are given.

The integrated microphone claims to maximize vocal clarity thanks to the high-quality condenser capsule, and during my tests, this did indeed prove to be the case. Voices come through with a high degree of fidelity, and unwanted noises, such as coughs and other plosive sounds, are all but eliminated.

However, as with the output of the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro, there are no adjustments for the microphone, save for the standard volume controls. The closed-back design and natural noise isolation mean that you can barely hear your own voice, which some gamers, including myself, may find a little disconcerting, so the option to allow some sort of input monitoring would’ve been welcomed.

(Image credit: Future) Should you buy the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro? Buy it if...

You want stellar gaming audio
There’s no denying the sound quality of the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro, and although the bass may be a tad weak, it’s still excellent for a gaming headset.

You want something comfortable
The ear pads and headband provide hours of wearing comfort – only extremely long sessions will cause fatigue.

Don't buy it if...

You want to cut the cords
There’s only wired connectivity here, which, at this price, is a shame.

You want multiple features
There are no adjustments you can make to the sound, and no feature to allow you to hear your own voice through the mic.

You’re on a budget
For a wired gaming headset, the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro sits right at the top end of the market. Whether the excellent sound quality alone is worth this much, I’m not sure.

Also consider...

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro
If you want to ditch the cables, then the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro is our pick as the best wireless gaming headset around. As a renowned peripheral maker, it’s no surprise this headset from Razer offers high build and audio quality, and we were especially impressed with its battery life too.

Read our Razer BlackShark V2 Pro review

Epos H3
As our best wired headset, the Epos H3 is perfect for those who want an ultra-reliable connection and aren’t worried about a trailing cable. A wireless version is available in the form of the H3Pro Hybrid. Naturally, this is more expensive, but its amazingly still cheaper than the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro.

Read our Epos H3 review

How I tested the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro

• Tested for several days
• Used with multiple platforms
• 20+ years gaming experience

I tested the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro for several days, using it on a Windows 11 PC, a PS5, and a Nintendo Switch. I played a variety of games, including Silent Hill 2 Remake, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, and Sea of Thieves – the latter of which I played online to test the microphone. I also recorded my own voice via the mic and played it back to hear how I sounded.

As well as playing games, I also used the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro to listen to music and watch video content on YouTube and Netflix.

I have been gaming for over twenty years, and have experienced many headsets and headphones during this time. These include various Beyerdynamic models, such as the DT 770 Pro, and I have previously tested the MMX 200 Wireless gaming headset.

Read more about how we test.

First reviewed October 2024.

FiiO FH19: Two-minute review

Another day, another pair of FiiO headphones, and this time it’s the FiiO FH19, a pair of wired in-ear monitors. The FH19 are, by FiiO standards, a fairly expensive proposition and so it follows that the company, as is its established practice, has thrown the kitchen sink at them where specification and design are concerned. If FiiO has overlooked anything here, I’m not at all sure what it might be.

As is appropriate for a product with such a big specification – a couple of dynamic drivers plus half a dozen balanced armatures per earbud, enhancement technology for most parts of the frequency range, high purity sterling silver cable, you name it – the FiiO FH19 are quite physically large, too. The provision for 22 pairs (count ‘em!) of various ear tips helps to get the best fit, but at 12g a side these are chunky earbuds despite the liberal use of aluminium and titanium in their construction. And despite their carefully ergonomic shape, plenty of FH19 will protrude from all but the most generously sized ear-hole.

A contender for best wired earbuds? Perhaps – they have plenty to them, after all – but may fall down on that top-end sound. It's a close-run thing.

FiiO FH19 review: Price and release date

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

• $599; £549; AU$999
• Launched in July 2024

The FiiO FH19 wired in-ear monitors are on sale now, and as you can see from the asking price in various territories, the company is not afraid of lining up against some of the biggest names in all of IEM-land. From the eccentricity of the Campfire Audio Cascara to the dead-eyed pro credentials of Sennheiser IE 600 and Shure SE535, you’re not short of choice if you’ve big money to spend…

FiiO FH19 review: Specs Fiio FH19 review: Features

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

• Hybrid dynamic driver/balanced armature arrangement
• Midrange notch filter and ‘S.Turbo’ bass enhancement
• High-purity sterling silver cable

The biggest news here as regards ‘features’ has to be the driver array FiiO has specified – each FH19 earbud features no fewer than eight drivers. A pair of 13.7mm dynamic drivers are arranged in a push/pull layout in an effort to maximize phase consistency and reduce the amount of power required to achieve optimum sound pressure level, and six Knowles balanced armature units deal with midrange and treble reproduction. FiiO has worked closely with Knowles, specifying acoustic vents at the rear cavity of the midrange drivers to maximize sound energy, and with Onkyo to ensure the cleanest possible sound from the dynamic driver arrangement.

And just in case this seems a bit tentative, the company has added a midrange notch filter to minimize the overlap between the sound produced by the midrange and high-frequency balanced armatures. There’s also the racy-sounding ‘S.Turbo’ technology that literally acts like a turbocharger by guiding low-frequency soundwaves through a turbine-like structure to deliver (according to FiiO) deep and vibrant low frequencies. 

What else? Well, rather than resistor-based ceramic capacitors, the FH19 feature film capacitors for greater crossover accuracy. And a suspended voice coil reduces both the adhesive load and reduces the possibility of unnecessary contact – instead, there ought to be smooth, uniform diaphragm movement.

FiiO suggests the entire FH19 arrangement results in a pair of in-ear monitors with a frequency response of 8Hz - 40Khz, a sensitivity of 109dB and an impedance of 16 ohms. Which means the FH19 really ought to be delivering full-range sound from pretty much any source of music without too much difficulty.   

Getting audio information into this almost performatively complex arrangement happens via 1.2m of high-purity sterling silver cable. It consists of eight braided strands, each carrying 28 wires for a total of 224 wires - each individual wire is enamelled, and the cable is twisted in Litz braids. It connects to each earbud using stainless steel MMCX connectors, and the connection to a music source can be made using either of the ‘twist/lock’ unbalanced 3.5mm or balanced 4.4mm jacks that are supplied.     

• Features score: 5/5

Fiio FH19 review: Design

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

• Semi-open housing
• Swappable audio filters
• Titanium and aluminium construction

First things first: these are relatively large, relatively heavy in-ear monitors, and despite the fact that FiiO provides no fewer than 22(!) pairs of ear tips of various sizes and materials, if you’re on the smaller-eared side the FH19 are going to feel like quite an uncomfortable earful. 

Let’s assume, then, that your ears are no smaller than ‘a bit smaller than average’. In this scenario, the FH19 are easy to fit securely and, thanks to the carefully ergonomic shape of the housing, comfortable too. Yes, they protrude from the ear in a slightly inelegant fashion, but that just allows bystanders to get a good look at the semi-open design with its aluminium shell and titanium midframe.

There are sound reasons why the FH19 feature a semi-open housing, of course – they’re mostly to do with the balance of internal air pressure and the prevention of pressure on the eardrum. Equally, FiiO has selected aluminium for the earbud shell because of its light weight, durability and willingness to be formed into relatively complex shapes, while titanium’s rigidity and resistance to corrosion make it a wise choice for the midframe. The fact that they combine to deliver a product that looks upmarket and even quite dramatic doesn’t do any harm, though.

Obviously, by allowing the wearer so much scope to get a comfortable fit, FiiO is hoping to maximize the audio performance of the FH19, but it’s also taken more direct steps. The FH19 are pre-installed with a ‘green’ audio filter which, according to the company, “delivers refined and detailed treble”. But it also supplies two alternative pairs that can be fitted by the wearer: ‘red’ (which “enhances low frequencies, providing powerful and impactful bass”) and ‘black’ (“offers balanced sound that is clear and transparent”). A little tool is supplied to make the changeover as simple as possible.

The tool itself arrives in a fairly large, hexagonal travel case that features some branding and also contains a magnetic cable-tie, a small brush to help keep your FH19 clean, and the alternative 3.5mm cable termination. It, like the earbuds themselves, looks and feels like a premium item. 

• Design score: 4.5/5

FiiO FH19 review: Sound quality

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

• Spacious, well-defined sound
• Rapid, punchy and entertaining presentation
• Can be goaded into top-end unruliness

Like any pair of in-ear monitors, the FiiO FH19 will perform most agreeably when they fit correctly. Unlike most pairs of in-ear monitors, the FiiO offer you well over a dozen options where ear tips are concerned, so getting to the point of identifying the most appropriate pair takes a little longer than normal.

Similarly, the audio filter options need to be investigated in order for you to establish what your preference is – although, as I will discuss just a little later, the pre-fitted ‘green’ pair are likely to be the least commonly deployed. But once you have reached the point whereby you’re happy with both the physical fit and the audio filters fitted to the FH19, there’s an awful lot to like about the way they sound.

A 24bit/44,1kHz FLAC file of Bad Guy by Billie Eilish, for instance, sounds energetic, wide-open and rapid. There’s proper control of the attack of low-frequency sounds, so even when they’re coming thick and fast there’s proper definition and separation. Rhythmic expression is confident, and momentum is maintained at every turn. Similarly the midrange is detailed and packed with variation, so the close-mic’d vocal is expressive and information regarding technique, timbre, attitude and all the rest of it is available in spades.

The semi-open arrangement allows the FH19 to sound more spacious than the usual ‘directly into your ear’ sensation of monitors that are, to be fair, directly in your ear. There’s an airiness and openness to the soundstage they present, a sensation of the gap between specific elements of a recording and more than enough elbow-room for each of those elements to do their thing in something approaching isolation. But there’s no overall sense of isolation or remoteness to the sound the FH19 serves up: instead it’s quite tightly unified and unarguably ‘together’. The recording is presented as a performance, as individual elements acting with a common aim rather than simply doing their own thing while other things happen nearby.

Switch to a 24bit/96kHz FLAC file of Chick Corea’s Return to Forever and the FH19 continue to impress. They pay close attention to the harmonic variations in specific instruments and the wordless vocalizations, and dispatch the bigger dynamic shifts in volume or intensity with the sort of casual effortlessness that lets you know  there’s plenty more where that came from. 

The tonality here is basically neutral, your choice of audio filter notwithstanding, and despite the numerousness of the drivers, the FH19 integrate the frequency range well. Where the audio filters come into play most obviously, though, is where treble response is concerned.

A 24bit/44.1kHz FLAC file of LesAplx by Floating Points has plenty of high-frequency activity, of many different tones and substances, to offer. There’s no two ways about it, with their default ‘green’ audio filters fitted, the FiiO FH19 are altogether too happy to get hard and edgy at the top of the frequency range. Even with one of the other filter options selected (my preference is for the ‘black’ option, FWIW), it doesn’t take a lot for the treble response here to get a bit overexcited. Dial in more volume and things just get shinier and, in extremis, abrasive.

Still, this is easily mitigated against. Leave the ‘green’ audio filters well alone, don’t listen at the sort of volumes you shouldn’t really be listening at anyway, and all will be well. 

• Sound quality score: 4.5/5

FiiO FH19 review: Value

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

• Stack up well against the competition for price
• …But only if they fit

If you’ve read this far then I’m going to go ahead and assume you don’t think your ears are too small for FH19 ownership. So as long as they fit, there’s plenty to suggest the FiiO offer very acceptable value for money

The quality of materials used and the way they’re constructed, the engineering prowess that’s been brought to bear and, most of all, the open and engaging sound quality they’re capable of delivering in almost every circumstance see to that. Hear them against the best of their rivals and you’ll quickly realise what FiiO is offering here is not to be sneezed at. 

• Value score: 4.5/5

Should you buy the FiiO FH19? Buy them if...

Balanced and open sound seems your sort of thing
The clever semi-open configuration allows the FiiO FH19 to sound more spacious than your average in-ear monitor.

Don't buy them if...

You’re especially sensitive to high-frequency sound
At bigger volumes, or when connected to unsympathetic sources of music, the FH19 can get quite carried away where the top of the frequency range is concerned.

FiiO FH19 review: Also consider How I tested the FiiO FH19

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

• Connected to a FiiO M15S DAP
• Connected to an iFi iDSD Diablo 2 headphone amp
• With a big range of digital audio content of all types and file sizes

I won’t pretend it has been any kind of hardship, not really. Using the 4.4mm balanced connection I joined the FiiO FH19 to a FiiO M15S digital audio player and to an iFi iDSD Diablo 2 headphone amp – this way I was able to listen to digital audio files of all sizes (320kbps to 24bit/192kHz) and to music of all styles. I also connected them directly to the 3.5mm unbalanced headphone socket of an Apple MacBook Pro – not an experiment I’m in any kind of hurry to repeat. 

Read more about how we test earbuds.

• First reviewed: October 2024 
• Read TechRadar's Reviews Guarantee

Anker Nebula Cosmos 4K SE: two-minute review

The Anker Nebula Cosmos 4K SE is a laser and LED smart projector capable of projecting 4K Dolby-Vision-enhanced imagery up to 200 inches. It was first released in the US, followed by the UK in August and September 2024 for a list price of $1,299.99 / £1,299.99.

It's cheaper than its predecessor, the Anker Nebula Cosmos 4K, which has an extra 400 ANSI lumens of brightness, and a full laser light source, compared to the 4K SEs laser and LED HybridBeam. The Nebula Cosmos 4K SE has plenty to boast about though, with Google TV built-in, offering effortless access to popular streaming apps like Netflix and Disney+, and many other useful apps, as one would expect from Google. There’s decent support for external content too, with HDMI and USB-C ports making it simple to connect a disc drive or laptop.

The Nebula Cosmos 4K SE has a stated brightness of 1,800 ANSI lumens – this is some way short of most of the best 4K projectors. Our testing didn’t provide results to get excited about, with measurements taken including 122 nits peak brightness, which wasn’t radically different from the BenQ v5000i, and grayscale accuracy of 8, plus a color accuracy of 3.4.

Coverage of the UHDA-P3 color gamut came in at 88.9%, with BT.2020 reading 76.3%. The input lag measured up, with 35ms of lag in Game Mode Standard, and 18.5ms in Game Mode Extreme.

(Image credit: Future)

Real-time autofocus, auto keystone correction, and auto screen fit worked well when projected onto small targets, but I found I had to manually alter the four keystone points to get the image to sit centrally (just about) on my 100-inch screen. I could only watch at 60 inches, as I lacked the space to have the projector the required 7.8ft / 2.4 meters away from the screen. If you have your heart set on getting the full movie theatre experience without having to shell out on a house extension, I’d recommend taking a look at our pick of the Best ultra short throw projectors instead.

When it comes to the performance of the contrast and brightness when watching content, darker scenes in movies and TV shows with a dark aesthetic were plagued by pixelated grays where darker areas would otherwise be visible while watching on a TV. This isn’t entirely uncommon for projectors, as producing dense blacks is naturally difficult given how the image is generated, but I can’t say that it didn’t subtract from the otherwise fabulous viewing experience. Scenes in Damsel and Prometheus in particular showcased the Cosmos 4K SE’s ability to deliver stunningly vivid color and intricate details, no doubt thanks to the addition of Dolby Vision. This, along with the two built-in 15-watt Dolby-Audio-enabled speakers made watching movies and series with this projector a satisfyingly immersive experience. You can read further details about this in the Picture Quality section below.

In a nutshell, provided you have the space to achieve the screen size you want, you’re happy watching content in little more than a dim light, and you have the space to place this chonky example of a portable projector, I’d highly recommend the Nebula Cosmos 4K SE.

(Image credit: Future) Anker Nebula Cosmos 4K SE review: price and availability

• List price: $1,299.99 / £1,299.99
• Available in the US and the UK
• Released in August / September 2024

The Nebula Cosmos 4K SE became available in the US in August 2024, followed by the UK in September 2024, at a list price of $1,299.99 / £1,299.99. Apart from the Amazon Prime Day sales, when it dropped to $999 / £999, which Anker matched on the Nebula website, the cost of the Nebula Cosmos 4K SE looks to have remained at its usual price. At the time of writing, the Cosmos 4K SE is not available in Australia.

While unlikely to be a spontaneous purchase at this price, the Nebula Cosmos 4K SE is still miles cheaper than all but one in our choice of the best 4K projectors.

Anker Nebula Cosmos 4K SE review: specs Anker Nebula Cosmos 4K SE review: design and features

• Google TV built-in
• Large but technically portable
• Efficient auto-correction and calibration features

The Nebula Cosmos 4K SE just about classes as portable, though it is a bit of a chonk, weighing in at 4.5kg /9.9lb, and with dimensions of 10.4 x 8.7 x 6.5 inches / 264 x 221 x 165mm. I was able to pick it up and carry it about, but I had to be careful about it. It would be even more of a hassle if it wasn't for the helpful, and comfortable silicone inbuilt handle that protrudes from the top of the projector body.

This projector is solely mains-powered, with no built-in battery or compatible battery pack. So while you might be able to carry it outside, you'll need to have access to a suitable power outlet for al fresco viewing.

The Nebula Cosmos 4K SE uses its HybridBeam, which is a combo of laser and LED, to generate images with up to a specified 1,800 ANSI lumens of brightness. The auto screen adjustment, auto keystone, and autofocus features did a great job of projecting images that were rectangular and crisp for the most part, especially when projecting onto smaller targets, which for me in particular was the wall space next to my bed. However, I found I was limited to just 60 inches when trying to watch on my 100-inch screen. This forced me to make use of the four-point manual keystone correction, as the Cosmos 4K SE insisted on fixing the 60-inch projection to the upper-left corner of the screen each time, which looked all kinds of wrong. After some investigating, I learned that the 4K SE needs to be at least 7.8 feet / 2.4 meters away from the target to project at 90 inches or above. I was using the projector in quite a large room, so this seems fairly limiting.

(Image credit: Future)

Anker claims that it’s possible to watch a 60-inch projection in a well-lit room with windows and indirect daylight, but unfortunately, I must disagree. The issues I’ve already mentioned regarding the contrast and black density were when watching in darkness. When I tried to watch with additional light sources any stronger than the colorful LED strips behind my TV, this contrast issue got worse, and anything more than very dim sunlight made it very difficult to see most of what was going on in whatever I was watching.

Having a light source in the room also plays havoc with the Wall Color Calibration feature, which is intended to alter the coloring of the projection so that it still looks correct regardless of the color of the wall you’re projecting against. I tested this out in our TechRadar music room, which is painted a deep teal color. When I tried this with some indirect sunlight coming from the small window far over to the right on the same wall I was projecting onto, the “color corrected” image had an off-putting blue tint to it. When I repeated the calibration with the lights off, it worked perfectly, and I was really impressed.

(Image credit: Future)

I found the Nebula Cosmos 4K SE easy to control thanks to the backlit remote control's handy voice assistant feature, as I could ask Google to whisk me straight to the content I wanted. The Nebula Connect app also worked well as a remote control, too.

I love that the Nebula Cosmos 4K SE comes with Google TV built-in, as in my experience it has proven to be the most efficient Android TV OS by far. As expected, it provides access to all of the popular streaming apps like Netflix, Disney Plus, Prime Video, and Apple TV, plus easy access to YouTube, naturally. It's simple to access content from external sources too, thanks to the USB-C input and the two HDMI ports, one of which is a HDMI 2.1 (eARC), supporting 4K visuals at 60 hertz, with lossless transmission.

When it comes to audio output, the Nebula Cosmos 4K SE has two built-in 15-watt speakers enabled with Dolby Audio. I didn't observe any issues with the sound quality during my testing, I was very satisfied with the quality. I would have picked up quite quickly if there were any issues that a typical user would notice – I've tested a lot of Bluetooth speakers in my time so I will spot from a mile off poor clarity or if the bass and treble are below par.

• Design score: 4/5

Anker Nebula Cosmos 4K SE review: picture quality

• Beautifully vivid color
• Disappointing lack of contrast
• Immersive cinematic experience

When I got my hands on the Cosmos 4K SE, I was really excited to try it out. I'd previously tested the Nebula Mars 3 Air back in my freelancing days, which I loved, so I was expecting big things from the 4K SE.

After letting it warm up for an hour, myself and my colleague James conducted tests to evaluate the projector's capabilities. The peak brightness, when viewing in Movie Mode and measured on a white 10% window pattern, was 122 nits in SDR, which isn't far off the peak brightness reading we got for the more expensive BenQ v5000i, and 119 in HDR, surpassing the reading we got for the BenQ.

The color performance figures that resulted from our testing didn't blow me away, but at this price and for casual viewing, I can forgive the Cosmos 4K SE for this. The projector achieved a Grayscale accuracy of 8, and a 3.4 for color accuracy, which was just a whisker off our target level of 3.

Coverage of the BT.2020 scored 76.3%, and the UHDA-P3 color gamut coverage was also nothing to shout about at 88.9% meaning that, although the colors were satisfyingly vivid, they weren't as rich and varied as those projected by the LG CineBeam Q, which gave an impressive reading of 98.7%. These test figures were obtained while viewing in HDR Movie Mode. The input lag in Game Mode Standard was 35ms, and in Gaming Mode Extreme was 18.5ms, which supports Anker's claims of the 4K SE being low latency with under 19ms of lag and should satisfy the majority of casual gamers.

(Image credit: Future)

In terms of the brightness and contrast when viewing there were mixed results. In lighter scenes, the whites and colors were satisfyingly bright and dazzling, but the handling of the contrast in dark scenes left a lot to be desired. The first film I watched on the Cosmos 4K SE was Damsel on Netflix, starring Millie Bobby Brown. I can easily jump straight into all the positives, as I was stunned by the beautiful imagery that the projector delivered, but I'll get the negative out of the way first. It was clear fairly early on that there was a contrast issue.

When the main character Elodie enters a dark cave, all detail is lost around her, with stonework being replaced with grey pixelated sections. Achieving a quality deep black can prove difficult for projectors, especially those that don't possess full laser optical technology – with a 238:1 contrast ratio reading from the Cosmos 4K SE, it’s hardly surprising that it didn’t perform brilliantly in this area. Aside from this, there were so many scenes that took advantage of the projector's strengths, likely due to the presence of Dolby Vision. The scenes involving the luminescent grubs and the crystal caves were visually stunning, with the vivid colors and clarity making Damsel a delight to watch.

During the opening sequence of Prometheus, the level of brightness was impressive, as was the color density. The delicate details on the spaceship as it came in to land were visible and clear, as were the pores and veins on the Engineer's face. The level of intricacy in the DNA scenes when the strands were getting affected by the black pathogen highly impressed me too. The scene that really caught my attention, though, was when David has a drop of Chemical A0-3959X.91 on the tip of his finger. The close-up shots of this were visually stunning, so much so that I started to calculate quite how I could incorporate a projector screen into my living room on a permanent basis. Despite the darker scenes in Maleficent and Damsel noticeably lacking contrast, similar scenes appear to be handled better in Prometheus; they still weren't perfect, but darker details were more visible.

(Image credit: Future)

Despite my undeniable admiration of the Nebula Cosmos 4K SE, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who regularly enjoys programs with a darker aesthetic. Series like Marvel's Daredevil take a real hit due to the lack of good contrast, making the scenes appear grainy and low-quality.

In Avengers: Age of Ultron, playback was smooth during intense fight scenes, with the images remaining crisp and high quality, despite the fast movement. The detail is fantastic once again, with the intricate weave of the fabric of Hawk Eye's suit clearly visible.

Despite my undeniable admiration of the Nebula Cosmos 4K SE, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who regularly enjoys programs with a darker aesthetic, even when watching in the dark. Series such as Marvel's Daredevil take a real hit due to the lack of good contrast, making the scenes appear grainy and low-quality, which is a real shame considering the projector's fabulous performance in other areas.

• Picture quality score: 4/5

Anker Nebula Cosmos 4K SE review: value

• Good picture quality for the price
• Delivers a satisfying at-home cinema experience
• Uses Laser and LED hybrid optical technology

At $1,299.99 / £1,299.99, the Nebula Cosmos 4K SE is $400 / £400 cheaper than the previous model, the Nebula Cosmos 4K, despite the 4K SE having a large projection range, Google TV built in, and Dolby Vision. This price difference is likely due to the 400 additional ANSI lumens and, more importantly, due to the original 4K utilizing a laser light source, compared to the 4K SE's laser and LED HybridBeam, which could explain its lackluster brightness.

Overall, the viewing experience was fantastic when in a dimly lit room, and the sound quality was spot on. It was like having a pop-up cinema, with beautifully vivid colors and no problems with fast-paced scenes. The downsides can't be ignored, however, with a lack of contrast in some darker scenes when watching in the dark, and a distractingly bad lack of contrast and brightness issues when watching in the light, despite viewing at the projection size that Anker claims would be visible in a well-lit environment.

While it's pretty chunky, and not exactly an attractive addition to the decor unless it's situated in a casual TV and gaming den, it feels suitably robust for the price. While the size and weight initially made me question its apparent portability, this weight pales in comparison to other 4K projectors such as the Samsung The Premiere 9, and the carry handle definitely makes moving it about a simpler task. If the Nebula Cosmos 4K SE might upset your Feng Shui, then fear not, as more attractive alternatives are available, such as the LG CineBeam Q, which you can learn a little more about in the Also Consider section below.

• Value score: 4/5

(Image credit: Future) Should I buy the Anker Nebula Cosmos 4K SE? Buy it if

You don’t want to spend several thousand
While $1,299.99 / £1,299.99 is still a high price to pay, you get a lot of bang for your buck with the Cosmos 4K SE. Built-in Google TV, competent auto-correction features, and impressive imagery and sound are well worth the cost if you can spare it.

You want popular apps at your fingertips
The advantage of the built-in Google TV is the ease of the interface and the distinct lack of bug and lag-related issues that I’ve experienced with so many Android-based OS. It’s satisfyingly simple to get set up, so you can get to streaming content without the frustration.

You want an immersive cinematic experience
Picture this, relaxing comfortably in the dark, bag of popcorn in hand, as you watch a feature-length film in 4K on the big screen, all from the comfort of your own home. The stunning visuals and immersive sound the 4K SE delivers are worth splashing out on.

Don't buy it if

You want the big picture but have a small space
A short-throw projector the Cosmos 4K SE is not. You need at least 5.5ft / 1.69m of space to achieve a screen size over 60 inches, which, for me personally, is a must, as I love the big-screen experience.

You want an easily portable projector
While it wouldn’t be difficult to maneuver for most, this projector is big and weighty. The carry handle makes life easier, but if you’re going away for the weekend it’s going to take up valuable trunk space, and there’s no way you’d want to lug it around on public transport.

You don’t want to be kept in the dark
Although Anker claims that you can watch a 60-inch projection in a well-lit room and indirect daylight, I found that watching with just one small window a few feet from the projection on an overcast day caused the quality to reduce drastically, the projected image looked washed out, and darker scenes that lacked contrast in optimum conditions became practically invisible.

Anker Nebula Cosmos 4K SE review: also consider

Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K
The 4K SE’s older sibling is almost identical in size and weight, and while it doesn’t possess some of the more desirable features, such as Dolby Vision and Google TV, it’s brighter and utilizes laser DLP optical technology, rather than a laser / LED hybrid. Check out the full Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K review.

Hisense PX3-Pro
A far pricier option, but if you want a top-quality, ultra-short-throw projector, then this could be the one for you. It’s not portable like the other alternatives listed here, but it performed well in various lighting conditions, delivered bright, rich colors, and a higher standard of contrast when compared to the 4K SE. Why not take a look at the Hisense PX3-Pro review to find out more.

LG CineBeam Q
If you want a projector that’s not a space invader, and can even make an attractive addition to your decor, then the LG CineBeam Q would be a good fit. While it’s not perfect, with limited brightness and poor audio quality, it looks stylish, projects in good-quality 4K, and can provide access to popular streaming apps, whether you’re watching at home or on your travels. If this has piqued your interest, there's plenty more detail in the full LG CineBeam Q review.

How I tested the Anker Nebula Cosmos 4K SE

• Tested at home and in the TechRadar music and TV testing rooms
• Tested in different lighting conditions
• Measurements were made using Calman color calibration software

I got the Anker Nebula Cosmos 4K SE setup and had an explore around the available features, apps, and settings. I tried out the various display presets to determine the most satisfying option for casual viewing. I watched several films, series, and online content to establish how well the projector handled the different aesthetics. I tested the visibility of the projection by watching in total darkness, minimal lighting, and daylight.

My colleague, TV expert James, and I, measured the white balance (grayscale), gamma, and color point accuracy using Portrait Displays’ Calman color calibration software. The results provided Delta-E values (the margin of error between the test pattern source and what’s shown on-screen) for each category, providing us with figures to assess the projector’s overall accuracy.

We also ran tests to obtain measurements of the peak light output in both standard and high dynamic range modes, and measured the coverage of DCI-P3 and BT.2020 color space, to obtain readings that determine how well the projector can render the extended color range. Finally, we measured the contrast ratio, determining the brightest white to the darkest black that the projector is capable of displaying, and the input lag, which is an important reading if you’re looking for a gaming projector in particular.

Read more about how we test.

First reviewed October 2024

Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam review: two-minute review

The Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam is suitably priced at $79.99 / £69.99 / AU$129. It offers a range of customizable features and can rotate and tilt, providing a good insight into the goings-on at home.

The Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam is available in black and white for all regions, but the US has the added benefit of Blush, Charcoal, and Starlight color options, too. As the name suggests, the rotating and pivoting mount beneath the camera allowed 360-degree panning and 169-degree tilting, providing a larger viewing area than static cameras.

The Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam has many things in common with the Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen), which at the time of writing holds the top spot in our selection of the best indoor security cameras. Although its days may be numbered, as the Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam can do the same job, plus is capable of viewing a far wider area.

The privacy cover worked well, cutting off the camera feed and audio instantly whenever required, then sending word via the Ring app, meaning I’d know straight away if it was being tampered with.

(Image credit: Future)

There is no way to store recordings locally, so if one wanted to see an occurrence after the fact, paying for a subscription would be the only way to do this. Without a subscription, the Ring app can still send instant notifications, show a live view, and access the two-way talk feature.

The pan and tilt functions worked well, and I got a clear view thanks to the 1080p HD resolution, but the Color Night Vision didn’t live up to its name. Unlike some cheaper cameras, the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam had no problem handling movement, with no visible pixelation or lag, but it’s a real shame that the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam is missing motion-tracking.

The audio wasn’t exceptional, but I was still impressed with the quality on the live view and recorded footage; conversations were easy to decipher and I didn’t find the sound not aligning with the image at any point.

The Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam isn’t the cheapest option out there, but it’s suitably priced for the features and app support it offers. It’s regrettable that there’s no way to store footage locally so an extra fee is required for access, and that Ring has missed a trick by not including a motion-tracking function, but overall it’s good value for money.

If you’re in the market for something different, such as an outdoor-suitable camera or one with motion tracking, we have some highly-rated recommendations in our pick of the best security cameras.

Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam review: price and availability

• List price: $79.99 / £69.99 / AU$129
• Availability: US, UK, and Australia
• Release date: mid 2024

Released in 2024, the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam has a list price of $79.99 / £69.99 / AU$129, putting it toward the premium end for a single indoor camera. However, with its ability to sync with multiple other Ring home security devices, great picture quality, and good audio, it’s not overpriced. The Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam is available at Amazon, Ring, and other third-party retailers.

Something to bear in mind when considering the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam is that there is no option to store recordings locally, so if you want to review footage after the event has happened, you’ll need to pay for a subscription. You do get a complementary 30-day subscription to Protect Plus, though. If you intend to use your Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam without a subscription, you’ll still have access to Instant notifications, the live view, and the two-way talk feature via the Ring app or website, plus a one-year limited warranty.

• Value score: 4.5 / 5

Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam subscription options

Ring Protect Basic:
Up to 180 days of video storage, download up to 50 videos at once, snapshot capture, package alerts, person alerts, and rich notifications.
Price: $4.99 / £4.99 / AU$4.99 per month, or, $49.99 / AU$49.95 per year per, Ring device.

Ring Protect Plus:
Has the same benefits as Protect Basic, plus (no pun intended) advanced video features, enhanced notifications, Home and Away modes, and extended warranties.
Price: $10 / £8 / AU$15 per month, or $100 / AU$150 per year. Covers all Ring devices at one location in the UK and Australia, or all Ring Home cameras and doorbells at one location in the US.

Ring Protect Pro (currently US only):
Offers everything in Protect Plus, as well as 24/7 alarm monitoring, alarm cellular backup, 24/7 backup internet with optional extra data, digital security by Eero Secure, and Ring Edge with local video storage. Please note an additional purchase of the Ring Alarm Pro is required to make use of some of these benefits.
Price: $10 per month or $100 per year, for all Ring devices at one location, US only.

(Image credit: Future) Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam review: specifications Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam review: design and features

• 360-degree panning and 169-degree tilting
• Efficient privacy cover
• No motion-tracking

In the UK and Australia, the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam is available in either black or white. I’m a little jealous of our friends over the pond because in the US there are additional options like Blush, Charcoal, and Starlight, which is a cream color.

Setting up the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam was blissfully quick and simple, in essence, all I needed to do was install the Ring app, scan the barcode on the back of the camera, connect it to my phone via Bluetooth, and then connect it to the Wi-Fi. Voila.

Unsurprisingly, as Ring is owned by Amazon, the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam can be linked to an Amazon account, and accessed through devices like the Amazon Show 8 (3rd gen).

Being able to access the camera through a browser is a big plus in my book because it enabled me to see the live view and recorded footage on a bigger screen. I had no problem viewing things on my phone though, as it was easy to zoom into areas on the app, on both live and recorded footage.

(Image credit: Future)

The camera itself doesn’t look dissimilar to the Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen), except now it has the new mount that allows it to, you guessed it, pan and tilt, offering a far broader coverage when viewing live. The Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam has a couple of placement options, either on a flat surface, or attached to the wall or ceiling using the included mounting plate, bracket, raw plugs, and screws.

I was surprised there isn't a motion tracking feature on the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam; some older and cheaper indoor cameras have this function. It’s curious to me that the camera has the benefit of being able to see almost anywhere, but there’s no way for it to be set to track a potential intruder (or a mischievous pet) unless it’s moved manually using the directional arrows through the app.

Despite this, the motion sensors proved effective on the lowest sensitivity setting out of the three available. I would quickly get a ping on my phone and Apple Watch whenever a person was spotted in the space, and I was able to set privacy and activity zones so that I wouldn’t get constant notifications when I was testing the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam in our busy office.

(Image credit: Future)

Customizable home and away modes are available as part of the Plus subscription, so I could change the settings using just one button on the dashboard. By default, Home mode is set to stop detection motion, and recording, and Away mode enables these settings again.

The attached privacy cover was easy to open and close, instantly disconnecting the video and microphone feed when shut and notifying me whenever it was shut or reopened. In addition to this, for added privacy, there was another handy feature available that enabled me to disable the microphone at all times so only visual footage was captured.

In all, the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam is feature-packed and well-designed, but I can’t help but wonder why Ring neglected to include a motion-tracking feature, considering the scope of view this camera has to offer.

• Design and features score: 4 / 5

Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam review: performance

• Good quality audio and video
• Notifications kept me well informed
• Efficient activity and privacy zones

The Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam kept me in the loop with all the comings and goings at home and in the office, and once I’d mastered the settings, I could pretty much be left to do its own thing.

Speaking of the settings, the app wasn’t the most user-friendly in that respect, but otherwise, it’s responsive and worked well. There seemed to be a few ways to access similar things, and occasionally it took some hunting around to find a specific setting that I wanted to change.

Setting up the privacy and activity zones was straightforward; unlike some other cameras that can be limited to square zones, the Ring app offers a six-point selection area, so I had a bit more control to fit the zones around awkward spaces. There was one occasion when the app had a wobble, and got stuck on updating the snapshot to apply the zones onto, but the simple trick of turning the app off and on again solved the issue. These zones did their jobs well in action and helped to stop constant notifications of a person being detected, as I was working within view of the camera.

(Image credit: Future)

The recordings were easy to access through the history button on the dashboard. Each recording was labeled; for example, it stated if it was recorded through live view, or a person was detected, and the device the recording came from, which would come in handy if I had a complete Ring setup. The event history can easily be filtered from tabs at the top of the screen, making it easy to view certain event types, such as motion or person detection, device types including alarms and smart lighting, and single devices.

I was pleased with the picture quality on the live view and recorded footage. A slight fisheye distortion was present toward the edges due to the wide lens, but apart from this, the images looked clear and high-quality. The camera handled movement well, with no lag or pixelation.

I tested out the siren, which was easily enabled by pushing a button on the app via the device's home screen; this caused the camera to make a loud security alarm sound, which I imagine could be capable of scaring off an unwanted guest.

(Image credit: Future)

The name Color Night Vision is a little misleading; in low light, say, when shutting the blinds and turning off the lights in the office, it enhanced the colors on the live view really well, but we had the ambient light from our monitors to help this along. In full darkness, the feed is black and white just like many other night-vision-enabled cameras. The image quality is still great, but it is not in color like the name of this feature suggests.

I was pleased with the audio quality, other than a little bit of tinniness. Words and activities were easy to identify, and I didn’t experience any issues with the alignment of the audio and footage; whereas with past cameras I’ve encountered misalignments between what’s happening on screen and the audio recordings.

Overall, the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam did a great job, though I’d have preferred to have the ability to track motions, rather than staying static. A decent amount of customization options were available for me to fine-tune, and it detected and recorded everything I expected it to, providing me with a high-quality visual and satisfactory audio representation of what had been going on in its vicinity.

• Performance score: 4.5 / 5

Should I buy the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam? Buy it if...

You want a good view
With the Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam, you get a better view of its surroundings thanks to its 360-degree rotation and 169-degree tilting, making it a better option than static cameras for keeping an eye on things.

You want a built-in alarm
If you’re looking at the live view and you spot something untoward, this camera has a siren built in that can be enabled through a button on the app. It makes a lot of noise, so should make for a good deterrent.

You want to see the details
The picture quality is really good on the live view and recordings, and it’s possible to zoom in with both. The footage didn’t display any lag or pixelation from movement either, which is a big plus.

Don't buy it if...

You require motion-tracking
Surprisingly, the Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam doesn’t have motion-tracking capabilities. Considering its impressive viewing range when moved manually, it seems that Ring really missed a trick here.

You don’t want to pay a subscription fee
While the subscription makes sense if you have a range of Ring security devices, giving access to stored footage in one place, if you want a one-off camera for a single purpose, it would be beneficial to have a local storage option such as a microSD card.

Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam review: Also consider

Wyze Cam v3
A good alternative if you want to store footage without needing to pay, the Wyze Cam v3 has the added benefit of local storage of up to 128GB via a microSD card. However, the footage is limited to twelve seconds without a subscription. It also offers sound detection, though its sensitivity is limited, and audio quality was unsatisfactory. It also has IP65-rated water resistance and a rubber sleeve around the camera's inlet, so it can be used outdoors too. You can see the full review of the Wyze Cam v3 here.

Imou Rex 3D
Another alternative with local storage is the IMOU Rex 3D. It offers 355-degree rotation plus 90-degree tilt capabilities, so is a great option to consider if you’re looking for well-performing motion tracking, something that the Ring Pan–Tilt Indoor Cam is sadly lacking. Unfortunately, this camera only appears to be available in the UK at present, although it looks to be available from third-party retailers in the US. Why not take a look at how the Imou Rex 3D performed in the full review?

How I tested the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam

• I tested it for a week at home and in a busy office
• I tested the sound and video quality, live and recorded
• I tested the ease of setup, usability, privacy settings, and motion detection

I reviewed how easy the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam was to set up, and tested its panning and tilting capabilities.

I tested the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam in our busy TechRadar reviews office along with a quieter area of my home to establish how sensitive the motion detection was, and how efficient the privacy and activity zones were.

I tested the frequency of notifications and reviewed live and recorded footage, paying close attention to the visual and sound quality, and evaluating how well the camera handled movement.

I observed how well the Night Color Vision worked in different environments, testing how well it performed in darkness and with varying levels of ambient lighting.

I compared the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam against our previous camera reviews, and benchmarked it against other indoor cameras I am currently testing.

Read more about how we test.

First reviewed October 2024