TechRadar Reviews

Nanoleaf x Fantaqi EXPO: one-minute review

The Nanoleaf EXPO is the latest clever home contraption from they company behind some of the best smart lights around: a modular smart case solution that will see your collections displayed in glorious technicolor.

If you are one of those people who collect things (I am one of those people) you will inevitably end up with more things than places to put them. Shelves are fine, but you’ll need to dust every week (I am not one of those people), and the situation can get really out of hand if you ever move house, as most of your collections remain in the attic for months/years while you figure out where it is all going to go. Nanoleaf comes to the rescue with its attractive modular smart illuminated display case system.

Nanoleaf collaborated with US company Meeni Inc on its Fantaqi product, which is sold by Nanoleaf as the Nanoleaf x Fantaqi EXPO. What this collaboration has produced is one of those rare things that is both eye-catching and useful, even if only to collectors and smart home nerds. Each case measures 38 x 29 x 22cm (W x D x H), but you’ll want to shave off roughly 3cm to account for the thickness of the walls. To give you some idea of its scale, a DVD case will stand perfectly inside, but will need to be inserted at a slight angle to get past the lip on the front of the box.

(Image credit: Les Watson)

I must admit to initially being skeptical about these boxy smart lights, but once I saw them in my house brimming with some of my favorite collectibles and objet d’art, I was sold. As with the iPad and the Apple Watch, I just didn’t 'get it' until I got one. I’ve enjoyed liberating my stored collections and being reminded of why I collected all this stuff in the first place. These are a quick and easy solution to my storage problem.

Yes, they are expensive and the petulant software drives me nuts, but alternative Perspex display cases are not cheap and the EXPO’s modular design allows you to try them out in different places easily. Add to that their smart capabilities; totally worth it.

(Image credit: Les Watson) Nanoleaf x Fantaqi EXPO: price and availability

• Starter kits from $299.99 / £299.99 (about AU$440)
• Expansion kits from $69.99 / £69.99 (about AU$100)

The Nanoleaf x Fantaqi EXPO launched in August 2024 and is available from the Nanoleaf website, or from Fantaqi.

There are two accessories for the EXPO if you need more of the inter-case connectors or are expanding to a stack of more than 8 cases. The 75W power supply can power up to 14 cases.

Display case pricing

• EXPO Smart LED Display Case Starter Kit (4 Pack): $299.99 / £299.99 (about AU$440)
• EXPO Smart LED Display Case Starter Kit (8 Pack) $536.45 / £549.99 (about AU$790)
• EXPO Smart LED Display Case Expansion (1 Pack) $69.99 / £69.99 (about AU$100)
• EXPO Smart LED Display Case Smarter Kit (12 Pack) $ 800.01 (US only)

Accessory pricing

• EXPO Display Case Rigid Linkers (9 Pack): $8.99 / £7.99 (about AU$15)
• EXPO Display Case 75W Power Supply: $39.99 / £34.99 (about AU$60)

Nanoleaf x Fantaqi EXPO: specs Nanoleaf x Fantaqi EXPO: design

• Quick and easy to assemble
• Cases are connected electrically by push-fit Linker strips
• Magnetic door latch
• Top panel of the box contains the LEDs

Aesthetically, the Nanoleaf EXPO isn’t much to write home about; each white display cube is simply designed. The real magic begins when you flick the switch to light up your life.

The system has been designed so that only the top case containing the LEDs and back panel (which has the connector slots) is 'live'. As long as you follow the provided assembly diagram you should find it easy enough to connect properly.

(Image credit: Les Watson)

The rest of the cases are simply push-fit, but they do require a bit of force, so I would recommend that they are assembled on a non-slip surface. I worked along all of the seams with my thumbs just to make sure the seams were seated properly.

Each case has four feet, which fit into the recessed top of the case below to provide some vertical stability. Each case is electrically connected to the next one using the supplied linker strips which slot into holes midway along the sides of each case. It can be a bit tricky to get the Linker in the hole when coupling two cases but it’s a minor irritant.

(Image credit: Les Watson)

I was not convinced of the stability of the Nanoleaf Expo when configured in an 8-box vertical stack, but once loaded with your collectible contents, the whole thing became more and more stable. However, it might not survive the onslaught of a small child, but why would you let them near something so precious? Are you mad?

Each case has slots running up the sides to provide a channel for the power supply lead. A slight constriction somewhere along the channel to hold the lead in place would have been nice, but it is possible to put the lead under a bit of tension by curling it under the back of the bottom-most box of the stack.

Fortunately, the power lead is 2.5 meters long which gives you the option of placing them on a shelf, and as each case weighs in at around 2kg, the shelving need not be industrial strength like mine.

I was initially puzzled by the clear back panel until I switched them on and noticed it effectively creates a pleasing halo on the wall around the stack. I also love the magnetic front door latch, as all too often fixtures like interference-fit door latches can make a whole unit wobble wildly when you open a door, or there’s some form of mechanical push-in opener that invariably fails over time. The stack does still move a little when you open a door but all is forgiven when it closes with such a resounding ‘thunk’ noise. Yes, I am one of those people who enjoy the rich sound of a high-quality car door closing.

(Image credit: Les Watson)

My only gripe is with the power supply plug. It’s quite attractive and it’s very cool that it has three different snap-in plug converters, but the three-pin one is upside down.

Look, Nanoleaf, most of us have so many electrical appliances that we need to use electrical extension plugboards; a lot of them. We cannot lay them flush against the wall if someone has decided to provide a plug with a lump on top with the power lead coming out of it. It makes even less sense when plugged directly into the wall, as all the weight is above the socket.

Nanoleaf x Fantaqi EXPO: performance

• Software proved temperamental
• Rhythm Source feature works well

Having reviewed several Nanoleaf products in the past, I knew that reaching the point at which you can power the hardware up is usually the easy bit. In comparison, while the universe descends cyclically from order to chaos over billions of years, the Nanoleaf app will give you a sneak preview of that chaos in just a few hours. After six wasted hours of crashes and bugs (including the infamous 'Accessory already in another home' message from HomeKit) I decided to give up on the EXPO for the day.

(Image credit: Les Watson)

I am sure it will come to pass that it will start working but it’s frustrating that Nanoleaf specifies features that initially do not work. There is better news for the rhythm source feature of the Nanoleaf desktop application on Mac; it now works as it should, much to my delight. The Mac app still crashes regularly though.

I love this product and I want Nanoleaf to continue coming up with original, if somewhat niche, products, but I do hope the company begins to do a little more software quality assurance before products launch and not after. I am willing to accept that some of my problems may be PICNIC problems (problems in customer not in computer), but not the majority of them. What troubles me is that people will stop buying Nanoleaf products if they have the same experience.

Should you buy the Nanoleaf x Fantaqi EXPO? Buy it if

You need a flexible storage system for your treasured possessions

They can be quickly tried out in different positions and configurations around the home.View Deal

You have other Nanoleaf devices

If you’re already pretty stocked up with some of Nanoleaf’s other brilliant bulbs, strips, and shapes, then the Nanoleaf EXPO makes for a perfect addition.View Deal

Don't buy it if

You're on a budget

These are entirely unique products, yes, but that comes at a price. Head to a flat-pack furniture store and stock up on smart light strips for a DIY solution. View Deal

You need a bookshelf

The Nanoleaf EXPO is not really strong enough or big enough for books.View Deal

Nanoleaf x Fantaqi EXPO: also consider

As was the case when I reviewed the Nanoleaf Skylight, there isn’t an equivalent product for the Nanoleaf x Fantaqi EXPO that I am aware of. However, if you want to create a DIY system using smart LED strip lights instead. there are a few options available.

Govee LED Light Strip M1

These super bright LED strip lights could be used to liven up an ordinary bookcase or display case. It's easy to install and a great option for beginners.

Read our full Govee LED Light Strip M1 review

Twinkly Line

These fun smart lights come in short strips ideal for small areas, and you can sync them with other Twinkly products to create a larger 'canvas'.

Read our full Twinkly Line review

How I tested the Nanoleaf x Fantaqi EXPO

• I tested the cases in different configurations
• I tested the Nanoleaf applications for known existing problems
• I tested its compatibility with Apple Homekit
• I tested EXPO in conjunction with other Nanoleaf devices

I ensured that my test environment was up to date and working with the latest versions of firmware and software for all devices before even unpacking the Nanoleaf x Fantaqi EXPO. I visually checked the status of Apple Homekit every time the application crashed and visually checked the status of the application itself on restart and investigated any anomalies.

I investigated the phone application automation options and tried out the various in-app features and functionalities.

I’ve been using smart home devices for several years now, and have a whopping 30+ years (gulp) of tech enthusiasm and experience under my belt.

Octopus Arcade Stick: two-minute review

The Octopus Arcade Stick is a versatile fight stick that provides an excellent gaming experience for fighting game fans with exceptional compatibility across a range of platforms. The arcade-grade joystick and buttons from Sanwa benefit from a durable, aerospace-grade aluminum shell.

Indeed, in practice, using it does feel exactly like stepping into the ring on a brawler at your local arcade (minus the beer-soaked cabinets of course). Buttons are responsive and the joystick reliably moves with precision and purpose as you’d expect from a Sanwa stick, always snapping back correctly ready for the next combo, block, or evasion. If Sanwa doesn’t fit your playstyle, then the supplied stick and buttons are easily swapped out for alternatives.

It’s the sheer number of supported consoles and platforms that truly impresses here. Where other contenders for best fight stick can tie players into a single or limited ecosystem, the Octopus Arcade Stick is compatible with over twenty platforms out of the box. Everything from the Mega Drive and SNES, to the entire PlayStation home console family, to PC and even several niche consoles play nicely with TR Fight Stick’s debut behemoth.

Achieving this versatility does require additional cables though, with an array of 2m leads available directly from TR Fight Stick to suit consoles that feature proprietary controller connections that predate the USB standards of today. The included USB-C cable will still provide ample platform coverage across PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Switch, Xbox 360, PlayStation Classic, MegaDrive Mini, NeoGeo Mini, Astro City Mini, MiSTer FPGA, RetroPie, and other Raspberry Pi apps, plus X-Input devices.

(Image credit: Future/Theo Litston)

While the Octopus Arcade Stick is happy to throw down on a range of systems, it’s clear that it was designed with Sega’s Dreamcast as its champion. The Octopus’ secret weapon is one strictly for fans of Sega’s final home console, and appears as a built-in virtual VMU (Visual Memory Unit) switcher, with a capacity for ten individual VMUs, providing easy access to more save data slots than even the most prolific Dreamcast player will ever need. 

The Octopus Arcade Stick even includes an LCD screen at the top of the unit, allowing you to see at a glance which VMU they’re using and enjoy the little animations, mimicking their appearance on the original Dreamcast VMUs. Soul Calibur fans rejoice as tiny, pixelated Ivy is alive and well.

Serious players also tend to be serious about their fight stick aesthetics, and the Octopus doesn’t disappoint here either with customization options for faceplate designs and layouts, including options to switch from the standard Sega 2P layout to Viewlix, Noir, or HitBox faceplates. Accessing the innards of the Octopus is straightforward, with the rear aluminum plate easily removed by loosening the seven Phillips head screws.

Octopus Arcade Stick: Price and availability

• List price: $399.00 / £297.24 / AU$576.06
• Premium pricing…
• …but early adopters can bag one of the first batch of units for $299

The Octopus Arcade Stick is currently only available from TR Fight Stick’s official store page. The list price of $399.00, roughly £297.24 or AU$576.06 in the UK and Australia respectively, means that the Octopus Arcade Stick comes in as one of the pricier arcade sticks on the market today, costing more than an Xbox Series S or a Nintendo Switch OLED. 

While that ticket price may cause some to flinch, remember that the Octopus Arcade Stick’s wide array of compatible consoles and platforms could remove the need for additional peripherals and provide additional value to players wishing to use fight sticks on multiple systems. Even those looking for a fight stick for a single platform should feel confident in their purchase as the quality on display in the Octopus is stellar.

Mercifully, those aforementioned additional cables carry a reasonable $14.99 price tag so won’t break the bank for players looking to wield the Octopus on older systems.

The Octopus Arcade Stick is scheduled to launch sometime in October, and early adopters can snap up a unit in either black or white for $299 while TR Fight Stick’s initial stocks last.

(Image credit: Future/Theo Litston) Octopus Arcade Stick: Specs

(Image credit: Future/Theo Litston) Octopus Arcade Stick: Design and features

• Striking visuals with a range of changeable faceplates
• Fantastic build quality with high-end materials
• Bulky and heavy

Probably the first thing that’ll catch your eye on the Octopus Fight Stick is the artwork. TR Fight Stick has produced a series of faceplates, dubbed ‘OctoPlates’, allowing users to change the appearance of their arcade sticks. The majority of the OctoPlates include artwork featuring the titular cephalopod in a number of graphic styles, with designs inspired by everything from street graffiti to Grecian mosaics. If tentacles aren’t your thing, however, there is also a transparent OctoPlate which shows off the units’ inner workings, and even a limited edition plate featuring Ryo Hazuki from Dreamcast classic Shenmue.

There’s no avoiding the octopus in the room though, no matter how it's dressed, the Octopus Fight Stick is a hefty unit. The chassis size is a significant increase over the prototype I tested back at the start of the year, measuring almost 17.7in / 45cm across its width and 10.2 / 26cm deep. After opening the back of the unit to inspect modification options, I gleamed that there exists plenty of free space internally, meaning that TR Fight Stick could potentially slim this design down without greatly impacting its overall visage. 

It's not just the size of the Octopus either, but the weight, that may dissuade some would-be buyers. Tipping the scales at around 7.7lbs / 3.5kg, the Octopus Arcade Stick definitely falls into the heavyweight category alongside other sticks such as the Nacon Daija and the Victrix Pro FS. Personally, I don’t mind the weight resting on my lap during a gaming session, as it feels secure and unlikely to move around during play, however, its weight may be off-putting to some.

(Image credit: Future/Theo Litston) Octopus Arcade Stick: Performance

• Exceptionally responsive buttons and stick
• Switching between platforms is a little fiddly yet forgivable
• Fantastic for arcade games and retro titles as well including a well-implemented turbo function

When you’re in the heat of battle the last thing you want to worry about is an unresponsive controller, and the Octopus Arcade Stick uppercuts those concerns into oblivion. The sturdy metal case eliminates any flex you might experience with a plastic shell, with the buttons and stick feeling purposeful and reliable during heated online exchanges. 

A far cry from ‘the claw’ I often use when playing the best fighting games with something like one of the best PC controllers, the Octopus’ size affords a comfortable space for players to rest their wrists during gameplay, with the ergonomic layout putting every button at my fingertips, ready to engage at a moment’s notice. I found using the Octopus left me feeling less fatigued following a long play session, no doubt thanks to not needing to unnaturally wrap my digits around a pad.

The joystick offers similarly high levels of responsiveness, with dashes, blocks, and circle movements all feeling immediate while delivering that satisfying clicky feedback one only gets with an arcade stick. Special moves quickly become second nature and the experience of inputting button and directional sequences truly captures that arcade machine feeling.

(Image credit: Future/Theo Litston)

The majority of my review time was spent online in Tekken 8 on PS5, however, I was pleasantly surprised to see how easy it was to move between the various platforms the Octopus Arcade Stick supports.

TR Fight Stick provided me with a range of cables, allowing me to connect to all manner of systems. Plugging the fight stick into each one for the first time does require a bit of dexterity though. The first step is to connect the cable to the console or PC, before holding either a single-button or a two-button combo while inserting the other end of the cable into the Octopus Arcade Stick. It’s not the most elegant of methods for connecting, but with so many platforms supported it feels like TR Fight Stick has achieved a relatively painless process.

Similarly, the VMU switching on Dreamcast is vastly improved from the prototype model I’ve tested previously. Flicking between memory cards on Dreamcast now requires you to hold a single, dedicated button labeled ‘VMU’ before flicking the joystick left or right, whereas the prototype required me to contort my fingers unnaturally and enter a sequence of prompts to achieve the same thing.

(Image credit: Future/Theo Litston)

All initialization fumbling is quickly forgotten however once you’ve booted up your game of choice. A handy rocker switch on the unit's far side allows you to quickly toggle the joystick function between left and right analog sticks or a d-pad input, making navigating menus a breeze. Whether playing on PlayStation, PC, Mega Drive, Dreamcast, or Switch, the button and stick inputs remained sharp and responsive, with no noticeable lag present at all.

As a big retro-head, I was keen to take the Octopus Arcade Stick out of its natural brawler habitat and throw some stone-cold classics its way. Far from a one-genre master, the Octopus delivered a fantastic gaming experience across puzzle games like Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine on the Mega Drive and even excelled on the challenging platforming of Disney’s Aladdin. The Octopus’ performance in the latter even led to me reaching the penultimate level of the game in a single life, something I’ve never achieved on a control pad. 

Should you buy the Octopus Arcade Stick? Buy it if...

You’re serious about fighting games
The premium parts and materials warrant the premium price tag. This a serious piece of kit for hardcore beat ‘em enthusiasts and even features a tournament lock switch to avoid accidental disqualification during competitions.

You play on a variety of platforms, both old and new
Looking for a stick to play Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on the Switch, Mortal Kombat 1 on the PS5, Killer Instinct on PC, Soul Calibur on the Dreamcast, and Street Fighter 2 on the SNES? The Octopus supports over twenty gaming platforms. 

You love customization
With a range of OctoPlates available, a variety of button layout options, and the ability to swap out buttons and joysticks, you can make their fight stick a truly unique peripheral. 

Don't buy it if...

You’re looking for a lightweight fight stick
If you’re anticipating long play sessions or having to regularly move your fight stick around the house, then the Octopus’ 7.7lbs / 3.5kg weight and large form factor may make it a little too cumbersome. 

You plan to play on Xbox Series consoles
If you primarily play on Xbox Series X or S then you’ll need an alternative fight stick, as despite the Octopus’ long list of supported platforms, Microsoft’s latest consoles didn’t make the cut.

Also consider...

If you’re in the market for a premium fight stick but not completely sold on the Octopus then here are two other similar arcade sticks for your consideration. It’s worth highlighting however the list of compatible platforms on these alternatives is much smaller than the Octopus Arcade Stick, however, that may not be an issue if you’re only looking to play on modern PlayStation or PC hardware.

Victrix Pro FS
This is a great alternative because just like the Octopus Fight Stick, the Victrix Pro FS comes with Sanwa parts as standard. While it doesn’t feature customizable faceplates like the Octopus, it is available in a variety of stylish colorways across its stunning design.

For more information, check out our full Victrix Pro FS review. 

Nacon Daija
This is a great alternative because of its premium build quality and highly responsive inputs. Officially licenced from PlayStation, this stick was designed in collaboration with eSports legend Kayane and features profile support in addition to customisation options.

For more information, check out our full Nacon Daiji review. 

(Image credit: Future/Theo Litston) How I tested the Octopus Arcade Stick

• Tested for a week on PS1, PS2, PS3, PS4, PS5, PC, Mega Drive, Dreamcast, and Nintendo Switch
• Tested with multiple beat ‘em ups, arcade and retro titles
• Competed in online tournaments

As somebody who indulges in online battles of Tekken 8 daily, I replaced my PS5 DualSense Wireless Controller with the Octopus Arcade Stick for the duration of my week-long review period, clocking in roughly ten hours of ranked, online gameplay in Namco Bandai’s seminal beat ‘em up. I’ve also become accustomed to entering PS5 tournaments in Tekken 8 so again used the Octopus Fight Stick for my daily humbling with some of the best players on the platform.

I also explored Tekken’s history on PlayStation using the Octopus, connecting the unit to my PS1, PS2, PS3, and PS4. I also took this opportunity to play an hour or so of the wonderful Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection, fighting through various arcade modes and in the online lobbies. 

Moving away from PlayStation, I took several of my favorite Mega Drive classics for a spin during my regular retro game day. In addition to the aforementioned Mean Bean Machine and Aladdin, I used the Octopus Arcade Stick to play through the first half of Sonic 2 and hopped my way through to Pizza Planet in Toy Story.

I tested Nintendo’s platforming pedigree next, firing up several classic titles from the Mario series on Switch before diving headlong into Super Smash Bros. Ultimate for some competitive local multiplayer with my partner and friends.

Those same friends kindly provided me with a Dreamcast and some games, including a copy of Soul Calibur, so I could put the Octopus’ VMU features through its paces.

Lastly, on the PC side of things, I enjoyed bouts of Killer Instinct and Multiversus, before throwing myself back into Cuphead and making generous use of the Octopus’ turbo functions.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed October 2024

Shark PowerDetect Robot Vacuum and Mop two-minute review Product info

There are a few versions of this product.

With NeverTouch Pro base:
US: RV2820ZE
UK: RV2800ZEUK

With NeverTouch base:
US: RV2820YE
UK: RV2800YEUK

For this review, I tested the US model with the NeverTouch Pro base. There may be minor differences between different countries' models.

The Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop with NeverTouch Pro Base isn’t the first robot vacuum on the market that can mop and vacuum at the same time, but the fact that it’s outfitted with lots of smart technologies makes it stand out. In fact, it has wide range of detection capabilities, some of which are borrowed from today's best Shark vacuums, including the ability to detect what kind of floor it's on and how dirty it is, as well as being able to spot wet or dry spillages and stains, and automatically adjust its cleaning behavior to suit.

In my testing, I found the PowerDetect robot vacuum did a great job with different types of stains and debris of varying sizes, and the detection features worked as advertised. Expect the best clean when the vacuum and mop work together. Unfortunately, the suction wasn’t strong enough to completely pull up super-fine materials like flour from hard floor or a thick rug, and you'll almost certainly need to supplement it with a manual vacuum for occasional deep cleaning – but that's not unusual, even with the very best robot vacuums.

The mopping is effective, but left my wood floors wetter than I would have liked. Unfortunately, you cannot opt out of the automatic cleaning and instead manually choose vacuum or mopping settings, which is frustrating in situations like this.

One standout feature is this robovac's ability to roam over high thresholds; I've never seen a robovac that can lift itself as high as the PowerDetect can. It also has a novel approach to edge cleaning: when it gets near an edge, the robot blasts air to move debris into the cleaning path. Unfortunately, over-sensitive object avoidance means that it doesn't always get close enough to the edges of rooms to make this feature as effective as it could be. On the plus side, the companion app is easy to use and very accurate.

Shark launched its PowerDetect robot vacuum in summer/fall 2024. The combination robot vacuum-and-mop is available with a NeverTouch Pro base, which self-empties, cleans its own mop pads, and refills its own water tanks. That's the priciest option and the one I tested for this review, and I appreciated how it took care of so many maintenance tasks for me. However, if you're on a budget, you can opt for a model with a NeverTouch base (no 'Pro'). It's the exact same robot vacuum, but the dock doesn't self-clean and it doesn't have an anti-odor puck.

(Also in the PowerDetect range is an even cheaper robovac that doesn't have mopping capabilities at all, and various manual vacuums – head to TechRadar's Shark PowerDetect Cordless Stick Vacuum review to see how we got on with one of those.)

Read on for my full Shark PowerDetect Robot Vacuum and Mop review.

(Image credit: Future) Shark PowerDetect Robot Vacuum and Mop review: price & availability

• Price with NeverTouch Pro Base: $999.99 / £799
• Price with NeverTouch Base: $899.99 / £699
• Launch date: September 2024
• Availability: US and UK

The Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop launched in the US and UK in September 2024. It's available to buy direct from Shark, as well as via third party retailers like Amazon.

For this review, I tested the most expensive option: the PowerDetect robot vacuum and mop with NeverTouch Pro base. This has a list price of $999.99 / £799.

Alternatively, you can pick up the same robovac but with a slightly less advanced base (the NeverTouch base – no 'Pro'). This one doesn't self-clean its mop pads, and there's no anti-odor puck. This is currently available in the US for $899.99 and the UK (although, weirdly, not currently on the Shark UK website) for £699.

There's also a basic version, which still self-empties but doesn't mop. In the US this costs $599.99 (product code RV2820AE). It's also available in the UK for £499.99 (RV2820VEUK).

On my review model, an extra mop pad, odor neutralizer cartridge, and multi-surface cleaning solution were included. Further replacements are available direct from Shark.

At TechRadar, a robot vacuum that costs more than $800 / £650 is considered a premium model, so the 2-in-1 PowerDetect falls into that band. Generally, self-empty robovacs, and combination vac-mops do sit at the upper end of the market, although it is possible to pick them up for as little as $350.

Overall, this robot does a great job in a lot of areas, especially in terms of mapping and ease of use. Do I think the model I tested is worth $999? I’d say a fairer price might be $799, as I’ve tested other robot vacuums with more features, such as live camera, voice control and so on.

Even though it's very new, you might still be able to snag a discount. The Black Friday deals often deliver particularly good robot vacuum deals, and until then it's worth keeping an eye on TechRadar’s Shark coupon codes for other ways to shave a few dollars off.

• Value for money score: 3.5 out of 5

Shark PowerDetect Robot Vacuum and Mop review: design

• Circular robovac with vacuuming and mopping abilities
• Base charges, self empties and (if Pro version chosen) self-cleans
• Robot controlled via companion app

The Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop with NeverTouch Pro Base is a black circular robot vacuum that’s 13 inches in diameter and has a cleaning path width of 5.69 inches. At 2.7 inches tall, it can fit under most cabinets.

My review model came with the NeverTouch Pro base, which is has a dark gray – almost black – in color. It stands 17.5 inches tall, 18.8 inches wide, and 14.33 inches deep. This dock charges the robovac, cleans its mop pads, empties its onboard dust cup and dirty water, and refills the onboard water tank. It also has an anti-odor puck to prevent bad smells building up.

The Pro base is pretty compact compared to other robovac-mops I've tested, but if you'd prefer something smaller, take a look at the regular NeverTouch base (RV2820YE). It lacks self-cleaning capabilities and doesn't have the anti-odor puck, and it looks a little different in that the water tank on the base is visible.

(Image credit: Future)

The robot itself has a side brush (an extra is included in the box) for gathering dirt and debris, as well as a half-circular mopping pad and a dust cup with a capacity of 0.33 quarts. It’s also outfitted with LED lights and has NeverStuck Technology which means the robot is designed to be able to lift itself over obstacles, thresholds, and thick carpets; I’ve never seen a robot vacuum lift itself as high as this one can.

When mopping, the robot also lifts the pad when moving over rugs. To assist with edge cleaning, the PowerDetect robovac blasts air to pushes debris from the edges of rooms and into its cleaning path. It can also extend the mopping pad up to an inch out from its sides for better edge mopping.

The base itself has a bin designed to last 60-days (no actual capacity is provided), while the water tank is capable of filling the robot with water for 30 days (again, no specifics from Shark). Thanks to felt and washable foam filters, as well as a HEPA filter, you can rest assured that the vacuum contains the dust and allergens it picks up.

The NeverTouch Pro base houses water tanks and a larger dust cup (Image credit: Future)

Setting up the robot was fairly easy. It doesn’t take more than connecting the ramp to the base, filling the tank with water, attaching the side brush to the bottom of the robot, inserting the odor cartridge on the top of the base, and leaving everything to charge. I downloaded the app and connected the robot vacuum to my Wi-Fi. It took a few tries but not so many that I was concerned or frustrated. This is pretty typical for me during the testing of products with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity.

Although it's far from basic, this Shark robot vacuum lacks some features I'd expect in the premium price bracket – for example, voice control (it will emit voice commands to let you know when it needs to charge or if it gets caught on something, but you can't issue instructions back), the ability to move the robot vacuum with controls in the app, and live camera footage.

• Design score: 4 out of 5

Shark PowerDetect Robot Vacuum and Mop review: performance

• Great at object avoidance and climbing thresholds
• Decent job at vacuuming and mopping
• NeverTouch Pro base takes care of most maintenance

After connecting the Shark robot vacuum to the app, it mapped my house. I was very surprised by how quickly it mapped the house and how accurate the map was. I think it’s the most accurate initial map that I’ve seen from a robot vacuum, especially considering that the robot didn’t go to every room in my house. While I’ll go more into detail about the app in the following section, I found it really easy to control the Shark robot vacuum in the app.

To begin my testing, I set the Shark robot to vacuum and mop my entire house so I could get a good sense for how it would work on a regular basis. I noticed a few things during this process. For one, the robot does a great job of object avoidance. I never saw it hit a wall or any of my furniture. This was impressive. I think the only drawback to this aspect is that it may impact the edge cleaning.

The robovac didn't get quite as close to the edges of rooms as I'd like (Image credit: Future)

The robot seemed intent on not hitting a wall or an object, and because of that, it didn’t get as close as I would have liked it to get for superior edge cleaning. Yes, with EdgeDetect technology, the robot vacuum blasts air to move debris near the edges into the cleaning path. However, it needs to get closer to an edge to even effectively use such technology.

EdgeDetect is just one of a range of detection capabilities offered by this robovac. Another key one is 'DirtDetect', which essentially means the vacuum can sense how dirty a floor is and automatically adjust suction in response. However, on Shark's manual vacuums, you also have the option to manually set a suction level, whereas there's no manual control option here.

As someone who has a house with a lot of tall thresholds, I was curious to see how well the robot would be able to climb over them. It easily lifted itself over all my thresholds except for one, which I’ve never seen a robot able to do (it’s about two inches tall, so that's understandable).

(Image credit: Future)

The base took more time than I expected to fill the robovac's onboard water tanks. Since it’s a hands-free process, it’s not the biggest concern but something I wanted to note. I didn’t think I’d be impressed by the Shark’s robot’s mopping capabilities, because I am not a fan of the type of mop pad this robot uses. It’s a half circle pad that sticks to the bottom with Velcro. I prefer rotating circular pads as I think they clean better.

That said, I was pleasantly surprised with the Shark PowerDetect robovacs mopping abilities. This is due in part to the fact that the robot can move the mop pad from side to side offering enough friction to pull up dirt and stains from the ground. Thankfully, the robot lifted the mop pad significantly when it went over the rugs.

One of the biggest drawbacks of this robot vacuum is that it left behind too much water on my floors. Because I have historic wood floors, I have to be especially careful when it comes to mopping (water can damage wood floors). I was disappointed that I could not adjust the water level of this robot vacuum in the app.

The Shark PowerDetect Robot Vacuum and Mop leaves a lot of water on the floor (Image credit: Future)

Because the robovac is able to vacuum and mop simultaneously, it can clean your entire house in half the time it would normally take (for instance, if you had to vacuum first and the mop after). In most cases, it's actually better to instruct the robovac to mop and vacuum at the same time, because vacuuming doesn't always completely remove fine dust, and the mop can deal with any remnants.

Cleaning tests

To accurately gauge the Shark's cleaning prowess I ran some standardized tests. I placed a ground coffee and flour mix on my laminate floor and the same mixture on a rug and used the spot cleaning feature of the robot to send it to both spots to see how well it vacuumed the area. I like that there is a spot cleaning option, but unfortunately, you can’t adjust the size of the spot in the app.

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The Shark PowerDetect Robot Vacuum and Mop about to clean up flour and coffee on a hard floor (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 3

Results of the Shark PowerDetect Robot Vacuum and Mop cleaning a hard floor (Image credit: Future)Image 3 of 3

The Shark PowerDetect Robot Vacuum and Mop cleaning up flour and coffee (Image credit: Future)

On the laminate flooring, the robot had a sound rating of 69dB. It picked up the coffee with ease. When it came to the flour, it did a pretty good job, though it wasn’t completely perfect. Rather, it left behind a small dusting of flour, which leads me to say that, if you drop fine materials on hard flooring, such as flour, you should probably use the vacuum and the mop function in conjunction to clean it completely.

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The Shark PowerDetect Robot Vacuum and Mop about to clean flour and coffee on a rug (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 3

The Shark PowerDetect Robot Vacuum and Mop cleaning up flour and coffee (Image credit: Future)Image 3 of 3

Results of the Shark PowerDetect Robot Vacuum and Mop cleaning a rug (Image credit: Future)

When I sent the robot to the rug, the noise level increased to 70dB. It actually did a better job of vacuuming the rug than I thought it would. Like on hard floor, the robot picked up all of the coffee, but it left a round patch of flour. The brush also flung some of the flour out of the spot-cleaning zone, and thus it was not vacuumed.

Next, I tested the mopping capability by placing a puddle of water and some dried syrup on the floor. With a sound rating of 69dB, the robot picked up the liquids easily. I couldn’t tell if the robot pushed the water around as it leaves a good amount of water behind anyway, but it seemed to clean the syrup well. After the floor dried, I noticed a very slight (and I mean very slight) stickiness to the floor, and just to be safe, I had the robot mop the spot once again.

This Shark robot takes about 3.5 hours to fully charge and then runs for about 2 hours and 20 minutes before it needs to recharge again. If it runs low on power in the middle of a cleaning job, it just recharges enough to finish cleaning your house. The robot isn’t able to clean my 1,600-square-foot home completely on a single charge. This is not really a concern for me since the robot vacuum takes itself to the base, recharges, and then finishes the cleaning job when it’s ready. I don’t have to do anything but sit back and let it clean on its own time.

The robovac is shallow enough to be able to clean underneath furniture (Image credit: Future)

My favorite aspect of this Shark vacuum is the hands-free cleaning. The NeverTouch Pro base lived up to its name. It not only pulls the dirt and debris from the vacuum and stores it in a sealed 60-day capacity bin, but it washes and dries the mopping pad after every clean. I should also add that the water tank holds 30 days’ worth of water, which is impressive considering how small the base appears from the outside.

Maintenance

As for other elements of maintenance, the vacuum and base need to be cleaned about every 30 days. You’ll have to use a dry dust rag to clean the sensors and charging contacts on the robot and in the base. The base can be cleaned with a wet rag and then dried with a cloth. The brushroll and side brush need to be cleared of hair, string, or debris. The mop pad should be washed and/or replaced every three months. The base’s dustbin should be emptied once a month.

The filter in the robot and the filter at the top of the base should be cleaned once a month, by shaking them free of dust and debris over a trashcan and then rinsing the foam filters with cold water and allowing them to air dry for 48 hours. On the bottom side of the base there is another filter, the post-motor filter, that can be cleaned every 6 months. You’ll also want to clean the water container with soap and water before refilling it.

• Performance score: 4 out of 5

Shark PowerDetect Robot Vacuum and Mop review: app

• Easy-to-use app with great mapping and instructional tips
• Whole house clean, room clean, or spot clean options
• App contains schedule and cleaning history

I love a simple and easy-to-use app, and the Shark app is just that. The map that was created of my house is quite accurate. Take note that it’s only 2D; there are no 3D mapping options. The map shows the different rooms in my house and even has some shadow areas that indicate furniture or things like a bathtub.

I can easily adjust the map – which I did by merging two rooms together that the robot separated and then splitting two rooms that the robot determined as one. I can also label my rooms and create no-go zones. Unfortunately, you can’t customize a no-go zone. For instance, I would like to create a no-go mopping zone for a specific area of my house, but the app doesn’t allow that.

The app is where you can see the battery life and instruct the robot to return to the dock, pause, or set it to vacuum, mop, or vacuum and mop at the same time. I can choose to have the Shark robot clean the entire house, one room, or to spot clean in a certain area. Unfortunately, with the spot clean feature, I can’t adjust the spot cleaning box to be smaller or larger. It seems to be a set size that I have to move on the map to the area I want cleaned.

Not only can I schedule the robot to clean and look at the cleaning history, but there is a support section that answers all of my questions related to the use and care of the robot vacuum. I also like the little notifications found on the main page as they can be helpful in knowing if there was an issue while cleaning or if the robot used some particular function to improve the cleaning experience.

This app would benefit with a few additions, such as the ability to adjust the water flow and vacuum suction power. As it is, the vacuum adjusts the suction and mopping functions based on its ability to detect dirt on the ground. While this is impressive, it would be nice to have some more control in some situations.

• App score: 4 out of 5

Shark PowerDetect Robot Vacuum and Mop specs Should you buy the Shark PowerDetect Robot Vacuum and Mop? Buy it if…

You like to keep your house clean between deep cleanings

This robot vacuum is the ideal partner in keeping your house clean on a daily basis, whether it’s picking up dirt brought in from the kids or sucking up a spill in the kitchen. You may need other tools for a deeper clean, but it can handle the daily dirt and wear in a home.

You prefer a hands-free vacuum and mopping experience

This robot’s charging station pulls the dirt and debris from the vacuum, inserts the water into the vacuum, and even cleans the mop pad. You’ll do very little maintenance and cleaning of this vacuum.

You want a robot that won’t bump into your furniture

Some robot vacuums knock things down, run into walls, or get stuck on furniture. This Shark does a great job avoiding obstacles and preventing any mishaps as it cleans.

Don't buy it if…

Your home has a lot of carpets

While this Shark robot does a decent job with large rugs, it’s not the best choice for someone with a lot of carpets, as it doesn’t have the suction capability to clean deep pile carpets.

You have historic hardwood floors

As someone who has historic hardwood floors, I was cautious in using this robot on them as it tends to leave behind far more water than I would like.

You like a lot of customization options in an app

Unfortunately, there aren’t as many customizable features in the app as you might expect. For instance, you can’t adjust the spot cleaning size or create no-go zones in your house for vacuuming or mopping specifically. Water flow and suction power can’t be adjusted either.

How I tested the Shark PowerDetect Robot Vacuum and Mop

I tested the Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop with NeverTouch Pro Base for over a week in my historic home. My house is outfitted with laminate and historic wood flooring, and some large thick rugs. To adequately rate and review the vacuuming and mopping capabilities of this robot, I ran the robot vacuum throughout my home and used various features like spot cleaning. I also conducted controlled tests where I had the robot vacuum flour and coffee from hard floors and rugs, as well as mop flour, water, and sticky materials from the laminate floor.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed September 2024

UGreen Nexode Mini 30W review

The UGreen Nexode Mini 30W is a brilliantly compact USB-C charging plug ideal for those looking for a fast phone charger.

The plug comes in two different color variants: Silver Grey (more of a dark gray color) and Blue (which has a white tint to it). Both look and feel decent quality-wise, but perhaps the best aspect of their design is their size and shape.

That’s because the UGreen Nexode Mini 30W is only 2 x 1.8 x 1.5 inches / 50 x 46 x 39 mm, making it considerably smaller than the plug you used to get with a new Samsung phone, for example. For those looking for a charger that’s super easy to carry around in a pocket, this is an excellent option – it’s also pretty lightweight, meaning it scores very well on overall portability.

The only real limitation of the UGreen Nexode Mini 30W’s design is that you’re only getting a single USB-C port. So, if you’re hoping to charge multiple devices from a single port, this won’t serve you too well. There are a number of UGreen chargers, such as the UGreen USB-C 40W, that counteract this, so check your options.

How fast is the UGreen Nexode Mini 30W at charging? Pretty fast! Thanks to its 30W power output, Android phones with Super-Fast Charging – including my personal phone, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 – can fill up very quickly. It took my phone just under 80 minutes to fully recharge when using the Nexode Mini 30W – the sort of speed I'd expect from the best Android phone chargers. If your device can handle faster charging, you’re guaranteed a very swift charge with this plug.

Although the UGreen Nexode Mini 30W is limited to one port, it’s able to charge your devices very quickly and it’s super compact, making it an excellent option if all you need is a new phone charger – especially given its very reasonable price of just $16.99 / £17.99.

(Image credit: Future) UGreen Nexode Mini 30W review: Price & specs

(Image credit: Future) Should I buy the UGreen Nexode Mini 30W? Buy it if…

You’re looking for a compact charger
The UGreen Nexode Mini 30W is considerably smaller than the charging plugs you used to get with a Samsung or Apple phone. If want a charger that will fit in your pocket, the Nexode Mini 30W is a strong option.

You only want to charge your phone
If you’re only really looking to charge your phone, you can’t go wrong with the Nexode Mini 30W. It only has one port – a USB-C variant – so make sure you have a USB-C to USB-C cable if you want to charge your iPhone, Android, or other devices.

Don't buy it if…

You need to charge multiple devices (or one big device)
So yeah, if you want to charge a tablet or laptop as well as your phone, look elsewhere. UGreen offers a number of chargers primed for juicing up multiple devices, such as the UGreen USB-C 40W, which has two USB-C ports.

You don’t want to buy a new USB-C cable
If you have an older iPhone and a USB-A cable, this won’t be the cheapest option available to you. If you’re looking to save the most money possible and don’t fancy buying a new cable, look for an alternative.

UGreen Nexode Mini 30W: Also consider

Anker Nano USB-C Wall Charger (30W)
If you want a stylish, small, equally speedy alternative, the Anker Nano USB-C Wall Charger (30W) is the perfect candidate. This charger has an attractive, textured exterior, beautiful color options and foldable prongs. It's only slightly more expensive than the UGreen Nexode Mini 30W, at $18.99 / £19.99 (about AU$30).View Deal

Asus TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition: Two-minute review

(Image credit: Future / Jeremy Laird)

Asus has gone with all-AMD hardware build for its new Asus TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition (FA617XS) gaming laptop. As an Asus TUF model, that probably makes sense. After all, TUF is Asus's more accessible gaming brand.

Despite that, the specs and hardware look good. You get AMD's excellent Phoenix APU with eight Zen 4 CPU cores, plus AMD's latest entry-level mobile GPU, the AMD Radeon RX 7600S.

Screen-wise, it's an expansive 16-inch IPS panel with 240Hz refresh and 2,560 by 1,600 pixels. It's a really punchy, crisp, and responsive display and definitely one of the highlights of this Asus lappie. Along with those headline features, there's 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD.

As for build quality, the base unit is all plastic but very sturdy with the exception of a whiff of flex just above the keyboard bed. Meanwhile the screen lid is alloy and lush to the touch. All told, it feels exactly like what it is, the slightly more affordable option from a premium brand.

The same goes for performance. For the most part, it's about on par with an RTX 4060 laptop in games. The proviso, of course, is that applies to conventional raster games. Enable ray tracing and the Nvidia GPU will have quite the edge. Nvidia graphics also offers superior scaling and frame generation technology.

It's worth noting that AMD's Smart Access Graphics tech which switches between the integrated and dedicated graphics can be slightly flakey. Still, the APU makes for fantastic battery life for web browsing and movies of well over 10 hours.

So, this is a pretty nice machine overall. But the more highly you value the gaming experience, the harder it is to ignore the obvious-for-a-reason Nvidia RTX 4060 options among our best gaming laptop options.

Asus TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition: Price and availability

(Image credit: Future)

• How much does it cost? £949.99
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the UK (other configurations available in the US and Australia)

The Asus TUF A16 FA617XS is currently only being offered in the UK for just under £950, but you can find some of the other configurations in the US and Australia for around the $1,000 range (closer to $2,000 AUD).

It's not a bad price for the overall specifications, build and performance. The only problem is that you can get similar laptops with Nvidia RTX 4060 graphics for only slightly more money, such as the Acer Predator Helios 16 and HP Victus 16. That's probably where we'd spend our cash.

Value: 4 / 5

Asus TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition: Specs

The Asus TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition FA617XS comes in just one configuration (though the TUF A16 Gaming Advantage line has four configurations to choose from).

Asus TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition: Design

(Image credit: Future / Jeremy Laird)

• Solid build
• Decent materials
• Slim bezels

Asus has gone with its signature TUF design language, which means fairly gamery without being overtly adolescent. The Asus TUF A16 FA617XS's screen lid is made from lush alloy, which is a nice touch, while the rest of the system is hewn from sturdy plastic, including a particularly tough textured bottom cover.

The keyboard is smooth and tactile with a nice solid bed. The only exception is a whiff of flex in the top cover, just above the keyboard. The trackpad is nice and big, too, with a super-slick surface - it's nice to use. Incidentally, the keyboard is limited to white backlighting. There's no programmable RGB, but that's reasonable at this price point.

(Image credit: Future / Jeremy Laird)

Asus has designed slim bezels for a 90% screen-to-body ratio. That's handy on a 16-inch laptop when it comes to maintaining portability. This isn't an excessively big or heavy system by gaming laptop standards.

Less successful is the port placement. The mix of USB4, USB-C and USB sockets, plus HDMI and LAN is fine. But they're all on the side of the chassis along with the barrel connector for the main power supply, which is located slap bang in the middle of the left side. Some ports of the rear of the chassis would be far preferable, albeit the TUF's screen hinge design precludes that.

Design: 3.5 / 5

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(Image credit: Future / Jeremy Laird)Image 2 of 2

(Image credit: Future / Jeremy Laird) Asus TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition: Performance

(Image credit: Future / Jeremy Laird)

• Decent all-round performance
• Great screen
• An RTX 4060 would still be preferable

Let's deal with the obvious question right away. How does the AMD Radeon RX 7600S GPU stack up? It's basically a slightly cut down version of the desktop 7600 and it typically performs just below an Nvidia RTX 4060 mobile GPU in most games, though on occasion it can be a bit quicker.

The catch is that if you enable ray tracing in any game, such as Cyberpunk 2077 as an obvious example, the frame rates really do go south and much more so than with an RTX 4060.

Asus TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition: Benchmarks

Here's how the Asus TUF A16 FA617XS performed in our suite of benchmark tests:

3DMark: Night Raid: 56,533; Fire Strike: 22,648; Time Spy: 9,354; GeekBench 6: 2686 (single-core); 12281 (multi-core)
Total War: Warhammer III (1080p, Ultra): 64 fps; (1080p, Low): 144 fps
Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p, Ultra): 53 fps; (1080p, Ultra RT): 11; (1080p, Low): 78 fps
Dirt 5 (1080p, Ultra): 75 fps; (1080p, Low): 150 fps
TechRadar Movie Battery Life: 11h:03m

The Nvidia GPU also offers superior resolution scaling, plus better frame generation. So, for gaming, it's clear enough that a laptop with the RTX 4060 would be preferable. That said, the Asus TUF A16 FA617XS will handle pretty much any game at 1080p max settings (bar ray tracing) at a reasonable lick. For demanding titles, you're looking at about 60fps.

Of course, this laptop has a lovely 2,560 by 1,600 screen, and at that resolution you'll see the frame rates drop into the high 30s. You can, of course, use AMD's FSR scaling to improve that at a slight cost in terms of image quality. Arguably, that high-res screen is a bit more than the AMD GPU truly cope with. But it is a really gorgeous thing, super sharp thanks to all those pixels, fast in terms of both response and refresh, accurate and pretty bright. It's a clear cut above you're average budget gaming laptop screen, that's for sure.

Elsewhere, the AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS is all the CPU you're ever going to need, with eight powerful AMD Zen 4 cores and plenty of clockspeed with up to 5.2GHz boost speed. There's a quick 1TB SSD, too (though with SSD prices now so low, a 2TB drive would be nice), and 16GB of fast DDR5 RAM. Gaming aside, this thing has all the performance you could reasonably ask for.

Performance: 3.5 / 5

Asus TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition: Battery life

(Image credit: Future / Jeremy Laird)

• Super-efficient AMD APU
• Excellent battery life for a gaming laptop

Battery life obviously isn't normally a strong point for most gaming laptops. But this is where the Asus TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition (FA617XS)'s all-AMD technology really pays off. Thanks to the AMD APU's integrated graphics and Smart Access Graphics GPU-switching tech, which allows the TUF to automatically swap between the integrated GPU and the dedicated Radeon RX 7600S chip, this laptop is capable of well over 10 hours of light use and media consumption away from the mains. That's very impressive.

Battery life: 4.5 / 5

Should I buy the Asus TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition? Buy it if...

You want decent battery life

This Asus's all-AMD hardware makes for great battery life of well over 10 hours, much better than your average gaming laptop.

You appreciate a decent screen

There's no OLED panel, no mini-LED backlight, just a really nice 1600p IPS panel running at 240Hz for a rather lovely gaming experience.

Don't buy it if...

You want the best gaming features

Laptops with Nvidia's RTX 4060 GPU have better overall features, including superior upscaling and better ray-tracing performance.

You want future-proof performance

The AMD Radeon RX 7600S GPU has reasonable performance today, but there's not much spare for future more demanding games.

Also consider

If our Asus TUF A16 FA617XS review has you thinking about other options, here are two laptops to consider...

Acer Predator Helios Neo 16

Acer's afforable 'Neo' gaming laptops are a good match for Asus's TUF models, with sensible pricing and good performance. This laptop also offers a nice display and good thermal performance - just be prepared for the fans to get noisy when you're gaming on it.

Read our full Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 review

View Deal

HP Omen 16

The new HP Omen 16 is a great choice for people looking to game on a budget. The slight snag is that it suffers from a variety of hardware and software quirks that may rub some people the wrong way.

Read our full HP Omen 16 review
View Deal

How I tested the Asus TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition

I gave the Asus TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition (FA617XS) a solid workout for a full week of gaming and general computing. It took over all duties from basic web browsing to loading up my full Steam library and watching movies.

Games-wise, I ran all my favorites from Counter-Strike 2 to Cyberpunk 2077. It was interesting to get a feel for how this AMD GPU compares to the familiar RTX 4060 from Nvidia. Mostly, it's good news, but in the end, all those extra Nvidia features are hard to argue against.

Testing battery life was interesting, too. With most gaming laptops, you can almost see the remaining charge indicator shrink in real time. But this thing just kept on trucking. Seeing it show well over 90% after the first hour of movie playback was a revelation. Clearly, this laptop lasts longer than the vast majority of gaming portables.

First reviewed December 2023

JMGO N1S Pro 4K: One minute review

The JMGO N1S Pro 4K ($1,999) is a portable projector that uses a triple laser DLP light engine and is rated for 2,400 ANSI lumens brightness. It has Google TV built-in for streaming, allowing for easy access to apps including Netflix, Disney Plus, and Prime Video. It’s pricier than some of the other best portable projectors, such as the LG CineBeam Q and BenQ X300G, but offers a good mix of performance and features.

The JMGO N1S Pro 4K’s effective auto keystone and focus features, plus 135 degree vertical and 360 degree horizontal adjustments, make it easy to set up anywhere. Its looks may be fairly standard, but it’s hard to argue against its versatility.

Picture quality on the N1S Pro 4K is pretty solid. Colors look vibrant and natural. Contrast is rich, albeit better in bright scenes, and details and textures are refined. But it’s the N1S Pro 4K’s built-in sound that pleasantly surprises, with punchy bass, clear dialogue, and good directional sound. The sound quality is perfect for casual viewing, and an HDMI eARC port also gives you the option to add one of the best soundbars.

While the N1S Pro 4K isn’t going to topple the best 4K projectors on the market, it’s still a very good projector that can cover many bases, from movies to games and more.

The JMGO N1S Pro 4K delivered strong picture quality across the board (Image credit: Future) JMGO N1S Pro 4K: Prices & release date

• Release date: 2024
• Price: $1,999

The JMGO N1S Pro 4K is the mid-range model in JMGO’s N1S range, sitting above the JMGO N1S and below the JMGO N1S Ultimate 4K. It’s available in the US for $1,999, a similar price to other portable projectors such as the BenQ X300G ($1,799), but higher than the Anker Nebula Cosmos 4K SE and LG CineBeam Q, both priced at $1,299.

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(Image credit: Future)

The JMGO N1S Pro 4K has Google TV built-in

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(Image credit: Future)

JMGO N1S Pro 4K has two HDMI ports, including one with eARC

JMGO N1S Pro 4K: Design & features

• Plain, but solid and sturdy design
• Triple laser DLP light engine
• Google TV

The JMGO N1S Pro 4K is a robust, solidly built portable with a hinged design that lets you aim it towards an adjacent wall or the ceiling. Its plain, matte gray appearance doesn’t have the same flair as other portable projectors such as the LG CineBeam Q, and measuring in at 8 x 9.3 x 9.5 inches (H x W x D), it isn’t as portable. But it’s still easy enough to tote around, with a styrofoam carry case provided. There is no battery power option for the N1S Pro 4K, which needs to be plugged in.

The JMGO N1S Pro 4K uses a triple laser DLP light engine and has a brightness rating of 2,400 ANSI Lumens. It fits screens ranging from 85-180 inches and has auto focus and auto keystone correction, which I found to be fairly effective. Moving the JMGO back and forth, it was able to easily correct itself on the 80-inch screen I used during testing. Manual keystone correction is also available.

The N1S Pro uses Google TV as its smart platform, providing access to Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus and more streaming apps. There are two HDMI ports, including one with eARC to connect a soundbar, a USB-A port and a 3.5mm headphone output. Bluetooth and Chromecast are also supported for wireless streaming from a phone or tablet.

Support is provided for the HDR10 high dynamic range format, but not Dolby Vision like the Anker Nebula Cosmos 4K. Standard Dolby and DTS soundtracks can be played through its 20W speakers, but Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are not supported.

• Design & features score: 4/5

The JMGO N1S Pro 4K's picture is at its best with bright and colorful images (Image credit: Future) JMGO N1S Pro 4K: Picture & sound quality

• Natural looking color
• Middling black levels and contrast
• Solid built-in audio

For testing, I used an Optoma 80-inch, 1.0 gain matte white projection screen. Before doing any critical viewing, I made brightness measurements using a 10% HDR white window pattern. The N1S Pro 4K yielded 178 and 161 nits in Standard and Movie mode, respectively, with brightness set to maximum. This is a very good result that puts it above the likes of ultra short throw projectors such as the BenQ v5000i, which achieved 125 nits in Bright mode, and also above the LG CineBeam Q, which measured 60 nits in Filmmaker Mode.

Measuring the N1S Pro 4K’s UHDA-P3 and BT.2020 color gamut coverage in Movie mode, it achieved results of 99.1% and 97.4%, respectively. The latter falls short of the 110% claimed by JMGO, but is still an excellent result that beats the likes of the more premium Samsung Premiere 9 ultra short throw projector.

I next watched some reference 4K Blu-rays and streaming clips that I regularly use to analyze the best TVs. The N1S Pro 4K displayed natural, yet dynamic color throughout my testing. In the throne room fight from Star Wars: The Last Jedi, a scene filled with strong reds, the N1S Pro 4K did a great job displaying the vibrant color and also delivered a surprising level of punch in HDR highlights. Watching the opening scene of La La Land, the colors on show all looked bold without being oversaturated, and Mia’s yellow dress in the ‘A Lovely Night’ scene looked vivid against the dark blue and black background.

Details were accurate and refined with the N1S Pro 4K, primarily in brighter scenes. Textures had a more lifelike quality than I anticipated, with close-up shots of pilots in Top Gun: Maverick revealing facial hair and skin pores.

Darker scenes sometimes suffered from black crush with the The JMGO N1S Pro 4K (Image credit: Future)

Black levels and contrast were a mixed bag. Viewing The Batman, a visually challenging movie with limited brightness and a gloomy overall look, the N1S Pro 4K displayed good shadow detail and contrast in the few ‘well-lit’ scenes such as an aerial shot of Gotham. The balance between light and dark tones was also fairly accurate in the movie’s opening crime scene.

However, blacks looked more of a dark gray in The Batman’s more dimly lit sequences, even when viewed in a darkened room. Despite solid contrast, black crush in the opening crime scene resulted in a loss of detail, with darker shadows taking on a flat appearance.

The N1S Pro 4K also struggled with motion. Sports benefitted from the projector’s MEMC setting being turned on, but there was still some blur present. Movies looked better, but I did see some judder in the long panning shots in Top Gun: Maverick.

The projector’s built-in speakers were a pleasant surprise, delivering punchy bass and clear dialogue regardless of what I watched. In The Batman, the rumbling of car engines in the Batmobile chase scene sounded weighty and some surround effects such as crashes and tires could also be heard. Even in La La Land, musical numbers sounded well-balanced. The soundstage was unsurprisingly limited, but overall the N1S Pro 4K’s speakers were good for a portable projector.

Gaming is limited to 4K 60Hz on the JMGO, which has a measured input lag time of 35ms. While that’s significantly higher than other projectors such as the BenQ v5000i, which gave a result of 18ms, gaming was still an enjoyable experience, with Battlefield V on Xbox Series feeling smooth when I scanned the environment.

• Picture and sound quality score: 4/5

(Image credit: Future) JMGO N1S Pro 4K: Value

• Good features and performance
• Built-in Google TV
• Pricey

Priced at $1,999, the N1S Pro 4K sits at the premium end of the portable projector market. It costs $500 less than its more premium sibling, the JMGO N1S Ultra 4K, but over $700 more than both the BenQ X300G and LG CineBeam Q. It’s undoubtedly a pricey portable.

For the money, however, you’re getting a versatile, smart 4K projector. Google TV allows for easy streaming and the auto keystone and focus settings make setup a breeze. When you combine that with its impressive overall performance, the JMGO N1S Pro 4K comes across as fairly priced.

• Value score: 4/5

The JMGO N1S Pro 4K comes in a styrofoam carry case. Although portable, it is on the weightier side (Image credit: Future) Should I buy the JMGO N1S Pro 4K? Buy it if...

You want a great picture
The N1S Pro 4K's picture has bold color and rich detail, especially with HDR sources. View Deal

You want solid built-in sound
The N1S Pro 4K's speakers won't beat a soundbar, but they provide enough clarity and bass heft to please casual viewers. View Deal

You want versatility
The N1S Pro 4K can be set up in a range of positions that make it good for not only watching movies but other uses as well.View Deal

Don't buy it if...

You want the best possible picture
The N1S Pro 4K's black levels and contrast can be inconsistent and sometimes result in detail loss.View Deal

You're on a budget
The N1S Pro 4K offers a lot for the money, but there's no getting around its high price tag. View Deal

You watch a lot of sports
Motion can be a challenge for the N1S Pro 4K, with some judder and blur still present even after tweaking motion settings. View Deal

Also consider

BenQ X300G
The BenQ X300G is a better 4K projector for gaming than the N1S Pro 4K and delivers similar brightness and solid picture quality, though the N1S Pro 4K has better built-in sound. They cost roughly the same, but the X300G takes the win by being priced at $200 less.

Read our BenQ X300G reviewView Deal

LG CineBeam Q 4K Projector
The CineBeam Q offers better style, portability and value than the N1S Pro 4K, but doesn't have the same brightness or screen size options.

Read our full LG CineBeam Q reviewView Deal

Anker Nebula Cosmos 4K projector
The closest rival to the N1S Pro 4K, the Nebula Cosmos 4K offers similar smart features, brightness and performance. However, the Nebula Cosmos demonstrated some odd processing quirks, especially with HDR pictures, when we tested it. It is cheaper than the N1S Pro 4K if you're looking to save money.

Read our full Anker Nebula Cosmos 4K reviewView Deal

(Image credit: Future) How I tested the JMGO N1S Pro 4K

• Mostly tested in dim or pitch black conditions
• Tested using HDR and SDR sources
• Portrait Displays' Calman color calibration software used for measurements

I tested the JMGO N1S Pro 4K using an Optoma 80-inch, 1.0 gain matte white screen. I first did casual viewing to establish its most accurate picture mode – in this case Movie mode – before moving on to critical testing.

I used both standard-definition and high-definition content, as well as 4K streaming and Blu-rays to test the N1S Pro 4K's picture quality, focusing on brightness, color, black levels, contrast, motion, upscaling and detail. For 4K Blu-rays, I used the Panasonic DP-UB820 4K Blu-ray player.

I also tested the N1S Pro 4K's gaming capabilities using an Xbox Series X.

For objective testing I made measurements using a test pattern generator and colorimeter, recording the results with Portrait Displays' Calman color calibration software. I also measured the N1S Pro 4K's input lag using a Leo Bodnar 4K HDMI input lag tester.

For a more detailed explanation of how we test TVs at TechRadar, check out the link.

• First reviewed: October, 2024
• Read TechRadar's review guarantee

Most of the backup software we review are paid products – at best, they offer a free version with fewer features – but that’s not the case with UrBackup.

UrBackup is free backup software, open-source and with a client/server backup system, that works in the background while your PC is motoring through other tasks, so you won’t even notice it.

It has a very minimal footprint on your PC because much of the management is handled by a web interface, and it works on a host of alternative platforms too.

We've also highlighted the best disk cloning software right now.

Urbackup: Plans and pricing

Urbackup is open source, meaning that it’s functionally free as long as you adhere to its terms and conditions in both personal and commercial settings, so it could be a viable option if you want basic small business backup without having to pay.

It’s not just for Windows, either. The client application works on MacOS and a variety of Linux systems, and on the server side, it supports Windows, Debian, Ubuntu, RedHat, several other Linux versions and systems like FreeNAS, QNAP NAS and other NAS systems.

(Image credit: Urbackup) Features

UrBackup uses image and file backups to deliver fast, unintrusive, complete file preservation in the background while your system runs. It also keeps a continuous watch on folders and systems to ensure faster incremental backups, so you don’t have to make a fresh start each time you want to preserve files or folders.

File backup, management, and restoration are possible through the web interface, and backups can be configured, started, restored and logged using the small client installed on your home system.

Because this app largely uses a web interface, it’s mostly designed for web and NAS-based backups rather than local backups.

Restoration is also possible if you download a version of UrBackup that can be used to create a bootable USB stick – handy if you need to restore a system that has encountered technical difficulties and so won’t boot.

Backups can be made to the standard Microsoft VHD format or as a file-by-file replication, and the same files on different computers are only saved once – a handy move to preserve space.

The app’s logging and reporting options are extensive, and you can send backups anywhere, from local destinations and external hard disks to network and NAS-connected locations.

It’s certainly ideal if you want a simple and lightweight app to send backups to network and NAS locations, and UrBackup’s open-source status is a boon for people on a budget or those who want to use Linux distributions.

Delve into the options in the web interface and plenty of customisation is available. You can restrict the maximum number of backups and how much bandwidth is used, tweak permissions, back up mail servers, view extensive logs and monitor the status of your various backup locations.

This free app is missing many features compared to commercial backup apps, though. You’ll find more encryption and scheduling options elsewhere and a more comprehensive range of cloud options on many other tools. Many other backup apps also have additional modules for verifying backups, cleaning up and wiping files and other sundry computing tasks.

(Image credit: Urbackup) Interface and use

UrBackup is a free and focused app with a narrow remit, which is fine if you just need core backup functionality without an intrusive app.

It’s pretty quick to get started, too. Download the Server app, configure the network location where your backup will be stored, specify what you want to back up and let the app work.

Anyone who uses this tool, though, does need to have plenty of computing experience to get the most out of it. The tiny downloadable client is easily navigable for experienced users, but it makes nothing easy for beginners and is quite basic.

The web interface is similarly complicated, but it is packed with options – dozens, if not hundreds, that allow you to tweak virtually every aspect of your backup regime.

As before, though, you’ll need to be a pretty experienced PC or Linux user to get the most out of this app, even if there’s loads of potential here for creating unintrusive and personalised backup schedules and regimes.

UrBackup is certainly not the only app out there with this level of customization, and if you opt for systems from Macrium or EaseUS, or enterprise systems from Veeam or Acronis, you’ll find those options crammed into a far more accessible and understandable interface.

And because UrBackup is primarily an online tool, its performance will largely depend on your internet connection.

It took just over ten minutes to preserve our document and Excel folders and nearly twenty to handle our media and mixed file folders. Those are results that put it into the mid-table in our latest selection of backup tools, which is undoubtedly a decent result for a free piece of software.

Support

(Image credit: UrBackup)

You won’t get the support system here that you will with commercial apps that have dedicated teams.

The best option for support with UrBackup is to head to the forums – UrBackup has an active and helpful community that can help with most issues. It’s also worth checking out the developer blog to see if extra features or fixes are coming in future updates to the app.

Elsewhere, there’s an issue tracker, FAQ, online manuals, and server support, but that’s all.

Competition

Any of the big commercial options will outmatch UrBackup in te, so we’d advise you to look to faster tools from big names like Acronis Cyber Protect, EaseUS Todo Backup, and Macrium if you need any level of backup.

If you want a free product, then Uranium, FBackup, Hasleo and Cobian tools do the job without asking you to spend a penny. And if you don’t like those, even more free versions are available elsewhere.

Be aware, though, that many of those free versions – while more accessible and competent – include adverts that try to upsell you to paid products. You won’t find that in UrBackup.

Verdict

This free, open-source app is a very niche and particular bit of software – an ideal backup option for anyone experienced with networks, interfaces and navigating tricky apps or anyone who wants to support open-source software or backup on Linux.

Beyond that, though, it’s tricky to recommend this tool unless you really know what you’re doing and have security measures incorporated into your systems elsewhere. Other apps are easier to use, faster, or have more support options. There’s also no encryption built-in to UrBackup, which is a huge risk to any home or business user.

UrBackup is an admirably open-source option that will sate some people who want a low-key, low-resource “send and forget” backup tool, but it’s hard to recommend for most people beyond those technically-minded few who will be comfortable with this kind of software.

Uranium Backup is a broad and effective backup software solution for small businesses, and it combines well with another product called Supremo Console to offer backup and management for larger enterprises – and there’s even a free version, too.

On paper, then, Uranium Backup tries to be all things to all people – even to those who don’t want to pay for their backup products. But can it compete with similarly versatile rivals, like EaseUS Todo Backup or Acronis Cyber Protect?

We've also highlighted the best disk cloning software right now.

Uranium Backup: Plans and pricing

The first Uranium tier after the free version is the Base product, which adds features like drive image and FTP support alongside backup synchronization.

Nanosystems, the company behind Uranium, is based in Italy and only offers pricing in Euros, so we’ve converted here.

The Base version of Uranium costs €80, which converts to $90, and that’s for a lifetime licence – the same price as EaseUS ToDo Backup Home.

(Image credit: Nanosystems)

The Pro version is available in a few variations depending on what you need: there are specific options for tape backup, SQL and Exchange support and Shadow Copy (VSS) support. It’s €150 or $168 for a lifetime licence.

The Pro Virtual edition costs €229 or $256 and adds all of the aforementioned features alongside Hyper-V and VMWare support.

If you need all that functionality alongside the ability to manage and monitor endpoints from a single interface, there’s a Professional product that costs €216 or $241 – and that one is also available on a subscription for €18 or $20 per month.

At the top of the tree is Uranium Backup Gold, which includes every possible feature for €290 or $324. If you want more management options for backup across a business, then Supremo Console is a web management interface that’s available on a monthly subscription with pricing that varies based on how many devices you need to monitor.

There’s lots going on with the different options, but the pricing is reasonable. At the lower end, Uranium’s costs tally well with rival products from companies like EaseUS, and at the top end Uranium is more affordable than many enterprise options from rivals such as Acronis.

Features

The free version of Uranium is relatively basic, but it’s fine if you want to preserve files and folders.

Using the free product you can back up to local or network destinations. You can specify how many copies you want to keep – handy if you don’t want your backups to overwhelm your disk space – and you get basic scheduling options, too.

There are plenty of options for tweaking your backups, too, if you want to tweak exactly what files and folders are in your backups.

It’s an entry-level array of features for a free product, and it’s well-suited to sole traders who need to preserve files and folders – but the lack of encryption and synchronization in the free version means that the Base product is more suitable for any kind of professional backup, even in the smallest organizations.

Step up to the Base product, and you do get synchronization and 256-bit encryption alongside password protection and loads of extra features, like the option to backup Exchange mailboxes.

You can run Uranium as a Windows service, employ differential or incremental backups, send files to FTP destinations and use Backup Drive Images and cloud backups, with loads of different cloud services supported.

Step up to one of the Pro products and you add Backup to Tape functionality alongside the SQL and Shadow Copy options if you’ve picked that product, and at the top level there’s Hyper-V and VMWare support. And then the Gold version gets everything – you don’t have to pick a Pro product that suits you.

It’s a good range of features, although having a web console locked away behind the Supremo Console product is a bit restrictive. If you want an enterprise-level offering like that, backup options from companies like Veeam and Acronis include web consoles as part of the offering.

(Image credit: Nanosystems) Interface & Use

Uranium’s interface is straightforward, if a bit busy. Open the app, and you’re greeted with a list of your existing backup sets on the left-hand side, and in the main window, there’s a list of common tasks, like starting a new backup to a litany of potential destinations or configuring a new destination.

It can look a bit confusing at first, but the interface is saved by a row of larger icons at the top of the window. These open wizards for common tasks like creating a new backup or restoring an existing backup, and one of them allows you to run a pre-configured backup. These buttons are large and well-labelled, and they’re the easiest way to get to your backup jobs quickly.

Handily, one of the large buttons at the top of the window opens the options menu, and another loads Uranium’s web console if your version includes that module.

We tested our latest slate of backup apps with a 42GB document folder, a 2.5GB spreadsheet folder, a 162GB folder of media and an 82GB file that mixes all of those file types. We backed them up to three different SSDs to weed out any inconsistency.

Uranium’s best results came when working with documents and our folder of media files. When working with both tests, it returned averages just above fourteen minutes – times that just crept into the top half of our results tables.

That’s a reasonable pace, but lots of other apps were much faster. Acronis, Macrium, and EaseUS were notable speedsters when backing up files and folders, and were several times faster than Uranium in those tests. It’s no disaster, though – other apps, like those from Cobian, Genie and Retrospect, were much slower too.

When working with our spreadsheets folder, Uranium’s average of thirty-five minutes was poor – only two other apps in our slate of nearly twenty were slower. And that result cascaded into a near hour-long backup average when working with our folder of mixed files. That, again, is one of the slowest results in our tests.

It’s a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to speed. If you need to preserve documents or media files, then Uranium is reasonable, but it struggled with more complex tasks.

Support

(Image credit: Nanosystems)

Uranium has the usual offering of a knowledge base, video tutorials and manuals online, but technical support is restricted to a web form with no indication of how long you’ll have to wait for a response.

Some rivals offer phone support and there’s no sign of a forum on Uranium’s website, either, so it’s quite a barebone offering. If you’re protecting mission-critical data and may need fast support, this may not quite cut it.

Competition

Indeed, you’ll get more support from EaseUS, Acronis and many other products, especially if you pay for one of the higher-tier versions.

Elsewhere, Uranium competes reasonably well with rivals in terms of features, especially if you upgrade to one of the enterprise-level products, and we like the fact you can choose which version you need for your business.

The only real downside is that Uranium can’t compete on speed. As we’ve seen, it’s a reasonably sluggish and inconsistent product in this area, and many of its rivals are much faster.

Verdict

Uranium may not be the fastest, but it does compete well in other areas. It has a good range of features, including cloud support and lots of versatility when it comes to backup sources and destinations. It also has flexible options for buying products and subscriptions.

Value is important with Uranium, too, and it either competes with its rivals or undercuts them, with the differences becoming more stark as you scale up through the products.

As a good value business and enterprise option, then, there’s plenty to like about Uranium, but look elsewhere if you need speed or extensive support.

ESR Qi2 3-in-1 Travel Wireless Charging Set review

I was a big fan of the ESR Qi2 3-in-1 Travel Wireless Charging Set from the first charge. This isn’t a cheap travel set, with a list price of $99.99 / £89.99 / AU$149.99 making it a costly travel companion. However, I would wager that you’d be happy to use this as your everyday charging device, rather than confining it to outings only. I certainly was. Its reliable design and fast iPhone charging make it one of the best iPhone chargers and best wireless chargers, and it'd certainly make a good companion for the best iPhones, too.

While the Mous MagSafe Compatible 3-in-1 Portable Charger may have it beat when it comes to being lightweight and effortless to pack up and carry, this Qi2 charging set is noticeably more premium, with better quality materials and a strong hinge making it possible to continue using the phone as it charges. The MagSafe-style wireless iPhone charging pad made it easy to switch up the orientation of the iPhone while it charged too.

The main body that holds the charging pads for the iPhone and AirPods case is sturdy and well-designed. Other 3-in-1 travel chargers can prove a little flimsy, so it’s nice that the Qi2 Travel Wireless Charging Set feels robust. However – where many travel chargers incorporate the Apple Watch charging pad into the main body for convenience, ESR has opted to include it as a separate component with this set, meaning there’s an extra piece to remember.

It’s great that there’s a travel case included in the price (and you can opt to purchase it without the case for a lower price) but the extra space for the Apple Watch pad, the plug, and the padding surrounding them makes it a bit bulky to be travel-friendly, in my opinion.

I was majorly impressed with the speed at which this wireless charger was able to charge up an iPhone 13 Pro, taking just under two hours to charge it from 0 – 100%, making it the quickest charger I’ve tested so far. In addition to this, the Qi2 travel set took around two hours to charge my Apple Watch Series 9, and the rear wireless charging pad had no issues charging up my compatible wireless earbuds case.

So, while this ESR 3-in-1 charger may seem to be expensive for a travel charging set, I would say that it is worth the investment for an Apple device charger that could easily replace your everyday charger, with the added benefit of being able to fold it down and pack away for travel. The satisfyingly fast Qi2 charging is a nice bonus.

(Image credit: Future) ESR Qi2 3-in-1 Travel Wireless Charging Set review: Price & specs

(Image credit: Future) Should I buy the ESR Qi2 3-in-1 Travel Wireless Charging Set? Buy it if…

You want a premium travel charger
This ESR charger is far from a cheap and flimsy option. It feels sturdy and well made, and could easily be used as your everyday charger.

You want fast charging
I was impressed with how quickly this charger juiced up an iPhone 13 Pro, taking just under two hours for a full charge, faster than older wireless chargers I've tested.

Don't buy it if…

You want a cheap travel charger
If you’re just looking for something cheap to keep in your away bag for occasional use, then this charger’s likely going to prove too expensive for your needs.

You want something compact
This charger is on the large side for traveling light, and the separate Apple Watch pad increases the chances of losing parts.

ESR Qi2 3-in-1 Travel Wireless Charging Set review: Also consider

Mous MagSafe Compatible 3-in-1 Portable Charger
If the ESR charger sounds too big, this portable Mous charger is a great alternative. It's an a 3-in-1 charger with a footprint of barely more than a credit card, and it weighs just 3oz / 87g.View Deal

Review info

Platform reviewed: PlayStation 5
Available on: PS5 and PC
Release date: October 8, 2024 

It’s been years since I first played the horror game Silent Hill 2, and yet, in my restless dreams, I see that town. The liminal streets, chunky grotesque monsters, and cursed bric-a-brac have all taken up residency in my head, and with so much history, I’ll be the first to admit I was skeptical at the thought of a remake. 

For those unfamiliar with the beloved original, Silent Hill 2 centers around a grieving James Sunderland who receives a letter from his deceased wife, Mary, beckoning him to the eponymous Silent Hill. Bewildered at the letter, James heads into the town, looking for any signs of his spouse. A small cast of tormented souls ferry James through his journey, and through a series of cryptic conversations and a smattering of environmental clues, the truth of the town and James’ past slowly comes into focus.

My time with developer Bloober Team’s Silent Hill 2 remake began with James wandering towards the local graveyard, and I was immediately struck by how stark but strangely alluring the world felt. In the way New York is a character in Friends, so is the fog in Silent Hill 2, and I was relieved to see how disorienting it still was to navigate its streets, apartment buildings, and prison complexes. 

While there isn’t quite as much Comic Sans font used here as in the original, the unmistakable ambiance is much the same, permeating through the dilapidated buildings and the eerie soundscape. As James, you’ll explore the town, one area at a time, finding maps, solving think-y puzzles, and defending yourself against grotesque creatures with household items and firearms as you inch closer to finding your wife. 

Soured flesh

(Image credit: Team Bloober/Konami)

Fleshy and wet, the vaguely human-shaped intruders wield freaky movement and body horror aesthetics to significant effect, and this combination frequently caught me off guard. Notably, the way the mannequins lurk dormant under tables and behind doors just out of view was a source of constant terror (and delight). Despite the small pool of enemy variants throughout the game, their reactive scuttering and slithering garnered more than a few screams throughout. 

This sense of appropriate discomfort extends throughout the game, with the Brookhaven Hospital (and its nightmare mirror realm) being a particular stand out, managing to blend the sterility of medical spaces with the moldy stagnation of abandoned buildings. It’s clear that care has been taken to fine-tune the details throughout, with so many unsightly stains and muck coating the otherworld. 

One major deviation from the original game is the shift from a fixed perspective to an over-the-shoulder one, akin to Capcom’s Resident Evil remakes. Unfortunately, this active camera approach dulls the anxiety and claustrophobia that come naturally with the old CCTV-esque viewpoint. It’s safe to say that James Sunderland is not Leon Kennedy, nor is he supposed to be, and as a result, this change doesn’t quite meld with the more plot-centric storytelling that makes Silent Hill 2 so engaging. Eventually, I became steeled to the fight and started entering rooms with the rugged bravado of an action hero, which meant I wasn’t feeling so immersed in James’ fragile, vulnerable characterization.

It’s not all blood and guts, though, as an array of puzzles constantly interrupt your search and the creature encounters it brings. Ranging from bite-sized to full-on head-scratchers, the problems carefully walk the line between frustrating and rewarding. The Brookhaven Hospital section featured one of my favorites. It involved embodying a morbid Sherlock Holmes, investigating patients, and solving riddles related to their tragic end for the prize of a medical wristband, whose numbers had to be aligned carefully to access the next area. For those who've played the original game, the puzzles are primarily faithful but have been updated and tweaked slightly, so you shouldn’t be able to barrel through.

Messing with The Order

(Image credit: Team Bloober/Konami)

Storytelling changes from the original don’t feel quite as successful or necessary for a remake, though, and ultimately harm the pacing and subtlety of Silent Hill 2’s complex psychological themes. The addition of new areas, scenes, and extended boss fights are hit and miss throughout, with some augmenting the ambience and others detracting from the delicate subtext surrounding James’ desperate search for Mary. This is felt most in the Abstract Daddy encounter that centres around the character Angela’s traumatic backstory. In the original, it all takes place in one claustrophobic room, whereas in the remake, it manifests as a much longer, multi-stage chase-based boss fight, which dulled the circumstances surrounding the battle.

Elsewhere, I can’t help but feel that the remake loses something by stripping out the ability to interact with random clutter in the environment to read James’ contextual reactions. You can pick up and study all the most important artefacts you come across, but you can’t prompt James to respond to his surroundings often, a process that brought extra worldbuilding and nuance to the original game. It’s not entirely gone, as the voice actor sometimes steps in with a natural reaction, but it’s few and far between and makes Silent Hill 2 feel empty and lonely in a different, less effective way than its 2001 counterpart.

One aspect I found extra puzzling was the introduction of ‘glimpses of the past’, where the player can encounter homages to scenes and puzzles that haven’t been brought forward for the remake. It’s a playful touch for series veterans, but it creates a confusing situation for newcomers, who can’t easily access the original game on a modern system and may not understand what is being referenced.

Best bit

(Image credit: Bloober Team/Konami)

No matter how many times I had wandered around the dilapidated hallways of the Brookhaven Hospital or in the open-air streets outside, I found myself running in circles, often returning to the map to try to remember where I had and hadn’t been. Despite no changes to my trajectory, it was easy to feel disoriented by the hazy ambience permeating the entire town of Silent Hill. If you are curious to see how many times you did recheck the map, the end credits come with a statistical round-up where you can check your tally (mine was very high).

Bloober Team’s remake is a fun and interesting reinterpretation for those who have played the original. Still, it’s hard to recommend this version of Silent Hill 2 to players who might want to experience the James Sunderland story at its definitive best. All the modern trappings do well to enhance the experience visually, but other decisions alter the spirit of the original game, and not always for the better.

Regardless, an area where the remake shines is in its vocal performances, and Luke Roberts carefully embodies the very difficult role of James Sunderland - particularly in cutscenes, where the quivering, motion-capped physicality and considered delivery of iconic lines brought new nuance to the character. I was always thrilled to hear Akira Yamaoka’s reimagined soundtrack too, with masterful iterative takes on legendary tracks like Null Moon exacerbating the already-unnerving atmosphere, often just when it needed a shot in the arm.

(Image credit: Bloober Team/Konami) Accessibility

Silent Hill 2 has a variety of settings to tweak combat and puzzle difficulty. For combat, you can shift between difficulties freely as you play; however, for puzzles, your difficulty choice must be set before taking on the playthrough. There are multiple interface presets, too, which tweak aspects like tutorial prompts and ammo display while playing. Where combat is concerned, you can customize crosshair visibility, thickness, color, and opacity. You can also toggle on and off Low health and splatter vignettes to suit your preference. In the Controls menu, there’s an option to switch on aim assist, with the choice of how strong you’d like the magnetism to be.  

If you’re looking for alternate visual cues for items, you can also choose between options for visibility and size. This system is the same for traversal cues that make intractable obstacles more clear. Silent Hill 2 also features three color-blind modes (deuteranope, protanope, tritanope) and a color-blind mode severity slider, in addition to a high-contrast setting that highlights characters, items, and non-player characters (NPCs) in bright colors. You can select the color they appear in alongside this switch in the Display and Graphics submenu. 

Regarding audio, there are sliders to tweak Music, Effects, and Voiceover. Plus, for those who prefer a visual cue, the Radio State Indicator creates a pop-up on the screen that shows when the radio emits sound. Additionally, there’s a great selection of subtitle settings, like the ability to toggle nonverbal captions, as well as a variety of sizes, backgrounds, and fonts. In the same menu, you also can alter the transcription text, too. These options are all available through individual submenus like Gameplay and Audio. However, there is a submenu that collects specific Accessibility settings and lists them for easy access in the broader Settings menu. 

Should I play Silent Hill 2 remake?

(Image credit: Team Bloober/Konami) Play it if...

You want to explore the town of Silent Hill in high-definition
While there have been subtle changes, the locations in Silent Hill 2 are faithfully recreated, and they look incredibly upsetting and eerie in this form. While there are some changes to the source material, the updates are, for the most part, tastefully done and still feel just as atmospheric.  

You're a glutton for punishment…
James Sunderland is a tortured soul. As such, you’ll be tormented with vague puzzles, anxiety-inducing chases, and, naturally, a lot of challenging themes. As you wade into James’ psyche, even more darkness can be found, like a puzzle wrapped in a melancholic enigma.  

Don't play it if...

You’re squeamish
Bloody grotesque monsters and intense imagery are part and parcel with Silent Hill 2, and the use of Unreal Engine 5 only juices up the already upsetting style. Undulating monstrosities twist into tormented shapes in front of you, and it takes some heavy bludgeoning or choice bullet wounds to take them out.  

You haven’t played the original and want the full Silent Hill 2 experience…
While much of Silent Hill 2 looks great, the original 2001 edition is still the definitive version, and, courtesy of the Enhanced Edition add-on still feels like the best way to play the story.  

How I reviewed Silent Hill 2 remake

I played through Silent Hill 2 on PlayStation 5 and finished it three times over approximately 25 hours, achieving five unique endings. Throughout these playthroughs, I chose the moderate difficulty for puzzles and switched between the combat difficulty from basic to advanced between playthroughs. For my screen, I used an AOC CQ27G2 27-inch QHD VA 144Hz gaming monitor, and for audio, I used my external Creative Pebble V2 computer speakers. 

I played Silent Hill 2 in performance and quality modes, jumping between 60 frames per second (fps) and 30fps. Overall, I preferred playing in performance mode, despite the quality mode (predictably) looking much nicer, as the improved fluidity aided in this more combat-focused remake. 

First reviewed October 2024

NymVPN is a distributed privacy solution that seeks to address the trust limitations of traditional VPNs. By leveraging blockchain technology, Nym aims to decentralize control over privacy, shifting it away from VPN providers and into the hands of individual users.

This new model does away with the need to trust any of the VPN server providers in your network – and the innovative approach to privacy uses a Mixnet, which routes traffic through distributed nodes to obfuscate its origin.

While NymVPN promises cutting-edge privacy, it's still in beta (though this also means that it's free). Compared to our best VPNs, however, it's missing several core features. To see whether it's worth checking out, I'll take a look at NymVPN in more detail, evaluating its speed, feature set, privacy options, and how it measures up in the current VPN landscape.

Features

This is a weird one. There's plenty to talk about if you're interested in how NymVPN works, but as the client is still in beta it's pretty bare-bones.

There isn’t even a kill switch built into the app. Both a kill-switch and split tunneling are reportedly "on the way" but, in the meantime, you're left with a VPN that's little more than a connect button and a list of countries to choose from.

So, what does NymVPN promise? Unparalleled anonymity, eventually. The whole VPN is based on the concept of a "Mixnet".

Instead of a normal VPN, which routes your traffic through a single VPN server, NymVPN uses a distributed set of "nodes" that all route your traffic back and forth. If you're thinking that this sounds pretty similar to Tor, you'd be correct. The difference is that NymVPN bakes all of this functionality into a crypto-currency ecosystem that allows node operators to be rewarded for providing high-quality networking to the Mixnet. Bandwidth isn't free, after all.

NymVPN promises the ability to distribute its own Nym token to node operators based on how well they provide quality of service (less dropped packets, more traffic mixed, you get the idea). They call this "proof of mixing", which guarantees an objective, crypto-backed way to see which nodes are serving your traffic in an anonymous way.

The actual NymVPN blockchain also promises to integrate with current blockchains while scrubbing the metadata that many of these protocols leak – reducing the overall privacy of blockchain transactions.

There aren't a lot of extras in NymVPN's roadmap. It's focused solely on improving privacy and expanding the existing blockchain to integrate with other products, so even when NymVPN finally reaches release, if you're looking for a VPN that's part of an integrated security suite, then this one probably isn't for you.

Features score: 5/10

Server network

Most VPN providers either rent out networking servers hosted by a third party or use their own managed servers at locations they control. For example, ProtonVPN hosts one of its Secure Core network clusters in a disused military base in Iceland.

NymVPN takes a different approach, using entirely distributed servers provided by volunteers in what it calls a "Mixnet". You can actually see every server that provides either routing or endpoint services to the Mixnet through its own dedicated server explorer, but unless you're interested in how individual nodes are performing, you're probably better off sticking to the location selector inside the app itself.

Currently, there are only 29 countries to choose from across Europe and Asia. You also can't choose between specific locations in the app, although I suspect this may change with time. You can, however, choose both your entry node and your exit node to optimize your connection.

Server network score: 6/10

Apps

There are beta clients of NymVPN available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. They're all more of a "proof of concept" at the moment, so each app works more or less how you'd expect a normal VPN to work.

The actual app design is pretty pleasing. It's all minimalist greys and whites with orange highlights, which is easy on the eyes. If you prefer a less funky aesthetic, the available dark mode swaps white to black.

While there are relatively few options to choose from, they all come with helpful tooltips that explain more about the functionality, and in-depth explainers link out to the support pages if you fancy doing some heavier reading.

One issue I've got with the layout is that there's relatively little information available about your connection on the main connection page. You can't see your IP address at a glance or, more importantly, how long your current subscription is going to last.

You also need to enable the ability to choose your entry hop from the settings menu. This feels like something you'd always want to be able to change, and it's not like it clutters the connect page when you enable it.

Overall, the NymVPN clients are all functional and pleasing to look at. The biggest complaint I have is that occasionally the app fails to connect, but this is to be expected in a beta.

Apps score: 5/10

Ease of use

NymVPN is very easy to use once you get past the initial login. Much like ExpressVPN, NymVPN asks you for login credentials that are mailed to you when you sign up.

The app doesn't work until these details are entered, so it's a little confusing not being given a login page first. That said, the actual connection process is straightforward and simple. You choose between "Anonymous" or "Fast" connections, both of which are clearly explained, and then hit connect.

However, I can foresee NymVPN being harder to use in the future if you're not informed about how cryptocurrencies work. I don't know how it's going to work just from trying out the beta, but you're going to need to top up your VPN with crypto continually to keep it working once the full rollout is here.

Ease of use score: 8/10

Speed and performance

There's good and bad here. For clarity, I use a 100 Mbps line with Ookla Speedtest to get a reading on the average speeds a VPN provider offers. Anyway, reading through NymVPN's white paper, the first objection I had was: "Wouldn’t a mixnet make this VPN incredibly slow?"

The answer is: Yes. Yes it does.

It's been a long time since I've used a VPN where I felt the lag made it nigh-unusable, but NymVPN's Anonymous mode took me there.

I'm not sure whether this is going to change as the network scales upwards, but connecting to Germany gave me speeds of 0.87 Mbps. Yes, you did read that correctly. I thought this might be a fluke, so I tried out the UK servers, too. No dice. Reading into it, the "Anonymous" setting pushes my traffic through five different servers.

The "Fast" setting, on the other hand, only uses two mixnet servers, so maybe it's a little better, right? Turns out, it's a lot better. I saw an average of 59.91 Mbps download and 16.85 Mbps upload, which is more than enough to stream video. The latency isn't that bad either.

While I'm sure the Anonymous settings make NymVPN absolutely bulletproof, the browsing experience is worse than going through the Tor network, which is saying something. I really hope that NymVPN gives you the ability to choose how many mixnet servers you want to use in the full release. as it stands, there's basically no point in using anything other than the Fast setting.

Speed and performance score: 3/10

Unblocking

This isn't a self-styled streaming VPN, but NymVPN does fairly well for a product that focuses on anonymity over other VPN use cases.

To figure out how well a VPN provider unblocks streaming content, we test against Netflix across the US, UK, Japan, Canada, and Australia, as well as Disney+ and Amazon Prime. There are also some regional providers we test, such as BBC iPlayer, ITV, 9Now, and 10Play.

I could access Netflix in the US, UK, and Japan, but it wouldn't let me access any content in either Japan or Australia. Disney+ and Amazon Prime worked, as well as BBC iPlayer, but I couldn't get ITV, 9Now, or 10Play to let me in despite connecting several times and bouncing between Fast and Anonymous settings.

This isn't terribly surprising, as the service relies on a mixnet of several different node providers to route your traffic.

There's no port forwarding option, but torrenting works as long as you're not looking for the absolute best speeds from the fastest VPN. Choosing the "Anonymous" option won't make a massive amount of difference to your unblocking capabilities for streaming, either, as your endpoint node will be the same regardless.

I'd say it might be worth it using the "Anonymous" feature for torrenting, but in practice the speeds you get are so abysmally slow that it actually causes connection issues with torrent clients. Even if you can maintain a connection with a peer, it'll take days to download even a few GB – so it's really not a good idea.

Unblocking score: 4/10

Privacy and security

NymVPN is being developed as a privacy-first network, drawing inspiration from the decentralized design of the Tor network as well as distributed VPN projects like Orchid. The way NymVPN works is quite complex, so I'll break down the basics of how the network functions and what it aims to achieve.

Nym operates using a protocol similar to onion routing, where traffic travels through multiple nodes between the entry and exit points. Each node encrypts the data differently, making it difficult for an adversary to track individual packets or streams of traffic.

The key difference between NymVPN and Tor is in their threat models: NymVPN is built on the assumption that a sufficiently large adversary, such as a government, could correlate traffic across both entry and exit nodes on the network. We're talking about powerful entities with access to vast amounts of data, and potentially even the ability to control a significant portion of the network's traffic.

To combat this, NymVPN sends traffic to multiple nodes on the network, mixing several traffic streams together from different users to obfuscate where and when traffic is being sent.

NymVPN also generates fake traffic and mixes it with real data to obscure traffic patterns, making correlation attacks far more difficult. However, this comes with a significant overhead cost compared to traditional VPNs, which impacts your overall speeds more as you use more Mixnet nodes.

The technology behind NymVPN is impressive, but since it's still in beta, it's not yet fully equipped to handle all of your privacy needs

As I've already mentioned, I noticed the absence of a kill switch feature. Without a kill switch, you are vulnerable to attacks where an adversary could force you to disconnect from the NymVPN network, causing your device to fall back on an unencrypted connection.

I've also noticed DNS and IPv6 leaks while using the client, which undermines the privacy of the app. DNS is a somewhat separate challenge from encrypting internet traffic, so I have to assume that NymVPN is going to solve this one by eventually supporting DNS servers inside the Mixnet as well. Time will tell.

Privacy and security score: 5/10

Track record

NymVPN doesn't have much of a track record as a VPN provider as it's still in beta and not yet an established player in the VPN market.

However, Nym itself is an established blockchain vendor with a strong commitment to building privacy solutions. The Nym blockchain has been in development since 2018, with its public mainnet being deployed in 2021. Since then, it has partnered with Google, Brave, and Signal amongst other notable partners.

It's not just all big-name tech companies, either. Nym has gained significant support from privacy advocates and academics across the industry, including notable figures like Chelsea Manning, a well-known data privacy advocate.

That said, it's difficult to recommend NymVPN based solely on its VPN track record. If you're looking for a more experienced, commercial VPN provider with a proven history, you may want to consider other options.

Track record score: 4/10

Customer support

Don't expect to find a 24/7 support team here. Sending an email ticket through the support page is the best chance you have of getting in touch with a NymVPN developer directly, although it does have Telegram and Discord accounts where you can chat with other users.

There's plenty of literature on how Nym's blockchain works and how the design enhances your privacy, but the actual support pages are a little lacking. Admittedly, NymVPN itself is still in beta and doesn't have a lot of extra knobs to turn, but it does feel like the support section is an afterthought.

Customer support score: 2/10

Pricing and plans

NymVPN is currently in beta testing – which means it's free to use for now. The VPN will eventually adopt a fast, crypto-based payment system using the Nym blockchain. Essentially, it acts as an anonymous bridge for onboarding and offboarding cryptocurrencies.

In simple terms, you'll be able to use various cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Monero, that can be converted into Nym's proprietary token. This token is then used to pay for your VPN connection on the network.

In practice, this means there's no traditional subscription model. Instead, you fund your account with cryptocurrency and your usage is billed based on bandwidth consumption, making it quite different from other VPN providers.

I always approach crypto projects that use proprietary tokens with a healthy dose of skepticism. Paying DVPN server operators sounds great in practice, but if the token you're paying them with is worthless, then you're doomed to failure.

However, the underlying technology here appears sound. Nym has the ability to easily onboard and offboard multiple cryptocurrencies from different blockchains which means you won't be stuck with an unusable token. That said, it remains to be seen how stable the economics of this model will be in practice when NymVPN is monetized.

Pricing and plans score: 5/10

Should you use NymVPN?

Right now, NymVPN is an interesting experiment in crypto-driven anonymity. It's not a VPN I would recommend for day-to-day usage, however, as it's still missing some critical privacy features that make it useful as a secure VPN.

It's also somewhat slower than other VPNs that use WireGuard, but this is to be expected given the unique Mixnet setup.

However, it's definitely one to watch when it comes out of beta. I've seen plenty of decentralized VPNs that claim to revolutionize the market, but NymVPN looks like it has a real shot at doing so.

Time will tell whether it can make the monetization work and incentivize its node operators properly but, in the meantime, you should look to a traditional VPN provider for best-in-class privacy and security.

NymVPN alternatives

1. NordVPN – from $3.09 per month
The best VPN overall
NordVPN is a provider with over a decade of experience. It offers VPN servers in over 140 locations, along with a "Double VPN" feature, which routes your traffic through two separate servers. This makes it more difficult to correlate your VPN traffic. NordVPN also provides obfuscated servers, which wrap your VPN connection in an HTTP layer, helping to bypass VPN blocks in countries with strict censorship, such as China. On top of that, NordVPN excels at unblocking streaming content. View Deal

2. ExpressVPN – from $6.67 per month
The best VPN for beginners and the most secure
ExpressVPN offers lightning-fast speeds across the globe and has one of the best server networks of any VPN we’ve reviewed. This is due in part to its custom Lightway protocol, which delivers faster speeds compared to traditional VPNs while also reducing battery usage, particularly on mobile devices. View Deal

NymVPN FAQs What is NymVPN?

NymVPN is a decentralized privacy solution built on blockchain technology. It uses a Mixnet architecture to route traffic through multiple nodes, enhancing your anonymity compared to traditional VPNs.

How does NymVPN differ from traditional VPNs?

Unlike centralized VPNs, NymVPN routes traffic through a network of independent nodes operated by volunteers. This decentralized approach ensures that no single entity has full control of the network, providing additional privacy.

Is NymVPN free to use?

During the beta phase, NymVPN is indeed free to use. However, once the full version is released, it will adopt a pay-per-use model based on cryptocurrency transactions.

How secure is NymVPN?

NymVPN offers strong privacy protections through its Mixnet architecture but is still in beta and lacks essential features like a kill switch. DNS and IPv6 leaks were observed during testing, so it's not yet fully reliable for privacy-sensitive tasks.

The GoPro Hero is GoPro’s new entry-level action camera. At half the price of the company’s Hero 13 Black flagship, and about half the size, it’s a small, cheap and rugged mountable camera that keeps the price down by keeping things simple. Perhaps too simple.

While I genuinely appreciate how simple and easy this camera is to use, the fact that it offers little control over image quality, only three recording modes, no way to record audio except via the internal mic, and no way to swap out a battery meant that I butted up against limitations and disappointments all too frequently during my review shoots.

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Image quality isn’t terrible, but the 8-bit footage is a long way below what’s possible with the Hero 13 Black and other higher-end action cameras. The Hero also isn’t the smallest action camera around, with DJI and Insta360 offering even more compact, lightweight alternatives.

The bright spots here are the affordable price tag, reliable image stabilization and solid battery life, which make the Hero a camera that retains some appeal despite its weaknesses. If you’re looking for a cheap, simple action camera (one you could hand over to your kids, perhaps) that slots nicely into GoPro’s vast ecosystem of mounting accessories and apps, the Hero is that camera.

GoPro Hero: price and release date

• $199.99 / £199.99 / AU$349.99
• Available now

The GoPro Hero is available to buy now, priced from $199.99 / £199.99 / AU$349.99. That’s half the price of GoPro’s current flagship Hero 13 Black action camera, and quite a bit cheaper than the mini action cameras offered by competitors too: the aging DJI Action 2 costs $229 / £215 and the Insta360 Go 3 and Go 3S cost $319.99 / £319.99 and $399.99 / £349.99 respectively.

That makes the Hero one of the most affordable current action cameras around at launch, and you’ll probably only find something cheaper by buying secondhand or during sales.

• Price score: 4/5

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(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen) GoPro Hero: design and handling

• Small, lightweight and sturdy build
• Quick-release magnetic mounting system
• Waterproof to 20m without a case
• Front and rear OLED touchscreens

Like all GoPro action cameras, the Hero is rugged and waterproof. The tough plastic casing feels like it could take a beating, and is sealed against water up to a depth of 16ft / 5m. The camera lens is given extra protection in the form of a toughened, water-repelling glass cover, which can be replaced in the event it gets damaged.

It comes with GoPro's fold-out mounting fingers on the bottom, allowing it to be attached to over 35 GoPro-made (and countless third-party) accessories like selfie sticks, helmet mounts, bicycle mounts and the like. In the box you get a single curved adhesive mount, one mounting buckle and one screw.

The Hero is very small and lightweight, especially by GoPro standards. It weighs just 3oz / 86g, and makes the other ‘tiny’ GoPro model I have to hand, the 2022-released Hero 11 Black Mini, feel quite bulky and awkward in comparison. There are smaller action cameras around, however; the excellent Insta360 Go 3S springs to mind, being half the Hero’s weight and size and able to record 4K video too.

GoPro Hero key specs

Sensor: 1/2.8-inch CMOS
Video: Up to 4K/30fps, 2.7K/60fps
Photo: 12MP
Screens: 1.76-inch LCD touchscreen
Video modes: Standard, Slo-Mo
Connectivity: USB-C, Bluetooth LE 5.2, dual-band Wi-Fi
Weight: 86g

Despite its small proportions, the Hero has room for a touchscreen on the back (the 11 Black Mini had no screen at all). There’s nothing outstanding about the screen’s quality – it’s LCD rather than OLED – but it does its job well, giving you just enough space to swipe though the shooting modes, adjust settings in the menu screens and review the shots stored on the camera.

Physical controls are nice and simple, with just two large, easy-to-press rubber buttons: one to start and stop image capture, and one to power the camera on and off and for switching quickly between the shooting modes. That, really, is it. There are status lights on the front and back of the camera too, so you’ll know when it’s recording or recharging.

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Storage comes courtesy of a microSD card slot, and without one in the box you’ll have to supply your own. It’ll need to have a V30 or faster UHS-3 rating too.

Alongside the card slot is a USB-C port, which can be used for charging the battery or transferring files; GoPro supplies a short USB-C to USB-C cable in the box. Annoyingly, I wasn’t able to use this to drag and drop files from the Hero onto my Mac, just from my PC. The GoPro Quik app running on a Mac recognized that the camera was connected, but instructed me to use a card reader to import the files. Adding unnecessary steps to the process isn’t a smart design choice in my opinion, especially if they require the user to own another piece of hardware.

The battery, incidentally, is built into the camera and is non-removable. Pricier GoPro models support battery swapping, but the Hero’s streamlined approach means you’re stuck with what's in there.

• Design score: 4/5

GoPro Hero: features and performance

• 80-minute battery life
• Voice controls
• Image stabilization applied by Quik app

Battery life is solid, mind you. I set up my fully charged Hero review sample to record 4K/30p video continuously and it lasted an impressive 80 minutes. In the low-power battery-saver mode, recording at 1080/30p, it’ll record for over 2.5 hours. When recharging, the indicator light doesn’t change color or turn off to show that the battery is fully charged, so it was difficult for me to gauge how long it takes to go from empty to full – but from periodic checking of the battery levels it seems acceptably fast.

In keeping with GoPro’s bare-bones approach to the Hero, the feature set is limited. The Hero’s menu screen features only six options: voice control on/off; beeps on/off; screen saver on/off; orientation lock on/off; battery saver on/off; screen lock on/off. The voice controls work fine, allowing you to stop and start recordings, take a photo, and turn the power off by saying “GoPro…” followed by a command. It recognized my accent and responded accordingly almost every time.

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GoPro’s HyperSmooth electronic image stabilization is available, but it can't be applied in-camera, only externally via the GoPro Quik app. If you want stabilized videos you’ll need to export your videos to a mobile device or Mac computer (there’s currently no Quik app for Windows PCs; GoPro says it’s ‘coming soon’). The good news is that, once you’ve exported them, videos are automatically stabilized very effectively.

The Quik app itself is generally well designed and easy to use, although it did crash on my iPhone 13 several times while exporting large files to my photo roll, and I did bristle a little at the way it was constantly nudging me to buy a GoPro subscription.

The subscription, which costs $49.99 / £49.99 / AU$69.99 a year (or half that if you’re a new subscriber signing up for your first year) comes with some useful benefits, though: unlimited cloud storage and automatic uploading at full quality for all your photos and videos; automatically edited clip videos, ‘directed’ by AI; money off accessories purchased through the GoPro website and off your next GoPro camera; and up to two replacement cameras per year if your GoPro is lost or damaged. If you own more than one GoPro, I’d say it’s definitely worth it.

• Features and performance score: 3.5/5

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(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen) GoPro Hero: image and video quality

• 12MP stills and 4K/30p video
• 8-bit color depth and 50Mbps maximum bitrate
• Built-in microphones

When I say that GoPro has kept things simple with the Hero, I mean it. There are just three shooting modes available: Slo-Mo, Video and Photo. There’s no room for live streaming, time lapse, burst photos or any of the other modes you find on most action cameras.

And, within the modes you do get, there’s really no way to adjust the settings. The only way to change how image capture works is to flick the camera into battery-saver mode, which reduces video quality in the name of squeezing more juice out of the camera: 4K/30p video becomes 1080/30p and 2.7K/60p slow-motion video becomes 1080/60p; the 12MP still photos remain the same.

Video is captured at 8-bit quality with a maximum bitrate of 50Mbps. There are no options to shoot in a ‘flat’ log color profile for more post-production control; the Hero really is designed to keep things super-simple. As a result, the video quality is poor by GoPro’s standards, and if you’re used to the excellent colors and detail that come out of its flagship models, you’ll immediately notice that the Hero lags a long way behind.

The electronic stabilization may be impressive, but the image quality itself is dull and lifeless in 4K, and noticeably soft in 1080p. And that’s in good lighting. In low light, the quality takes a dive, with increased noise and decreased detail. I’ve edited together a short video to demonstrate the quality in daylight, so that you can see for yourselves what it’s like, and below I’ve posted a few 12MP still photos. I’ve tweaked these photos slightly with Adobe Lightroom to give them more pop, as they look flat straight from the camera.

The Hero limits video clip times. When I left it continuously recording 4K/30p until the battery died it split the resulting video into several files, each about 10 minutes long. You can edit these together to make a single video later, of course, but it does require more work.

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So overall, I found the image quality disappointing. Yes, the Hero is cheap by big-name action camera standards, but there are plenty of old models from Insta360, DJI and GoPro that you might be able to pick up at cheap prices and which offer more options and better performance.

I should also talk about audio recording, which really isn’t great. The Hero doesn’t support external microphones, even USB mics, so the only options for recording live audio for your videos is the 2-mic internal setup. It’s far from terrible in good conditions, but on a blustery day there’s nothing to reduce the interference from wind.

• Image quality score: 3/5

GoPro Hero: testing scorecard Should I buy the GoPro Hero? Buy it if...

You’re invested in the GoPro ecosystem
For those who already own GoPro cameras, use the Quik app and pay for a subscription, the Hero will slot neatly into their video creation workflow.

You want a cheap, simple camera
With few options, few controls and no add-ons, this is as basic as decent 4K action cameras come. It's also affordable though, making it great for kids or in risky situations where losing a pricier camera would hurt.

Don't buy it if...

You need crystal clear audio
With no way to hook up an external microphone, you’re stuck using the Hero’s built-in mic for all audio recording. Not ideal if you’re using the camera for vlogging.

You want butter-smooth 4K video
The Hero limits 4K video to 30fps, and requires a drop down to 2.7K quality for a slicker 60fps frame rate. Maximum bit rate is 50Mbps too

You want the smallest action cam around
There are several lighter, more compact options on the market – albeit at a higher asking price than the Hero.

DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro: also consider

Insta360 Go 3S

Tiny and flexible, this camera can go to places other action cams can’t. With easy magnetic mounting and a weight and size that makes the GoPro Hero look positively porky, the Go 3S a great way to grab 4K footage from unconventional angles. It does have limited battery life though, requiring frequent recharges.

Read our Insta360 Go 3S review

DJI Action 2

There have been three generations of DJI Action camera released since the Action 2 arrived in 2020, but it remains part of the company’s current range. A modular camera made up of one of two cube-shaped elements, it can be very small and light if required, and records stabilised video at up to 4K resolution.

Read our DJI Action 2 review

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen) How I tested the GoPro Hero

• Battery stamina tests
• Vlogging and cycling outdoors

I spent a few days using the DJI Hero at home and in my neighborhood, testing out its video and photo performance in a variety of locations and conditions and mounting the camera on selfie sticks, mini tripods and my bike.

I also tried out GoPro's Quik app on both my iPhone 13 and MacBook Air, and edited footage both using the app and later with DaVinci Resolve Studio 19.

First reviewed October 2024

BetterRoaming is a global eSIM provider that offers affordable prepaid data plans for travelers in over 160 countries. The company aims to provide reliable connectivity at local rates without the hassle of physical SIM cards or expensive roaming fees.

With a free eSIM that can be easily installed on compatible iOS and Android devices, BetterRoaming offers coverage across a wide range of destinations, including popular travel spots like Switzerland, Mexico, and India.

In our experience, BetterRoaming delivers on its promise of easy setup, transparent pricing, and solid network performance in most locations. However, some users have reported slow speeds and connection dropouts, as well as difficulties reaching customer support. We think that BetterRoaming is a competitive option for budget-conscious travelers seeking flexible eSIM data plans, but service quality may vary depending on the destination.

• Sign up to BetterRoaming.

BetterRoaming: Plans and pricing

BetterRoaming offers affordable prepaid eSIM data plans for travelers in over 160 countries. The company provides a variety of flexible plans to suit different needs and budgets, with prices starting as low as $1.99.

BetterRoaming's pricing structure is designed to be cost-effective and transparent, with no hidden fees or roaming charges. For budget-conscious travelers, this just might be the provider you’re looking for.

• We've featured the best esims for international travel.

BetterRoaming: Features

Here are a few of BetterRoaming’s features that stood out to us:

Dual eSIM Functionality

BetterRoaming supports dual eSIM functionality, allowing users to keep their primary SIM card active while using the BetterRoaming eSIM for data. This feature is particularly useful for travelers who want to maintain access to their home number for calls and texts while using local data services abroad.

Affordable and Flexible Plans

BetterRoaming offers a variety of affordable and flexible data plans to suit different travel needs and budgets. Users can choose from short-term plans for quick trips or longer-term plans for extended stays. The company also provides the option to top up data or extend plans directly through the app, giving users greater control over their mobile data expenses.

24/7 customer support

BetterRoaming provides 24/7 customer support to assist users with any questions or issues they may encounter. The support team is available via live chat, email, and phone, ensuring that users can get help whenever they need it, regardless of their location or time zone.

• We've featured the best esims for USA.

BetterRoaming: Installation and activation

(Image credit: BetterRoaming)

Installing and activating a BetterRoaming eSIM is a straightforward process designed for ease of use. To get started, simply download the BetterRoaming app on your eSIM-compatible device and follow the step-by-step instructions provided.

The app guides users through the eSIM installation process using a QR code. Once the eSIM profile is downloaded, users can select their desired data plan based on their travel destination and data needs.

After purchasing a plan, eSIMs automatically activate upon arrival at the destination, ensuring a seamless transition to local data services. BetterRoaming provides ample resources for new users, including a comprehensive FAQ section, installation guides, and 24/7 customer support. The app also allows users to easily manage their accounts, track data usage, and top up their plans as needed.

BetterRoaming: Coverage and speed

BetterRoaming offers eSIM data plans with 4G/5G connectivity in over 160 countries worldwide. The company partners with local network providers to ensure reliable coverage and competitive speeds in each destination.

BetterRoaming is available in many popular travel destinations, including:

• USA
• UK
• Germany
• France
• Japan
• Australia

While BetterRoaming generally provides solid network performance, some users have reported slow speeds and connection dropouts in certain locations. The actual speed and coverage quality may vary depending on the local network infrastructure and congestion levels in each country. However, BetterRoaming claims to work with reputable local providers to maintain a consistent user experience.

Compared to other eSIM providers, BetterRoaming offers competitive coverage and pricing. However, some competitors like Airalo may provide more data at lower costs in specific regions. Ultimately, the best provider depends on the user's specific travel destinations, data needs, and budget.

• We've featured the best esims for Turkey.

BetterRoaming: Support

(Image credit: BetterRoaming)

BetterRoaming offers 24/7 customer support to assist users with any questions or issues they may encounter. Support channels include live chat, email, and phone, ensuring help is available whenever needed, regardless of location or time zone.

However, some customer reviews suggest that the quality of BetterRoaming's customer service may be inconsistent. While the company claims to provide round-the-clock assistance, a few users have reported difficulties reaching a support representative and slow response times.

For minor issues that can be resolved without personalized assistance, BetterRoaming also offers self-help resources in the form of a knowledge base, installation guides, and FAQs.

BetterRoaming: Final verdict

BetterRoaming is a good eSIM provider under most conditions. It offers decent performance, affordable plans, and responsive support for travelers across 160+ locations worldwide. However, there are a few situations where it falters when compared to established players like Flexiroam, Ubigi, or Airhub.

Online reviews report occasional issues with customer support, especially with the delay associated with reaching the right representative to get your issues resolved. While the plans are affordable, BetterRoaming’s network of telecom providers can be a bit of a hit-and-miss when it comes to coverage and speed. While you shouldn’t have to worry about it in most locations, remote areas in particular may see coverage suffering.

BetterRoaming: FAQs Who owns BetterRoaming eSIM?

BetterRoaming is owned by serial entrepreneur Hakan Koç, who previously founded AUTO1 Group. Koç launched BetterRoaming in 2023 to provide affordable eSIM data plans for international travelers.

How does BetterRoaming work?

BetterRoaming provides eSIM data plans that work in over 160 countries. Here's how it works:

Download the BetterRoaming app and install the free eSIM on your compatible device. This can be done in under a minute by following the in-app instructions.

Purchase a prepaid data plan for your destination through the app. You can do this anytime, even without an internet connection.

When you arrive at your destination, your data plan will automatically activate and connect you to a local mobile network.

BetterRoaming's eSIM works alongside your existing SIM card, allowing you to keep your original number while using affordable data abroad. The service provides 4G/5G connectivity through partnerships with local carriers in each country.

What is the cost of a BetterRoaming eSIM?

BetterRoaming offers a variety of affordable prepaid data plans, with prices starting as low as $1.99. Specific prices vary by country and data allowance. For example:

In Brazil, a 1GB/7-day plan costs $4.99

In India, a 1GB plan costs $2.99

In the USA or China, a 1GB plan costs $3.99

The eSIM itself is free to install. You only pay for the data packages you purchase, with no additional fees or charges. BetterRoaming aims to provide transparent pricing with no hidden costs.

• Sign up to BetterRoaming.

Anker Prime Charger 6-Port Desktop Charging Station 250W review

When I say charging station how do you feel? Are you filled with great excitement and enthusiasm? If not, the Anker Prime Charger 6-Port Desktop Charging Station 250W, will almost certainly change that.

This charging station has six charging ports – four USB-C and two USB-A. You can monitor the electricity output levels for each port via the station’s onboard screen to ensure each device is getting the appropriate levels of power.

However, let’s say you’re charging six devices, but you want to ensure your phone gets back to 100% quickly. Fear not – with the Port Priority option, you can ensure your phone charges without delay. That’s not to say this station can’t handle six devices at once, of course. With a maximum output of 250W, you’ll likely have more than enough power to go around your phones, laptops, tablets and more.

I used the default charging configuration during testing, AI Power Mode. This uses artificial intelligence to optimize power allocation across the station. However, there are also three other modes – Port Priority, Dual-Laptop and Low Current mode. Most will find that the default is perfectly capable of performing their charging chores.

What I really like about this station is how many neat features it offers, making it easily one of the best Android chargers and best iPhone chargers. If you download the Anker app, you can connect to the charging station via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. You can add a clock screensaver to the station, with a number of different designs to choose from. The Anker app also lets you view real-time data on power output, schedule power on/off, and adjust the station's screen brightness.

One odd but welcome nugget is Secret Features, which includes a collection of fun animations for the station’s screen if you complete hidden tasks (such as switching Port Priority on and off 10 times).

So what’s the catch? Well, this station has a list price of $169.99 / £169.99, a lot to invest in what is, at the end of the day, just a multi-port charger. However, if you want a feature-rich, speedy station that’s perfect for your work desk, it’s not going to get much better than this. Ultimately, Anker has delivered a top-quality product here, but it's going to be a lot more than most people need.

(Image credit: Future) Anker Prime Charger 6-Port Desktop Charging Station 250W review: Price & specs

(Image credit: Future) Should I buy the Anker Prime Charger 6-Port Desktop Charging Station 250W? Buy it if…

There are a lot of devices at your desk
With six available charging ports, you’re unlikely to be left wanting more. Four ports are USB-C, two are USB-A – so you’ll be ready to charge all of your devices.

You want a feature-rich charging solution
This station has an impressively long list of features, including port prioritization, power modes, screensavers and more. There's even a companion app.

Don't buy it if…

You’re on a tight budget
You’re gonna have to pay a pretty penny for this one. At $169.99 / £169.99 (about AU$250), if you want a six-port charger, Anker also offers a screenless 200W alternative at half this price.

You only need to charge one or two devices simultaneously
If you only need to charge one or two other devices, this isn’t for you. An Anker Prime 100W GaN Wall Charger can also charge your devices for much less.

Anker Prime Charger 6-Port Desktop Charging Station 250W: Also consider

Anker Prime Charger (200W, 6 ports, GaN)
Anker's Prime Charger delivers excellent quality and rapid charging. It has similar capabilities, with four USB-C and two USB-A ports, but a lower maximum power output of 200W. It costs $84.99 / £79.99 (about AU$120).View Deal

Mous MagSafe Compatible 3 In 1 Portable Charger review

The Mous 3 In 1 MagSafe Charger is a light and compact charger and one of the best iPhone chargers I've reviewed. It charges all AirPods and Apple Watch models, as well as third-party Qi-compatible earbud cases. It's compatible with any iPhone 12 to iPhone 16 model, so it will charge all of the best iPhones.

The Mous 3 In 1 costs $44.99 / £39.99 / (around AU $75). It’s worth noting purchases made from Australia are shipped from the US, so I’d recommend checking your local shipping fees and taxes before setting your heart on this charger.

If you’re partial to a cheap-and-cheerful travel charger, the Mous 3-in-1 Portable Charger is a good choice. It weighs just 3oz / 87g and has a footprint not far from the size of a credit card, with a depth of around half an inch / 13mm when folded, making it ideal for sliding into bags and pockets as you go off on your travels. Its 3-in-1 design comes in really handy, as there are no extra parts to keep track of. The charger is strongly held together magnetically, so it shouldn’t open up accidentally.

The charger is powered by a USB-C cable, which is included in the price. Unfortunately, a power adapter must be purchased separately. This is important: you'll need to put more thought into the power output of your wall charger. The Mous 3-in-1 Portable Charger requires one that can charge at 30W or higher. Mous sells 30W adapters for $29.99 / £24.99 / around AU$50, but this feels particularly steep at around two-thirds the cost of the device itself. Other 30W adapters can be sourced for less from Amazon, so don’t let that put you off.

I tested the Mous 3-in-1 Portable Charger on my iPhone and it didn’t exactly provide speedy results: it took three hours to fully charge my iPhone 13 Pro. This is a massive difference compared to a premium portable charger like the ESR Qi2 3-in-1 Travel Wireless Charging Set, which fully charged the same iPhone 13 Pro in just under two hours.

Despite taking longer to juice up the iPhone, it charged my Series 9 Apple Watch in the same amount of time as its competitor, two hours and ten minutes, which is pretty good going considering the $55 / £50 / AU$75 price difference. Mous claims on its website that you can charge more than just AirPods on this compact charger, and I can confirm that I had no problems charging my off-brand earbuds.

Although the space-saving design is useful for traveling, it means that you don’t get the benefit of a stand, so it's difficult to use your phone as it charges. With its flexible faux-leather hinge, I was tempted to fold the charger back on itself, but I found my phone began to overheat very quickly when I tried this. Another downside - this charger's lack of anti-slip areas means that it’s susceptible to movement, but this shouldn’t pose a problem if it’s charging somewhere out of the way.

If you’re looking for a lower-cost travel charger that’s perfectly portable, then the Mous MagSafe Compatible 3-in-1 Portable Charger is the way to go. If you want something a little more premium and faster charging for your travels, we recommend the ESR Qi2 3-in-1 Travel Wireless Charging Set instead. Alternatively, we have several other charger varieties to peruse in our pick of the best wireless chargers.

(Image credit: Future) Mous MagSafe Compatible 3 In 1 Portable Charger review: Price & specs

(Image credit: Future) Should I buy the Mous MagSafe Compatible 3 In 1 Portable Charger? Buy it if…

You want a compact travel companion
The Mous 3-in-1 Portable Charger is super convenient. With a footprint just bigger than a credit card and around half an inch / 13mm when folded, it’ll have no problem fitting in pockets or bags.

You want to charge multiple chargers without compromising on space
With an iPhone charging pad on one side and an AirPods charging pad on the other, along with a nifty pop-up Apple Watch charger, good things really do come in small packages.

Don't buy it if…

You need something that will stay put
While its light weight makes it perfectly portable, if you accidentally catch the cable or knock it there are no anti-slip aids to stop the charger from whizzing off the surface it’s sitting on.

You want to continue using your phone as it charges
Due to its design, phones lay flat as they charge, meaning you can’t easily carry on watching YouTube or playing games.

Mous MagSafe Compatible 3 In 1 Portable Charger review: Also consider

ESR Qi2 3-in-1 Travel Wireless Charging Set
For faster iPhone charging with a sturdier build, this premium 3-in-1 wireless charging set is a great choice. It's nowhere near as portable as the Mous charger, but it comes with a handy travel bag that holds all the components, plus the included 30W plug.View Deal

Focal Diva Utopia: Two-minute review

Let’s be polite in our choice of word, shall we, and describe an asking price of $39,999 / £29,999 / AU$59,999 for a pair of wireless active speakers as ‘punchy’? Focal has leveraged both its own long-established expertise (and that of its sister company Naim) and spent five years developing what the asking price insists must be the most accomplished, least compromised wireless music streaming system you can buy.

Certainly it looks the part, as long as you consider ‘the part’ to mean ‘striking and dramatic’. The quality of construction is unarguable, and the finish is currently unique in the world of loudspeakers. There are numerous control options, all of them expertly implemented. And it’s specified without apparent compromise, to the point that it’s ready to do unashamedly high-performance things to all your favourite music no matter where it’s stored.  

(Image credit: Future)

When it comes to performance, there’s virtually nothing to take issue with. As long as your room is large enough for the Diva Utopia to stretch out and properly express itself, it will reward you with a sound that combines muscularity, insight, scale and attack with the sort of deft manoeuvrability and rhythmic positivity that makes every listen an event. It’s a staggeringly accomplished system with a list of talents as long as your arm – which, in the context of the asking price, is exactly as it should be.

 Will they enter our best stereo speakers roundup very soon? That's hardly fair since most products within our guide are a mere fraction of the Diva Utopia's asking fee. That said, if you've got this kind of money, they're well worth it, and we never make such statements glibly. 

(Image credit: Future) Focal Diva Utopia review: Price & release date

• Released October 2, 2024
• Priced $39,999 / £29,999 / AU$59,999

The Focal Diva Utopia launched on 2nd October 2024, and in the United Kingdom they cost a not-inconsiderable £29,999 while in the United States they will set you back an equally significant $39,999. The price in Australia is AU$59,999.

Need I say with undue emphasis that this is an awful lot of money for a wireless audio system in a pair of loudspeakers? That expectations in every respect – design, build, finish, specification, performance, you name it – are, inevitably, sky-high? That anything less than across-the-board excellence must count as a failure? No pressure then, Focal…

(Image credit: Focal) Focal Diva Utopia review: Features

• 800 watts of Class AB power in total
• 32bit/384kHz native DAC resolution
• Numerous analog and digital input options

Apparently Focal has, in conjunction with sister company Naim, been working on the Diva Utopia for the past five years. Obviously that’s quite a chunk of time for a product to be in development – but it’s sufficient time for a product’s feature-set to be specified without apparent compromise, too.

Each Diva Utopia is a three-way bass-reflex speaker. Near the top of the front baffle there’s a 27mm pure beryllium ‘M’-shaped inverted dome tweeter – it sits behind a red/black ‘double’ grille that appears to change colour and brightness as you move around the speaker. Beneath it there’s a 165mm ‘W’ mid/bass driver with tuned mass damper surround and a ‘neutral inductance circuit’ motor of the type Focal has been refining for quite some time. 

On each of the speaker’s side panels there are a pair of 165mm ‘W’ bass drivers arranged in a push/push configuration. The output of this quartet is augmented by a downward-firing bass reflex port that vents against the fixed boundary of the speaker’s integrated aluminium plinth.

There’s a total of 400 watts of Naim Audio-designed Class AB amplification on board each speaker to power this driver array. The tweeter and the mid/bass driver get 75 watts each, and the remaining 250 watts is divided between the four bass drivers. Focal reckons this is an arrangement that’s good for a frequency response of 27Hz - 40kHz.

(Image credit: Future)

As is the way with the majority of products of this type, one speaker does all the heavy lifting where connectivity is concerned. So one of the Utopia Diva has just a mains power socket and an RJ45 socket for making a hard-wired connection to its partner on its rear panel, the other is taking care of business. It features the same mains power input and RJ45 system link, and also has the same substantial heat-dissipating radiator arrangement that’s more than a little reminiscent of Naim’s statement Statement amplification. But it also incorporates an RJ45 for Ethernet, a Type 2.0 USB-A slot, a digital optical input, a line-level stereo RCA input, and an HDMI eARC socket. With the possible exception of a phono input for use with an unamplified turntable, it’s difficult to know what else Focal might have included where physical connectivity is concerned. 

Wireless stuff is handled by Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX Adaptive codec compatibility, and dual-band wi-fi. Wi-fi (or Ethernet, if you prefer) brings Apple AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect and TIDAL Connect into play – the Diva Utopia is UPnP-compatible, too, although it’s not Roon Ready. Internet radio is available, and both Qobuz, and QQMusic via QPlay (for Chinese customers) are also accessible via the dedicated control app. All incoming digital signals, whether wired or wirelessly received, are dealt with by a 32bit/384kHz DAC that’s also compatible with DSD128. 

Focal has deployed UWB (ultra wide band) technology to ensure latency between the two speakers is negligible. When the speakers are connected wirelessly, resolution tops out at 24bit/96kHz - but use the supplied RJ45 cable to make a physical connection between the two and 24bit/192kHz can be yours.  

• Features score: 4.5/5

Focal Diva Utopia review: Sound quality

• Deftly dynamic presentation
• Scale and muscularity combined with detail and insight
• Requires a fair bit of breathing space

Just imagine what a story it would be if the Focal Diva Utopia, with its remarkable looks, extensive specification and terrifying price-tag, didn’t actually sound all that good? What a story that would be…

But it’s a story that will have to wait for another day – because in the simplest terms, the Diva Utopia sounds bloody marvellous. It’s a profoundly accomplished, endlessly engaging and thoroughly enjoyable listen, a system that revels in any and every type of music, and that is seemingly capable of wringing the last drop of detail from a recording.

No matter if it’s decoding, amplifying and delivering an Amazon Prime Video stream of Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds’ Distant Sky via its HDMI eARC socket, dealing with a (pre-amplified) vinyl copy of Mary Lattimore’s And Then He Wrapped His Wings Around Me or giving the treatment to a TIDAL Connect stream of a 24bit/96kHz FLAC file of What Goes On by The Velvet Underground, the Focal system is is complete command of the material. It combines iron-fisted low-frequency behaviour, unarguable dynamic potency and a forensic level of insight that ensures you always feel like you’re getting a complete account of a recording - and at considerable scale.

Low-frequency presence is, unsurprisingly, significant. The system digs deep and hits hard, but loads bass information with an absolute stack of detail concerning tone and texture, and is so positive and straight-edged in its control that rhythmic expression is never a concern. It’s deft enough to skip through a complex double-bass part, muscular enough to attack a hip-hop drum pattern, dynamic enough to make the harmonic variations in a timpani obvious. 

Above there, the midrange communicates in an absolutely explicit, torrential manner. No transient detail is too minor or too fleeting to escape it, and no singer has yet made a recording that can’t have the nuance of emotion, attitude and character of their performance teased out of it. At the top of the frequency range, the Focal is more than substantial enough to give treble sounds proper presence, detailed enough to make the gauge of, say, a cymbal obvious, and attacking enough to really sink its teeth into the brightest and/or splashiest high-end stuff.

(Image credit: Future)

The tonal balance is carefully and convincingly neutral, and the crossover between the drivers is imperceptible. The entire frequency range hangs together as if it was being produced by a single driver, and there’s no understatement or overplaying of any particular area. The Diva Utopia is a naturalistic as they come where this sort of thing is concerned.

Dynamic headroom is superabundant, as seems only reasonable when you consider the sheer amount of power that’s on tap here. When Michael Tilson Thomas shifts the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra and Chorus into top gear during Orff’s Carmina Burana the sheer amount of drive and attack that the system can summon is almost shocking. But all of this barn-burning intensity is not at the expense of subtlety – when the going gets mild and contemplative, the Focal can cosset with the best of them. And no matter the specific circumstances, the soundstage the Diva Utopia creates is large, three-dimensional and entirely convincing. Even a full-scale orchestra with massed chorus enjoys sufficient elbow room. 

Everything the system does, it does without seeming to make all that much of an effort. There’s an almost casual authority about the way it goes about things, a suggestion that ‘there’s plenty more where that came from’. I’m not sure if the Diva Utopia can be provoked into sounding in any way stressed or otherwise uncomfortable – all I know is I haven’t been able to do so. And believe me, I have tried. 

It follows that downsides are few. In fact, it’s really only the amount of breathing space the system needs that is noteworthy. I’m going to go ahead and assume that anyone with 30 grand to spend on a couple of speakers has a fair amount of space in which to position them – but in a room that’s anything less than ‘really quite large’ the Diva Utopia can overwhelm. And that, really, is about the only note of caution I can sound.     

• Sound quality score: 5/5

(Image credit: Future) Focal Diva Utopia review: Design

• High-density moulded polymer cabinet
• Gray felt finish (with other colors to follow)
• Floor-spikes or castors 

Each Diva Utopia loudspeaker is 121 x 42 x 56cm (HxWxD) and 64kg – and consequently is quite imposing. But while Focal has obviously designed this system for optimum performance, it hasn’t allowed the opportunity to inject a little visual drama into the ownership experience to pass it by.

The cabinets here are made from high-density moulded polymer, and are structurally reinforced to produce a rigid structure that rejects vibrations almost entirely. Each one stands on an injected aluminium base that is pre-fitted with castors – these can be swapped for chunky, high quality floor-spikes that are also supplied, along with discs they can stand in to protect your floor’s finish. The angularity of the cabinet, especially the top section that houses the tweeter, is a) recognisable to anyone who’s familiar with the Utopia range, b) dictated by sound acoustic principles, and c) more than a little reminiscent of an H.R. Giger creation. 

Focal has finished these cabinets with a robust, tactile grey felt cloth – it combines, says the manufacturer, elegance and minimal environmental impact. Other colors are likely to be available in the future.

It’s certainly a point of difference from high-gloss colors or wood finishes, and it gives the speakers a slightly ethereal look. The division between the side panels (which also include contrasting grille covers for the side-firing bass drivers), where the obligatory illuminated ‘Focal’ logo sits proudly, is brilliantly consistent – Tesla could learn a thing or two about panel gaps from Focal, that’s for sure. The overall quality of the finish is basically flawless and, even if it’s not your cup of tea, you can’t deny that it makes the Diva Utopia look distinctive.  

• Design score: 5/5

(Image credit: Future) Focal Diva Utopia review: Setup and usability

• Focal & Naim control app
• Voice assistant-compatible
• Zigbee remote control handset

Obviously these are large, heavy loudspeakers. But Focal has gone to reasonable lengths to make installation and set-up as straightforward as possible.

The speakers arrive with the castors pre-fitted, and it’s actually quite straightforward to wheel them out of their necessarily large boxes using the little wooden ramp that’s inside. After that, it’s easy enough to get them positioned as you’d like (although if you decide to put them on the supplied floor-spikes, as you really should, you’ll need the help of at least one additional volunteer). 

The system also ships with a ‘Zigbee’ remote control that will be familiar to anyone with experience of Naim electronics over the last decade or so. The Diva Utopia is also compatible with your preferred voice assistant – but it’s the Focal & Naim app where the real action is. As well as the usual stuff like saving some favourites and assigning presets, checking for firmware updates and what-have-you, it also features a comprehensive room correction routine into which the end user gets an unusual amount of input (although Focal’s assertion that it is ‘fun’ is, I am prepared to say here and now, a false alarm). It allows you to enable or disable specific inputs to keep the homepage nice and clean, trim the output level of specific inputs, and plenty more besides. The app was in ‘beta’ at the time of testing, but even in less-than-perfect shape it proves clean, logical, reliable and stable. 

• Setup and usability score: 5/5

Focal Diva Utopia review: Value

You might argue that $39,999 / £29,999 for a wireless music streaming system can’t possibly represent value for money, and to be honest you won’t get much of an argument from me. 

But what I would point out is that it’s possible to build a high-end music system of the more traditional type and spend way more money than this, that the Diva Utopia is an architectural talking-point as well as a superbly adaptable music system, and that quality like this where both industrial design and sonic performance are concerned seldom comes cheap. 

On a pound-for-pound basis it’s difficult to make the case that you’re getting notable value here – but if you can afford it, I say go right ahead. I know I will if my numbers ever come up… 

Should you buy the Focal Diva Utopia?

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

You want what is definitely the best wireless streaming system costing less than six figures
It doesn’t have a huge amount of competition at the price, it’s true - but nevertheless the Focal Diva Utopia is a tremendously accomplished product

You have a fairly large room in which to put it
These are big speakers that are capable of big sound – and they will prove altogether too much of a good thing in smaller spaces…

You enjoy muscular, poised and endlessly communicative sound
If there’s an aspect of music reproduction that the Diva Utopia isn’t in complete command of, I’ve yet to identify it

Don't buy it if...

You think this sort of money should buy amplification for a turntable
If a system is really going to be all-in-one (or even all-in-two) then a phono stage for use with a record player really needs to be on the menu

You’re a Roon subscriber
Focal has its reasons for shunning Roon, but well-off music streaming aficionados tend to have music on a number of different platforms that it’s nice to aggregate…

You have a badly behaved cat
That felt finish is a visual and tactile delight – but if I owned the Utopia Diva, I’d be concerned that I wasn’t the only one who thought so…

(Image credit: Future) Focal Diva Utopia review: Also consider

As far as all-in-two music streaming systems are concerned, there’s not a lot of competition for the Diva Utopia at a similar sort of price – even the never-knowingly-underpriced Bang & Olufsen can only offer its Beolab 28 high-resolution wireless stereo speakers, and they’re around half the price of the Focal. 

Of course, it’s possible to build a system that does much of what the Diva Utopia can do by checking out amplification, passive loudspeakers and a music streamer at around ten grand a pop - but that’s not going to have the same sort of visual impact or ergonomic tidiness of the Focal. The Diva Utopia, then, currently seems to be number one in a field of one…  

First reviewed: October 2024

Read more about how we test at TechRadar

Retrospect Solo is one of the relatively rare backup software tools available on both Windows and Mac. As the name suggests, this product is designed for individual systems rather than organisational use. For business, Retrospect is an ideal option for sole traders or small companies that need to protect individual PCs.

It’s certainly not your only choice if that’s what you need, though, with individual products from EaseUS and Macrium leading the charge when it comes to individual system protection.

We've also highlighted the best disk cloning software right now.

Retrospect Solo: Plans and pricing

Retrospect Solo for Windows costs $49 for a lifetime licence, with that price rising to $129 if you want a year of email and phone support and maintenance included. The Mac version mirrors those prices.

Those standalone figures are a mixed bag: that lifetime licence is cheaper than either equivalent EaseUS or Macrium option, but Retrospect’s one-year support and maintenance upgrade, called ASM, makes the product more expensive.

Retrospect is also available in several different versions. The Desktop product covers five systems and prices start at $116 for a lifetime licence and $159 for a premium version, or from $10 per month if you buy a subscription. Server options rise in price accordingly.

The product can be customized with add-ons to support additional servers, PCs and email accounts.

If you’re in business and want to protect individual systems, though, the Desktop product looks like the best value – that lifetime subscription might be more expensive than the Solo product, but it protects five systems and so is capable of handling your business by adding some extra PCs.

(Image credit: Retrospect) Features

If you want to stick with Solo, though, then don’t worry – you’re still getting a good set of features.

It handles full, incremental and differential backups. You can preserve entire drives, entire PCs, computers on your network and your documents and settings, and you can specify if you only want to backup pictures, music, movie files or documents – handy if you're going to preserve a particular type of file.

In terms of backup destinations, you can choose from removable drives, local drives, and cloud storage, with support included for more than twenty cloud providers, including Amazon S3, Dropbox, Google Cloud Storage, Microsoft Azure, and more. There’s also support here for NAS systems from Synology, QNAP and others. That’s impressive because lots of backup apps include limited cloud support, and it’s especially useful in a business setting.

Once you’ve configured your settings there’s a one-click backup option if you want to use them again, and a wizard guides users through the entire process.

You can schedule backups for specific days of the week, repeating intervals or a single date – a reasonable selection although you will find more scheduling ability elsewhere. Delve into the backup options and you can opt for verification, data compression, anomaly detection and more, with a broad array of options available for anyone who wants to delve into some trickier menus.

Elsewhere there are extensive restoration options, a file-finding option, disaster recovery and an option to recover mailboxes from backups. The reporting is particularly extensive. There are additional modules for repairing backups, verifying media and transferring your backups to other destinations.

Combine these options together and you’ve got a powerful backup tool. You can protect and migrate your online mailboxes between providers, use the cloud for extra protection, write scripts for specific tasks, and secure your backups with encryption and multi-factor authentication.

Switch over to the Mac version and you’ll find similar features. Retrospect on Apple’s platform supports complete data protection, cloud backup, email protection, scripting, anomaly checking and most of the other features that make Retrospect Solo such a fully-featured product for individual systems.

(Image credit: Retrospect) Interface & Use

Retrospect Solo might be packed with features, but the core application is not attractive – it looks old-fashioned and intimidating, at least initially.

Many of the icons are tiny and not labelled; it’s sometimes hard to find the options you need, and you’ll have to delve through nests of menus to find your way.

There are two saving graces: the presence of some helpful wizards to guide newer users through common processes, like setting up backups, and an app called Retrospect Dashboard that presents key information, like scheduled backups, recent tasks and storage capacities, in a friendlier visual format.

Still, the main app is not particularly accessible, particularly to those who don’t know their way around software.

We tested our latest slate of backup apps with a 42GB document folder, a 2.5GB spreadsheet folder, a 162GB folder of media and an 82GB file that mixes all of those file types. We backed them up to three different SSDs to weed out any inconsistency.

Retrospect proved itself a mediocre performer in our tests. Its best result came with our folder of spreadsheets, where it took five minutes and ten seconds to back up the files – but the best apps we’ve tested, including EaseUS and O&O DiskImage, took two and three minutes respectively.

Retrospect took twenty-seven minutes to back up our folder of documents, twenty-three minutes when handling media, and thirty minutes with a mixed folder. The Mac version returned similar results.

When it comes to speed, this is a mediocre app, and if pace is a priority, you’ll want to look elsewhere.

Support

(Image credit: NovaBACKUP)

Instead of taking the lead in the results tables, NovaBACKUP makes a big deal of its support offering – and rightly so.

You can submit support tickets, call a phone line that’s open between 9 am and 5 pm, and consult an extensive knowledge base. You can schedule appointments with the support team, dive into a forum, watch webinars, and get setup assistance depending on the product you’ve purchased.

Competition

EaseUS’s app is much faster than Retrospect in every category, and single-PC versions of apps from Macrium, Paragon and O&O are faster, too.

So if you’re chasing speed and those options are available at comparable prices – and they often are – they’re all going to be better options. For the most part they’ve got more up-to-date interfaces, too.

That said, Retrospect fights back in other areas. Its cloud options are virtually unmatched, for instance, and its range of add-ons adds flexibility, admittedly for an extra price. And when it comes to core backup options, it has a good range of features once you get beyond the interface.

Verdict

Retrospect is an intriguing app that will successfully serve the needs of many home users and small businesses.

Positively, it has good core features, excellent cloud ability and great support, so if you need an app for cloud backup this should be at the top of your list.

Negatively, though, it’s not particularly fast and it suffers with an ageing interface, so it’s not the best option for anyone who needs speed or a beginner who may need more signposting in the interface.

If you’re aware of those foibles, though, then Retrospect could still do the job for lots of people – especially if you want to use the cloud for your backup.

DJI Mini 4K: one-minute review

Considering that the DJI Mini 4K is the best budget drone for beginners, it made an understated entrance. There were no bells and whistles, just a quiet appearance on Amazon, and I can see why: it's essentially the same drone as DJI's previous entry-level model, the Mini 2 SE, only with higher-resolution 4K video, which also enables a 2x digital zoom.

Video quality is further bolstered by a higher 100Mbps bitrate, but otherwise this is almost an identical drone to the Mini 2 SE. That's no bad thing – DJI has addressed the former's single weakness – 'just' 2.7K video – and priced its successor aggressively. In one fell swoop, DJI outgunned the growing competition, which includes capable rivals such as the Potensic Atom.

Since the Mini 4K was launched, DJI announced an all-new drone, the DJI Neo, which is even cheaper than the Mini 4K and shoots 4K video. However, the half-size selfie drone is an altogether different proposition. If you want the traditional drone-flying experience, complete with a 3-axis mechanical gimbal and sturdier flight performance including level 5 wind resistance, the Mini series, in which the Mini 4K is the new entry-level model, remains your best bet. If you want even simpler operation, and smart AI-subject tracking features, the Neo is a fun alternative.

(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

The Mini 4K offers decent battery life of up to 31 minutes on a single charge, and if you opt for the pricier Fly More Combo bundle you'll get an extra couple of batteries and charging hub thrown in for good measure.

DJI offers perhaps the most rounded experience for beginner pilots, with clear tutorials on the DJI Fly app, through which you control the Mini 4K's flights, complete with a scaled-back selection of DJI Quickshots flight moves, including dynamic movements such as Helix, Circle and Boomerang that will quickly elevate the quality of your aerial videos.

If money is no object, the DJI Mini 4 Pro remains the most accomplished sub-250g choice, with its clever subject tracking and industry-leading flight safety features like omnidirectional object sensing. But if you simply want to see what all the fuss is about with drones without risking a huge amount of money, you can't go wrong with the DJI Mini 4K. It's excellent value, and the most capable sub-$300 / £300 drone on the market, even if the Neo has more flight options.

DJI Mini 4K: release date and price

• Released April 29 2024
• Not available from the DJI store in Australia
• The base kit costs just $299 / £269
• Fly More Combo bundle costs $449 / £399

The DJI Mini 4K was announced in April 2024, and is aggressively priced at $299 / £269 for the base kit, which made it DJI's cheapest 4K drone until the DJI Neo was launched in September 2024 (though as mentioned the Neo is a different kind of drone). That launch price was 10% cheaper than that of the DJI Mini 2SE, which is practically the same drone as the Mini 4K, although the former only shoots 2.7K video, making the Mini 4K excellent value by comparison.

Should you want the Fly More Combo bundle, which includes an additional two batteries, a charging hub and a shoulder bag, the price jumps up to $449 / £399. The Mini 4K is currently not directly available from DJI in Australia.

• Price score: 4.5/5

(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman) DJI Mini 4K: specs DJI Mini 4K: design and handling

• Weighs less than 250g
• Level 5 wind resistance provides reasonably stable flight
• Three-axis gimbal for smooth video footage
• Downward-facing sensors only, no other obstacle avoidance

The DJI Mini 4K is practically a carbon copy of the Mini 2 SE. That means it remains under 250g, and within the regulator-friendly category for most regions (there are no registration or ID requirements for recreational use in the US). Given that it has a camera though, users in the UK will need to register with the CAA for a flyer ID before taking flight.

The Fly More Combo bundle I tested includes replacement propellors and a screwdriver for when you need to swap out old or damaged propellors for new ones, two spare batteries and a charging hub, plus the RC-N1C remote controller. The controller connects to your phone, with a clamp that extends to hold just about any size of phone, plus it comes with USB-C / Lightning cables for a direct connection to your Android phone or older iPhone.

There's a single camera, capable of shooting 12MP photos in JPEG or raw (DNG) format (the latter provides more editing flexibility) and video up to 4K. The camera is supported by a three-axis mechanical gimbal to ensure that your video footage is as smooth as possible.

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Once you have the DJI's Fly app installed and your phone connected to the controller, it takes little to no time to get airborne: press and hold the take-off button and the Mini 4K will rise to a height of 1.2m, and hover while you get yourself in the zone for flying.

Wind resistance is rated for up to level 5 – that's up to 19-24mph / 29-38kph, which is slightly more robust than the DJI Neo, which is only rated up to level 4. I found the Mini 4K was able to withstand a moderate breeze, although of course you can hear and see it fighting to remain stable in such conditions, and I'd advise against attempting to fly in properly windy conditions.

The Fly app, together with the controller, offer several functions: Return to Home (RTH), QuickShots flight moves, and a variety of camera modes, including photo and video capture (with a button on the controller to switch between the two), panorama, and Timed Shot (interval shooting).

If you're getting started with drones, the Mini 4K has plenty for you to sink your teeth into. One notable omission, though, which you won't find on a drone at this price point, is obstacle avoidance. There are two downward-facing sensors that assist the drone for landing and can detect objects, with a precision range of 0.5-10m, but you're not getting the sophisticated omnidirectional obstacle avoidance of the pricier Mini 4 Pro.

I've been using the Mini 4K with the RC-N1C controller for months, and naturally, without obstacle avoidance crashes are almost inevitable. However, I've found that the Mini 4K has withstood minor collisions with tree branches and so on, and the consequent tumbling to the ground, admirably. It might be plastic, but the Mini 4K can take a few knocks.

You can register for DJI Care Refresh within 48 hours of activating the Mini 4K, which covers you for two replacements, water damage and flyaway, and which is probably a good idea if you tend to be more gung-ho rather than overly cautious. Prices for this start at $59 / £35.

• Design score: 4.5/5

DJI Min 4K: features and performance

• Quickshots for easy flight moves
• Normal, Sport and Cine flight modes
• Decent battery life of up to 31 minutes
• Maximum transmission 10km (FCC) / 6km (CE/SRRC/MIC)

DJI lists the Mini 4K's flight time as up to 31 minutes, but that's measured in a controlled setting. What you actually get in real-world use is almost certainly less, and will be influenced by factors including wind speed and the flight maneuvers you're performing, and overall it's better to keep your expectations on the lower side. That said, with typical use in moderate wind I was averaging over 20 minutes, and I'm not sure that you'll find a better battery performance in another drone at this level.

I was also armed with the two additional batteries included in the Fly More Combo, effectively tripling flight times on any given outing, and the charging hub can be topped up on-the-go via USB-C.

The maximum transmission range is up to 10km, depending on what region you're flying in and what level of interference there is where you're flying. Users in Europe, for example, are restricted to 6km. In any case, beginners are unlikely to get anywhere near those kinds of distances on a single flight, and you'll need to make sure that Return to Home is set up for your take-off point in the likely event you get disorientated as to the drone's position.

You can configure the Mini 4K's max possible altitude and flight distances, and the height at which it rises to when Return to Home is initiated. There's a 500m altitude cap, although if you're playing it safe as a beginner you should stick to 150m or lower, which will likely be the legal limit in your region anyway if you don't have a certificate of competency. Again, max distance can be set up to 5000m or the limit removed entirely, but when you're starting out it's probably a good idea to stick to much closer. The Mini 4K is fed all of this data through GPS + GLONASS + Galileo satellite systems.

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On the controller you'll find three flight modes: Cine, Normal and Sport, each with a different max speed and responsiveness. Cine mode is the slowest of the three, designed to get you the smoothest possible aerial videos, while of course Sport is the niftiest to unleash piloting fun.

Flight speeds in Sport mode top out at 35.79mph and are no match for FPV drones in manual mode such as the DJI Avata 2, but are plenty quick enough while you find your feet and build your piloting skills. Cine mode is significantly slower than that.

And then there's DJI QuickShots flight moves, which include Dronie, Helix, Rocket, Circle, and Boomerang. Circle performs a lateral 360-degree move around your chosen subject – you simply select suggested subjects or draw a box around the chosen subject, and off the drone goes into action. Boomerang does a similar move while gradually gaining height.

These simple flight moves can improve the quality of your aerial videos as you center on points of interest around you. Other DJI drones have additional QuickShots moves in Spotlight and Follow. The Mini 4K does not offer Follow, and it lacks Follow Me subject tracking, which you get with pricier models and even the new Neo selfie drone.

• Features score: 4.5/5

DJI Mini 4K: image and video quality

• 1/2.3-inch sensor
• Up to 4K 30fps video, 2.7K up to 60fps
• 12MP JPEG + RAW photos

(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

The Mini 4K's 1/2.3-inch sensor is larger than the sensor found in the Neo, and smaller than the one in the Mini 3 and Mini 4 Pro drones. As such, its 4K video image quality sits somewhere in the middle in terms of color depth, dynamic range and low-light clarity.

That sensor size is roughly equivalent to what you'd find in a standard smartphone, only you don't have the computational photography modes and HDR settings afforded to today's handsets; if the sun is directly in your shot, expect blown-out highlights. However, I still found detail to be very sharp at first light before the sun lapped over the landscape.

Video resolution tops out at 4K 30fps, while cinematic half-speed 60fps videos can be shot in 2.7K and Full HD resolutions. Photos are up to 12MP (in 4:3 aspect, with a 16:9 cropped format also available) and can be shot in either JPEG or raw, with the latter offer more editing flexibility. Files are recorded onto microSD card, with compatibility for cards up to 256GB.

DJI has upped the maximum video bitrate to 100Mbps (it was 40Mbps in the Mini 2 SE). So not only does the Mini 4K offer higher-resolution video than the Mini 2 SE, but its 2.7K video is also less compressed.

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There's a standard color profile for photo and video – what you see is what you get. However, you can easily edit the colors in raw DNG format photos in your choice of photo editor. If you're a keen editor, you'll probably want to shoot photos in both raw and JPEG, just in case the JPEG photos aren't to your taste. However, there's no flat color profile for video, which is pretty normal for a beginner drone, so there's not much scope for color-grading videos.

What's unusual for a drone at this price point is that you can switch from the Mini 4K's Auto setting to a Pro mode for manual control over exposure settings for photo and video, including the 1/30 to 1/8000 shutter speed and ISO 100 to 3200 ranges. That's an excellent feature for discerning image makers, though I suspect most people will keep the Mini 4K in Auto and be pleased with the results.

The three-axis gimbal offer a -110° to 35° tilt range, -35° to 35° of roll and -20° to 20° pan, and works in tandem with image stabilization to give you smooth video footage. Unless you're fighting high winds or making jerky movements on the controller – which requires significant finesse – then you can expect super-smooth video footage, especially in Cine mode.

• Image quality score: 4.5/5

DJI Mini 4K sample video 4K DJI Mini 4K Quickshots DJI Mini 4K: testing scorecard

(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman) Should I buy the DJI Mini 4K? Buy it if...

You want the best 4K drone under $300
Putting the DJI Neo aside, which is a different proposition, the Mini 4K is the best drone money can buy for under $300.

You’re buying your first drone
The Mini 4K is a superb first drone, with decent flight performance and video quality, plus manual control over camera settings.

You want decent battery life
Up to 31 minutes from a fully charged battery is very impressive, and you'll get triple that with the Fly More Combo kit.

Don't buy it if...

You want the very best sub-250g drone no matter the cost
If money is no object, your best first drone is the DJI Mini 4 Pro.

You're more interested in aerial selfies than flying
DJI's Neo is smaller, cheaper and even easier to use, with intelligent subject tracking making selfies on the move an autonomous doddle.

You'd be better off with obstacle avoidance
The Mini 4K only has downward-facing sensors primarily designed to aid landing, whereas the Mini 4 Pro has omnidirectional obstacle avoidance that'll help you avoid crashes.

DJI Mini 4K: also consider Potensic Atom

Not to be confused with the Potensic Atom SE, this accomplished drone for beginners finally gave DJI firm competition at this point of the market, thanks to its 4K video, intelligent flight features and manual camera control. DJI then went and priced the Mini 4K aggressively and it's a slightly more rounded drone overall, but the Atom can be found on sale for less.

Read our in-depth Potensic Atom review

DJI Mini 4K Pro

If money is no object, then the Mini 4K Pro is the best beginner drone available. Around 3x the cost, it still falls below 250g and therefore within the same category of drone as the Mini 4K, with very few restrictions, plus it's an easier drone to test your wings thanks to omnidirectional obstacle avoidance and smart subject tracking. If however, it's out of your budget, then the older Mini 3 is the next model up from the Mini 4K in DJI's range of beginner drones.

Read our in-depth DJI Mini 4K Pro review

How I tested the DJI Mini 4K

(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

• Long term use
• Flown with the DJI RC-N1C Controller and Fly app
• Videos and photos made with all available file formats

I've had the DJI Mini 4K for months, and during this time have become very familiar with it. The Fly More Combo was bundled with the charging hub, two extra batteries and the DJI RC-N1C controller, through which I have controlled the drone, via the DJI Fly app for Android.

The tiny drone has been flown in all kinds of weather, even inclement, showing it's able to withstand light rain and reasonably brisk wind. It's taken a few knocks into tree branches and has so far withstood this rough treatment.

I've made photos and videos with all of the available settings, which includes 4K, 2.7K, Full HD videos, plus 12MP JPEG and RAW photos, in good light and low light at dusk.

First reviewed September 2024

The Molekule Air Mini+ is a small but innovatively designed air purifier. It boasts medical-grade materials and patented PECO filter technology, using UV radiation to help further destroy airborne pollutants.

I tested it to see whether it could compete with our pick of the best air purifiers on the market. It's simple to use and has an aesthetically pleasing app, but the only data that gets recorded is the air quality, in a range running from Good to Very Bad. This means that, unlike some cheaper air purifiers, there's no breakdown of the type of particles contaminating the air. In addition, the Molekule Air Mini+ can't detect VOCs (volatile organic compounds), making it hard for this purifier to tackle odors without manual intervention.

Note: the Pro version of this purifier does detect VOCs and is particularly good at tackling odors, but that model is significantly bulkier and more expensive (read my Molekule Air Pro review for more on that one). Alternatively, read on for my full Molekule Air Mini review below.

Molekule Air Mini+ review: price & availability

• List price: $359.99
• Only available in the US at present

At $359.99, the Molekule Air Mini+ isn’t cheap. You’d be forgiven for thinking that this must mean it’s packed with features, but Molekule has kept things seemingly simple with this model. Perhaps too simple, in my opinion, as cheaper alternatives can give more detailed readings.

What this purifier does have in comparison to these lower-priced alternatives, however, is patented PECO technology. This allegedly breaks down organic matter at a molecular level. While I can neither confirm nor deny that this is accurate, this, along with the use of medical-grade polycarbonate, would go some way to explain why the price point is as high as it is.

But I found myself asking: is this quality filter being used to its full potential if the Air Mini+ can't detect VOCs in order to respond appropriately in the first place?

The Air Mini+ is available to purchase directly from the Molekule website and on Amazon, but only in the US at present.

• Value for money score: 3 out of 5

Molekule Air Mini+ review specs Molekule Air Mini+ review: design

• Simple aesthetic
• Redundant handle
• One-button control

Air purifiers can vary aesthetically: some look utilitarian while others make a statement, and the Molekule Air Mini+ sits somewhere in the middle. It has some fancy little design elements but, overall, I’ve gotta say, it’s kinda giving bathroom trash can vibes. That being said, it is at least a fairly compact size, standing at 12 inches tall, with a diameter of just over 8 inches. It’s surprisingly heavy for its size, weighing 7.3 lb, which is 4.8 ounces heavier than the much larger Shark NeverChange air purifier.

The white medical grade polycarbonate outer has a textured matte finish, with the word Molekule inlaid in shiny silver. On the right-hand side, a somewhat redundant tan-colored vegan leather handle is fixed in place by a large silver metal pin. It wasn’t easy or practical to carry it around using this, so it appears to be more of a design choice to keep it in line with the design concept of its larger sibling, the Molekule Air Pro.

(Image credit: Future)

There’s an inset gray band toward the bottom of the unit where the base meets the top section, and slanted gray slats at the top of the purifier circling the gray touch panel in the center. The control panel is subtle as no lights are on show until you touch the center to awaken the purifier. This center button is used to turn the power on and off, cycle through Auto Protect and manual fan modes, and reset the Air Mini+. In the middle of this button is the indicator light for the air quality in the room, it shows green for good, yellow for moderate, red for bad, and blue for very bad.

(Image credit: Future)

A series of white dots indicate the fan level, so one dot for the lowest fan speed, and five for the highest. It also shows an interlinked symbol when it’s in Auto Protect mode. There’s a Wi-Fi symbol that flashes up upon startup or if there are connectivity issues and a filter symbol that communicates the filter’s health.

In terms of packaging, the Air Mini+ comes in a shipping-style corrugated cardboard box, with consideration going into the cardboard fitments, eliminating the need for single-use materials like polystyrene. For extra protection, the purifier comes in a good-quality reusable drawstring bag.

• Design score: 4.5 out of 5

Molekule Air Mini+ review: features

• Aesthetically pleasing app
• Lacking detailed air quality data
• Impressive (but expensive) filter

The Air Mini+ is compatible with the Molekule app, which has an attractive and easy-to-use interface with a cool-toned color palette and animations. Despite the app being simple to use, setting up the Wi-Fi connection was a bit of a headache, but I’ll regale my woes further in the performance section.

Once everything was connected, the Purifier tab on the app told me what the current IAQ was, from good to very bad. From this tab, I could also change between Auto Protect mode, or manually select a fan speed from one to five. There's also a percentage rating to show the PECO-Filter condition: when pressed, it provides further information on the filter capabilities and details on how to change it. In the More tab, you can connect to Alexa, add more air purifiers to the app, and enable or disable notifications.

(Image credit: Future)

The Indoor Air tab shows a timed graph spanning 24 hours or one week. Unlike this purifier’s larger (and much more expensive) sibling the Molekule Air Pro, there is very limited information provided by the Air Mini+. You simply see a graph that notes the IAQ using the same color-coded system as shown on the purifier itself, and the length of time the air quality was at that level. There's no details on whether the IAQ was affected by dust particles, pollen, smoke, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and so on. Perhaps this is enough information for some users, but when air purifiers that cost at least $100 less can provide more detail, it’s quite disappointing that the readings are so basic from the Air Mini+.

(Image credit: Future)

The Molekule Air Mini+ has received FDA clearance and is classed as a device intended for medical purposes. It’s stated that it can capture 95% of particulate matter and destroy bacteria and viruses by exposing them to ultraviolet radiation – though only when in manual mode on fan speed three or above.

The Air Mini+ comes with a PECO-HEPA Tri-Power Filter, which Molekule states can destroy bacteria, mold and allergens, and reduce odors and toxic gasses, with a 99.97% particle-capture efficiency rate. Molekule recommends changing the filter every six months, which doesn’t sound excessive, but it’s important to note that a replacement filter costs $99.99, or $79.99 if you subscribe to bi-annual deliveries.

• Features score: 3 out of 5

Molekule Air Mini+ review: performance

• Buggy Wi-Fi connectivity
• IAQ tracking not accurate
• Does not clear odors automatically

Having tried out many lower-cost purifiers and the Air Mini+’s highly talented sibling, I expected great things from this little purifier. The results from everyday use didn’t blow me away, unfortunately.

Upon initial setup at home, I couldn’t connect the Air Mini+ to my iPhone 12 Pro. I found that I needed to manually go into my Wi-Fi settings to find the Molekule Wi-Fi the purifier was trying to connect to. This action wasn’t prompted or made clear; on the app, a button just appeared asking to connect to the Molekule network, which would then throw up an error saying that it was unable to join. Once I’d discovered that I needed to join this network manually, my phone connected to the purifier.

Sadly, this wasn’t the end of the frustration. When it came to connecting the Air Mini+ to my Wi-Fi router, I was left with the spinning wheel of doom until I had to give up. I tried resetting the purifier, reinstalling the app, and restarting the Wi-Fi, but to no avail. I ended up admitting defeat late in the evening, which meant that even though the Air Mini+ was running overnight, it was not collecting any data. The only indication of the air quality was the colored indicator light on the top of the unit, which turns off until you touch it, so it wasn't easily visible from my bed. It’s unusual not to have Bluetooth backup available. I found this alternative connectivity option helpful when the lower-priced Welov P200 Pro wouldn’t connect to Wi-Fi, as at least it could still record data and be controllable as long as the device was in range.

(Image credit: Future)

I decided to test the syncing process with our OnePlus Pad Go, to see if this was an iOS, app, or firmware issue. Upon installing the Molekule app, it became clear that it wasn’t optimized for Android tablets, or certainly not in this instance anyway. The Auto Protect and Manual button on the Purifier tab went beyond the edges of the screen, and the chart in the Indoor Air tab didn't display properly, in either screen orientation. I couldn't use the OnePlus Pad Go to connect the Air Mini+ to the Molekule app again, as the page was too large for the screen, so it wasn't possible to go through the connection process.

When I tried to connect it to the Wi-Fi in the office the next morning, it was the same fun and games, until eventually, the app said that there was an issue connecting to the network and to try to reconnect. When I pressed the button to continue, it successfully connected to Wi-Fi and I was able to name my purifier on the app. I had the same issue when setting up the Molekule Air Pro, but it surrendered much quicker than the Air Mini+.

The biggest issue with the Wi-Fi not connecting was that, despite the price, the Air Mini+ doesn’t use Bluetooth, so if you can’t connect over Wi-Fi, the IAQ isn’t tracked and you can’t adjust settings hands-free.

One element that's been a cause of irritation for myself and my colleagues is that when switching between manual mode and Auto Protect, the fan speed builds up to its highest (and loudest) setting, even when the air quality is good. This isn’t great at the best of times, but if you’ve forgotten to set it onto auto when your baby is napping, or you’re in a quiet shared office, say, it’s very inconvenient. It was particularly off-putting when going to bed late at night, as it became more apparent to me that it took the fan some time to reduce to its final speed when I put it onto auto, even though it had only been on manual for a moment and the IAQ was good, meaning that the fan noise is loud for longer than it needs to be.

(Image credit: Molekule)

When using it in the TechRadar reviews office, the readings did not correspond with the Molekule Air Pro I had running simultaneously. The Air Pro detected a substantial drop in air quality on two occasions, which was when there was a lot of activity in the office. The reason that the two Molekule purifiers didn’t correspond with one another is simple – the Air Pro can detect an increase in VOC, but the Mini+ lacks this ability. While this can’t be held against the Mini+ due to the massive price difference between the two, before settling on a purifier you should consider the contaminants you want to be detected so that your purifier can react and clear the air fast.

I sprayed dry shampoo toward the Air Mini+ and it detected it quickly. The fan sped up gradually as a result, changing the IAQ from bad back to good within two minutes. The fan speed slowed gradually, even though the fragrance remained strong in the air. I manually set the purifier to full fan speed to clear the fragrance from the dry shampoo, it took the Air Mini+ about 30 minutes to clear the air. This is more than double the time it took the AiDot Welov P200 Pro, which left the air smelling fresher after just 10 minutes of running on full power.

One issue that became apparent is that the app does not always correspond with the reading on the purifier itself. When performing the dry shampoo test in the TR office it relayed the change in air quality after some time, but when I retested at home, it didn't register that the Air Mini+ was detecting bad air quality at all, relaying a fairly flatline reading of “good” over the whole day. While this isn’t the end of the world, as the purifier itself still reacted, it’s not ideal if you want to keep track of the air quality remotely or in the morning after a night's sleep, as the data does not feel reliable.

• Performance score: 2.5 out of 5

Should I buy the Molekule Air Mini+? Buy it if...

You don’t want a visible display
The light-up control panel turns off promptly following inactivity, so you’re left with what simply looks like the top panel of the air purifier.

You prefer a minimalist, Scandi design
With a simplistic color palette of white and gray and a tan-colored faux leather handle, the Air Mini+ could easily fit into many homes.

You want a simple-to-use app
Attractive and user-friendly, you can use the app to easily control the Air Mini+, review the filter life, connect to Alexa, and change notification settings.

Don't buy it if...

You want to keep noise to a minimum
Curiously, the Air Mini+ insists on increasing the fan speed to its maximum when Auto Protect mode is switched on, so if you want to change to this setting quietly, you’re out of luck.

You’re on a budget
There’s no doubt about it, this air purifier isn’t cheap. I could forgive this if it had more features or performed particularly well, but it didn’t impress any more than purifiers I’ve tested that cost $100 less.

You’d like to see what’s contaminating your air
The readings provided on the Molekule app from the Air Mini+ are disappointingly basic. Where other air purifiers can tell you the different particle types, VOCs, CO2, humidity, and so on, the Air Mini+ simply shows you whether the overall air quality was rated between good or very bad throughout the day or week.

Molekule Air Mini+ review: Also consider

Levoit Core 300S True HEPA air purifier
Less than half the price but very highly rated, we loved the Levoit Core 300S when we reviewed it, scoring it four and a half stars out of five. The readings aren’t the most detailed, only showing the PM2.5 level, but we were impressed with the performance for the cost.

Shark NeverChange Air Purifier
If the sky-high cost of the Air Mini+ replacement filters is putting you off, then the long-lasting filter capabilities of the Shark NeverChange might suit you better. Two washable DebrisDefence filters add another layer of protection, meaning that the HEPA filter could last for years.

How I tested the Molekule Air Mini+

• I used the Molekule Air Mini+ for one week
• I tested it in multiple environments
• I observed its reaction to aerosols

I tested the Molekule Air Mini+ in the TechRadar reviews office and music testing room, as well as in my bedroom at home.

I monitored how effectively it detected and purified airborne contaminants such as dust and dry shampoo, and how well it tackled the strong fragrance left by the latter.

I left it running in my bedroom overnight to determine whether it disturbed my sleep. I tested the sound levels using a sound level meter on my phone and assessed the controls and how easy it was to change the filter.

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

Xiaomi Buds 5: Two-minute review

Like most Chinese tech companies, Xiaomi's product portfolio runs the gamut from smartphones and fitness trackers to tablets, air fryers, electric scooters and massage guns, and while you may know the company for a few of those gadgets, headphones may not be one of them. And it's true that the company has yet to feature in our roundup of the best earbuds we've tested, although we keep checking with reviews just like these. 

So while the likes of the Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Ultra smartphones may be stealing headlines and winning hearts (we gave both 4.5/5), the Xiaomi Buds 5 have more of an uphill battle in order to win listeners over. And as you'll soon find out, the buds' favorite direction is actually 'down'.

The Xiaomi Buds 5 are new headphones that are some of Xiaomi's higher-end audio offerings, but still certainly fall into the 'best cheap headphones' category, bumping up against many options from rival audio brands as well as from market stalwarts.

There's a lot to like with the Xiaomi Buds 5, but enough to dislike that you may not want to put up with the good parts.

My main issue, which plagued testing from the day I started until the day I finished, was the fit of these earbuds. Without any silicone tip, or much of an arch in the design to hook them into your ear, the Buds 5 just refuse to stay in place. They'll start to slip if you so much as walk, and a head shake or jump will see them tumble from place. I found myself repeatedly pushing them back into my ear if I had to go on walks with them in.

I thought the issue was down to my ear shape but (after heavy sanitization) I made a few other people test them out too. They all commented, unprovoked, that the buds felt very loose. A decent fit in a design that doesn't use ear tips to achieve a seal something Apple's worked on extensively for its AirPods 4 rollout, and Xiaomi could learn a little for the Cupertino giant here. 

So you're only going to be able to enjoy your music if you're sitting still, or doing gentle activities like chopping veg for dinner or vacuuming your apartment. But then you're going to have to contend with an app that I found to be quite buggy.

Many times during testing, I'd pop the buds in my ears only to find that some key features weren't working. I found that the buds needed to be manually reconnected in the app for these features to work, with ANC and my custom equalizer only enabled after this. I can't imagine that this is an intentional feature, so I can only presume that it's a bug (hopefully, one that an update will fix).

These are two major issues but there are a few things that I'd consider significant 'cons' on better earbuds: the noise cancellation, battery life and call quality are all middling to poor.

So with that all in mind, why have I given the Xiaomi Buds 5 a fairly reasonable score? Well, it's largely down to the sound quality: they have a really distinctive and appealing audio balance that leans heavily on bass without losing trebles and mids. It's zealous, it's punchy and it's oh-so likeable! Music is high-quality, thanks to support for a few big codecs, and Harman Kardon tuning helps you appreciate your songs in a roaring and bordering on warm balance. That's if you can enjoy your music before the buds fall from your ears!

A few more features win the Xiaomi Buds 5 points too, including an audio-recording feature that you can enable straight from your ears, really convenient gesture controls, and a svelte and lightweight carry case. Honestly, the poor app and irritating fit let these otherwise promising earbuds down. 

Xiaomi Buds 5 review: Price and release date

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• Unveiled in September 2024
• Sells for £69.99 (roughly $90, AU$140)
• On sale in Europe for now

The Xiaomi Buds 5 were announced in late September 2024, alongside the Mi Smart Band 9 and a range of smart-home products.

You can pick up the buds for £69.99 (roughly $90, AU$140) which makes these contenders for our round-up of the best cheap earbuds. Based on precedent, Xiaomi could release a pricier Pro version down the line, and its full audio range extends from pricier open-ear sports buds to some staggeringly cheap buds under its Redmi sub-brand.

At that price you’d be comparing these to a few rivals from other mobile brands including the CMF Buds Pro 2 and OnePlus Buds Nord 3 Pro, as well as the fantastic Sony WF-C510 and Earfun Air Pro 4.

There's no news on a release outside Europe just yet and Xiaomi doesn't release much of its tech in the US, but in Australia we could well see it go on sale based on precedent.

Xiaomi Buds 5 review: Specs Xiaomi Buds 5 review: Features

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• Middling battery life and ANC performance
• Offers novel audio recording feature
• App has some bugs

The Buds 5 do offer active noise cancellation, but it’s nothing to write home about. There are two modes: Balanced and Deep, with an adaptive mode that’ll toggle between the two depending on your environment, but neither are particularly hardcore. They’ll take the edge off of annoying background noises but not muffle them in any significant way, and the lack of passive noise isolation from the buds’ design doesn’t help either.

The battery life of the buds isn’t fantastic, clocking in at 6.5 hours with ANC turned off according to Xiaomi. The company doesn’t provide a figure for listening time with it turned on, but I got the buds to last a touch over 5 hours with ANC deployed. The case will keeping ticking for a lot longer though, with 39 hours of playback when ANC is off according to Xiaomi. Based on my aforementioned figures, I’d estimate that you’d get 30 hours with ANC on.

For the rest of the features we need to jump into the app, but there’s a problem here. The Xiaomi Earbuds app had a big issue which affected the use of many of the Buds 5 features, and I can’t tell if it’s an intentional one or a bug.

Every time I put the earbuds in my ears, the app wouldn’t automatically realize that they were connected – I’d have to load it up and press ‘connect’. Before I did this, features including ANC control and the ability to tweak settings wouldn’t work, and it was an irritating extra step every time I wanted to listen to music. Other options don't do it; I can't imagine why it would be desirable. 

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Some of the features offered by the buds are standard ones that we’ve come to expect in wireless earbuds (not that all rivals offer them, so their presence in the Xiaomi Buds are welcome). These include changing the gesture controls, toggling wear detection, setting up dual-device connectivity, checking the buds’ battery life, changing ANC modes and finding the buds if you’ve misplaced them.

The Xiaomi Earbuds app offers an equalizer, albeit one hidden away in the Audio Effects menu, as well as a few simple presets like Enhance Voice or Decrease Bass. I found myself using the Harman AudioEFX preset mostly, which I’ll explore in more detail later on.

You can also use Audio Effects to turn on ‘Dimensional Audio’, which is presumably Xiaomi’s answer to Spatial Audio, a feature that plenty of earbuds offer in order to make music sound like it’s surrounding you. However, this feature in the Buds 5 transports you to one space in particular: the cellar underneath a nightclub bar. It seems to simply slather on oceans of artificial reverb, as though you’re hearing tunes through several layers of brick, making music sound awful. Avoid!

One novel feature the Xiaomi Buds 5 offer is an audio-recording feature. While most earbuds will do this, as they’ll replace the audio input of your phone while connected, Xiaomi bakes this feature into the app, and also lets you enable it as a gesture control for the buds. 

It’s not a feature that everyone will find hugely useful, but I can see some finding it handy in certain situations. I found it convenient as a way to leave myself voice memos without having to find a pen and paper or my smartphone, and I see it being handy for anyone who likes hands-free note-taking like this. Just bear in mind the laws where you live regarding recording people without their consent, something the app does remind you about.

• Features score: 3.5/5

Xiaomi Buds 5 review: Design

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• Earbuds keep slipping out
• Touch controls on the bud
• Lightweight carry case

Unlike many of its rivals and contemporaries, Xiaomi hasn’t put a silicon tip of the Buds 5. It didn’t for its predecessors, saving that for the Pro equivalents. It’s a shame because my biggest gripe with the earbuds is that they had trouble staying in my ears, a problem eartips would likely fix. 

This problem didn’t occur if I was seated or keeping my head relatively static, but when walking (or doing any other kind of movement) the Buds 5 would quickly start to slip – I’d have to constantly be re-adjusting the fit and pushing the buds back into my ears. 

Not only was this indescribably irritating, but buds that are half out the ear aren’t delivering on their full sonic potential, and also fall foul of sensitive wear detection too. This issue ruled me out form using the buds in the gym, and I stopped using them when cooking too as I didn’t want to push them back into my ears with messy hands – or have them fall into the pot. 

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Each bud has a small button on the stem that you can squeeze for various controls: single, double, triple and long presses for different functions. It takes quite a hearty press to trigger the function but a light ‘click’ lets you know that your action was successful.

The buds are relatively light, weighing 4.2g each. They have an IP54 protection which means they’re safe from splashes of water and ingress of dust, but immersion in water will wreck them.

The Buds 5 come in a shiny plastic chrome-looking case, which I think is pretty neat-looking even though the reflections make taking review pictures an absolute nightmare!

Opening this clam-shell case reveals the entirety of the buds, unlike many other cases which hide the stems in the body – because of this I found it really easy to remove the buds when I wasn’t paying attention, as the process was less fiddly than almost all rivals on the market.

The case weighs 36.6g and comes with a USB-C port for charging, and not a lot else. You can pick up the buds in silver, white and black, and your choice affects the case and the buds.

• Design score: 3.5/5

Xiaomi Buds 5 review: Sound quality

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• Great audio for price
• Tuning from Harman Kardon
• Support for good list of codices

The Xiaomi Buds 5 have 11mm drivers and tick quite a few audiophile boxes. These include support for a range of codecs including AAC, SBC, LC3, aptX Lossless and aptX Adaptive, connectivity using Bluetooth 5.4, and support for Bluetooth Low Energy. They also have an audio balance tuned by Harman Kardon, continuing a partnership between Xiaomi and the audio specialists which has also extended to its smartphones and speakers.

When I first started listening to the Xiaomi Buds 5, I was surprised just how much bass they offered for in-ear buds, and of all the buds I’ve tested recently they’re second only to Nothing’s recent audio offerings in terms of sheer thump-power (that’s the technical term). 

In the default audio balance, the Harman AudioEFX, here’s a distinctive focus on lower-focus instruments and pitches, making for a balance so warm that you’d think Xiaomi had used some tech from one of its kitchen gadgets. I can see some people loving the mix, and others really not getting on with it, but the other presets can balance the sound a little better.

Whether you like the balance or don’t, it’s hard to deny that the quality is great for the price; I don’t notice significant peaking or distortion, and the treble and mid were still palpable in the mix even if they weren’t the priority. Music had a level of energy that I’ve longed for in other similarly-priced rivals that I’ve tested.

Marring the otherwise-great audio quality is the bud fit issue that I mentioned before – music sounds great when the buds are sitting comfortably in your ears, but as soon as they begin to slip out you’ll be losing that music magic.

As mentioned earlier there’s an equalizer mode and I see most people relying on the presets due to the way they’re laid out in the app. These largely deliver on the promise in the title: increased bass, focus on voice and so on, with the default mode delivering the most nuanced mix.

• Sound quality: 4/5

Xiaomi Buds 5 review: Value

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• Better audio than you'd expect for the price
• Perhaps hold out for a Pro model

When I first started testing the Xiaomi Buds 5 I didn’t know the exact price they’d launch for, and the cost that I guessed they’d retail for ended up being a slight amount more than the actual price. That is to say, I thought the earbuds would cost more than they do.

That’s mainly down to the audio chops: between the sound quality, specs list and Harman Kardon tuning, Xiaomi seems to have hit exactly what it aimed at, whether or not it’ll be to everyone’s specific tastes. You’re also getting all the features you’d expect for earbuds at this price and they mostly seem to work well.

The one thing I should flag though is the prospect of Pro buds: in the past Xiaomi’s Pro options have had silicon tips, unlike the standard models, and these would fit my ear fit issues. I can’t wholeheartedly recommend the Buds 5 if a reasonably-priced Buds 5 Pro could be around the corner.

• Value: 3.5/5

Should I buy the Xiaomi Buds 5? Buy them if… Don’t buy them if… Xiaomi Buds 5 review: Also consider How I tested the Xiaomi Buds 5

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• Tested for two weeks
• Tested at home, in the office and on trips

The Xiaomi Buds 5 enjoyed a testing period of two weeks, though I used the buds for longer than that while I was writing the review itself. They were mainly connected to my Android phone though I paired them to a few other devices, including an iPad and Windows laptop.

Testing was mostly done at home or in my office but I also used the earbuds on a few walks and on public transport. I mostly listened to music using Spotify but also listened to spoken word, played games and watched TV shows on Netflix.

I've tested tech for TechRadar for over 5 years now and that includes countless Xiaomi devices and rival budget earbuds. I tested all of the Buds 5's close contemporary rivals.

• First reviewed in September 2024

• Read TechRadar's reviews guarantee