TechRadar Reviews

PowerA OPS v1: One-minute review

The PowerA OPS v1 is a wireless PC controller that's also compatible with mobile devices and cloud gaming services. Being a cheaper alternative to the PowerA OPS v3 Pro, it understandably misses out on some of that controller's standout features. Those include Lumectra RGB lighting, 'quick-twist' thumbsticks and the remappable bumper buttons.

That said, the OPS v1 is still a decent option if you're on a budget. Drift-resistant Hall effect thumbsticks are present here, as well as four remappable buttons on the rear which can be programmed on the controller itself with a dedicated button. You're also getting a Turbo button function and support for 2.4Ghz, Bluetooth and USB-C connectivity.

One particularly impressive aspect of the OPS v1 is that the textured grips on this controller actually feel nicer than on the OPS v3 Pro. On the more expensive gamepad, I found the textured grips to be a touch too rough over longer play sessions. Here, they are unintrusive and provide the perfect amount of grip for comfortable sessions of any length.

The controller itself - and its various buttons, bumpers and triggers - do feel quite cheap overall with some rather flimsy-feeling plastic being used. It's not horrendous by any means, but certainly a downgrade when compared to the v3 Pro and many of the best PC controllers out there today.

(Image credit: Future) PowerA OPS v1: Price and availability

• $49.99 / £49.99 for the standard model
• Special Fortnite edition for $54.99 / £54.99
• Available at PowerA in the US and Amazon in the UK

The PowerA OPS v1 launched in August 2024, and is available to purchase for $49.99 / £49.99. It's available at PowerA's own website in the US, but those in the UK will need to rely on retailers like Amazon to secure the bag there. A Fortnite edition is also available (pictured throughout the review) which features a distinct livery. This one comes in slightly pricier at $54.99 / £54.99.

This is significantly cheaper than the PowerA OPS v3 Pro which costs $99.99 / £99.99 and is a solid alternative at half the price. As mentioned, the lower price point does mean that the OPS v1 is pared back when it comes to features, so you may wish to keep that in mind when comparing the two models.

Admittedly, at this price point, the OPS v1 has some very stiff competition in the form of the GameSir T4 Kaleid which goes for $41.99 / £41.99. You are losing out on wireless connectivity with GameSir's pad, but it's more than made up for in excellent build quality, superb micro switch buttons, and a lovely RGB profile.

PowerA OPS v1: Specs

(Image credit: Future) PowerA OPS v1: Design and features

• Cheap-feeling build
• Textured grips are preferable compared to the OPS v3 Pro
• Rather plain, all-black aesthetic

As a more budget-friendly controller, you can expect the PowerA OPS v1 to be slightly pared back in terms of design and feature set, especially compared to the OPS v3 Pro. Firstly, build quality on the OPS v1 is lacking in comparison, with a cheaper plastic presumably to keep the gamepad's costs down.

Much like with the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro, I'm also not a fan of the plain, all-black aesthetic for the OPS v1's standard model. The special edition Fortnite version is certainly more eye-catching, though, and is the model I'd recommend going with if you're willing to spend 5 bucks extra (and, naturally, if you're a fan of the free-to-play shooter).

One aspect of the OPS v1's design I do really like is the texture on the rear of the grips themselves, and on the bumpers and triggers. The textured grips on the OPS v3 Pro were a little too rough for my liking. Here, though, they're a comparatively light touch and actually feel far more comfortable as a result. The added texture on the bumpers and triggers is also a really nice touch.

(Image credit: Future)

As for features, the OPS v1 shows up with the Hall effect thumbsticks that are swiftly becoming the standard for third-party controllers. It's now quite rare that I test a controller that lacks Hall effect, but it is great to see more affordable gamepads adopt the technology. Sony and Nintendo, please take notes.

The OPS v1 also shares some features with its pricier counterpart. You're still getting four remappable buttons on the rear of the pad, as well as three-stage trigger locks and three types of connectivity (2.4GHz, Bluetooth and wired via USB-C). The box includes a USB-C cable, too. But unlike the v3 Pro, there's sadly no charging dock bundled with the OPS v1.

PowerA OPS v1: Performance

• Perfectly responsive during wireless play
• A decent 20 hours of battery life
• Like the OPS v3 Pro, trigger locks don't work great

There's really not much to complain about when it comes to the PowerA OPS v1's performance while actually gaming. I tested games across a wide variety of genres in my Steam library, including Street Fighter 6, Final Fantasy 14 Online, Cyberpunk 2077 and Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance. All that is to say the OPS v1 is a perfectly adequate controller no matter what kind of single-player games you're into.

A 2.4GHz wireless adapter is included in the box, offering 500Hz polling rate which is solidly responsive for wireless play. I'd still recommend going wired if you're interested in playing the best fighting games or the best FPS games for peak responsiveness, but you can't go wrong either way here.

(Image credit: Future)

Unfortunately, as was the case with the v3 Pro, the OPS v1's trigger locks are hit-and-miss. When unlocked, or set to lock halfway, the triggers work perfectly fine. However, I found that the highest notch simply didn't work for any of the games I tested. That's a huge shame as it's a feature that's always nice to see on cheaper gamepads.

As for battery life, you're getting around 20 hours here according to the manufacturer. I did find this to be accurate during my time testing the controller, as I did have to charge up from empty after around a week of play that consisted of 2-3 hour sessions each day. Expect the OPS v1 to take a few hours to charge back to full, too, when hooked up via USB-C. For optimum efficiency here, I'd recommend charging with the cable included and potentially leaving it hooked up overnight so you don't have to wait.

Should I buy the PowerA OPS v1? Buy it if...

You’re looking for a solid and affordable PC controller
Coming in below the $50 / £50 mark, the PowerA OPS v1 offers good value and a decent feature set given its price tag.

You’re after a versatile and customizable PC controller
With Hall effect sticks, remappable buttons and trigger locks, there's plenty of options for customization on the OPS v1.

Don't buy it if...

You're hoping for better build quality
The PowerA OPS v1 sadly falters in the build quality department, with cheap-feeling plastic for its casing, buttons, and triggers.

Also consider...

If the PowerA OPS v1 misses the mark for you, we’ve got a couple of other suggestions that we’ve tested and reviewed for your consideration below.

PowerA OPS v3 Pro
This smartly-priced Pro controller locks in with Hall effect sticks and gorgeous Lumectra RGB lighting, making it worth checking out at the sub-$100 / £100 price tag. There are some design frustrations here, but it's still a very capable gamepad.

For more information, read our full PowerA OPS v3 Pro review.

GameSir T4 Kaleid
This is still my favorite budget-priced PC controller that's also compatible with Nintendo Switch. It's wired only, but comes in slightly cheaper than the OPS v1 and offers excellent build quality, sublime micro switch buttons and a lovely RGB profile.

For more information, read our full GameSir T4 Kaleid controller review. 

How I tested the PowerA OPS v1

(Image credit: Future)

• Tested for one week, 2-3 hour sessions each day
• Played primarily on PC across a wide variety of games
• Compared and contrasted to the pricier PowerA OPS v3 Pro

I tested the PowerA OPS v1 over the course of about a week, tackling 2-3 hour gaming sessions each day. During my time with the gamepad, I found I only needed to charge it up once. That total time lasted around 20 hours, lining up with PowerA's battery life claim.

I made sure to test a wide variety of games on PC, including Cyberpunk 2077, Fields of Mistria, Vampire Survivors, Street Fighter 6 and Final Fantasy 14 Online. This is a mix of my go-to games and some I determined to be a great fit for the budget OPS v1.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed September 2024

McAfee Total Protection Essential may be McAfee’s starter security suite, but don’t give up on it just yet. There’s antivirus and browsing protection for up to five desktop or mobile devices; a password manager; powerful data breach monitoring for email addresses, phone numbers, credit cards, bank accounts and more; mobile apps include a scam detector to spot and block links in dangerous texts, and while Avast and Bitdefender include very restricted VPNs in their starter suites, McAfee’s VPN is the full and unlimited service.

If that’s still not enough, the McAfee+ antivirus software suites extend the range with antivirus for unlimited devices, comprehensive identity theft protection, and online tools to optimize your social media privacy settings, and detect and remove your personal information held by data brokers or in your old online accounts. Check out our McAfee+ Premium review if that sounds like what you need.

We think McAfee Total Protection Essential has the core features most users need, though, and in this review we’ll take a look at how they perform, and whether this could be the ideal security suite for you.

(Image credit: Future) McAfee Total Protection Essential: Protection

McAfee hasn’t always had great results in testing, but recently it’s scoring very well. McAfee is currently equal third with Avira in AV-Comparatives Real-World Protection Test, just behind Avast and AVG, and it scored full marks in both AV-Test’s last Windows report and SE Labs’ consumer endpoint protection test,

We take the results from nine of the most important lab tests, then use a custom algorithm to generate a single overall score between 0 and 10. Right now that places Avast in first and Bitdefender second, but McAfee is an excellent third, outperforming both Norton and Avira.

The big labs carry out more detailed testing than anyone else around, but we think it’s still important to run further checks of our own, as they often turn up useful extra information.

McAfee didn’t detect most of our test phishing sites. (Image credit: Future)

We began by attempting to access 50 brand new phishing sites, and logging what happened. McAfee WebAdvisor blocked a well below average 32%. It’s better than nothing - some VPNs who claim to shield you from malicious URLs don’t block a single site - but it’s also far behind even free antivirus from providers including Bitdefender (64%), Avira (90%) and Avast (94%.)

There’s a second problem. McAfee WebAdvisor is a browser extension, which means it can’t protect non-standard browsers or other apps. We use a custom browser for testing, and it was able to freely access every one of our phishing sites without McAfee complaining.

McAfee scans downloads as they’re saved to your device. (Image credit: Future)

Moving to our malware test, we tried to download very dangerous files from 50 malicious sites. 

McAfee managed a solid 88%, but was still a little behind Avira (90% in its last test), Avast (94%) and Bitdefender (an excellent 100%.)

Finally, we matched McAfee against our own custom ransomware simulator. McAfee got off to a great start, immediately killing the threat before it could touch a single file. But when we modified our file just a little, it got past McAfee and managed to encrypt thousands of documents. 

That’s not a bad performance, but again, others have done better. Norton spotted what our simulator was doing and killed it after it encrypted six files, and Bitdefender stopped the threat before it could cause any damage at all.

Put it all together and we think our results broadly confirm the lab reports: McAfee does offer strong protection, but it’s not quite as capable as Avast or Bitdefender.

(Image credit: Future) McAfee Total Protection Essential: Safe Connect VPN

McAfee Total Protection comes with an unlimited version of McAfee Safe Connect VPN, which itself uses the popular TunnelBear VPN underneath.

The VPN is built into the Total Protection app, making it very convenient to access. The Total Protection dashboard has a ‘Secure VPN’ which shows whether you’re connected or not, and if you need browsing protection, you can turn it on in a couple of clicks.

(Well, that’s the idea. During our review, the VPN once hung on ‘Connecting’ for several minutes. Why didn’t we click Cancel? The app has no way to cancel a connection, so all we could do was reboot.)

(Image credit: Future)

McAfee’s VPN has a marginally above average choice of 48 countries. Unlike TunnelBear, there’s no choice of city or regional locations (McAfee has one US location, TunnelBear has 13.) 

McAfee’s location list doesn’t include five of the countries most commonly supported by VPNs: Hong Kong, India, Israel, Russia and Turkey. But it has servers everywhere else we would expect, and delivers more coverage than usual in Africa (Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa) and South America.(Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Columbia and Peru.)

Connection times could be slow on our test Windows system, sometimes ten seconds or more. If you’re used to some of the much faster competition (ExpressVPN typically takes less than a second), that can become frustrating.

(Image credit: Future)

McAfee VPN has very few settings. There’s a kill switch (called Safe Reconnect) to protect your traffic if the VPN drops, and some Automatic Connect options to automatically connect when using untrusted or specific networks, and that’s about it.

There’s no choice of protocol, but that’s not quite the issue it is with some VPNs. McAfee VPN supports both WireGuard and OpenVPN, automatically choosing the best option for the initial connection and switching if the first try doesn’t work. We would still like the option to choose manually, but that’s because we like to have some control, and that may not have any benefit in real-world use.

The ‘Safe Reconnect’ kill switch is more of a concern. It performed well in most cases, but we noticed that if the VPN’s driver failed, then the kill switch closed active connections but couldn’t stop any that followed afterwards. If a web page is downloading when the driver fails, for instance, the download would break with an error, but click Refresh and you can resume as normal.

This is a very tough test, but most specialist VPN providers do better. When we put NordVPN through the same test, it didn’t just block our internet correctly, it also quickly diagnosed the problem, restored the driver, and automatically reconnected.

(Image credit: Future)

We test VPN download speeds by connecting to a number of speed test sites from a cloud PC with a fast 1Gbps connection. McAfee Safe Connect managed a best average speed across multiple sessions of 270Mbps, well behind the performance champions (Surfshark and others reach 950Mbps+), but more than enough for browsing, streaming and most other tasks.

McAfee sells Secure Connect VPN for its privacy and security, and doesn’t mention unblocking streaming sites at all. We ran unblocking tests for Netflix and a number of other streaming sites anyway, but with poor results. McAfee got us into ITV and Channel 4 in the UK, and 9Now in Australia, but it couldn’t unblock Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney Plus or BBC iPlayer.

(Image credit: Future) McAfee Total Protection Essential: True Key Password Manager

True Key is a basic password manager which allows users to create secure logins, store and share them across all their devices. (And with Android and iOS apps for mobile devices, and browser extensions for Chrome, Edge and Firefox covering everything else, you can run it almost everywhere.)

Getting started is relatively easy. True Key can import stored passwords directly from Edge and Chrome, a couple of top password managers in LastPass and Dashlane, and generic CSV support might allow True Key to read logins from elsewhere. We tried importing 600+ Dashlane logins and it appeared to handle everything correctly, including multiple logins for the same site.

True Key also has a Wallet where you can store personal details - names, addresses, phone numbers, date of birth and more. This is only useful as a form of secure storage, though. True Key can’t use this kind of information to fill forms, unlike Dashlane and other top password managers.

In terms of the password management basics, though, True Key works reasonably well. Usernames and passwords are captured automatically as you enter them. When you’re creating an account, it can generate and enter a secure password in a couple of clicks. When we opened a login page, True Key displayed any matching profile (that could include multiple usernames if you’ve several accounts on the site), and clicking the profile logged us in successfully.

There’s not much in the way of advanced functionality. True Key doesn’t have secure password sharing, for instance, and there’s no ‘Password Health’-type feature to warn you about reused or weak passwords.

(Image credit: Future)

True Key does have one unusual highlight in its excellent multi-factor authentication support. There’s nothing more important to protect than your password manager account, so it’s great to see that True Key doesn’t solely rely on a master password. You can optionally choose a second factor - a known trusted device, a second device, your Windows Hello PIN or biometric authentication - to protect your logins from snoopers.

Overall, True Key is a basic but decent tool which handles simple login tasks with ease. It’s better than the typical password managers we see in security suites, but if you need form filling or other advanced features, you’re still much better off with Dashlane, LassPass or the best of the competition.

(If you’re unsure and would like to try before you buy, download True Key’s Freemium version. It only supports 15 logins, but that’s enough to sample the service and get a feel for how the app works for you.)

(Image credit: Future) McAfee Total Protection Essential: Dark Web Monitoring

Many antivirus apps now include some form of dark web monitoring, where they raise an alert if your personal details show up in a data breach, so you can prevent identity theft. But often they’ll only search for email addresses, something you can already do for free at sites like haveibeenpwned.com.

McAfee tramples all over these vendors with the ability to monitor up to 10 email addresses, 10 phone numbers, your date of birth, 10 usernames, two passports, two national IDs, two health IDs, 10 credit cards, 10 bank accounts and two tax IDs.

That’s impressive, but there are similar (and maybe better) services around. Norton Identity Protection can’t match McAfee everywhere (no health IDs, no national IDs, no tax IDs, only supports five email addresses), but it does watch for a couple of important extra items in your real-world addresses and your mother’s maiden name.

Norton makes it easier to add some items, too. Add a phone number to McAfee and it sends a verification code by SMS to confirm that you own it; great for privacy, not so welcome if it’s a landline or can’t receive SMS. Norton doesn’t require verification, so it works with any number.

McAfee does have some welcome advantages, though. In particular, the web dashboard highlights especially important breaches which include a password; Norton just lists breach names, forcing you to open each one in turn to see what it contains.

Put it all together and while McAfee Identity Monitoring isn’t ground breaking in any way (and we really wish it looked out for addresses), it’s still a capable service which outperforms most of the competition.

(Image credit: Future) McAfee Total Protection Essential: ‘Advanced’ Firewall

McAfee Total Protection claims to include an advanced firewall, but the reality is a little different.

McAfee doesn’t protect you from incoming connections, for instance: it leaves Windows Firewall to do that.

McAfee Total Protection does monitor outgoing connections, and blocks anything that looks risky, but most paid security suites do something similar.

The firewall has no configuration options beyond the ability to manually allow a connection it’s blocked, or block a connection the firewall has allowed.

Put it all together and while we’re glad it’s here, the firewall really doesn’t do very much, or add much value to the suite beyond the web protection we’ve already described.

(Image credit: Future) McAfee Total Protection Essential: File Shredder

Delete documents with sensitive information and you might feel more secure, but if someone else gets access to your device, they may be able to undelete the files. 

McAfee File Shredder addresses this problem by overwriting the files multiple times before they’re deleted, for example by filling each document with zeroes. Even if someone can undelete a file, the original contents will have disappeared.

Using File Shredder is easy. You can overwrite the contents of the Recycle Bin, choose some other target folder in the McAfee app, or select multiple items in Explorer, right-click and choose the Shred option. But while this worked most of the time, occasionally File Shredder simply told us that the files couldn’t be deleted, with no further explanation.

File Shredder is a decent example of a secure deletion tool. It goes a little further than Bitdefender’s version by overwriting every file at least twice, and giving you the option to overwrite up to five times. If you’re an experienced Windows user who would like more, though, tools like Eraser or Microsoft’s command line SDelete give you many more expert-level secure deletion features for free. 

(Image credit: Future) McAfee Total Protection Essential: Tracker Remover

Tracker Remover can protect your privacy by deleting tracker and all other browser cookies, as well as browser history, and is able to free up storage space by deleting temporary files and the contents of the Recycle Bin, too.

There’s nothing here you can’t do elsewhere, and Tracker Remover isn’t configurable enough to make itself genuinely useful. Avast’s similar cleaner is at least able to delete tracker cookies but keep your other cookies, for instance, so it’s less likely to be a nuisance. 

Tracker Blocker can also take a long time to run - more than two minutes on our test system - and may not delete everything you’ve requested. (If a file needs admin rights to be deleted, Tracker Blocker will leave it up to you.) You can set a scheduler to run Tracker Blocker automatically when you’re not around, but if you still have to manually check and delete files yourself, that doesn’t have a lot of value.

McAfee Total Protection Essential: Final verdict

The McAfee Total Protection Essential highlight is its antivirus engine, which does more to keep you safe than most. The dark web monitoring tracks way more personal data than the rest of the competition, too, but the browsing protection and the underpowered VPN let the suite down.

If price is your top priority then it might still be worth signing up for the first year deal: $35.99 for an antivirus this good and a full VPN is as good a deal as you’ll get anywhere. (A one year TunnelBear account costs $59.88 all on its own.)

If you expect more from a security suite, though, consider McAfee+ for its web privacy tools and unlimited antivirus, or competing suites such as Avast One Gold or Bitdefender Total Security for extra features and even better protection.

We've listed the best cloud antivirus.

Samsung Galaxy S24 FE: Two-minute preview

The Galaxy S24 FE is a phone that almost makes too much sense to get excited about. I spent a couple of hours with the phone in a hands-on look, and we have a sample being tested by one of our reviewers now, but I can already see how this will be a phone worth buying. I reviewed the Galaxy S23 FE, which was my favorite phone in this price range. The Galaxy S24 FE, while a bit more expensive, delivers even more.

It’s been years since Samsung’s ‘FE’ devices were sold as ‘Fan Edition’ phones, tablets, and now wearables, but it’s easy to see how Samsung fans get what they want for less money with the Galaxy S24 FE. The phone looks much like the Galaxy S24, though maybe a bit cheaper. The colors are more muted than I’d hoped, but the blue and teal look pleasantly bright and friendly. 

Inside, you get a Samsung Exynos 2400 chipset, but don’t fret if you were hoping for a Snapdragon. This platform powers the Galaxy S24 in most of the world, just not in the US. It’s plenty potent for all of the new AI features that Samsung is loading onto the Galaxy S24 FE. 

The Galaxy S24 FE costs $649 / £649 / AU $1,099 at launch, and there are surprisingly few good phones in that price range, at least not brand-new models. You can buy a Google Pixel 8 for that much, or maybe an iPhone 14, but those phones are a year and two years old, respectively. They won’t get all of the latest AI features, while Samsung is launching this phone specifically to bring AI to a lower price point. 

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

That works for me! Samsung’s AI is some of the most fun to use, and the company has so far avoided many of the problems and stumbles that other phone makers have faced. I’m happy to get Samsung AI photo editing, or Samsung’s generative writing tools, on a less-expensive Galaxy model. That’s better than waiting for the price to drop on an iPhone 16.

I could dive into the specs on this phone, but that would be missing the point. The specs are good. The specs are so good that if you want a bigger phone but can’t spend more on a Galaxy S24 Plus, you might consider the Galaxy S24 FE instead. With a 6.7-inch display, it’s a decidedly big phone this year, not middle-of-the-road.

The cameras look good on paper, but we’ll have to test them to be sure. At this price, you rarely see a 3X telephoto zoom lens, and Samsung gives you real zoom in addition to an ultrawide and a normal wide-angle main camera. That’s before we get to all the new AI camera mumbo-jumbo that Samsung has presumably added. I’ve used a lot of Samsung cameras; they are reliably good, especially when shooting specialty photos.

What makes this phone interesting? It’s a great value for its power and features, and it comes with the same promise of seven years of Android OS updates and security patches that you get with a Galaxy S24. That makes it a good investment for companies looking to equip a fleet with professional phones that are also easy on the eyes.

I also expect interesting deals and bundles with this phone. You might buy a Galaxy S24, or you could find a Galaxy S24 FE with a free Galaxy Watch FE, Galaxy Buds FE, or some other accessory FE. Or a Galaxy Ring … you get the point. The lower price will give carriers more room to make bundle offers, and Samsung gear is more fun when it works together.

We’ll have a full review of the Galaxy S24 FE soon, and we’re making sure it lives up to its promise and my enthusiasm. We’ll be sure to compare this phone against the best Samsung phones and all the best bargain phones you can buy.

Samsung Galaxy S24 FE: Price and availability

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

• Starts at Starts at $649 / £649 / AU $1,099 for 128GB of storage
• Available up to 256GB storage, colors vary by region of storage
• Available up to 256GB storage, colors vary by region

The Galaxy S24 FE costs $649 / £649 / AU $1,099, which is $150 / £150 / AU $300 less than the Galaxy S24. You get a bigger screen on the Galaxy S24 FE, and that amounts to a bigger battery as well. The screen isn’t as sharp or as bright as the regular Galaxy S24 phones, but it still looked very nice in my hands-on time at Samsung’s New York City showroom. 

I was looking forward to seeing the color choices for the Galaxy S24 FE, because Samsung proved with the Galaxy S23 FE that it was willing to cut loose when it came to flashy, saturated hues. The Galaxy S24 FE is a bit more muted and professional, so it won’t jump out of a crowd and into traffic with a bright pink or orange. 

Instead, the Galaxy S24 FE comes in a very pretty blue, a nice mint, an acceptable graphite grey, and boring black. There’s also a yellow color, but it wasn’t available in my US hands-on. Oh, and sorry Australia friends, it looks like black and yellow aren’t coming your way, at least not at launch. 

You can pre-order the Galaxy S24 FE right now from Samsung, but you may want to wait to see what your favorite carrier offers. This phone seems ripe for a ‘get it free’ offer, or a bundle with other Galaxy accessories, and Samsung accessories are worth a look if you have a Samsung phone. 

Samsung Galaxy S24 FE: Specs

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

• Exynos 2400e processor – okay, calm down, it’s not so bad
• Same camera specs, new camera tricks

Below, we've rounded up the keys specs of the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE.

The Galaxy S24 FE is a small step down from the Galaxy S24 in most ways, but not enough that most people will notice. I expect this phone to have no trouble playing the latest games, running through your productivity apps, and showing off the latest AI parlor tricks. A lot of the AI stuff happens in the cloud, but the Exynos 2400e processor should be able to handle the tasks. 

Wait, what is that ‘e’ on the end of the Exynos chipset? The Galaxy S24 didn’t have the same ‘e’ designation. Samsung’s VP of Product Management, Drew Blackard, told me that this would be a slightly clocked-down version of the same processor. 

That choice usually makes sense for two reasons. First, it cuts down on power consumption. Blackard says that this phone has great battery life, even compared to other Samsung phones with close to the same battery size. 

Second, a slower chip is usually less expensive. Yes, this is a Samsung phone with a Samsung chipset, but you may as well consider Samsung Semiconductor, a different company. After all, Samsung used a MediaTek chip in the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra, which launched on the same day as the Galaxy S24 FE. 

So, compared to the Galaxy S24, what do you lose if you buy the Galaxy S24 FE? Let’s go spec by spec. 

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

The Galaxy S24 FE is slightly thicker and heavier than the Galaxy S24 or even the Galaxy S24 Plus, which has the same 6.7-inch display size. It uses Gorilla Glass Victus Plus and Victus 5 on the front and back instead of Victus 2 glass, like the Galaxy S24. Thankfully, it is just as water resistant, with IP68 certification.

The display on the Galaxy S24 FE is not as sharp in terms of pixel density as the Galaxy S24 or Galaxy S24 Plus. It has the same resolution as the Galaxy S24 but is stretched to a larger display size. The FE cannot get as bright as the Galaxy S24; it reaches around 1,900 nits peak brightness versus a glaring 2,600 nits on the Galaxy S24. That still gives you a very bright phone with the Galaxy S24 FE.

The Galaxy S24 FE is only available with 8GB of RAM, while you can find a Galaxy S24 with up to 12GB of RAM, and 12GB is the standard for the Galaxy S24 Plus.

The battery on the Galaxy S24 FE is 4,700 mAh, much larger than the 4,000 mAh cell on the Galaxy S24. Samsung says it should even last longer than the 4,900 mAh battery on the Galaxy S24 Plus. The Galaxy S24 FE can charge up to 25W, the same as the Galaxy S24, and it can also handle the same wireless charging. You can even charge other devices using reverse wireless charging from the Galaxy S24 FE.

Overall, I’d say the sacrifices are worth the phone's price. Better battery life is always a boon, so I’m willing to trade a drop in performance for a few more hours of screen time. Of course, we’ll need to test all of these features and claims to ensure they live up to the Galaxy S24 FE’s promise. We’re reviewing this phone now, so check back soon for an in-depth look with testing from Future Labs.

First previewed September 2024

Review info

Platform reviewed: PS5
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Release date: Early Access: September 22, 2024 | Full release: September 27, 2024

EA’s approach to its annual football simulator is not unlike Apple’s approach to iPhones. Time and again, the developer has gotten away with making minor upgrades to a flagship product that it knows will fly off the shelves, regardless of the extent to which those upgrades improve the product itself. Sure, EA Sports FC 24 marked a radical departure for the series in naming terms, but it was essentially FIFA 23 with slightly better graphics and a new logo. That’s not necessarily a criticism, just the truth.

The same is, to an extent, true of EA Sports FC 25, however this year, it feels like we’ve reached a point where the overall experience is so good that it’s hard to chastise EA for making small improvements to an already excellent foundation. To continue the Apple analogy, the iPhone 16 Pro Max isn’t an earth-shattering upgrade over the iPhone 15 Pro Max, but it’s still the best iPhone ever made. In the same way, EA Sports FC 25 is, without question, the best football game ever made. The tweaks have added up.

While reviewing EA’s newest FC entry, I found myself asking, “What more could I want from a football game?”. Yes, many elements are bafflingly similar to FC 24 – not even the color scheme has changed; the main menu had me questioning whether I’d booted up the correct title – but the customarily small tweaks made to graphics and gameplay add up to a near-perfect footballing experience.

 Get your Pep on

The new Player Roles system in EA Sports FC 25 (Image credit: EA Sports)

Let’s get the “what’s new?” question out of the way early doors. The major additions to this year’s FC title are two-fold: FC IQ and Rush. The former is the umbrella term for what EA is describing as the "most significant change to tactics in over a decade", while the latter is a new 5v5 mode that can be played in Ultimate Team, Career, Clubs, and Kick-Off.

FC IQ is for the football purists. In a nutshell, you’re now given the freedom to break away from traditional formations and implement match strategies that more closely align with those of real-world managers. You’ve seen Ancelotti's Real Madrid fluidly shift between 4-3-3 and 4-5-1 formations on TV, and now you can recreate such transitions – and come up with new ones – for your virtual team in FC 25.

In-game tactical suggestions in EA Sports FC 25 (Image credit: EA Sports)

Much of this strategizing is done in pre-match menus, which newcomers or tactics-averse players might find jarring, but FC IQ also introduces an in-game tactical suggestions tool that feels a lot more accessible. A press of the down button in-play will now bring up a list of recommended tactical changes (Tiki Taka, Park The Bus, etc.) that the FC 25 overlords deem to be the best course of action for the current match situation. Selecting one of these tactics will temporarily expand the mini-map for an at-a-glance look at how that tactic has influenced player positions, and the commentators will respond to these changes, too  (“rather than hurt the opposition further, they’re now just trying to keep the ball and frustrate them”), which makes them feel real and consequential.

The other big feature of FC IQ is an all-new Player Roles system. As with formations, you’re now able to grant individual players the freedom to operate outside of their traditional positions in hybrid roles. Inverted fullbacks, deep-lying midfielders, and attacking wingbacks are now very much part of the FC experience – even in Ultimate Team – and while many players will no doubt ignore this new mechanic entirely, it’s nice to be given yet another string to your tactical bow.

The new Rush mode in EA Sports FC 25 (Image credit: EA Sports)

A quick word on Rush, which is this year’s completely-unnecessary-but-totally-harmless (and occasionally fun) new mode. It’s essentially a 5-a-side off-shoot for Ultimate Team, Career, Clubs, and Kick-Off, with smaller pitches and a basketball-style energy. I imagine it’s what the game of football would become if American sports executives were in charge of FIFA (check out the luminescent Nike-sponsored stadium), and while I don’t expect many players will return to it again and again, it’s certainly a fun diversion for a few hours. Let’s call it a happy medium between normal matches and Volta.

The (really) beautiful game 

Christopher Nkunku in action for Chelsea in EA Sports FC 25 (Image credit: Future / Axel Metz)

My mother used to regularly mistake old FIFA gameplay for real-world football matches (“Who’s playing?” she would say), but I’d forgive her for making the same mistake with FC 25. Truly, these are the best sports game graphics ever, and although I can’t put my finger on what, exactly, is different this year, FC 25 looks noticeably prettier than FC 24.

I think it’s the players’ faces. Sweat and hair look more life-like than ever before, and players now visibly grimace, curse, and just generally have more personality. Sure, that’s been the case every year, but FC 25 takes things to another level. Marquee players, in particular, look stunningly real; go and play a few matches with Haaland, Bellingham, and Mbappe, and you’ll see what I mean.

Gameplay, too, feels fast and responsive, and you won’t get any of that ‘new FIFA sluggishness’ that seemed to plague so many previous entries in the series. Seriously, I’m not sure where EA goes next when it comes to gameplay and graphics.

Refreshing the classics 

Jude Bellingham in EA Sports FC 25 (Image credit: EA Sports)

In my EA Sports FC 25 preview, I talked a lot about how FC 25 could be the dream game for Career mode lovers, and although I was already pretty happy with the way Career mode played in FC 24, EA has made yet more welcome tweaks to my favorite aspect of the series.

Before you even dive into a new Career save, you’re now given more options to customize the way you like to play. For instance, if, like me, you’re not fussed about conducting regular team training, you can now toggle an option to have the game automatically deal with training sessions for you (if you’re really lazy, you can even set player Energy and Sharpness levels to remain at 100% for the entirety of the season). You can give yourself a transfer embargo, too, and determine both the level of wind and weather effects and their respective influence on ball mechanics (trust me: set both to ‘high’).

The new Career interface in EA Sports FC 25 (Image credit: Future / Axel Metz)

Once you’re past the set-up screen, you’ll notice that the Career interface has been massively streamlined. The main screen now comprises a Task List and an interactive social media feed where you can see how fans react to club announcements, as well as those made by popular transfer accounts like The Athletic and, of course, Fabrizio Romano. This new widget adds another level of authenticity to proceedings, and the Task List, while perhaps simplifying things a little too much, does at least mean that you don’t have to keep dipping into your inbox to remove notifications. As before, information relating to your squad, transfers, and calendar can be found on different tabs.

Best bit

(Image credit: Future / Axel Metz)

I know this sounds weird, but seeing the level of realism in Christopher Nkunku’s in-game braids for the first time made me appreciate just how far sports game graphics have come (top tip: play a Premier League match in the rain for the most authentic experience).

Other Career upgrades include playable youth tournaments – where you can develop young players in 5v5 Rush matches – and Live Start Points, which let you dive into real-world club situations as they happen throughout the season. There’s no option to sim or part-play these youth tournament matches, but I suppose that’s the point: it forces you to actually familiarize yourself with nondescript youngsters. It’s a great feeling, too, when you end up bringing one of these youngsters onto the pitch in a proper first-team match. Live Start Points are a great idea, but I haven’t had a chance to try these out yet as the season has only just begun.

Ultimate Team, for its sins, finally felt like less of a pay-to-win experience in FC 24 – or at least, it was easier to compete with points-buying players through SBCs alone – and that trend continues in FC 25. The new Duplicate SBC Storage mechanic, which lets you store untradeable duplicates for use at a later date, is a game-changer for SBC fans (you no longer need to needlessly quick sell potential assets), and the mind-boggling number of card types means that highly-rated gold players are relatively easy to buy, even at the start of the game.

 Accessibility

The Accessibility menu in EA Sports FC 25 (Image credit: Future / Axel Metz)

EA Sports FC 25 offers a comprehensive suite of accessibility options, including settings for color blindness, subtitles, button remapping, and increasing the size of the player indicator. These can all be found in a dedicated Accessibility Settings tab. The game has six difficulty levels – Beginner, Amateur, Semi-Pro, Professional, World Class, Legendary, and Ultimate – and features support for 21 languages. 

 Should I play EA Sports FC 25?

(Image credit: EA Sports)  Play it if…  Don’t play it if…  How I tested EA Sports FC 25

I played EA Sports FC 25 for 10 days ahead of its official release. During that time, I had access to all modes and features and was able to compete against real-world players as part of EA’s Early Access promotion. I played on PS5, using a standard DualSense controller, on a Samsung QN95A Neo QLED 4K TV, with audio coming via a five-speaker Bose Lifestyle 550 Home Entertainment System. I’ve played every FIFA / EA Sports FC game since FIFA 13, and also reviewed FIFA 22, FIFA 23, and EA Sports FC 24 for TechRadar Gaming.

First reviewed September 2024.

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4: Two-minute review

We’ve long been fans of the Wonderboom series: compact, durable speakers designed to go with you anywhere and pump out sound quality far better than you’d expect for the size – and Ultimate Ears is a name that regularly features in our best Bluetooth speakers roundup. The Logitech brand clearly knows it’s onto a winner with this model, because the latest iteration – the aptly named Wonderboom 4 – doesn’t change too much.

Like the Wonderboom 2 and 3 before it, this is a well-built, backpack-friendly Bluetooth speaker that can survive a fair few adventures. Not only does it feel sturdy in the hand, but its IP67 rating equates to top-tier water- and dust-proofing. In case you wanted further confirmation, throw it in the drink and it also floats.

Sonically, the Wonderboom 4 is identical to the Wonderboom 3. Bass output has no business being so punchy for such a small speaker, while both clarity and separation are impressive at reasonable volumes. Only when you push up the decibels is there a noticeable loss of detail.

You also get all the listening features of previous versions, including stereo pairing, 360-degree sound output and Outdoor Boost for beefier alfresco audio. New for the Wonderboom 4 is a Podcast mode, which adjusts EQ settings to better suit the spoken word. Oh, and Ultimate Ears has finally made the switch to USB-C on the Wonderboom as well – hurrah! 

If you don’t need USB-C connectivity or the added vocal clarity of the Podcast Mode, the now-discounted Wonderboom 3 offers better value. But for the price and size, you’d be hard-pressed to find a Bluetooth speaker that can beat the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4.

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 review: Price and release date

• Released June 26, 2024
• Officially priced at $99.99 / £89.99 / AU$149

The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 was released in June 2024, priced at $99.99 / £89.99 / AU$149. That’s the same as the Wonderboom 3 cost at launch, putting it firmly in the affordable category. It’s worth noting that the Wonderboom 3 has since been discounted, making it an even cheaper option with identical audio hardware.

At that price, the Wonderboom 4 sits in a very a competitive category, with recent price reductions bringing both the JBL Flip 6 and Bose SoundLink Micro down to similar numbers. As you’ll read below, though, we think the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 has a lot to offer if you’re looking for a compact Bluetooth speaker to depend on when you travel.

(Image credit: Future) Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 review: Specs

(Image credit: Future) Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 review: Features

• 14-hour battery life
• USB-C charging port
• No aux-in or microphone

One of the headline changes for the Wonderboom 4 is the switch from a microUSB charging port to USB-C. With the world well on its way to a one-cable future, this change was long overdue on the Wonderboom 3. So while it might seem a minor update, it’s also a welcome one that means you've got one less wire to worry about.

Otherwise, the Wonderboom 4’s feature set remains very much the same as its predecessor. As before, there’s no 3.5mm aux input, so you’ll need to look elsewhere if you want the option to hard-wire your audio source. There’s no built-in mic, either, so the Wonderboom 4 can’t function as a speakerphone.

Nor does it benefit from the app support of more premium Ultimate Ears speakers, such as the Hyperboom. While the option to connect to the Boom app would objectively add value, we think it’s no bad thing that the Wonderboom 4 is an ‘offline’ speaker; it keeps things simple and accessible, while the Outdoor Boost and new Podcast sound modes (see below) offer all the EQ adjustment that most people would expect at this price point.

Wireless pairing is by Bluetooth 5.2. This isn’t the latest standard and, as we’d expect for an affordable speaker, there’s no support for hi-res codecs. But it can host multiple connections simultaneously, in case you’re sharing DJ duties.

Where the Wonderboom 4 continues to excel is battery life. Rated at 14 hours from a full charge, we routinely achieved better than this during testing. On a single stint, this is a speaker that simply goes and goes. And it’s also the kind of speaker that you could charge at a weekend and use heavily throughout the week, without worrying that you’re about to see the red light come on.

• Features score: 4/5

(Image credit: Future) Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 review: Design

• Available in four color options
• IP67 waterproof and dust-proof
• Six-button interface

Owners of the Wonderboom 3 won’t find anything physically different about the Wonderboom 4. It remains a compact, tidily designed Bluetooth speaker that’s put together very well. Weighing just 420g and measuring 104 x 95.3 x 95.3mm, it’s a neat little cylinder that’s perfect for tossing in a bag.

Four color schemes are yours to choose between: Active Black, Cobalt Blue, Hyper Pink and Joyous Bright. Preference is personal, but each of these color combos are characterful in their own way, complementing the Wonderboom 4’s fun-sized stature with a natty look. Each features those trademark Ultimate Ears volume buttons in a bold contrasting hue, with a matching fabric loop that can be used to carabiner the Wonderboom 4 to the outside of your backpack.

It’s all very familiar and all the better for it. From the fabric wrap to the rubberized bumpers top and bottom, the Wonderboom 4 feels like it’s built to go the distance. Despite its lightweight construction, it’s reassuringly solid in the hand. That’s borne out by an IP67 rating against water and dust, plus it’s drop-proof from 1.5m and floats for good measure. All of which adds up to a speaker that’s genuinely adventure-proof and made for the great outdoors.

Besides those unmissable volume buttons, you’ll find three controls on top of the Wonderboom 4 and one beneath. There is a slight learning curve here: the top buttons are unmarked for minimalism, but that does mean it takes a little time to remember their functions. One is for power, one for pairing and the central one is a multi-function number for controlling playback and connecting to other Wonderbooms in stereo.

Underneath is a button marked by a tree symbol, which is used to switch between standard, Podcast and Outdoor Boost sound modes.

• Design score: 5/5

(Image credit: Future) Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 review: Sound quality

• Punchy 360-degree sound output
• Double Up stereo pairing
• Outdoor Boost and Podcast EQ modes

To the ears, the Wonderboom 4 is identical to the Wonderboom 3. That’s because it uses the same pair of active drivers, together with two passive radiators, to pump out 360-degree sound. The result is a speaker that punches well above its weight when it comes to both low-end oomph and overall clarity.

Audiophiles will find things to pick at, but for its price and proportions, the Wonderboom 4 is right up there with the best in this bracket. Bass is bold, yet it doesn’t overwhelm the mids and trebles. There’s impressive separation here for a portable Bluetooth speaker, with a richness to the output that isn’t found in many speakers of a similar size. The soundstage is nicely balanced, too.

Crank the volume beyond reasonable levels and you will encounter distortion, with harsh treble creeping in. That said, we were impressed with how well the Wonderboom 4 handled complex tracks even at higher volumes. It’s perfectly capable of filling a small or medium room, and we found that positioning it in a corner or near a wall gives a fuller sound.

For more immersive listening, you have the option to Double Up with another Wonderboom 3 or 4. You can have both speakers play the same audio, or use them as left and right separates for proper two-channel audio. The result in our experience is no gimmick, revealing plenty of details that would be lost in single-speaker playback.

If you’re listening outdoors, the Outdoor Boost setting reduces the bass and amps up the treble. This produces audio that carries better outside, but it also comes with a clear loss in quality. It’s a useful setting for picnic playlists, but not one to use at home. 

New for the Wonderboom 4 is a Podcast mode, which tweaks the EQ to suit spoken vocals. Listening in the kitchen, there was a difference in output versus the standard mode, with words carrying more clearly in a mix that focuses on upper midrange frequencies, giving a marginally more emotive quality to speech patterns. That said, you’d have to be a keen-eared podcast enthusiast to really pick up on this or value it as a dedicated feature.

• Sound quality: 4/5

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 review: Value

We’ve always rated Wonderboom speakers as excellent value and the fourth version is no exception. For the price, you’re getting a fun, compact speaker that’s built tough and capable of impressive sound quality. Add to that its solid battery life and the option to pair it in stereo, and we think it stacks up as one of the most complete Bluetooth speakers you can buy for the money.

You’ll need to look elsewhere for certain features, such as the app connectivity offered by the similarly priced JBL Flip 6. But that’s not a dealbreaker for the price, and for most people the Wonderboom 4 will do all that they need and more.

It’s worth mentioning that recent discounts mean the Wonderboom 3 is now available for less, making it better value outright. If you don’t need USB-C connectivity or a Podcast mode, it gives you an identical listening experience for a lower price, at least while stocks last. Otherwise, we think the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 represents fantastic value for a Bluetooth speaker in 2024.

• Value score: 4.5/5

(Image credit: Future) Should I buy the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4? Buy it if… Don’t buy it if… Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 review: Also consider How I tested the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4

• Tested for a month, both indoors and in the back garden
• Played a variety of music types
• Listened via the Spotify app on iPhone

I used the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 as my go-to Bluetooth speaker for the best part of a month. That meant listening to it both at home and while travelling around the UK, sticking it in my backpack for a number of trips to see how it held up on the road.

The Wonderboom 4 went on a real musical journey with me, as I streamed a wide variety of genres via Spotify on my iPhone. That eclectic selection covered everything from mellow background music to Seventies classics, plus more than a few kitchen anthems.

It handled playlist and podcast duties indoors, and was also put to the test around the firepit, soundtracking most of my September evenings on the patio, whatever the weather.

Read more about how we test

• First reviewed: September 2024

Air purifiers can be considered yet another unnecessary gadget adding to the clutter in our homes, but if you want to dull strong odors, or try to reduce levels of hayfever-causing pollen indoors, the Molekule Air Pro could actually prove helpful.

I had the pleasure of testing a unit to see how it compared to the best air purifiers on the market. I loved its simple and aesthetically pleasing app, which kept me well informed with real-time and historical indoor air quality readings, but, at this price point, I expected more features. Check out my review below for the full story.

Molekule Air Pro review: price & availability

• List price: $1,014.99 / £799.99
• Available in the US, only available via Amazon in the UK

Listed at $1,014.99 on the official Molekule website, and £799.99 on Amazon, the Air Pro is, without doubt, a premium-priced air purifier. During my time reviewing it, I did see it discounted on the Molekule website and Amazon US, with a sale price of $749.99 initially, further dropping down to $649.99 over the Labor Day sales – so it’s worth keeping an eye out for deals if you’re in the US.

I won’t lie, I winced the first time I became aware of the Molekule Air Pro's price. I felt sure it must be massively overpriced; but its FDA 510(k) Class II medical device clearance, impressive detection and responsiveness, and informative companion app have changed my tune, albeit begrudgingly.

It’s worth bearing in mind that Molekule recommends that the filters are changed every six months, with replacements costing $174.99 / £159.99, so this cost will need to be factored in, too.

• Value for money score: 4 out of 5

Molekule Air Pro review: specs Molekule Air Pro review: design

• Medical grade without the medical aesthetic
• Satisfying opening mechanism
• Touchscreen display

The aesthetics of the Molekule Air Pro are simple yet satisfying. The outer housing is made from substantial-feeling aluminum and medical-grade polycarbonate. A tan-colored faux leather handle is attached at the front and back of the purifier using large metal pins.

As is to be expected of a metal-cased appliance standing at 23 inches / 586mm tall and 11 inches / 278mm wide, the Air Pro weighs a fair bit at 23lbs / 10.4kg. It comes packaged in a large cardboard box with cardboard fitments – and, helpfully, the reusable pull-string bag has handles that make it easier to take out of the box.

The faux leather handle on the unit itself can happily take the Air Pro's weight, but it still isn’t the easiest to carry around. As a shorter-than-average woman with limited upper body strength, I was able to lift it and carry it up and down stairs, but I certainly didn’t look the most dignified doing it.

(Image credit: Future)

The top face of the Air Pro is encircled by slanted vent holes, with a black circular touch display at the center. There are five screens to swipe between. The first is color-coded according to the IAQ (indoor air quality) level: green for good; yellow for moderate; red for bad; and blue for very bad. On the second screen, the levels of VOC (volatile organic compounds), particle matter, carbon dioxide, and relative humidity in the air are detailed. Screen three has Auto Protect mode and five individual fan speeds. The filter condition can be found on the fourth screen and, finally, screen five offers various functions and settings including standby, languages, purifier details, and so on. While this method of operation is efficient, and at first the shiny finish looks nice, after some time you'll notice fingerprints on the screen and dust and debris on the Air Pro's shiny surface and inside the vent fins – which is particularly visible over the white.

The display screen automatically goes to sleep when it isn’t being used and takes a touch or two to awaken again. There isn’t a Dark mode on the Air Pro, or the option to turn off the blue light when the fan is operational. This is because it isn't possible to contain all of the UV-A light from the PECO technology, meaning that there's a subtle blue glow visible beneath the slanted vent holes.

(Image credit: Future)

Access to the filter is simple: gently push down on the top of the air purifier and twist counter-clockwise. This top piece will slowly rise up, allowing you to remove it and reach the filter. To replace it again, I simply needed to align the red lines on the top section and the inside of the main purifier body, before gently pushing and twisting the top section in a clockwise direction to fix it in place again.

Overall, other than being somewhat cumbersome and a bit of a fingerprint and dust magnet, the Air Pro looks and feels premium, which is only fair given its high price.

• Design score: 4.5 out of 5

Molekule Air Pro review: features

• Good range of contaminants detected
• FDA Class II medical device clearance
• Lack of features in the app

The Molekule Air Pro offers a greater number of features than its smaller and lower-priced companion, the Air Mini+. Not only can the Air Pro detect particle matter, but it can also identify, record, and tackle more airborne nasties, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and benzene. The levels of VOCs, PM1.0, PM2.5, and PM10 are detailed on the display on the top of the purifier and in the Molekule app.

The Molekule app allowed me to view the current air score, and switch between fan modes. These included Auto Protect, which has the option of running on Standard, or Quiet for night-time use, and manual speeds from one to five. It was pretty straightforward to keep an eye on air quality using the daily and weekly history, which is plotted onto a graph using colored lines to indicate the indoor air quality (IAQ) at that time. There are also colored rings below the graph that represent the different air scores, which note the number of minutes or hours the air quality was at that level over the time period.

(Image credit: Future)

It’s only a shame that the app settings are quite basic. With much cheaper purifiers such as the AiDot Welov P200 Pro, it’s possible to adjust display brightness, enable screen lock, and set timers and schedules without the use of third-party smart tools such as Alexa. At this price point, I expected a greater number of features. I was happy to see that there were notification settings – until I discovered that this was only to notify when the filter is nearing the end of its life. It would have been helpful to have notifications about changes in air quality, which cheaper purifiers such as the Levoit 300S provide.

One big selling point of the Molekule Air Pro, and a bit of an explanation for the sky-high cost, is the PECO-HEPA Tri-Power filter. Photo Electro Chemical Oxidation (PECO) is Molekule’s patented technology that it states can destroy viruses, bacteria, mold, allergens, VOCs, and more. This technology supposedly creates a powerful chemical reaction, which occurs when the filter is exposed to the built-in UV-A light located in the center of the Air Pro’s body, to destroy organic pollutants. This is teamed with a true HEPA filter, which is said to have a 99.97% particle-capture efficiency rate, along with a layer of carbon to help reduce odors and toxic gases.

(Image credit: Future)

The Molekule Air Pro has been granted FDA 510(k) Class II medical device clearance, which means that it’s suitable for medical purposes since it can capture 95% of particulate matter and destroy contaminants by exposing them to UV radiation. It is caveated on the Molekule website that this is when the purifier is operated in Standard Auto mode, or on at least fan speed two when using manual settings.

The Air Pro has an impressive working range, capable of purifying spaces up to 1,000 sq ft / 93 sq meters. This is the biggest range we’ve seen in all of the air purifiers we’ve tested to date.

• Features score: 4 out of 5

Molekule Air Pro review: performance

• Cleared odors quickly
• Some app glitches
• Slow but steady air purification

Setting up the Molekule Air Pro was relatively straightforward, I simply needed to unwind the power cable and plug it in, following the instructions on the Molekule app to get it connected. It took a couple of attempts to connect the purifier to the app, and then further attempts to get the purifier connected to Wi-Fi since it kept getting stuck, leading me to have to restart the app multiple times. It got there eventually, though.

It’s curious that an air purifier at this price doesn’t have Bluetooth connectivity as well as Wi-Fi. The AiDot Welov P200 Pro is over $800 cheaper than the Air Pro, and yet it arrives with Bluetooth for instances where a Wi-Fi connection isn’t possible, meaning that you don’t miss out on IAQ data when you’re within range of the purifier.

I used the Air Pro for a couple of weeks, both in the office and in my bedroom at home. Its readings aligned with our air quality monitor, and it reacted quickly to changes in the office environment and at home. It was clear to see the changes in air quality when there were more people in the office, or when we were eating our lunch. Variations were also picked up by the purifier at home, with the air quality dipping when I sprayed on some perfume, for example.

(Image credit: Future)

Other than a few little niggles, the Molekule Air Pro performed well when I tested its reactions following air contamination from dry shampoo. I left the purifier on Standard Auto Protect mode to see how quickly it would detect the change in air quality, and how quickly it could clear the air. After I sprayed some dry shampoo around the Air Pro, it took a few seconds to detect the reduction in indoor air quality, causing the air score to change to Very Bad.

Unlike the Molekule Air Mini+, this change in IAQ was accurately recorded on the air quality graph in the Air Pro’s app, showing a clear spike in the level of particulate matter and VOCs within a minute. That said, it doesn’t show the reading of "very bad"; but this is likely because it was at this level for less than a minute.

A little side note: I liked how the app shows the “Top 3 offenders in your air”, which after the dry shampoo assault showed Chemicals (VOC), Microfine particles (PM1.0), and Fine particles (PM2.5).

(Image credit: Future)

The fan upped its speed gradually in response to the "very bad" air score, dropping to "bad" in less than a minute. At this point, the air quality graph in the app had a little wobble. Whenever I tried to view which contaminants were affecting the air score, the graph would revert to the "good" reading from earlier that hour, while still showing that the current air score was "bad" up above. This wasn’t the end of the world at the time, since I could view the detailed readings on the purifier itself; but this glitch wouldn’t be ideal if you were trying to view this detail away from home.

The fan didn’t speed up as high as I'd expected. Other air purifiers I’ve tested tended to go up to the max fan speed when a similar IAQ rating had been recorded. The fan speed of the Air Pro seemed to remain at a moderate level, so it took about 20 minutes for the IAQ to return a "moderate" reading; and a further half an hour for it to return to "good".

While other air purifiers I’ve tested have returned a reading of good IAQ within minutes, it’s worth remembering that while many of these cheaper models have the ability to filter VOCs, they can’t detect them, so their readings aren't as in-depth as given by the Molekule Air Pro.

(Image credit: Future)

In terms of odor control, the Air Pro did a decent job of removing the strong fragrance of the dry shampoo within 15 minutes. In the first few days of testing, I agitated an old rug in our music testing room to see how the Air Pro would respond. Its was similar to when it encountered the dry shampoo, seemingly taking a low-and-slow approach to clearing the air. As part of this test, the purifier was left on Auto Protect for a few hours, which in my opinion left an odor similar to a freshly painted room, although my colleague said it just smelt of fresher air to him. It could be the filter that gives off this odor during its first few hours, or perhaps that’s actually what our unventilated little testing room smells like once the dusty air has been handled!

Unlike the Air Mini+, I was able to sleep with the Air Pro on Standard Auto Protect mode without issue. There were no surprise increases in fan speeds that interrupted my slumber, gaining it some bonus points from me. I did find a similarity to the Air Mini+ in that when it changed from manual speed three via Standard Auto Protect to Quiet Auto Protect, it took a couple of minutes for the fan speed to reduce to a low level, despite the air score being "good".

I used a decibel meter on my iPhone 12 Pro to measure the sound level of the lowest, middle, and top fan speeds. Fan speed one gave a reading of 38dB, which is equivalent to light rain; fan speed three was 51dB, which is roughly the same volume as the noise from a refrigerator running, and the highest setting, fan speed six, was 78dB, which is as loud as a coffee grinder.

• Performance score: 4 out of 5

Should I buy the Molekule Air Pro? Buy it if...

You want an FDA-recognized air purifier
The Air Pro has FDA 510(k) Class II medical device clearance, offering some added reassurance that your air quality is genuinely being improved.

You want easy-to-decipher IAQ readings
Thanks to the color-coded line graph and associated timings displayed below, it’s really easy to view real-time changes to your air quality, as well as a clear timeline and summary of when the quality changed and the duration.

You want more than just particle detection
The problem with budget air purifiers is they're often limited to detecting particle matter. VOCs can have a big impact on air quality; the Air Pro can detect changes to VOC levels and react accordingly. This can be better for clearing odors that cheaper purifiers might miss.

Don't buy it if...

You’re on a budget
This probably goes without saying, but this air purifier is not cheap. While it does a good job and looks good for the money, it’s an awfully large investment.

You want something portable
The Air Pro would work well in an open-plan living space, but it won’t be so convenient if you intend to use it in different rooms, such as your living space during the day, and the kitchen when cooking, due to its size and weight.

You have unreliable Wi-Fi
For some strange reason, the Air Pro doesn’t have Bluetooth connectivity. While this isn’t the end of the world, it can prove frustrating if you’re encountering Wi-Fi issues, because there’s no way to record the air quality data as the purifier can no longer communicate with the app.

Molekule Air Pro review: Also consider

Levoit Core 300S True HEPA air purifier
A fraction of the price, this four-and-a-half-star-rated air purifier comes with a range of controls and features on its useful companion app. The Levoit Core 300S is perfect for smaller spaces, and it keeps you in the loop at home or away, thanks to the push notifications informing you of significant drops in air quality so you can choose to power it on or adjust the settings from wherever you may be.

Shark NeverChange Air Purifier
If the capabilities of the Molekule Air Pro go above and beyond what you need, and you’d rather not pay out twice a year for pricey filters, then the Shark NeverChange may be more up your alley. With a washable DebrisDefence filter on either side, the life of the HEPA filter can be extended by up to five years, plus a replacement filter is only $89.95 / £39.99.

How I tested the Molekule Air Pro

• I used the Molekule Air Pro for two weeks
• I tested it in multiple environments
• I observed its reaction to aerosols

I tested the Molekule Air Pro 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 of 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

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2: One-minute review

As a long-time user of Google’s incredible first generation Pixel Buds Pro earbuds, I was very excited to stuff the Pixel Buds Pro 2 earbuds into my ears. Having received them at the same time as Samsung’s also brilliant Galaxy Buds 3 Pros has, however, muted my opinion of the smaller Google earphones.

Google has gone back to the drawing board for the aesthetic of the Pixel Buds Pro 2, with a much smaller design while retaining the egg-shaped case. This new design sits more firmly in the user’s ear with the same brilliant touch controls on the sides, though a new ‘twist-to-adjust stabilizer’, taking the form of a physical plastic fin, may lead to some discomfort in your ears (in fairness with this criticism, a colleague of mine also using the headphones said he didn’t mind). 

Battery life is better than ever with the second generation, boasting up to eight hours with noise cancellation on or 12 with it off (30 and 48 hours respectively with case recharging factored in).

Noise cancellation has been improved with a redesigned seal and the transparency mode is just as effective as with the previous model. I’ve certainly noticed a difference between the new noise cancellation and Google’s old noise cancellation in the previous generation when walking beside a busy road, though ultimately I don't expect all sounds to be blocked out entirely. In fact, with the earbuds placed in some positions at different adjustments, you may notice an odd windy or whistling sound. Adjust your buds the best you can to mitigate this odd noise, but ultimately it makes quick ease-of-use a step more difficult.

Though perhaps the most unfortunate thing about the Pixel Buds Pro 2 earbuds is that they’re priced far too confidently. At $229/£219/AU$379, the buds fall within range of the better Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pros, at $249/£219/AU$399. Were you shopping at these price points, I would usher you in the direction of Samsung’s new Pro earbuds.

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 review: Price and release date

(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / Techradar)

• Unveiled on August 14
• Priced at $229/£219/AU$379
• Price increase over the Google Pixel Buds Pro ($199/£179/$AU299)

We can immediately applaud Google for the bold colorways it’s offering the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 in, which are far more interesting than the finishes you'll find when shopping for either the Samsung Galaxy Buds or Apple AirPods.

The standard black (Hazel) and white (Porcelain) are here, but also a gorgeous candy pink called Peony is available, along with a brilliant mint green called Wintergreen. 

While I won’t admonish anyone for shopping based on color (I have friends who tend to buy a lot of pink tech) I would encourage you to think of the better quality on offer with similarly priced headphones, and to maybe consider the original Pixel Buds Pro if you want a splash of color without spending too much.

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 review: Specs Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 review: Features

(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / Techradar)

• Exceptional battery life
• Strong noise cancellation and transparency modes
• Twist-to-adjust stabilizers may feel awkward in-ear

The feature set on offer with the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 puts it in direct competition with any other Pro earbuds on the market, but you may find some things are a bit off. 

These earbuds are more good than bad, so let’s start with the good stuff. The battery life is not only brilliant, but it also bests the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pros ever so slightly (8 hours versus 7 hours for the Samsung pair). The original Pixel Buds Pro earbuds had great battery life, so it’s great to see Google keep it up.

Noise cancellation has seen a noticeable improvement with the introduction of what Google calls ‘SilentSeal 2.0’. I tend to walk beside a lot of busy roads in Sydney quite often, and switching between the previous generation and current generation Pixel Buds Pro earbuds, I can certainly hear the difference when a bus rolls past. The Pro 2s are able to block out much more noise, not that the first-generation buds did a bad job. If the transparency mode received any upgrades, for which I can’t find any evidence, it’s not noticeable between the earbuds.

A major point of conflict I have for the earbuds is the in-ear comfort, and truth be told I can’t make heads or tails of it. Google has not just subtly redesigned how the earbuds sit in your ear, but has also introduced a new feature called ‘twist-to-adjust’. We’ll talk about this in greater depth in the design section below, but it’s essentially a plastic fin that sits neatly within your ear for greater support. Twist the earbud up and the bud will sit more strongly in your ear, making it ideal for physical exercise.

This is a great feature and I’ve certainly been using it regularly when going for walks (though it is more intended for cyclists and runners). One of my major problems with the original Pixel Buds Pro earbuds was that they can fall out of your ear all too easily, so it’s nice to see an improvement made on this front.

Finally, the buds also come with Google Gemini support for hands-free use, activated with the simple saying of ‘hey Google’ (or have a free-flowing conversation with the assistant by saying ‘hey Google, let’s talk live’). It’s neat for if you want a quick action performed without using your hands, but it might make you look a bit strange on the train. I didn’t use this feature much as I’m still yet to find a use for a large language model AI assistant. 

• Features score: 4/5

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 review: Design

(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / Techradar)

• Much smaller design than original generation
• Difficult to make comfortable in your ears
• Egg-shaped case returns with Google Find My Device

The main drawcard of the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 earbuds is that they’re smaller than the first generation buds – and it’s quite a noticeable size down. Where in the past a much less careful grip could have firmly inserted, removed, or adjusted the buds in your ears, a deliberate pinch is now required to tweak the buds in and out. The great haptic buttons on the sides of the buds are the same, though obviously with the smaller form factor it may be more difficult for those with larger hands to make adjustments.

As you may have assumed, this smaller size is both a blessing and a boon. They look much more premium and unique, sure, but the smaller fit forces the user to make their interactions with the buds much more deliberate to make any adjustments. I for one prefer the size and shape of the original Pixel Buds Pro earbuds.

The more egregious matter at hand with the design changes comes down to comfort. I just can’t get consistently comfortable with these earbuds. I feel like I’m constantly adjusting them, as I move from the office, to the train, to my home, to walking through the street. The twist-to-adjust stabilizer fins and the surrounding plastic add quite a bit of discomfort to the experience that didn’t exist with the previous generation or the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pros, for which I’m constantly tweaking the earbuds in an attempt to counteract. This leads to complications with the sound quality, which I’ll touch on below.

Finally, the cute egg-shaped design for the charging case has returned with a subtle improvement – support for Google Find My Device. This includes an integrated speaker that plays a chime when you enter pairing mode or a persistent noise when you’re using the Find My Device app. It’s a great addition if you’re the type to constantly lose your earbuds.

• Design score: 3/5

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 review: Sound quality

(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / Techradar)

• Great sound, if a bit wooly and quiet
• Decent equalizer customization
• Complications with comfort can bleed into sound issues

I can’t fault the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 earphones on sound all too much, though when constantly switching between these earbuds and the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pros, you’ll quickly learn that there’s better sound depth with Samsung’s alternative, despite smaller audio drivers on paper.

That’s not to say the sound produced by the Pixel Buds Pro 2 earbuds is bad – it’s just flatter and more wooly. This can be mitigated significantly by using the Pixel Buds app to adjust the equalizer. There are quite a few presets to choose from and the ability to set and save your own custom levels.

The only real problem I had with sound stemmed from the trouble I had with the design. When constantly adjusting these buds, pulling them in and out of my ears and tweaking them around, the buds would start to produce an awkward whistling or windy noise. 

This would be much more pronounced when outside and blocking out an abundance of noise with ANC on or absorbing said noise with transparency enabled. I could hear the seal coming unstuck with each step and the flow of wind past my ear being dulled.

With the smaller design, it’s obvious that you need to find the ‘Goldilocks’ zone in your ears for the buds to sit, lest you succumb to sound issues like me.

• Sound quality score: 4/5

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 review: Value

(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / Techradar)

• Much more expensive than the first-gen Pros
• Difficult to compete with the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro

The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 earbuds are priced to directly compete with the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pros, and that’s a problem because the Galaxy Buds 3 Pros are better in every way. This is a problem that is becoming more pronounced across the Pixel product range as Google is starting to price its tech at more premium price points.

The sounds produced by the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are a bit flatter and quieter, and the noise cancellation is a bit less impressive when compared to Samsung’s top-end option. With Samsung’s shift to a stem design, the buds also sit more confidently in the user’s ear, and because the buds are naturally larger, it’s easier for more clumsy fingers to make playback adjustments.

It’s not a night-and-day difference between these buds, but it is noticeable. 

• Value score: 2/5

Should I buy the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2? Buy them if... Don't buy them if... Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 review: Also consider How I tested the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2

From the moment I received the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 earbuds, I got to work reviewing them. I’ve been using the buds for about two weeks, switching between them and the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pros as I’ve gone along.

In my testing, I used Spotify as my music app, switching both pairs of earbuds between the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 and the Google Pixel Pro Fold 9. Both pairs of earbuds were tested in the same environments, including walks beside busy roads, in-office use, home use, walks through the park and when sleeping.

Noise cancellation was used a lot with the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2. In terms of EQ, I mostly used the default option, though I did enable the heavy bass option now and again.

To justify the direct comparisons in this review, I found myself constantly listening to the same songs and albums back to back between the Pixel Buds Pro 2 and the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. 

• First reviewed in September 2024

Two-minute Meta Quest 3 preview

There may be no better argument for affordable yet reasonably performant mixed and virtual reality than the new Meta Quest 3S. it strips away a handful of features from the Quest 3 that most users might not notice to achieve a pocket-friendly price point, and it may soon occupy a spot near the top of our best VR headset list.

After chasing the high-end with the now-discontinued Meta Quest Pro, and then leapfrogging that headset with a more affordable Meta Quest 3 (which included a better chip and higher display resolution) Meta pulled has back just a bit on resolution, image quality, and depth-sensing, to deliver its most compelling combination of value and performance yet in the Meta Quest 3S. 

There may be a lesson here for Apple, which has been chasing the high-end with the $3,499 / £3,499 Apple Vision Pro, a headset that has the highest imaginable specs, and includes powerful hand and face tracking. However, while Apple hasn't shared much about sales, it's clear that it has not enjoyed iPhone-level adoption.

With the $299.99 / £289.99 Quest 3S, Meta is now focused on the middle, a sizeable segment of potential users that has yet to adopt VR and mixed reality at scale. Coming in at hundreds less than the $499.99 / £469.99 Quest 3 is not without sacrifice. The Quest 3S has a lower per-eye solution, at 1832 x 1920 per eye, matching that of the now-discontinued Quest 2. The Quest 3 by contrast offers a 4K display with 2064 x 2208 per eye. Plus it has a pancake display design, which is slimmer and less bulky than the Quest 3S's fresnel lens.

Like the Quest 3 and Quest 2 before it, the Quest 3S isn't trying to be Vision Pro or even a Quest Pro. It's a glasses-friendly headset that can track your hands, and ships with controllers for maximum compatibility with games and apps that have not been remade for gesture control.

(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

That fact that the Quest 3S works with glasses is a big deal for many users, including me. There's no need for special lens inserts (which also add cost); the headset can adjust to fit your head and the glasses you wear every day.

Despite the price and some sub-pro specs, the Quest 3S is also a mixed-reality headset with image passthrough capabilities that match those of the Quest 3: 4MP RGB, 18ppd. There's no hardware depth sensor, though, which means some of the headset's recognition of your environment may be lacking.

Meta is pitching the Quest 3S as no less than a do-it-all mixed reality headset, supporting console-level gaming, productivity (look at all those floating browser windows!), exercise, entertainment, and virtual gathering places in the form of Horizon Worlds.

How good is the Meta Quest 3S? I took it for a quick spin, and below you can read my hands-on first impressions – the TLDR version is that this is the well-fitting, easy-to-use, glitch-free performing VR and mixed reality headset that you probably want.

(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff) Meta Quest 3S: Specs Meta Quest 3S: Price and availability

Meta unveiled the Quest 3S at its September 25 Meta Connect event. There are two Meta Quest 3S models, and the only difference between them is the amount of on-board storage. The 128GB headset costs $299.99 / £289.99, and the 256GB model costs $399.99 / £379.99. Pre-orders are open now, with shipping from October 15.

(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff) Meta Quest 3S: Design

• Good looks
• Decent, lightweight feel
• Nicely adjustable straps
• Excellent remotes

The hallmark of good VR headset design is when you need a minimum of guidance to get it on your head and find a good fit. In this regard, the Meta Quest 3S largely succeeds.

In my hands, it felt relatively lightweight. At 514 grams (just a bit over a pound) it's just a gram lighter than the Meta Quest 3. It comes with a Y strap that supports the Quest 3S over the top and across the back of your head. I found the strap-adjustment system fairly obvious. There's a pair of plastic strap guides that you push together or pull apart to adjust the tightness of the strap that goes around your head. The top strap uses velcro. As is the case with Apple's Vision Pro, this top strap is critical to comfort; otherwise, the weight of the headgear rests on your face.

Meta has redesigned the face cushions for added comfort. It felt pretty good, but I still found myself sweating underneath the soft foam, although to be fair the demo room was pretty warm.

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Button placement is also good. There's a home button on the headset (in case you opt not to use the included remotes) and a volume rocker that I found with a little guidance.

Meta appears to be taking a relatively cavalier attitude when it comes to the fit. The Meta reps just let me slip the headset on over my glasses and make fit adjustments. We never talked about adjusting pupillary distance or focus and, to be honest, none of that seemed to matter.

They handed me the two controllers, which look a bit like white versions of my Meta Quest Pro (RIP) remotes, but without the magnets to hold them together. The remotes, which include safety straps, were comfortable to hold, and my thumbs found the buttons, though I could also see them in passthrough mode.

The Quest 3S is also an able hand-tracker, and you can choose to use the headset without the remote, although not all games and experiences will support it. In any case, I didn't get to try it out during my demo.

Meta Quest 3S: Software and apps

• Multi-purpose
• Mixed reality puts windows all around you
• Gaming FTW

As soon as I put on the headset and it woke from sleep mode I could see a slightly grainy, full-color version of my environment. Also floating in front of me were three screens, for music, applications, and the web browser. I could hold down the Oculus button on the right-hand controller to reset the viewport so all the windows were directly in front of me – this is exactly how it worked with previous Quest headsets.

I've used a number of different VR and mixed-reality headsets, and found the gestures for moving, resizing, and opening applications pretty obvious.

Unlike the Vision Pro, the Quest 3S does not track my vision, so I needed to point at whatever I wanted to move or grab; I couldn't just look and something would light up. Still, for $299.99, no one should be expecting eye tracking.

I was told that I could open multiple web browsers and place them all around the room, but I got stuck at one point and could not seem to move my browser window out of my field of view; it just kept snapping back into place. This apparently related to the positioning and visibility of the menu bar. There may be a bit of a learning curve for more advanced mixed-reality window placement.

(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

I summoned a virtual keyboard, but instead of typing I selected the microphone icon and said "TechRadar", selected enter, and our homepage loaded. It, like everything I saw in a window, looked very sharp. The Meta Quest 3S lacks the Quest 3's 4K dual displays, but it still delivers HD-quality content to each eye via a fresnel lens (the Quest 3 has slimmer pancake displays).

I also opened the music app and played some smooth jazz. The dual, open-ear speakers deliver crisp, loud, spatial audio that I enjoyed listening to.

(Image credit: Meta)

After closing TechRadar.com (you, of course, should always keep it open), I opened a canned Dolby Atmos demo and then, using some of the browser settings, switched to Theater mode, which popped the video out of the browser window. When I selected the dimming option, I could turn down the passthrough video until it fell into darkness. I also grabbed a little curve on the lower-left side of the window and made the screen massive. Now it was as if I was in a cavernous movie theater. It's an effect I've seen done somewhat more dramatically on the Vision Pro, but it's still quite effective here.

(Image credit: Meta) Game on

I spent the most time, though, inside Batman: Arkham Shadow, an excellent Batman first-person action and puzzle game that looks fantastic on the headset. Unlike my mixed-reality experiences, this is immersive and interactive. so, yes, I stood up to play.

I'll admit, it's been a while since I've played this kind of game on a VR headset, so some of the movement made me a bit dizzy. I needed a minute to get my sea legs under me, and to remind myself that I could turn my head around to look, and didn't always need to use the almost too-smooth remote to look around.

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Soon I was walking through an abandoned factory space in search of opponents. I learned how to grab climb, fly with my cape, throw a batarang, and use a grappling gun. One of the coolest moments was when I was looking around and noticed my full Batman shadow on the ground. Ii could barely hold back from whispering earnestly, "I'm Batman".

I spent way too much time playing, but eventually got stuck. For this, I blame myself, not the game or Quest 3S. I would've kept going, but the headset warned me I was low on power. It's rated for a maximum of 2.5 hours of play, but your mileage will vary based on activity.

In this case, though, many others had been through similar demos before me, and the Quest 3S was just exhausted.

(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

My brief hands-on was just a glimpse of what's possible with the Meta Quest 3. It's a home for gaming (it'll ship bundled with not just the Batman game but a 3-month Quest Plus gaming membership). It's a health and fitness wearable with support for workout games like Supernatural (that'll get a sweat on) and Le Mills XR Bodycombat. There are also more chill-friendly health apps, like Headspace XR.

It's an entertainment platform, with apps like Peacock and Youtube VR (you can watch Netflix, but only in a browser) and there's now a Travel Mode, so you can use it and watch content while on an airplane.

This being Meta, it's also a social tool. I didn't get to try it out, but the Quest 3S supports Horizon Worlds, a social media platform where you can meet up with fellow Quest headset wearers and chat, play, and generally engage. 

Put another way, there's a lot to explore both inside and out on this mixed-reality headset.

Meta Quest 3S: Performace

• Powerful new Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset
• Average battery life of two hours and 30 minutes

(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

Even in my all-too-short demo, I could see that the headset was ready to handle all these activities. That's largely due to the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen2 chipset backed by 8GB of RAM – that's the exact same chip you'll find in the pricier Meta Quest 3. One area where Meta did skimp a bit is on base storage. You get just 128GB, where the Quest 3 starts with 512GB. If you want 256GB on the Quest 3S you'll pay $399 / £379.99.

That's what is key here: Meta has made few noticeable concessions to bring the price of its Quest line down to affordability for the masses. I know, $299.99 isn't cheap, but it does look like an incredible bargain next to the Vision Pro and now-defunct Quest Pro. And if you're comparing it to the $499.99 Quest 3 with its higher-resolution displays and slightly better hardware-based 3D object tracking, it still looks quite good.

I'm pretty sure that Meta has a very popular gift on its hands for Christmas and the holiday season.

Should you preorder the Meta Quest 3S?

The Meta Quest 3S is a near-perfect blend of mixed-reality value and performance. It's not breaking any new ground in terms of AR/VR innovation, but it will easily meet or exceed expectations for image quality, control, fit, fun, and even utility. 

Even though the world's attention has turned to AI, there is still a solid market for VR, especially among gamers. A $299.99 mixed-reality headset that does console-style gaming and so much more is just what the doctor ordered, and what I believe you'll be ordering just in time for the holidays.

Also consider

• First previewed September 2024

Garmin Lily 2: One-minute review

I’ve tested a lot of smartwatches, but this is the one I’ve had the most compliments on, with its slim design and bright color it got a lot of attention. I loved that I could wear it on a night out – as it doesn’t look chunky or too sporty. Easy to attach to my wrist, I barely noticed I was wearing it – but its watch face lets its design down – and we’d love to see some more color in the next version. The touchscreen was also a little tricky to get used to and sometimes didn’t react to our touch. 

With 18 different workout profiles, you can record everything from running to cycling and several forms of dance. However, it lacked sports such as tennis and football, so we didn’t get accurate recordings of these. The GPS watch also shows basic stats such as heart rate and steps taken, while more comprehensive stats can be viewed in the app. The Lily 2 also has features such as timers, alerts, and Fall Detection. 

Testing the watch over a month, I loved the running stats and the GPS ability, but the touchscreen wasn’t always easy to use, and I found it frustrating when it was either oversensitive to touch, or just didn’t react – an irritating factor when you are trying to record your fitness on the move. Sleep score and Body Battery via the app were great add-ons, but I’d love to see my detailed statistics on-watch in future versions.

Garmin Lily 2: Specifications Garmin Lily 2: Price and availability

(Image credit: Garmin)

• Starts at $249.99 / £249.99 / AU$429
• Released earlier this year
• More expensive than the Fitbit Sense

The Garmin Lily 2 was released in January 2024 and is available now from the Garmin website, costing  $299.99 / £249.99, with Australia prices TBC. Similarly priced to other Garmin watches, in the same category,  it’s more expensive than the Fitbit Sense, which comes in at around £30 cheaper.

• Value score: 4/5

Garmin Lily 2: Design

(Image credit: Future)

• Super lightweight 
• Hidden display 
• Touchscreen 

Surely this is one of the lightest Garmin watches ever? Weighing just 20.6g, our version, which has a circular aluminum face, also came with a light purple silicone strap. Five other colors are available, including two with a leather wristband and a further two with a fabric band. Designed to look like a lifestyle women’s watch I felt like I could keep it on all day –as it looked great with my whole wardrobe, not just my activewear.

Easy to attach to my wrist, made with quick-release bands, you can buy extra wristbands to mix and match with colors. With a 240 x 201px screen, like its predecessor, the watch face is designed and made using Corning Gorilla Glass 3 and set with aluminum, while the watch face has a touchscreen.

The hidden display took a little longer to get used to. I’m an Apple Watch user normally and love having the watch face and other stats to hand straight away. The hidden display meant I either had to move my wrist quite vigorously to ‘wake it up’ or press the button on the bottom center of the display, which like the touchscreen, was sometimes frustratingly hard to work. 

The black and purple watch face has a crisscross wallpaper design, plus eight different designs to choose from, including traditional clock settings and digital displays: we chose one that showed both our heart rate and steps taken. With future versions of the Garmin Lily watch, we’d love to see more color in the watch face. 

•  Design score: 4/5 

Garmin Lily 2: Features

(Image credit: Future)

• 18 exercise settings 
• Sleep score and body battery
• Fall detection 

If you’re looking to track your daily exercise there are now 18 workout profiles you can track, including HIIT, running, and cycling. You can also add more or take some forms of exercise off if you don’t use them – which will save you scrolling. Garmin’s always been excellent for modularity, and the Lily 2 is no different. Good news if you’re a dancer too, as it will track many types of dances including hip-hop and Zumba. Unfortunately, there is no ability to add exercises such as tennis or even indoor cycling, meaning you probably won’t get accurate readings for those. Perhaps these will be added in a future update.

The main menu also gives you the option to set alarms and even timers for particular exercises. While under the settings tab, you can also set alerts, such as how many steps you’ve completed that day and reminders to stand up. If you don’t want these on, which I decided after a couple of alerts I didn’t, you can change your alert notification settings on the app.

To find the dashboard you simply swipe down, which gives you access to features including ‘do not disturb’, sleep mode, and even your music.  I also love the feature, which wasn’t on the original Lily, which can detect an accident while you're out running or exercising. Simply add your emergency contact information into the app and it will alert them if you have a fall.

The watch can also track your sleep, giving you a sleep score each morning and a timeline of your sleep. This sleep score and your activity will then calculate your body battery – which both show up on the app every morning. The watch records all your data on the Garmin Connect app – I found this app quite hard to navigate, especially when I was originally looking for my exercise statistics.

•  Features score: 5/5 

Garmin Lily 2: Performance

(Image credit: Future)

• 5-day battery 
• Detailed stats for running
• Clunky touchscreen

I found the watch easy to set up and connect to your phone. For more detailed statistics, after your workout, you can link your watch to the Garmin Connect app. Easy to charge, via a magnet clip, which plugs into a USB port, it took me around an hour to fully charge it. The battery lasts five days, so unlike my Apple watch, I didn’t have to worry about a constantly drained battery – and sometimes it lasted even longer than five days. 

I tested the watch over a month, wearing it for running, gym classes, and while I worked out on my Peloton. To start recording an exercise you simply select your activity from the list – the Lily 2 performed well when I wore it while running, although calories burned were slightly off (when compared against my Apple Watch) and unlike some watches, it didn’t detect intervals when I was running on a track. The breakdown of my performance on the app was helpful – giving me an overview, and stats such as pace, average speed, and max heart rate. The charts section also gave me an idea of my cadence and how long I stayed in heart rate zones.

I thought some of the exercise choices were a little redundant - for instance, the stair stepper and the rower could come under the umbrella of cardio, so I took these off. I would have liked to have replaced these exercises with sports such as tennis or squash, but this wasn’t an available option. I picked either ‘cardio’ or ‘other’ to track these activities, meaning my stats weren’t accurate. The cycling selection also didn’t include indoor cycling, which is unusual, especially as indoor cycling has become more popular.

The first time I tried the sleep tracking, I forgot to put the Lily 2 on SLEEP MODE: I didn’t make the same mistake twice. It did show in my sleep tracking, however, a big 2 am wide awake gap - which, although it meant I got a rude awakening, I could identify that Garmin’s sleep tracking proved to be accurate that night. Every cloud has a silver lining. I’ve used many devices for sleep tracking, including the Oura Ring Generation 3 and the Whoop 4.0 [links], and although it gave you a sleep score, it wasn’t detailed enough for me. I love analyzing my stats and have been known to become a little obsessed, so the Lily 2 didn’t go far enough for this. The addition of Garmin’s  Body Battery feature is also clever, but again I’d love to see more detailed statistics in future versions of the Garmin Lily. 

•  Performance score: 3.5/5 

Garmin Lily 2: Scorecard Garmin Lily 2: Should I buy?

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

 You want a fashionable smartwatch 

Lightweight and attractive this watch will not just match your activewear but your daytime wardrobe too. 

 You’re a runner or cyclist 

I found it accurate for running and HIIT classes, but there weren’t many options for sports tracking.  

 You want a long battery life 

The Lily 2 battery lasts for five days, sometimes a week, so you won’t have to worry about charging it frequently. 

Don't buy it if...

 You want detailed sleep analysis

This will give you some insight into your sleep, it’s just not that extensive.  

You want a user-friendly touchscreen

I found the touchscreen over-sensitive at times, and at other points too sensitive, I felt like I couldn’t win. 

You love to track your sports

Sorry tennis or football players, you can’t track these sports on the Lily 2. 

Also consider...

Fitbit Sense 

A smartwatch with a similar price point, it looks good on the wrist while also tracking your fitness stats. 

Read our full review

Apple Watch Series 10

Whether it’s the latest Apple Watch 10 or its predecessor you’ll get spot-on tracking for sleep and fitness - while also getting all your notifications straight to your watch.  

Read our full review

How I tested

I tested the watch over a month, tracking all my fitness, including daily walking, cardio classes at the gym, and long runs. I also tracked it while I slept and also compared it to my Apple Watch to see how it stood up to its competitors. 

First reviewed: September 2024

Fortect Driver Updater faces some tough competition in its quest to be one of the best driver updater tools on the market, but it more than holds its own against the likes of Ashampoo Driver Updater, AVG Driver Updater, and others due to its user-friendly interface and fast scanning speeds.

The software is manufactured by Fortect, a provider of protection, performance, and privacy solutions, of which its driver updater is just one. More broadly, Fortect provides a suite of tools, including malware removal, a registry cleaner, an antivirus tool, and more. All these tools come together under the umbrella of Fortect Protect, a PC optimizer and security solution.

As helpful as all these other tools are, this review will focus only on Fortect Driver Updater, a piece of software designed specifically to scan your device for outdated drivers and install new ones. Outdated or malfunctioning drivers can cause a number of issues, including slow running speeds, system instability, and security vulnerabilities. This review will take a look at how Fortect Driver Updater does at preventing these issues, as well as evaluating the software based on various criteria, including features, compatibility, customer support, ease of use, and more.

Fortect Driver Updater makes it easy to download new drivers (Image credit: Fortect) Fortect Driver Updater: Plans and pricing

The price for Fortect Driver Updater can’t really be compared against other pure-play driver updaters as Fortect’s solution does much more than simply keep an eye on the status of your drivers. A one-year subscription to Fortect for one PC costs $33.95 annually and comes with malware removal, virus protection, registry key optimization, and email support, in addition to its driver updater tool. 

There’s also a Multi-Device plan for three PCs, costing $41.95 annually, as well as the Ultimate plan for five PCs, which is available for $58.95 a year. These plans, which can be applied to multiple devices, can be shared with your friends, family, and colleagues, so they all receive the benefits that it provides in terms of performance.

Although there is a free Fortect plan, it is extremely limited. While you can use it to scan your PC an unlimited number of times during the trial, this only lasts 24 hours. You can also repair any issues that are discovered but you have to be quick before that trial runs out.

Fortect Driver Updater's scanning interface is extremely clear (Image credit: Fortect) Features

The most important feature of Fortect Driver Updater is its driver scan. This allows you to quickly view all your current drivers as well as those that are in need of updating. After checking the scan results, if you decide that full-scale updates are not required, you can instead choose to update individual drivers. Alternatively, you can save time by updating multiple drivers with a single command and apply manual updates wherever drivers cannot be updated automatically.

In addition, Fortect Driver Updater lets users set their devices to restart automatically whenever driver updates are installed to ensure any changes are applied properly. They can also set up automatic restore points so users can roll back updates in the event of any issues. New driver installs can create performance issues, so creating restore points automatically means you can always go back to your previous drivers easily.  

Fortect Driver Updater does more than just refresh your drivers (Image credit: Fortect) Interface and in use

When assessing ease of use, the first thing that needs to be examined is how straightforward it is to download and install Fortect Driver Updater. In our experience, this was a seamless process whereby you simply download the executable from the Fortect website. If you’ve opted for any of the vendor’s three premium plans, this will contain other solutions aside from the driver updater.

Looking at the driver updater specifically, the UI is bold and clear, making it extremely easy to use. In the middle of the page, you’ll see two options: “Scan” and “Updates Hub.”  The former does exactly what you’d expect it to. It’s a simple click to let the platform check your device for outdated drivers. The Updates Hub, meanwhile, lets you manage any driver updates and view their statuses. On either side of these two options, you’ll see a short list of options, including links to other security and privacy tools, as well as driver updater settings. 

(Image credit: Fortect) Support

Email support is included with all Fortect’s paid plans and there’s also an extensive knowledge base. The latter is home to a number of useful articles on subjects ranging from how to set up your Fortect solution to the billing process. There are also general troubleshooting topics like license key issues and common maintenance challenges. Getting in touch with Fortect’s email support is through an online form, where you can select from various topics to hopefully speed up the process of finding the right individual or department to help you. Unfortunately, we could see an option for live chat or telephone support, which is somewhat disappointing when you compare Fortect to other driver updaters on the market.

The competition

Unlike many other driver updaters on the market, Fortect doesn’t offer a bespoke solution. Instead, its driver updater is packaged alongside its other security and optimization tools. This makes it challenging to compare it against the likes of Systweak Advanced Driver Updater or Driver Reviver. These tools are much more limited in scope - which you can view as a positive or negative. 

Ultimately, when deciding between Fortect Driver Updater and its competitors, you’ll first have to decide whether you need a standalone driver updater or an entire suite of tools to fix broken registries, remove junk files, and restore your device following a viral attack. 

Final verdict

Fortect Driver Updater is a very effective tool for ensuring the optimal performance of your PC. It works best alongside other programs, including its antivirus solution and other security tools. The fact that it can be used to scan mobile devices too is another advantage it holds over its rivals, most of which only work with Windows operating systems.

If you only need a driver updater, it might be better to look elsewhere as Fortect is not the cheapest. However, if you want an all-around more secure, faster PC, then Fortect is a great option with a clean UI and fast scanning speeds.

We've also highlighted the best driver update software

Kandao QooCam 3 Ultra: one-minute review

Kandao has been creating 360-degree cameras for some time now, and the Kandao QooCam 3 Ultra is by far the Chinese company's best 360-degree camera to date. It's an alternative and direct competitor to the highly rated Insta360 X4, and both are two of the most interesting of the best action cameras currently available.

The GoPro Max 2 release has been delayed, but when finally released we expect this 360-degree camera to also offer up to 8K resolution to further expand the options available for 360-degree camera fans. But with this delay and the QooCam 3 Ultra and Insta360 X4 already being available, it looks like GoPro could be missing the boat.

(Image credit: James Abbott)

The QooCam 3 Ultra can capture video in several modes and resolutions up to 8K 30fps for 360-degree video and up to 4K 60fps in Single Lens Mode. Video can be captured in a standard 8-bit Rec. 709 profile or in 10-bit Rec. 2020 (HLG) with LUT support available in QooCam Studio. There's also a Dynamic Range Boost for HDR shooting, and this limits resolution when shooting photos, but it is claimed to increase dynamic range by two stops.

This is a versatile action camera offering IP68 dust and waterproofing up to a depth of 33ft / 10m, has 128GB of internal storage alongside a microSD card slot and can be controlled wirelessly using the QooCam 3 app. It's not a cheap 360-degree camera though, coming in at a higher price than its closest rival the Insta360 X4.

Kandao QooCam 3 Ultra: release date and price

• Launched August 29 2024
• Costs $599 / £579 / AU$1033
• Accessories available separately

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The Kandao QooCam 3 Ultra was released in August 2024 and is available now for $599 / £579 / AU$1033. The camera is listed at USD$699 for Australian visitors to the Kandao website. This is considerably more expensive than the QooCam 3 and more expensive than the Insta360 X4 which cost $499.99 / £499.99 / AU$879.99 at launch.

At the time of writing, only the QooCam 3 Ultra base kit that includes the camera, battery, PD cable, lens cloth and soft case is the only option available, so accessories have to be purchased separately.

These include a Battery Charging Case, spare batteries, selfie sticks, a car suction mount and detachable lens protectors. A selfie stick in the kit would be preferable because these are essential for 360-degree cameras.

• Price score: 3/5

Kandao QooCam 3 Ultra: specs Kandao QooCam 3 Ultra: design and handling

• Larger and heavier than the competition
• Waterproof to 33ft / 10m
• 1/4-inch screw thread

The QooCam 3 Ultra looks remarkably similar to the QooCam 3 but is both taller and heavier with a weight of 11.85oz / 336g including a battery. This is undoubtedly still lightweight, but at 4.44oz / 126g heavier than the QooCam 3, that's quite a chunk of additional weight. It doesn’t affect handling or usability in most situations, but when attaching the camera to bike handlebar mounts, for instance, you have to be sure that your mount can adequately support the camera.

Build quality is excellent and the camera certainly feels robust with dust resistance and up to 33ft / 10m water resistance. Although like all 360-degree cameras, the dual fisheye lenses on each side mean that you really wouldn’t want to drop it. Pop-on lens protectors are available separately and stay attached well to protect from stray stones flying up and minor knocks.

The camera body is designed minimally with a power and mode button on the left, a shutter button below the 2.19-inch rectangular touchscreen, a customisable Q button, a button to change the camera view and a 1/4-inch screw thread on the bottom. Most settings and functions are accessed by swiping from the top, bottom and sides of the screen, like most action cameras and 360-degree cameras, and this makes the QooCam Ultra 3 intuitive to use.

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Using the camera without the phone app works well, but you can also attach it to the QooCam 3 app via WiFi 6 for wireless control. In terms of ports, there's a USB-C port under a waterproof door that can be used to charge the battery and transfer photos and videos on one side of the camera, while on the other is a door keeping the battery and microSD card slot that can take cards up to 1TB safe from water ingress. The latter is useful, but with 128GB of onboard storage, it's not always necessary to use a memory card.

In terms of battery life, forgetting anything that Kandao claims, I spent over an hour wandering around Cambridge (UK) shooting 8K video, timelapse/hyperlapse videos and shooting photos for well over an hour and hardly used the battery. The battery only ran out days later after further shooting.

Of course, this wasn't continuous use, but in real-world terms, I wasn't disappointed. A second or even a third battery is still useful to ensure you can continue shooting when out for the day, and the Battery Charging Case that's available separately makes charging easier and provides storage for batteries when not in use.

• Design score: 4/5

Kandao QooCam 3 Ultra: features and performance

• Dual 1/1.7-inch Quad-Bayer sensors
• 96MP 360-degree photos
• 10-bit HLG video option

The key features of the QooCam 3 Ultra are pretty much tied into the hardware where the dual 1/1.7-inch Quad-Bayer sensors and the lenses with f/1.6 apertures and 9.36mm equivalent focal lengths take centre stage. 8K video is oversampled to improve image quality. Other features include 96MP 360-degree photos, 10-bit HLG, SuperSteady Stabilization, Spatial Audio, built-in GPS and Single Lens video capture.

Image Stabilization uses a 6-axis gyro and works well, but unless you walk with bent knees, the way that you have to with professional video gimbals, the bob of walking will be noticeable as can be seen in the example video. This was captured this way on purpose to discover whether improvements had been made on the QooCam 3, but both perform identically in this area.

The camera view on the camera LCD and in the app is also stabilized, unlike the QooCam 3 at launch, so you get much closer to what you’re going to get on-screen, which is an improvement. Although, with 360-degree cameras what you get predominantly comes down to reframing video in software.

(Image credit: James Abbott)

QooCam Studio, which is Kandao's desktop editing software for photos and videos still lacks the slick and easy-to-use interface alongside some of the more exciting reframe options of Insta360 Studio. It's still fairly easy to use, and the QooCam 3 phone app still provides more functionality than the desktop version including the ability to use templates, although much work could be done to both to vastly improve them.

Sound quality from the four directional mics for spatial audio capture is pretty good, but don’t be fooled by the choppy sound you'll hear in the QooCam desktop app. Sound is massively improved, and is the way it should be, once videos have been exported. You can also attach external microphones via Bluetooth and USB-C; if sound is important, one of these will be essential to take advantage of the best sound quality possible and to reduce ambient noise.

Single Lens capture is another useful feature that allows you to capture video with one of the lenses rather than both – you can select the camera facing towards or away from you. This is ideal when you know that you simply want a single view and video can be captured in 4K up to 60fps or 3.4K at 100/120fps for slow motion footage.

You still need to run the footage through one of the apps where you can change the field of view – the view captured is square but is cropped to 16:9 with the Reframe Adjustment option. One point to note here is that you can’t actually reframe Single Lens videos because the viewpoint is fixed.

• Features and performance score: 4/5

Kandao QooCam 3 Ultra: image and video quality

• Up to 8K 30fps video
• Up to 96MP photos
• Slow motion capture

(Image credit: James Abbott)

360-degree cameras sound almost unfathomable when you first think about them, but they're much less complicated than they sound and open up a wealth of creative possibilities. You can pan, zoom and change camera direction, allowing you to easily film yourself and the entire environment around you. Although an 8K resolution sounds excessive, this resolution covers 360 degrees and greatly improves image quality for 360-degree videos.

360-degree videos can be captured in 8K up to 30fps, 5.7K up to 60fps and 4K up to 120fps, so although 4K provides the ability to capture 360-degree slow motion, image quality is greatly diminished when compared to 8K. 8K file sizes are huge and even 5.7K are pretty hefty, so you do have to consider how much footage you intend to capture and think about whether or not the 128GB of on-board storage needs to be supplemented with a microSD card.

Reframed 360-degree video Timelapse/hyperlapse

8K 360-degree videos and timelapse videos look great, although there can be a small amount of wobble where lens images are stitched so hopefully this can be improved. Overall image quality is great even with the Standard bitrate (100Mbps), but this can be improved by opting for High (150Mbps). Color profiles available include 8-bit Rec. 709 for in-camera processed footage or 10-bit Rec. 2020 (HLG).

The latter provides a much greater dynamic range with the ability to apply LUTs in QooCam Studio, with 11 LUTs preloaded and the ability to add your own. Unfortunately, there's no ability to dial down LUT strength, and there are no options available for making adjustments such as exposure, white balance, shadows or highlights to video.

When using the phone app you get a histogram to aid with exposure, but when shooting with just the camera in isolation, you only get an exposure warning where blue denotes shadow clipping and red highlight clipping. This is perfectly adequate and provides a quick and easy way to assess exposure.

Dynamic range isn’t great, so you have to watch your highlights, but Dynamic Range Boost for HDR shooting does increase dynamic range by two stops at the expense of photo resolution which is limited to 24MP. There is a noticeable difference between standard and Dynamic Range Boost images, and the processing of the latter is no heavier than the former. Video looks fine because you're forced into capturing in 10-bit Rec. 2020 (HLG) which is a flat profile and offers greater dynamic range.

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The best photo quality comes from the DNG8 shooting feature where eight DNG files are captured and then merged in the RawPlus software for increased detail, lower noise and extended dynamic range. The downside is that it's a convoluted process where you have to merge the eight DNGs into a single DNG in RawPlus, export, edit in Lightroom, export a JPEG and then reframe the JPEG in QooCamStudio before exporting a final JPEG.

Standard photo quality is pretty good with brighter conditions providing the best results like most action cameras and drones with small sensors. But when working with DNGs, you have to edit in Lightroom, export a JPEG and then reframe the JPEG in QooCamStudio before exporting again. This process hasn’t been improved since the QooCam 3, and it could and should be much more streamlined.

ISO handling isn’t bad for a camera of this type with such small sensors, and coupled with the f/1.6 apertures it's well suited to low-light shooting when the situation arises. I tested the camera at night in a dark location at ISO 6400, which is the highest setting available, and the results are useable but it's certainly not a setting you'd want to rely on too often. ISO 1600 is much more useable, but shooting at the lowest possible ISO is always preferable.

• Image and video quality score: 4.5/5

Kandao QooCam 3 Ultra: testing scorecard Should I buy the Kandao QooCam 3 Ultra? Buy it if...

You want to shoot 360-degree video
If you would like to shoot 360-degree video, the QooCam 3 Ultra will allow you to do this and the 8K maximum resolution produces great image quality.

You would like to be able to easily film yourself
360-degree cameras make it incredibly easy to film yourself using a single camera and without the need for a camera operator, which can simplify the process.

You'd like to be able to reframe photos and videos
The beauty of shooting 360-degree photos and videos is that you can reframe the viewpoint which provides a huge amount of creative freedom with a single camera.

Don't buy it if...

You're on a budget
The Insta360 X4 is less expensive and also offers up to 8K video capture alongside great features in the phone and desktop apps.

You'll only use Single Lens shooting
If you have no intention of capturing 360-degree photos and videos, whether to show in their entirety or reframed to a standard aspect ratio, this camera would be a waste of time for you.

You'd like a more compact 360 camera
The Insta360 X4 is both smaller and lighter than the QooCam 3 Ultra. For some this won’t be an issue, but smaller and lighter will be attractive for more action-oriented activities.

QooCam 3 Ultra: also consider Insta360 X4

The Insta360 X4 is a smaller, lighter and less expensive 360-degree camera made by the market leader. It features 8K video, slow-motion video, a 4K single lens mode, excellent build quality, image stabilization and fun video modes.

Read our in-depth Insta360 X4 review

(Image credit: James Abbott) How I tested the Kandao QooCam 3 Ultra

• All features and functions tested
• Phone and desktop apps used for editing
• Image quality reviewed

The QooCam 3 Ultra was tested over several weeks shooting photos and videos in different conditions and locations to test all of the features and functions, alongside handling. With 360-degree cameras, shooting is only half the battle, so the second part of testing was running everything through the QooCam 3 smartphone app and the QooCam studio desktop app to put editing through its paces.

Approaching 360-degree image capture is extremely similar to, yet wildly different to capturing standard photos and videos. So, with this in mind, I was drawing on 30 years of photographic experience and 16 years of working as a photography journalist. Having used these types of cameras before I was aware of what to expect and what to look out for, but with any new product there's inevitably something new to discover.

First reviewed September 2024

Review info

Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch
Available on: Nintendo Switch
Release date: September 26, 2024

Despite borrowing plenty of elements from both titles, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom definitely falls closer to the recent The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening remake than The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. This is a traditional Zelda experience through and through, with plenty of puzzles to complete, intricate dungeons to master, and a more linear fantasy story to discover.

That might be a turn-off to some, but will undoubtedly be a huge draw for others. I can’t deny that there’s something incredibly refreshing about the return to the 2D format. As brilliant and innovative as it is, the shift to a more freeform open-world has definitely sacrificed some of the more careful, considered design of older games like The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past.

Nearly every aspect of Echoes of Wisdom feels finely crafted, with the introduction of some clever new mechanics successfully differentiating it from what we’ve seen before. I think that it will be remembered as one of the best Zelda games, perhaps even one of the best Nintendo Switch games, because of this, but it’s not a title that is without its flaws.

Girl power

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Echoes of Wisdom marks the first time that the series’ titular princess takes the starring role. Link has vanished, swallowed up by one of the countless purple rifts enveloping the kingdom of Hyrule and spewing out legions of shadowy monsters. The king has been replaced by a sinister clone that sentences his daughter, Princess Zelda, to death, confining her to the castle’s dungeon until her execution. It’s here that you meet Tri, a mysterious fairy who becomes your companion throughout the game.

Tri grants Zelda a suite of magical abilities in order to facilitate her escape and eventual defeat of the malevolent force behind the rifts. This begins with the power to create echoes, copies of certain objects that can be placed at will. From tables, giant crates, and beds that can be stacked to form bridges to floating blocks of water and bouncy trampolines, there are countless echoes to discover and experiment with. Any that you find are added to a growing library and can be brought out at any time, adding a fantastic collectible element.

You quickly learn Bond, which allows you to bind yourself to objects and carry them while you move. You can even activate Reverse Bond, which causes you to follow the movement of your bound object. While this whole system is not as expansive as the building of Tears of the Kingdom, these powers are leveraged in a plethora of interesting ways once you escape into the world of Hyrule and begin your quest in earnest. Puzzles frequently require the intelligent use of echoes and Bond. A large rock, for an abstract example, might be positioned on the opposite side of a grate. You can’t reach it normally, but you can use Bond to move it around.

(Image credit: Nintendo)

If the rock needs to be placed in a high position, perhaps on top of an out-of-reach pressure plate, you can simply create a stack of echoes to climb as a makeshift ladder in order to drag it up. It’s all delightfully intuitive and, importantly, remains so as the complexity ramps up. Many puzzles also have multiple solutions and I found that the vast majority of the time, if I expected a certain strategy to work, it would.

This openness can be a bit of a double-edged sword at times, though. Many dungeons contain platforming challenges that, although tricky, are very enjoyable to finally crack. Unfortunately, almost all of these can be bypassed by simply stacking up long chains of beds in order to bridge across them. This is in itself a lot of fun and rewards experimentation in a way, but does feel like a bit of a waste of the otherwise superb level design.

Free roam

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One side quest sees you tracking down a lost horse that you can then ride around the map at high speeds. It’s a delightful diversion and comfortably the best optional encounters that I’ve found in the game so far.

Although it follows a very linear story that is broken up into clear digestible chunks, Echoes of Wisdom does feature something of an open world. You’re free to wander around any accessible area as you please, though large portions of the map are blocked off until you reach about the halfway point in the story. There’s not a huge amount to do in this version of Hyrule, but there is just enough to make a little exploration worthwhile.

Hidden chests are littered throughout the world, filled with rupees and the occasional smoothie ingredient. These can be eaten raw as a quick health top-up or combined into powerful drinks with a variety of special effects such as elemental resistance at a handful of smoothie vendors. There are a decent number of unique combinations to find and the whole system is pleasantly reminiscent of the creative cooking introduced in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. You can even make your own rather ineffective ‘Dubious Smoothie’ by adding in a splash of monster guts, a detail that I found quite amusing.

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There are a good number of side quests too, most of which have you collect and summon a specific echo at the behest of an NPC. They’re quick to complete and don’t offer much in the way of useful rewards, but do result in some quite amusing and memorable interactions that help the world feel that much more alive.

On top of those found in dungeons, Hyrule is also packed with enemy creatures to fight. Combat is one of the most significant areas where Echoes of Wisdom departs from previous entries, as Zelda does not possess any conventional combat abilities at first. She can toss heavy rocks to deal damage in a pinch, or create echoes of previously defeated foes to fight on her behalf. This is a blast at first but unfortunately wears out its welcome quickly.

Even with a button to direct your minions toward a specific enemy, they’re just too slow and unresponsive. I often found myself skipping running past entire fights, purely because I didn’t want the hassle of managing an army of unreliable slimes. Thankfully, you unlock more combat abilities as you progress, including a magical sword that lets you transform into a swordfighter form.

In this form, Zelda dons Link’s trademark attire and effectively gains all of his abilities. You can slash with a sword, get shots off with a bow, and eventually toss explosive bombs. Your strength in this form can be upgraded too, with special collectibles hidden at the end of dungeons or in the most hard-to-reach corners of the map.

Miniature mayhem

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The whole of Echoes of Wisdom is rendered in an adorable, miniaturized visual style that makes everything from the characters to individual trees and buildings look like it was plucked from a cute diorama. It’s very similar to the look of Link’s Awakening and, sadly, means that Echoes of Wisdom suffers from many of the same performance problems.

Frame rates are a little higher overall, especially within dungeons, but are still prone to significant drops. This is understandable in particularly intense moments, especially when you’re dealing with lots of enemies and summoned creatures on the same screen, but is pretty inexcusable when it happens at random points in the world.

The particularly awful performance of one snowy area late in the game is almost unbearable in both handheld and docked mode, which is a massive shame and does spoil an otherwise attractive part of the world. Hopefully, there will be patches to address at least some of these problems down the line.

Otherwise, there’s an awful lot to like in Echoes of Wisdom. It’s cute, charming, and, despite relying on an older formula, it is packed with a handful of novel ideas that make it well worth your while.

Accessibility

There are no dedicated accessibility settings on The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. The game allows you to choose between a normal and Hero difficulty setting, with the latter designed for more experienced players, but that’s it. This is very disappointing, especially given the reliance on holding button inputs to use abilities. A few basic options to alter the control scheme to remove longer inputs would go a long way to make the game more accessible.

Should I play The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom?

(Image credit: Nintendo) Play it if…

You want a traditional Zelda adventure
If the more open structure of Tears of the Kingdom and Breath of the Wild weren’t for you, then the more linear progression of Echoes of Wisdom might be right up your alley.

You want to play as the princess
As one of the only entries in the series where you can play as Princess Zelda, Echoes of Wisdom should be on your radar if you’ve always wished that you could play as the princess.

Don’t play it if…

Performance is your top priority
As good as it looks, Echoes of WIsdom has its fair share of performance issues. This is a game to avoid if you particularly care about a stable frame rate, at least until any potential patches arrive.

How I reviewed The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom

I played over 15 hours of The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom on Nintendo Switch OLED. During that time I completed the main story and played in a combination of both handheld and docked mode. In docked mode, I played on a 1080p monitor and used a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. In handheld mode, I played using the standard Pastel Pink Joy-Con controllers and used a pair of Final VR500 earbuds.

Throughout my time with the game, I was careful to compare my experience with other adventure titles and plenty of past entries in The Legend of Zelda series including The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages, plus plenty of time in the original The Legend of Zelda.

First reviewed August 2024.

Ahead of RazerCon 2024, I was able to try out several upcoming products from the manufacturer. While all of them were quite impressive, I'm most excited about its brand new gaming keyboard model, the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%.

I was able to briefly test out the standard keyboard model, hear from popular tech industry professionals about their own experiences with modding it, and try out those modded versions for myself. Judging from what I have seen so far, this will easily be one of the best gaming keyboards and the best keyboards in general.

Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%: Price & availability

The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% is $299.99 / £299.99 / AU$499.95 and has excellent availability as it's available in the US, UK, and Australia as well as several other regions.

It's pretty expensive compared to its competition, even one as high quality as this one. This is clearly a hobbyist's keyboard since the average user would balk at paying such a high entry price. In return, however, you get a fully moddable and hot-swappable keyboard with some of the latest tech built into it.

Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%: Design Image 1 of 6

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(Image credit: Future)

The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% is a sleek, heavy-set keyboard made of aluminum alloy. It sports Razer's trademark black color and extensive RGB lighting. The 75% size is a new addition to the lineup and was, according to the manufacturer, in high demand from its user base.

One of the most striking features of the V4 Pro 75% is its OLED display on the top right corner paired with the command dial to its side. The screen and command dial allow for quick setting configuration without needing to access the Razer Synapse software and for creating or downloading animations. It's a nifty feature that can be quite useful.

The other main draw to this keyboard is its high level of customizability due to the ease of disassembly (it only requires you to remove eight screws on the underside) and the several layers that it's composed of. These layers include the keycaps and switches, the aluminum alloy top case, a gasket-mounted white FR4 plate, plate foam, tape-enhanced PCB with hot-swap sockets, and bottom foam.

I was able to personally see the results of that, with several tech YouTubers displaying their creations during my time with the keyboard. When I asked about the customization, it was confirmed to me that due to how easily and quickly the keyboard can be taken apart and thanks to all the layers that make it up, it's much simpler to do so but has a real depth to it that allows for some truly unique works. Some of the keyboards, as pictured in the gallery above, are completely unrecognizable from the original model.

Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%: Performance

I only had a limited amount of time to play around with the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%, but my short stint with it has certainly piqued my interest. Like the Alienware line of gaming keyboards, the V4 Pro 75% uses Razer's in-house switches. From what I felt, the accusation point balances that trademark resistance mechanical switches are known for, while also not requiring too much force to push down keys.

One of the other most noticeable qualities of the switches during my test run was how clear and sharp the sound was. This is due to several factors, including the PCB with tape that helps absorb higher frequencies while boosting mid and low frequencies, the plate foam that helps remove unwanted resonance, and the bottom case foam that helps reduce hollowness. Clearly much thought and care had been put into this design, and it shows in every aspect.

According to Razer, this keyboard's battery life can last up to 2100 hours in power-saving mode, which is a staggeringly high number considering it accounts for the RGB lighting and OLED mini-screen.

(Image credit: Future) Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%: Early verdict

The BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% looks to be one of the best gaming keyboards that Razer has ever produced. Not only is the construction of the keyboard itself made of a high-quality metal chassis, but it comes with an OLED screen that bypasses the software for simple specs configuration. Further, the customization options balance depth with accessibility in a way few gaming keyboards achieve.

What has me truly excited is seeing just how far you can push said customization. Seeing what capable tech pros could accomplish in a short period blew my expectations out of the water. It makes me giddy to get my hands on one myself and really see what I can do with it. 

Simply, it's the most I've been excited for a Razer keyboard in years.

Asus ROG Delta II: two-minute review

(Image credit: Future / Mark LoProto)

The ROG Delta II wireless headset is the latest in the Asus Republic of Gamers line of audio peripherals for gaming. The set maximizes comfort without diminishing audio quality in a lightweight, over-ear headset that’s clearly made for all aspects of gaming. While gaming peripherals from companies like ROG or Razer can feel gimmicky for streamers or, at the very least, don’t stand up to higher-end, general-purpose counterparts, the Delta II is surprisingly versatile and even excels beyond something like the costlier Audeze Maxwell. With so many different headsets on the market, ROG had to find a way to separate the Delta II from the crowd, and despite its general simplicity, it succeeded in most ways. 

The biggest surprise is the comfort level. The lightweight design, forgiving band, and plush mesh or PU leather ear cushions minimize the occurrence of headaches. Even with a looser band, the earcup creates a seal that cuts down on external noise despite no active noise cancelation. 

(Image credit: Future / Mark LoProto)

While on the higher end of the price spectrum when compared to other Delta models, the Delta II’s $229 / £219 / AUS$368 price tag stings less when you start noticing audio cues that may have been otherwise drowned out through TV speakers or a lower quality headset. The plug-and-play compatibility with the PS5 (via USB-C dongle) and Xbox Series X/S (via 3.5mm cord) are vitally convenient and provide the best gaming experience, whereas use via PC (Bluetooth or USB-C) can be tweaked and customized using the Armoury Crate software.

Asus ROG Delta II: Price and availability

• When is it available? Available now 
• How much does it cost? $229 / £219 / AUS$368
• Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and AUS

The ROG Delta II officially launched on September 12, 2024, at a price point of $229 / £219 / AUS$368. Though fairly high, especially for a gaming headset, the Delta II justifies the cost with a build that makes the Delta S and its 50mm Asus essence drivers obsolete. Titanium is where it’s at for a fuller audio experience that elevates game audio design to ensure even the most subtle cues aren’t missed. 

There’s a market for the ROG Delta II; it just may not be the casual player who picks up a controller every few weeks. Someone willing to drop $229 on a wireless headset when there are options for more than half the price will better appreciate the enhanced audio provided by the 50mm titanium drivers. Though the headset does work quite nicely for PC, it almost feels like a console-specific accessory, especially since connecting any headset to an Xbox or PS5 isn’t as simple as establishing a Bluetooth connection, and compatibility isn’t guaranteed.

What really justifies the price is how well the headset handles the PS5’s spatial audio to suck players in. With that being said, that’s only good for PS5 players, leaving Xbox gamers to once again deal with the antiquated 3.5mm audio plug. That’s when it gets difficult to recommend a $200-plus headset because while the drivers work wonders, I can’t help but wonder if the much cheaper, 3.5mm-compatible Delta Core could get the job done for very casual players.

• Value: 3.5 / 5

Asus ROG Delta II: Specs Asus ROG Delta II: Features

•  DualFlow Audio for simultaneous device use 
•  Tri-Mode connectivity with ROG SpeedNova 
•  Few features lend to a user-friendly experience 

ROG didn’t go too heavy on features for the Delta II, which is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it allows the headset’s base audio quality to shine without forcing you to navigate a sea of button presses and app integrations. The Delta II caters to a plug-and-play crowd, especially for consoles. It also supports the notion that this headset isn’t meant for audiophiles, and even casual players can get the most out of the titanium drivers without fuss.

Then again, an older competitor like Razer’s Kaira Pro (2022), which retails for only $30 less (for the PS5 model), is brimming with different audio-enhancing features. Along with haptic feedback, the Kaira Pro includes a toggle that swaps between improved bass, amplified audio, and a gaming profile for a more diverse user experience. You may be wondering why you’d spend more for what seems like less, but the Delta II’s success is that it hones in on a well-rounded build to render all of those enhancements unnecessary.

Of course, you can still control your sound design on a PC. The Delta II connects with ROG’s Armoury Crate software to optimize sound with toggles for an equalizer, reverb, and virtual surround sound along with slides for bass boost and compression. You can also choose between preset profiles for movies, music, gaming, and communicating, which change the necessary settings to adjust sound for each application. 

One of the Delta II’s more interesting features is DualFlow Audio. Using both the 2.4 GHz wireless and Bluetooth, it feeds audio from two devices simultaneously. That may sound like chaos, but it’s a great way to game on a PS5 and still be able to use Discord (or TeamSpeak, if you're still using it) or chat with viewers on the PC without a mixer or additional equipment. The input audio skipped infrequently, but the rare hiccup is worth dealing with for something so simple and useful. 

None of this matters all that much if the headset is dead within hours of charging. Thankfully, ROG found a way to prolong the life of the Delta II to up to over 110 hours (using 2.4GHz wireless without RGB lighting). I tried to run the battery dry, but it’s quite resilient and looks like it does live up to at least a sizable portion of that 110 hours. ROG also boasts a quick charge, where you can squeeze 11 hours of use time after only 15 minutes on the included USB-C charger.

• Features: 4 / 5

Asus ROG Delta II: Sound quality

(Image credit: Future / Mark LoProto)

•  Full-bodied audio that struggles with deeper bass
•  Binaural audio is immersive and crystal clear
•  Detachable microphone could use some work

After running a simple online bass test, I realized there were a few hiccups in the Delta II’s sound quality. While that should be a negative mark, it really indicated that the headset was specifically designed for gaming, especially since the worst offense was vibrating drivers at a low frequency I wouldn’t expect to hear in a video game. Some music with deeper bass may cause the drivers to vibrate, but the Delta II isn’t really made for music. Sure, you can connect to your iPhone and blast your favorite tunes, but ROG cares more about making sure you feel like you’re in the middle of Liberty City. Across most of the games I tested the Delta II with, I discovered the immersion I was missing by using TV speakers. 

My favorite experience with the Delta II was Returnal. Having heard the game through the TV and the Audeze Maxwell, I was not prepared for how different it would sound with the titanium drivers. It engulfs you in the alien world in a way video games should, with every bit of audio, big or small, sounding like they were in the room with me. Even Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 sounded better, to the point where I could hear the faint flapping of Spidey’s wings while gliding. 

On PC, I toyed with Armoury Crate’s settings but pretty much always returned it to the preset gaming mode. It provided the fullest audio of the lot, making games like Dead Space 2 infinitely more horrifying. 

(Image credit: Future / Mark LoProto)

Playing on PC also highlighted Delta II’s weakest feature: its microphone. Though clear (and made clearer with Armoury Crate’s noise reduction setting) it had a tendency to stutter. It did seem to run fine on the PS5, though, and teammates could hear me clearly each round of Killer Klowns from Outer Space. 

•  Sound quality: 4.5 / 5 

ASUS ROG Delta II: Design

(Image credit: Future / Mark LoProto)

•  Interchangeable plush ear cushions
•  Flexible but durable headband
•  Flimsy microphone design

There’s little to complain about with the Delta II’s design. Both ear cushions are very cozy and create a good seal to minimize external noise without pressing too hard against my head. The fabric and PU leather cushions were equally as soft, though I did sweat slightly with the latter. 

Adding to the overall comfort is the headband. I’m used to headsets that squeeze and feel tight around my head, but the Delta II’s band doesn't share that aggression. It does feel a little cheap, with very minimal padding at the top of the head, but it was comfortable enough to wear for several hours at a time without discomfort.

ROG kept things very simple with its button layout. The left earcup features controls for the volume and 2.4GHz dongle. Opposite that are the controls for Bluetooth connectivity and volume. Function buttons on both sides can control music based on how many times they’re pressed, making for a very user-friendly design.

• Design: 4 / 5

Should you buy the Asus ROG Delta II? Buy them if...

You own a PS5 and love immersion

A lower-quality, cheaper headset or TV speakers don’t do the PS5’s spatial audio any justice. ROG’s Delta II, on the other hand, thrusts you into the action with titanium drivers and a stable wireless connection that’s smooth and crystal clear.

Headsets tend to be uncomfortable for you

Both included ear cushions and the band design come together for a surprisingly comfortable wear. Though the band is nothing to write home about, it’s not tight and won’t squeeze even larger heads. The Delta II’s comfort also doesn’t hinder its ability to keep outside noises from polluting the audio, as the plush cushions create a strong, albeit cozy, seal.

Don't buy them if...

You only game on an Xbox

This is mostly Microsoft’s fault, as it’s difficult to justify spending so much for a 3.5mm connection that tethers you to the control and, shockingly, doesn’t provide the same audio quality as the Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz connection. On Xbox, you can’t take advantage of DualFlow audio.

Audio isn’t all that important to you

There’s no point in spending so much money if you’re not “Wow’d” by immersive, clear audio. You could easily spend less than $100 if all you care about is a simple wireless headset that gets the job done. Even a lower-cost ROG wireless headset could satisfy your needs for a wallet-friendly, feature-light audio experience.

Also Consider

Logitech Pro X 2 Lightspeed

50mm graphene drivers steer Logitech’s Pro X 2 Lightspeed in a good direction in this lightweight headset. Connectivity options, a sizable frequency range, surround sound, and good battery life lend to a positive user experience, particularly for competitive gamers.

Read our full Logitech Pro X 2 Lightspeed review 

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless

Comfort and a long battery life ensure prolonged gaming sessions with the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless. Ample customization and neutral sound quality help justify a higher price tag, which still comes in a little cheaper than the ROG Delta II.

Read our full SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless review 

Turtle Beach Stealth Pro

A premium headset with audio amplified by 50mm drivers, active noise cancelation, and multiple connectivity options, the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro is both versatile and capable of delivering crystal-clear audio. 

Read our full Turtle Beach Stealth Pro review

How I tested the Asus ROG Delta II

• Tested for two weeks
•  Used for games on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S 
•  Used in an open-walled home office with varying degrees of noise

I put ROG’s lightweight headset through a rigorous process. More so than visuals, I value sound design in video games, so I focused on games with fantastic audio across the primary platforms. This included Returnal (PS5), Dead Space 2 (PC), and Alan Wake 2 (Xbox Series S). By using different platforms, I could test audio quality across the USB-C 2.4GHz dongle, the 3.5mm cable, and the Bluetooth connection. Using each game’s base audio settings, I swapped between the Delta II, my Audaze Maxwell, and the speakers built into my Samsung TV to pinpoint basic audio quality and how well individual audio cues and background noise came through across each device. I also performed an audio/microphone test via Phasmophobia (PC), Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed (PC), and Killer Klown’s from Outer Space: The Game (PS5) to test the clarity of the microphone and how well the headset mixed in-game audio and other players. Finally, I ran the headset through a bass test designed to gauge the quality of the drivers. 

• First tested in September 2024

Turtle Beach Vulcan 2 TKL Pro: one-minute review

It’s not often you see an analog keyboard come to market, but Turtle Beach is offering a new one in the form of its Vulcan 2 TKL Pro. It promises ultra-smooth and fast operation, aided by the in-depth actuation settings in its accompanying software, Swarm 2.

Since the Vulcan 2 TKL Pro doesn't have a top cover, the bare keycaps and switches are immediately apparent. This design choice is both aesthetically pleasing and convenient, as it makes cleaning and swapping out the keycaps easier. The overall form is compact and slender, yet the materials and construction feel premium.

Swarm 2 doesn’t put its best foot forward, with a jagged interface and a severe lack of explanations for the numerous settings available. Navigating it can also be a chore, and I was frequently met with dialog boxes telling me I had to go somewhere else or activate a certain parameter to achieve what I wanted. It also crashed on one occasion during my time using it. 

Beneath it all, though, there are some great customization options on offer, with a broad selection of hotkey functions – some quite advanced – and the actuation adjustments allow for a great deal of tinkering. Again, though, it can be hard to work out exactly what your tweaks are accomplishing, thanks to the lack of visual indicators and an impractical testing procedure.

(Image credit: Future)

In action, the Vulcan 2 TKL Pro performs competently, with the same satisfying keystrokes and comfortable feel as any of the best gaming keyboards, and the mixture of convex and concave keycaps pays dividends. However, typing isn’t the easiest, as the keys are quite narrow, and gliding around them isn’t as seamless as I’m used to.

The analog functionality is a mixed bag for gaming. There are plenty of adjustments in the actuation point, which let you dial in your preferred pressure. Rapid Trigger mode is also useful, allowing for fast yet controlled inputs, ideal for twitchy character movements. However, the multi-point actuation seems more like a gimmick than a useful tool, and Controller mode falls short of its emulation promises since the keys can’t match the precision of analog sticks and triggers. In practice, I doubt gamers will use it. 

All this isn’t to say the Vulcan 2 TKL Pro isn’t a competent gaming performer. It’s satisfying and solid to use, and its compact design makes it suitable for virtually any setup.

If you want a premium gaming keyboard with similar analog switches, the Razer Huntsman line includes models with them. If you can do without, there are plenty of keyboards out there that offer similar, if not better, performance than the Vulcan 2 TKL Pro for the same price or less, such as the Asus Rog Strix Scope II RX and the Roccat Magma.

(Image credit: Future) Turtle Beach Vulcan 2 TKL Pro review: price and availability

• $149 (about £113 / AU$219)
• Black and White colorways
• Wired only

The Vulcan 2 TKL Pro is priced at $149 (about £113 / AU$219) and is available in two colorways: Black and White. It also comes with a wrist rest. UK and Australian markets are yet to receive it. 

For a tenkeyless board with analog switches, the Vulcan 2 TKL Pro is good value. Similar analog offerings from the likes of Razer and Corsair can set you back over $200.

If you’re not bothered about analog switches, your options open up considerably, but even when considered within the broader gaming keyboard market, the Vulcan 2 TKL Pro is still competitively priced. 

However, there are alternatives that undercut the Vulcan 2 TKL Pro: the Asus Rog Strix Scope II RX, for instance, is slightly cheaper, full-size, and has mechanical switches. There’s also the Roccat Magma, our current pick as the best gaming keyboard for those on a budget.

Value: 4 / 5

Turtle Beach Vulcan 2 TKL Pro review: specs

(Image credit: Future) Turtle Beach Vulcan 2 TKL Pro review: design and features

• Light but sturdy
• Satisfying floating keys
• Software is so-so

The Vulcan 2 TKL Pro has a sleek, lightweight body, made from anodized aluminum with a plastic underside, resulting in a keyboard that feels hard-wearing. The keycaps' floating design helps to minimize its real estate even further. I found the chassis thin enough to use the board comfortably without needing the included wrist rest. The folding feet didn’t provide as steep an angle as I would’ve liked, but it was still within the bounds of acceptability.

Some might not like this exposed design, but I’m quite partial to it. If nothing else, it makes the Vulcan 2 TKL Pro easier to clean, as dust and other debris have no place to hide (I dread to think how many crumbs are lurking beneath the crevices of my other keyboards). It also makes removing the keycaps easier when you want to swap them out for third-party ones.

Despite their floating nature, the keycaps feel secure, firmly fixed in place with little play or wobble. They’re indented, save for those on the bottom row, which are convex instead – a smart design choice that makes them easier to press with your little finger and thumb.

There’s also a handy volume dial in the top-right corner, which has smooth notches and a solid button press for muting. However, neither the dial or the button can be remapped to perform other functions. 

To get the most out of the analog switches in the Vulcan 2 TKL Pro, you’ll need to acquaint yourself with Swarm 2, Turtle Beach’s peripheral software. Unfortunately, it fails to make a great first impression. The typeface is rendered poorly and the layout isn’t exactly intuitive. I frequently encountered dialog boxes telling me certain functions and features weren’t available without navigating to another tab, and many settings just aren’t explained well – or even at all. There’s also no way to see a quick overview of the rebind choices you’ve made – you have to click on each individual key to reveal them. 

(Image credit: Future)

I experienced one crash during my time with Swarm 2; a settings adjustment window failed to open and the app froze before shutting down altogether. A simple restart fixed the issue, though.

It contains many of the standard features you'd expect from peripheral software, including RGB adjustments, multiple profile slots (five), and a macro creator. It also offers different layers for customization, including a Game Mode (not to be confused with Windows’ own Game Mode), which is activated by pressing FN+Start (again: not made clear), and an Easy Shift mode that can be activated by holding caps lock. You can set it to toggle instead, but this option isn’t easy to find, buried in the hotkey rebind section. 

Speaking of which, there are plenty of hotkey options in Swarm 2. The selection is both broad and useful, including some pretty advanced functions that can be activated with a single keypress, such as opening a Direct X diagnostics tool and the Windows Registry Editor.

The real meat of Swarm 2, though, lies in the detailed actuation adjustments available. The Vulcan 2 TKL Pro has Hall-effect magnetic switches, with the actuation point of each adjustable from 0.1-4mm. You can also increase or decrease actuation via two hotkeys on the plus and minus keys. The number key LEDs light up to indicate your adjustments, but they aren’t clear enough to tell what setting you’re on.

There are also Rapid Trigger and Multi-input modes. The former lets you adjust the point at which the key resets to accept further inputs, independently from the actuation point. This allows for quick, controlled movements and key spamming. You can select individual keys to apply Rapid Trigger to, but Swarm 2 fails to mention that you can click and drag to select multiple keys instead. More obscurities can be found in the test mode for Rapid Trigger, as it fails to provide visual feedback for the adjustments you make, which would be extremely useful in helping you see the direct effect of your tweaks. 

Multi-input mode lets you create up to three different inputs for the same key, depending on how hard you press. With this setting, you can’t assign controller inputs, only keystrokes and mouse clicks are permitted.

One of the problems with both these modes is that you can’t adjust and test your settings in the same window, which would streamline the whole process. You can, however, do this in Controller mode. 

This mode allows you to assign keys to gamepad inputs. To achieve this in-game, the Vulcan 2 TKL Pro emulates a controller (I suspect it utilizes XInput, Microsoft’s protocol for using gamepads on PC). This includes the emulation of analog sticks and trigger buttons, letting you modulate the amount of input based on how far down you press the keys. In theory, this is useful for games requiring careful movement – there’s even a handy WASD-to-analog-stick quick-bind setting for this very purpose – and vehicle control. There’s also an angle-snapping option in this mode, offering 0-90 degrees of ‘snapping’; useful if you want to adjust the separation between the x and y axis.

Design & features: 3.5 / 5

Turtle Beach Vulcan 2 TKL Pro review: performance

• Good for gaming
• Adjustable actuation points
• Controller mode impractical

Thanks to those floating keys, the Vulcan 2 TKL Pro has a typewriter-like feel, which creates a greater sense of feedback. Despite this, it isn’t a board I would recommend for frequent typing. 

The T-shaped ABS keycaps are narrower than those on most gaming keyboards, and I found they took some getting used to. Gliding over them isn’t seamless, due to the steep indentations on the keycaps, while the small enter key is hard to locate by feel. Having the ability to adjust the actuation point across a wide range certainly helps to prevent mispresses, but if you’re thinking of using your board for productivity as well as gaming, this likely won’t be for you.

If you’re only concerned with the latter, the Vulcan 2 TKL Pro acquits itself well. The switches are very clicky, with enough damping to feel pleasant to use, but if you really hammer down on them you’ll be met with a harsh thud. The aforementioned actuation adjustments make for quick responses, and those indented keycaps help secure your fingers in place.

The standard Actuation Point and Rapid Trigger modes generally live up to their promises. The former’s adjustment options result in meaningful changes to keystroke sensitivity, while the latter’s allow you to perform quick-twitch movements with greater speed and accuracy once set to your preferences.

(Image credit: Future)

However, the same can’t be said for Multi-input mode, as applying the exact amount of pressure to hit a certain actuation point for a certain input is difficult. I struggle to think of many gaming situations where this functionality would be useful. You also can’t assign controller functions in this mode, which seems like a missed opportunity; only keystrokes and mouse clicks are assignable.

And then there’s Controller mode. In theory, this is a nice idea, but, in practice, it fails to translate analog inputs from gamepads to keystrokes as smoothly as I would’ve liked. Changing the response curve to the precision setting did help to make movements somewhat more controlled, but still not enough. Maneuvering in-game vehicles was too jerky during my tests; the greater weight, size, and resistance of analog sticks and trigger buttons are much better suited to the task.

There’s also the issue of which games practically support Controller mode. In Grand Theft Auto 5, for instance, I found a clash between gamepad and keyboard control schemes. Naturally, moving a character forward and backward with a controller requires moving the analog stick. However, in vehicles, accelerate and brake/reverse are bound to R2 and L2, with no option in-game to alter this. 

This means that binding WASD to analog stick controls will let you move a character in all directions, but with vehicles, you’ll only be able to steer left and right. You could keep W and A bound as they are and sacrifice some of that nuanced control, or use the easy shift function on the Vulcan 2 TKL Pro as a workaround, but this will require you to press caps lock every time you switch between pedestrian and vehicular travel. In other words, it’s simply too impractical to be worth using.

Performance: 3.5 / 5

Should I buy the Turtle Beach Vulcan 2 TKL Pro? Buy it if…

You want analog-style controls
It’s not every day you see a keyboard with pressure-sensitive switches. If you desperately want to emulate a controller, albeit not as precisely, this is for you.

You want floating keys
Personally, I’m a fan of the uncovered layout, for both aesthetic and practical reasons. If you feel the same way, this is a great example.

You want to save space
For a board so solidly made, it’s pleasantly surprising how light and compact the Vulcan 2 TKL Pro is, making it conducive to any desktop setup. 

Don’t buy it if…

You want to go wireless
Unfortunately, the Vulcan 2 TKL Pro doesn’t have a wireless option, despite having a detachable USB cable.

You want true analog precision
Despite the promises, the analog keys don’t offer the same smoothness as gamepads, and they just aren’t as useful in certain games as you might expect.

You want the best software
While it offers great functionality in some areas, Swarm 2 isn’t the easiest to navigate and several features aren’t explained clearly.

Also consider How I tested the Turtle Beach Vulcan 2 TKL Pro

• Tested for two weeks
• Played multiple genres
• 10+ years PC gaming experience

I tested the Vulcan 2 TKL Pro for around two weeks, during which time I used it for gaming, productivity, and general use.

I played Counter-Strike 2, the acid test for peripherals, as well as games involving vehicle control, such as Art of Rally and Grand Theft Auto 5.

I have been PC gaming for over 10 years – and many more than that on numerous other platforms – and during that time, I have used many different types of keyboards from a wide range of brands. 

• First reviewed September 2024

Sony Inzone M10S: Two-minute review

The Sony Inzone M10S is a major departure from the rest of the Sony Inzone monitor lineup. Known for PlayStation-oriented products and closely associated with many of the best monitors for PS5, it might come as a surprise that this 27-inch OLED display has been designed specifically for competitive PC gaming. Its sleek black aesthetic is a major shift from the PS5-inspired white panel look of the Sony Inzone M9 and Sony Inzone M3 too, potentially pointing towards a more standalone future for the brand.

If that is the new trajectory of the Sony Inzone name, then it's off to an incredibly promising start. This first foray into the PC esports market is a huge success. The Sony Inzone M10S is expensive compared to most of the competition, but that high price tag is reflected in almost every facet of the monitor’s top-notch overall design, features, and performance.

The 1440p OLED panel offers a lightning-fast 0.03ms gray-to-gray response time and a wonderfully smooth 480Hz refresh rate, ensuring that no part of your performance in intense competitive first-person shooters like Counter-Strike 2 and Valorant is held back by your monitor’s technical specs. It also offers some genuinely useful visual settings, including a dedicated 24.5-inch display mode that accurately simulates a tournament experience by mirroring the standard tournament monitor size.

(Image credit: Future)

The FPS Pro+ mode is also a surprising highlight. By default, it creates an almost gray, desaturated-looking picture but seems to significantly boost the appearance of primary colors like Red and Green. This helps key UI elements, like the red enemy indicators in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 stand out, improving your ability to see vital information when it counts.

The stand of the Sony Inzone M10S is also superb. It combines an impressively small, disk-like base constructed from durable metal with an attractive monitor arm that offers a full 360-degree rotation. The base takes up very little desk space and can easily fit underneath an elevated keyboard, allowing you to easily achieve a wide range of positions and focus entirely on your game rather than trying to fit everything on a single surface.

It also has plenty of elevation options, with 30 degrees of tilt and an adjustable height of up to 12 cm. Although plainer than other Sony Inzone models, the Sony Inzone M10S looks fantastic overall thanks to its seriously thin side profile and understated, classy aesthetic. From an esports perspective, the Sony Inzone M10S delivers in all respects and is easily one of the best gaming monitors out there today.

That said, there are more suitable, cheaper options for those who want something geared towards general gaming. The Sony Inzone M10S does not feature any in-built speakers and fans of sprawling adventures like Horizon Forbidden West may prefer a lower refresh rate but a higher 4K resolution panel to really soak in all the details. Although the Sony Inzone M10S does have an automatic in-built PS5 mode, which works well on the whole, dedicated console players will also be better off with alternatives as the console is unable to make full use of this model’s 480Hz refresh rate.

(Image credit: Future) Sony Inzone M10S: Price and availability

• $1099.99 / £1,199
• Pricey for 1440p
• Available via Sony

The Sony Inzone M10S is avaiable for $1,099.99 / £1,199 via Sony. This is towards the higher end of what you would expect to pay for a 1440p OLED monitor, though there are few points of comparison due to the lack of many other 1440p models at 480Hz. Still, there are some slightly cheaper alternatives with similar specs out there, like the Asus ROG Swift PG27AQDP which costs $999 / £949.

Whether the Sony Inzone M10S is worth it for you will come down to just how willing you are to pay extra for its esports features and more premium design. Of course, the monitor is also likely to receive discounts sometime after launch as we’ve typically seen from other Inzone models. If you’re able to find it around the price of other 480Hz OLED 1440p displays in a few months time, then it’s a no-brainer.

If you’re willing to sacrifice the refresh rate, you can easily find 4K OLED monitors like Alienware AW3225QF for around the same price as the Sony Inzone M10S. While 1440p (or lower) is the preferred resolution of competitive gamers to maximize performance, these would be better options for more general players and PS5 (or soon to be PS5 Pro) owners who want to make the most of their console’s visual capabilities.

Sony Inzone M10S: Specs

(Image credit: Future) Sony Inzone M10S: Design and features

• Near-perfect stand
• Useful visual modes
• OLED burn in protections

The star of the Sony Inzone M10S’s design is easily its stand. It’s an impressive piece of engineering that is incredibly stable despite its distinctive shape. It features a small integrated cable tidy, which I found offered more than enough room for two HDMI cables, a display port cable, and the monitor’s power cable at the same time.

The base of the stand is a 4 mm thin metal disk with a 15.9 cm diameter, which is brilliantly compact compared to the large profile of most gaming monitors. The base is thin enough to sit beneath a keyboard, freeing up desk space and allowing for a wide range of possible playing positions. It also offers a smooth 360-degree pivot, making it easy to adjust viewing angles or change the position of the display. You can also tilt the panel down by 5 degrees or up by 25 degrees for even more precise adjustment.

No matter your choice of position, the stand remains perfectly balanced and stable which means no annoying wobble if you slam down on keys while you play. The fact that the LED power indicator, located on the right-hand side of the monitor, is invisible when viewed from the front helps further reduce distractions.

On the back of the monitor, you will find a large power button and a small thumbstick for editing the settings. This is accomplished through an on-screen menu, with a range of intuitive tabs for all your picture modes, gaming assist, and other settings options. The interface is nothing groundbreaking, but it all works well and offers a high degree of customizability. At launch, the Sony Inzone will also be compatible with the existing Inzone Hub PC software which will offer another way to adjust these settings.

(Image credit: Future)

In terms of dedicated gaming features, you get full Nvidia G-sync support in addition to Vesa Certified Adaptive Sync. The monitor also offers Display HDR True black 400 HDR, allowing for more vibrant colors. It is worth noting that some visual settings, including the brilliant FPS Pro+ mode, are not compatible with HDR though. The in-built brightness equalizer does a formidable job eliminating the slight unevenness associated with OLED panels and the optional black equalizer increases the brightness of dark scenes to improve visibility.

Like some other gaming monitors, there’s an in-built frame rate counter, timer, and series of green or red on-screen crosshairs that are a lot of fun to play around with if you’re trying to land some no-scope AWP hits in Counter-Strike 2. There’s also a dedicated 24.5-inch display mode, which introduces black bars around the screen to simulate the 24.5-inch size of a tournament display.

The possibility of burn-in is always a worry with any OLED monitor, but the Sony Inzone M10S offers a good selection of settings to combat it. This ranges from a mode that automatically dims your screen after a few moments, to one that targets and dims static images and a pixel shift that almost unnoticeably moves your screen picture by a row of pixels every few hours. They all work as expected, but I did quickly disable the setting that dims static images as the occasional change in brightness of the taskbar was quite distracting.

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(Image credit: Future) Sony Inzone M10S: Performance

• Leading performance
• 480Hz is beautifully smooth
• Ideal for Counter-Strike or Valorant

There is no way to fault the performance of the Sony Inzone M10S. The 480Hz refresh rate and 0.03 GtG response time create a wonderfully smooth experience. Going from a 75Hz and a 144Hz display, the difference was immediately noticeable and made for a much more responsive experience in Counter-Strike 2. Rocket League was also a delight, as were Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege, and Valorant. A lot of this excellence will depend heavily on your PC specs though, and I had to spend a little while tweaking settings in order to achieve anywhere close to a solid 480 fps at 1440p in most esports titles.

The default color configurations are all solid, but the monitor was quite dim out of the box presumably as a power-saving measure. This was quickly remedied by increasing the brightness to around the 80% mark, which I found hit the perfect balance of brightness and clarity. Throughout my testing, I observed zero ghosting no matter what I threw at the monitor. On top of the excellent FPS Pro+ mode, there’s a more conventional FPS Pro mode that offers a less drastic version of the same effect in addition to a MOBA/RTS setting and your usual range of Cinema and Game modes. Outside of FPS games, I would recommend keeping the monitor on either the Standard or sRGB setting for the most accurate and well-balanced color profiles or enabling HDR.

Although it looks nothing like previous Sony Inzone monitors, the Sony Inzone M10S does still offer some PlayStation-specific features. This includes an automatic PS5 mode, which is enabled when the monitor detects that it’s connected to a PS5. PC gaming is definitely the focus, but everything that I tested on PS5 from Grand Theft Auto 5 to Star Wars Outlaws and Doom Eternal also looked absolutely stunning with HDR and the vibrant OLED colors. This isn’t a model that you should buy specifically for PS5 gaming, but this will be good for those players who rely on a PC for competitive shooter titles but prefer to experience games like RPGs or adventure games with a console.

(Image credit: Future) Should you buy the Sony Inzone M10S? Buy it if...

You’re an esports player or aspiring competitor
The Sony Inzone M10S offers everything that a professional or aspiring esports player would need. This includes a 480Hz refresh rate and snappy 0.03ms GtG response time in addition to a useful FPS Pro+ profile.

You want a compact stand
The stand of the Sony Inzone M10S is easily one of the best on the market. It’s compact, leaving plenty of room for your keyboard and mouse, but still comes packed with a huge number of useful features.

Don't buy it if...

You want something for more general gaming
The Sony Inzone M10S has been designed with a very specific audience in mind. There are cheaper 4K options out there that are better suited for more general gaming, especially if you’re playing on PS5.

Also consider

If you’re not sure whether the Sony Inzone M10S is for you, then consider these two strong alternatives.

Alienware AW3225QF
The Alienware AW3225QF is a premium monitor that comes in larger than the Sony Inzone M10S and boasts the same response speed, in addition to HDR and a 4K resolution for around the same price. It is half the refresh rate, though.

Read our full Alienware AW3225QF review

Gigabyte M32UC
If you want a more budget-friendly but still quite high-spec option, consider the Gigabyte M32UC. It’s less suited to esports due to its 1 ms response time but offers a 32-inch 4K display at a fraction of the price of the 1440p Sony Inzone M10S.

Read our full Gigabyte M32UC review

(Image credit: Future) How I tested the Sony Inzone M10S

• Tested with a variety of competitive games
• Used as my primary monitor
• Available profiles and settings tested

I tested the Sony Inzone M10S for over a week. During that time, I used the monitor as my main display for both PC and PS5 gaming. I played a wide variety of esports titles, including Counter-Strike 2, Valorant, Rocket League, Fortnite, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege, Counter-Strike: Source, and more. I also tried a few older titles, including some multiplayer matches of Quake 2. I played predominantly in 1080p and 1440p in the 27-inch mode, though I also played a handful of matches with the 24.5-inch setting enabled.

During my time with the monitor, I endeavored to test each of its available features. This included the various display profiles and the in-built crosshair settings. I played a broad mix of games on PS5, including Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and a few hours of Horizon Forbidden West. I compared my experience to my hands-on testing of other gaming monitors and TVs throughout.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed September 2024

For the past week I’ve been trying out the new Marshall Monitor III ANC over ear headphones. The new cans are available to buy right now in the US and UK for $349 / £299, which makes them a little pricier than their predecessors which were $30 / £30 cheaper. Even with the price rise they’re an excellent follow-up to 2020’s Monitor II ANC headphones – which we gave four stars in our review – thanks to great-sounding audio and a stupendously long battery-life.

Starting on that last point, these new Marshall headphones can go for a ridiculously long time; we’re talking a 70 hour battery life when using them to play music over Bluetooth with ANC on, 100 hours with it off.

For comparison, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones promise only 30 hours with ANC on, and the Apple AirPods Max just 20 hours. The Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 that features in our best noise-cancelling headphones guide as the ideal long-life option hits 60 hours. Marshall’s 70-hour claim looks to hold up too; I’ve been using the Monitor III ANC headphones a lot and haven’t needed to charge them since I did straight after unboxing them – though when I do my full review I plan to properly test how long these cans can last.

But what good is lasting a long time if they don’t put on a performance? Thankfully the Marshall Monitor III ANC headphones certainly hold their own here.

The drivers give drum and bass hits like Backbone from Chase & Status and Stormzy the oomph its thumping tones necessitate, while not overpowering tracks like Remi Wolf’s Cinderella that are brimming with bouncy funk. There’s a warmth in the Marshall Monitor III’s audio too – which comes through splendidly in more emotional tracks like Jarki Monno’s Charlie.

(Image credit: Marshall)

Outside of music, these cans perform well too. Podcasts, film, TV, YouTube videos, you name it – the Marshall III ANC headphones are putting on a good show.

That said, if you do want to tweak the EQ settings, you can change them to better suit your musical needs, though I’ve found the default 'original Marshall sound' setting is really well balanced and ideal for a lot of different listening experiences.

The soundstage has also had a tune up. Marshall’s previous Monitors had a somewhat restrictive stage. They didn’t feel completely closed off, but trackers were not always given the space they needed to breathe. Out of the box the Monitor IIIs might look like they repeat this error, but with the official app you can now open up that soundstage to suit your likings.

There’s a noticeable change with this Adaptive Soundstage feature switch on, so make sure you turn it on as soon as you can. Songs feel more spacious, and it makes the Monitor III ANC headphones solid picks for watching your favorite films or shows.

Not my style – but a fantastic design

Design-wise the Monitor IIIs admittedly aren’t my preferred style. There is something to love about the undoubtable Marshall look – with the same finish as the iconic amps, the logo on each ear cup, and a kind of classic grunginess that makes these look almost like they’ve been ripped from a rock band’s studio session from decades ago. It’s just not for me.

(Image credit: Marshall)

That’s subjective though; the objective design features of these ’phones are undoubtedly positive.

I love the physical knob for the volume and playback controls – give me one of these over tap controls any day. There are also two dedicated buttons, one on each side, that manage the active noise cancellation controls (with you being able to set which modes it swaps between in the app), and a customizable M Button (which can do whatever you set it to do, again in the app).

There’s also a USB-C port on the underside of the left cup, however, you won’t find a 3.5mm aux port.

Beyond the button layout, these cans are designed to be thrown in a bag and taken on adventure. Their headband can survive fairly extreme bending and twisting without snapping, and the outer shell can take a fair few knocks. They also fold up very tight and fit into what I’ve been told is the smallest case for over ear headphones on the market – inside its lined with a red velvety material to mimic the inside of guitar cases. It’s also one of those proper protective cases that zips up, not an awkward shell that some headphones rely on nowadays.

Oh, and don’t let me forget comfort. These things are so easy to wear thanks to the super-spongy cushions; I’ve had no issue wearing them practically all-day.

Don’t forget the app

To get the most out of these over-ear headphones you need the official Marshall app. It allows you to manage the Soundstage settings, the on-device button controls, the EQ so that music meets your exact specifications (though the default Marshall profile is very good), and a few other features.

It’s fairly standard as headphones apps go at this point, with a clean intuitive interface, and it was very easy to set up.

The only issue I’ve had with any feature is that the Auto Play/Pause tool was initially too sensitive – moving my head at all would cause the Monitor IIIs to pause tracks, not just when I removed them. However, a firmware update does appear to have resolved this issue and for the past few days I’ve been able to keep Auto Play/Pause on without it frustrating me – it can be turned off in the app.

(Image credit: Future / Marshall)

Despite this minor (and seemingly now resolved) set back, the Marshall Monitor III ANC headphones have so far really impressed me. They have the comfort and battery life to keep me wearing them for days on end, and a vibrant sound that I’ll happily immerse myself in for all that time.

I need to conduct a few more tests, but so far I’d say they hold their own against the best wireless headphones, and their small size could make them a great contender to be the best travel headphones. So if you’re thinking of grabbing a new pair of cans this is looking like another model to add to your list of ones to consider.

You might also like

Sony WH-1000XM4
Even if they're a few years old the Sony WH-1000XM4s are still the best wireless headphones for most people as they boast impressive audio, ANC, and come at a great price. These aren't ones to ignore.

Read our full reviewView Deal

Sony WH-1000XM5
The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are up there with the best wireless headphones we've ever tested with top-notch audio, an elegant design, and (unfortunately) a fairly high price.

Read our full reviewView Deal

Apple AirPods Max
The Apple AirPods Max are the perfect headphones for Apple devotees and best-in-class spatial audio, however you can find better cans if you're looking to pick up a pair for full-price.

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PowerDetect Cordless: two-minute review Product info

This model is available in a couple of different iterations:

Shark PowerDetect Cordless Stick Vacuum IP1251

Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System IP3251

The latter is the same model with an additional auto-empty base and slightly different tools, and is the version I tested for this review.

At time of publish, the PowerDetect Cordless is only available in the US, but it's due to hit UK and EU markets imminently, where the codes will be IP1251UKT / IP3251UKT.

The Shark PowerDetect Cordless Stick Vacuum comes with a whole host of smart detection features. It knows whether it's on a hard floor or carpet, how dirty said floor is, whether it's near the edge of a room, and whether it's going into a dark corner, and will respond accordingly by adjusting suction or brightening its headlights. New to this model is a redesigned floorhead that is designed to clean just as well on the pull-back as it does when being pushed forwards.

The PowerDetect Cordless also incorporates the most popular features from today's best Shark vacuums, including a wand that bends forward to help you get under furniture without having to stoop down. Within the wider Shark range, it's designed to combine the smarts of the Detect Pro range (which has almost all the same detection capabilities) with the outright suction power of the Stratos line, theoretically making it the best cordless vacuum for most people. 

On test, I was pretty impressed. It delivered great suction, and had no issues picking up fine materials like flour, and larger ones like bits of dried dirt, cereal, leaves, and more, from both hard floor and a thick rug. All the detection features worked as advertised and meant an efficient, low-effort cleaning session. I was interested to note that it doesn't seem to be an option to use the lower-powered Eco mode on soft flooring; the vacuum automatically kicks into a higher mode. It's good but not amazing at tackling hair, and I was a little confused by the 'suction in reverse' feature that Shark has added to this model. I didn't notice any difference in performance on the reverse stroke compared to any of the other vacuums I've tested that aren't designed to do this.

Price-wise, it sits in the mid-range of the wider market, and I think the quality and features more than justify that price (similar detection features from Dyson will set you back a lot more). 

The review model I tested was the version with an optional auto-empty base, where the onboard dustbin automatically empties into a larger bin when the vacuum is docked. I think it's well worth investing in this extra, because it's a great effort-saver – and it might be a particularly good choice for allergy sufferers who want to minimize potential for particles to make their way back into the air. 

That's the short version; read on for my full Shark PowerDetect Cordless Stick Vacuum review.

Everything that came in the box for my review model (with auto-empty dock) (Image credit: Future) Shark PowerDetect Cordless review: price & availability

• List price: $429.99 or $499.99 with auto-empty base
• Launched: Summer 2024
• Available: US now, due in UK and EU soon

The Shark PowerDetect Cordless Stick Vacuum sells for $429.99, or $499.99 if you go for the version with the auto-empty base. At time of publish it's only available in the US, but an EU and UK release is due before the end of 2024. I've requested pricing info, but based on US figures, it might be around £325 / £375.

Based on TechRadar's price brackets, this is around the lower-premium / upper mid-range band (anything over $500 / £400 is counted as premium). Overall, I feel like the build quality and the features make this a well-priced vacuum. The DirtDetect system alone is well worth the investment. If you're on the fence about whether to shell out for the auto-empty base, I think the added convenience is well worth the slightly higher price.

In general, Shark vacuums are much more affordably priced than, for instance, the best Dyson vacuums on the market – the Dyson V15 Detect has similar dirt-detection features, and a list price of $749.99 / £649.99. 

In terms of comparable models within the Shark range, the Shark Detect Pro Cordless costs $379.99 / £349.99. It's a bit less powerful than the PowerDetect and it doesn't have the reverse-suction feature, but otherwise the detection/auto features are similar. 

Alternatively, there's the Shark Stratos Cordless, which costs $499.99 / £349.99. It doesn't have the same detection / auto features as the PowerDetect, and I found the suction comparable too, so I'm not sure why you'd opt for a Stratos over a PowerDetect. 

Shark offers discounts on occasion for its products. However, at time of writing this model is new out, so you might not see it discounted except during holiday and special sales events. Till then, look to the TechRadar Shark promo codes page for a deal.

• Value for money score: 4 out of 5

Shark PowerDetect Cordless specs Shark PowerDetect Cordless review: design

• Operated by button; battery and mode info provided on a screen
• Bendable wand lets you effortlessly clean under furniture
• Optional auto-empty base

If you’ve used a Shark cordless vacuum before, you’ll quickly realize that the PowerDetect Cordless has many of the same Shark vacuum technologies that appear on other models, with a few improvements. This cordless stick vacuum is 46.34 inches long (which is pretty tall) and has a cleaning path width of 10.19 inches.

Like most cordless vacuums, you can remove the wand and swap in another attachment for use as a handheld vacuum. In the stick vacuum configuration, the Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System weighs 18.48lbs.

The wand itself is unique among vacuums in that it is bendable (this is one of the most well-received Shark features, and it's included on many of its vacuums – not just the expensive ones). Click a button and it’ll bend forwards, allowing you to vacuum further under beds, couches, and other low furniture.

The radar graphic indicates the vacuum is in DirtDetect mode, while the rectangle graphic denotes battery life (Image credit: Future)

The Shark Cordless PowerDetect vacuum has a host of different detection features. The DirtDetect system can recognize hidden dirt and automatically boost the suction power in response. You can see when the floor is dirty and clean based on the colors – purple or white – that appear on the screen and around the vacuum head. With EdgeDetect, this Shark vacuum can sense edges and double the suction power along the side of the floorhead when it’s moving alongside an edge. 

FloorDetect recognizes the differences between carpets and hard floors and adjusts the power depending on which one you’re vacuuming. Then there is LightDetect, which automatically increases the light on the vacuum when you clean in dark spaces (they're not as bright as you'll find on the – far more expensive – Dyson Gen5detect, though).

New to this model is 'reverse cleaning' – namely, while most vacuums just push larger debris around when the floorhead is being pulled backwards, the PowerDetect has some patented teeth that are designed to actively pull it in.

The vacuum is operated by a one-press button, and there's a trigger under the handle that lets you switch between the three modes. There's a low-powered Eco mode, high-powered Boost, and a DirtDetect, which is the one that auto-adjusts suction based on how dirty the floor is. The other 'detect' features, like EdgeDetect and LightDetect will kick in on any mode.

When the vacuum is turned on, the a circular screen shows which mode you’re in (a green leaf for Eco mode, red circle for Boost, or a radar graphic for DirtDetect), as well as a rectangular symbol noting battery life. It's not quite as clear as Dyson's version, which will literally spell out how many minutes of cleaning you have left in the mode you're currently using, but it's still useful.

The version I reviewed came with a charge base that the vacuum empties into when docked (Image credit: Future)

Tools can vary by region – my review model came with an 8-inch Crevice Tool and a Pet Multi-Tool. It's worth flagging that that there is an optional auto-empty base that I tested out. This is a new thing that Shark has been embracing lately. Dock the vacuum and the dirt from the bin will automatically be sucked into a larger chamber in the base, so you don't need to do it manually nearly so often. It also creates somewhere to store the vacuum, and charges it too.

If you like the sound of the PowerDetect's features but want something slightly different, there's a PowerDetect Upright and a PowerDetect Corded Stick also in the range.

• Design score: 4 out of 5

Shark PowerDetect Cordless review: performance

• Auto adjustment features work well
• Good suction on both hard floors and carpet
• Comfortable to use; floorhead pivots pretty well

I’ve tested a Shark vacuum before – the Shark Stratos Cordless IZ862H vacuum cleaner to be exact, so I knew roughly what to expect. I was glad to see that the design was nearly the same, though slightly better in some respects with the Shark PowerDetect Cordless Stick Vacuum vacuum. 

This product is easy to use, no matter if you’re using it as a handheld vacuum or in its typical cordless stick form. It switches on with the single press of a button, so you don't have to worry about holding down a trigger while vacuuming. The vacuum itself is very comfortable to use. It doesn't feel heavy or unbalanced, and moves smoothly as a floor vac and is easy to maneuver as a handheld. 

The one thing I noticed right away was just how tall this stick vacuum is. The wand provides a lot of length to reach high ceilings or under beds, which is nice for someone like me with 10-foot ceilings, although it could prove a bit unwieldy if you're dealing with cramped hallways, for example. 

Even more importantly, the wand can bend forwards with the push of a button, which lets you reach under couches and chairs without having to lean over or squat down. Add onto the fact that the head swivels a decent amount (although it's not as maneuverable as a Dyson), and I can reach awkward spaces around my furniture without any issue. 

The forward-bending wand is a favorite feature on Shark vacs (Image credit: Future)

To determine the vacuum’s performance capabilities, I ran a number of tests. I started by vacuuming my entire house which is made up of historic hardwood floors, rugs, and laminate flooring. I noticed right away that the vacuum nozzle lights up automatically when the machine is running. Those lights got brighter when I vacuumed in low light spaces, which made it easier to see dirt, dust, and debris.

My favorite aspect of this vacuum is the DirtDetect system, because it increases the suction automatically when it detects hidden dirt or debris. When this happens, the loop around the screen changes colors from white to purple (Shark claims the color is blue and not white, but I guess it could be a light gray blue). The LED lights on the vacuum head match the colors on the screen. It is assumed that when the suction power returns to normal, the floor is free of dirt. 

When dirt is detected on the floor, the ring on the screen and the lights on the floorhead turn purple (Image credit: Future)

It was important for me to run a number of tests to see just how well the vacuum could pick up various items from the ground. To do this, I taped a four-by-four-foot square on my laminate floor and on one of my large, thick rugs. I sprinkled each square with flour and then used the vacuum’s lowest setting – Eco – to suck up the flour. 

When it came to the laminate floor, the vacuum picked up nearly every bit of flour on a single once-over. I saw only three specks of flour remaining when I was done. I didn’t notice any difference when vacuuming forward or backward over the flour.

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The PowerDetect did a great job of clearing fine dust from laminate floor... (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

(Image credit: Future)

When doing this same test on a thick rug, I realized quickly that I was not able to use Eco mode, even though I set the vacuum to that setting. The Shark vacuum recognized that I was vacuuming a rug and increased its suction automatically. There does not seem to be any way to prevent this. However, the vacuum did an even better job removing the flour from the rug in a single pass than it did on the laminate floor, as I didn’t see any flour remaining behind when I was done. 

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The PowerDetect also handled chunkier debris well... (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

... although some debris did get stuck under the wheels (Image credit: Future)

Next, I crunched up breakfast cereal (Cheerios, to be precise) and sprinkled them in both squares. Whether it was laminate flooring or the rug, the vacuum did a similarly superb job, especially when I vacuumed forward. If I pulled the vacuum backwards over the grinded cheerios, some of the larger pieces got stuck behind the wheels and thus were not suctioned up until I made a forward pass. That's a little disappointing, given that being able to suck up large bits of debris on the reverse is something that Shark claims is a specific skill of this vacuum.

In general, I wasn't super impressed with this feature. It's not that it did anything negative, it's just that I didn't notice any difference in performance on the reverse stroke compared to other vacuums I've tested, including the Shark Stratos, which doesn't have this feature.

In my opinion, the suction along the edges of the floorhead are just as strong as it is along the front. In fact, when an edge is detected, you’ll notice that the headlights on that side of the vacuum grow brighter, and the suction power on that edge specifically is boosted, for a closer clean.

Like many cordless stick vacuums, it can be used as a handheld (Image credit: Future)

I didn’t notice any change in the suction capability of the vacuum when I switched it from a stick to a handheld with or without the wand attached. Two attachments were included with my review model – a Pet Multi Tool and a crevice tool. I don’t have pets, but a lot of my dark brown hair gets on my cream-colored couch. I used the Pet Multi Tool to remove my hair, and it did an average job.

I found myself scraping the hair a few times before it was suctioned into the machine. The Pet Multi Tool performed better on Boost mode. Admittedly, I’ve never tested a vacuum that could easily pull my hair off the couch, but I still wouldn't necessarily recommend it to pet owners (TechRadar's best vacuum for pet hair list has some alternative suggestions here). 

The pet hair tool was okay, but couldn't pull all the (short-ish, human) hair from my cream couch (Image credit: Future)

As for the crevice tool, I used this one quite a lot as I have a lot of furniture set in the corners of rooms. I was glad to see that the tool also has a brush. I used it to clean my baseboards and blinds with great success.

In DirtDetect mode, the vacuum has a 72-80 dB sound rating when cleaning hard floors and a 76-79 dB rating when moving over my rugs (this is due to the fact that the suction automatically increases when dirt is detected, which makes it noisier). The dB rating on Eco mode is 74 (you can’t use Eco mode on carpets, only hard floors). Boost mode has an 82 dB and 83 dB rating on hardwood and carpet respectively. 

The dock has a much larger capacity dustbin (Image credit: Future)

While not everyone will necessarily need it, I was so thankful for the convenience of the auto-empty system. When I was finished vacuuming, I placed the vacuum on the station and not only did it start charging automatically, but it emptied the dust and dirt from the vacuum into a sealed container. Whenever the container is full, I can remove it and dump the dust and dirt in the trash. It would be a strong recommendation for allergy sufferers, because there are fewer opportunities for particles to escape back into the atmosphere.

If you don't have the auto-empty dock, you'll need to remove the wand first and then hit a button when the bin is placed over a trash can. Note that is it possible to store the vacuum freestanding without the dock: you can fold it over, using the bendy wand, for a more compact storage option. 

If you don't go for the auto-empty base, you can manually empty the onboard bin (Image credit: Future)

Maintenance is easy enough, even if there are a few tasks that you’ll need to do about once a month, like cleaning the brushroll and checking the wand for blockages. The onboard dust cup will need to be cleaned out, and you should also check the HEPA filter on the handheld to see if it needs to be rinsed or replaced. The filter on the auto empty station should also be rinsed and dried once a month and replaced regularly too. 

Lastly, you’ll need to occasionally clean the sensors – the DirtDetect system sensor is inside the dust bin of the vacuum, while the LightDetect sensor is on top of the vacuum head, and the two EdgeDetect sensors sit along the sides of it.

• Performance score: 4.5 out of 5

Shark PowerDetect Cordless review: battery

• 4 hours to fully recharge the battery (using auto empty station)
• Battery lasts 14 mins in Boost, 1hr 7 mins in Eco
• Eco option not possible on carpet

One of the most impressive aspects of this vacuum is the battery life. Shark claims it'll last a maximum of 70 minutes in Eco mode, although that's in handheld mode. On test, it managed almost that long: I clocked 67 minutes, although that was with a wand attached. Anything over an hour is a really strong battery time for a cordless vacuum (assuming the suction is still decent, which is true here). However, remember that Eco mode won't work on carpets or rugs, so if you have a home with soft flooring you won't achieve these times.

When I ran the PowerDetect entirely in Boost mode, the battery lasted 14 minutes. That's actually not bad for a maximum power mode; it's only designed to be used on the toughest, ingrained dirt. If you use DirtDetect mode, runtimes will vary based on how dirty your floors are an how much suction the vacuum needs to use.

On an average clean, I found this vacuum lasted around 47 minutes, which involved me switching between the lowest and highest power settings. That'll be more than enough time to clean most homes in one go.

It took about four hours for the vacuum to completely charge. Shark doesn't provide recharge times, but a listing on Best Buy said it'd take 6 hours. I was glad to discover that charging did not actually take that long. Over time, it’ll likely take longer for the battery to charge. It’s not unusual among vacuums on the wider market to take 4-6 hours to charge. 

• Battery life score: 4.5 out of 5

Should you buy the Shark PowerDetect Cordless? Buy it if... Don't buy it if... How I tested the Shark PowerDetect Cordless

I tested this vacuum for over a week in my house, which has a mix of historic hardwood and laminate flooring, some of which is covered in large, thick rugs. I ran a number of tests such as using the vacuum to pick up flour and crushed Cheerios, and utilized the attachments to clean my couch of hair and dust from hard-to-reach places. I compared the results to other vacuum cleaners I've reviewed in the past. By running these tests and others, I was able to provide an in-depth review.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed September 2024

Garmin Fenix 8: One-minute review

The Garmin Fenix 8 was perhaps the most anticipated watch from Garmin in a very long time, and the reveal didn’t disappoint. The Garmin Fenix 7 series has been consistently rated among the best Garmin watches ever, and the Garmin Fenix 8 is packing most of Garmin’s best hardware features that were introduced in the years since the Fenix 7 was released. 

Features like an AMOLED display, a microphone and speaker for calls, and an LED torch for attracting attention or running safely at night (and, er, for seeing in the dark) have been folded into the Fenix 8. 

It now has new waterproofing and an Apple Watch Ultra-style dive watch capability, cribbed from the Garmin Descent series. The watch can act as a working dive computer for scuba activities down to 40 meters, although in our exclusive chat with Garmin product lead Jon Hosler he revealed that the watch can actually go beyond that depth. 

New, improved GPS means new software features: with a “dynamic routing” ability automatically generates back-to-start directions during running and cycling workouts, and if you’re running on a pre-prescribed route your Fenix 8 will intelligently compensate if you stray from the path. Purchasers get to choose between three different sizes, with an additional choice of a solar-powered memory-in-pixel display (a duller, more power-efficient smartwatch screen) or a brighter, more smartwatch-y AMOLED one.

Unsurprisingly, it’s a fantastic watch. It’s built like a tank without being too obnoxious, although it doesn’t deviate much from older Garmins (in fact, it looks almost the same as my Garmin Epix Pro at first glance). You know what you’re getting, and if you like Garmin’s existing stable of adventure watches, this is the best one yet. 

However, that performance excellence comes with an eye-watering price tag, which is almost too much in comparison to its contemporaries. Almost, but not quite: I considered knocking off half a star, but this may well be the best-performing Garmin watch I’ve ever tried 

Garmin Fenix 8: Specifications Garmin Fenix 8: Price and availability

(Image credit: Future / Matt Evans)

• Starts at $799.99 / £689.99 / AU$1,349 for cheaper 47mm Fenix E
• Prices for 43mm Fenix 8 start at $999 / £949 / AU$1,699
• Reaches up to $1,199 / £1,119 / $2,199

The Garmin Fenix 8 starts at $799.99 / £689.99 / AU$1,349 for the cheapest model, a 47mm model christened the Garmin Fenix E. The Fenix E is a version of the AMOLED display Fenix 8 with no solar charging option, 16 days of battery life, no torch, no advanced leak-proof buttons for dive watch activities (although it’ll still stand up to water exposure, with 10ATM waterproofing) and a stainless steel case, with no titanium option. In essence, it’s an AMOLED Fenix 7. 

The full-price Fenix 8 starts at $999 / £949 / AU$1,699 for the 43mm AMOLED watch, which is a significant jump from the E, rising to the considerable sum of $1,199 / £1,119 / $2,199 for the 51mm solar-powered version. What you get for this is a big increase in battery life of up to 28 days, the advanced waterproofing leak-proof buttons, dive watch functionality, the torch, a more advanced heart rate sensor, and the option of an AMOLED screen or a memory-in-pixel, solar-charging screen. 

The full-price Fenix 8 is incredibly expensive. Its performance is phenomenal, and the engineering behind it is equal to many an analog timepiece; but such a price is very hard to justify for all but the wealthiest sportspeople. 

• Value score: 4/5

Garmin Fenix 8: Design

(Image credit: Future / Matt Evans)

• AMOLED or MIP screen
• New leak-proofing
• Sapphire glass/titanium options

Structurally, the Garmin Fenix 8 looks almost identical to the Fenix and Epix watches that came before it. The Epix line was a version of the Fenix with that gorgeous, smartwatch-like AMOLED screen, but Epix doesn’t exist anymore – Garmin has axed the name and folded it in with the main Fenix line. The Fenix 8 inherits that AMOLED screen as an option, while the memory-in-pixel (MIP) screen is Garmin’s traditional duller, battery-efficient screen with Power Glass solar technology, which extends the watch’s battery life if you spend around three hours or more outdoors. 

The screen is made of Corning Gorilla Glass as standard, but an upgrade to the harder category of Sapphire glass is available. Likewise, the Fenix 8’s case is a mix of tough polymer and stainless steel, but you can upgrade the metal components to titanium for an additional cost. These upgrades are on top of the already-steep price, but the base model should be more than sufficient for all but the most adventurous outdoorspeople. The thick, wipe-clean silicone Garmin band will be familiar to most, but it can be swapped with a trail-specific fabric loop like the Enduro.

Garmin’s standard combination of a five-button setup – Up, Down and Options buttons on one side, and a Start/Stop and a Back button on the other – and touchscreens work well as they have always done, while a new raised section on the right-hand side makes it look a little like an Apple Watch Ultra in practice. 

Garmin’s widget-based screen layout is fast and intuitive to use. It’s easy to navigate through the watch’s options and add new apps, such as Spotify for offline music playback without a phone. You can add widgets through your phone’s Wi-Fi connection, making it easy to customize at home before you step out the door. 

Garmin Connect, the watch’s companion app, is stellar, and as comprehensive as ever. It’s very granular, showing you lots of data points and workout-creation options – almost too granular for beginners. Then again, beginners are unlikely to be spending this much on a sports watch, and it’s all well-organized. There’s not much that’s new to speak about, but it remains best-in-class. 

•  Design score: 5/5 

Garmin Fenix 8: Features

(Image credit: Future / Matt Evans)

• New GPS functionalities
• Dive mode
• LED torch

Let’s start off with the new stuff. Dynamic routing offers a small quality-of-life improvement to GPS-tracked running, walking or cycling workouts, as you now have the option to enable Back to Start before you even head out the door. Simply set a distance goal for your run, then enable Back to Start and the Fenix 8 will generate an out-and-back route once you’ve hit around 40% of your distance goal. There’s no need to follow a pre-prescribed route until then, which is great. Dynamic routing also allows you to deviate from a route you’ve already created, rerouting you automatically while keeping your target goal in mind. Very handy. 

I’ve not had the opportunity to test the new Dive Mode yet, unfortunately: after this review has been published I’ll be handing the device off to a writer who’s also a recreational diver for a more thorough breakdown of that particular mode. But like Garmin’s Descent series, you get a fully-functioning dive computer with gauge, nitrox, air and apnoea modes for recreational scuba diving and free-diving activities. It’s enough for casual adventure enthusiasts who may scuba or snorkel once or twice a year, and who spend the rest of their time running, cycling, or swimming. 

The LED torch is the same torch as on the Garmin Fenix 7 Pro and Epix Pro models, and works just as well. I’ve already used it to find my way twice in the dark at full power (admittedly, only to the bathroom) and I stick the red mode on at night to alert cars that I’m jogging on the sidewalk in the dark. It’s surprisingly powerful, creating a moving spotlight of red that illuminates the ground in front of me as I run. 

Otherwise, a lot of the new advancements – such as more accurate GPS, topographical maps, the new heart rate monitor which promises to be more accurate, improved battery life, and leakproof buttons to enable all the dive stuff – is under the hood. At its heart, the Garmin Fenix 8 is an iterative update of an older, already-fantastic watch, and the smartwatch category as a whole hasn’t moved on very far since then, which means the Garmin Fenix 8 is still best in show. 

Heart rate alerts, sleep tracking, nap tracking, stress tracking, respiration tracking and other holistic tools sit alongside Training Readiness, Endurance and Hill scores to make this an incredibly comprehensive health and fitness watch. Garmin Messenger allows you to directly communicate between devices using Garmin’s satellite network. There’s a smorgasbord of available widgets and functionalities which you can use to customize your watch, from shortcuts to services like Garmin Coach to a Tides widget for open-water swimmers and surfers. You can download music, sync to Strava, and receive (but not make) calls on-wrist. It’s practically perfect, with every performance tool you’ll ever need.

•  Features score: 5/5 

Garmin Fenix 8: Performance

(Image credit: Future / Matt Evans)

• Accurate GPS
• Long battery life
• Advanced heart rate sensor

As I’m an existing Garmin user, the watch was easy to set up and use with my pre-existing Garmin account, syncing to Strava and Spotify immediately. We won’t labor the point here: the watch is good, and it works. Tested against an Apple Watch Ultra 2, it recorded a very similar performance and distance while on a 5K, and I found the differences in heart rate readings to be minimal, allowing for variations in algorithms and a different wrist. You can read more about how the Apple Watch Ultra fares against premium Garmins in my account of wearing the Watch Ultra and the Garmin Epix Pro during a marathon.

The Fenix 8’s display was bright enough for me to see clearly, and after a full charge, I almost drained it completely after 13 days of regular GPS workouts: a combination of running, strength training, and stand-up paddleboarding (and yes, there’s a specialist GPS-based profile for that, which even counts the strokes you make as you glide across the water). 

I have yet to test its new cycling features, but I did test dynamic routing during a running workout, deliberately going off-piste (to borrow a skiing term) to check out its capabilities, and it performed fine. I departed from the route I had created with Garmin Connect, and it successfully rerouted me by the closest available detour within about two minutes. I also popped in my distance requirements and enabled the out-and-back routing on a 5K run, and it successfully kicked in just after the 40% mark. 

Otherwise, the Fenix 8 tracked my sleep with good accuracy, successfully logging periods when I woke up during the night, and delivering a Training Readiness score during the day which tracked well with my previous few days’ energy levels, from an anecdotal perspective. The torch was nice and bright (as is the lovely screen), and I haven’t even scratched the surface in terms of all the features available to me during a training block.  

•  Performance score: 5/5 

Garmin Fenix 8: Scorecard

(Image credit: Garmin) Garmin Fenix 8: Should I buy?

(Image credit: Future / Matt Evans) Buy it if...

You love the outdoors

Garmin Fenix 8 has all the survival tools you’ll ever need, from GPS to a barometer and compass.

You’re a triathlete

Runners, cyclists, and swimmers will really get the most out of this watch.

You’re multidisciplined

Paddleboarding? Golf? Surfing? Skiing? Detailed, comprehensive and unique workout profiles exist for them all.

Don't buy it if...

You’re on a budget

Even the cheaper Fenix E is not a watch for users without deep pockets. 

Also consider...

Apple Watch Ultra 2

Nowhere near the same battery life, but perhaps the best alternative from a smartwatch standpoint. 

Read our full review

Coros Pace 3 

Our best value running watch, a cheap-and-cheerful adventurer's companion.

Read our full review

How I tested

I wore the Garmin Fenix 8 for three weeks, draining the battery down, sleeping with the watch, and testing it over several different kinds of workouts including running, strength training and stand-up paddleboarding. I compared it to an Apple Watch Ultra 2 (my litmus test for GPS and HR accuracy) during a 5K run, and spent time with the watch examining the settings and functionalities, both on-device and in Garmin Connect. 

First reviewed: September 2024

Turtle Beach Burst 2 Air: Two-minute review

The Turtle Beach Burst 2 Air is the brand’s new ultralight gaming mouse promising top-tier performance, which it hopes to achieve with its ergonomic design, quality hardware, and in-depth tweakability. 

Considering the Burst 2 Air is a full-size gaming mouse, it’s remarkable that it only tips the scales at 47g, undercutting many gaming mice in the lightweight category. Rather than sporting an all-over honeycomb design to shed the weight, it has just two small cutouts underneath that expose the underside to the PCB within. Despite this absence of material, Turtle Beach has managed to include a handy slot to store the 2.4GHz USB receiver. As an exercise in cutting weight, it’s impressive. 

With its understated appearance, the Burst 2 Air cuts a rather unremarkable figure, especially compared to the audacious looks of some of the best gaming mice. The white colorway I tested does look more vibrant than its black counterpart, and the light gray accents on the logo, side buttons, and scroll wheel are a nice touch. There are two small LEDs, one between the mouse buttons and another under the scroll wheel, but these are relatively subtle. The finish is smooth with a slight texture that I found suitable for my palm and fingers, although grip tape is included in the box for those who prefer something more substantial. 

The Burst 2 Air fits nicely in the hand, with an even curve all around, although there’s slightly more bulk towards the back end. There isn’t much of a forward rake either, so it doesn’t feel like your fingers are falling away. Turtle Beach doesn’t recommend specific grip styles but it seems ideal for most, though it may be too bulky for those who prefer the claw type. My only real complaint about the shape of the Burst 2 Air is that the sides cinch inwards a little too much for my liking, making it harder to squeeze during those clutch moments.

The mouse wheel is softly notched but still provides enough security to prevent mis-scrolls. It’s tight and secure when pressed, while still being easy to actuate. The side buttons are very clicky, and their angle and protrusion make them easy to use. Rather than being situated on top or underneath, as is typical for many gaming mice, the DPI cycle button is located on the left front side. It’s small and pressing it can be awkward, given it’s quite close to the bottom, meaning your thumb ends up pressing into your desktop. This is a small grievance, though, and the button operates smoothly.

(Image credit: Future)

When it comes to the business of gaming, the Burst 2 Air is a joy to use. Maneuverability is exceptional, gliding effortlessly on almost any surface, thanks to the thick PTFE skates. The pre-tensioned optical switches can be activated with light clicks, and although they travel further than I expected, this only adds to their satisfaction. There is the slightest indentation on the buttons themselves, just enough to guide your fingers to the optimal position.

Coupled with the ultra-light total weight, this makes the Burst 2 Air very precise. Of course, what weight, shape, and size is best for a gaming mouse comes down to personal preference, but for me, I found the Burst 2 Air ideal for my hands and swipes. Using it with the included USB cable does add more resistance to movements, but I adapted to it quickly, and I wouldn’t go so far as to call it drag, with all the negative connotations that word brings. As with many braided cables, durability can be an issue, but during my time using it I didn’t notice any fraying. 

For customizing and adjusting settings, you’ll need Swarm 2, Turtle Beach’s peripheral software. As soon as you open it, you’re greeted with jagged fonts that are hard to read and fail to inspire much confidence. I have previous experience using this software with a Turtle Beach keyboard, and in that case, I found it to be obtuse in places and not the most user-friendly. Some of my concerns remain in place in the case of the Burst 2 Air, although I do think mice settings are more clearly laid out. 

The software allows for all the typical tweaks you'd expect, including adjustments for the DPI. However, this has a clunky implementation, requiring you to drag dots across the screen for each of the five predefined settings. In theory, this interface is a good idea, but it’s poorly executed here, with bugs and glitches occurring until I updated the mouse’s firmware. The update also fixed the battery level readout, which was previously stuck at 18%, even when charging.

There are also adjustments for the poll rate, with five settings ranging from 125Hz to 1000Hz, and a debounce time slider in a nondescript unit between 0 and 10 (a lot of other software I’ve tested measure this in milliseconds). There’s also DCU calibration, which is equivalent to lift-off distance. There are two predefined settings, very low and low, as well as a custom mode that automatically sets the distance based on a few test movements. Again, though, there is no indication in any setting as to what the exact distance you’ve set is.

(Image credit: Future)

Other settings include angle snapping, which smooths cursor movements by making them more linear, and motion sync, which aligns the mouse’s polling rate to that of your PC, so only the latest polling data is read. In theory, this improves accuracy as tracking becomes more seamless, but in reality, only hardcore pro players will likely notice or care about this. During my tests, I failed to notice much difference when activated.

It’s also compatible with Nvidia Reflex, which claims to reduce input latency even further when gaming. It requires an Nvidia GPU and a monitor compatible with Nvidia G-Sync (although my FreeSync monitor worked with this too). It’s only currently supported by a handful of games, and again it’s a feature that only pro players will likely notice in action.

Switching between the different connectivity modes worked fairly seamlessly in my experience, letting me switch between two devices on the fly with a flick of the switch underneath. Note, however, that when connected via USB cable, this overrides your other connectivity options, so device switching effectively becomes unavailable until you pull the plug.

The claimed battery life of the Burst 2 Air is 120 hours in Bluetooth mode, and 40 when using the 2.4GHz receiver. According to my tests, this seems accurate, as the battery barely dipped below 90% over several days of use, even when set to the maximum 1k poll rate.

The Burst 2 Air is a solid wireless gaming mouse for those who are after a comfortable yet speedy performer. The overall shape, low package weight, connectivity options, and smooth glides are its standout aspects. However, Swarm 2 isn’t the most intuitive peripheral software to use, and the fact is there are better value gaming mice that match the Burst 2 Air for performance, such as the Cooler Master MM311. It’s by no means a bad pointer to plump for, but there are plenty of other great options around for less money.

Turtle Beach Burst 2 Air: Price & availability

(Image credit: Future)

• $99 / £99 (about AU$147)
• Black and White colorways

The Burst 2 Air is priced at $99 / £99 (about AU$147) and is available now. It comes in either Black or White colorways.

For a gaming mouse of this spec, the Burst 2 Air represents pretty average value for money. It competes with other wireless mice such as the Razer DeathAdder V3 Hyperspeed, which offers similar features and functionality. It also supports an 8k poll rate, although this does require Razer’s HyperPolling Wireless Dongle, which costs an extra $29 / £29 / AU$54.

If you’re after a wireless gaming mouse with an 8k poll rate straight out of the box, then be prepared to part with more cash. Offerings in this category can set you back considerably more: the Razer Viper V3 Pro, for example, is over $100 / £150 / AU$275.

However, if you’re happy with 1k, there are more wireless budget picks than ever. For instance, there’s the Cooler Master MM311, which is our current pick as the best gaming mouse for those on a budget – it’s heavier than the Burst 2 Air and runs on AA batteries, though. If you want a rechargeable battery, then the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 could fit the bill; although it weighs 61g, it’s slightly cheaper than the Burst 2 Air. There’s also a wired variant with an 8k poll rate for even less.

Turtle Beach Burst 2 Air: Specs Should you buy the Turtle Beach Burst 2 Air? Buy it if...

You want a super-light mouse
49g is seriously light, making the Burst 2 Air ideal for rapid movements. It’s even more impressive considering the body is full-size.

You want a smooth glider
The Burst 2 Air glides with incredible ease, thanks to the thick PTFE skates, working well on different surface types.

You want multiple connectivity options
The Burst 2 Air can be connected using the included USB-C to USB-A PhatomFlex cable, or wirelessly via the 2.4GHz USB receiver or Bluetooth, which allows for quick-switching between devices.

Don't buy it if...

You want a high poll rate
Gaming mice that are marketed for esports use usually offer poll rates up to 8k, but the Burst 2 Air tops out at 1k. If this matters to you, then look elsewhere.

You’re on a budget
The Burst 2 Air is averagely priced for a gaming mouse of this spec. There are more budget-friendly wireless gaming mice available than ever, so you’ll likely be able to find cheaper alternatives with similar levels of performance.

Turtle Beach Burst 2 Air: Also consider How I tested the Turtle Beach Burst 2 Air

• Tested for two weeks
• Played FPS and strategy games
• 10+ years PC gaming experience

I tested the Burst 2 Air for around two weeks. During that time, I used it with a variety of games, as well as for general use and productivity.

I played FPS titles including Counter-Strike 2, the evergreen peripheral tester, as well as strategy games that almost exclusively use mouse inputs, such as Tactical Breach Wizards. 

I have been PC gaming for over a decade, and during that time I have tried a variety of gaming mice of all shapes and sizes from the likes of Razer, Logitech, Alienware, and HyperX, to name a few. I generally prefer full-size mice over miniature ones and prefer a light to medium weight. 

Read more about how we test

First reviewed: September 2024