TechRadar Reviews

Protecting your digital identity has become increasingly important. With the rise of sophisticated cyber threats, such as phishing scams, identity theft, and data breaches, choosing a robust identity protection service is essential for safeguarding your personal information.

This review offers a comprehensive analysis of McAfee identity protection, examining its key features, effectiveness in preventing identity theft, and overall value to consumers. Key aspects covered include the service's monitoring capabilities, real-time alerts, recovery support, and user-friendly interface. Additionally, we'll explore how McAfee+ compares to other identity protection services on the market.

By the end of this review, you will have a clearer understanding of whether McAfee Identity Protection is the right solution for you in securing your sensitive information and maintaining your online peace of mind.

McAfee+: Plans and pricing

The McAfee Essential plan, often referred to as a "starter" plan within the McAfee Total Protection suite, is designed to provide a solid foundation of security for individuals with multiple devices. Priced at an introductory offer of $39.99 for the first year (with renewal prices typically higher), it offers protection for up to five devices, compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and ChromeOS. This plan includes McAfee's award-winning antivirus and scam detection, ensuring real-time defense against malware, ransomware, and phishing attempts.

In addition to core antivirus protection, the Essential plan enhances online privacy with a Virtual Private Network (VPN), which often includes unlimited data usage, particularly when auto-renewal is enabled. Users also benefit from identity monitoring that alerts them if their personal information appears on the dark web. The plan includes a password manager (True Key) for secure login management and Safe Browse capabilities to warn against risky websites. Furthermore, it provides Personal Data Cleanup (scan only) to help identify where your data may be exposed on data broker sites and Online Account Cleanup (scan only) to locate old online accounts linked to your personal information. The McAfee Protection Score included in this plan helps users gauge their overall cybersecurity health. While the Essential plan offers a robust range of essential security and privacy features, it lacks the more extensive identity theft coverage and full-service data cleanup found in higher-tier McAfee+ plans.

In contrast, the McAfee+ Advanced Individual plan presents a much more comprehensive security package. Typically priced at an introductory fee of around $89.99 for the first year, this plan is more than double the cost of the Essential plan. The most significant upgrade is its coverage for unlimited devices (for one user), ensuring that all household devices are protected. Beyond the features of the Essential plan, the Advanced plan significantly enhances identity protection. It includes full-service Personal Data Cleanup, where McAfee actively assists in removing your information from data broker sites rather than merely scanning and alerting you. Furthermore, it provides $1 million in identity theft coverage and restoration services, enhanced bank and credit card transaction monitoring, and 1-bureau credit monitoring with monthly scores. The ability to initiate a security freeze in the event of suspected identity theft adds layer of security, making the McAfee+ Advanced Individual plan ideal for users who prioritize comprehensive identity and financial safety alongside robust device protection.

Lastly, the McAfee+ Advanced Family plan offers a comprehensive solution designed to protect the entire household (up to six users), extending beyond devices to include robust identity and privacy features. Its introductory price typically starts around $119.99 for the first year, though this can vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.

This family plan offers unlimited device coverage for all compatible household devices, including Windows PCs, Macs, Android devices, iOS devices, and Chromebooks. A key differentiator for the family plan is the inclusion of Parental Controls (McAfee Safe Family), allowing parents to manage their children's online activities, set screen time limits, filter content, track locations, and view activity reports.

Beyond device security, the McAfee+ Advanced Family plan offers significant identity protection features. These include identity monitoring with alerts for personal information found on the dark web, as well as advanced tools such as bank and credit card transaction monitoring, along with 1-bureau credit monitoring that includes monthly credit scores. The financial protection is substantial, boasting up to $2 million in identity theft coverage and restoration services (an increase from the individual plan's $1 million coverage). This plan also allows users to place a security freeze on their credit if suspicious activity is suspected.

To enhance online privacy, the McAfee+ Advanced Family plan features an unlimited Secure VPN for safe browsing on public Wi-Fi. It includes full-service Personal Data Cleanup, where McAfee actively helps in removing personal information from data broker sites. Additionally, the Scam Detector, powered by McAfee Smart AI, identifies and warns against risky texts, emails, and videos. Meanwhile, the password manager (True Key) ensures secure login credentials. Safe Browse (WebAdvisor) blocks dangerous websites and downloads, further contributing to comprehensive cybersecurity. Lastly, the McAfee Protection Score tracks the overall cybersecurity health of the family, making the McAfee+ Advanced Family plan an ideal choice for families seeking comprehensive digital protection and peace of mind.

McAfee+: Features

McAfee+ is a comprehensive cybersecurity suite developed by McAfee that offers a variety of features to enhance your digital safety. Below are some key features included in the McAfee+ plans:

Antivirus and Antimalware: McAfee+ provides real-time protection against viruses, malware, spyware, ransomware, and other malicious threats. It scans your system to detect potential threats, preventing them from causing harm. Unlike many online identity protection suites, this feature is essential for personal security.

Firewall Protection: A built-in firewall monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic, protecting your device from unauthorized access and blocking suspicious connections.

Web Protection: This feature helps safeguard your online activities by blocking malicious websites, phishing attempts, and dangerous downloads. It also scans email attachments and instant messages for potential threats, making it especially useful for children online.

Identity Theft Protection: McAfee+ helps protect your personal information from being compromised by monitoring potential identity theft risks. This may include features like credit monitoring, social security number tracking, and alerts for suspicious activity. McAfee’s Identity Theft Protection service monitors over 40 data broker sites to identify whether your personal information has been compromised.

Safe Browsing: McAfee+ provides secure browsing extensions or plugins for popular web browsers. These tools warn you about unsafe websites in search results and block harmful ads or pop-ups.

Credit Monitoring: Depending on the selected plan, credit bureau monitoring looks for threats to your identity and monitors the Dark Web for associated risks.

Password Manager: This unique tool securely stores your login credentials and assists in creating strong, unique passwords for each website or application you use.

Secure VPN: McAfee+ includes a virtual private network (VPN) feature that encrypts your internet connection and anonymizes your online activities, adding an extra layer of privacy and security.

System Optimization Tools: McAfee+ also offers system optimization tools to improve your device’s performance by cleaning up unnecessary files, managing startup programs, and optimizing system settings.

Parental Controls: McAfee+ products include parental control features that allow you to monitor and restrict your child's online activities, block inappropriate content, and set usage time limits.

Overall, McAfee+ provides a robust suite of tools designed to enhance your cybersecurity and protect your personal information online.

McAfee+: Support

As would be expected from a veteran provider, McAfee offers numerous methods for support. On the direct side, there is 24/7 phone support, although we would have liked to see the number more prominently featured as we had to go through multiple screens to find it. There is a virtual assistant, and we did find a chat to a real person available 24/7 for English speaking countries (and 9am to 6 pm on business days for the rest of the world). We did not find an email, or a support portal as alternate methods for direct contact.

There are some options on the self support as well. We found a Support Home page, with a search bar, which had jump offs to YouTube videos, a FAQ, and related articles. There are also links to McAfee social media sites, including a Twitter feed that is active with recent updates, but it was not reassuring to find the link to the Facebook site coming up as “This page is not available.”

McAfee+: Competition

While McAfee+ provides a comprehensive security suite, several outstanding alternatives offer similar, if not enhanced, protection tailored to your specific needs and budget.

One of the top contenders is Bitdefender, which consistently earns high marks for its impressive malware detection capabilities in independent lab tests. In addition to its robust antivirus protection, Bitdefender boasts a feature-rich package that includes parental controls, a secure VPN, scam protection, and a comprehensive firewall. Its user-friendly interface and streamlined performance make it an excellent choice for families seeking extensive security without a steep price point. Moreover, Bitdefender offers a unique feature called "Vulnerability Assessment," scanning for potential security risks on your devices, further fortifying your online safety.

Norton 360 is another widely acclaimed option, often regarded as a gold standard in digital security. It encompasses a full suite that extends beyond basic antivirus functions, with many of its plans including features such as automatic cloud backup, a secure VPN, parental controls, and even identity theft protection. This makes Norton 360 an ideal choice for users looking for a holistic security solution. Moreover, it is equipped with advanced features like a password manager and dark web monitoring, ensuring that users are not only protected from current threats but also alerted to potential future risks. Norton also proudly offers a "100% Virus Protection Promise," reassuring users of its commitment to effective malware defense.

For those interested in a robust solution that includes a free tier, Avast One is an excellent option. Its free version is notably feature-rich, providing robust ransomware protection, a secure VPN, tracker blockers, and a built-in firewall. Furthermore, Avast’s reasonably priced premium upgrades offer even more sophisticated tools, such as advanced malware protection and a system cleanup feature, catering to a broad range of users with diverse budgets and requirements.

Other noteworthy alternatives include TotalAV, recognized for its superior web protection and system optimization tools. TotalAV not only helps shield against malware but also enhances system performance, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a more responsive computer experience alongside security. On the other hand, Malwarebytes is a household name recognized for its effective malware removal capabilities; its premium version provides real-time protection against a variety of online threats, making it an excellent complement to any primary antivirus.

Finally, consider solutions like Surfshark Antivirus, which is often bundled with the popular Surfshark VPN. This combination offers a substantial advantage in terms of privacy and security when browsing the internet. Similarly, Trend Micro is also a strong contender, offering comprehensive security features that include ransomware protection, Pay Guard for secure online transactions, and a social media privacy scanner, appealing to users who prioritize multifaceted protection.

In summary, while McAfee+ remains a solid choice, exploring these alternatives may lead to discovering a solution that better meets your specific security requirements and budgetary constraints.

McAfee+: Final verdict

McAfee+ provides a strong option for personal security and identity protection. We appreciate the variety of subscription tiers, the multitude of features, the support center, and the availability of 24/7 phone support. However, there are some areas that could be improved: the pricing is only available on an annual basis, the lowest tier lacks credit monitoring, there is only one method for direct support, and overall, the pricing tends to be on the expensive side. Nonetheless, when it comes to trusting a provider with your personal information, McAfee's longstanding reputation built over the years is a significant advantage.

We've featured the best internet security suites

Our series on identity theft protection apps will evaluate the features, pricing options, competition, and also the overall value of using each app. However, these are not full hands-on reviews since evaluating identity theft protection apps is almost impossible. It would require several months of testing, purposefully hacking accounts to see if the protection app works, handing over personally identifiable information, performing multiple credit checks, and risking exposure of the reviewer’s personally identifiable information.

Undoubtedly, Norton is synonymous with online consumer security and safety. In 1982, Norton LifeLock's predecessor, Symantec, was established. The brand's prominence stems from its renowned antivirus software, which comes preinstalled on many PCs. Despite potential skepticism, the Norton LifeLock identity theft protection app provides reassurance. Trusting this software with personal information is facilitated by the brand's reputation and the company's established presence.

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Norton LifeLock: Plans and pricing

Norton LifeLock offers a range of plans designed to protect individuals and families from identity theft, often bundled with Norton 360's cybersecurity features. The core LifeLock plans typically include Standard, Ultimate Plus, and Advantage, each offering varying levels of identity monitoring, credit monitoring, and Million Dollar Protection Package coverage, which provides reimbursement for stolen funds, personal expense compensation, and coverage for lawyers and experts.

For individuals, these plans offer increasing benefits, from basic alerts and dark web monitoring in the Standard plan to comprehensive three-bureau credit monitoring, bank and investment account alerts, home title monitoring, and social media monitoring in the Ultimate Plus plan. Each plan is available for individuals and can also be expanded to cover Families (2 adults) or families with kids (2 adults + up to 5 kids), providing tailored protection for multiple members.

Many of these LifeLock plans can be bundled with Norton 360, which provides device security (including antivirus, VPN, password manager, cloud backup, etc.) for a specified number of devices or unlimited devices with the Ultimate Plus bundle. This creates an all-in-one cybersecurity and identity theft protection solution. Pricing for these plans varies depending on whether they are purchased monthly or annually, with annual subscriptions typically offering a discounted rate for the first year. Features like Genie Scam Protection Pro, which uses AI to detect scams in texts and emails, are also becoming integrated into these comprehensive offerings.

If you've used Norton Antivirus before, you'll be right at home with Norton LifeLock's user interface (Image credit: Norton LifeLock)Norton LifeLock: Interface

The Norton LifeLock Standard plan is an entry-level option for identity theft protection, focusing on essential monitoring and recovery features. Key benefits include the Million Dollar Protection Package, which offers up to $1 million to lawyers and experts to help resolve identity theft, plus reimbursement of up to $25,000 for stolen funds and up to $25,000 for personal expense compensation. The plan also provides Identity and Social Security Number alerts, notifying you if your information is used for credit or service applications. Dark Web Monitoring actively patrols hard-to-find dark websites and forums to alert you if your personal information is discovered. Additionally, a Privacy Monitor helps reduce the public exposure of your data by scanning common people-search websites and assisting with opt-out requests. It also includes Utility Account Creation Monitoring, which alerts you if someone attempts to open a utility account in your name. For an individual, the LifeLock Standard plan is generally priced at $11.99 per month or a discounted $89.99 for the first year when paid annually (which averages to $7.50 per month for the first year, renewing at $124.99/year). Family plans are also available, with varying pricing for "2 adults" or "2 adults + up to 5 kids." For instance, the "2 adults" plan costs approximately $23.99 per month or $149.87 for the first year when paid annually, while the "2 adults + 5 kids" plan costs around $35.99 per month or $221.87 for the first year when paid annually. It's important to note that these prices are often introductory and may increase upon renewal.

The Norton LifeLock Advantage plan significantly builds upon the foundational protection offered by the Standard plan, providing enhanced coverage and additional monitoring features for a higher level of identity theft defense. While both plans include **Identity and Social Security Number alerts**, **Dark Web Monitoring**, **Privacy Monitor**, and **Utility Account Creation Monitoring**, the Advantage plan significantly enhances the financial safeguards.

One of the most notable differences is the increase in the Million Dollar Protection™ Package reimbursement limits. With LifeLock Advantage, the Stolen Funds Reimbursement jumps from $25,000 in the Standard plan to $100,000. Similarly, Personal Expense Compensation also increases from $25,000 to $100,000. The coverage for Lawyers and Experts remains at up to $1 million in both plans.

Beyond the financial uplift, Advantage introduces new monitoring capabilities. It adds Credit Reports & Credit Scores (One-bureau, Monthly), allowing for more frequent insights into your credit activity, whereas Standard does not include credit reports or scores. It also includes Credit Alerts, such as Phone Takeover Monitoring and Alerts on Crimes Committed in Your Name, which are not present in the Standard plan. Furthermore, LifeLock Advantage includes Identity Lock, specifically for your TransUnion credit file and payday loans, offering an active way to help prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.

In terms of pricing, the LifeLock Advantage plan is typically priced at $22.99 per month or a discounted $179.88 for the first year when paid annually (which averages to $14.99 per month for the first year, renewing at $239.99 per year). For families, the "2 adults" plan costs approximately $45.99 per month or $287.88 for the first year annually (renewing at $479.99/year). The "2 adults + 5 kids" plan is around $57.99 per month or $359.88 for the first year annually (renewing at $579.99/year). As with the Standard plan, these introductory prices are often subject to increase upon renewal.

The Norton LifeLock Ultimate Plus plan represents the pinnacle of identity theft protection offered by LifeLock, providing the most comprehensive features and the highest levels of coverage. It takes all the benefits of the Standard and Advantage plans and significantly amplifies them.

The most significant upgrade in Ultimate Plus is the Million Dollar Protection™ Package. While the Lawyers and Experts coverage remains at up to $1 million, both the Stolen Funds Reimbursement and Personal Expense Compensation are boosted dramatically to up to $1 million each. This is a substantial increase from the $25,000 in Standard and $100,000 in Advantage, offering unparalleled financial protection in the event of severe identity theft.

Beyond increased reimbursement, Ultimate Plus significantly expands monitoring capabilities. It includes Three-Bureau Credit Monitoring (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), along with Annual Three-Bureau Credit Reports and Scores, providing a comprehensive view of your credit health across all major bureaus. This is a significant improvement over the Advantage plan's one-bureau monitoring. Furthermore, Ultimate Plus adds 401(k) and Investment Account Alerts, as well as Home Title Monitoring, protecting these critical assets from fraudulent activity. It also offers Social Media Monitoring, which helps detect imposter accounts, inappropriate content, and potential scams involving your social media profiles. The plan also typically includes enhanced support, such as 24/7 live member support with priority access. Some newer integrations also feature Genie Scam Protection Pro, an AI-powered tool to help detect and protect against sophisticated online scams, including those delivered via email and SMS.

In terms of pricing, the LifeLock Ultimate Plus plan is generally priced at $34.99 per month or a discounted $239.88 for the first year when paid annually (averaging $19.99 per month for the first year, with a renewal rate of $339.99 per year). For families, the "2 adults" plan costs approximately $69.99 per month or $395.88 for the first year annually (renewing at $679.99/year). The "2 adults + 5 kids" plan is the most expensive, typically around $79.99 per month or $467.88 for the first year annually (renewing at $799.99/year). As with the other plans, these introductory prices are subject to substantially higher renewal costs. When bundled with Norton 360, Ultimate Plus often includes security for an unlimited number of devices and a larger amount of cloud backup storage, providing a truly all-encompassing protection suite.

Norton LifeLock is a full-featured identity theft protection service (Image credit: Norton LifeLock)Norton LifeLock: Features

LifeLock offers a suite of features designed to safeguard users' sensitive information. These features are comparable to those provided by similar programs such as IdentityForce and IDShield. However, LifeLock stands out by presenting these features within a meticulously crafted, user-friendly interface. The interface's design reflects a deep understanding of user needs and a commitment to delivering a seamless experience.

One key aspect of LifeLock's interface is its simplicity. The layout is clean and uncluttered, with each feature clearly labeled and easy to find. This simplicity makes it easy for users to navigate the program and access the tools they need quickly and efficiently.

Another strength of LifeLock's interface is its intuitiveness. The program's features are organized in a logical way that follows the natural flow of a user's thought process. This intuitiveness minimizes the need for users to refer to manuals or tutorials, making it easy for them to get started with LifeLock right away.

In addition to its simplicity and intuitiveness, LifeLock's interface is also most certainly visually appealing. The program features a modern, minimalist design that is both attractive and professional. This aesthetic appeal enhances the user experience, making it more enjoyable and satisfying to use LifeLock.

LifeLock's interface exemplifies the program's dedication to providing an exceptional user experience. By harmonizing simplicity, intuitiveness, and visual allure, LifeLock has crafted an interface that effortlessly allows users to safeguard their sensitive information, fostering peace of mind.

Furthermore, the interface of LifeLock is arguably easier to use, and also cleaner, which means you’ll often find more of the options available with less clicks.

Norton LifeLock: The competition

Similar to tech giants like Facebook and Google, Norton LifeLock stands out as a security firm with unparalleled immediate brand awareness, especially regarding consumer safety. Factors contributing to this recognition include its extensive advertising campaigns on network television and its long-standing presence in the industry. For those who have used computers during the early Windows and Mac eras, the Norton name likely holds familiarity and trust.

In the realm of identity theft protection apps, competitors must contend with the highly respected Norton brand, renowned for its cybersecurity offerings. While lesser-known options such as IdentityForce and IDShield provide similar features, they lack the widespread recognition of Norton. ADT, known for its physical home security solutions, also offers an identity theft protection app, but it falls short in terms of household recognition when compared to Norton.

LifeLock shares many similarities with IdentityForce and IDShield in terms of its features. The premium tier of LifeLock stands out with exclusive offerings such as 401K protection, crime tracking tools under your name, and monitoring across all three major credit agencies. Additionally, the Advantage plan and above provide exceptional features like TransUnion Credit Lock and PayDay Loan Lock services, making LifeLock a compelling choice for identity protection.

In the realm of identity theft protection, IDShield differentiates itself from its rival LifeLock by providing various exclusive features. Notably, IDShield's mobile application integrates social media monitoring, a crucial aspect in the current digital landscape where personal information is frequently shared publicly. This additional layer of protection empowers users to oversee their online presence and promptly respond to potential threats, ensuring enhanced security and peace of mind.

One of IDShield's strengths lies in its collaboration with criminal justice professionals. This valuable service offers users expert insights and guidance through the intricate legal system in the event of identity theft. Criminal justice professionals can provide valuable advice on effectively reporting the crime, acquiring official police reports, and assisting users in understanding the various steps involved in the legal process. This collaboration ensures that users receive comprehensive support throughout their journey to restore their identity and seek justice.

In contrast to LifeLock's premium plans, which lack monitoring and tracking features, IDShield offers these features as part of its more affordable plans. This strategic move by IDShield makes comprehensive protection accessible to a wider range of users, enabling them to enjoy robust security without exceeding their budget.

Standing out as a compelling option for individuals seeking comprehensive identity theft protection, IDShield offers competitive pricing and additional features. Its focus on social media monitoring, discussions with criminal justice professionals, and inclusive pricing plans empowers users to effectively safeguard their personal information. This sets IDShield apart from its competitors and provides users with the tools they need to protect their identity.

Norton LifeLock: Support

All LifeLock plans provide round-the-clock live support, with a toll-free number prominently displayed on their website, which we certainly appreciate. While there's no chat, email, or support portal, the top-tier plan offers higher priority support.

While there are blog articles and answers to frequently asked questions, the website lacks video content, whitepapers and webinars.

Norton LifeLock: Final verdict

Norton LifeLock operates in a highly competitive landscape, where it faces numerous challenges from various identity theft protection software providers. In this crowded market, the ability to stand out is crucial, and brand awareness plays a pivotal role in differentiating Norton LifeLock from its many rivals. Recognized as a leader in cybersecurity, Norton LifeLock benefits from a strong reputation, built over years of trust and reliability.

One notable challenge for Norton LifeLock is the complexity of its paid plans. Customers are presented with a wide array of options, each tailored to different security needs and family sizes. This multitude of choices can be overwhelming for potential users, leading to confusion about which plan best meets their specific requirements. For families or individuals unfamiliar with identity theft protection services, this complexity could be a significant deterrent, potentially driving them to seek simpler alternatives from competitors.

However, despite this potential drawback, Norton LifeLock excels in the area of user experience. Its interface is meticulously designed, characterized by a clean and intuitive layout that prioritizes user-friendliness. All features are organized logically, allowing customers to easily navigate through various tools and resources without feeling lost or frustrated. This commitment to a seamless user experience not only enhances customer satisfaction but also fosters a sense of confidence in the software’s capabilities.

Moreover, Norton LifeLock offers a range of educational resources and support materials, helping customers better understand how to protect their identities online. These resources contribute significantly to the company’s value proposition, as they empower users with knowledge and tools to safeguard their personal information proactively.

Overall, while Norton LifeLock certainly faces tough competition in the identity theft protection market, its strong brand recognition and exceptionally designed user interface serve as formidable competitive advantages. Nevertheless, simplifying the selection process for its paid plans could greatly enhance the customer experience, making it easier for potential clients to identify and choose the most suitable security solutions for their needs. By addressing this complexity, Norton LifeLock could capture a broader audience and solidify its position as a top choice for identity theft protection.

We've also featured the best identity theft protection, best antivirus and best VPN

I've been using the Logitech MeetUp in a conference room I frequent for quite some time. I purchased this camera system shortly after its release, and it has performed exceptionally well. I had no issues and no desire to upgrade until I saw the announcement for the new MeetUp 2. With its upgraded features and claims of being the best, I couldn't resist giving it a try.

Having a good camera system that is easy to use, still quality enough to be worth using, and doesn't break the bank, is hard to find. I've been in my fair share of conference rooms where only the person who set up the system really knows how to get things running and everyone else struggles along until that person comes around.

I'm not sure about you, but as an IT professional in multiple areas, I don't want to be the only person who can set up a basic virtual meeting for my staff. I want them to be able to do that on their own, and easily.

That's where something like the Logitech MeetUp 2 comes in. Like many of the best business webcams I've tried, it's flexible enough to be a dedicated device set up, or be a BYOD kind of setup. Either one works just as well as the other, and both have their obvious pros and cons. Regardless, the big piece is that they are both able to be done with ease, quickly, and without needing to call in the professionals.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Logitech MeetUp 2: Pricing and Availability

The Logitech MeetUp 2 is sold via Logitech's website for $899. You can also grab this hardware from some other business retailers, but the best place to grab it would be straight from Logitech.

The only other price to be aware of is the optional AI enhancements which is a subscription, and the fact that if you want to access full 4K camera footage, you'll need to grab a USB-C 3 or above, which is not included in the box.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Logitech MeetUp 2: Unboxing & first impressions

The Logitech MeetUp 2 was extremely easy to set up. I first removed the old Logitech MeetUp from the wall and the mount, then I added the wall mount (the best option for my setup) to the wall under my TV and ensured it was centered. Next, I mounted the Logitech MeeUp2 to the mounting plate and ran the necessary wires.

I ran power to an outlet, and a USB-C cable has been tucked away, mounted behind the conference room TV. I chose this setup over BYOD because I already had a Mac mini, and it makes sense to keep using it.

However, in a future room expansion, I will probably move to a BYOD setup, running the USB-C cable to a conference table for individuals to plug in their own devices. Once that's done, you'll also need to run an HDMI cable from the MeetUp2 to the TV.

Logitech MeetUp 2: Design & Build Quality

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Specs

Camera: 4K, 120° diagonal FoV, 4× digital zoom;
Audio: 6‑mic array, beamforming,
Video Modes: Group, Speaker, Grid, Zone via RightSight 2
Audio Processing: RightSound 2 echo/ noise suppression, voice leveling
Connectivity: USB‑C 3.1 host, HDMI loop‑out, Ethernet, Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth LE
Deployment: USB or BYOD via active cable; managed with Logitech Sync

The design is simple and easy to use, the ports are clearly labeled, and the assembly went super smoothly. I love all-in-one design, keeping things simple. I also love how minimal it all is,

This conference room camera doesn't look out of place, too big, or like someone is watching you if you are meeting in person in this room, and that's exactly what I'm talking about.

The stand or base has a multi-mount option built-in, making it so you can mount it on a wall, above a TV, below the TV, on a shelf, or more.

Logitech MeetUp 2: In use

The Logitech MeetUp 2 is a super simple, plug-and-play kind of setup. The AI enhancements really make this a powerful machine without any knowledge. Within moments of having this package opened up, I had the MeetUp 2 assembled, hung, plugged in, and working.

During meetings, I love how the AI built-in will automatically frame for two people if there are two people, and one person for one, and a dozen for a dozen. Further, as people are discussing things, the RightAudio 2 system will focus on what is being said, making it super easy to know what is needed.

I don't use the cloud feature extensively, but having the smart AI built-in has been sufficient for me so far. I'm sure that if I were managing several, the paid upgrade would probably be worth it.

Coming from the first-generation MeetUp, at first I was wary of not having the remote to control the camera manually, but after an abundance of meetings now, I've been quite happy with the AI. The control freak in me has taken a backseat, and the tech-lover in me has been really pleased with the AI. The audio is exceptionally clear; the video continually adjusts to my preferences, adapting to the room's occupants. Even when we're seated across a long conference table, the camera zooms in automatically to create a logical view.

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Minimalist and professional

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ease of use

Easy to use

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Practicality

Great for those wanting a simple chair for their home office

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Price

Priced well for the product

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Logitech MeetUp 2: Final verdict

The Logitech MeetUp 2 is a fantastic conference room device for any small to mid-size room where you have a lot of virtual meeting rooms. It will use AI to help smart-zoom into the people who are talking, automatically adjust if another person joins the meeting, and do it all in a simple, easy-to-set-up box.

If you are looking for a good conference camera for your setup, look no further than the Logitech MeetUp 2 system. It's probably a dream come true.

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a true veteran of the VPN industry. It's been around, offering solid core VPN features, for well over a decade, and it's a great choice for anyone looking for a service that absolutely nails the basics without breaking the bank. Power users, on the other hand, will enjoy the amount of customization on offer.

Admittedly, PIA doesn't come with the bells and whistles boasted by its competitors, like Surfshark and NordVPN, but it is one of the cheaper VPNs on the market. Invest in a three-year plan, for example, and it'll set you back a measly $2.03 a month.

Keep reading, and I'll dig into PIA's spread of features, speed testing results, and unblocking power. How does it stack up against today's top contenders? Let's find out.

Features

If you compare PIA against other providers, like NordVPN, solely on the basis of the number of features on offer, you might think that PIA falls short. However, we think that it makes up for the lack of quantity with sheer quality - especially the high level of customization.

Its split-tunnel feature lets you differentiate between apps, IPs, and whether VMs are covered by the tunnel, alongside separate options for forcing DNS requests through PIA’s in-house encrypted DNS servers even if you’re not using the VPN tunnel.

PIA gives you access to some automation rules that you can use to force the VPN to activate (or deactivate) when you’re connecting to certain networks, making it just that little bit easier to work PIA into your daily routine.

Plus, it also uses its own encrypted DNS servers, which keep your browser requests hidden from your ISP. This also allows it to offer Mace, which is a built-in ad, tracker, and malware blocker. By blocking requests to known malicious URLs using their DNS server, Mace keeps unwanted content from being sent to your machine. It’s a good idea, but our testing suggests it shouldn’t be your only defense against ads.

There are some pretty strong obfuscation settings on offer from PIA too, giving you the choice between Shadowsocks and a SOCKS 5 proxy. Both will wrap your VPN connection inside a separate TLS tunnel, making it appear to anyone monitoring your data as though you’re just sending normal encrypted browsing traffic. While Shadowsocks is a little outdated compared to the obfuscation ExpressVPN offers, it’s still one of the best solutions if you’re being blocked from creating VPN connections by a network administrator.

Features score: 8/10

Server network

PIA's server network covers 91 countries with 152 locations, including servers in all 50 US states. Although some of these are virtually hosted, this makes it one of the few VPNs available with comprehensive US coverage. Only NordVPN even comes close in terms of North American locations, but with only 17 locations to choose from in the US, it still doesn’t hold a candle to PIA.

Unfortunately, the server network is less impressive on an international scale. PIA lacks coverage across Asia, in particular, lagging behind our other top-rated VPNs. The same can be said for Africa, the Middle East, and Oceania, but this is a rather grim constant across the industry.

If you're looking for a rock-solid choice for America, with plenty of Stateside coverage, PIA is a stellar choice. If you have your eye on more far-flung corners of the globe, however, the provider just doesn't have the same reach as the likes of NordVPN.

Server network score: 7/10

Apps

PIA boasts a range of well-designed apps for pretty much every platform you can imagine. This includes Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux. We're also glad to see that feature parity is consistent across all of PIA's desktop apps in terms of features and UI. This is a nice change from the norm – a lot of VPNs leave their Mac and Linux users underfed, after all.

Overall, the desktop experience is straightforward, but checking under the hood will reveal a selection of handy tools. The quick-connect bar holds several different locations and is split between your favorites and the last VPNs you’ve connected to. It’s pretty handy if you’re swapping back and forth between the same VPN several times.

(Image credit: Future)

There are two different ways to set up the client dashboard. The first is a basic interface that just gives you the connect button, the location selector, and a reminder of what your home IP and VPN IP are. It’s everything the average user needs to see at a glance, but if you’re interested in all of the techy stuff you can hit the dropdown button and you’ll be presented with a wealth of information, including in-depth details on your connection performance, session statistics, and all the choices you’ve made about how your VPN protocol is set up. It’s all very efficient in how it’s presented, wasting minimal space in the app window.

There’s also a VPN snooze timer that lets you turn the connection off for a few minutes. It’s rare that I’m turning off my VPN regularly enough to remember that there’s a feature to turn it off for a few minutes at a time, but it works and it’s convenient.

While the Android app used to look fairly outdated compared to the rest of the PIA line, a recent update brings the Android app in line with its desktop counterparts as well as the iOS version. The update hasn’t just given it a slick new UI, as you’ve also got access to a new dark mode and some advanced configuration options that let you get the most out of the multi-hop, DNS, and automation features you’ll be familiar with from the desktop version.

Apps score: 9/10

Ease of use

PIA is a great choice for VPN newbies and anyone else who wants a sleek experience. However, we do think it's possible to get lost in the weeds if you toggle over to the "detailed" view of the app. This customizability is one of PIA's biggest selling points, though, and power users will relish the chance to tweak the provider down to the last detail.

The simplified app lets users hit the big "Connect" button and, after a moment, enjoy rock-solid VPN protection. This minimalist approach to a VPN gives PIA serious crowd-appeal, and we like that the options in the settings menu are all explained with a handy tooltip, too. Despite its reputation, PIA doesn't require you to have a degree in cybersecurity to make the most of its functionality.

Ease of use score: 8/10

Speed and performanceHow we perform speed tests

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

We have two virtual computers: one in the UK, and one in the US. We test the service's speeds across OpenVPN and WireGuard multiple times per day over multiple speed test sites, giving us an idea of the average speeds. If you have any questions, you can find out more about our VPN testing methodology.

We measure upload and download speeds, as well as latency and jitter. Upload and download are pretty self-explanatory; they’re just the real-world speeds you’ll get from using your bandwidth to connect to the VPN, while Latency is just the time it takes for your traffic to get to the VPN server. Jitter is where it becomes a little more difficult, as it’s how consistent (or inconsistent) your latency is.

Private Internet Access has made significant improvements in speed, with peak download rates now reaching up to 436Mbps, up from 330Mbps in previous tests. That’s great news, even if PIA still ranks surprisingly low among its competition. It’s a different story for the OpenVPN tests, where PIA ranked second thanks to download speeds of 257Mbps. Pretty respectable for OpenVPN, but Surfshark nearly doubles this at 460Mbps in the top spot.

Admittedly, these speeds don't top our performance charts, but they're still more than quick enough to keep up with most activities, including 4K streaming, video conferencing, and online gaming. During our testing, we observed consistent speeds across different times of the day, with average latency but noticeably less jitter than the other services we’ve tested, making it ideal for gaming.

Speed and performance score: 6/10

Unblocking

We regularly put today's top VPNs to the test to see how well, and how reliably, they can access popular streaming platforms and smaller regional services.

Sites like Netflix are constantly trying to prevent VPN access to their networks by blocking IP addresses known to belong to VPNs, so only the best providers can evade these bans by frequently refreshing their IP pools.

With that in mind, we tested PIA with Netflix in a variety of regional choices (UK, US, Canada, Japan, and Australia) to see how it does. It worked, and the same goes for Disney+ and Amazon Prime, as well as regional services such as BBC iPlayer, Channel 4, ITV, 10 Now, and 9Play. No real issues with lag, and no need to change servers, everything just worked, which is a big positive for PIA.

PIA is a solid torrenting VPN. While its speeds aren't totally trailblazing, the important thing to take note of here is that PIA offers port forwarding, setting it apart from the majority of its closest competitors.

Port forwarding allows you allows you to accept incoming connections to your VPN’s IP address, so you can communicate with more peers in a P2P network.

Unblocking score: 10/10

Privacy and security

Private Internet Access has built its reputation on strong privacy and security features, and for the most part, it delivers. Your browsing traffic is secured using well-tested encryption standards such as AES-256 for data protection. It also only uses industry-standard protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard, which are both well-known as reliable, secure technologies trusted worldwide.

You won’t get all the extra privacy tools that providers like NordVPN and Surfshark provide, but PIA includes all the essential security features a VPN needs. There’s a kill switch on all its apps, which automatically blocks internet traffic if the VPN connection drops, ensuring that your data remains secure at all times. There are no DNS leaks here either. PIA’s own encrypted DNS servers route all of your domain requests, which prevents your DNS queries from being exposed to your ISP or a third party on the network.

PIA is committed to a strict no-logs policy. This has been independently verified by Deloitte in two separate audits, the most recent of which was conducted in April 2024. According to the audit, PIA’s systems are not configured to log user activity, and there is no way to trace online actions back to specific individuals. However, the full report of this audit is only available to PIA customers. While it’s good to see that PIA has undergone independent verification, making these reports publicly accessible, as ExpressVPN does, would bolster trust even further.

Despite providing very strong protection, our testing picked up some areas where PIA could improve. We tried running Mace through a gauntlet of phishing URLs to see which ones it’d block. So, with 100 brand new malicious URLs from anti-phishing experts OpenPhish, PIA managed to block… two of them. We think this is because Mace is pulling from a blocklist of known suspicious links, and most of the URLs we’re testing are fresh threat intelligence. Still, it’s notably weak, far below what we’d expect from a top-tier VPN.

Privacy and security score: 8/10

Track record

Private Internet Access has a strong track record of maintaining user privacy and delivering reliable service over the years. The only black mark against it is the acquisition by Kape Technologies in 2019, which caused some serious concern. Before their pivot to providing VPN brands, Kape’s primary output was browser add-ons which injected adverts and monetized their browsing data. Although consumer trust in PIA plummeted after this revelation, it's done a lot of work to win back that trust with regular no-logs audits that demonstrate it's not following in Kape’s footsteps.

In fact, PIA has dealt with several court cases where it was legally obliged to turn over user information. It responded by asserting it had nothing to turn over, which is pretty impressive. PIA has also demonstrated a commitment to transparency by regularly releasing Transparency Reports, which detail the number of legal requests the company receives and how it handles them.

Track record score: 7/10

Customer support

PIA's customer support has room for improvement. As you might expect, there's a 24/7 live chat channel and email ticketing system, but we found responses could be sluggish across both of these avenues. Naturally, that's not ideal if you have a more pressing problem.

On the other hand, if you prefer doing your own troubleshooting, you'll be glad to learn that PIA has its very own customer forum and knowledgebase. The forums are active and packed with experienced users who are (typically) happy to help squash any issues, and the knowledgebase is well organized and easy to navigate.

The one quibble we have with the knowledgebase, however, is that a lot of the support articles are outdated. The basic information remains solid, but we'd like to see these pages receive an update that adds extra depth and detail.

Customer support score: 7/10

Pricing and plans

Private Internet Access is one of the most budget-friendly VPNs on the market today. In terms of pure value for money, however, it lags behind NordVPN and Surfshark by a heel.

The monthly plan starts at $11.95, which is just a little bit over what you’d expect to pay for a top-tier VPN. Once you start getting into the long-term plans, however, the price drops through the floor. The annual plan only costs $3.33 a month, which is already cheaper than most plans offered by other top VPNs. It gets even better though, as the three-year plan costs as little as $2.03 per month, which also includes three additional months free.

The service includes all core features in its base price, without any hidden costs or paywalled features. The only extra you’d be expected to pay for is the dedicated IP option, which costs another $5 a month. This is understandable, as providing dedicated IPs is inherently expensive for a VPN provider because of the worldwide shortage of IPv4 addresses. Surfshark’s dedicated IPs are a little less costly at $3.75 a month, but if you opt in for a two-year plan PIA’s dedicated IPs drop down to $2.50 making it one of the cheapest around.

PIA also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you ample time to test the service risk-free.

Pricing and plans score: 9/10

Should you use PIA?

PIA is an excellent VPN for the cost. It might not be as fast as Surfshark, offer as many features as NordVPN, or give you as many locations to connect to as ExpressVPN, but if you need a VPN that absolutely nails all of the core things you need to do and don’t want to spend too much, PIA is perfect. It’s also a VPN you can absolutely trust when it comes to privacy and security, and it’s one of the few providers out there that offers a Linux client that’s just as good as the Windows or MacOS client.

Out of everything that PIA could do better, speeds are at the top of the list. That’s not to say it’s a laggy VPN. It’s still lightyears ahead of most VPNs you could pick, but it’s just outclassed by alternatives like Proton VPN or Surfshark. It’s also starting to lag behind in innovation compared to the likes of NordVPN.

Total score: 79/100

3. Private Internet Access – from $2.03 per month
Packed with features and advanced tools
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a battle-tested provider with its very own built-in ad-blocker—and one that'll handle trackers and malware, too. PIA is jam-packed with customizable features that advanced users will love and unlimited simultaneous connections. So, you can cover all of your gadgets with one plan, and enjoy a 30-day money-back guarantee.View Deal

PIA alternatives

Not sure if PIA is the right fit for you? Here are our top alternatives you can currently pick up, all of which you can test with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

1. NordVPN – from $2.99 per month
The best VPN overall
NordVPN sits at the top of our rankings with a virtually unbeatable spread of features and some of the quickest, most reliable speeds we've ever tested. All of its apps, across platforms, are sleek and clutter-free, and you can even add built-in ad and tracker blocking to your plan. Plus, NordVPN is one of our favorite VPNs for streaming, thanks to its ability to access platforms from all corners of the globe. Interested? See how NordVPN compares to Surfshark with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.View Deal

2. Surfshark – from $1.99 per month
The best cheap VPN (and also the fastest)
Surfshark is a budget-friendly option that doesn't pull punches when it comes to speed, security, or simplicity. It always aces our testing, especially when it comes to unblocking streaming content from all over the world, and its blistering performance means that you won't be slowed to a crawl when checking out HD movies or going about your day-to-day social media scrolling. Plus, with unlimited simultaneous connections to play with, you can protect all of the gadgets in your home with just one plan. Take Surfshark for a test drive today with a 30-day money-back guarantee.View Deal

3. ExpressVPN – from $5.32 per month
The best VPN for beginners
ExpressVPN might not rule at the top of our overall rankings anymore, but it's still our top recommendation to anyone on the hunt for a beginner VPN. Its apps are nice and easy to set up and use, regardless of your skill level, and it's jam-packed with security-boosting tools designed to keep snoopers at bay. While ExpressVPN is on the pricey side, you can sweeten the pot with a nifty 30-day money-back guarantee.View Deal

Frequently asked questionsDoes PIA log user activity?

No, Private Internet Access has a strict no-logs policy, which has been independently verified by Deloitte through multiple audits. This means that PIA does not track or store any data related to your online activities while using the VPN.

Can PIA unblock Netflix and other streaming services?

PIA is more than capable of accessing in-demand streaming platforms – Netflix included. During our testing, we found that PIA had no trouble unblocking content libraries in the US, UK, and Japan. Plus, it works like a charm with other sites, like Prime Video, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer.

Is PIA suitable for torrenting?

Yes, PIA is a stand-out choice for torrenting and P2P activity. All of its servers support P2P traffic and there aren't any bandwidth caps to worry about. Plus, PIA is one of only a handful of reliable services to offer port forwarding.

ExpressVPN is one of the biggest players in the game, and regularly ranks among the best VPN services. It's well known for offering impressive speeds, fantastic unblocking capabilities, and a global server network – but did you know it's also one of the most secure VPNs around?

However, with that impressive security comes a hefty price tag. Monthly costs start at $6.67 if you opt for the one-year plan, and go up to $12.95 if you want a single month of protection.

While its security is unmatched, it's still lagging behind NordVPN and Surfshark when it comes to overall offering. So keep reading to see how Express stacks up in terms of speeds, unblocking capabilities, features, ease of use, and overall value for money.

Features

This isn’t a VPN that comes as part of a suite with other security programs. ExpressVPN is primarily a virtual private network that’s built to do the core VPN work very well, but there are a few extra features tucked away designed to make your life easier too.

Bundled with the VPN, you'll find Express Keys, which is a password manager available for iOS, Android, and Chrome. This uses the same zero-trust encryption that the rest of ExpressVPN’s architecture uses, ensuring you’re the only one with access to your key vault. It’s not quite as customizable as some of the best password managers, but otherwise, Express Keys is a perfectly functional way to share passwords between your devices.

(Image credit: Future)

If you go through the app settings, you'll find an impressive ad blocker – the best among the big-name providers in our tests. You'll also find parental controls if you're looking to install the VPN on your child's devices and stop them from accessing anything they're too young for.

There's even a built-in tracker and malware blocker that operates at a DNS level to prevent viruses and fake websites before they have the chance to strike. It's worth noting that our test showed this feature was having some serious issues with fake websites, but we're working with ExpressVPN to dig deeper and ensure the issue is resolved as soon as possible.

If there's anything you don't want going through the VPN's encrypted tunnel, you'll love the split tunneling feature that lets you pick what does and doesn't get the VPN treatment. I love using it for Android Auto because it saves me from plugging my phone in every time I get in the car.

If that's not enough, there are even dedicated IP addresses on offer, and ExpressVPN is the first and only VPN service to offer a truly anonymous IP allocation system for dedicated IPs. It leverages Amazon's Nitro Enclaves to enable provably anonymous delivery without compromising you if you refund the IP address or VPN altogether.

Features score: 7/10

Server network

With over 148 locations to choose from in 106 countries, ExpressVPN has one of the most comprehensive networks in the industry. It’s particularly strong in Europe, with 57 locations, but also does pretty well in Asia and North America. It also has the most VPN locations in Oceania of any provider on our top five VPN list.

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Plenty of servers dotted around Europe make it great for travelers. (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

There's not as much of a server spread around Asia. (Image credit: Future)

There are all the popular locations in the US and Europe, but also some less common spots like Laos, Macau, and Mongolia – which aren’t typically supported by competitors. While it lacks servers in Russia, this is a growing trend among top VPN providers due to privacy concerns and global legislation.

One area of real weakness for ExpressVPN is coverage of the Middle East. At only 4 locations, ExpressVPN is performing below the average quality VPN provider. Everywhere else, though, ExpressVPN is pretty strong.

Server network score: 9/10

Apps

ExpressVPN's fleet of apps is available on every platform. This includes Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and smart devices like Amazon Fire TV, routers, and game consoles.

The Windows and Mac apps are virtually identical. So, if you often switch between the two platforms, you won't notice a huge difference in the ExpressVPN environment.

In March 2025, ExpressVPN delivered a huge update to its Linux app, which, most strikingly, finally replaced the command line interface with a full Graphical User Interface (GUI). Although the new Linux app is still in beta testing, it's a huge step up that brings the Linux experience in line with ExpressVPN's other offerings visually and allows Linux users to navigate through the VPN's tools and servers with more ease.

Considering that Proton VPN and Private Internet Access already have fully-fledged Linux GUIs, however, it's fair to say that ExpressVPN is behind the trend here.

We're also glad to see that the new Linux upgrade includes core VPN features, including a kill switch and split tunneling functionality.

ExpressVPN has brilliant apps that are easy to use (Image credit: Future / Express)

On desktop, it’s pretty easy to get started. There’s a small quirk of the install process where you’ll have to enter login credentials you get from the ExpressVPN dashboard instead of your email, but once you’ve found and entered them everything else is business as usual. One-click connect from the home screen enables your VPN, and that’s it.

Switching over to its mobile apps, the interface is just as intuitive and uncluttered, perfect if you need to dive into the app quickly while you’re on the move. The mobile apps also include a “shortcuts” feature that allows you to create quick access to specific apps after connecting to the VPN, further streamlining your use.

ExpressVPN is also available on both its in-house AirCove router and certain Netgear, Linksys, and Asus routers. You will have to flash your router firmware to upgrade to Aircove, which isn’t a difficult task but could potentially brick your router if it goes wrong. I was pleasantly surprised at how much control AirCove gives you over your ExpressVPN connection. The real standout here is Device Groups, which lets you manage completely different VPN settings for groups of devices connected to your router.

Apps score: 8/10

Ease of use

It feels like ExpressVPN’s apps have been built to be particularly user-friendly. The app UI itself is pretty self-explanatory: Click connect to get the nearest server, or choose the location dropdown for more choices. It’s a perfect VPN if you’ve never used one before, whereas some providers like Proton VPN can overwhelm you with options. Because of this, Express finds itself at the top of our best VPN for beginners guide.

Of course, for the more advanced VPN user there are also your VPN protocols and split-tunneling hidden behind a separate menu should you need them. Express has even gone a step further in recent months, letting you further customize your cipher between AES256 and ChaCha20, and setting up NAT heartbeats. I'd only recommend toying with these settings if you know what you're doing – otherwise, you'll increase your battery consumption needlessly.

Ease of use score: 10/10

Speed and performance

In our testing, ExpressVPN proved itself to be able to provide an impressively fast service, with low latencies throughout. While it still may not be the fastest VPN, the quality of the network meant we rarely saw buffering as a result of the VPN when testing with streaming services, but we'll talk more about this later.

How we perform speed tests

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

We have both a UK and US virtual machine with 1GB bandwidth connections each. We use them to test various times during the day and take an average of the speeds we get. You can find out more in our VPN testing methodology.

Testing ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol on our closest server delivered download speeds of 898 Mbps, which is particularly impressive since it was using TCP, the traditionally slower protocol when compared to UDP. This result means ExpressVPN can retain its high performance across a wider number of networks, given TCP's increased compatibility.

Despite this, ExpressVPN continues to be slower in testing than Surfshark and NordVPN, even if the margin-by-which is much reduced since our last round of testing. Connecting to the US from the UK also halved the speeds achieved to 396 Mbps, which is on the lower end of our results, while the likes of Surfshark managed to consistently perform at 950+ Mbps through all hours of the day even when connected over long distances.

OpenVPN results were significantly slower, reaching a high of 160 Mbps throughout testing. Every other of our top five VPN providers posted a better OpenVPN download speed. While 160 Mbps is still certainly enough bandwidth to stream 4K content with ease, it’s also a massive reduction of what we should be able to download.

Take a look at some of our speed test results, mapping download and upload speeds as well as latency, so you can see how much data you can send and how quickly it shoots through the network. Lightway, WireGuard, and NordLynx are all of the same caliber in terms of speed, so we put those together, while OpenVPN is an old protocol that's still used for extreme security.

Speed and performance score: 8/10

Unblocking sites and content

ExpressVPN has set consistently high expectations in unblocking geo-restricted content and it continues to perform here, albeit with a few inconveniences. We test all our VPNs by attempting to access some of the biggest streaming sites, such as Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, iPlayer, 10Play, and a whole bunch more. This includes regional variants so we end up checking Netflix in the UK, Canada, Japan, and Australia as well as the US. ExpressVPN allowed me to stream in each case, but for both the Japanese and Australian variants I had to swap servers to get access.

We also check some more regional sites, such as BBC iPlayer, ITV, Channel 4, 9Now, and 10 Play. Most sites performed fine the first time, but once again I had to shop around to be able to access 10 Play. On the plus side, all of ExpressVPN’s servers are optimized for streaming, so as soon as you find one that works you’ll be in for the best experience possible. If you're ever stuck, just ask ExpressVPN's customer support, they're always quick to give you a server that's sure to work.

Because of this, it's a great VPN for unblocking your favorite content, but it's not quite at the top of our list for the best streaming VPN.

Although the MediaStreamer DNS service ExpressVPN offers isn’t a VPN and doesn’t offer the same privacy benefits, it’s a great way to access content from devices you can’t install a VPN on, such as older smart TVs.

They’re all enabled for P2P too, making ExpressVPN an okay choice for torrenting. The only issue is that ExpressVPN’s servers don’t allow for port forwarding, making it so you won’t be able to accept incoming requests in a P2P service. Essentially, you’ll be getting slower torrenting speeds on ExpressVPN because you can’t connect to some peers in the swarm.

Content, streaming, and torrenting score: 9/10

Privacy and security

ExpressVPN is one of the most well-tested VPNs out there. Even paranoid privacy purists like myself will be impressed by Express’ extensive audit history, which includes several separate audits of its no-logs policy and overall security. Most recently, in May 2024, the results of ExpressVPN’s 18th audit reaffirmed that its TrustedServer technology ensures no data is retained, as all servers run on volatile RAM, meaning every reboot wipes any stored information.

What is TrustedServer technology?

TrustedServer technology is ExpressVPN's approach to ensuring your data remains completely safe. By using RAM-only servers which are reinstalled weekly, there is little damage an attacker could do thanks to the regularity of updates and data wipes being performed. However, if you ever got inside an Express server, you'd net yourself a tidy $1 million bug bounty.

While you’ve got access to both OpenVPN and IKEv2, ExpressVPN also uses its proprietary Lightway protocol, which is built from the ground up as a mobile-first solution with speeds far beyond what OpenVPN can provide. It’s open-source and rigorously audited, so you won’t have to compromise on security to use it. Personally, I think it's a super-safe and speedy replacement for OpenVPN nowadays, and Express is going above and beyond to make it the protocol of the future – partnering with the amazing WolfSSL to give it maximum security.

ExpressVPN uses AES-256 encryption, alongside a hybrid 4096-bit RSA and quantum secure 1000-dimension ML-KEM key exchange and Perfect Forward Secrecy. Even if your data was captured by a third party, ExpressVPN uses encryption so strong that it’d take thousands of years to decode with today’s computing power. Perfect Forward Secrecy guarantees that your encryption keys are rotated regularly, so even if a key is compromised, it won’t affect past or future sessions.

The built-in kill switch is a key security feature, immediately severing your internet connection if the VPN drops to prevent your real IP address from being exposed. ExpressVPN also offers DNS leak protection, ensuring your DNS queries are routed securely through their servers, further protecting your browsing data. Express' team was the first to identify and categorize a type 2 DNS leak, and now protects against needless DNS requests that won't resolve. Just in case anyone's keeping track.

Perhaps my favorite security feature is Shuffle IP, which allocates a random IP address for every site you visit, meaning you don't have a correlation between your online activity, so it's even harder to track your online activities, where a poorly-configured rotating IP would create a pattern of waves, making you stand more. It's a little detail, but one that's indicative of the sheer attention to detail that goes on behind the scenes.

With all that said, I would like to see ExpressVPN improve its malware and phishing protection. This is where it falls behind competitors like Surfshark and NordVPN. To test out ExpressVPN’s anti-phishing protection, we tried to open 294 brand-new malicious URLs from anti-phishing experts OpenPhish.

(Image credit: Future)

Unfortunately, it didn’t work at all for us. We’re currently investigating why our block rate is so low alongside ExpressVPN, but for now, I have to say that ExpressVPN completely failed to block any phishing or malware sites. It’s a pity, especially considering its ad-blocking score sits at the highest of any of our providers at a 90% success rate.

Still, if you want a VPN that is as secure as can be, ExpressVPN is the one I'd stake my life on. The level of ingenuity that goes into securing the VPN itself is unmatched anywhere else in the industry. However, until it improves its supporting antivirus features, you may want one of the best antivirus apps to help boost your protection.

Security score: 10/10

Track record

ExpressVPN has had its fair share of controversies, but none of them are particularly pressing to discuss at the moment. The biggest issue is that ExpressVPN was purchased in 2019 by a VPN brand, Kape Technologies, which has a bit of a reputation problem. Kape previously traded under the name "Crossrider", and gained notoriety for selling potentially unwanted apps that many deemed malware. It's not fair to hold this against Express, especially since Kape has kept a fairly clean record since its rebrand.

Thankfully, ExpressVPN has always been very diligent in scheduling multiple third-party audits to demonstrate and prove its no-logs policy is legitimate. At last count, it's commissioned 18 separate audits of its apps, architecture, and privacy policy. The most recent of these is a privacy audit from KPMG, showing that TrustedServer does what it says on the tin.

(Image credit: ExpressVPN)

Audits are a regular part of ExpressVPN's operations and a testament to its commitment to protecting users. A thoroughly audited no-logs privacy policy is a fantastic indicator of a VPN you can trust.

On June 13, 2025, ExpressVPN was hit with a class action lawsuit accusing the provider of allegedly "illegal" auto-renewal fees. The crux of the case boils down to transparency and clarity - the lawsuit claims that ExpressVPN failed to gather "affirmative consent" from consumers before enrolling them in auto-renewal payment systems. It's too early to tell how the suit will resolve (and it's the same for NordVPN's class action issue), it could spark a wider discussion about auto-renewing plans and, ultimately, a switch to something more granular.

Track record score: 9/10

Customer support

ExpressVPN charges a premium but, we're glad to say, it's justified when it comes to the customer service experience. 24/7 live chat is always available if you run into any roadblocks or have a burning question, and we received responses within ten minutes or so.

When we pivoted to email and reached out to ExpressVPN, the replies landed in our inbox after 12 hours, though you might get a quicker response.

All in all, we were impressed by the friendly, knowledgeable ExpressVPN staff, and their willingness to troubleshoot some of our more technical queries. At no point did we feel brushed off or simply redirected to a bare-bones FAQ page. Ideally, in the future, ExpressVPN will invest in a direct phone line, too, but the live chat is responsive enough to act as a decent replacement.

If you prefer to do your own problem-solving, you'll be glad to learn that ExpressVPN's library of support content is excellent. It boasts an extensive library of guides and tutorials covering everything from installation to protocol and port selection. If we had to pick out a flaw, we'd like to see more content focused on Aircove, but it's not a deal breaker.

Customer support score: 9/10

ExpressVPN cost and pricing plans

Let's address the elephant in the room - ExpressVPN boasts some of the steepest prices in the industry. A single-month subscription comes in at $12.95, and while that's a fairly hefty price to pay, it's still cheaper than Surfshark's basic monthly plan ($15.45).

As with any VPN service, you'll save money by signing up for a longer period and paying up-front, but Express is still the most expensive of our top five. The annual plan only brings the cost of the VPN down to $6.67 per month – which is around double the cheapest subscription rate of NordVPN or Surfshark. It’s still great value for money, but Nord performs better than ExpressVPN for notably less.

There isn’t a free plan for ExpressVPN, but a 30-day money-back guarantee means you'll never risk a penny – so long as you refund your subscription within the period.

Pricing score: 7/10

Should you use ExpressVPN?

If you need a VPN that doesn't pull punches when it comes to safeguarding your online security, or if you need a service that's nice and simple to set up and use, you won't find better than ExpressVPN. The price may deter some potential users, but the overall attention to detail and quality of features more than make up for it.

Overall score: 86/100

Try ExpressVPN – from $6.67 per month
The best VPN for beginners and the most secure
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ExpressVPN FAQsIs ExpressVPN good for streaming?

ExpressVPN is one of our go-to recommendations for streaming. It's able to access sites like Netflix, Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer with no issues. Plus, ExpressVPN lives up to its name with speeds that can handle HD and 4K streaming – so you're not left watching your content buffer endlessly.

ExpressVPN's MediaStreamer feature allows users to access streaming content on devices that don't support VPNs natively – like smart TVs and gaming consoles. During our testing, we found that MediaStreamer effortlessly unblocked every streaming service we threw at it.

Does ExpressVPN keep logs?

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Can I use ExpressVPN on multiple devices?

Yes. ExpressVPN gives users eight simultaneous connections per subscription – which means you can use the VPN concurrently across eight separate devices. ExpressVPN is also compatible with all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, and even routers.

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Akaso 360: two-minute review

The Akaso 360 is the first 360-degree camera from Akaso, a company best known for its budget-friendly action cameras. And the Akaso 360 follows in that tradition, costing far less than competitors like the Insta360 X5 and GoPro Max.

Like those rivals, it’s a dual-sensor camera that shoots simultaneously on two ultra-wide lenses, automatically stitching together the images captured into a single 360-degree photo or video. These 360 images can be edited and reframed using the Akaso 360 mobile or desktop apps, before being exported for sharing or use elsewhere.

The camera can shoot stabilized 5.7K video at up to 30fps (allowing for a reframed video to be exported at up to 4K resolution), or in 4K at up to 60fps (supporting export of videos at up to 2.5K resolution), as well as still photos in JPEG and/or DNG RAW format at either 72MP or 18MP resolution.

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

In addition to regular 360 videos and photos, the camera offers a few special capture modes including time lapse video (where intervals can be set from one to 60 seconds), loop recording video (supporting loop durations of up to 30 minutes), bracketed HDR photos and TimeFusion, a fun mode that allows you to shoot a still from one camera then the other, before merging the two into a single image. Using it, I was able to easily create a photo in which I appeared in two different locations at once.

I’d describe the Akaso 360’s image quality as adequate rather than excellent. During my tests, if I shot videos and photos in bright sunshine I got pretty sharp and color-rich results, but at anything less than that (even on a slightly cloudy day) the camera’s 1/2-inch sensors struggled to prevent noise from creeping into the images and degrading detail. Viewing the resulting videos on my phone screen, they looked pretty decent – but on my computer’s larger screen the noise was very noticeable.

The Insta360 X5 and Insta360 X4, two other 360 cameras I’ve tested fairly recently, far surpass what the Akaso 360 is capable of, image quality-wise – but they’re also far more expensive. For a camera in its price range, I think its performance is definitely acceptable, and its built-in quality-of-life features such as video stitching and selfie stick removal work very well.

The mobile and desktop editing apps are simple but intuitive to use, and once you’ve imported the videos from the camera to either a phone or computer, trimming and reframing them using either AI-assisted subject tracking or manually added keyframes is a fast and easy process. There are basic image adjustment settings here too, but for the purposes of the sample videos embedded here I left things untouched to give an accurate representation of what you can expect straight out of the camera.

Videos and photos are stored on a microSD card, with capacities up to 512GB supported; card speeds must be UHS-I V30, UHS-I Class 3 (US) or above. I’ll say from my own experience that the camera could benefit from a faster wireless connection. Some of the file sizes of these 360 videos are very large, and transferring them via standard Wi-Fi with a maximum speed of around 12MB per second can take a long time.

The camera also features a built-in stereo microphone, which works well enough indoors or in calm conditions. Like most unmuffled camera mics, it picks up wind noise outdoors very easily, so can’t really be relied on blustery days, or for fast action such as biking.

Speaking of the weather, one thing potential buyers would do well to note about the Akaso 360 is that, unlike the Insta360 X5 or GoPro Max, it isn’t rated as waterproof, dustproof or ruggedized. Akaso call it “splash-resistant”, and I used it during a light rain shower with no ill effects aside from some droplets on the lens appearing in shot; dunking it fully underwater certainly wouldn’t be advisable, however. There’s also no easy solution to fixing scratched or broken lenses, unlike the X5’s user-replaceable glass.

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(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)Image 2 of 6

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The battery and a microSD card (not supplied) are both inserted here. (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)Image 4 of 6

You get at least two of these batteries with your Akaso 360 camera. (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)Image 5 of 6

The Akaso 360 comes with a soft storage pouch to keep it safe between uses. (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)Image 6 of 6

The Akaso 360 alongside the Insta360 X5, our current top-rated 360 camera. (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

That being said, I found the Akaso 360’s general design, controls and handling to be fine, aside from one niggle: the touchscreen all-too stubbornly resisted my swipes and taps, which sometimes made for an annoying experience when trying to change video settings and the like. The physical buttons, screen size and clarity and the camera’s compact size and low weight are all impressive, and its candy bar shape (very much like a slightly smaller Insta360 X5) is perfectly pocketable.

Battery life is also acceptable, with my stress testing allowing for around 50 minutes of 5.7K 30fps video to be recorded using a fully charged battery – just a little shy of the 60 minutes claimed by Akaso. Reassuringly, while the camera got very warm during this test (it was a hot summer’s day and the ambient temperature in my home office was toasty), it never overheated to the point where it stopped recording and shut itself down to cool off.

The Akaso 360 mounted on a selfie stick and mini tripod. (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)Akaso 360 specsAkaso 360 specs

Type:

360 camera

Sensor:

1/2-inch x 2

Focal length:

7.6mm

Max aperture:

f/2.25

Dimensions:

46.9 x 109.8 x 30.8mm

Weight:

6.3oz / 180g

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(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)Akaso 360: price and availability

• Launched worldwide on 7 July 2025
• Standard Combo costs $199.99 / £199.99 / AUS329.99
• Creator Combo also available for $249.99 / £249.99 / AU$399.99

Launched on 7 July 2025, the Akaso 360 is available to buy in two bundles: the Standard Combo and Creator Combo. It's available at Amazon US and Amazon UK, or directly from the Akaso store.

The Standard Combo (which I was sent for the purposes of this review) costs $199.99 / £199.99 / AUS329.99 and features the camera, a protective pouch, two batteries, one USB-C cable, one lens cleaning cloth and a quick-start guide. The Creator Combo costs $249.99 / £249.99 / AU$399.99 and comes with all of the above plus a further two batteries, a battery charging case and a 120cm selfie stick.

This is a lot cheaper than the current competition. The GoPro Max costs from $349.99 / £349.99 / AU$599.95 while the Insta360 X5 costs from $549.99 / £519.99 / AU$929.99. Even if you go back to last year’s Insta360 X4, it’s at least $349.99 / £425.99 / $632.99, so Akaso has a really compelling selling point compared to its main rivals.

Should I buy the Akaso 360?Buy it if...

You want the best affordable 360 camera
With Insta360 and GoPro’s current 360 cameras costing a lot more, the Akaso 360 represents a fantastic alternative for those on a tighter budget.

You want a simple 360 camera
The Akaso 360 does its main jobs well, stitching together videos seamlessly and removing selfie sticks from its footage. It’s not packed with advanced features but it’s a reliable performer.

Don't buy it if...

You need a rugged 360 camera
It’s not waterproof, dustproof or shockproof, so the Akaso 360 isn’t the best camera for documenting your wet and/or wild outdoors adventures.

You want the best 360 image quality
The Akaso 360’s footage is decent but falls down in low light. For truly excellent 360 video in all conditions, we’d recommend the Insta360 X5, which has large sensors and effective noise reduction processing.

Also consider Insta360 X3

While it’s no longer listed as a current model on Insta360’s website, this 2023-released 360 camera is still on sale in plenty of places – and for less than ever. While it lacks some of the advanced features of newer models, it’s capable of great-looking, simple-to-capture 360 videos, and unlike the Akaso 360 supports Active HDR to temper blown-out highlights and increase shadow detail.

Read our in-depth Insta360 X3 review

GoPro Max (2025)

We’re still waiting for a real GoPro Max 2, but this recently refreshed edition cuts GoPro’s original 360 camera’s price while making some modest updates to its hardware in the form of improved battery life and more mounting options. While GoPro has ceded ground to Insta360 at the higher end of the 360 market, this mid-range 360 camera still has plenty to offer.

How I tested the Insta360 X5

• Tested for several days, full production model running release firmware
• Camera mounted on invisible selfie stick
• Recorded videos on foot and bicycle

I was sent a sample of the Akaso 360 ahead of its release, giving me a week or so to test the camera (running the latest firmware I could download) ahead of its launch. I was able to capture videos and photos indoors at home, plus outside both on foot (for vlog-style content) and on my bike (for more action-type stuff). I edited footage using Akaso's own apps, using both the mobile app and the MacOS desktop app to put together the sample videos you see above.

• First reviewed July 2025

MaxRanger4K Solar: One-minute review

The MaxRanger4K Solar is the ideal smart security camera for homes with large areas to monitor.

Thanks to the hub’s 250m range, and the solar panels that help extend the battery life of the cameras, it’s easy to set up and maintain a security camera view of your home space.

The MaxRanger4K's rugged IP66 design means it should withstand dust and rainstorms, plus it's built-in lights and sirens act as less subtle alerts to any would-be intruders that they’re being caught in 4K.

The less tech savvy will appreciate the simplicity of the app and camera installation process. All the instructions arrive in the box and were so easy to follow that I had my cameras up and recording in no time at all.

It has a camera, lights, speakers, and a sensor (Image credit: Future)

There are some drawbacks, however. While a single MaxRanger4K Solar camera costs $129.99 / £199.99 / AU$399.95, add in the cost of the hub, and the cheapest starting price becomes $399.99 / £499.99 / AU$949.95 for a bundle of two cameras.

Nevertheless, on the plus side, there’s no premium subscription option that locks away essential features – only a few added benefits that I've happily managed without. In addition, I’ve found the included 64GB of local storage more than sufficient for most needs, so you won’t miss cloud storage.

Besides cost, something else to be aware of are the camera's sensitivity settings. If set to high and positioned to watch over a "high traffic" area, you might find the cameras run out of charge in a matter of weeks. Some trial and error will be required to find the balance of settings that cater to your security needs while allowing your cameras to chug along without frequent charging.

Overall, however, I’ve been mightily impressed by the MaxRanger4 camera system. It’s certainly been more reliable than my cheaper cameras.

MaxRanger4K Solar: Price and Availability

A MaxRanger4K Solar camera costs $129.99 / £199.99 / AU$399.95. However, as mentioned, it requires a hub to come, which is only available with bundles of two, three, or four cameras.

Bundles will set you back $399.99 / £499.99 / AU$949.95 , £649.99 / AU$1,329.95, and $599.99 / £799.99 / AU$1,699.95 respectively. At the time of writing, Swann’s US web store doesn’t appear to offer the three-camera bundle.

These prices place the MaxRanger4K in the more premium tier of home security systems. However, savings arrive over time from the fact that you won't be paying out for a premium subscription.

The solar panel is very useful for keeping it charged (Image credit: Future)

There is a Swann Secure+ paid option for benefits that include an extended warranty, priority support, some cloud storage, and alerts to further differentiate between cars, people, pets, and package deliveries.

It sounds useful, however during my testing I didn't ever feel the need to subscribe, and remained a free user the entire time – something I can't say for some other home security tech I've tested. My Blink cameras, for example, can be used without paying for a subscripotion, but it's certainly a lot smoother to use the Blink cameras if you do pay.

• Value score: 4/5

MaxRanger4K Solar: Design & Performance

Each camera is outfitted with an array of tools to make it a home security champion.

The 4K image sensor, with its wide 105-degree viewing angle, not only allows you to record what’s happening in a large space, but also to go back and make out details should you need to. It records in color night vision, too, allowing you to view footage in greater detail should the need arise.

In addition, the True Detect sensor uses heat and motion to determine the difference between people, vehicles, and other disturbances. Looking through my own recordings, the camera did a very good job of automatically labelling each activation appropriately.

Plus there’s a microphone, too, so you can pick up audio to add further context to your clips. It isn't perfect, but it can pick up bits of conversations if folk are close to the cameras – a few of my clips have been orchestrated by birdsong, which made flicking through them a delight!

Here's my hub tucked away in my home (Image credit: Future)

If the MaxRanger4K Solar does detect something, you can rely on its built-in siren and speaker to scare off any would-be intruders by playing a loud noise or literally shouting at them through your phone. A pair of spotlights bring clarity to your late-night motion detections.

Having said that, I've actually turned these features off through the app (more on that in a moment), as they can prove an annoyance to neighbors.

Lastly, this camera is designed to function through rain and shine. With its IP66 water- and dust-proof rating, it should continue performing even through torrential rain, while its built-in solar panel will keep your MaxRanger4K Solar charged up.

The caveat to that perpetual solar power is obviously how frequently your camera activates, and how often the sun makes an appearance. I have one camera that records just my garden, and another that's pointed onto the street where I park my car. The garden camera triggers far less frequently and hence its battery has lasted quite well.

Meanwhile, the street-view camera triggers more frequently, catching every car that drives past. I had set it up in a darker month and initially hadn't tweaked the default detection settings; it ran out of charge after just a few weeks.

I’ve since recharged it, tuned down its sensitivity settings, and am finding it's lasting much longer – especially now, in the sunnier months.

You can charge the Swann camera with a USB-C cable too (Image credit: Future)

The final part of your MaxRanger4K Solar system is its hub. This box sits in your home and is the device with which your cameras communicate. It can connect to cameras up to 250m away from it.

It comes with 64GB of storage (which is expandable) for recordings, and it even has a built-in battery, so even if you lose power for a while, it can continue recording for up to five hours.

• Design score: 5/5
• Performance score: 4/5

MaxRanger4K Solar: Software

To manage your security camera system you use the Swann Security app on your phone – a one-stop shop from where you can adjust your MaxRanger4K Solar's settings, and any other Swann home security tech you rely on.

Working through the various tabs from left to right, the first three are fairly straightforward. Activities shows you the frequency of alerts throughout the day and over the past week; Playback is for your day-by-day collection of recorded clips; and Live View lets you see the current view from your cameras.,

Then there’s Modes. Here you can manually adjust your recording settings between Home, Night and Away options, which you can customize to suit how you want your camera system to function under different circumstances.

(Image credit: Future)

Having the ability to alter when the features such as the siren and lights came on based on the setting would have been welcome, but you can just change which cameras are active and their sensitivity. You can choose one setting at a time or set up schedules that automatically adjust the mode based on the time of day.

Finally, the Devices tab allows you to adjust your camera settings, detection zones (so a camera will only record if it detects something in specific parts of its view), alarm settings (whether the siren and lights turn on or not) and the time zone of the camera, so your recordings can be logged correctly.

You can also manage how your recordings are stored from the app. I’ve set up my camera to automatically delete recordings that are over 30 days old, but you can set a different interval – either one, three, seven, 14, or 90 days – or have it automatically overwrite older clips when your storage fills up.

Overall, the app is super intuitive, and setting everything up through it proved simple using the instructions in the box.

• Software score: 4/5

Should you buy the Swann MaxRanger4K Solar?

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

You really do get what you pay for, and while the MaxRanger4K cameras are pricey, I’ve found they’re better quality and more reliable than cheaper alternatives.

4/5

Design

It’s hard to find fault with the design of these cameras. They boast a suite of protection features, a relatively sturdy design, and a solar panel that helps to extend their battery life.

5/5

Performance

Generally the MaxRanger4K does a good job of capturing fairly high-quality footage. However, it can run out of charge if you leave it at too high a sensitivity. If you live near a busy-ish street or somewhere where there is plenty of activity, you may need to play with the settings.

4/5

Software

The Swann Security app is clean and intuitive. I just wish the Modes options delivered more control over how I want the cameras to function at different times of the day.

4/5

Buy it if…

You need surveillance for a larger space
With a 250m range, the MaxRanger4K Solar is well suited for homes that have generous outdoor spaces that you want to keep an eye on.

You want a wireless solution you won’t need to replace all the time
If your home gets enough sunlight, your MaxRanger4K Solar cameras won't need to be charged frequently. With the right settings and frequency of alerts, you might never need to recharge the cameras.

You hate additional fees
Unlike some brands, Swann's premium subscription doesn't feel necessary – I've easily made do without paying anything extra.

Don’t buy it if…

You live somewhere that never sees the sun
Solar panels are awesome, but if you don’t get much sunlight at home then a wired security solution will likely be much more reliable.

Every view includes a busy street
If your camera can see a busy street then you'll likely get a lot of alerts – and it will run out of charge quickly, even if you get plenty of sun. Detection sensitivity and other settings can help reduce the strain, although this means you’ll capture fewer clips – which could impact security.

You want something cheap
Swann’s security system may come without extra fees, but it isn’t super-cheap up front. It's a great performer, but if you’re after an affordable option, this isn’t it.

Also consider

Blink Outdoor 4
If you're after a more entry-level outdoor security camera then this could be the best pick for you. It's not the most robust or crisp option on the market, however.

Read our full Blink Outdoor 4 review

Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam
If you're after an indoor camera instead of an outdoor unit, this could be a solid option – although it does lock some tools behind a paywall.

Read our full Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam review

How I tested the MaxRanger4K Solar security camera

To understand how effective the MaxRanger4K Solar camera system is, I had it installed on my home for a couple of months – to get a sense of both its recording abilities and if its sun-powered battery held up.

I tested each of the different security settings, although, to avoid annoying the neighbors, I didn’t keep settings such as the alarm or light on regularly. I also made sure to check back over captured footage, but you’ll notice I haven’t included any of the outside world in this review – primarily because I don’t want to dox myself, as I live within sight of a few notable features of my town.

While the box includes everything you need to affix the Swann cameras into place, I rent my home so I had to purchase a couple of fixtures that allow me to set up the cameras to drain pipes, so as not cause any damage. These worked effectively enough – I haven’t had either camera fall during testing.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed June 2025

I've seen quite a few desks come through my office space from Vari. I've had the opportunity to see pretty much every one of their desks now, ranging from the smallest to this behemoth, the 80x80-inch L-shaped beast.

While the size is not for everyone, what is incredibly handy is the smooth motors, the 200lb load capacity, and the ComfortEdge front corner of the desk, making it so when you rest your wrists or forearms, or anything else on the desk, you won't feel the pressure or discomfort of the corner of a desk.

If you're looking for one of the best standing desks in this form, and one that still feels luxurious, this might just be the desk for you. As you can see in the pictures, we have been able to fit two massive ultrawide monitors on this desk without, plus more accessories.

That says a great deal about the overall size, lifting capacity, and functionality of this desk. Perhaps you're the kind of person who has a work and a gaming setup, maybe you're the kind of person with a physical side and a digital side, or maybe an art side, or a clean meeting side, or a file size. Whatever type of person you may be, this desk can hold it.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Vari 80x80 L-shaped electric standing desk: Pricing and Availability

The Vari 80x80-inch L-Shaped Electric Standing Desk can be purchased from Vari's official website for $1,499. They ship for free in the US, with a lifetime warranty included.

There are a few color combinations available for this size desk, though it's not as customizable as some companies. Nevertheless, once you pick a colorway you like, it's as easy as clicking buy, and you're good to go.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Vari 80x80 L-shaped electric standing desk: Unboxing & first impressions

As expected, this desk is massive, so it's pretty heavy all around. The desk came in three heavy boxes that made me question my strength all around. If possible, I'd suggest begging your delivery person to help you carry this as close to the place you'll be putting the desk.

The assembly took a whopping 48 minutes by myself. There were a few places that I wished I could have had some help, so keep that in mind if you are planning on building one of these yourself.

Once I got everything built, I flipped the desk over and quickly realized just how massive it was. I mean, I knew it was going to be huge, but seeing it in person in a space is a whole different animal. I pushed the desk into the corner where it was going to live, and I stepped back to admire it. The desk is beautiful. I love the look of the slate grey legs and the walnut wood, especially in this room where the desk is going to live hopefully forever (since it's so heavy, I hope to never have to move it).

I've tested other Vari ComfortEdge desks before, in fact I've even reviewed this desk's little brother, the smaller L-Shaped Vari Electric Standing Desk. But, with the massive size change, this deserves its own review. This desk is in a league of its own. And that league is maximalist to the core.

Vari 80x80 L-shaped electric standing desk: Design & Build Quality

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Specs

Height range: 25″–50.5″
Footprint: 80″ × 80″, 27.5″ deep wings
Weight capacity: 200 lb; desk weighs 257.5 lb
Motors: Triple, ultra‑quiet
Warranty: Lifetime on frame/top; UL 962 certified

This desk is clearly beautifully built in every way. The desk lowers and rises smoothly, the desktop itself is a beautiful hybrid between soft and durable, and the ComfortEdge is really hard to get away from if you spend any time switching between workspaces. The L-Shape gives a smooth transition piece so that it feels like a natural transition from one desk piece to another.

One thing to note about this setup is that it is not at all minimalist. If you are looking for a minimal or simple workspace, and you want a desk to fit that, this is not the desk for you. You'll be overwhelmed, or the space will quickly clutter, or something along those lines as this is a massive surface area.

However, if you are maximalist with your setup, if you have multiple setups, or if you have multiple zones to your workspace, this desk might just be your dream come true.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Vari 80x80 L-shaped electric standing desk: In use

As you can see in the pictures, my team and I went all out in this desk setup. We pushed this desk as far as we reasonably could, and it shot back an answer of "is that all you've got?" when we ran out of gear to add. We have a dual setup featured on here, one 34-inch ultrawide monitor and one 49-inch ultrawide monitor from the Lenovo ThinkVision line-up. We used the corner space to tuck away a custom PC build, a Playstation, some cables, a plant and some power.

On the left half, we have the 34-inch ultrawide, a desk shelf, speakers on either side of the setup, and we still have comfortable spacing. On the right, we have the 49-inch monitor, and some bleed over from the Custom PC and we still have enough space.
Even with this amount of gear on the desk, the legs do not hesitate when I press the button to change the height. The desk motors jump to life and adjust right where I need them to. Additionally, if the desk bumps into something during height adjustment, it will automatically stop, ensuring that it will not continue crushing whatever is in its path.

Day-to-day use has been great with this desk. We've had it set up for just over 100 days at this point. During that time, we have tweaked some cable management, adjusted certain gear on the desk, and swapped out some accessories; however, one thing has remained the same: we absolutely love the ComfortEdge. This feature is often overlooked but ensures that we don't experience fatigue from resting our arms on the desk.

While the large workspace has many advantages, it also comes with a few drawbacks associated with its size. Any time that we have tried to adjust cable management, we get hit with the daunting realization that this desk is so large that moving it away from the wall is probably not worth it. So, if you want to be able to move your desk around easily, I'd suggest putting it on heavy casters.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Maximalist and powerful

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ease of use

Easy to use once set up

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Practicality

Not practical for most, only those with ample space

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Price

Priced well for the product

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Vari 80x80 L-shaped electric standing desk: Final verdict

At this size, if you want a manageable desk size, have a smaller workspace, or want a minimalist setup, this desk is probably not the right fit for you.

But for anyone who needs a massive workspace to fit all of your setup, especially if it is a big setup to start with, this is the desk for you. It's ideal for those with the room for fit it in, with plenty of space to spread out your work.

I found it to be a spacious and sturdy L-shaped desk, easily letting me make relevant height adjustments at the press of a button, and the movement is buttery smooth in operation.

Hori Force Feedback Racing Wheel DLX: One-minute review

The Hori Force Feedback Racing Wheel DLX is a racing wheel designed for Xbox Series X and Series S consoles, although it’s also compatible with the Xbox One. I was immediately taken with the design of the wheel itself. It has an ergonomic shape, and the soft-grip material on the sides are comfortable and provide security. The indents that allow your thumbs to rest on are also a nice touch.

Build quality is also quite good, with the paddles being a particular highlight, rivaling what the best racing wheels have to offer. The pedal set is less impressive, but it functions as intended and remains stable on carpet floors.

The Force Feedback Racing Wheel DLX is pleasingly light, too, which helps with installation, something that's further aided by the amenable clamping system and easily accessible ports. It can also be attached to racing wheel stands, although no screws are provided for this.

There’s an Xbox app for adjusting its various force feedback and sensitivity settings, but these are more basic than those provided in the software of other racing wheels, such as Thrustmaster’s. While there's also a remapping feature, this is limited to just the paddles and the two central buttons on either side of the wheel.

In action, the Force Feedback Racing Wheel DLX failed to impress me all that much. The steering isn’t as smooth or as precise as I would’ve liked, which seemed to be more of a problem for certain games than others. In some games, it didn’t seem to track accurately, creating a sense of lag and disconnectedness from the cars I was driving.

The force feedback isn’t particularly nuanced, either, and the light throttle pedal lacks feedback. Another issue I experienced was that my thumbs would often become trapped between the rim and the paddles when making sharp turns – an ergonomic faux pas that really shouldn’t exist.

On the face of it, the Force Feedback Racing Wheel DLX looks like good value considering its low price. But the performance isn’t quite there, and there are a few even cheaper wheels that perform better, such as the Thrustmaster T128. This also has the advantage of working with multiple platforms, PC included.

(Image credit: Future)Hori Force Feedback Racing Wheel DLX review: Price and availability

• $299.99 / £299.99 (around AU$460)
• Reasonable price...
• ...but rivals are better value

The Hori Force Feedback Racing Wheel DLX costs $299.99 / £299.99 (about AU$460) and is available now for Xbox platforms only. There’s only one colorway and one wheel type.

This isn’t a bad price for a racing wheel, although there are a few that beat it. For instance, the Thrustmaster T128 is considerably cheaper, but performs much better in my opinion. Unlike the Force Feedback Racing Wheel DLX, the T128 is compatible with multiple platforms, too.

If you’re looking for one of the best Xbox racing wheels, the Logitech G923 sits at the top of the pile as far as we’re concerned. It's more expensive than the Force Feedback Racing Wheel DLX, but not by a huge margin, and offers a much better sim racing experience. It’s also compatible with PC, and a PlayStation variant is available as well.

Hori Force Feedback Racing Wheel DLX review: Specs

Price

$299.99 / £299.99 (about AU$460)

Weight

10.6lbs / 4.8kg

Features

Three-pedal set, profile switch button

Connection type

USB-A

Compatibility

Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One

Software

Hori FFB RWD Device Manager for Xbox

Hori Force Feedback Racing Wheel DLX review: Design and features

• Ergonomic wheel shape
• Good build quality
• Easy to install

I was immediately taken with the wheel design of the Force Feedback Racing Wheel DLX. It has a comfortable thickness, and the thumb slots and soft grip material make it a pleasure to hold. The square bottom was also something I welcomed, making it easy to discern orientation at any given moment.

The buttons are of a reasonable quality, although they’re not as tactile or as damped as those you’ll find on the best Xbox controllers. Still, the thoughtful layout makes them easy to use, although the RB and LB placement – they’re in the middle of the circular button clusters on either side – felt a little unintuitive to me. Thankfully, these central buttons can be remapped.

There’s also a useful button for switching saved profiles configured in the Hori FFB RWD Device Manager Xbox app. The LED at the center of the wheel changes color depending on which of the eight profile slots you have selected.

The paddle shifters are equally well-designed, with a long but thin profile that makes them easy to get your fingers behind. Their metal material looks and feels premium as well.

Unfortunately, the pedal set looks and feels less so, with cheaper-seeming plastics and a lightness that doesn’t instill much confidence. However, I found they remained stable enough when lying on a carpet floor.

(Image credit: Future)

Installing the Force Feedback Racing Wheel DLX proved easy enough. The wheel base is quite light, which makes the process less laborious, while the clamp is easy to attach to a desk. A single screw is all that’s required, and it features a maneuverable lever that makes it easier to tighten. The whole process is significantly less onerous than that of certain Thrustmaster wheels I’ve tested.

Also, there are screw holes underneath the wheel base and the pedal set for fixing the Force Feedback Racing Wheel DLX to a racing wheel stand, although it’s a shame that the requisite M6 screws aren’t provided.

Since this is an Xbox wheel, it’s pretty much plug-and-play as far as setup is concerned, although the aforementioned Xbox app is required for firmware updates and making certain adjustments.

These adjustments aren’t as rich as those you’ll find in other racing wheel software. There’s one slider for the force feedback strength, and a couple for the deadzones and sensitivities pertaining to steering and each pedal. There are also some rebinding options for the wheel button – but only for the LB and RB buttons and the paddles.

Hori Force Feedback Racing Wheel DLX review: Performance

• Inconsistent response
• Numb throttle pedal
• Ergonomic issue with Paddles

I found the Force Feedback Racing Wheel DLX was inconsistent in its performance: depending on the game I played, steering inputs ranged in their responsiveness and accuracy.

When playing Assetto Corsa, it did quite well on both of these fronts, my inputs tracking well with the in-game movements. However, steering was still a little grainy, which is especially noticeable when making small steering corrections.

Performance was worse, however, when playing Forza Motorsport. Here, the tracking seemed off, producing a lagging effect. Things improved when adjusting certain in-game settings, such as the steering linearity and self-centering parameters, but I still couldn’t completely shake the sensation of feeling disconnected from the car.

(Image credit: Future)

The force feedback also seemed worse in Forza Motorsport than in Assetto Corsa. In the former, it again felt like it wasn’t matching up with what was happening in-game. It also lacks much subtlety, jumping from no vibration to maximum intensity without much provocation – and again seeming at odds with the events taking place within the game itself.

Regardless of what game you play, there are a few notable constants. The paddles, despite being satisfyingly snappy and tactile, are too close behind the wheel. This meant that whenever I turned the wheel at angles close to and beyond 180 degrees, my thumbs would get stuck between the outer edge of the paddles and the inner edge of the wheel rim.

Also, I found the throttle a little too light, failing to provide as much feedback as I would’ve liked, although it wasn’t quite as numb as some other throttles I’ve tried. The brake pedal offers more feedback thanks to its increased resistance, but it's still relatively light.

Should I buy the Hori Force Feedback Racing Wheel DLX?

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

You want a good wheel design
I liked the ergonomic thumb slots and soft-grip material, as well as the square-off bottom, which helps to indicate the orientation of the wheel.

You want a racing wheel that’s easy to use
Installation is easy thanks to the lightweight construction and clamping system, while the companion app can set you up in no time.

Don't buy it if...

You’ll be making lots of sharp turns
When making large turns, my thumbs would often get jammed between the wheel and the paddles, which is obviously concerning.

You want compatibility with multiple platforms
The Force Feedback Racing Wheel DLX only works on Xbox platforms, so if you’re on PlayStation or after one of the best PC racing wheels, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

Hori Force Feedback Racing Wheel DLX review: also consider

Here are some alternatives to the Hori Force Feedback Racing Wheel DLX if you want support for more platforms:

Hori Force Feedback Racing Wheel DLX

Thrustmaster T128

Logitech G923

Price

$299.99 / £299.99 (about AU$460)

$‌199.99 / £149.99 (around AU$312)

$349.99 / £379.99 / AU$649.95

Weight

10.6lbs / 4.8kg

9lbs / 5kg

12lbs / 5.4kg

Features

Three-pedal set, profile switch button

Handbrake buttons, 4 engine speed display RPM LEDs

Rotary dial, three-pedal base

Connection type

USB-A

USB-A

USB-A

Compatibility

Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One

Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC

Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC

Thrustmaster T128
The T128 is a wheel designed for the budget-conscious. It might have a less-than stellar design, but it all functions well, and the performance surprised me given how cheap it is. There aren’t many better racing wheels at this price. Read our full Thrustmaster T128 review.

Logitech G923
Another big name in the racing wheel market, the Logitech G923 is a superb all-rounder. Not only is it one of the best Xbox racing wheels, we also think it’s one of the best PS5 racing wheels, thanks to the model variant that’s compatible with Sony’s console. Read our full Logitech G923 review.

How I tested the Hori Force Feedback Racing Wheel DLX

• Tested for a few days
• Played various racing sims
• Racing wheel reviewing experience

I tested the Force Feedback Racing Wheel DLX for a few days on an Xbox Series X. I made sure to try out all of its features where possible and used its companion app to see what functions and adjustments it had to offer.

I played Forza Motorsport and Assetto Corsa, two racing games for Xbox offering different levels of simulation, and therefore together provide a comprehensive test for racing wheels.

I have been a fan of racing sims for decades, and have tested a number of racing wheels across a range of brands, styles, and price points.

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

Brinno BCC5000 Time Lapse Bundle: one-minute review

(Image credit: James Abbott)

While many of the best action cameras allow you to capture short-form timelapse videos thanks to their diverse functionality, it’s the best timelapse cameras that make long-form timelapse videos possible. Here, I’m talking about days, weeks or even months in duration, and for this, you need a special kind of camera.

The Brinno BCC5000 Time Lapse Bundle is a comprehensive kit that includes the Brinno TLC5000 4K timelapse camera, a tough weather-resistant housing, and a versatile camera clamp that allows the camera and housing to be attached to a wide variety of surfaces, such as the top of walls, beams and girders.

The camera can also be attached to a tripod, but this is more suitable for shorter rather than long-term timelapse video capture. The camera can be used without its housing, but since it lacks a screen, connection and control via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi provide a greater level of precision in or out of the housing. Bluetooth isn’t perfect, and we’ll discuss that later.

Construction timelapse cameras aren’t cheap, as I discovered when I reviewed the Brinno TLC 300 and the Brinno TLC 2020. These are, however, extremely low-cost when compared to the Brinno BCC5000 Time Lapse Bundle, which costs $1,899 / £1,899 / AU$TBC. It’s not cheap, but the functionality and shooting duration on offer are greatly increased as you’d expect.

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(Image credit: James Abbott)Brinno BCC5000 Time Lapse Bundle specsBrinno BCC5000 Time Lapse Bundle specs

Type:

1/1.8-inch Sony STARVIS 2

Lens angle of view:

118 degrees

Aperture:

f/2.0

Interval times:

3 sec–24 hours

Connectivity:

BLE 4.0 / Wi-Fi/ 2.4GHz 802.11

Camera dimensions:

3.8 x 3.8 x 2.6 inches / 96 x97.5 x 66.2mm

Housing dimensions:

6.7 x4.1 x 9.3 inches / 170 x 104 x 236mm

Camera weight:

7.9oz / 224g (without battery)

Housing weight:

23.2oz / 657g (without camera & batteries)

Brinno BCC5000 Time Lapse Bundle: Design

• No screen
• Minimal design
• Large weather-sealed housing

The Brinno BCC5000 Time Lapse Bundle is the sum of two parts – you have the camera itself, and then you have the robust ATH5000 weatherproof housing. The housing allows for long-term capture, with three battery slots for extended use, with the ability to recharge the batteries in or out of the housing.

You can use the camera independently of the housing when capturing timelapse videos over several hours, or perhaps a day, in fine weather, but it’s not waterproof, so the housing is essential for longer captures.

The camera itself features an almost cube-like design that’s 3.8 x 3.8 x 2.6 inches / 96 x 97.5 x 66.2mm with just two buttons for operation: an on/off switch, a microSD card slot and a USB-C port.

There's no screen on the camera, so you have to connect it to a laptop or smart device using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. This allows you to take a photo when using Bluetooth or view a live feed when connected to Wi-Fi to compose the camera.

When using just the camera, a single battery can be installed in the rear, and there’s a small lens hood that can be attached to the lens. There’s also a spirit level on the front of the TLC5000 that helps you to level the camera on the horizontal axis.

According to the Brinno website, the bundle, which includes two batteries, can provide up to 200 days of shooting with a five-minute capture interval. I’m assuming this is with two batteries rather than three, but it's unclear.

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The Li-ion batteries have a capacity of 45.4Wh or roughly 12,611mAh, and take around six hours to charge. So, although they can be charged in the housing via USB-C, it might make more sense to remove the used battery/batteries and charge them elsewhere in order to maintain the weatherproofing of the housing and the batteries in the battery compartment.

The housing is surprisingly large at 6.7 x 4.1 x 9.3 inches / 170 x 104 x 236mm, but this is split into two sections, one for the camera and another for the batteries. When the camera is used in the housing it’s plugged into the housing, and doesn’t require a battery, as power is supplied from the battery compartment.

The housing doors clip securely to make it watertight, and there are loops where locks or cable ties can be used if desired. This will only keep the housing closed, though and won’t prevent theft.

In the kit you get the TLC5000 camera, the ATH5000 housing, two batteries, the ACC5000 Camera Clamp Pro, a lens hood, a 64GB microSD card, a USB-C cable and silica gel packs to put in the housing to eliminate moisture.

Brinno BCC5000 Time Lapse Bundle: Performance

• Great image quality for this type of camera
• Bluetooth connection is glitchy in some ways
• Settings are limited with Bluetooth

The key advantage of the TLC5000 is its ability to capture long-term timelapse videos of construction sites, and any location for that matter. Setting up and using the camera is incredibly easy with the limited camera controls available. All you have is Exposure Mode for Daytime, Twilight and Night, Timestamp on/off, Sharpness, Saturation, Playback rate, time interval and schedule. This is pretty much a point-and-shoot 4K camera.

The shortest time intervals available for the different shooting modes are Daytime three seconds, Twilight five seconds and Night 10 seconds; shorter would be better. The maximum interval is 24 hours. You can shoot with the camera using the basic controls on the front of the camera to set the interval and begin shooting. These can be used whether the camera is being used independently or in the housing, since with the latter, the camera sits on a plate that slots into place easily so the composition is maintained.

To get the most out of the camera you have to connect it to a Wi-Fi network, which opens up access to all settings and remote access via the Brinno cloud. This only possible, though, if Wi-Fi is available at the shooting location. Brinno cloud access means you can access settings, including scheduling, and download captures remotely, although downloading was extremely slow during testing.

You can also connect over Bluetooth, although only basic interval, scheduling and start/stop controls are available via the Chrome browser. The take-a-photo function, for composing the camera, is extremely hit or miss – sometimes it works, often it won’t, and other times it produces an overexposed and unviewable image. It would make sense for this connection to be flawless since it’s likely the most convenient and popular way for people to connect to the camera wirelessly.

Brinno TLC5000 video straight out of camera

Browser-based camera control isn’t ideal, but it does work to be fair. Brinno has confirmed that Android and iOS apps are in development, so hopefully these and future firmware updates will fix the Bluetooth photo issue.

It would be beneficial for all settings to be available in these apps and via Bluetooth when using the Chrome browser, because the limitations here leave you unable to adjust many settings if no Wi-Fi network is available. You could, of course, set up a Wi-Fi hotspot with your smartphone simply to change more settings than Bluetooth allows, but it's not a streamlined approach.

Brinno TLC5000 video white balance corrected

Image quality is impressive for a dedicated timelapse camera, but it's not perfect. 4K is a fantastic resolution, and the standard to be expected these days. Even night captures are impressive, with fairly clean footage. You can only really notice the small amount of color noise when you pause night captures.

Images can look too sharp and oversaturated, so delving into these controls and adjusting them accordingly will provide more favorable and personalized results. White balance in daylight can be far too warm, but it can be corrected in video editing software. Chromatic aberration is visible along high-contrast subject edges.

4K grab from Brinno TLC5000 using VLC Player. (Image credit: James Abbott)

You can’t take photos with the camera, but you can extract stills from footage using the Brinno Video Player, although i found this Windows-only software to be glitchy and generally awful to use. VLC Player (free) proved to be a much better video player for grabbing 4K stills from footage.

Should you buy the Brinno BCC5000 Time Lapse Bundle?Buy it if...

You want to shoot long-term time-lapses

If you’re aiming to capture long-form timelapse videos over several weeks or months, this is a dedicated camera that will allow you to do just that.

You need an all-weather solution

With the weather-resistant housing, this is a camera that can be left out in all weather without any risk of water ingress. You also get silica gel packs to prevent condensation.

You need remote connectivity

When the TCL5000 is connected to a Wi-Fi network you can access the camera remotely to change settings and download timelapse footage.

Don't buy it if...

You’d prefer a more versatile camera

If you’d like a camera that can do much more but doesn’t shoot for such long durations, an action camera will be a much more suitable option for you.

You’re on a budget

The BCC5000 kit is expensive, but you can buy much more affordable Brinno timelapse cameras. There are several models available, so you can find the best option for you.

You want the best image quality

If you’d like the best image quality possible, a mirrorless camera is the best option for capturing timelapses. They are, however, only suitable for shorter timelapse shoots.

How I tested the Brinno BCC5000 Time Lapse Bundle

• I tested the camera over several weeks
• I used it at different times of day
• I tested all connection methods for shooting

I tested the Brinno BCC5000 Time Lapse Bundle in shorter bursts rather than for long-form timelapse capture, as testing the extremes of scheduling would have taken months. I was, however, able to test basic scheduling using different interval times at different times of the day and night.

I used my smartphone, tablet and laptop for Bluetooth connection. To test the Wi-Fi control I used both my laptop and tablet connected over my home network. I also used the TLC5000 manually, and composed ‘blind’ by simply pointing the camera and starting shooting using the direct-access controls.

With nearly 30 years of photographic experience and 17 years working as a photography journalist, I’ve used many of the cameras and lenses that have been released in that time. As a working photographer, I aim to test cameras and lenses from a photographer’s point of view.

• First reviewed July 2025

Samsung HW-Q990F review: Two minute review

The Samsung HW-Q990F is the successor to the Samsung HW-Q990D, a five-star Dolby Atmos soundbar that earned a top spot in our best soundbars guide. The Q990F doesn’t change much of Samsung's formula, with the main change being a redesign of the subwoofer to a smaller compact size, but it continues Samsung's legacy of excellent Dolby Atmos soundbars.

The Samsung HW-Q990F features 11.1.4 channels across four separate units, including a soundbar, a subwoofer and two rear speakers. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X passthrough, along with 4K 120Hz on multiple HDMI 2.1 ports.

The Q990F’s sound-enhancing features include SpaceFit Sound Pro to tune the system for your specific viewing space. Plus, owners of some of the best Samsung TVs can make use of its Q-Symphony for even bigger and better sound.

Performance is nothing short of brilliant on the Q990F. Its smaller subwoofer doesn’t sacrifice any power or detail and is arguably more nuanced than its predecessors. Elsewhere, the system delivers immersive and engaging surround sound, an impressively wide soundstage, and a dynamic presentation of Dolby Atmos height effects up there with the best Dolby Atmos soundbars.

The Q990F is especially great for Atmos music, and while it won’t beat the likes of the Marshall Heston 120 or Sonos Arc Ultra, it’s still a solid option for music playback.

The Q990F’s new, more compact subwoofer is a dream for those looking to save on space. The system’s size is identical to its predecessor, but its overall finish and materials don’t quite feel as premium as the Q990D’s. Still, the Q990F feels well-built, sturdy, and premium enough for the money.

Setting up the Q990F is a breeze. Once connected to the TV via HDMI eARC, the four units sync wirelessly, and you’re on your way. The SmartThings app is necessary for setup, and it allows you to fine-tune the Q990F and access some of its best features. If you don’t want to use the app, Samsung’s supplied remote is more than adequate for control.

The Q990F is undoubtedly a premium-priced soundbar. There are cheaper surround soundbar packages available, along with powerful all-in-one solutions, but the Q990F justifies its price with its performance. It’s not a big step up over its predecessor, which is the better value choice while it’s still available, but once that stock runs out, the Q990F is ready to fill the gap. Expect some big deals on the Q990F throughout the coming year as well, as prices are already dropping.

Samsung HW-Q990F review: Price & release date

The Samsung HW-Q990F isn't the smallest of soundbars, but it should be able to fit under most TVs (Image credit: Future)

• Release date: May 2025
• Price: $1,999 / £1,699 / AU$2,099

The Samsung HW-Q990F is Samsung’s 2025 flagship soundbar. It sits above the HW-Q930F, HW-Q900F, HW-Q800F, HW-Q700F, and the Samsung QS700F, a redesign of the mid-range Q700 series.

Since its launch in May 2025, prices for the HW-Q900F have dropped, and it is now regularly available for $1,599 / £1,499 / AU$1,599, a healthy discount.

Samsung HW-Q990F review: Specs

Dimensions (W x H x D)

Soundbar: 1232 x 70.8 x 138 mm (48.5 x 2.8 x 5.4 inch); Subwoofer: 249 x 251.8 x 249 mm (9.8 x 10.0 x 9.8 inch); Rear speaker: 129.5 x 201.3 x140.4 mm (5.1 x 8.0 x 5.5 inch)

Speaker channels

11.1.4

Connections:

1x HDMI out (with eARC), 2x HDMI 2.1 in, optical digital audio, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

Dolby Atmos/DTS:X

Yes/Yes

Sub included

Yes

Rear speakers included

Yes

Features

Q Symphony, SpaceFit Sound Pro, Adaptive Sound, Game Mode Pro, Tap Sound, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, HDMI 2.1 120Hz pass-through, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision pass-through, wireless Dolby Atmos

Samsung HW-Q990F review: Features

The Samsung HW-Q990F has an HDMI out eARC port, as well as two HDMI 2.1 in ports, which both support 4K 120Hz for gaming. (Image credit: Future)

• 11.1.4 channels
• Dolby Atmos & DTS:X passthrough, including wireless Dolby Atmos
• HDMI 2.1 with 4K 120Hz support

The Samsung HW-Q990F has much the same impressive feature set as its predecessor, the Samsung HW-Q990D. It has 11.1.4 channels but increases the total number of speakers by one to 23, and it features a new, sleeker, dual-driver subwoofer (more on that below).

The Q990F supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, along with Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby 5.1 and DTS: HD-Master Audio.

For connections, there is an HDMI eARC port for connection to displays, as well as two HDMI 2.1 in ports that support 4K 120Hz for gaming. There is also Wi-Fi and Bluetooth streaming for music playback, including Dolby Atmos music support.

The Q990F's audio-enhancing features include SpaceFit Sound Pro, which can optimize the sound for your living space; Private Audio, which uses the rear speakers for late-night listening; Adaptive Sound, where the sound is tweaked in real time; Active Voice Amplifier Pro, which uses AI to boost the level of voices in soundtracks; and Q-Symphony, a feature that combines the built-in speakers of compatible Samsung TVs with the Q990F’s sound for boosted audio.

Wireless Dolby Atmos support lets you stream Dolby Atmos soundtracks from compatible Samsung TVs to the Q990F soundbar, albeit in a compressed format. Also, there is Tap Sound, which lets the Q990F instantly stream the music you’ve been listening to when you tap your smartphone on it.

The Q990F can be controlled using the supplied remote control or with the Samsung SmartThings app, where more in-depth sound and EQ adjustments can be made. The app is also where features such as Active Voice Amplifier Pro, SpaceFit Sound Pro and Adaptive sound can be accessed.

• Features score: 5 / 5

Samsung HW-Q990F review: Performance

The Samsung Q990F's immersive sound is perfect for high-octane scenes like the Batmobile chase from The Batman (pictured) (Image credit: Future)

• Expansive, powerful sound
• Weighty, tightly controlled bass
• Excellent gaming performance

Despite having only minimal changes on paper from its predecessor, the Q990F has mighty shoes to fill, and Samsung’s change to subwoofer was a risky move. Thankfully, the move paid off.

Samsung’s new subwoofer may be smaller, but it’s just as powerful as its predecessors. It delivers impactful, meaty bass and has room-shaking power. Watching the Batmobile chase from The Batman, the roar of the Batmobile’s engine produced plenty of glorious rumble, with each rev of the engine reminding me just how engaging this small but mighty subwoofer is.

The subwoofer sound is also tightly controlled and nuanced. Musical numbers such as Defying Gravity from Wicked still had plenty of detailed low-end, giving instruments and vocals \room to breathe in the mix.

Placement of sound effects is another area where the Q990F excels. During the same Batmobile chase in The Batman, the direction of sound as Batman and Penguin weaved in and out of traffic was tracked across the front soundbar with stunning accuracy and precision. The same was true in Star Wars: A New Hope on Disney Plus as X-Wings and TIE Fighters flew around and overhead, making full use of the rear speakers.

The Q990F’s sound balance also impressed me. In Wicked, the higher-pitched vocals were front and center, and reproduced with real clarity, while the strings sat perfectly with the lower bass tones, creating a wonderfully balanced mix. And the system’s beautifully wide soundstage easily filled our testing lab.

Musicals, like Wicked (pictured), sounded great on the Samsung HW-Q990F (Image credit: Future)

Testing out the Q990F’s features, I found that SpaceFit Sound Pro not only added volume but tightened the sound up without affecting the expansive soundstage. The results may vary depending on your room (our testing lab is well laid out for soundbars), but it’s worth giving it a try.

I tested the Q990F with the Samsung S95F, one of the best OLED TVs of 2025. This allowed me to test out Q-Symphony, and it added extra volume and power and widened the soundstage even more, something that was particularly noticeable with subtle effects such as gear changes or engine revs from the Batmobile in The Batman.

Switching from movies to music, the Q990F sounded great with Dolby Atmos tracks. Listening to an Atmos mix of Riders on the Storm by the Doors via Tidal, the rain was perfectly placed overhead while Jim Morrison’s low vocals, the guitars, and the high notes of the keyboard were clear, precise, and well-balanced. And when I listened to Barry White’s I’ve Got So Much To Give, the guitars, bass and drums felt like they were coming from different areas around the room.

Stereo music performance wasn’t as show-stopping as Dolby Atmos music, but it was good nonetheless. Thelonious Monk’s Japanese Song displayed impressive width, with the piano sounding bright and clear and the smooth, punchy tones of the saxophone accurately positioned. It’s not going to beat the likes of the Marshall Heston 120 for musicality, but it does a good job.

Playing Battlefield V at 4K 120Hz, with an Xbox Series X running through the Q990F to the S95F TV, the action felt smooth and responsive during chaotic gunfights and sequences. It even had a 9.5ms input lag time when I measured it, proving that there was no added latency when the Xbox’s signal passed through the Q990F.

• Performance score: 5 / 5

Samsung HW-Q990F review: Design

The Samsung HW-Q990F's subwoofer (pictured) is significantly more compact than previous generations (Image credit: Future)

• New, more compact subwoofer
• Soundbar as wide as a 55-inch TV
• Not as visually appealing as predecessors

The Q990F comprises four units: the main soundbar, the subwoofer, and the two surround speakers. Each unit has undergone a redesign, and while the new subwoofer is much more visually appealing, the other units somehow feel and look cheaper than the ones in last year’s Q990D system.

The metal grille-type design of the soundbar remains the same at the front, but on top, it has been replaced by a cheaper-looking, lined, grated design, and the same is true of the rear speakers.

The subwoofer is the biggest change in terms of scale. Samsung has scrapped the bulky, weighty upright subwoofer design of past systems in favor of a more compact, cubed build. The new subwoofer measures 249 x 251.8 x 249 mm (9.8 x 9.9 x 9.8 in), compared to the Q990D’s subwoofer, which measured 220 x 413 x 410 mm (8.6 x 16.2 x 16.1 in). It’s almost half the size of the Q990D’s sub, allowing much more freedom for placement. The main soundbar and rear speakers are the same size as the Q990D’s.

The soundbar has the same alphanumeric display found in previous generations, and while still challenging to read, it’s a welcome feature.

• Design score: 4 / 5

Samsung HW-Q990F review: Setup & usability

The Samsung HW-Q990F is easy to control with both the SmartThings app and supplied remote (pictured) (Image credit: Future)

• Easy setup
• Useful SmartThings app for control and features
• Wireless connection between units

The Q990F is an excellent option if you’re looking for a surround sound system without the cable hassles you’d find in a traditional wired home theater setup.

The setup of the Q990F was easy, despite it having multiple units. After plugging the main soundbar into the S95F TV’s HDMI eARC port, I next plugged in all the units, and they wirelessly synced up.

The Q990F can be controlled either using the supplied remote or the SmartThings app. The remote is more than adequate, but using the SmartThings app gives access to all the sound and setup features described above and more. It’s worth giving the app a go, though the Q990F’s sound is also good out of the box.

• Setup & usability score: 4.5 / 5

Samsung HW-Q990F review: Value

The Samsung HW-Q990F comprises four units: a soundbar, subwoofer and rear speakers. Although sold at a premium price, its performance justifies its cost (Image credit: Future)

• Complete soundbar system
• Premium price
• A minor upgrade over its predecessor

At $1,599 / £1,599 / AU$1,599 at the time of writing, several weeks after its launch, the Q990F is at the premium end of the soundbar market. All-in-one solutions that provide a superb cinematic experience, such as the Marshall Heston 120 and Sonos Arc Ultra, are priced at $999 / £999. And there are even budget surround sound options, such as the Hisense AX5125H ($299 / £299), that give you surround sound at a fraction of the cost.

But the Q990F delivers superior performance, with serious power and engaging and immersive sound, thanks to its 11.1.4 channels and 23 speakers.

There is the small matter of the Q990F’s predecessor, the Q990D, still being available for $1,199 / £799 as it nears the end of its life cycle, and outside of the Q990F’s sub, there are not a great deal of upgrades. Right now, the Q990D is better bang for your buck, but as stock depletes, the Q990F is a more than worthy successor to the Q990D.

• Value score: 4 / 5

Should I buy the Samsung HW-Q990F?

(Image credit: Future)

Section

Notes

Score

Features

An extensive list of sound enhancing features, plus 4K, 120Hz support for consoles

5 / 5

Performance

Immersive, dynamic, expansive and powerful sound

5 / 5

Design

A more compact and visually appealing subwoofer, but the rest of the design feels like a step back

4 / 5

Setup & usability

Simple setup and plenty of control via remote or SmarThings app

4.5 / 5

Value

Delivers on its price, but undoubtedly still a premium soundbar

4 / 5

Buy it if...

You want an immersive, cinematic experience
The Q990F delivers expansive, detailed and weighty sound, especially with Dolby Atmos soundtracks.

You want to use your soundbar for gaming
The Q990F's HDMI ports support 4K 120Hz for current-gen consoles, which delivers responsive and snappy gameplay.

You want to be able to hide your subwoofer
The redesigned subwoofer supplied with the Q990F is compact and saves space, and it does so without sacrificing any sacrifice to sound quality.

Don't buy it if...

You're trying to save money
Because it is a full surround sound soundbar package, the Q990F comes at a premium that will outstretch most budgets.

You want a clear front display
If you're not going to use the app, you'll need to rely on the front display when switching inputs. Sadly, it's not the easiest thing to read.

You own the Samsung HW-Q990D
Other than the redesigned, smaller subwoofer, there are minimal changes or upgrades in the Q990F compared to its predecessor, the Q990D. If you own the latter, you don't need to upgrade. View Deal

Samsung HW-Q990D review: Also consider

Samsung HW-Q990F

Samsung HW-Q990D

LG S95TR

JBL Bar 1300X

Dimensions

Soundbar: 1232 x 70.8 x 138 mm (48.5 x 2.8 x 5.4 inch); Subwoofer: 249 x 251.8 x 249 mm (9.8 x 10.0 x 9.8 inch); Rear speaker: 129.5 x 201.3 x140.4 mm (5.1 x 8.0 x 5.5 inch)

Soundbar: 1309.0 x 595.0 x 277.0 mm, Subwoofer: 220.0 x 413.0 x 410.0 mm , Rear speaker: 129.5 x 201.3 x140.4 mm

Soundbar: 1249.68 x 63.5 x 134.6 mm (49.2 x 2.5 x 5.3 inches) Subwoofer: 200.6 x 406.4 x 403.8 mm (7.9 x 16 x 15.9 inches), Rear speakers: 160 x 223.5 x 142.2 mm(6.3 x 8.8 x 5.6 inches)

Soundbar: 1000 x 60.9 x 139.7mm (39.4 x 2.4 x 5.5 inches), Surround speakers: 203.2 x 60.9 x 139.7mm(8 x 2.4 x 5.5 inches), Subwoofer: 365.7 x 480 x 365.7mm (14.4 x 18.9 x 14.4 inches

Speaker channels

11.1.4

11.1.4

11.1.4

16

Connections

Two HDMI 2.1 input, One HDMI output, optical output, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

Two HDMI 2.1 input, One HDMI output, optical output, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

1x HDMI out (with eARC), HDMI 2.1 in, optical digital audio, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

4 HDMI inputs (1 with eARC), optical digital audio, USB type-A

Dolby Atmos/DTS:X

Yes/Yes

Yes/Yes

Yes/Yes

Yes/Yes

Samsung HW-Q990D (2024)
The Samsung HW-Q990D is the Q990F's predecessor and delivers similarly impressive performance. Because it came out in 2024, you can now regularly find the Q990D for half the price of the Q990F, and it's not a real step-down. If you find a deal, the Q990D is a superb choice.

Read our full Samsung HW-Q990D reviewView Deal

LG S95TR (2024)
The LG S95TR is LG's flagship soundbar system from 2024 and is the LG equivalent of the Samsung HW-Q990D. It delivers clear, powerful and immersive sound and is better suited for LG TV owners than Samsung's models thanks to its WOW Orchestra feature. Price-wise, it's close to the current Q990F, so it'll come down to what TV you own.

Read our full LG S95TR reviewView Deal

JBL Bar 1300X
The JBL Bar 1300X also has four units including detachable surround speakers from the bar itself, for a space saving solution when not in use. The Bar 1300X is a full surround sound package for those without a Samsung TV but still want an expansive and weighty sound.

Read our full JBL Bar 1300X review

How I tested the Samsung HW-Q990F

(Image credit: Future)

• Connected to the Samsung S95F
• Tested with different sources
• Dolby Atmos, 5.1 surround and stereo sound tested

To test the Samsung HW-Q990F, I connected it to the Samsung S95F, Samsung's flagship OLED TV for 2025. This allowed me to use Q-Symphony and other Samsung-related features.

I tested the Q990F using the same reference scene I use when testing the best TVs, particularly 4K Blu-rays of The Batman and Wicked. I also used 4K streaming, which has compressed sound mixes, to see how it fared, particularly the Star Wars space battle sequences. I also analyzed the system's sound balance, as well as speech and sound effects placement.

I tested the Q990F's music streaming capabilities with both Dolby Atmos and stereo mixes through Tidal and Spotify, over both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. I also tested the Q990F's gaming performance using an Xbox Series X and Battlefield V.

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

Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4: Two-minute review

Ultimate Ears already has already put out some of the best Bluetooth speakers around, and while I don’t think it’s quite as easy to recommend for the masses as the brilliant UE Wonderboom 4, the UE Megaboom 4 still has its place as a great option for anyone who wants a fairly premium speaker that completely eradicates any feelings of battery anxiety, and can really bring the bass and volume necessary to give any party a jolt.

After putting the speaker through its paces, it’s clear now that the Megaboom 4 feels most at home with pop and dance tracks, so if those feature regularly in your go-to playlists then you’ll enjoy the soundscape on offer. Busier rock/alternative tracks do get a bit muddled in the mix so for fans of Linkin Park, Rise Against and the like, you may want to look elsewhere.

What can’t be faulted is the signature UE design that not only looks great with its oversized volume buttons, it’s also functional, giving way to a rugged IP67 rating, ensuring that the speaker is more than ready to withstand an accidental dip (or full submersion) in water. The move to USB-C, while a minor tweak on the UE Megaboom 3, is still a welcome change for the sake of convenience.

The UE app also lets you configure the EQ settings to offer up even more of a spotlight to the vocals or the bassline, depending on what you prefer, and the PartyUp mode lets you pair other UE speakers to keep the playlist going in every room of a house. What really sets it apart in this price range however is a 20-hour battery life that absolutely decimates the 10-hour stint of the similarly priced Sonos Roam 2. While you can certainly get better sound by paying a bit more for the Bang & Olufsen A1 Gen 3, I think the Megaboom 4 represents one of the best options for folks who want a long-lasting speaker that doesn’t go beyond the $200/£200 mark.

Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4 review: Price and release date

• Released June 2024
• Officially priced at $199.99 / £169.99 / AU$349.95

The Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4 came to market back in June 2024 alongside a plethora of UE speakers, and at the time of writing it’ll set you back $199.99/£169.99 At that price, the Megaboom 4 is easily one of the more expensive Bluetooth speakers you can buy, but it still sits in the mid-range sector of UE’s own devices, eclipsed by the UE Everboom and the UE Epicboom.

There are four colourways available including Active Black, Cobalt Blue, Raspberry Red and Enchanting Lilac, all of which are set with the same RRP. At around the $200/£200 mark, the Megaboom 4’s closest competition can be found in the Sonos Roam 2 and the JBL Charge 5, although the latter tends to be regularly discounted. There’s also the cheaper and similar in style UE Boom 4 which is priced at £129.99/$149.99.

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

Weight:

935g

Dimensions:

225 x 87 x 87mm

Battery life (quoted):

20 hours

Connectivity:

Bluetooth (unspecified)

Drivers:

2 x 50mm ohm drivers, 2 x 55x86mm passive radiators

Aux-in:

No

Charger port:

USB-C

Microphone:

No

Waterproof rating:

IP67

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

• 20-hour battery life
• USB-C has replaced micro-USB
• Quick playback with the Magic Button

It says a great deal about just how slow Ultimate Ears has been to fully embrace USB-C in its devices that one of the biggest upgrades the Megaboom 4 has over the Megaboom 3 is that it finally does away with having a micro-USB port. Beyond that however, the two speakers are largely the same, so if you’re not too fussed about convenience when it comes to charging then you might want to seek out the Megaboom 3 at a discount. If you’re anything like me however, access to a USB-C port wins out every time.

Even though the upgrades are fairly minimal, the UE Wonderboom 4 is far from being featureless. One of its best concepts (and something I wish every Bluetooth speaker had) is a ‘Magic Button’ that gets you straight into a playlist with one push. Without the marketing jargon attached, this button is the same play/pause input that you tend to see on the top of most Ultimate Ears speakers but if you hold it down (even when the Megaboom 4 is switched off), after a few seconds one of four preselected playlists will begin.

To save from any wasted time over deciding what to play first, this ‘one touch’ system is an ingenious way of getting the party started. Bear in mind however that you need either a Spotify of Amazon Music account to use this feature, so you’ll be out of luck if you’re an Apple Music fan. In addition to having your favourite playlists/albums ready to go, the Ultimate Ears app also lets you tweak the soundscape with equaliser controls.

There are five preset EQs available within the app, although the sound does tend to be a bit more generally pleasing to the ear if you opt for the standard ‘Signature’ mode. If you do have a preference for bass or treble however then there is a custom option available that lets you tweak the levels as you see fit, and you save those changes so that they’re ready to go in a few taps.

Even though the Megaboom 4 can reach some pretty high volumes, Ultimate Ears’ PartyUp mode lets you bring additional UE speakers into the mix to help cover a larger area. Not all of UE’s existing products work with this however, so you’ll need to check which devices are compatible ahead of time if you do fancy making use of it, but it’s still a great feature to have. It never gets old when you’re moving from one room to another and there’s no break whatsoever in the tunes you’re listening to, or as it more often tends to be in my case, an audiobook.

What is sure to raise an eyebrow (or two, if you can't raise one on its own) from anyone in the market for a new speaker is the fact that the Megaboom 4 can run for up to 20-hours at a time. That's more than you’ll ever need for a single gathering, but if you’re heading away for a weekend and you’d rather save your battery pack for topping up other devices like your phone, it’s nice to know that the Megaboom 4 can go the distance. With that kind of longevity, the Megaboom 4 towers over the Sonos Roam 2.

• Features score: 4/5

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

• Same signature UE style
• IP67 waterproof and dust-proof
• USB-C port has a dust cover

If there's one thing that I can’t fault Ultimate Ears speakers for, it's their design. Even though I have the far more portable JBL Clip 5 in my possession, I've preferred bringing UE devices with me to the office or to picnics over the years because of how great they look. The oversized volume buttons are instantly recognisable, and just a lot more interesting to look at than your average speaker.

It’s all much the same with the Megaboom 4, although I will admit that it looks practically identical to its predecessor, so don’t go looking for any visual markers to let you know that this is a newer product. Still, the cylindrical frame isn’t just for show, it’s also functional as it helps to deliver the audio in a 360-degree scope so you won’t have to strain to hear what’s being played.

Similar to its green ambitions that kicked off with the excellent Wonderboom 3, UE has endeavoured to have a sizeable chunk of the Megaboom 4’s plastic segments be constructed from recycled plastics – over 54% in fact. While there’s always more that can be done, it is still great to see Ultimate Ears taking some initiative in an area that feels as if it’s been sidelined somewhat in recent years by other companies. Plus, even with those recycled plastics in tow, the Megaboom 4 is still one durable device.

Courtesy of an official IP67 rating, the Megaboom 4 can absolutely take an accidental dip in the pool without cause for concern, and it’s been drop tested too. Even just to hold the speaker (which weighs in at 935g), there’s a decent heft to it that feels reassuring. As a nice added touch, the USB-C port also has a cover to keep it protected from any debris.

• Design score: 4.5/5

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

• Works best at higher volumes
• Pop songs sound great here, with plenty of bass
• Rock and similarly busy genres don't fair too well

So far, I’ve painted a fairly pretty picture of the UE Megaboom 4, and while I do love this speaker, it unfortunately doesn’t quite stick the landing when it comes to sound quality. At the surface level, this is a speaker that feels right at home when listening to pop music.

Playing an all-time classic in Britney Spears’ Oops!… I Did It Again, it showcases the perfect mix of the song’s twangy bass, rhythmic cymbals and of course the vocals which never feel drowned out by everything that’s going on. It’s precisely the blend that you’d want for an outdoor gathering as you can sing along to the music without feeling as though the instruments are overpowering.

Moving over to a modern pick that leans more towards being a dance track, Charli XCX’s Apple benefits from the same treatment, except this time it does a better job of showing off the Megaboom 4’s room for a hefty bassline under the right conditions. The kick pedal beat that rolls throughout much of the track packs a hefty punch, and it’s sure to get people off of their seats and moving (it certainly had that effect on me).

It’s with these party friendly tracks that the Megaboom 4 really shines, especially when they’re played at a decent volume that allows the speaker to show off what it can do. Unfortunately the same cannot be said for personal playback when you’re alone and you just want to listen to your go-to favourites.

Embracing my emo roots, as one does when working from home, a run-through of Send the Pain Below by Chevelle shows where the Megaboom 4 trips up. At a lower volume, it just feels as if the song is a bit muffled, which isn’t helped by the fact that the speaker doesn’t quite know what to do with busier rock songs like this. The lead guitar sounds a bit too crunchy and it ends up suffocating the bass during the chorus, so I think you're better off looking elsewhere if you mostly plan on playing tracks of a similar vibe.

• Sound quality: 3.5/5

Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4 review: Value

One thing I cannot fault the Megaboom 4 on is its value. Almost in defiance of today’s economic landscape, the Megaboom 4 retails at the same price that the Megaboom 3 went on sale for back in 2018. That’s unheard of in the modern age and it just means that if your current Bluetooth speaker is starting to show its age, you won’t be penalised at the checkout for having held out until now to upgrade.

I will say though that because of how minimal the upgrades are between the Megaboom 4 and the Megaboom 3, if you do own the latter then it’s not worth making the upgrade unless battery life has started to take a real hit (or you’re ready to finally do away with the last micro-USB cable in your collection).

There’s also the issue that UE has undermined its own product to a degree as you can buy the slightly cheaper UE Boom 4 at $149.99£129.99, so long as you don’t mind sacrificing five-hours of battery life and a bit of bass. Still, for all that the Megaboom 4 offers, I’d sooner recommend it above the competition for anyone who just wants a long-lasting, durable speaker with great volume to get them through the weekend.

• Value score: 4.5/5

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4?Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

The Megaboom 4 now supports USB-C and runs for up to 20-hours at a time

4/5

Design

The same classic UE design but with rugged credentials to back it up on the road

4.5/5

Sound quality

Improved bass and depth for pop, but lacking in clarity for rock and busier songs

3.5/5

Value

No price increase over the Megaboom 3, and feature packed for the price

4.5/5

Buy it if…

You need a long-lasting Bluetooth speaker
With 20-hours of battery life in the tank, it’s unlikely that you’ll reach 0% over the course of a weekend, which makes the Megaboom 4 a great option for longevity.

You need great volume to power a party
If there’s one thing the Megaboom 4 can carry with confidence, it’s volume. I can’t remember the last time I tested a speaker that felt more at home at the louder end of the scale.

You’re a fan of pop music
While heavy rock fans should look elsewhere, the Megaboom 4 does classic and modern pop justice with great depth that’ll have you singing along in no time.

Don’t buy it if…

You want a speaker for personal playback
The Megaboom 4 doesn’t sound quite right until you crank the volume up, which means you’re better off looking elsewhere for simply listening to music and podcasts at home.

You need a speaker for a small gathering
For a small gathering or picnic, the Megaboom 4 is definitely overkill, which is why a more portable speaker will do the job just fine.

You want the best value Ultimate Ears speaker
For most people, the more bijou UE Wonderboom 4 can give you everything you could want from a Bluetooth speaker, and it’s a great deal cheaper too.

(Image credit: Future)Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4 review: Also consider

UE Megaboom 4

UE Wonderboom 4

Sonos Roam 2

Dimensions:

225 x 87 x 87mm

104 x 95.3 x 95.3mm

98 x 98 x 35mm

Weight:

935g

420g

430g

Battery life (quoted):

20 hours

14 hours

10 hours

Connectivity:

Bluetooth (unspecified)

Bluetooth 5.2

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Drivers:

2 x 50mm ohm drivers, 2 x 55x86mm passive radiators

2 x 40mm active drivers, 2 x 46.1x65.2mm passive radiators

A tweeter, a mid-woofer, and two class-h digital amplifiers

Aux-in:

No

No

No

Charger port:

USB-C

USB-C

USB-C

Microphone:

No

No

Yes

Waterproof rating:

IP67

IP67

IP67

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4
At just $99.99/£89.99, the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 is an absolute bargain, providing a rugged design and great sound in return. For the folks who just want an upgraded experience to playing songs directly on their smartphone, this is the one to go for.
Read more in our UE Wonderboom 4 review.

Sonos Roam 2
If you value sound quality and portability over battery life (plus the ability to stream over your home Wi-Fi network) the Sonos Roam 2 is probably the speaker for you. It can fit into a bag more easily than the Megaboom 4, and you'll benefit from Sonos’ signature detailed sound.
Read more in our Sonos Roam 2 review.

How I tested the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4

• Tested for two weeks, both indoors and in a communal garden
• Connected to a variety of Android phones

For the purpose of this review, I used the Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4 as my main Bluetooth speaker over a period of two weeks, mostly playing songs indoors with occasional moments of testing in an outdoor garden.

I paired the speaker primarily with Android phones, including the OnePlus 12 and the Motorola Edge 60 Pro.

I tested the speaker with a wide range of genres beyond those mentioned in the sound test, including heavy metal (Lamb of God), hyperpop (100 Gecs) and rap (Kendrick Lamar).

Read more about how we test

• First reviewed: July 2025

Dreame X50 Ultra Complete: two-minute review

Dreame’s latest robot vacuum, the X50 Ultra Complete, sets a new standard for the best robot vacuums, offering a litany of genuinely useful features and excellent cleaning results. It’s low-maintenance, thorough and features all of the bolts and whistles you’d expect from a premium robot vacuum.

While its 2.4in / 6cm threshold-hopping legs have been the main talking point, it's this robot's cleaning performance that prompted me to award it such a high score. It's highly capable at both mopping and vacuuming, though its battery life does leave something to be desired. Plus, its DToF sensor tower can quickly sink into the main body of the vacuum when it needs to clean beneath low-threshold furnishings.

From its extending side brush and mop pads to its excellent mapping, the Dreame X50 Ultra Complete makes full use of its arsenal of cleaning tools, rounded out by efficient 20,000Pa suction. This powerful robovac only really struggles when faced with fine powders on high-pile or tightly bound low-pile carpets; a fairly common issue for vacuums of all shapes and sizes.

When it comes to object detection and avoidance, the X50 Ultra performed fairly well, although it missed crumpled up paper and shorter wires on occasion. It also failed to spot (fake) pet poop during one test – turning on Pet mode helped improve matters.

If you can stretch your budget to buy the X50, you won’t be disappointed in its value proposition. It’s fantastically low-maintenance, the app is easy to use and the results speak for themselves. That's the short version; read on for my full Dreame X50 Ultra Complete review.

(Image credit: Future)Dreame X50 Ultra Complete: price & availability

• Announced January 2025, on sale from spring 2025
• List price: $1,699.99 / £1,299 / AU$2,999

At its $1,699.99 / £1,299.00 / AU$2,999.00 list price, the Dreame X50 Ultra Complete is one of the most expensive robot vacuums you can buy today. It's available to buy directly from Dreame, as well as via third-party retailers such as Amazon.

Thankfully, Dreame isn’t afraid of a good deal, and in the months since its release I've seen the price drop by $340 / £150 / AU$200. At its list price, it’s toeing the line of being overpriced, but its early deals make for a strong value proposition. It's fairly common for flagship bots to cost well into the four figures these days, and the features here are in line with (or exceed) what you'd get elsewhere for a similar price.

Plus, Dreame is generous with accessories. Out of the box, you not only get the vacuum and base (which are pre-loaded with a dust bag, filters, a side brush and brush rolls), but you also get a full bottle of Dreame’s Multi-surface floor cleaner, two pre-loaded mop pads and ten replacement pads, two spare side brushes, two spare roller brushes, three spare filters and a cleaning brush for the water tanks, making for low maintenance costs in the first year or so.

• Value for money score: 4 out of 5

Dreame X50 Ultra Complete specs

Max suction:

20,000Pa

Robot diameter:

13.8in / 35cm

Robot height:

3.5in / 8.9cm (with puck retracted)

Dock dimensions (W x D x H):

13.4 x 10.2 x 23.2 in / 34 x 26 x 59cm (excluding ramp)

Max threshold clearance:

2.4 in / 6cm

Onboard dustbin volume:

300ml

Onboard water tank capacity:

80ml

Dock dust bag volume:

3.2L

Dock water tank capacity:

4.5L clean / 4L dirty

Base type:

Charge, self-empty, refill water, wash mop pads, clean and dry mop pads, dispense detergent, self-clean

Dreame X50 Ultra Complete: design

• Robot's navigation puck can retract to enter low spaces
• Underneath are tiny legs to hoist the bot over tall thresholds
• Comprehensive dock with heated mop cleaning and UV light treatment

Looks-wise, the Dreame X50 Ultra Complete doesn’t break any conventions. Both the vacuum and its dock are fairly neutral, clad in either white or black with gold or gunmetal accents.

The base is slim at 13.4 x 10.2 x 23.2 in / 34 x 26 x 59cm – although you'll need to add space for the ramp and maneuvering room for the robot to dock. Lift up its lid and you’ll find both the fresh and waste water tanks, while the dust bag and detergent tank are behind the accent panel on the front of the base. It’s also compatible with the Dreame Water Hookup Kit if you wanted a fully automated water refill and drainage system, which is a nice added benefit; I didn’t test this for my review, but broadly speaking, these hookup systems are fairly reliable.

(Image credit: Future)

Behind the scenes, there’s a lot more going on in the base; it's self-emptying and refilling, but also packs cleaning tech for both the dust bin and mop pads, offering heated water mop wetting and hot air drying as well as UV light treatment for bacteria removal.

(Image credit: Future)

The robot itself similarly manages to pack ample features and functionality into its relatively compact body. It benefits from the direct time of flight (DToF) sensors situated within the sensor tower for accurate navigation and mapping. This can sink into the robovac in order to reach beneath low-clearance furniture, where it relies on its front-facing camera for navigation and obstacle detection instead. You can remove the lid of the robot vacuum to access the dust bin and set up QR code.

(Image credit: Future)

The underside is where the action happens. Here is where you’ll find its array of cleaning tools. Let’s get the bad news out of the way; while the extending side-arm is fantastic for edge cleaning, my robovac nemesis as a long-haired person are bristled side-arms. Hair is easily tangled, but I’ve yet to test a robovac where I don’t face this problem. Thankfully, the dual brush rollers (Dreame calls these the Hypersteam Detangling Duobrush) are super effective, making light work of pet and human hair alike.

You’ll also find the Dreame X50 Ultra Complete’s golden goose amidst the cleaning tools: two stumpy 'legs' that allow the vacuum to safely propel itself over small thresholds and furniture legs.

• Design score: 5 out of 5

Dreame X50 Ultra: performance

• Thorough vacuuming, superb mopping, and excellent edge cleaning
• Threshold clearing is impressive, but descents are alarmingly noisy
• Pop-down puck consistently identified low thresholds

After a painless five-minute setup and quick mapping, the Dreame X50 Ultra is a dream-e come true, passing almost all of my standard robovac tests with flying colors.

Let's start with the special features. The tiny legs could be a game-changer for anyone with tall thresholds. The vacuum will square up against the surface and extend its legs to vault itself up and on to the surface. This part is a little slow, but overall works extremely well. You can see it in action below (filmed at a press event, where I could capture a clearer view of the mechanism in action).

Moving downhill is a little less graceful, and involves charging off the ledge and landing with an alarming crash.

The pop-down puck also worked well on test. I found it consistently identified low-threshold obstacles and receded into the vacuum. The inaccessible area beneath my sofa has never been cleaner.

Cleaning tests

Now on to the general cleaning performance. For this, I ran a range of vacuuming and mopping tests on different floor types.

On hard floors, the X50 Ultra Complete was easily able to collect a majority of the large, small and powder debris on its first pass of the area. While its side brush did send some debris flying, the vacuum returned for second and third rounds of cleaning to collect any mess it had missed the first time around. The story was much the same on my low and high-pile carpets, though as I’d expect, there was some residue left behind from the powder and fine debris.

When it comes to mopping, I was most impressed with the X50 Ultra, offering the most thorough mopping I’ve experienced so far, with ample controls in-app to customize your clean. I put the X50 Ultra to the test with sticky spills, wet spills and dried-on stains, and it cleaned each with ease, though did leave some small streaks. You can either mix in the Dreame-approved detergent directly to the water tank or use the built-in automated detergent tank; I found both worked well.

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(Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 4

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(Image credit: Future)

Edge cleaning is similarly impressive, thanks to the extending side-arm and mop pads, which paired with the X50 Ultra Complete’s excellent mapping to offer the most rigorous edge clean I’ve personally experienced.

The X50 Ultra Complete successfully identified all of the flooring types in my apartment, automatically adjusting the level of suction and mopping based on floor type and dirt levels. It features the increasingly popular mop-pad-lifting tech that keeps your carpets from getting soggy.

Broadly speaking, its obstacle detection is solid, though there were some exceptions; you’ll want to make sure small obstacles like shorter wires, crumpled paper and socks are cleared before setting of the X50 Ultra Complete.

Poop detection, however, has a quirk. Before I turned on Pet mode, the X50 Ultra Complete repeatedly failed to spot and avoid my mock pet poop. Instead, it barreled headfirst into the fake feces multiple times, especially when navigating between rooms, in low-light or on dark backdrops. However, its dodge rate improved significantly with Pet mode turned on. The X50 was able to avoid my fake pet poop 95% of the time with this mode on. (This is one of the settings we recommend you adjust when using any robot vacuum.)

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(Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 5

(Image credit: Future)

My apartment's skirting boards are difficult to clean even by hand, but the Dreame X50 made a solid attempt when confronted with high voluems fine powder. For spot cleans, it's excellent.

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(Image credit: Future)

Similarly, floor type and dirt detection worked really well for me, and while I’ve seen some reviewers found it didn’t always clock carpet, I didn’t face that issue in my testing. As a result, I also found the lift-off mop pads worked well and kept my carpets nice and dry.

When it’s done with clean-up, the Dreame X50 Ultra Complete returns to its base for self-cleaning and drying, which I was really impressed with. It not only washes the pads with hot water, but also dries them, and uses dual UV lamp bacteria removal technology to keep both the mop pads and the dust bag fresh and clean. Overall, it’s pretty low-maintenance, benefiting further from its effective dual-roller Hypersteam Detangling Duobrush requiring little-to-no hair removal. The side brush, however, is prone to clumps of tangled hair.

(Image credit: Future)

One of its only other failings is the battery life; Dreame quotes a 200 minute runtime on quiet mode and a 4.5-hour recharge. When tested in my home, I got an average of 90 minutes use out of the vacuum, which is certainly lower than I’d hope for such a pricey device. I’d assume that’s down to some of the more intelligent features, given the Dreame X40 Ultra features the same 6400 mAh battery but fared better in our testing.

• Performance score: 4.5 out of 5

Should I buy the Dreame X50 Ultra Complete?

Value

4

While pricey, the Dreame X50's extensive featurelist helps justify the price tag. Plus, it’s already attracting discounts.

Design

5

The Dreame X50 is well and truly decked out with an arsenal of cleaning tools, including threshold-clearing legs and a pop-down puck.

Performance

4.5

Excellent vacuuming and mopping, and especially good at edge cleaning. Slightly meagre battery life.

Buy it if...

You have lots of low-clearance furniture

Its receding sensor tower gives the X50 Ultra Complete much more mobility to reach and clean beneath low furniture.View Deal

You want superior edge cleaning

I was super impressed with the X50 Ultra Complete’s extending side brush and mop pads, which left my dusty corners cleaner than they’ve been in months.View Deal

You want a seriously low-maintenance robovac

It’s self-cleaning, has pretty effective dual brush rollers when it comes to crushing hair and broadly speaking does well at navigating the home, plus the Dreame X50 Ultra Complete comes with an arsenal of spare parts. View Deal

Don't buy it if...

You have a larger space

While it will return to base to recharge automatically mid-clean, the limited battery life means cleaning will take longer than usual.View Deal

You’ve got a messy home

Broadly, its object detection and navigation specs are great, but the X50 Ultra Complete did struggle on occasion with smaller obstacles, pet poop and the edges of rugs.View Deal

You’re on a budget

At an eyewateringly high price point even during sales, this is far from a budget robovac.View Deal

Dreame X50 Ultra Complete: also consider

Roborock Saros 10

The Roborock Saros 10 is probably the most direct competitor to Dreame’s X50 Ultra as of writing, with similar features and functions and also offering great performance. However, it doesn’t have rotating mop pads and can only cross 4cm thresholds, despite being at a very similar price point.

Read our full Roborock Saros 10 reviewView Deal

Eufy X10 Pro Omni

At time of writing, this bot sits at the top of our best robot vacuum ranking as the model we recommend to most people. It's significantly cheaper than the Saros 10 but not as cutting-edge. There's no pop-up puck here; threshold clearance is much lower; it can't dispense detergent; plus the dock is significantly less stylish. However, it still cleans extremely well, and the mop is great (it uses the dual spinning pads).

Read our full Eufy X10 Pro Omni reviewView Deal

How I tested the Dreame X50 Ultra Complete

I used the Dreame X50 Ultra for two months as my primary robot vacuum, completing regular cleaning cycles in addition to my deeper testing. To test pickup performance, I used everything from fine powder (cornflour) to oats and grains to see how well the vacuum clears up debris both in the middle and at the edges of rooms. To test mopping performance, I made wet, sticky and dry spills for the device to clean up, and I also left various obstacles around my flat to test navigation and object detection.I’ve been testing robot vacuums for three years, and in that time I’ve tried everything from cheaper models to premium devices like the Dreame X50 Ultra, which means I’ve got a solid understanding of what makes a robot vacuum worth the money.

Here's more on how we test robot vacuums

WiZ HDMI Sync Box with TV Backlight: two-minute review

The first step of setting up my WiZ HDMI Sync Box Kit was actually removing my Nanoleaf 4D Screen Mirror Kit, as that was what I had been using for TV accent lighting prior to the test period. Both Nanoleaf and WiZ are among the best smart light brands and so being able to directly compare the two was a valuable asset for the review process.

I’ll admit I was a little sad to put the old Nanoleaf light strip into storage but I really wasn’t going to miss the camera that used to linger above my screen. Luckily, the WiZ HDMI Sync Box Kit doesn’t have any unwelcome distractions like that, and the setup was a good deal cleaner too.

The light strip's corner pieces are cleverly designed to accommodate different screen sizes (Image credit: Abigail Shannon)

My television is 55 inches, and it was definitely the smallest screen the 55-65” kit could fit on. In fact, I had to readjust my positioning a couple of times to avoid any sections of the LED strip going beyond the TV’s edge. Thanks to the adhesive clips and weirdly ingenious corner sections included with the kit, I was to achieve an application that I was confident would last.

Alongside the included LCD light strip, I also tested the Sync Box’s functionality with other WiZ products, including the Gradient Light Bars. The app has a clever and easy-to-use function where you essentially tell it where your extra lights are in relation to your television and that dictates how its colors shift. Sure enough, the synced lights change in line with the light strip, further expanding the glowing halo around whatever episode of Kitchen Nightmares I happen to be watching.

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The Sync Box only has one HDMI input, but it supports switch splitters (Image credit: Abigail Shannon)Image 2 of 2

The Sync Box only has one HDMI input, but it supports switch splitters (Image credit: Abigail Shannon)

When it got to actually testing the WiZ HDMI Sync Box Kit, I encountered a bit of a problem: my partner and I are the kind of adult children who own at least one of every current gen console, so the singular HDMI 2.0 port included with the WiZ HDMI Sync Box Kit was just not going to cut it.

Thankfully, the sync box supports the use of switch splitters, meaning you can expand your number of inputs provided you’re happy to spend a little extra. Depending on how many more ports you need, HDMI splitters can set you back about $10 to $50, so keep that added cost in mind if you plan to use the WiZ HDMI Sync Box Kit while gaming across multiple platforms.

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You can extend the effect further with the WiZ Light Bars and Gradient Lamp (Image credit: Abigail Shannon)Image 2 of 2

You can extend the effect further with the WiZ Light Bars and Gradient Lamp (Image credit: Abigail Shannon)

Skull and Bones is undoubtedly not one of gaming’s greats, but it happened to be one my partner was playing at the time – and, in its defence, it does have an open world that delivers a good deal of color information for the sync box to work with. As I expected, the deep grey-blue of the game’s sea was reflected really beautifully on the wall behind my screen, but what was particularly impressive was when a blast of lightning cut across the game’s skybox.

This in-game weather phenomenon prompted a localised shock of white light to cut across my walls, adding a fabulous sense of drama to what was otherwise rather goofy game.

The WiZ HDMI Sync Box and Light Strip worked particularly well with the weather effects in Skull and Bones (Image credit: Abigail Shannon)

On the other hand, playing Dead by Daylight on a map with a grimy, rust colored palette intermittently produced the most random shade of violet. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a sucker for some good bisexual lighting at the best of times, but I’d appreciate it if my light strip stuck just a tad closer to the script.

One mechanic in Dead by Daylight involves the appearance of what’s called a ‘terror radius’, causing a blood-red glow to emit from another player’s character. When the sync box picked up the terror radius, it looked superb and truly enhanced the thrill of the chase. The only problem was, it didn’t activate all that reliably.

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I sometimes experienced color inaccuracies from the light strip while playing Dead by Daylight (Image credit: Abigail Shannon)Image 2 of 2

I sometimes experienced color inaccuracies from the light strip while playing Dead by Daylight (Image credit: Abigail Shannon)

Some kind of colored light was always present and enhancing the atmosphere of my media setup, but there were times where I’d pay especially close attention to the WiZ light strip’s output and realise how arbitrary its choices were. I navigated the WiZ app (which as mentioned in my WiZ Gradient Floor Lamp review, is a breeze) and tried to force a firmware update, hoping this would resolve these quirks. Unfortunately, it seems like the WiZ HDMI Sync Box Kit has a tiny rebellious streak that can’t be quashed.

WiZ HDMI Sync Box with TV Backlight: specifications

Connectivity

Wi-Fi (2.4GHz only), Bluetooth

Smart home compatibility

Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Matter

Supported resolution

4K at 60hz

Supported HDR formats

HDR10+, Dolby Vision

Supported screen sizes

55-65 inch or 75-80 inch

Brightness

Not specified

Color temperature

2,700-6,500k

Total LED strip length

8.5ft / 2.6m

WiZ HDMI Sync Box with TV Backlight: price and availability

• 55-65 inch kit price: $89 / £79.99
• 75-85” inch price: $109 / £99.99
• Where to buy: Amazon, WiZ (US only)

The 55-65” WiZ HDMI Sync Box Kit costs $89, while the larger 85” model comes with a bit of a premium at $109. Both can be purchased on the WiZ site or on Amazon.

If you’re in the UK, you can browse WiZ products on the website but when it comes to actually popping them in your basket, you’ll have to head to Amazon. Here, you can pick up the 65” kit for £79.99 and the 85” kit for £99.99.

Should you buy the WiZ HDMI Sync Box with TV BacklightBuy it if

You like your TV experience more theatrical

Screen mirroring smart lights transform your living space to match the vibe of the show, film, or game you’re enjoying; it’s fun, it’s flashy, and it’s a little silly. If that sounds like your jam, you know what to add to your shopping list.

You’re on a budget

Whereas some HDMI sync boxes can cost you close to $250, the WiZ HDMI Sync Box Kit is just $90 (or $109 if you’re opting for the larger size). This is an especially attractive option if you’ve recently splashed the cash on a new TV.

You don’t want a camera

While Nanoleaf offers a screen-mirroring smart light kit that’s similarly-priced, it relies on information from a camera feed instead of a HDMI input. Depending on the layout of your TV, you can have the camera below or above your screen but either way, it’s a little distracting.

Don't buy it if

You rely on smart TV streaming apps

Given the WiZ HDMI Sync Box Kit bases its screen mirroring on data from a HDMI source, you can’t use it in tandem with smart TV apps. If you watch the majority of your media directly on your TV instead of a console or cable box, you might want to explore other smart light options.

You want a sync box that natively supports multiple HDMI inputs
While you have the option to hook up a switch splitter, the WiZ HDMI Sync Box only supports one HDMI input as standard. If you have multiple gaming consoles, keep in mind you’ll have to drop an extra $30 to allow you quickly change between them.

You’d like illumination from all angles

The light strip included with the WiZ HDMI Sync Box Kit provides coverage across the top and sides of your TV or monitor. The lack of light on the bottom is barely noticeable on standing TVs but is a good deal more obvious if your TV is wall-mounted.

WiZ HDMI Sync Box with TV Backlight: also consider

If you’re not totally sold on the WiZ HDMI Sync Box Kit, it might be worth checking out alternatives like the Nanoleaf 4D Screen Mirror + Lightstrip Kit and the Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box.

Specification

WiZ HDMI Sync Box with TV Backlight

Nanoleaf 4D Screen Mirror + Lightstrip Kit

Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box 4K

Price

$89 / £79.99 (up to 65 inches)

$109 / £99.99 (up to 85 inches)

$99.99 / £81.94 (up to 65 inches)

$119.99 / £105.52 (up to 85 inches)

$249.99 / £229.99 (light strips sold separately)

Screen mirroring input

HDMI 2.0 Sync Box (single input)

Camera

HDMI 2.1 Sync Box (four inputs)

Supported resolution

4k at 60hz

N/A

4K at 60hz
(8K variant also available)

Supported HDR formats

HDR10+, Dolby Vision

N/A

HDR10+, Dolby Vision

Supported screen size

55-65 inch or 75-85 inch

Up to 65 inch or up to 85 inch

Lights sold separately, Hue Bridge required to link

Smart home compatibility

Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Matter

Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Matter

Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit (Matter compatible if used with Hue Bridge, sold separately)

Light strip length

8.5ft / 2.6m

11.2ft / 3.4m

13.1ft / 4m

17ft / 5.2m

N/A

Brightness

Not specified

1,075 lumens (65 inch variant)

1,122 lumens (85 inch variant)

N/A

Color temperature

2,700-6,500K

2,700-6,500K

N/A

How I tested the WiZ HDMI Sync Box with TV Backlight

• I connected the WiZ HDMI Sync Box Kit to my TV
• I tested the Sync Box using input from my PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X
• I experimented with in-app features and controls

During the two weeks I used the WiZ HDMI Sync Box Kit, I enjoyed a variety of films, tv shows, and video games while observing how the LCD light strip emulated what was onscreen. After assessing the functionality of the light strip alone, I also connected the Sync Box to the WiZ Gradient Light Bars and the WiZ Gradient Floor Lamp. For more details, see how we test, rate, and review at TechRadar.

First reviewed July 2025

I'm writing this article in June 2025, and with all that I do, I have never had more virtual meetings in my average workday than I do today. I constantly jump between virtual meetings, in-person meetings, projects, tasks, phone calls, Slack, and more. However, a large portion of many people's day-to-day lives is spent on virtual meetings. It expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic out of necessity. As of 2025, most meetings default to virtual unless otherwise specified. I experienced this today with a client meeting. They assumed we were meeting virtually through my plan, so I headed to them to meet in person.

The reality is that businesses, for the most part, need to be hybrid and flexible. That's where a quality webcam comes into play. Suppose your first impression, handshake, and first words were vital in an in-person interaction. In that case, your camera presence, clarity, and ability to articulate as though you were in the same room are of the highest priority. For me, the Logitech Brio 705 did just that. It elevated my otherwise mediocre virtual presence, which was limited to my main desk, to a whole new level.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Logitech MX Brio 705: Pricing and Availability

The Logitech Brio 705 for Business retails for just under $200 and is available at Logitech, Best Buy, Amazon, and many other retailers. If you are looking for this device to be on a corporate machine that you have control of, it may make sense to sign up for Logitech Sync as well, so it notifies me if anyone is struggling.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Logitech MX Brio 705 for Business: Unboxing & first impressions

One of the first things that I noticed about this camera is that it has a dial on the front around the camera itself to physically close the shutter. Now I have never been the kind of person who would put a camera cover on my MacBook Pro, but I do appreciate seeing camera covers on laptops, and now in webcams. I've heard enough horror stories and rumors to make me feel like that is a good idea to keep things covered up just to protect privacy and help put my mind at ease.

After that revelation, I noticed that the setup is super simple, with a multi-functional base, plus a single cable. The base is great because if you don't need it, it magnetically pops off. This is great for those setups that have a mount. But, for those who don't have a fancy mount in their setup, the base is a great option, allowing you to place the camera on just about any monitor shape or size, or on top of a lightbar from just about any brand if they follow the classic BenQ styling.

Logitech MX Brio 705 for Business: Design & Build Quality

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Specs

Resolution: 4K/30fps, 1080p/60, 720p/60;
FOV: 65°/78°/90°
Sensor: 8.5MP Sony STARVIS
Zoom: 4× digital
Mic: Dual beamforming, 1.2 m pickup radius
Connectivity: 1.5 m USB‑C cable
Weight: 4.8 oz w/o clip; 6.2 oz with mount

The design is sleek, it's professional yet stylish, and it looks great for just about any workspace. I've had this set up at my home office, in my product shoot area, in a more traditional "office" space, and it's also small enough that I took it with me on a trip in my backpack so that I could keep great video quality away from my desk.

I'm a really big fan of darker tech, especially the graphite colorway that Logitech used for this camera, so that design choice scores high in my book. Another thing that I have recently been playing with is mounting gear in my setup with my MonoBlocc mounting grid behind my main monitor, the BenQ MA320U, in my home office.

With this mounting system, I was able to remove the base of the camera and add a perfectly placed camera shot up and above my monitor, right by a light bar, to give me the perfect angle every time. And, since the base is magnetic and easy to add back on, when I took this camera off of this workspace and moved it to others I could use the highly adjustable base to make it work just about anywhere.

Logitech MX Brio 705 for Business: In use

For my use case, I have chosen to allow for the re-framing feature, but I slowed it down. I frequently stand at my workstation and when I stand I move around a bit. When it's just me on camera, it's not distracting, but if my camera is constantly re-adjusting to find me and zoom in and zoom out and so on, it's a bit ridiculous.

So, I slowed down the reframing, and that seemed to do the trick beautifully. Personally, I don't have many use-cases for show mode, but I could see this super helpful for those who are physically drawing things, are showing what they are working on, or if you are teaching then this feature could be super nice to be able to better showcase to your online viewers what's going on.

I've noticed that the mics work better than I expected. For years, I was an AirPod-only kind of person for virtual meetings, but as webcams like this have gotten better, for quite a few meetings, I have used the webcam mic. So far, I've heard only positives about the clarity of my audio. I have yet to have anyone mention that it's muffled, unclear, faint, or poor.

One downside for Windows users that I have noticed is the lack of ability to sync with Windows Hello, meaning you'll have to use your laptop's camera for this feature or utilize another login method when docked. It's a bummer for sure, but I also understand why Logitech didn't want to go through that certification process.

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Minimalist and Powerful

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ease of use

Easy to use on any OS

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Practicality

Great for most

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Price

Priced well for the product

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Logitech MX Brio 705 for Business: Final verdict

The Logitech Brio 705 for Business is an excellent option for those seeking a high-quality webcam without breaking the bank. It offers a great combination of visual quality, audio quality, and features without being overloaded with unnecessary ones. If you are looking for a camera for virtual meetings or presentations, or if you want a camera that works in both a designated setup or a setup on the go, check out the Logitech Brio 705 for Business.

I've known Vari for its standing desks for a while. Even more than that, I've checked out quite a bit from the company over the years.

Vari offers a wide range of gear, and so far my experience with all of it has been really good. The ComfortFlex is no different. One of the best office chairs I've tried, it offers a great option for those who use their office for long hours, and especially if they use their home office for more than just work.

For many, the home office space doubles as a hobby area, a gaming station, or something similar. This chair is perfect for those scenarios as it offers all-day comfort, a great leg rest for more lounging options, and a premium mesh build with excellent lumbar support and adjustability all around.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Vari ComfortFlex Office Chair: Pricing and Availability

The ComfortFlex office chair is offered directly on Vari's website for $549. These chairs ship directly from Vari and are wait-listed at the time of writing this article, though I do hope they come back in soon. Vari generously offers a 30-day return window on this chair, and there is a 5-year warranty as well.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Vari ComfortFlex Office Chair: Unboxing & first impressions

Unboxing this chair was, admittedly, nothing special. The packaging was robust and compact. The assembly took me about 15-minutes and while it was not complex, it is worth noting that the screws were labeled as letters in the kit, but by size in the manual. While this isn't a huge deal, it is a bit annoying.

The build process was actually made more time-consuming due to the massive amount of packaging materials, which is of course a pro, but a bit annoying when assembling.

From the first sit, I loved the mesh, the comfort of the seat and the legrest. Legrests I feel are hard to get right. Either they feel very gimmicky, they are ignored all together, or they are great. This one is great. Not too much but just right.

Vari ComfortFlex Office Chair: Design & Build Quality

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Specs

Weight Capacity: 300 lb
Seat Height: 17.5″–20.75″, width 19.5″, depth adjustable
Tilt Angles: 96°/106°/116° recline lock

The Vari ComfortFlex Office Chair is the kind of chair that fits perfectly in a home office, a corporate office, or a co-working space. It's clean, simple, modern, yet comfortable enough to enjoy working in without wishing for a more comfortable option.

The base is made of aluminum and is sturdy, even with a good amount of weight on it. The mesh lumbar, backrest, and neck portion are all layered in a cool way that looks sleek yet professional.

My one negative I noticed early on is that the armrests feel a bit too firm for my liking, but that could be just me.

Vari ComfortFlex Office Chair: In use

I've had this chair in my queue and with my team for 110 days at the time of writing this review. It has been used primarily by me, at 6'2", 200lbs, and by another member of the team who is 5'9" and about 150 lbs. For both of us, this chair feels like it's a great fit. The lumbar spine is dynamic and responsive, providing support to both of us, even though we are of different heights. The legrest is great for leaning back while on the phone, reading, grinding away on a laptop, or even gaming.

The armrests are the one grip for both of us, though. They are adjustable in height and width, but they don't pivot inward, so for anyone who likes to pull those in tight, this chair may be a bit frustrating.

In the 100+ hours that we have spent in this chair, we have had no other major frustrations. It's a great chair; it's just as comfortable as it was on day one, and it's still working without any issues.

It's not until you have a chair with a leg rest that you truly appreciate just how great it is. Furthermore, it's not until you have a chair with a legrest in your own home office that you truly understand this. In the comfort of your own home office, you don't usually mind kicking back and taking that meeting reclined, or reading that contract or article while you have your feet up. Or, when you finish working for the day, use the legrest as a way to mentally flip from work to play. No matter how you prefer to do it, this chair is great for users who want some versatility.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Minimalist and professional

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ease of use

Easy to use

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Practicality

Great for those wanting a simple chair for their home office

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Price

Priced well for the product

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Vari ComfortFlex Office Chair: Final verdict

The Vari ComfortFlex is a great all around chair. It's great for work, it's great for play, it's great for reading, and it's great for pretty much anything you'd do in your home office. It's made wonderful due to the dynamic lumbar, the mesh breathability and the built in retractable footrest, but as long as you don't need to be able ot bring your armrests in, this chair could be perfect for you.

Street Fighter 6 Years 1-2 Edition marks the fighting game’s availability on Nintendo Switch 2 - as a launch title for the console no less. Back in 2023, I scored Street Fighter 6 five stars in my review, praising everything from its world class visuals to its intense one-on-one battles - backed up by the incredible Drive gauge system that allows for a high skill ceiling.

Review information

Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2
Available on: Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Release date: June 6, 2025 (originally released on June 2, 2023)

On Nintendo Switch 2, that high-quality experience has been replicated for the most part. Seemingly gone are the days of heavily compromised fighting game ports (looking at you, Mortal Kombat 1), as Capcom’s highly scalable RE Engine shows that even the best looking fighting games can still run and play great on a handheld machine.

Now, okay, you’re not quite getting the crystalline image quality of Street Fighter 6 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S or indeed PC. The Switch 2 version does look slightly worse, with noticeable graining and overall lower resolution - exacerbated when blown up on a 4K display. But honestly, it’s not a million miles away from those other versions, and the game is still perfectly readable and maintains a solid 60fps performance where it matters: in those intense online matches as well as most offline modes.

Perhaps obviously, it’s the single-player World Tour mode that suffers the most. Granted, it’s far from perfect on other systems, but you’ll really feel the compromises on Switch 2, with noticeable animation frame limiting on distant non-player characters (NPCs) and a hard 30fps lock during battles - far from ideal.

Still, everything else in the package is comparable. And with full crossplay support and a complete character roster at the time of writing, you can hop into one of the best fighting games on Nintendo Switch 2 and start ranking up just as well as you can on other consoles. Well, so long as you’re using a Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller for Classic motion inputs, of course. But more on that later.

The gang's all here

(Image credit: Capcom)

So first off, what’s included in Street Fighter 6 Years 1-2 Edition on Switch 2? As mentioned, you’re getting the entire roster of fighters. That’s 18 from the launch version, in addition to the four DLC characters from Year 1 (Rashid, A.K.I., Ed, and Akuma) and four from Year 2 (M. Bison, Terry Bogard, Mai Shiranui, and Elena). You’re also getting four DLC stages and a decent amount of Drive Tickets to spend in the game’s shop. Sadly, additional character outfits aren’t included in this package - you’ll have to buy those separately.

Otherwise, this is a feature-complete version of Street Fighter 6. All three main content hubs are here, including the single-player World Tour mode. You’ll also find the Battle Hub for hanging out with player-created avatars and engaging in casual online matches, as well as Fighting Ground where you have access to the bulk of the game’s modes. That includes ranked and unranked online matches, Arcade mode, training, and combo trials for every character.

There are also a couple of modes exclusive to the Switch 2 version of Street Fighter 6, but these are unfortunately novelties that wore off after a couple of tries. Gyro Battle uses the Joy-Con 2’s motion controls for special move inputs, while Calorie Contest also applies those motion inputs to a gimmicky fitness-based mode. Both are inoffensive inclusions, but you likely won’t look at them twice unless you want to get your grandma into Street Fighter, or something.

The Joy (Con) of fighting

(Image credit: Capcom)

How I feel about Street Fighter 6 now hasn’t changed much over the last couple of years. It’s still one of the best fighting games available today, with plenty of content for both casual and hardcore players to sink their teeth into.

That being said, there may be some growing pains for those jumping over to the Switch 2 version, or playing the game for the first time on the new hardware. While the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is a fine fit for Street Fighter 6’s Classic control scheme (which grants full access to characters’ moves and full motion inputs), the Joy-Con 2 certainly isn’t.

That’s because it’s almost impossible to reliably input directional special moves - especially the likes of the Dragon Punch motion and Zangief’s full-circle Spinning Pile Driver - on the Joy-Con 2’s button-styled d-pad.

However, if you prefer the Modern control scheme, which simplifies special moves to a single direction, you’ll have a much easier time if all you can play with is the Joy-Con 2. And it still helps that Modern is an incredibly well-designed control scheme that’s even preferred by no shortage of professional Street Fighter 6 players, so you absolutely can hop online and learn the game efficiently in this way.

Small world

(Image credit: Capcom)

As for World Tour, Street Fighter 6’s marquee single-player mode, it’s certainly something I’ve still got a soft spot for - but it’s definitely not at its best on Switch 2. In case you’re unaware, World Tour has your player-created avatar exploring 3D environments, getting into fights, and meeting legendary Street Fighter characters in order to level up and learn new moves - all in aid of winning tournaments and becoming the strongest fighter in the world. It’s not without its faults, with plenty of incredibly tanky enemies who love employing cheap tactics like lobbing wrenches from across the screen, but it is a fun diversion from the chaos of the online suites.

While it was never a top performer even on PS5, Xbox, and PC, World Tour on Switch 2 does suffer from some compromises. Draw distance is quite poor, and there’s plenty of choppy animation on distant NPCs. Overworld exploration targets 60fps and does get there frequently, but actual battles are strictly locked to 30fps, which simply feels horrible in a fighting game - even in a more casual-friendly environment.

I’d still say World Tour is worth a playthrough if you haven’t tried it before, as the experience here is far from unplayable. Just be prepared for a massive disconnect in performance between it and the rest of the package, which manages to be incredibly stable on Switch 2.

Should I play Street Fighter 6 Years 1-2 Edition on Switch 2?Play it if...

You want a version of the game for portable play
Despite a downgrade in overall image quality, playing Street Fighter 6 in handheld mode is a surprisingly stable experience and one that’s plenty fun whether you’re tucked in bed or out and about.

You want the entire roster at an affordable price
Featuring most of the content released across the game’s first two years - sans old battle passes and character costumes - Years 1-2 Edition is a genuinely great deal.

Don't play it if...

You have access to Street Fighter 6 on other systems
As impressive as Street Fighter 6 on Switch 2 is, if you’re able to play the game on PS5, Xbox, or PC, I would still recommend those versions for their better image quality and performance in World Tour mode.

You don’t have the time to learn a fighting game
Street Fighter 6 may be the most popular fighting game out there, but it’s certainly one of the more complex ones with its intricate Drive system, varied character movesets, and no shortage of fighting game-specific terminology.

Accessibility

Street Fighter 6’s accessibility suite is just as impressive on Switch 2 as it is on other consoles and PC. For one, the Modern control scheme is an excellent onboarding tool for players intimidated by the complicated Classic layout. Modern doesn’t give access to a character’s full move list, but it does greatly simplify special move inputs and provides easy combo routes, allowing you to hop online and see success almost right away.

In terms of other accessibility options, there are plenty. Audio options are particularly impressive, with the ability to enable a ‘distance to opponent’ sound to aid players with vision impairments. You can also enable unique sound effects for high, mid, and low attacks, as well as ones for remaining health and Super Art gauge levels.

Sadly, there are no colorblind settings to speak of, and on Switch 2, there are fewer graphical and visual options in general than on other systems.

How I reviewed Street Fighter 6 Years 1-2 Edition

I played Street Fighter 6 Years 1-2 Edition on Nintendo Switch 2 for around 28 hours for this review. That included significant progress in World Tour mode, as well as several rounds of Arcade mode, combo trials, and online matches, both ranked and casual.

In docked mode, playing on an LG CX OLED TV, my controller of choice was the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller. I also tested the game in handheld mode using the Joy-Con 2 controllers.

As a huge fighting game fan, I also reviewed the original Street Fighter 6 release on PS5. I’ve also provided reviews for Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising and Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, so I feel confident in delivering a review of the Switch 2 port of Street Fighter 6 that’s fair and coming from a standpoint of whether or not it’s worth your time and money.

Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6: One minute review

The Theater Bar 6's packaging (Image credit: Future)

The Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 lives up to the ‘Theater’ part of its name. If you want to upgrade your TV’s audio but can’t quite go the full home theater route, the next best thing is a soundbar with a separate subwoofer for extended, theater-like bass. As great as the best soundbars are, not all come with, or even support, external subwoofers, and that low rumble a subwoofer delivers makes the biggest difference between hearing a movie and feeling it.

Dolby Atmos speakers for height effects take the theater experience to the next step, and the Sony Bravia Theater 6, along with having a powerful wireless subwoofer, has upward-firing speakers for immersive spatial audio.

While the Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 has some shortcomings – there’s a delayed response when using Sony’s Bravia Connect control app, and the soundbar’s soundstage is a bit narrower than I would like – I still think it’s a strong contender for the best Dolby Atmos soundbar.

Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 review: Price & release date

The Theater Bar 6's full set of accessories (Image credit: Future)

• Released in April 2025
• Price: $649.00 / £449.00 / AU$899

The Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 soundbar is widely available for $649.00 / £449.00 / AU$899).

That price is far from budget, though the Theater Bar 6 does include a wireless subwoofer, not to mention a good feature set including some first-party integration with Sony Bravia TVs. The soundbar's upward-firing speakers, which let it deliver Dolby Atmos and DTS:X height effects without resorting to virtual processing, add to the cost as well.

Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 review: Specs

Dimensions (W x H x D)

Bar: 37.5 x 2.63 x 4.38 inch / 950 x 64 x 110 mm, (Sub) 8.27 x 15.28 x 15.28 inch / 210 x 388 x 388 mm

Speaker channels

3.1.2

Connections:

1x HDMI (with eARC), optical, digital, Bluetooth, USB, IR

Dolby Atmos/DTS:X

Yes/Yes

Sub included

Yes

Rear speakers included

No

Features

Bravia Sync, DSEE, app support

Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 review: Features

Ports include one HDMI with eARC/ARC and optical digital (Image credit: Future)

• Can upmix stereo to spatial audio
• Night mode is clear while limiting audio spikes
• Voice mode is subtle enough not to distort audio

The Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6’s feature set is a bright spot. There's the aforementioned Bravia Sync (along with an enhanced dialogue mode that can be used with Bravia TVs) and it can upmix stereo audio to spatial audio. There’s Bluetooth connectivity, though no Wi-Fi streaming, and a bunch more features that you’ll find digging through the Sony Bravia Connect app.

Most notably, I want to mention the app’s Night Mode and Voice Mode features. The first does a wonderful job of flattening audio so you can hear it clearly, even though almost all dynamic range has been lost. That makes it perfect for watching when someone else in your home is asleep.

The Voice mode boosts the frequency range where the dialogue in movies and TV shows sits. And it does so without distorting the way the audio sounds, which is usually the case with voice or dialogue modes.

Using the app gives you access to a lot more functions for setting up and adjusting the soundbar. However, there seemed to be a delay with every press when I tested the Theater Bar 6. If I turned up the volume or adjusted the bass level, I had to do it slowly so that the app registered and transmitted each press to the soundbar. I don’t quite understand the lag, as the soundbar has Bluetooth 5.3, which is not that old a Bluetooth standard, and should be sufficient to register a control command quickly.

• Features score: 4.5 / 5

Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 review: Performance

The Theater Bar 6's support feet are easy to install (Image credit: Future)

• Good overall audio quality
• Lots of power from subwoofer
• Soundstage is a bit narrow

Now to the interesting part. The Theater Bar 6’s sound quality is very good. It’s full without sounding bloated, and the high-end is crisp and clear. Bass from the system’s subwoofer is massive – I had the subwoofer’s level set at 4 out of 10 and still got quite the punch from it. Most listeners will be more than happy with the Theater Bar 6’s sound.

That said, there is one area where the sound falls a little short. The soundstage is a bit narrower than I would like. I tested with action-packed movies, such as The Batman and Deadpool & Wolverine, and I didn’t sense a lot of movement with sound effects. That’s not to say it’s not there. It’s just not dramatic like one would expect from a sound system with the word “Theater” in it.

The Theater Bar 6’s limited soundstage didn’t quite take me out of the experience, but it is certainly a limitation. At least the subwoofer delivers a nice rumble that you can feel, and the Dolby Atmos speakers add some height to the audio. The effect is subtle, but everything just sounds a little taller.

• Performance score: 4.5 / 5

Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 review: Design

The Theater Bar 6's wireless subwoofer provides deep, solid bass (Image credit: Future)

• Soundbar and subwoofer on the big side
• Features upward-firing speakers
• Limited port selection

The Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 is essentially two pieces: the soundbar itself and a subwoofer. The soundbar is fairly wide, measuring 37 1/2 inches across, as well as 2 5/8 inches tall and 4 3/8 inches deep (950 x 64 x 110 mm). If you have anything smaller than a 50-inch TV, then this soundbar is too big for it.

It comes in matte black and has a few LED indicators that light up on the lower right side whenever anything is changed. I do prefer an actual LED display that gives more information, but this more minimal way of communicating changes to settings seems to be the norm for most mid-range and budget soundbars.

This is a 3.1.2 system with six total speakers, with five of them in the soundbar itself. The left, center, and right speakers are all, as is expected, front-facing, though I would have expected the left and right to maybe angle out a little. The wo upward-firing speakers align with the left and right ones. Those speakers are angled so that they’ll bounce sound off the ceiling to the listener’s ears.

The port selection is pretty slim here, though that’s not unusual in this price range. Besides power, there’s one HDMI and one optical port. Both ports support quite a few features. For example, the HDMI supports eARC, allowing you to listen to Dolby Atmos and DTS:X content, as well as HDMI CEC, which allows you to use your TV’s remote to control the volume on the soundbar. It also supports Bravia Sync, a feature that requires a Bravia TV.

If you plan on buying the Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6, make sure you have enough space for the wireless subwoofer, as it’s quite hefty, measuring 8.26 x 15.28 x 15.28 in (210 x 388 x 388 mm). It comes in the same matte black finish, has one plug for power, a forward-facing woofer, and a bass reflex port (the big hole in the front) to extend bass response.

• Design score: 4.5 / 5

Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 review: Setup & usability

The Bravia Theater 6 comes with a basic remote control, but many more sound adjustments are available in the Bravia Connect app (Image credit: Future)

• Simple setup
• App is straightforward
• Remote control is intuitive

The physical setup of the Theater Bar 6 is very easy, just requiring a screwdriver for attaching the rubber feet that raise the soundbar off the surface it’s sitting on by half an inch. Connecting it to a TV just requires either an HDMI or optical cable (Sony includes an HDMI cable).

Subwoofer setup is even easier. After connecting it to power, it automatically links to the soundbar wirelessly (though there are instructions on how to pair if there’s an issue).

Despite my annoyance with the app’s lagging, setting it up and pairing it with the soundbar is also straightforward. There are a number of screens to go through, but there’s nothing confusing, and you just follow the instructions or answer the questions on the screen.

As far as using the soundbar, you either interact with it via the remote or the app, as there are no physical buttons on the unit. The remote is straightforward in its operation, and the Voice mode and Night mode each have their own buttons.

• Setup & usability score: 5 / 5

Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 review: Value

The Theater Bar 6 features two upfiring speakers for Atmos height effects (Image credit: Future)

• Can find Dolby Atmos models with a subwoofer for cheaper
• Priced about right for the quality
• Stiff competition from companies like Samsung

The Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6’s price tag of $649.00 / £449.00 / AU$899 is nowhere near budget. Consider the Hisense AX5125H with its current pricing of $299 / £349 (roughly AU$449). It’s a 5.1.2-channel system, so it not only comes with that subwoofer and upward-firing speakers but two rear speakers for surround sound capability. That said, it doesn’t have an app for any kind of EQ or audio fine-tuning. Even worse, the rear speakers can get overwhelmed and distort. That’s a good reminder that sometimes you do get what you pay for. It’s also worth mentioning that the Hisense originally went for $449 / £499 (roughly AU$599) when it was released in 2023.

A better comparison might be the Samsung HW-Q700C, a 3.1.2-channel soundbar system that goes for $549.99 / £599 / AU$899 that can be upgraded at a later date to surround sound, though getting those extra speakers will add $299 / £249 / AU$349 to the cost. It covers a lot of the same ground as the Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6, though the Samsung seems to suffer even more from app-related connectivity issues.

• Value score: 4 / 5

Should I buy the Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6?

Section

Notes

Score

Features

It can upmix stereo to spatial audio and has solid Night and Voice modes

4.5 / 5

Performance

The soundstage is a bit narrow, but the sound quality is very good, especially the low end, thanks to the powerful subwoofer

4.5 / 5

Design

On the bigger side, and there's no alphanumeric LED display for control feedback

4 / 5

Setup & usability

Everything about using the Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 is easy and intuitive

5 / 5

Value

A solid mid-range soundbar. You can find cheaper options with similar setups, but the quality may be less

4 / 5

Buy it if...

You want good sound quality
The audio quality is overall very good, especially the low end, and it’s only slightly held back by a narrow soundstage.

You want something easy
The Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 is powerful and does a lot. Even so, it’s easy to set up, and using it is intuitive.

You want Dolby Atmos
Not only does it sound good, but those upward-firing speakers add some dimensionality to audio. Plus, it can upmix stereo audio to take advantage of those extra speakers.

Don't buy it if...

You want surround sound
Sony’s 3.1.2 channels provide immersive sound, but it’s still not the same as surround sound.

You want a wide stereo image
It’s par for the course with soundbars, but the soundstage here is not particularly wide. If you want a wide stereo image, find a home theater system with actual speakers or a soundbar system with rear speakers.

Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 review: Also consider

Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6

Samsung HW-Q700C

Hisense AX5125H

Sony HT-A7000

Price

$649.00 / £449.00 / AU$899

$549.99 / £599 / AU$899

$299 / £349 (roughly AU$449)

$999 / £1,299 / AU$1,699

Dimensions (w x h x d)

Soundbar: 37.5 x 2.63 x 4.38 in (950 x 64 x 110 mm); Subwoofer: 8.27 x 15.28 x 15.28 in (210 x 388 x 388 mm)

Soundbar: 46.5 x 18.5 x 10.7 in (1182 x 468 x 272 mm); Subwoofer: 8 x 13.8 x 11.8 in (205 x 353 x 302 mm)

Soundbar: 36.2 x 18.8 x 3.5 in (920 x 478 x 90mm); Subwoofer: 8.5 x 12.3 x 11.9 in (210.5 x 310 x 300mm); Satellites: 3.6 x 5.7 x 4.3 in (90.1 x 140.5 x 110mm)

51.8 x 3.1 x 5.6 in(1300 x 80 x 142 mm)

Speaker channels

3.1.2

3.1.2

5.1.2

7.1.2

Connections

1x HDMI (with eARC), optical, digital, Bluetooth, USB, IR

1 x HDMI input, 1 x HDMI eARC support, digital optical, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

1x HDMI Out (eARC), 1x HDMI in, optical, USB, 3.5mm AUX

2 HDMI inputs, one HDMI output with eARC support, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

Dolby Atmos/DTS:X

Yes/Yes

Yes/Yes

Yes/Yes

Yes/Yes

Samsung HW-Q700C
A 3.1.2-channel system, the Samsung HW-Q700C is a little cheaper and covers a lot of the same ground. It does have similar (but worse) app-connectivity issues, and, like the Sony, it has some features that are only unlocked when used with Samsung TVs.

Read our full Samsung HW-Q700C review

Hisense AX5125H

The Hisense AX5125H comes fairly stripped down in the features department. However, it’s almost half the price while offering a subwoofer, upward-firing Dolby Atmos speakers, and rear speakers for surround sound. Unfortunately, audio can overwhelm those rear speakers.

Read our full Hisense AX5125H review

Sony HT-A7000
Sony’s current flagship soundbar ships as a single-bar solution. It still provides 7.1.2 channels and 500W, though, making it one of the most cinematic-sounding single-bar solutions. You can add optional rear and subwoofer speakers too, and it has 4K 120Hz HDMI pass-through.

Read our full Sony HT-A7000 review

How I tested the Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6

(Image credit: Future)

• I used the Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 for several weeks
• Tested with TV, movies, games, and music

I used the Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 regularly for several weeks. I watched movies, shows, games, and listened to music with it. I tested all the various features, especially the various audio modes.

After having tested the Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6, it’s clear that it’s an ideal soundbar for anyone who wants a somewhat premium, home theater-type experience without having to pay premium prices.

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

Read more about how we test

• First reviewed: July 2024

The CalDigit Element 5 is a beautifully designed docking station with the full power of Thunderbolt 5, which is barely even on the market yet. Still, CalDigit knows those who want the Thunderbolt 5 speeds are looking for a great solution to keep that speed everywhere.

When it comes to the wild speeds of Thunderbolt 5, it's one of the best docking stations around. However, outside of that, this dock is pretty standard, providing what you need without adding a dozen barely used ports.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )CalDigit Element 5: Pricing and Availability

The CalDigit Element 5 Thunderbolt Hub is available on its website, at major retailers like Amazon, and at many other retailers, shipping worldwide now. You can pick one up for $280, which is expensive; however, it's worth noting that this is brand-new technology with Thunderbolt 5, and the speeds you can transfer with this hub are truly impressive.

So, if you're interested in some of the best transfer speeds available, which you would notice in your workflow, this dock is a steal. If you don't notice the speeds, this dock is probably not for you.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )CalDigit Element 5: Unboxing & first impressions

CalDigit did it right with this Docking Station. It's simple, it's robust, it's minimal, and it's powerful. It has simple packaging, which is fitting as it's a relatively simple device. In the package is the Element 5 Hub itself, a Thunderbolt 5 Cable (of course), some rubber feet, and the power cable.

Something that I appreciate is that this dock is designed to be reversible. I've had several docks in the past that I've flipped around to get the ports to line up the way I want them to, specifically the computer in port. Still, then I'm left with the ports I don't want facing that way, too, and the dock is either upside down, spun around, or all around catawampus.

We can't have that - which is why it's super nice that the Element 5 is designed with this in mind. I can easily flip the side port to the computer to be on the left or the right, and I can still flip things around if I want the Thunderbolt ports to face me. Furthermore, if I wanted to, CalDigit suggests daisy-chaining multiple units together to get even more power (and ports) out of your setup.

CalDigit Element 5: Design & Build Quality

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Specs

Ports: 1× host TB5 (120 Gb/s), 3× TB5 (80 Gb/s), 2× USB‑C 10 Gb/s, 3× USB‑A 10 Gb/s
Power: 90 W to host
Display Support: Macs: dual 6K/8K60; Windows TB5 PCs: triple 4K60; TB4 PCs: dual displays
Dimensions: 114×70×25 mm; Weight: 0.20 kg

The CalDigit Element 5 is elegant and minimalist, as I have said, but that doesn't mean that it's frail or prone to breaking. This unit feels hefty and robust, like it will last for a long time even when put to heavy use regularly. It helps tidy my desk with its simple design, yet it can also fit in my bag or on the road for a portable setup without any problems.

One thing worth noting is that I really appreciate how CalDigit includes rubber feet to help keep the aluminum from scratching my beautiful wood desk. However, that may not make everyone as excited as I am; in fact, I would hope that most are not as excited as I am about that.

CalDigit Element 5: In use

The CalDigit Element 5 has been wonderful to use for the last few months. I've had this in my arsenal of gear for the last 120 days, and so far, it has taken every beating I have thrown at it. I have transferred huge data loads with it, I have run multiple displays, I have used it with macOS, Windows, ChromeOS, iPadOS, Dex, and more. It's been a fantastic tool for me, even on my simplest of setups, allowing power when needed, and the ability to tuck away when it's not needed.

For my beefier MacBooks and Dell Precisions that I have been testing, I have been able to appreciate the full 90W power output to charge these beasts of laptops, and for less demanding laptops I have been able to appreciate that it won't drown my comptuer with extra power, but rather tapers off and olny gives the compute what it needs.

The Thunderbolt 5 speeds still blow my mind all around. I can boost mode up to 120Gb/s, I can run up to 6200 MB/s SSD Speeds, I can run up to dual 8K 60Hz monitors on the right computer, and I can run this all from a 180W power supply, while supplying 90W of that to a laptop. It's all a bit insane, especially for how compact this dock is.

Of course, if you're on certain Macs, you won't be able to take advantage of all the display possibilities, but that's old news now. Speaking of old news, if I ever needed to dust off an old disk drive, even my Apple SuperDrive, I can, with confidence, know that this dock will run it. Funny to me that this is still a selling point in 2025, but regardless, it's good to know.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Cool and sleek design

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ease of use

Easy to use

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Practicality

Great for those anyone using Thunderbolt

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Price

Priced well for the product

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

CalDigit Element 5: Final verdict

If you are aware of the benefits of Thunderbolt 5 in your workflow, odds are you could benefit from this dock. For those who need max speed, where every second of transferring is valuable, and you want max power and display support, then this is your new best friend.

Panasonic Lumix S1 II: two-minute review

The S1 II is Panasonic's most powerful Lumix camera yet, debuting a partially-stacked 24.1MP sensor and an embarrassment of riches for video recording, including 19 pages of video codecs in the menus.

There are 6K and 4K options in various aspect ratios up to 60fps and 120fps respectively, plus a new open gate 5.1K option up to 60fps. Furthermore, ProRes Raw format is available in-camera with bitrates up to 4.2Gbps (that's not a typo), as is a Dynamic Range Boost mode – the latter delivers quite possibly the most detail-rich video I've seen at this price point.

The boost in performance from the partially stacked sensor extends to photography too, with up to 70fps burst shooting (or 10fps using the mechanical shutter) and an option for 1.5 seconds pre-capture.

Both photo and video capture benefit from class-leading in-body image stabilization – the Boost IS mode gave me some of the smoothest handheld videos I've shot – plus Panasonic's most effective autofocus yet, with subject-detection autofocus now extended to 'Urban Sports' such as parkour. Autofocus speed, versatility and accuracy are still not quite as complete as rival cameras such as the Nikon Z6 III, but it's impressive nonetheless.

(Image credit: Tim Coleman)

As for the design, the Lumix S1 II's body is identical to the Lumix S1R II's – which is a good thing considering that it's the best Lumix design yet.

I've enjoyed the crisp 5.76m-dot EVF, 1.84m-dot vari-angle touchscreen, durable body and a generous handgrip, complete with vents that keep the camera cool during long record sessions.

The Lumix S1 II feels uncharacteristically expensive for a Lumix, but I'm still struggling to think of a better mirrorless camera at this price point for video-first users – it really is one of the best video cameras. As a photography-first user, the 44.3MP Lumix S1R II is the more obvious choice for me, even if it can't match the S1 II's raw power.

Panasonic also launched the Lumix S1 IIE on the same day as the Lumix S1 II. The two cameras are identical, except that the 'E' version has a regular 24MP full-frame sensor rather than a partially stacked one, which means a slower performance in a few areas and fewer video modes to choose from. It's $500 / £500 cheaper.

I feel like there's much more of a case for the S1 II than there is for the S1 IIE, especially given there's the cheaper Lumix S5 II in the picture, which is yet another 24MP Lumix. The Lumix S1 II is agonizingly close to a five-star rating, but its price point puts it among fierce competition, and takes it down a peg.

Panasonic Lumix S1 II: price and release date

• Body-only price is $3,199 / £2,899 / AU$5,299
• It was announced on May 13 2025 and is available now
• A Lumix S1 IIE version costs $2,499 / £2,399 (about AU$4,100)

The Lumix S1 II was announced on May 13, 2025, and it costs $3,199 / £2,899 / AU$5,299 body-only. The 44.3MP Lumix S1 R II costs $100 / £100 more, while the Nikon Z6 III, which is another obvious alternative, is a fair bit cheaper.

Alongside the Lumix S1 II, Panasonic unveiled the Lumix S1 IIE, which has the same skin and feature set, but a regular 24MP full-frame sensor rather than a partially stacked kind. The S1 II's partially stacked sensor delivers faster performance in several areas, and more video record modes.

Both cameras are available now.

• Price score: 4/5

Panasonic Lumix S1 II: specs Specs

Sensor:

24MP full-frame, partially stacked

Video:

6K 60p, 5.1K 60p, 4K 60p, 4K 120p (1.2x crop), open gate, 10-bit

Cont. shooting

Up to 70fps using electronic shutter, up to 10fps mechanical

Viewfinder:

5.76m-dot OLED

LCD:

3-inch, 1.84m-dot vari-angle LCD touchscreen

Battery (CIPA rating):

Up to 350 shots or up to 130 mins record time

Weight:

1.76lbs / 800g (incl battery and card)

Dimensions:

5.29 x 4.03 x 3.61 inches / 134.3 x 102.3 x 91.8mm

Panasonic Lumix S1 II: design and handling

• Rugged body, weighs 1.76lbs / 800g
• Clear and detailed 5.76m-dot OLED EVF
• Cooling vents for long record times without overheating

We've already reviewed the Lumix S1R II, and the Lumix S1 II's design is essentially identical. At 1.76lbs / 800g, it's a tiny bit heavier – that's because it features a partially stacked sensor – but that's the only real difference.

To briefly recap from our Lumix S1R II review, this second generation of Lumix S1 cameras is slimmed down from the first, being approximately 20% lighter and a little smaller in every dimension.

The S1 II, S1 II and S1R II trio are very comfortable to hold, and the S1 II balances really well with most of Panasonic's L-mount lenses – I had the 24-105mm F4 Macro OIS for this review.

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I think Panasonic has evolved the design nicely – not only are the new S1 II / S1R II / S1 IIE models the best in the hand yet, but they're rugged, weather-proof, and feature built-in vents to keep them cool – an essential feature for big video hitters like the Lumix S1 II.

There's a slight feel of function over form here: the Lumix S1 II speaks video production work to me, rather than go-out-and-create. That said, the camera handles well in any situation.

As a hybrid mirrorless camera, no stone is left unturned – the Lumix S1 II features full-size HDMI, mic, and headphone ports, plus USB-C charging that doubles up for external SSD connection and recording.

There are twin card slots – one is CFExpress Type B, which you'll need for some of the higher-quality video codecs, and the other is SD UHS-II.

The vari-angle screen can spin around to the front for selfie recording, and the display features a helpful red border prompt during recording, together with front and rear tally lights – these are useful visual aids for busy filmmakers. There are also twin red buttons to start recording: a large one on the front of the camera, and a smaller one on the top.

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Photographers in particular will enjoy the EVF – it's a bright and detailed 5.76m-dot OLED display. I also like the feel of the rear joystick, especially for navigating autofocus points and modes.

The button layout is all very sensible, and I also appreciate how simple Panasonic menus are (in general). For example, the video mode menu only has six pages in all, so features like image stabilization are easily found.

The same can't be said for video codecs – there are a staggering 19 pages of Full HD, 4K 5.1K, 5.8K and 6K video modes to choose from, with various aspect ratios, bitrates and formats.

Thankfully, it's possible to create custom profiles for your most-used settings, otherwise navigating between the options is a time sink.

• Design score: 5/5

Panasonic Lumix S1 II: features and performance

• Incredibly effective image stabilization for video
• Rapid 70fps burst shooting mode or a more sensible 10fps using mechanical shutter with continuous AF
• Average 350-shot battery life
• Panasonic's best autofocus performance to date

Panasonic stuck with a contrast-detection-based autofocus system for years when rivals had adopted a hybrid phase / contrast-detection setup, which is more effective for video. It was a big mark against Panasonic's otherwise-excellent video cameras.

Thankfully, Panasonic finally rectified the situation with the Lumix G9 II / Lumix S5 II in 2023, introducing a hybrid autofocus system which Panasonic says is now 1.6x faster in the Lumix S1 II.

Certainly, the Lumix S1 II packs Panasonic's best-ever autofocus, with an increased array of subject-detection modes. I've been shooting anything from grassroots sports to animal portraits with it, and on the whole have been really impressed.

While not scientific, my testing suggests that Panasonic's autofocus is still a little way behind the likes of Canon, Sony and Nikon, but not by much; in simple terms, autofocus performance is no longer a strike against Panasonic. You can see in the gallery below a range of subjects I've photographed, and my hit ratio of sharp shots was roughly 8/10.

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What is less ideal is battery life, which is CIPA-rated at 350 shots, or up to 70 minutes record time. I've been able to squeeze more photos out of a fully charged battery than that, and there's on-the-go UBS-C charging too. However, Sony cameras, for example, boast better battery life.

Where the Lumix S1 II really shines is its in-body image stabilization, which is rated up to 7EV. In practice, I've found it to offer the most effective stabilization of any camera for video recording, especially in the Boost IS mode. There's a small crop of the image area in this mode, but handheld videos on the move are silky smooth.

There's also an extremely rapid 70fps burst-shooting mode. Personally, I find this to be overkill for the casual action photography I typically do, but to have a mechanical shutter that ticks over at 10fps for what are essentially unlimited sequences is a great to have.

Overall, the Lumix S1 II is able to sustain its high-speed performance to a level that the Lumix S1R II can't. I photographed a grassroots soccer match at last light (see below), and the camera's speed and autofocus held up well.

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There's the option for data-heavy ProRes RAW video recording in-camera, which further highlights just how powerful a camera the Lumix S1 II is.

I also must commend the new(ish) Lumix Lab app, which is the most reliable camera app Panasonic has made yet. Unlike previous apps, which have frustrated me no end with my previous cameras such as the Lumix GH5, Lumix Lab provides a quick and reliable connection between camera and phone, together with remote control, image upload, and access to Lumix resources such as custom color profiles.

• Features and performance score: 4.5/5

Panasonic Lumix S1 II: image and video quality

• 24MP partially stacked sensor is a great all-rounder
• A generous range of video codecs, bitrates and aspect ratios, up to 6K 60p
• Color profiles and real-time LUTs can be imported from the Lumix Lab app

If you want the best-possible video quality, you'll struggle to find a better camera than the Lumix S1 II at its price point.

It tops out at 6K resolution, whereas high-resolution alternatives such as the Lumix S1R II, Canon EOS R5 Mark II, Nikon Z8 and Sony A1 II offer 8K, but otherwise the Lumix S1 II's video quality is top-drawer.

Not only does it offer more video formats and bitrates than rivals, but also aspect ratios which are taken from the full height and width of the sensor (open gate) and include 3:2, 4:3, 16:9, 17:9 and 2.4:1.

I've shot with a wide range of the video modes, and you can see what to expect across the various resolutions and frame rates in the (lengthy) sample video, below.

Special mention goes the the Dynamic Boost mode, which delivers quite possibly the best and most detail-rich video quality straight out of the camera that I've seen from a hybrid camera. You lose various features, such as slow-motion frame rates, but for outright quality it's incredible.

Something the Lumix S1 II does better than the higher-resolution Lumix S1R II is handle rolling shutter distortion. Yes, it's a way more capable all-round camera for recording video.

There are also a range of color profiles, including V-Log, plus any number of custom profiles made by pros in the Lumix community, and which can be imported directly to the camera from the Lumix Lab app for video and photo. You can see a range of looks in the photo gallery below.

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If you're mainly going to be shooting photos, and appreciate the Lumix S1 II's all-round capabilities, then the Lumix S1 IIE could be a better shout. It's widely reported that partially stacked sensors can have an adverse impact on image quality in low light versus a regular sensor; it's a subtle difference, but images can be a little noisier. I haven't made direct comparisons between the Lumix S1 II and Lumix S1 IIE, but it's something worth thinking about.

Overall, however, I have no complaints regarding the photo quality of the Lumix S1 II. I'm used to full-frame 24MP cameras; they balance speed, performance, and image quality nicely.

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• Image and video quality score: 5/5

Panasonic Lumix S1 II: testing scorecardPanasonic Lumix S1 II

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Price

Excellent features, but it's pricey for a 24MP Lumix

4/5

Design

Panasonic's best Lumix camera design: it's rugged, easy in the hand and a sensible control layout

5/5

Performance

Partially stacked sensor delivers the speediest performance of any Lumix to date, and its best autofocus, but there's fierce competition at this price point

4.5/5

Image and video quality

Photo quality is decent, but it's the video quality that truly shines

5/5

Should I buy the Panasonic Lumix S1 II?Buy it if...

Your focus is video, but you shoot photos too
Because of its hybrid design, serious video-only users could be better served overall by a Blackmagic camera than the Lumix S1 II. However, for video quality, especially the dynamic boost mode, I can't think of a better camera for the money, and it's a capable stills camera too.

You want a versatile video camera
There are a staggering 19 pages of video codecs which cover an unmatched choice of resolutions, aspect ratios, bitrates and formats up to 6K, including open gate recording. Panasonic beats Sony, Canon and Nikon on this front.

You need a reliable performer
The Lumix S1 II is rugged, plus it can shoot for sustained periods without overheating.

Don't buy it if...

You want an all-day battery
A 350-shot battery life, or up to 70 minutes record time depending on the video codec, is pretty mediocre. However, USB-C charging on-the-go is possible.

You're a photography-first shooter
It's a capable stills camera for sure, but there's no denying that the Lumix S1 II is geared for video. The Nikon Z6 III has the edge for photography, as does the higher-resolution Lumix S1R II.

You're a casual filmmaker
For many filmmakers, the Lumix S1 II could be overkill. If you don't need the full suite of record modes and features, the Lumix S5 II could be a more cost-effective choice.

Panasonic Lumix S1 II: also consider Nikon Z6 III

The 24MP partially stacked sensor might be new to Lumix, but we've seen it before in the Nikon Z6 III. Without diving too much into where each model betters the other, it's fair to say that the Lumix S1 II is more-featured packed for video, and the Z6 III more so for photography. Both are incredibly capable hybrid cameras, but the Z6 III is quite a lot cheaper now.

Read our in-depth Nikon Z6 III review

Panasonic Lumix S1R II

With the same design and virtually the same price, the Lumix S1R II is another option. The key difference is the sensor – the Lumix S1R II features a regular 44.3MP unit, the Lumix S1 II a partially stacked 24MP one. Put simply, the Lumix S1R II is better equipped for high-resolution photography and video, whereas the Lumix S1 II is a speedier performer for stills, and overall more geared to video. Both are capable hybrid cameras in their own way.

Read our in-depth: Panasonic Lumix S1R II review

How I tested the Panasonic Lumix S1 II

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• Panasonic loaned me the Lumix S1 II for one month, together with the 24-105mm F4 lens
• My main focus of testing has been the video modes, though I have also used the camera in various photography scenarios
• In general, I've tested the camera in fair weather and fair light

I've had a good long time with the Lumix S1 II – over one month in all. Panasonic loaned me a 24-105mm F4 lens for the test, and this was the only lens I used the camera with.

My testing reflects the typical audience for the Lumix S1 II – I've shot a lot of video with it, using the various resolutions, codecs and frame rates, and recording onto a top-spec CFExpress Type B card.

That's not to say I've neglected photography – far from it. I've shot everything from grassroots soccer at last light to animal portraits and everyday subjects, mostly in fair weather and fair light.

First reviewed June 2025