TechRadar Reviews

With RSS.com having a stable 4.9 rating on all major review platforms, we put it to the test to see how it works.

For this RSS.com review, we began with the mindset of a complete beginner to see how easy the features are to use, how easy it is to set up and monetize our podcast, and how much it costs.

Our results? A “complete” podcast hosting provider with all the features you need to easily start and keep your podcast running within a few minutes.

Advantages of RSS.com (Pros)

Beginner’s Best Friend

If there is one thing I love about a podcasting hosting service, it's a clean UI. This, together with features that are not only easy to find but also use, makes setting up a podcast easier.

From uploading your audio file to the description, you can make your podcast live within a minute, even without any experience.

(Image credit: Rss.com)

Affordable Plans With Unlimited Uploads

With RSS.com, you get more for your money. Their plans start at just $11.99/month ($4.99/month for students and NGOs), offering unlimited episode hosting—a feature that many competitors, like Buzzsprout and Podbean, limit by capping upload hours. This means you can create and publish as many episodes as you want without worrying about hidden costs or overage fees, making RSS.com a cost-effective and scalable solution for podcasters of all levels.

Free Podcast Website

As soon as your podcast is live, your episode will be listed on your own website, which is desktop- and mobile-friendly. The website is free and has a media player embedded in it so your visitors can listen to your podcast directly on your site.

Automatic Distribution To Major Podcast Directories

RSS.com automatically distributes your episodes to the majority of its directories and offers guided options for the ones that don’t support automatic requests.

Easy Social Media Sharing

Easily share your podcast episodes across different social media platforms with a click of a button.

Who Is RSS.com For?

After thoroughly testing RSS.com, I found that it is good for beginners. If you’re completely new to the podcasting world, you don’t have to stress out where to start if you choose RSS.com. From signing up until you upload your podcast, the hosting provider will walk you through its visible option and easy-to-understand interface.

It also takes care of the majority of your tasks, like distribution, podcast website, etc., so you can focus on recording your podcast. All it takes is less than 2 minutes to have your podcast up and running.

Using RSS.com: Super Easy User Interface

One thing that stood out about RSS.com was its user interface.

The interface is clean, minimal, and clutter-free. The best part? There is zero learning curve, and the support bell is right at the top-right corner in case something gets difficult (but I doubt you’d find anything too confusing to understand).

If it’s your first podcast, RSS.com helps you navigate the entire process with the options visible on your screen.

After you’ve made your podcast live, the dashboard looks like this:

RSS.com interface

Think of this dashboard as your complete podcast ecosystem that allows you to access any episode/show and helps you create your public website for your show. It shows scheduled podcasts with their date. In the header, you can navigate through the analytics, distribution, monetization, and settings of your podcast, and it also shows scheduled podcasts and the date they’re due to go live.

You can publish new episodes or start a new podcast series from the dashboard.

When it comes to publishing your podcast, RSS.com allows you to either create a separate page (website link) or share a direct link through social media.

RSS.com (Image credit: Future)

You can check analytics and distribution at the click of a button, too. Overall, I’m quite impressed with RSS.com, which is extremely easy to use and understand for non-tech users.

Features Breakdown

1. Auto Transcription

When you upload your podcast, RSS.com gives you the option to generate a free transcript for your podcast. This powerful AI-powered feature supports 14 languages and generates SEO-friendly transcripts for your podcast for better accessibility.

2. Podroll

Love a show and want to share it with your audience? Pin up to 4 shows directly on your profile and let your listeners also tune into them. The feature is available in both plans.

3. Easy Scheduling & Publish URL

For people who love batch creation and busy individuals, you can schedule your episodes in advance. You also get a sharable public URL of your scheduled episode, allowing you to plan promotions and campaigns across social media ahead of the release.

RSS.com (Image credit: Rss.com)

4. Convert Audio to YouTube Video Podcasts

RSS.com uses PodViz to convert your audio podcast to automatically turn into engaging videos that you can share on YouTube. The video podcast contains dynamic visual elements and supports high resolution. Moreover, if you use chapters inside your audio podcast, they will be added atomically in your video, making it easier for your viewers to see them.

5. Embeddable Podcast Player

RSS.com offers a customizable podcast player that you can embed on your website to boost your podcast. This player is fully responsive across all devices, so even if your audience views your website on their mobile or desktop, they can still enjoy the experience.

Furthermore, you can even customize the color palette to meet your brand guidelines. For instance, I embedded my podcast in my blog post, and this is how it looks:

RSS.com (Image credit: Rss.com) How to Get Started With RSS.com?

Once you set up your RSS account, use the steps below to make your podcast live!

Step 1: After signing up, your blank dashboard will appear. Click on “New Podcast.”

Step 2: Add your podcast title, description, and cover art. Next, set up your custom URL.

Add title (Image credit: Future)

Step 3: Add categories, primary categories, and author details. You’re all set with your podcast. It’s time to add episodes inside, and surprisingly, it’s easy too.

Step 4: Click on “New Episode” from your dashboard.

New episode on RSS.com (Image credit: Future)

Step 5: Add your audio file. Following this, fill in all the details of your episode.

Adding details of epsiode (Image credit: Future)

Step 6: Choose whether you want to publish the episode right away or want to schedule it later. You’ll be able to track the process either way.

Podcast Distribution

RSS.com makes podcast distribution easy with automatic to majority podcast directories. You can publish your episode in one place and let RSS.com take care of the rest.

For instance, once you upload your episode, head over to “Distribution” and click on “Submit now.”

RSS.com (Image credit: Future)

The submission usually takes up to an hour, but my first episode was submitted within 30 minutes.

RSS.com automatically submits your podcast on:

• Spotify
• Amazon Music
• Podcast Index
• Listen Notes
• RSS.com Community

For other directories that don’t support automatic submissions, such as Apple Music, iHeartRadio, etc., RSS.com offers a complete guide on how to do it. You can automatically submit your podcast to these directories using the guided methods.

On the other hand, if you want to submit your podcast manually, you can directly copy the RSS feed.

Migration From Other Podcast Hosting to RSS.com

Migrating from one podcast host to another is tricky, but RSS has really made it easy, along with 6 months of free access.

All you need to do is enter your podcast name/RSS feed and submit your email. RSS.com will verify your email and import your show automatically. And the best part of migrating? Your shows will still be available despite being under migration, allowing your followers to not miss out on anything.

(Image credit: Future)

Note: To be eligible for a 6-month free offer for migrating, your show must have at least one episode, and it must be a minimum of 30 days old.

Monetization Options

RSS.com provides plenty of monetization options for your podcast, such as:

• Apple Podcasts Subscriptions
• Sponsorship opportunities
• Donation and Funding

For sponsorships, you need a minimum of 1,000 downloads per month. RSS.com regularly partners with potential sponsors who might be interested in funding your show.

It’s important to note here that sponsorships are not guaranteed despite your meeting the eligibility criteria. The team will reach out when they find the right opportunity for you, and you can decide if you want to proceed with the same.

Rss.com sponsporships (Image credit: Future)

On the other hand, Apple subscriptions and donations are available for everyone, irrespective of the number of downloads.

RSS’ “Value 4 Value” stood out for me and caught my attention. Through its direct partnership with Alby, you can receive real-time payments in bitcoins through ‘bootstagram’ from your listeners.

Simply set up a free account on Alby, and you’ll be able to activate Value 4 Value monetization option.

Lastly, RSS.com is also releasing dynamic ad insertion for larger shows. However, there is still no update on the official release yet.

Analytics and Data By RSS.com

RSS.com has detailed analytics that you can see from your dashboard. The analytics gives you data for up to the last 180 days. You get data for:

• Downloads
• Listeners
• Apps, Directories & Browsers (downloads by countries)

Data & analytics by RSS (Image credit: Future)

You also get a heatmap that showcases unique downloads by week and day.

The data and analytics are clearly displayed and are easy to read. Let’s say you’re a complete beginner. The analytics given by RSS.com will definitely not give you a tough time understanding how your episodes are performing, your audience demographics, etc.

RSS.com Pricing Plans & Options

The pricing and plans of RSS.com are extremely affordable and come with 30 days refund policy.

Compared to other podcast hosting providers that put limits on how much content you can upload in a month (upload hours), all the plans of RSS.com offer unlimited episodes, audio, and unlimited podcast shows (for the top-tier plan).

RSS.com comes with a free trial that lets you set up your account and publish one podcast episode. You don’t need to enter your card details to get the free version. Additionally, it even includes distribution for the first episode as a part of their free basic version.

For the paid versions, it comes with three plans:

• Student & NGO at $4.99/month: Applicable only for students and NGO’s globally
• All in One Podcasting at $11.99/month: Best For beginners and small businesses
• Podcast Network at $18.75/month: Ideal for large businesses or podcasters to host multiple shows

Note: All prices are in USD and for the annual plan. The monthly plan is 25% higher.

RSS.com pricinng (Image credit: Future) Free vs Paid Plan: Do You Really Need to Pay?

The free version of RSS.com sounds great if you’re just testing out the features of the hosting provider before committing to the paid plan. However, you’ll be able to upload only one episode on the free version, and this even restricts you from trying out its scheduled feature (if you’re hitting the publish button for your first one).

Our tip is to thoroughly use the free version to its best and explore all the available features. Once done, go with the monthly plan before committing to the annual one. Although you can cancel your plan anytime without being bound by contracts, we’d still want your money to fall into the right hands that align with your needs.

RSS.com Customer Support & Help

You get a direct support bell icon to browse through their hundreds of helpful articles and tutorials.

You can enter your query, and RSS will automatically show up all the related guides. If the DIY option doesn’t solve your issues, you can submit a ticket to the customer support team with a turnaround time of a few hours to business days, depending on the complexity.

However, I received a response within 23 minutes to my query since it was a short question.

RSS.com customer support response (Image credit: Future) Final Verdict: Is RSS.com Worth It?

RSS.com is a value-for-money podcast hosting packed with all the necessary and stellar features you need to start your podcast. From having your custom podcast page to one-click distribution, it’s a great pick for anyone who is entirely new and wants to start a podcast without any technical know-how.

Meet the authors

Podbean comes at an affordable price and includes all the necessary features you need from a podcast host. So, we decided to put it to the test and explore its features, value for money, customer support, migration process, etc.

For this Podbean review, we tested its basic version and researched other people’s experiences with the platform.

Find out our results and how well Podbean performed in our real-time podcast hosting test below!

Advantages of Podbean (Pros)

1. Easy to Use & Set up

Podbean is beginner-friendly, and setting up everything will take you less than 5 minutes (if you have your audio files ready). Even if you’re a complete novice in podcasting, you will find Podbean quite easy to begin with and host your first podcast.

2. Unlimited storage and bandwidth

Except for the free plan, all Podbean plans come with unlimited storage and bandwidth, meaning they can host an unlimited number of podcasts. And it will even cope with thousands of downloads without hampering your podcasts’ performance.

3. Free podcast recording app

Available on the App Store and Google Play Store, you can download the podcast recording app Podbean, which lets you record, edit, and publish your podcast right from your mobile device. Through the app, you can also invite guest speakers without needing to use your laptop.

4. Excellent monetization tools

Podbean is packed with powerful monetization tools without putting you under restrictions. You can earn money through subscriptions, sponsorships, advertisements, fan clubs, etc., via Podbean.

5. Budget-friendly

Podbean stands as our top pick when we speak about podcast hosting providers due to its value for money. The free plan lets you test out its features, and once you’re enjoying it, you can upgrade to the paid plan, which starts at $9/month.

Who is Podbean Right For?

Podbean is great for people looking for a budget podcast host and video podcasters.

The plan starts at $9/month and includes all the essential features you need from a podcast host. Within a fair price, you get AI-powered features, unlimited storage and bandwidth, advanced statistics, a blog to podcast, video to podcast, etc.

Similarly, certain plans are tailored for video podcasters, and you can easily record or convert your existing video to a podcast with a few clicks. You can also record a new video podcast and upload it on YouTube directly through Podbean.

Using Podbean (Interface)

Podbean has a clean and easy-to-understand user interface, making it easier to publish your episodes.

One-click import audio makes it easier to upload your audio without any learning curve.

User interface of Podbean (Image credit: Future)

Setting up your account and publishing your first episodes took us less than 2 minutes. Similarly, the dashboard comes with all the options to view your podcast, distribute, monetize, etc., at the sidebar.

Upon publishing your episode, you get a free custom landing page that you can share with your audience and even customize as per your branding colors.

Podbean interface (Image credit: Future)

Lastly, you can directly manage (install or deactivate) plugins at the click of a button through your dashboard.

Overall, we’d rate Podbean's interface as beginner-friendly, packed with all the necessary features that are easy to access.

Features Breakdown Podbean AI

The Podbean AI turns your bad-quality audio into the highest quality automatically, but that’s not all it does. The AI-driven solution allows you to optimize, edit, and generate within a few clicks. Podbean AI will cut extra noise, remove filler words, and take care of the filtering.

On the other hand, it can automatically generate titles, notes, transcripts, etc.

Livestreaming & Live Podcasts

Start live streaming and conducting live podcasts where you control everything. Through this feature, you can directly interact with your audience by answering them live. Moreover, your audience can send you virtual gifts that you can monetize and also allow you to create a fan club for recurring revenue.

Convert blog posts into a podcast

Podbean lets you repurpose your blog posts into podcasts easily with the support of 150+ languages and 500+ different accents. You can choose the AI voice, and Podbean will automatically convert it into an audio format, boosting accessibility and repurposing. Note that you get a limited number of credits to use this feature, depending on the plan you pick.

YouTube Video To Podcast

If you already have YouTube videos, you can convert them into podcasts and upload them directly. This is actually great if you want to repurpose your videos for your listeners to hear on the go and diversify your revenue streams through podcasts.

How to Get Started With Podbean? RSS.com's Super Easy User Interface

Once you’ve signed up with Podbean, you can use the following steps to make your episode live.

Step 1: Go to episodes and click on “Publish Episode.” Now, import your audio file or simply generate one from AI with Podbean.

Step 2: Once you import the audio file, add your title and description of the episode.

Using Podbean (Image credit: Future)

Step 3: Once you’re done, click on publish now.

Podcast Distribution With Podbean

Podbean helps you submit your episodes/podcasts to multiple directories, but the process isn’t entirely automatic. Whether you’re on the free plan or the paid one, your podcast will be automatically submitted to Podbean's own directory. However, for other directories, such as Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube, etc., you need to manually submit them.

Podcast distribution (Image credit: Future)

Podbean offers a centralized dashboard to simplify submissions to major podcast directories. So, with one click, you can manually submit them.

Note that if you’re on the free plan, you won’t be able to submit your podcast to any directory (except Podbean’s own) unless you upgrade to the paid one.

While submission is one-click, the distribution feature could have been improved with automatic submissions, even for the free plan users. For example, BuzzSprout, its competitor, offers automatic submissions to all major directories, even for free users. In the same way, Podbean could use some fine-tuning here.

Migration from Other Podcast Hosting to Podbean

Step 1: Click on Import Existing Project

Step 2: Tap on Import Existing Podcast and enter your RSS feed URL.

Import existing podcast to podbean (Image credit: Future)

Step 3: Now, select your import option. Note that this process may take some time, depending on your existing podcast size.

Step 4: Once your import is completed, set 301 redirect. You can also customize the URL to fit your requirements.

set 301 redirect (Image credit: Future)

Step 5: Wait for the email, as RSS will update you as soon as the final import is done.

Note here: If you only have a couple of episodes, it’s faster to migrate to Podbean. For instance, we had one episode up, and it took us less than 5 minutes to migrate.

Monetization Options

Podbean has multiple monetization options to make podcasting an active revenue stream, such as:

• Podcast Advertising
• Apple Podcasts Subscriptions Integration
• Dynamic Ad Insertion

You can list your podcast on the Podbean marketplace and allow potential advertisers to find you. Further, you can also charge subscriptions to your readers to access your podcast through Apple podcasts subscription integration, making it easier to make extra money from your podcast directly.

Analytics & Data

Podbean offers quite detailed analytics into how your podcast is performing and also gives detailed insights into your listeners. You can find your analytics under the “statistics” tab on the left side of the dashboard.

Analytics (Image credit: Future)

Through analytics, you can also track your downloads up to the last 24 months. Other than that, you can get:

• Where Your Audience Comes From
• Downloads by Time of Day (GMT)
• Download Sources
• Most downloaded episodes
• User Retention
• Listeners data

Further, you can review the performance of episodes and compare performances from a set period. However, complete insight is only available to paid users. The free version can only have a small overview of their overall analytics.

Podbean Pricing & Plans

Podbean offers a range of pricing plans catering to different types of podcasters, from beginners to large networks.

The free plan offers basic features to test the podcast hosting service, but it comes with limited features. You only get 5 hours of total storage and 100GB monthly bandwidth with the free plan. You also don’t get access to directory submissions. So, if you’re serious about podcasting, you’ll have to upgrade to its paid plan.

Coming to its paid plan, they start at $9/month, offering unlimited storage and unmetered bandwidth. It’s affordable and offers amazing features, including Podbean AI, blog posts to audio, videos to podcasts, etc.

If you’re working with both audio and video, the Unlimited Plus (at $29/month) is a great option that adds 20GB of monthly uploads, though it might feel a bit pricey for those who don’t need video.

Lastly, the Network plan, priced at $79/month, is great for large podcasters and packed with essential scaling features.

Overall, Podbean offers competitive pricing plans with unlimited storage. It’s great for anyone looking for an affordable yet robust podcast hosting provider.

Customer Support & Resources

Podbean has excellent customer support and resources and has positive feedback from people. One of its users also shared their experience (screenshot below), highlighting their prompt response, and we had a similar experience.

Customer support review via TrustRadius (Image credit: Future)

Whether you’re stuck somewhere and need a DIY solution or are starting your first podcast, you can join its dedicated Podcast Academy. This academy contains:

• 24 tutorials
• 8 webinars
• 57 events
• 18 interviews

And all of these are free to check out. You can also check out their separate 70+ articles for help.

Lastly, if DIY doesn’t work, you can raise a ticket with the customer support team, and the average turnaround time is 2-3 business days.

Verdict: Is Podbean Worth It?

Overall, Podbean is worth paying for people looking for an affordable yet feature-loaded podcast hosting provider. It’s especially an excellent option if you want to do video podcasts since it comes with a dedicated plan that offers the same.

You can try its free version to see if it aligns with your requirements before upgrading to the paid version.

Meet the authors

Tribit Stormbox Lava: Two-minute review

A new Bluetooth speaker has erupted, boasting booming bass output that will make you “feel the heartbeat of the earth”. So yes, enter the Tribit Stormbox Lava. This semi-cylindrical party speaker aims to supply powerful sound and a rugged build in one budget-friendly package. It comes in with a list price of $129.99 / £111 (about AU$200) which is really quite modest for a medium-large sized option like this.

As some of you may have suspected given that low price-tag, feeling the earth’s heartbeat may be a slight exaggeration. And you’d be correct. Sure, you can get bold, room-filling low-end output from the Tribit Stormbox Lava, but it struggles to knock those really deep notes out of the park, even after some EQ adjustment.

General audio quality is decent, but hardly as red-hot as some of the best Bluetooth speakers. Out of the box, the standard tuning is a little bloated, with sounds in the mid-range often smothered by rumbling low-end frequencies. That can often be the case when you activate XBass too – a mode which ramps up low sounds even further and will cause the speaker’s solid 24 hour battery life to deplete at a faster rate.

With a bit of tuning, you can get relatively clean sound for a speaker close to $100 / £100. It’s never going to get ultra-detailed or airy, especially with the lack of ‘hi-res’ codecs like LDAC, but it’s certainly clear enough for house parties or outdoor events with lots of background noise.

And this speaker truly is party-ready, no matter the surroundings. It has a rugged build – similar to that of the JBL Xtreme 4 and, like the best waterproof speakers, has the IP67 dustproof and waterproof rating, protecting it against grime and underwater submersion. Other practical elements include an interchangeable handle and strap, AUX port for wired listening and a USB-A port for charging external devices – though I would’ve preferred to see a more 2025-friendly USB-C slot substituted in.

The basic but handy Tribit app is back too, opening up access to a ten-band equaliser and a bunch of EQ presets, voice prompt settings and multi-speaker pairing. Speaking of, you can actually link more than 160 of the same model together. I didn’t get the chance to validate that, of course, but still…I’m sure 160 of these at once could create quite a racket.

I think the most disappointing aspect of the Tribit Stormbox Lava is that really, it does very little to appear on-theme and validate its strong name. Yes, the whole Lava thing may be more in reference to bass than anything else, but surely it could’ve inspired a more volcanic, explosive design? The Stormbox Lava is a plain, black speaker that does very little to stand out from the crowd.

Another issue I ran into was that sound would cut out for half a second whenever I adjusted volume, but I’d hope this will be remedied in a future firmware update. Otherwise, there’s a lot to like about this affordable party speaker. It can’t compete with more sonically talented speakers like the Bose SoundLink Max or even its cousin, the Tribit Stormbox Blast 2. But if you can grab it for around $100 / £100 it's a reasonable, cheap option that’s worth a look.

I’d argue that the original Tribit Stormbox Blast is a stronger alternative thanks to its regimented bass floor, eye-catching looks and USB-C out port. And given it's regularly available for less than $200 / £150, it beats the Stormbox Lava for sound-for-pound value – so long as you’re OK with a more boombox-like appearance.

(Image credit: Future) Tribit Stormbox Lava review: Price and release date

• $129.99 / £111 (about AU$200)
• Launched in March 2025

The Tribit Stormbox Lava is the latest addition to the audio manufacturer’s speaker range, having launched in March 2025. Pricing already seems to be in flux, but at the time of writing, Tribit is shipping the Stormbox Lava for $129.99 / £111 (about AU$200). I’d expect to see discounts coming thick and fast though, as this is regularly the case with Tribit products in my experience.

At the moment, it’s only available in black, but a grey version is said to be coming in May 2025. For a speaker of this size, the Stormbox Lava is very modestly priced. It’s strikingly similar in form to the JBL Xtreme 4, which for reference, has a list price well in excess of $300 / £300.

Tribit Stormbox Lava review: Specs

(Image credit: Future) Tribit Stormbox Lava review: Features

• Handy app with nice EQ options
• USB-A charge out
• Solid 24-hour battery life

Tribit hasn’t done anything crazy with the Stormbox Lava’s feature-set, but it’s still got the basics down. Of course all the usual stuff is here, be that multi-speaker pairing, Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity or XBass – a feature which ramps up low-end power for bass-heavy bangers.

But you also get EQ settings that have been fleshed out pretty nicely. There are six presets, including genre-specific options like Rock or Jazz, but there’s also space to save some custom calibrations via a ten-band equaliser. You’ll likely want to make use of that custom EQ option to achieve the best sound, but we’ll get more into that later…

There are a few other small options to mess around like toggles for voice prompt or remotely adjust volume and play/pause music. But a more prominent addition is a USB-A charge out port that enables the Stormbox Lava to double up as a power bank for other devices, including the best phones. I would’ve preferred to see a more modern USB-C port used for this function, something the Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Plus offers, among others.

Another big talking point is battery life – an area in which the Stormbox Lava performs decently. It can offer 24 hours of playtime, so long as you’re listening at 50% volume with XBass on. That’s very much in-line with competitors in this size class – it’s nothing mind-blowing, but more than enough if you want a speaker that’s going to keep the party moving into the early hours.

• Features score: 4/5

(Image credit: Future) Tribit Stormbox Lava review: Sound quality

• Relatively clean audio possible with some tuning
• Bass is fairly meaty, but the deepest notes can prove challenging
• Can struggle a little at top volumes

At around $100 / £100, I really wasn’t expecting any miracles from the Tribit Stormbox Lava and although there were definitely some sonic shortcomings, it still put up an adequate performance.

I knew what I was in for with the Stormbox Lava; a whole lotta bass. And that’s exactly what it delivers. XBass was on by default and I realized the room instantly filled with an impactful, in-your-face low end rumble. When tuning into Black Eye by Allie X, the thump of the drum machine had commendable depth and didn’t sound too lethargic. But with XBass on, there was a slightly muddy audio profile and that deep bass smothered other sonic elements like electronica and vocals – the latter was given much more room to breathe after flicking XBass off.

Bass response, though big, wasn’t the most beautiful however. Comparing it to a more expensive and slightly more powerful model, the JBL Xtreme 4, I picked up on a lack of dynamism with the Stormbox Lava. Bass didn’t connect up to the mid-range quite as effectively, resulting in a slightly thin and cluttered sound at points, to the extent that the track’s trademark bounce felt less defined.

And although the Stormbox Lava can reach frequencies as low as 43Hz, it really struggled to belt out some ultra-deep notes. In Yung Gravy’s The Boys Are Back In Town, the deep dark sub-bass that blasts throughout sounded feeble, especially at high volumes. And although you can adjust EQ to improve this slightly, the Lava still won’t be able to go quite as far into depth as more premium competitors.

Everything from the mid bass and up does sound relatively clear though and even if you’re missing out on the absolute deepest notes in their fully-fledged glory, bass is generally powerful. Unfortunately, I found the standard XBass off EQ mode to sound a little uneven and slightly bloated, though. Thanks to Tribit’s easy-to-use app, though, I was able to adapt the speaker’s EQ to have a slight bump to deep bass and treble for a more balanced, albeit still exciting sound.

This made for an improved listening experience overall, especially for tracks that are less centred around thumping bass. For instance, when listening to SAMBA DO MARCOS by Sadao Watanabe, the intro’s raw, emotive guitar was tonally accurate and the accompanying piano layered nicely. Samba drums also entered the fray rhythmically with gusto. Some of the finer details, like light percussion in the background were understated. There are no ‘hi-res’ Bluetooth codecs here, such as LDAC, which can offer up a less compressed performance either.

Another factor worth noting is that this speaker can get pretty loud thanks to its 80W maximum power output. However, at top volumes audio quality is going to take a bit of a dip. This is pretty standard and to be expected for what is ultimately, a budget Bluetooth speaker, but at peak loudness, treble could be a touch grating and vocal clarity took quite the hit to boot. If you’re looking for the ultimate party speaker, that may be problematic, but if you’re unlikely to venture into ear-splitting volume territory, this may not bother you all too much.

And one more note before I wrap up on sound. I realized that when altering volume on the Stormbox Lava, sound would cut out for half a second or so, which was pretty frustrating. I’m sure Tribit will fix this with a firmware update in the near future, but it’s still a frustrating quirk that I’m sure would frustrate a lot of users.

So, it’s a bit of a mixed bag for the Stormbox Lava. Does it sound terrible? No. With a bit of tuning, you can get decently clean audio out of this $100 speaker without sacrificing its room-filling low-end presence. But the combination of audio cutting out, sub-bass troubles and high-volume distortion will be hard to ignore for audiophiles.

• Sound quality score: 3.5/5

(Image credit: Future) Tribit Stormbox Lava review: Design

• Plain design that lacks a creative spark
• But it is conveniently IP67-rated
• Interchangeable handle and strap attachments

For me, the Tribit Stormbox Lava sounds like it should be a pretty cool-looking speaker – I pictured some red details or maybe even some fiery LED lights that could sync up to bass output. Unfortunately, this is a totally basic looking speaker with no real design quirk. It’s a plain, black model with no lights or splashes of color and I’m not sure why Tribit played it so safe.

Having said that, it’s undeniable that this model is a pretty practical beast. It’s got a rugged build – very much reminiscent of the JBL Xtreme line of speakers. And it also has an IP67 rating, meaning it's both dustproof and waterproof. That rating even ensures that the Stormbox Lava can be submerged in one meter of water for a period of up to 30 minutes – ideal for beach-side listening or pool parties.

Another practical inclusion is the Stormbox Lava’s accessories box, which includes both a handle and a strap for carrying the speaker around. The handle has an elastic-like property to it and is comfortable to hold, while the strap is adjustable and is useful for carrying the Stormbox Lava over longer distances.

The speaker is also adorned with seven button controls, all of which are well sized and responsive, these include buttons for volume/play controls, Bluetooth pairing, toggling XBass and even multi-speaker pairing. On top of that, you can find a tab on the reverse side of the speaker for accessing its AUX and charging ports.

• Design score: 3/5

(Image credit: Future) Tribit Stormbox Lava review: Value

• Low price for a speaker of this size
• And you can expect to see discounts in coming months
• But that will come with a few hiccups in performance and design

The Tribit Stormbox Lava is available at a point ever-so-close to $100 / £100. It's a medium-to-larged sized option that sounds decent with some tuning and plates up both a good battery life and feature-set. At that price, this is an option worth your consideration.

I wouldn’t be surprised, either, to see this speaker available for less in the coming months as has so often been the case with Tribit’s products, including the Tribit XSound Plus 2 and Tribit Stormbox Blast. You’ll be able to find other low-priced alternatives in this ballpark, like the Anker Soundcore Boom 2 or even the giant Earfun UBoom X when it’s one sale. But these both take more of a boombox form, which might be a dealbreaker for some.

As I mentioned earlier, this speaker feels far more reminiscent of the JBL Xtreme line of speakers, with its pseudo-cylindrical looks and similar scale. But the most recent iteration from it, the JBL Xtreme 4, will set you back $379.95 / £329.99 / AU$499.95 if you’re buying at full price – and I wouldn’t expect it to get anywhere near as cheap on sale.

Of course, this thing isn’t going to challenge the Xtreme 4 on sound quality, let alone looks or feature-set. But if you’re not the most analytical listener and you just want a bass-heavy, budget-friendly Bluetooth speaker for parties, the Tribit Stormbox Lava will still get the job done.

• Value score: 4/5

(Image credit: Future) Should I buy the Tribit Stormbox Lava? Buy it if...

You want a Bluetooth speaker for parties
The Tribit Stormbox Lava is a capable party speaker with impressive loudness, prominent bass output and multi-speaker pairing. It’s also able to survive beach-side or pool-side environments thanks to its hardy IP67 rating – even underwater submersion won’t faze this fella.

You’re on a budget
Perhaps the most obvious draw of the Tribit Stormbox Lava is its fantastic low price. For a speaker of this size you’re gonna struggle to find many cheaper options – especially ones that sound this good. Of course, there are still flaws in the audio department and you’re not getting the most stylish beast out there, but when it comes to value, this Tribit speaker scores well.

Don't buy it if...

You’re an audiophile
I touched on it there, but if you’re a more analytical listener, the Tribit Stormbox Lava is not for you. It lacks ‘hi-res’ audio codecs like LDAC, it struggles with ultra-deep notes, you may experience distortion at high volumes... you get the idea. If you want a more talented speaker in the sound department but don’t want to compromise on size, an option like the JBL Xtreme 4 could be very tempting – read more below.

You want a speaker with a bit of flair
Unfortunately, this thing isn’t gonna win a beauty contest any time soon. It has a pretty plain design and it’s only available in black for now. Gray is on the way, sure, but I doubt that’s gonna set the world alight either. If you want a more stylish option, check out the Ultimate Ears Epicboom, or basically anything UE – they really know how to stand out from the crowd.

Tribit Stormbox Lava review: Also consider

JBL Xtreme 4
The JBL Xtreme 4 has it all. Highly capable audio skills, a water-resistant rugged design and plenty of battery life. But that comes at a cost. This model has a high list price – well over $300 / £300. Luckily, though, it can regularly be found on sale for far less – I spotted it for £250 on Amazon UK while writing this and at that price, you’ll struggle to do much better. Read our full JBL Xtreme 4 review.

Anker Soundcore Boom 2
If you’re looking to keep expenditure at a minimum but you’re still hoping for room-filling, bass-heavy audio, the Anker Soundcore Boom 2 could be the ideal candidate for you. I often see it on sale for less than $100 / £100, but don’t be deceived by this model’s price – you won’t have to sacrifice niceties like EQ adjustment, multi-speaker pairing or water resistance. Audio isn’t the most controlled and the boombox-like design might not be for you, but this bold Bluetooth speaker is still worth considering for those on a tight budget. Read our full Anker Soundcore Boom 2 review.

Tribit Stormbox Lava review: How I tested

(Image credit: Future)

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

I put the Tribit Stormbox to the test over a one week period, exhausting all of its features, blasting out tune after tune and closely critiquing all aspects of its design. I predominantly tested it out at our music testing room at Future Labs in order to test audio quality in a quiet, controlled environment.

When listening to music, I mainly used Tidal, though I occasionally played songs via Spotify after connecting up my Samsung Galaxy S24 FE. To start with, I streamed tracks from our carefully curated TechRadar reference playlist, but I also listened to music from my own personal library. Where appropriate, I tested the Stormbox Lava alongside the JBL Xtreme 4 to compare sound quality and ease-of-use.

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

The new Pi Terminal from Elecrow integrates a 7” IPS touchscreen, a Raspberry Pi CM4 module, and sockets for mini-PCIe cards into one platform. The module packs so many connectors and onboard peripherals that there is no need to add anything else. The acrylic case provides antenna slots for Wi-Fi and GSM, while a small fan ensures the CPU always works within its recommended temperature.

The module's main selling point remains the bright 7” HD display with a five-point touchscreen. With a 400cd/m2 light intensity, it easily outshines similar displays, and at 9W, the module does not consume more than a regular Raspberry Pi board. Targeting the IoT industry, the screen is IP65-rated and comes with optional stereo speakers. The display uses one of the CM4 HDMI outputs, leaving an extra HDMI connector for an external screen.

(Image credit: Future) Elecrow Pi Terminal: Price and availability

Elecrow sells displays to connect to embedded platforms such as the Raspberry Pi through the HDMI port. The Pi Terminal costs $179.90 without the processor module or accessories. Other cheaper displays support only USB peripherals.

Elecrow Pi Terminal: Design

The Pi Terminal ships between two foams that protect the glass panel. Accessories include four antennas, one 12V 24W power supply, and block connectors with screws. The acrylic panel surrounding the display protects the screen's top and bottom. Four metal spacers hold the unit, providing a robust feeling to it. A small fan at the back can be loud at times. The unit measures 19.2 cm x 12.5 cm x 4.6 cm and weighs 665 grams.

Five screws secure the screen to the acrylic back panel. Four antenna connectors, in the form of SMA connectors, are located at the top. The bottom case has laser engravings showing connector pinouts, which is handy if one needs to quickly find where to insert the Raspberry Pi SD card, for example.

Unfortunately, Elecrow has not provided a schematic for the main PCB. The user manual states that the power supply can range from 12V to 18V, while the engraving on the case shows a maximum of 36V. An on/off switch on the left allows powering down the unit while not in use. A push button on the top helps to wake or sleep the OS. Three LEDs on the left give status such as power or Ethernet activity, or can act as a user-actionable indicator.

The PCB design is straightforward under the hood, with the Pi CM4 module located off-center to the left. Two mini PCIe sockets fully utilize the Pi’s high-speed interfaces. A small 5V fan provides airflow to the CPU. A buzzer and a battery holder for a CR1220 lithium cell are present, avoiding time loss when power is removed. Finally, a 40-pin header makes the PI’s GPIOs accessible to the end-user.

(Image credit: Future) Elecrow Pi Terminal: Use

The terminal power consumption depends on the peripherals to which it is connected. With only the Pi connected, the unit consumes about 10W. A complete system with two mini PCIe cards, a USB keyboard, and a mouse brings the total to 15W. The supplied power adapter should be sufficient for doing software development on an IoT product. Deploying the unit in a production environment will require a more robust power adapter. Elecrow has included an option for installing a PoE module next to the Ethernet connector.

We recommend replacing the small fan with something less noisy. The stock 5V fan buzzes a lot, reaching 45 dBA at one meter. A passive cooling solution is superior in all aspects for an industrial setting and should provide a longer lifetime. Screen control for brightness and contrast is nonexistent, and IO voltage protection is unavailable on the Pi’s 40-pin header.

Elecrow does not provide any source code for the UI demo on the micro SD card. Even though the Raspberry Pi compute module has plenty of applications to demonstrate its use as a graphical unit, having example code for peripherals such as the LoRaWan module or the 4G module to test right out of the box would have been great. The newer CM5 compute module provides an easy upgrade to the CM4 since it is almost pin-compatible in the same footprint. The CM5 improves from the previous generation by having over twice the processing power.

(Image credit: Future) Elecrow Pi Terminal: The competition

Elecrow’s Pi Terminal does not lack competitors. Seeedstudio’s Pi screen, the reTerminal, offers similar characteristics, with a multitouch 5” screen powered by the CM4. It provides passive cooling but costs $200, slightly higher than the Pi Terminal. It also lacks a standard PCIe interface like the mini PCIe connector available on the Pi Terminal.

Elecrow Pi Terminal: Final verdict

The Pi Terminal is an excellent example of integrating off-the-shelf parts into a product. Elecrow has extensive experience building embedded displays, which is evident in this product. The CM4 module provides ample processing power, while the abundance of connectors will cover many IoT use cases. The board layout is small, well-organized, and solid. The only drawback is the tiny but noisy fan. Documentations such as the schematic or project source code are also lacking, making repairing or troubleshooting the unit harder.

Buy the Pi Terminal if you need a robust screen and a CPU with excellent support and documentation.

Don’t buy the Pi Terminal if you need an economical, simple-to-use display.

We list the best portable monitors.

RayNeo Air 3s glasses: One minute review

I’ve been reviewing AR smart glasses for a few years, and while they’ve been some of my favorite gadgets to test in that time I haven’t found a pair that offered a value proposition which I felt made them something I could recommend to the masses. That is, until I tested the RayNeo Air 3s glasses which are a shoo-in for inclusion on our best smart glasses list.

Costing just $269 these AR specs punch well above their pay grade with generally solid visuals, good audio quality, and a very comfy design.

The Full-HD image created by its dual-micro-OLED setup boasts generally strong color accuracy and contrast, though there are times when the image can appear washed out, and because the mirrored outer lens doesn’t block out all external light brighter environments can disrupt the glasses’ image to the point that it’s tough to make out what you’re watching.

As for the audio, you can hear a stark difference between the sound of these glasses and models that have come before. RayNeo’s Air 3s glasses take things up a level to the point that headphones feel like they aren’t a necessity if you want decent midtones, highs, and bass. Though, while Whisper Mode 2.0 generally keeps what you’re listening to private at louder volumes it does fail so if you like to be drowned in sound you’ll still need some cans.

(Image credit: RayNeo)

Design-wise these specs are comfy, look fairly stylish, and come with a hard carry case that’s perfect for transporting these specs in your bag so you can always have them with you when you travel – based on my experience taking them on trips in testing I can confirm that they're the best travel companion you could have.

While you can spend more to find better AR smart glasses – such as the Xreal one glasses I reviewed last month – RayNeo has seriously knocked it out of the park with RayNeo Air 3s glasses when you factor in how affordable they are. If you’ve been keen to get a pair, and don’t want to break the bank, there’s never been a better time to finally experience what these kinds of AR specs can do.

RayNeo Air 3s glasses: Price and availability

The RayNeo Air 3s glasses are available to buy in the US for $269 from RayNeo’s online store. This puts them at the budget end of the scale, but that doesn’t mean RayNeo’s latest specs don’t pack a punch with solid visuals and sound. If you’re after excellent value for your money in the AR glasses world, this is it.

• Value score: 5/5

RayNeo Air 3s glasses: Design

• Wired USB-C connection
• 76g, comfy to use for long sessions
• No shades or electrochomic dimming for a black backdrop

The RayNeo Air 3s specs follow the tried and tested design approach of pretty much all smart glasses of their ilk. But that I mean they look – at a glance – just like a pair of sunglasses, with RayNeo’s frame being complete with mirrored lenses.

Take a closer look and you’ll spy a USB-C port on the tip of their right arm – which you plug a cable into to pair them with a compatible device like a phone, PC of games console (which either support DisplayPort via USB-C or by using an adapter like an HDMI-to-USB-C cable) – as well as buttons and large reflective prisms behind the lenses.

(Image credit: Future)

The buttons control screen brightness, volume, and access an image settings menu depending which you press, and the prisms allow the wearer to spy a pair of micro-OLED panels which deliver an impressive full-HD image (more on that in a moment).

These glasses are also outfitted with a quad-speaker setup (two on each arm) which RayNeo says only takes up the space of two single speakers while enhancing audio performance (again, more on that below).

All of this is crammed into a lightweight 76g package that thanks to two nose pad options, and three adjustable lens viewing angles can sit comfortably on your face for hours on end.

And to carry around the glasses and their USB-C cable you’ll get a handy hard carry case.

Overall the design is great but the one big flaw is the lack of aliens cover or electrochromic dimming. That’s because while the mirrored lens setup does cut out a fair amount of light they don’t create a black backdrop which can ruin the contrast and color vividness of what you’re watching – especially in brighter environments.

• Design score: 4/5

RayNeo Air 3s glasses: Performance

• Full-HD, 650 nit image
• Good audio quality
• Pairs with a good amount of USB-C devices

The RayNeo Air 3s glasses offer a good performance that’s unfortunately let down by the lack of black backdrop (as I mentioned in the design section).

The full-HD image they produce generally boasts bright colors and good contrast – even in darker scenes where poor contrast can mean you miss out on the action. Though they aren’t perfect.

For one, there is blurring at the edges without the screen adjustments to solve it like some of their competition.

What’s more, there were times when scenes looked washed out with muted colors that broke me out of my immersion. And thanks to the always translucent background it can be hard to use the glasses in brighter environments as light from the real world will dilute the OLED screen’s image, ruining the picture.

(Image credit: Future)

Audio wise things sound strong. The audio quality has taken a serious step up with RayNeo’s new quad speaker setup. The specs boast a “200%” superior audio compared to the previous generation’s Air 2S glasses with crisper highs, more detailed mids, and deeper bass.

In my tests I’d say they certainly live up to what they promise, with impressive sound that is only bested by the Xreal One glasses when it comes to smart glasses I’ve tested. This means that while headphones can still improve your experience they don’t feel like a necessity – something I can't say for many smart glasses.

Whisper Mode 2.0, a feature which promises less sound leakage, also seems to perform well as at moderate volumes you can’t easily make out what the glasses are playing unless you’re wearing them or sat very close by. Though at higher volumes whisper mode does fail to keep your audio private, so keep that in mind.

Some drawbacks are to be expected at this price, but what you do get from the RayNeo Air 3s glasses is very good when you consider how much they cost compared to their competition – so yes, they could do better, but they’re still doing very well.

• Performance: 4/5

Should you buy the RayNeo Air 3s glasses? Buy it if…

You’re on a budget but want AR specs
If you’re after cheap AR specs that are still worth your time and money, these are what you’ve been waiting for.View Deal

You travel a lot
These sorts of AR glasses are perfect for travellers as they allow you to carry around a pocket-sized movie theatre with you wherever you go.View Deal

You like privacy
These smart specs allow you to watch content on your phone or work on your laptop without showing everyone around you what’s on the screen.View Deal

(Image credit: Future) Don’t buy it if…

You want the best performance
The RayNeo Air 3s glasses are good but there are glasses with better performance out there.View Deal

You want a standalone device
These AR glasses, like their rivals, need to connect to an external device to function.View Deal

You want 4K
The full-HD quality is fine, but if you’re looking for 4K visuals you’ll need to keep waiting until a pair of AR smart glasses comes along with that resolution.View Deal

Also consider

Xreal One
The Xreal One AR smart glasses cost more at $499 / £449 but do deliver better audio and a better picture, though I’m not sure the improvement is worth the added cost frankly.
Read our Xreal One review

Ray-Ban meta smart glasses
These glasses don’t come with AR functions, instead they boast an AI and a camera. If you’re after smart glasses you can wear all the time and have a jack-of-all-trades approach these specs could be a better fit for you.
Read our Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses review

Meta Quest 3
While not a direct competitor to AR smart glasses like this pair from RayNeo, the Quest 3 is an XR product you should consider if you want to experience what VR and MR have to offer as it’s frankly fantastic.
Read our Meta Quest 3 review

How I tested the RayNeo Air 3s glasses

I spent a few weeks testing the RayNeo Air 3s glasses ahead of their release trying them in a variety of use cases. I took them with me on my commutes to work and a recent press trip I took to Copenhagen so I could try them out on a flight. I used them at home at my desk to work, and while relaxing on my couch to play games on my PS5 with an HDMI adapter.

I made sure to test them in long sessions to check on the comfort quality over an extended period of time (sessions lasting at least two hours) and used them with and without headphones to test their audio quality.

Read more about how we test.

• First reviewed April 2025

Sigma BF: two-minute review

I knew that the Sigma BF would frustrate me at times, but what I wasn't prepared for was how much I would enjoy making pictures with the camera.

This unique and boldly minimalist camera, which has been likened to Apple's products, oozes character, and despite its many design and performance concessions I've come to love it.

Yes, the 24.6MP full-frame Sigma BF's minimalist design polarizes opinion – for some it's an object of desire, for others it's a firm no. However, even hardened fans of the camera, who now include me, will admit there's maybe one concession too many.

Rated using a conventional scoring system, the Sigma BF comes up short because its limitations are many. It doesn't have a viewfinder; its touchscreen is fixed; memory is internal only (a 230GB SSD and no card slot); the 24MP full-frame sensor isn't stabilized; its ergonomics could be better; battery life is modest; and key connections ports for video, such as mic in and a headphone jack, are absent.

That said, cameras can't be reviewed purely by ticking boxes. They're creative tools, and if you find one that gets you, and brings out the creator in you, then what it scores in a review is less relevant.

Isn't she lovely? (Image credit: Tim Coleman)

A similarly-priced, conventional mirrorless camera like the Nikon Z6 III gives you all the tools you need, wrapped in a sensible design with superb ergonomics, and it 'scores' better. However, if you want a bit of excitement, and a stunning and unique camera that can delight, frustrate, then delight again from one beat to the next, the BF is the ticket.

For seasoned photographers, there’s a re-learning process with the Sigma BF in terms of navigating its nondescript controls and minimalist menus. You need to spend some time getting to know the BF. Familiarize yourself with its quirks and its joys, and most other cameras feel somehow dull and characterless by comparison.

It's also a sensational pairing with Sigma's Contemporary I-series lenses – I had a new silver version of the 35mm F2 DG lens to match the silver BF. Sigma, if you're reading this: producing a pancake lens next, that pairs with the BF's compact body, should be a top priority.

Sigma says the BF stands for 'Beautiful Foolishness', I've read other reviewers liken it to a 'Best Friend'. For me, it’s Brilliantly Flawed and I'm a Big Fan.

Whatever its technical compromises, the Sigma BF is a design masterstroke. It's a beautifully imperfect thing that deserves its place in your hand. Relationship status? Seeing someone.

Sigma BF: price and release date

• The Sigma BF body-only costs $1,999 / £1,969 / AU$3,995
• It's available for pre-order in silver or black versions
• Sigma has also launched silver versions of multiple I-series lenses

Sigma lenses are typically around half the price of proprietary brand equivalents, but what of the brand's cameras? Well, the BF costs $1,999 / £1,969 / AU$3,995 body-only, which on the one hand is pretty steep for a 24MP full-frame camera with no viewfinder.

However, this is no ordinary camera. When you consider the BF's build quality – the chassis is machined from a single ingot of aluminum, and the camera has premium touch-sensitive controls – then suddenly it feels more reasonable.

Pre-orders are open now, and the BF is available in silver or black versions – interest in the silver version has been particularly high. However, reportedly Sigma can only make nine Sigma BF units per day, and so the lead times for orders could dwarf even those for 2024's most sought-after camera, the Fujifilm X100VI.

• Price score: 4/5

Sigma BF: specs Sigma BF: design and handling

• Chassis machined from a single ingot of aluminum
• Nondescript controls, some of which are touch-sensitive, plus simple menus
• Internal SSD memory only, no card slot
• No mic or headphone port, just a USB-C port

A camera that's machined from a single ingot of aluminum in a process that takes seven hours, with production limited to nine units per day, should be special. The BF is just that.

It's true that the Sigma BF's minimalist design won't be for everyone. It's distinctly Apple-like in terms of its design, at a time when retro cameras like the Fujifilm X100VI are trending. Personally, I've found the BF to be one of the most fascinating cameras in recent memory.

Its premium quality is obvious, right down to the smallest details – even the the metal body cap, which I dedicated an entire article to. The camera is weather-proof and feels rock-solid – I'd fear more for any surface it came into contact with, even though of course I wouldn't want to thrash such a lovely camera around.

With its clean lines and stripped-back control layout come various design concessions, particularly if you've been spoilt by other mirrorless cameras that place plentiful controls at your fingertips.

There's no grip to speak of, just a textured front half; a design choice that feels more aesthetic than anything else, and which complements the matte finish beautifully.

As such, the BF is best used with small lenses, especially Sigma's I-series of Contemporary primes. Sigma was on the ball in launching silver versions of some I-series lenses to match the new silver BF – I had the new silver 35mm F2 DG for this review.

These I-series lenses are pretty small, none more so than the 45mm F2.8. That said, there's no true pancake lens for Sigma's L-mount, and I'd like to see one to full complement the BF's ergonomics.

Image 1 of 5

The BF employs a back illuminated 24.6MP full-frame sensor (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 2 of 5

Its textured front half provides a little grip, but is more for the looks (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 3 of 5

Half textured, half matt finish – the striking BF from the front (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 4 of 5

Notches on the body cap complement the camera's front (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 5 of 5

Even the camera's body cap is beautiful (Image credit: Tim Coleman)

Each button and control is beautifully dampened, and – get this – two of the buttons are touch-sensitive: the menu button and the playback button. If you half-press the playback button, your latest image pops up on screen until you let go. Fully press the button in and you enter playback mode. Quality.

Markings on the buttons are suitably nondescript, so it'll take you a while to workout what each one does. Also, once you're in a menu, it's not all that obvious how to make exposure changes – a prize goes to whoever works out how to select or deselect the auto option in exposure settings the fastest.

Finding commonly used settings is no problem, though. There are three simple menus to navigate: the main one with your most-used settings, and two sub-menus. This simple setup feels very Hasselblad X2D 100C.

In that top menu, you can scroll through the options using the control wheel, with the latest setting being displayed on a charming, tiny LCD. Via this, quick changes to settings like color profiles are possible.

Image 1 of 10

In bright sunlight, at various angles, there can be blinding glare from the silver version of the Sigma BF. (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 2 of 10

Clean lines, just a single USB-C slot (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 3 of 10

A large 3.2-inch touchscreen dominates the camera's rear (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 4 of 10

There's a loop just on one side of the BF, suitable to attach a wrist strap (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 5 of 10

Minimalism at its best – the top of the camera features a large shutter button only (and built-in stereo mics). (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 6 of 10

The premium matt finish feels lovely (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 7 of 10

There's that shutter button, and below it a thumb grip (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 8 of 10

Watch out when in the sun - the silver version reflects sunlight, with particularly strong glare (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 9 of 10

There's a recess in the BF's corner where the camera rests in your palm. (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 10 of 10

Each control is beautifully dampened, while some are touch senstive. (Image credit: Tim Coleman)

Arguably Sigma's most controversial design choice was to limit storage to an internal SSD only. That's fine, so long as the SSD is reliable – and we've no reason to believe it won't be – but if there's an issue with it the camera becomes useless without a costly repair (assuming that is indeed possible).

I love cameras that include built-in memory as a fail-safe, but that's when it's in addition to removable media such as an SD card. Internal memory only will be a dealbreaker for some people.

To upload photos from the BF you'll need to connect it via the USB-C port, which is also used to charge the camera. I found the upload process super straightforward, and speedy to a MacBook Pro.

The exterior is suitably stripped-back too, meaning there's no mic input, headphone jack, HDMI or even loops on both sides for a shoulder strap, just on one side for a wrist strap.

I don't mind all of the above. What I did miss the most is having a viewfinder or a tilt / vari-angle screen. In bright sunlight I naturally found myself bringing the camera up to my eye as if a viewfinder was there to compose the shot, while at awkward low angles I wished for a tilt screen.

Both or either of those display features would make the BF more practical, but I understand why they're absent – how could Sigma otherwise make such a beautifully minimalist camera?

• Design score: 4.5/5

Sigma BF: features and performance

• 8fps with continuous AF, recorded onto rapid internal SSD
• Below-average 260-shot battery life
• No IBIS, just electronic stabilization for video

If you want an all-singing all-dancing mirrorless camera, the Sigma BF is not for you. Sure, its startup time is rapid, but it lacks many of the powerful features that we've come to take for granted in cameras at this price point and above.

Take the 24.6MP sensor – it's not stabilized. That's not a dealbreaker for what will surely be an everyday camera for photographers, and used with fast-aperture prime lenses, but I'd love to see it – after all, in-body image stabilization is part of an internal component, and so including it wouldn't impact the BF's minimalist design.

For video, there's the option for electronic stabilization, which imposes a 1.25x crop to the image area, meaning it's not available for the 6K option.

The burst shooting with continuous AF drive mode maxes out at 8fps, so it's not the quickest. However, sequences can run for longer than you'll likely ever need: up to 350 raw images or 1,000 JPEGs. Buffering time for those sequences, before the camera is ready once more to perform fully, is shorter than on most rivals too.

As mentioned, there's no card slot, and images are saved to an internal 230GB SSD. You can upload photos via the multi-purpose USB-C 3.2 port, which is rated up to 10Gbps and can also be used for any one of the following functions at a time: external video output, charging and power delivery, cable release, external mic, and headphone output.

Image 1 of 5

The 24.6MP full-frame back illuminated sensor; there's no stabilization (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 2 of 5

The BF's multi-purpose USB-C port, with functions including image upload, charging and for external accessories (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 3 of 5

The BF's underside, including a lock for the pop-out battery (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 4 of 5

You'll need to crank the screen's brightness to its maximum when shooting in bright light (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 5 of 5

Built-in stereo mics (Image credit: Tim Coleman)

Sigma has created a new BP-81 battery for the BF – it's a tiny 3,300mAh unit that's rated for a meagre 260 shots, although I don't mind the lower-than-average shot life when you consider how compact the BF is.

Autofocus is a hybrid phase-detection and contrast-detection system, with subject tracking for humans and animals. It's proven pretty reliable overall during my testing, especially for close-up portraits, but I've certainly used more sophisticated systems from the likes of Sony, Canon and Nikon.

Part of the issue with autofocus is relying on a fixed touchscreen that's not always the easiest to see, depending on the shooting conditions. You hope focus is spot on, but it isn't always.

Another element that limits autofocus performance is that the focus options you have to choose from are relatively basic – this is a minimalist camera in just about every way. I'd also say, based on my experience of both cameras, that the Nikon Z6 III is much better at picking up subjects that only take up a small portion of the frame.

As for video, the BF features built-in stereo mics, but no dedicated mic input, just mic connection via the multi-purpose USB-C; and the stereo mics are particularly susceptible to wind distortion. In short, many of the features that video users rely on are absent – the BF is more a photographer's camera that happens to shoot lovely-quality 6K video.

• Features and performance score: 3.5/5

Sigma BF: image and video quality

• 24.6MP photos in detail-rich 14-bit raw universal DNG format
• 6K video from the full width of the sensor, no EIS available at this resolution
• 13 color profiles for photos, L-log for video

Despite its rather conventional-sounding 24MP full-frame sensor, the Sigma BF is capable of producing highly-detailed images with gorgeous color.

Special mention must go to the superb 35mm F2 DG lens I was testing the camera with – detail is pin-sharp from center to edges, with a lovely focus fall-off when you're shooting at the maximum f/2 aperture.

There are plenty of other superb L-mount lenses to pair with the BF, and Sigma lenses are reasonably priced too. That said, I do think that Sigma needs to prioritize producing a pancake lens that truly complements the BF's compact body, especially while sales for the camera are likely to be strong. A tiny 35mm f/2.8 should be doable.

The photos in the gallery directly below are a selection of the kind of everyday images that the Sigma BF is so adept at capturing.

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As with Leica, I always appreciate that a Sigma camera's raw files are the universal DNG format, meaning that just about any editor happily accepts the files; and they're detail-rich 14-bit files, no less.

Shoot in raw and JPEG simultaneously, and the standard color settings and full image area is kept for raw files, but your active color mode is applied to JPEGs. There are 13 modes to choose from for photos, and there are a few crackers amongst them.

The Calm color profile is Sigma's version of natural / muted, while Rich is a vibrant profile. I'm a fan of the BF's natural '709 Look' for photos, even though it's based on the Rec.709 profile traditionally used for video, plus the punchy and trendy Teal and Orange. It's easy to scroll through these options quickly to make your selection.

Here's the entire list of color modes: Standard, Rich, Calm, Powder Blue, Warm Gold, Teal and Orange, FOV Classic Blue, FOV Classic Yellow, Forest Green, Sunset Red, Cinema, 709 Look and Monochrome.

Street photography is a forte of the Sigma BF, as you can see from the collection of images below.

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Would I prefer the BF had a 61MP sensor, like the one in Sigma's own fp L? Sure. And a stabilized sensor too. Those extra pixels would give greater scope for cropping into images taken with a lens like the 35mm F2 I had for this test, for the times you can't get close enough, while in-body image stabilization makes handheld shooting easier in various conditions.

All the photos you can see below were taken with the BF's autofocus with subject tracking active, and the close-up portraits are reliably pin-sharp on the eyes. My hit ratio in low light was less reliable, but impressive nonetheless.

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Video specs are decent, with 6K 30fps video in Sigma's L-log profile looking particularly lovely after grading, though you'll miss out on electronic stabilization in 6K, which rules out handheld footage on the move – the sample video below includes shaky unstabilized clips as I walk through London, plus a selection of the color profiles so you can appreciate the different styles.

However, it's the distinct lack of supporting features for video that plants the BF firmly in the photography camp, rather than it being a hybrid model.

• Image and video quality score: 4.5/5

Sigma BF: testing scorecard Should I buy the Sigma BF? Buy it if...

You love minimalist tech
I thought the Hasselblad X2D 100C was peak minimalism, but the Sigma BF is another level – there isn't even a memory card slot!

You want a camera that stands out from the crowd
The camera market is flooded with conventional DSLR-style mirrorless cameras; the Sigma BF couldn't be more different.

You want a small everyday camera
Considering its full-frame sensor, the BF is compact, and pairs nicely with Sigma's dinky Contemporary I-series lenses.

Don't buy it if...

You value function over form
Design is the BF's selling point... if you want something different. However, other cameras at this price point will offer more control and more features.

You shoot video a lot
The BF can record lovely-looking 6K video with Sigma's L-log color profile, but it lacks most supporting features needed for video, such as in-body image stabilization, and mic in and headphone out ports.

You need removable storage
The BF doesn't have a memory card slot, just an internal SSD, so if something goes wrong with the internal memory it's game over. We wouldn't expect any issues, but it's something to worry about.

Sigma BF: also consider Sigma fp

The BF follows two other Sigma full-frame cameras with similarly compact form; the fp (24MP) and the fp L (61MP). The fp L is more readily available and has the pricier, higher-resolution sensor yet costs the same as the BF, while the fp costs around 20% less, but is harder to find new. The BF wins for design, while the fp models arguably have better features and more conventional controls, even if the BF has improved in certain areas, such as autofocus performance. All three cameras use the same L-mount.

Read our in-depth Sigma FP review

Nikon Zf

Full-frame 24MP cameras at the BF's price point are plentiful. Most have a conventional design, such as the Canon EOS R6 Mark II and Nikon Z6 III. However, there are other cameras that pack a similar punch but whose design and user experience are key, such as the Nikon Zf. Unlike the modern, minimalist Sigma BF, the Nikon Zf is a retro model with exposure dials and faux leather finish.

Read our in-depth Nikon Zf

How I tested the Sigma BF

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• Sigma loaned me the silver version of the BF for one week
• I tested it with the Sigma 35mm F2 DG Contemporary lens
• I mostly used it for everyday and street photography, taking between 500-1,000 photos and videos, and I also tested its video features

I tried to use the Sigma BF as much as possible during a oneweek loan period, taking it with me everywhere, including on city commutes and walks. As you can see from the photos, I had the silver BF, which was the version I was hoping for, together with a new silver version Sigma 35mm F2 DG Contemporary lens.

I've used the BF in bright sunlight and on cloudy days, as well as at night. I've made photos using the various color profiles and autofocus modes, as well as videos at the various resolutions.

First reviewed April 2025

• View or buy at Dreame UK / Amazon / Very

Dreame H15 Pro Wet and Dry vacuum review: two-minute review

Officially unveiled at CES 2025, the Dreame H15 Pro Wet and Dry vacuum boldly promises “a completely clean, untangled and spotless home with zero effort". While the claim might seem audacious, on test I found it almost completely held true. This is one of the very best wet and dry vacuums on the market.

The Dreame H15 Pro boasts several notable upgrades over its predecessor, the H14 Pro. Suction power has increased to 21,000 Pa (up from 18,000 Pa), the battery life is 20 minutes longer (an impressive 60mins) and the roller drying heat has been dialed up from 60C to 90C, which is great for swerving mold and nasty odors.

While it no longer includes the H14 Pro's LED-illuminated brush head or automatic detergent dispenser, these omissions are hardly deal-breakers. Not least because the H15 Pro has one unique feature that no other cordless wet and dry vaccum is currently offering – a retractable squeegee. This is a squeegee style strip at the front of the roller mop that automatically drops down to sweep excess water and debris back towards the roller mop and into the machine. It then automatically retracts to prevent streaks. The aim is to get closer to the walls, and it works extremely well.

Although heavy to lift, the auto-traction (powered) wheels mean its pretty easy to push around in use, and it also boasts excellent limbo-skills – it can slink under the lowest furniture, thanks to a lie-flat design.

There are four power modes, including a low-effort automated mode, and one you can customize via the Dreamehome app, and a vacuum-only mode. On test, was outstanding for cleaning spillages on hard floors, and great for deep-cleaning carpet with water too. Like almost all wet-dry vacuums, it's not effective on uneven flooring, and approach with extreme caution on delicate floors too – in Turbo mode it marked my engineered timber flooring with its over-zealous cleaning (sob).

Price-wise, it's one of the more expensive wet-and-dry vacuums on the market, but if you have a lot of (tough) hard floors and are looking for a low-effort, ultra-effective cleaner, it's worth the investment. Read on for my full Dreame H15 Pro Wet and Dry vacuum review.

Dreame H15 Pro Wet and Dry vacuum review: price & availability

• List price: £599
• Launch date: January 2025
• Availability: UK

The Dreame H15 Pro officially launched in January 2025, and at time of writing it's currently only available in the UK. I've asked about US launch plans and will update this review when I hear back.

With a list price of £599 (equivalent to around $775 / AU$1,230), the H15 Pro is one of the priciest wet and dry vacuums on the market. It's available to buy direct from Dreame, and at various third party retailers like Amazon and Very.

Its price reflects the advanced technology on offer – think AI-driven robotic arm, retractable squeegee and hot water bath brush washing. You might also be able to avoid paying full price – I've already spotted a £100 off discount on the Dreame UK website. With its recent market debut, it's likely that additional deals and promotions will emerge over time, potentially making for a more palatable price-tag moving forwards.

In terms of the wider market, one of the biggest competitors is Tineco, whose priciest wet-dry vacuum is $699.99 / £599 (head to our Tineco Floor One S7 Pro review to find out more about that one). Alternatively there's the well-established Shark HydroVac, which is our favorite budget option with a list price of $199 / £199.

Ultimately, if you’re after the latest cleaning technology and are willing to invest in a high-performance device, the H15 Pro is well worth a gander. For those on a tighter budget, however, it might be wise to wait for further discounts or consider less tech-packed alternatives.

• Value for money score: 4 out of 5

Dreame H15 Pro Wet and Dry specs Dreame H15 Pro Wet and Dry vacuum review: design

• 180-degree lie-flat design and self-cleaning base
• Range of cleaning modes, including automated and vacuum-only
• Large, intuitive display panel, and optional audio commentary

The Dreame H15 Pro arrived in a large cardboard box – quite heavy but manageable for one able adult – and, once removed, was easy to put together. I just had to slot the handle into the main unit and plug the floor/cleaning base into the wall. Besides the main unit and charging base, it arrived with a bottle of detergent, a replacement filter, spare roller and cleaning brush.

The overall design isn't quite as slick-looking as I expected (Image credit: Future)

My initial impression of the design was a little underwhelming. The black and grey color scheme, accented with chrome trim, isn’t ugly, but it doesn’t quite convey the high-tech aesthetic I expected from a product boasting cutting-edge innovation. The floorhead feels large and boxy, while the main unit lacks the refined, streamlined look of competitors like Dyson.

The LED display is bright and intuitive (Image credit: Future)

Things improved once I’d charged the battery to full juice and turned it on. The bright, LED display panel is generous and intuitive, making it easy to keep an eye on battery life, cleaning modes and error codes (such as empty water and blocked tube). During self-cleaning cycles, the display counts down progress.

There’s also a running audio commentary of every move you make, including turning on, drying, set cleaning mode etc, with a rather irritating robotic accent. You can’t change it, but I did turn the volume down in the app, and you can turn it off altogether if preferred.

Fine-tuning cleaning in the Dreamehome App [click to open large version] (Image credit: Future)

Speaking of which, connecting to said app (Dreamehome) was relatively painless, I just needed to make sure I used our 2.4 GHz connection. The App platform is well designed and set out, though not terribly exciting in terms of functions – but this is not a robot so I guess there’s only so much you can set it up to do. (But if you really want zero effort and a multitude of control options, check out the best robot vacuums with mopping capabilities – Narwal’s Freo Z Ultra is my current favorite.)

I did tweak a few settings, such as personalizing a custom mode (with the most water and power of course) and changed the drying process to high speed, which takes it from 30mins to 5mins, because I’m impatient like that! But if you can’t be bothered with another app in your life, I don’t think you’d be missing too much by not connecting it.

The vacuum can lie flat to the floor to shimmy under furniture (Image credit: Future)

The main design highlight in terms of user ease is the 180-degree, lie-flat design, which as the name suggests, means the whole thing can limbo right down to the ground to scoot under any furniture or gap measuring a minimum of 5.5in (14cm). This was handy for getting under my kitchen sofa and wall-hung toilets, but the floorhead was too bulky to slink under my kitchen island unit.

It's a bit of a leaning tower when docked (Image credit: Future)

The charging base is quite large and not in any way beautiful – I’d need it to live in the utility room or other out of the way spot if it was a permanent resident in my home. I also didn’t like how the vacuum pitches forward when docked, like a drunkard, rather than sitting up straight.

Looks aside, the charging base does way more than just top up the battery – it’s a full-on cleaning station. When docked, it acts like a bath for the roller mop, using 240ml of 100C water to clean away dirt and bacteria, before drying with hot air. The idea is you’ll never have a smelly old water situation and the next time you reach for the cleaner, it’ll be ready with a clean mop, and it works really well.

The charging base also works as a water bath to clean the roller mop (Image credit: Future)

Overall, the design is average, and the build quality could be better, but the functionality is superior, so I guess it depends on your priorities in life. Personally, I like everything in my home to look beautiful – shallow, I know – but the fact that the Dreame H15 Pro is exceptionally good (more on that next) and not offensive to look at, means I’d happily make an exception here.

• Design score: 3.5 out of 5

Dreame H15 Pro Wet and Dry vacuum review: performance

• Excellent cleaning (including edges) on almost all hard floor types
• Struggles with uneven floors, and so-so suction on carpet
• Beware: Turbo mode can damage delicate floors

I do have a robot mop that I love for day-to-day use but if I want my floors really clean, I’ve always found it hard to beat a good old-fashioned mop and bucket. While I am still not ready to ditch that completely, I’ll admit that on performance, the Dreame H15 Pro exceeded my expectations.

Right from the start, I was impressed by its decent suction power, and once I’d tweaked the water output to max on the app, the mopping performance matched it. With multiple cleaning programs at my fingertips (a button in the handle), I could easily switch between a deep clean Turbo mode for tougher stains to Smart mode for general use.

This latter mode automatically adjusts cleaning according to the surface/dirt levels and seemed to work well. Movement is self-propelled backwards and forwards, which makes light work of pushing it around the floors, and the head pivots smoothly, too.

There are no edge gaps! (Image credit: Future)

Edge cleaning is often a challenge for vacuum/mop devices, but the Dreame H15 Pro truly excels in this area thanks to its innovative squeegee feature and adaptive cleaning technology. I particularly enjoyed watching the squeegee in action – it automatically lowered as you pull back, and rose moving forwards, dragging dirt away from the edges and corners as it went. During my testing, I placed flour right up to the skirting board, and the H15 Pro managed to pick up every last bit with impressive precision.

Roller mark damage on wood flooring (Image credit: Future)

One of the first things I discovered, to my absolute horror, was that the Turbo mode marked my engineered timber flooring (sob), creating random ridges where the mop roller was presumably spinning too fast in one spot. Once I’d realized, or rather my husband pointed them out (he was not impressed), I went into the App and changed the custom mode to the gentlest power (soft) and the lower of the two water settings, and made sure I kept it moving at all times while the roller was rolling.

This did prevent any additional damage but made me quite nervous to use it on our wood flooring, especially since it was one of the main expenses of our renovation. If you have any kind of real timber flooring, I’d recommend you avoid the Turbo mode like the plague.

On terracotta, it's a fail (Image credit: Future)

Beside the wood flooring, I also have vinyl laminate floors, porcelain tiles, reclaimed terracotta tiles and carpets through my home. I’d say the best results were on the vinyl and porcelain – truly excellent and easily as good, if not better, than using a manual mop. (The wood floor cleaning results were also good to be fair, but the fact they got badly marked wasn’t ideal – here's more on how to clean wooden floors.)

Our terracotta floors have such deep grout lines and so much rugged texture, the Dreame H15 Pro only really licked the surface, even in Turbo mode, so I still had to reach for my faithful mop and bucket. That's not surprising – figuring out how to deal with not-flat floors is a challenge that wet-dry vacuum makers have yet to overcome.

This particular floor cleaner can also be used on carpet. I gave the beige colored 100% wool carpet in my living room a quick mop in Turbo mode and was astonished by the dirt that came out – very satisfying. The stains stayed put sadly, and probably need specialist cleaning.

It can also used in Suction Only mode for carpets, but I'd say it was only so-so in this setting. I’d occasionally use it on the living room carpet if I was already busy mopping everywhere else, but if I really needed to get deep into the pile and dig out all the dog hairs, I had to bring out my normal cordless vacuum.

Mine is a Miele and super sucky, but TechRadar's best cordless vacuum guide has more recommendations if you need them. There’s also the issue of no detail tools for upholstery, cobwebs, skirting boards and so on. In short, I don’t think you could use this as your only vacuum cleaner.

Cleaning tests

During my standard vacuuming tests – using flour to simulate fine debris and oats for larger particles – the performance truly surpassed my expectations. For the flour test on engineered wood flooring, I used Smart mode so the machine could choose the setting that would offer the best results. And it clearly knows its onions because it only took one pass to completely clear away the flour, including those hard-to-reach grooves between the planks. The efficiency was nothing short of impressive.

(Image credit: Future)

Next came the oats test, again on engineered wood, and this time the Smart mode wasn’t quite cutting it – the oats were being pushed around rather than suctioned up – so I switched to Turbo mode, and they were eradicated in just a few more passes.

In Auto mode, the H15 cleared all this flour in a single pass – impressive (Image credit: Future)

Next, I spilled the beans, literally, on the porcelain tiles in our cloakroom (I wasn’t risking staining our wood flooring I’m afraid; divorce is too expensive these days!). In Smart mode, the Dreame H15 Pro gobbled them up in two sweeps: mind = blown.

I also tried a puddle of blackcurrant squash on the porcelain and the same results, gone in two passes. Over the weeks of reviewing, I reached for the Dreame H15 Pro whenever there was a liquid spill (usually around the dishwasher and dog bowls), and it never once failed me.

Maintenance

Filling and emptying the unit was hassle-free thanks to a smart design that separates the wet and dry compartments. The latter did get pretty grim because the contents were all mushy and wet but that’s where the brush accessories comes in handy.

You do have to put the detergent in the water reservoir each time, but the bottle comes with a handy dosing cap and it really wasn’t difficult. I found I could mop my entire ground floor (five rooms plus hallway) before needing to refill the reservoir, usually before it could clean the mop roller. The App and audio alert tells you when to refill and empty the waste-water unit. Both clip in and out easily.

Cleaning the waste tanks is a little gross, but straightforward (Image credit: Future)

After each mopping session, the self-cleaning base kicked in. It was rather noisy – my decibel meter App recorded cleaning at 74 dBA, which is pretty intrusive given that I’d located the base in my open-plan kitchen/living space. To cut down on disruption, I mostly used the rapid 5 minute program. I also turned off automatic cleaning, preferring to do it myself as and when I felt it was required, because it seemed a bit excessive to go through a clean cycle if I’d just mopped up one small spill.

Another bonus of this model is the hair-evading mop roller, which has some kind of hidden cutting tool that ensures hair doesn’t tangle around it. I can confirm it works perfectly.

• Performance score: 4.5 out of 5

Dreame H15 Pro Wet and Dry review: battery life

I found the battery life on the Dreame H15 Pro to be more than adequate for our four-bedroom home – admittedly I didn’t use it as much on the carpeted bedrooms or living room but I could cover the rest of the house, including the two upstairs bathrooms and play room, without running out of power if I stuck to Smart mode. The battery lasts an impressive 60 mins and the LED panel kept me updated on the current charge, so I could tell if I’d need to recharge but I never did. I did notice the power draining more quickly in Turbo mode, but that’s to be expected.

• Battery score: 5 out of 5

Should you buy the Dreame H15 Pro Wet and Dry vacuum? Buy it if…

You have plenty of vinyl, stone or porcelain tiles

On scratch-resistant hard flooring this machine is an absolutely beast – taking no prisoners when it comes to stains, spills and general dirt.

You have lots of leggy furniture

Getting down and dirty under furniture is a specialty of this machine – those dust bunnies will be history.

You want a low-effort option

With its effective auto mode, anti-hair wrap features and automatic mop cleaning, this is an impressively effort-free solution.

Don't buy it if…

It will be the only vacuum you own

While it can be used to vacuum carpets, it's not as impressive in its vacuum-only mode, and the lack of detail tools means it's limited in what it can clean. It's fine for the occasional dust-bust, but it won't replace a dedicated vacuum.

You have lots of stairs

I am reasonably strong, but the unit is bottom-heavy, especially when the water tank is full. I think my elderly mother-in-law would struggle to lift it in and out of the charging base or up any steps/stairs.

You like a quiet life

The sound levels aren’t great – around 70dBA in Turbo Mode and higher when self-cleaning/drying the mop roller. I found the 30 min self-cleaning program especially annoying on the noise front too (I'm pleased there's a 5 minute option).

How I tested the Dreame H15 Pro Wet and Dry cordless

I put the Dreame H15 Pro Wet and Dry vacuum through its paces for four weeks this spring in our Victorian, four-bed detached family home, which hosts two messy children and two even messier and especially hairy spaniels. With an open-plan downstairs and a mix of flooring – porcelain, terracotta, luxury vinyl, engineered oak, wool carpets, and plenty of flat-weave rugs – I had the perfect testing ground. I used it as my main vacuum (except on the staircase – too heavy!) and tried every cleaning mode. I even ran some messy tests with flour, oats, and baked beans, measured noise levels with my iPhone, studied edge-closeness and tracked battery life and charging times.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed March 2025

Samsung Galaxy A56 review: Two-minute review

Mid-range and budget smartphones are growing in popularity as flagship devices increasingly come with heftier price tags. That doesn’t mean the best cheap phones are slower, less durable versions of their high-end counterparts – in fact, they offer unique value to budget-conscious buyers. In this category, the Samsung Galaxy A5X series is perhaps the best example, and the A56 carries on the tradition.

Having launched alongside the A36 and A26, the Galaxy A56 is the most premium of the trio, boasting more RAM and better cameras. That doesn’t mean it’s expensive – far from it as it’s priced at just $499 / £499 / AU$699. The three siblings, however, share key features, like a 120Hz refresh rate, a 5,000mAh battery and an IP67 water- and dust-resistance rating.

The Samsung Galaxy A56 is the ideal smartphone for the average user, offering seriously fantastic showings across its cameras, display, design and battery.

The Galaxy A56 exudes class with its metal and glass design, feeling just as premium in hand and on the eyes, with a finish reminiscent of high-end devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 or the Galaxy S25 Ultra, but at a fraction of the cost.

I received the Awesome Olive model for this review – though I must admit, I had my eyes on the pink variant. Regardless of color choice, the A56’s build quality is undeniable. Improving upon the already impressive Galaxy A55 in every way, Samsung's mid-range marvel is bigger, thinner and lighter.

Featuring a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED panel, its display delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smooth visuals thanks to its 120Hz refresh rate. As someone who values high-quality screens for watching content, I was genuinely impressed.

Every inch of the Galaxy A56 looks and feels premium (Image credit: Future)

This quality continues in its battery life. It sports the same 5,000mAh battery as its predecessor, but that's still an impressive capacity in a budget phone – and my experience backs up Samsung's claim of up to 29 hours of video playback. The Samsung Galaxy A56 has also seen an upgrade from 25W to 45W charging, making top-ups faster and more convenient for most users, with a charging speed now equal to that of the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Both serious and casual photographers will be happy too, as the Galaxy A56 rivals the Motorola Edge 50 Pro for the title of best budget camera phone, though it's still far away from competing with the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The setup includes a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, a 5MP macro camera and a 12MP front-facing shooter. Whether you're capturing night shots, macro details or everyday moments, the A56 delivers sharp, well-balanced images with a variety of useful features.

Speaking of useful features, Samsung's famous Galaxy AI isn't present in its budget line of phones. However, the sprinkling of AI features Samsung does provide – like AI photo editing, note-taking, Google Gemini functionality and more – add a tasteful amount of flair without overwhelming users who may not want AI integration.

I played Fortnite on the Galaxy A56 and it struggled (Image credit: Future)

Ironically, the one area in which the A56 isn't up to scratch – even compared to similarly priced phones – is its power. Don't get me wrong: it's still perfectly suited to the average user who wants to call, text, video chat, scroll socials, watch the best streaming services and play games like Clash Royale, but I think it could do with a touch more grunt under the hood. It's simply not the phone to buy if you need power from your handset. When playing Fortnite, for example, gameplay was seriously choppy even at low graphics settings and the minimum 20FPS.

That’s not a deal breaker, though. At its price point, the Samsung Galaxy A56 is a fantastic choice for the cost-conscious user who wants a well-balanced phone that looks and feels premium.

Samsung Galaxy A56 review: price and availability

• Launch price: $499 / £499 / AU$699
• Released March 19 in the UK and March 27 in Australia
• Landing in the US later in 2025

The Samsung Galaxy A56 is one of the best budget phones on the market in terms of value, offering a seriously good experience for a truly wallet-friendly $499 /£499 / AU$699 price, with other phones either performing better at higher price points, or offering lesser experiences at a similar price.

Unlike the Samsung Galaxy A55, which never made it to the US market, Samsung officially confirmed on March 1 that the A56 would debut in the US "later this year", while the A36 and A26 became available on March 28 and 26 respectively.

Australians enjoy the same price on the Samsung Galaxy A56 as they did with its predecessor. However, potential owners in the UK will have to fork out an extra £60 compared to last year, with the A55 releasing for only £439.

The Samsung Galaxy A56 is only available in the 8GB RAM, 256GB storage configuration in the UK, and comes in Awesome Olive, Awesome Graphite, Awesome Lightgrey and Awesome Pink.

Importantly, while Australians only get two color options – olive and graphite – they also get two storage options, with a 128GB model priced at AU$699, and the 256GB model costing AU$799. There is also a 12GB RAM model available in select regions.

The only other comparable phone in terms of price versus performance is the near-flagship Google Pixel 9a, releasing soon at $499 / £499 / AU$849. We haven't reviewed the Pixel 9a yet, but if it continues the success of its predecessor, it makes the A56 harder to recommend in the US and UK given they are the same price.

• Value score: 4.5/5

Samsung Galaxy A56 review: specs Samsung Galaxy A56 review: design

• 120Hz refresh rate
• 1,900-nit peak outdoors
• 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display

Watching a nature documentary on the Galaxy A56 is a lovely experience (Image credit: Future)

I already loved the 6.6-inch display on the A55 – it struck a perfect balance between being comfortable to hold and offering an upgraded viewing experience over my 6.1-inch iPhone 15.

Samsung has taken that a step further with the A56, making it even more comfortable in hand while increasing the screen size to 6.7 inches for an even better entertainment experience. Whether I was watching videos, reading, gaming or video calling, the 1080 x 2340 Super AMOLED display provided one of the best viewing experiences I’ve had on a budget smartphone.

Peak brightness is fine on the Galaxy A56 home screen, but it could be better (Image credit: Future)

The only noticeable cost-cutting comes in the display’s peak brightness. While I never struggled to see the screen, its 1,200-nit brightness is lower than I’d like to see in 2025 – though it does bump up to 1,900 in direct sunlight. While this improves on the Galaxy A55’s 1,000-nit peak, it falls short of competitors like the Google Pixel 9a (2,700 nits) and the Poco F6 Pro (4,000 nits).

In every other aspect, though, the A56’s display feels truly premium. It’s even protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Invictus, adding durability against scratches and drops. While I didn’t test a full 2m drop onto concrete, a few accidental drops left it completely unscathed.

• Display score: 4.5/5

Samsung Galaxy A56 review: design

• Thinner and lighter than the Galaxy A55
• Gorilla Glass Invictus
• IP67 water and dustproof rating

The Samsung Galaxy A56 in the Olive looks quite good even though it's my least favorite color (Image credit: Future)

I loved the Samsung Galaxy A55, particularly its design – a blend of metal and glass that gave it a supremely premium feel at a truly budget price. The A56 improves on that in every way – refining an already impressive formula. I received the Awesome Olive colorway, which was probably my least favorite of the four options, yet I was still thoroughly impressed by how good it looks.

The A56 features a slightly larger 6.7-inch display (up from 6.6 inches) and is about a millimeter taller and wider to accommodate the bigger screen. Bigger may not always be better, but Samsung has offset the increased size with a 1.2mm reduction in thickness and a significant 15g drop in weight – making an exceptional design near perfect.

Or perhaps just perfect. Not only does the metal frame enhance the phone’s premium feel and sturdy build, but Samsung has also added subtle ridges to the frame – something I don’t recall seeing or feeling on the A55 when I reviewed it. The ridges didn’t necessarily improve the grip for me, but they served as a satisfying fidget point when I ran my fingers across them.

The slightly ridged chassis edges don't necessarily improve grip, but I don't mind it at all (Image credit: Future)

That’s about all the superlatives I can give the A56’s design. It’s everything you want a phone to look and feel like, regardless of its price. It’s also protected by Gorilla Glass Victus, offering excellent resistance against scratches and drops.

As with avoiding the 2m drop test, I didn’t throw the IP67-rated Galaxy A56 in the bath; however, my colleagues and I have spent plenty of time with Gorilla Glass to know how good the durability can be – and I had absolutely no issue the few times I did get the phone wet while doing the dishes and walking in the rain.

Big, beautiful, lightweight, and impressively durable, the A56 is an exceptionally designed piece of technology. The fact that it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg makes it all the more impressive.

• Design score: 5/5

Samsung Galaxy A56 review: software

• No full Galaxy AI suite, but some “Awesome Intelligence” features are available
• Six years of software and security support
• Plenty of UI customizations with new Now Bar feature

The software package on Samsung's cheaper phones are as good as that on the flagships (Image credit: Future)

From a software perspective, the Samsung Galaxy A56 might be the most impressive budget-focused phone I’ve personally used. And that’s despite my colleagues praising the Google Pixel 8a for bringing Google’s AI tools to a wider audience. That’s not to say the A56 misses out entirely on AI features – it has a smattering of useful ones that won’t overwhelm the average user – but if AI is your top priority, you’ll need to shell out for the Samsung Galaxy S25 or wait for the Pixel 9a.

The AI-powered tools in the A56 aren’t being called Galaxy AI, instead appearing under the branding “Awesome Intelligence”, although similarities abound.

Samsung lays these features out neatly within the Settings menu and includes tools that let you remove objects from photos, capture the perfect group photo and receive AI-powered suggestions for improving images during editing.

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A screenshot of the Galaxy A56's AI remastering tool (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 3

Removing objects with the object eraser – see the next image for results (Image credit: Future)Image 3 of 3

Same image with several objects in the background removed with AI (Image credit: Future)

That's far from it, though. Within the camera app, you can create Custom Filters based on mood and style, quickly edit videos with Auto Trim or even translate real-world text when in foreign lands with Bixby Vision. AI Select provides suggested actions when you highlight something on-screen, Read Aloud will read articles or passages aloud for you, and you even get Google's Circle to Search tool.

That’s about it for AI, but there's plenty more to love about the Galaxy A56's software. For starters, you get an exceptionally clean user experience with minimal pre-installed bloatware.

Customization options are also extensive. On the wallpaper front, there are featured selections, interesting graphic designs and a variety of colors with different personalization options within. You can also set a dynamic lock screen that changes wallpapers every time you unlock the device, with five categories to choose from.

And that’s just the beginning. Once you settle on a wallpaper color, you can customize the system-wide color palette to match – or opt for basic colors instead. If that’s not enough, you can buy a full theme from the Galaxy Themes store to overhaul your device's entire aesthetic.

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Wallpaper customization options galore! (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

If you don't like the themes on offer, you can spend a little extra cash on purchasing a new one direct from the phone (Image credit: Future)

You can choose between a traditional home screen or one with a separate app drawer, adjust icon sizes, and independently tweak the grid layout for the home screen, app drawer and folders.

One of my favorite additions, though, is the Now Bar. Originally a flagship feature in One UI 7, I was surprised (and delighted) to see it make its way to Samsung’s budget line.

It may seem like a small addition, but it can be an incredibly useful tool. Acting much like Apple’s Dynamic Island, the Now Bar sits at the bottom of the lock screen, working as a media manager that displays your current song or countdown timer, or displaying live notifications for specific apps like Maps, Samsung Health, Clock, Voice Recorder, Samsung Notes and Emergency Sharing.

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The new Now Bar feature is nice to have on a budget phone (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

Just tap it from the lock screen to open further actions (Image credit: Future)

With flagship-level features and a remarkably clean UI, the Samsung Galaxy A56 delivers an outstanding user experience for a budget phone. It also strikes a perfect balance with AI – offering just enough functionality to be useful for those who want it, while remaining unobtrusive for those who don’t.

And, more than just the cherry on top, especially for penny-pinching buyers, is the fact that the Galaxy A56 will see six years of security support and software updates – letting you enjoy its value for years to come.

• Software score: 4.5/5

Samsung Galaxy A56 review: cameras

• Rear camera trio with 50MP main
• 12MP front camera
• Helpful AI tools like Best Face

Unless you have a specific need – like top-tier gaming performance or a battery that can handle marathon sessions – a smartphone’s camera is arguably one of its most important features. From a parent wanting to capture family moments, a hobbyist hiker aiming for the perfect summit selfie, to a serious photographer looking for a reliable backup, any phone worth considering needs to nail its camera. And the Samsung Galaxy A56 does just that.

Simply put, the Galaxy A56 takes some seriously good photos – at any distance.

Its rear camera array includes a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 5MP macro lens. While a higher megapixel count is great, it’s the phone’s image processing that determines the results.

The Galaxy A55 struggled with this: while it produced crisp, well-defined shots, many mid-range and budget phones tend to over-process images, making colors look too saturated and unnatural. The A56 avoids both extremes. While photos come out slightly cooler than I’d prefer, they’re impressively natural, detailed and well balanced.

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Skyscraper with the 50MP main camera (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 9

Capturing the beautiful blue sky (Image credit: Future)Image 3 of 9

A kookaburra sitting with the 12MP ultra-wide (Image credit: Future)Image 4 of 9

The same kookaburra, captured with 10x zoom (Image credit: Future)Image 5 of 9

(Image credit: Future)Image 6 of 9

(Image credit: Future)Image 7 of 9

(Image credit: Future)Image 8 of 9

Sunny mornings with 1x zoom (Image credit: Future)Image 9 of 9

Same trees in 2x zoom (Image credit: Future)

The camera app includes several modes: Fun (which applies Snapchat-like filters), Portrait, Photo, and Video. It also allows easy toggling between the 12MP and 50MP lenses, quick filter application, aspect-ratio adjustments, and motion-photo settings.

For video, you can enable Super Steady mode to counteract shaky hands or turn it off to adjust frame rates: Space-saving HD at 30fps, Full HD at up to 60p, and Ultra HD at 30fps. Auto Framing keeps subjects centered automatically.

That’s not all – Samsung delivers a feature-rich camera experience on a budget here. Tapping ‘More’ unlocks additional modes, including Pro, Pro Video, Night, Food, Panorama, Macro, Slow Motion, Hyperlapse, Dual Rec, and Single Take.

When it comes to macro and night photography, the A56 is one of the more impressive budget phones I’ve used. Macro shots are often incredibly difficult to get right, especially if your subject isn't still, but I had no issue with the A56. And while taking photos in the middle of the night might not be common practice, the A56 performed impressively in low-light environments – taking clear snaps even with almost zero light present.

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The Galaxy A56's macro lens gets good results even when the subject is swaying in the wind or slowly crawling (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 4

Bluey and Bingo captured in night mode (Image credit: Future)Image 3 of 4

The same photo with night mode turned off (Image credit: Future)Image 4 of 4

The same photo with the (weak) light turned on (Image credit: Future)

The Samsung Galaxy A56 isn’t the best camera phone I’ve ever used, nor is it necessarily the camera phone I've used in this price range – that battle is fought between the Pixel 8a and Motorola Edge 50 Pro – but it continues the A56’s overarching theme: consistent, excellent performance across the board.

• Camera score: 4/5

Samsung Galaxy A56 review: performance

• Performs well under long periods of stress
• Not built for gaming

While Fortnite looks good on the Galaxy A56, the phone struggles with high-intensity tasks (Image credit: Future)

The Samsung Galaxy A56's weakest feature is without a doubt its performance. That’s not to say it’s bad – as I’ve previously mentioned, it’s more than enough for the average user. But to keep prices down, concessions have to be made. For some cheap phones, it's a lower-quality display or increased fragility. In the case of the Galaxy A56 and its Exynos 1580 chipset, it was how it performed under heavier loads – like mobile gaming.

In our Geekbench benchmark tests – which measure the phone's CPU performance in everyday tasks and GPU performance in real-world applications, the A56 performed well – beating the gaming-powered Poco F6 Pro, and only falling a few hundred points short of the Pixel 9.

However, in our two 3DMark benchmarks – Wild Life and Wild Life Extreme – that test the overall graphics performance and how the phone deals with both high performance in short bursts, it didn't look so good.

Its numbers aren't necessarily bad. In fact, it showed a massive improvement over the A55 in both. However, its single and multi-core scores of 1,330 and 3,759 weren't too far ahead of the Motorola Edge 50 Pro (1,132 / 3,076) – which isn't known for its gaming power. The A56 was also thoroughly beaten by the Poco F6 Pro (1,375 / 4733), and both phones can easily be found for around the same price or less.

In terms of sustained performance though, the A56 was impressive. In the Wild Life Extreme Stress Test – a 20-minute benchmark that assesses stability under heavy loads – it scored a top loop of 4,907, a low of 4,649, an impressive 94.9% stability and remained cool temperature-wise. For reference, I've seen the S25 Ultra score higher peaks, but also show less stability in this test, dropping to a loop score of less than 3,000.

As good as some of those numbers look on paper, it was a different experience during real-world use, with the A56 struggling when I played games like Fortnite Mobile – it failed to maintain even 20FPS, frequently stuttering on the lowest graphics settings. For comparison, the similarly priced Poco F6 Pro easily sustains 60FPS at high settings for hours.

11FPS while playing Fortnite on the Galaxy A56 was the best I could do (Image credit: Future)

That said, these results still mark a significant improvement over the A55, a phone I loved when I tested it last year. The benchmark numbers may not impress, but they don’t take away from the A56’s status as an excellent budget phone for the average user, and I can attest that it holds up really well for the daily duties you’d want from a smartphone.

• Performance score: 3.5/5

Samsung Galaxy A56 review: battery

• 5,000 mAh battery that easily sees you through the day
• 45W wired charging

It's not groundbreaking, but the battery life is quite impressive (Image credit: Future)

Keeping in line with its display, design, performance and cameras, the battery of the Samsung Galaxy A56 is perfectly suited to the average user.

My daily testing routine started at 5:30am, with an hour-long podcast while I walked the dog, followed by a quick music-fuelled workout accompanied by music before getting ready for work. Then there was about an hour of scrolling and listening during my commute, before I arrived at the office, where I’d use it for background music via a set of Bluetooth headphones.

Naturally, I needed a phone that could keep up, and the A56’s 5,000mAh battery delivered. Samsung claims the device offers up to 29 hours of video playback, so I put it to the test. Watching a YouTube video at 50% brightness, I picked up the phone 18 hours later to find it still had 39% battery remaining.

As another test, I played The Dark Knight Rises twice back-to-back (totaling 5 hours, 30 minutes) at 50% brightness, and the phone lost just 27% battery. Though these tests were conducted in different environments and with varying starting percentages, the results reinforced one thing: the A56 can go the distance.

For everyday use – texting, calling, video chatting, scrolling social media, checking emails and some light gaming – the A56 is more than up to the task, easily lasting a full day.

As for charging, you won’t get ultra-fast speeds like 120W or even 67W, but the A56 does offer 45W fast charging – an upgrade from the middling 25W speed of the Galaxy A55. That puts the new budget phone on par with itsGalaxy S25 Ultra cousin.

Using a 67W wall charger, the A56 gained:

• 8% in 5 minutes
• Just under 30% in 15 minutes
• A little over 55% in 30 minutes
• A full charge in around 85 minutes

A 5,000mAh battery is far from an astounding inclusion in a specs list in 2025, but it’s still a notable positive. Paired with moderately fast charging, the A56’s battery – like the rest of the phone – is great.

And while 120W or even 67W charging is a helpful addition when you have it, it's far from necessary – and 55% battery in a quick 30-minute charge is plenty if you forget to plug it in overnight on the rare occasion.

• Battery score: 4/5

Should you buy the Samsung Galaxy A56? Buy it if...

You want a large display without spending top dollar

The Samsung Galaxy A56's 6.7-inch display is an expansive screen that improves upon its predecessor, rivals the S25 series, and produces a vibrant and immersive experience.

You want a jack-of-all-trades handset
The A56 excels as an all-around performer, balancing design, display, camera and battery life in a way that caters to a wide range of needs. It handles daily tasks like texting, social media and video calls seamlessly, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable, versatile phone.

You're shopping for value on a budget
If you’re after a phone that offers impressive features without breaking the bank, the A56 is a standout option. With a solid camera, long-lasting battery and smooth performance, it provides excellent value for those seeking a capable device without spending a fortune.

Don't buy it if...

You're a serious mobile gamer
While the A56 can handle light gaming, it’s not built for heavy gaming sessions or more intense games. If you're looking for a phone that can deliver high frame rates and smooth performance in graphically intense games, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

You want the best AI tools
The A56 offers basic AI features, but if you’re after the cutting-edge AI tools, you’ll need to shell out more for the likes of the Galaxy S25 or the Pixel 9 flagships.

Samsung Galaxy A56 review: also consider

Google Pixel 9a
We loved the Google Pixel 8a, and we're expecting five big upgrades from the Pixel 9a – namely a wealth of AI features alongside possibly the best camera on the market at its price and a 5,100mAh battery. Easily the biggest competitor to the Galaxy A56, if you want AI and cameras, it might be the better choice.

Xiaomi Poco F6 Pro
If you have more of a mobile gaming focus, but still want a phone that offers solid all-round performance and 120W charging, consider the Poco F6 Pro. Its bloatware will be confronting for first-time users, but once you get past that, it's a very good smartphone at this price range.
Read our full Poco F6 Pro review

Apple iPhone 16e
Android devices offer a greater amount of value compared to iPhones, with even older Apple devices still asking for a considerable price. However, the iPhone 16e offers Apple Intelligence, smooth performance and seamless Apple integration at a much more affordable price than the mainline iPhone 16 family.
Read our full Apple iPhone 16e review

How I tested the Samsung Galaxy A56

• Review test period: 3 weeks
• Testing included: Everyday usage, including web browsing, social media, photography, video calling, gaming, streaming video, music playback
• Tools used: Geekbench 6, 3DMark, native Android stats

The Samsung Galaxy A56 was my sole mobile device for the three weeks I spent with it, and I frankly wish I didn't have to return it after my testing period. As my regular daily device, I used it to listen to podcasts, check social media, watch YouTube and text, with some light reading thrown in. Oh, and a whole heap of dog photos.

Of course, I also put the Galaxy A56 through its paces with Geekbench 6 and 3DMark benchmark tests to see how the phone would handle activities that I may not use in my regular daily use, but someone else might. I did these tests several times, in different environments and different battery stages to ensure accurate results.

Why you can trust TechRadar

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This leads me to my gaming tests. It's always nice when you can make playing games part of your job, but I'm far from a mobile gamer. I love Marvel Snap, enjoy a few rounds of Clash Royale and dabble in some Wordle and Connections every now and then, but that's it. As part of my testing, I did play – or attempt to play – more serious mobile games like Fortnite on my Galaxy A56 to see how it would handle the life of a mobile gamer.

Given my experience testing other budget phones, including the Samsung Galaxy A55, I was equipped with the knowledge to make good comparisons with the A56.

Read more about how we test

[First reviewed April 2025]

Onyx Boox Palma 2: Two-minute review

I might wish for more ereaders like the Onxy Boox Palma 2, but I also recognize that its form factor is exactly what makes it so unique – just like its predecessor. And if it had competition, I suppose I'd be hard pressed to appreciate it as much I do.

The 2:1 aspect ratio on this 6-inch ereader makes it resemble a smartphone, complete with speakers, a mic, side buttons and rear camera, and that's also what makes it so pocket friendly. It replaces the older Boox Palma as my favorite compact ereader as I have a sneaking suspicion the previous model could be discontinued in the near future.

Physically, the two generations are near identical and, while I don’t mind that, I’d have loved to see a slightly more premium-looking chassis to match the price tag.

There’s only one physical difference between the original Boox Palma and the Palma 2 – the power button. It’s oh-so-marginally longer and flatter to accommodate a built-in fingerprint scanner. While I appreciate the addition, I don’t see the need for it on an ereader that can be set up with a passcode if security is top of mind, but it also doesn’t function as expected. It’s more miss than hit as you have to place your finger just so for it to be effective.

I might find the fingerprint scanner superfluous, but learning that the Palma 2 got a new chipset to boost performance had me chomping at the bit to try it out. Strangely, the upgraded processor hasn’t made much of a difference in real-world use. That’s not to say the performance is bad, it's just not any better (or worse) than what I experienced with the previous generation.

The Onyx Boox Palma 2 comes with a refreshed user interface, including redesigned app icons (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

What’s really a standout for me with the Palma 2 is its new user interface. Onyx has redesigned the app icons and NeoReader (native library app) settings, giving it a cleaner, more modern appeal. Even the settings list looks fresh thanks to less weight (thickness) to the text and the boxes. The whole setup is still more complicated than it needs to be – which is an issue I have with all Boox tablets – but it looks much nicer which, in turn, makes it easier to find the adjustments you need while reading.

Onyx has also upgraded the OS to Android 13, which is good news for getting security updates for a little while yet.

My biggest disappointment with the Palma 2 is that Onyx has stuck with using the same E Ink Carta 1200 display it did for previous model, and that stings when you consider how expensive the Palma 2 is over other 6-inch ereaders that sport the latest in E Ink screen technology.

I still think there’s a missed opportunity here to add more functionality to the Palma 2 – writing capabilities would have made it a lot more appealing, something I noted about the older Palma too. Being able to slip it into my pocket to jot notes at media events and meetings would have made the Palma 2 an integral part of my daily life, not just being a portable ereader.

Despite my complaints, I still can’t help but like the Palma 2, just for being the most compact and unique ereader I’ve tested.

A palm-friendly size makes the Boox Palma 2 an enticing ereader option (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar) Onyx Boox Palma 2 review: Price & availability

• Announced Q3 of 2024
• List price: $299.99 / €299.99 (about £250) / AU$499
• Available now directly from the Boox Shop and select authorized retailers

The Palma 2 shares the same launch price as its predecessor and will set you back $299.99 / €299.99 (about £250) / AU$499 at full price. It’s possible to see discounts on the US and European Boox Shop online storefronts during major sales, but Australian retailers stocking Boox tablets don’t usually have offers to make these expensive ereaders more accessible.

Given its plastic build and features, it would be difficult for me to recommend the Palma 2 at its full price, but I can also see its form factor alone being a good justification to spend the extra cash. Also the versatility of running Android – getting you access to the Play Store to download third-party apps and games – might just convince some users to make the switch.

That said, the older Palma is now cheaper – listed for as low as $199.99/ €229.99 (around £190) / AU$399 on the Boox Shop and third-party resellers at the time of writing – and might be the better buy as there’s really no difference in performance between the two. The drop in price might also indicate that the original Palma might be discontinued once current stock has gone.

If the choice of ereader isn’t really about the form factor – which is the Palma 2’s biggest selling point – you can save cash by opting for a simpler 6-inch ereader like the 2024 Amazon Kindle or the Kobo Clara BW. The former will cost you $129.99 / £104.99 / AU$199 without ads, while the latter has a list price of $129.99 / £119.99 / AU$239.95 – both considerably cheaper than either of the Palmas.

However, you have very limited storage on the Kindle and Kobo alternatives, while there’s 128GB of internal storage on the Palma 2, which is expandable via microSD.

• Value score: 3 / 5

The new page-styling setup in the native library app is cleaner and more modern (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar) Onyx Boox Palma 2 review: Specs Onyx Boox Palma 2 review: Design & display

• Available in black and white colorways
• Looks like a smartphone, but not designed to be one
• Rear 16MP camera is fun to have but not great to scan documents

As I’ve already mentioned, the Palma 2 is physically identical to the older model with one very minor difference that’s easy to miss even if you’re familiar with the previous generation. That’s the slightly longer power button to accommodate a fingerprint scanner. And to make sure you can place your finger properly on it, it's also the only flat button on the device.

Strangely, though, Onyx thinks its Palma 2 really is a phone because when you go to Settings to save a fingerprint for the first time, it tells you that the sensor is at the back of the device (go figure!). This might confuse some first-time users, but if you know where the sensor is, you’ll know where to place your finger.

The power button on the Boox Palma 2 is the only physical control that's got a flat surface (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

Everything else from a design perspective is the same – dimensions, weight, physical buttons, speaker, microphone, microSD card tray and rear camera. I won’t go into too much detail for these – you can take a look at my Onyx Boox Palma review for an in-depth look – but I am disappointed that the Palma 2 still sports the same cheap-looking plastic body, and the device is anything but cheap. At least the white model has silver buttons for a touch of pizzazz, but the black model has no such feature to break the plasticky monotony.

What makes it look cheaper still is the white model – the one reviewed here – can quickly pick up stains and scratches, or get discolored with use. So it’s a good thing that it ships with a case in the box, which I would recommend you use. After being in my work backpack for just one commute to the office, my white Palma 2 ended up with a small pink stain near its USB-C port and a scratch on the rear, neither of which I can clean or fix.

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A customizable button and a microSD card tray are extras many other ereaders don't offer (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Image 2 of 2

The USB-C port has OTG support but hasn't worked for me (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

The display, as I’ve previously said, is the E Ink Carta 1200 display, which is now previous-generation technology. While it’s fantastic to read on, with plenty of contrast to render text in sharp relief, the responsiveness of the display isn’t as good as what I’ve experienced with ereaders featuring the Carta 1300 screen.

The 2:1 aspect ratio is still a novelty when it comes to e-paper devices which, when combined with the 6.13-inch display, is such a wonderful size for a compact and portable ereader. If you’re someone who typically reads on your phone when you’re commuting, you might want to consider the Palma 2 just for the reduced eye strain thanks to the e-paper screen.

I would, however, advise against being too close to water with the Palma 2 in hand as the plastic body is only splashproof – there's no waterproofing certification that Onyx has revealed, which was the same with the previous model too.

• Design & display score: 3.5 / 5

The Boox Palma (left) and the Boox Palma 2 (right) offer the same reading experience (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar) Onyx Boox Palma 2 review: User experience

• OS updated to Android 13 from Android 11
• More modern interface makes for a cleaner user experience
• Native apps are great, so you don’t necessarily need third-party options

Just because it looks like a phone, doesn’t mean it should work like one – the Palma 2’s functionality is limited by its screen tech and yet it can do a fair few things most other mainstream ereaders can’t.

For example, it can run a plethora of third-party apps thanks to running on a trimmed-down version of Android 13 (an upgrade from the older Palma’s Android 11), including music streaming platforms and mobile games. That said, you will have to contend with a rather slow refresh rate compared to the standard smartphone, but I will admit that even some graphics-heavy mobile games aren’t too bad on the Palma 2.

If you want to stick to reading applications, both the Kindle and Kobo apps work quite well on the Palma 2. That said, the native library application – NeoReader – is very good and the refreshed interface makes it a lot nicer to adjust fonts and page styling now.

Even the little niggle I’ve had with the Fonts folder not set up correctly within Storage in previous Boox devices has been sorted, which makes me happy.

Even the ebook titles have less text weight than before, making the library app look clean and nice (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

I'm still disappointed with the inability to plug the Palma 2 (or any other Boox device for that matter) into an iMac or MacBook to transfer ebooks and other files via a wired connection. This method of sideloading files works fine if you have a Windows machine, so I really don’t see why connectivity with an Apple computer should be exempt.

I’m also unable to take advantage of the OTG support on the USB-C port to transfer files directly from an external hard drive. While the Palma 2 can read my 2TB Samsung T7 Shield Portable SSD, it refuses to let me move ebooks back and forth. It’s the same with my older 1TB Samsung T5 Portable SSD as well.

Thankfully, BooxDrop is an easy enough tool to use – if you have your files saved on any PC – Windows or Mac – you can use the web platform to transfer files via the cloud.

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The older page-styling setup (left) was cluttered, but the Palma 2 (right) is easier to use (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Image 2 of 4

New icons and less weight to the design gives the user interface of the Palma 2 (right) an airier look compared to the older model (left) (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Image 3 of 4

The default sleep screen is different between the two generations, but these can be changed in Settings (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Image 4 of 4

The rear camera is identical – the Palma 2 is the one on top (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

The one other issue I faced with using the Palma 2 is the responsiveness of the screen. While page turns are fine, using the on-screen keyboard isn’t as smooth as I expected it to be. I had to occasionally tap on a letter or number a couple of times before it registered. It wasn’t a consistent issue, and another colleague said he had no such problems when he tried it out for a short period of time, so I’ll put this down to being an isolated problem (or blame it on my sausage fingers).

Using the fingerprint scanner is a lot more frustrating though. While easy to set up, I found you have to place your finger just right for it to work every time, something I don’t think any of us can do unless we’re concentrating. Using the fingerprint scanner to wake the device up or make purchases would have been a lot faster than a passcode, but if it doesn't work each time, what's the point?

The rest of the user experience is quite good, particularly if you're judging it as an ereader. While the built-in speaker is perfectly fine for listening to audiobooks, I’d advise against using it for music – the sound quality isn’t good and you’ll be better served pairing a set of Bluetooth headphones or a speaker with the Palma 2.

• User experience score: 4 / 5

Taking pics with the Boox Palma 2's camera can be fun, but don't expect much (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar) Onyx Boox Palma 2 review: Performance

• Updated processor, but no difference in performance in real-world use
• Handles graphics quite well for an e-paper device
• Scanning and OCR performance could be better

The older Palma already had a decent processor in the form of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, but Onyx has stepped it up by using a Snapdragon 690 chip in the Palma 2. On paper, the latter is the more powerful chipset and running Geekbench 6 benchmarking proves it to be so.

In real-world use, though, that doesn't translate as well as I had expected. There's no improvement in page turns, for example, and neither is there any discernible difference in app performance and multitasking, although individual apps open a smidge quicker. As I've already said, that's not a deal breaker as the performance of the older model was just fine and the Palma 2 barely beats it by the skin of its teeth (figuratively speaking).

With integrated graphics and 6GB of RAM, the Palma 2 handles mobile games – albeit in black and white – just as well as its predecessor. Games like Alphabear 2 and Two Dots work smoothly, but more graphics-heavy games like Monument Valley 2 and Sky: Children of the Light aren’t too bad either. I can only imagine how much the experience would improve if the next Palma came with a color screen!

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It's an Android device, so running a benchmark app is easy enough (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Image 2 of 2

Readability is fantastic, but overall performance hasn't seemed to improve much (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

One of the biggest issues I’ve had with other Boox tablets while reading is ghosting, wherein a light overlay of the previous page can be seen. Thankfully this isn’t a problem on the Palma 2, and I didn’t even have to adjust refresh rates.

The performance of the rear camera hasn’t improved at all. It’s the same 16MP lens from the original Palma and it’s not intended for taking photos, although I will admit it was fun doing so for a short while. While you see the frame in grayscale, you can export the images in color, just not in very good quality.

The camera is meant for scanning documents but, again, the quality isn’t great and I think your smartphone will do a better job if it has scan functionality.

If you do use the rear camera to scan a document, the native DocScan app has an OCR (optical character recognition) feature to convert the words on the scan into text. There's a marked difference in performance here with the text converting well, compared to the "gibberish" I experienced with the previous Palma.

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Scan quality is quite dismal with the Boox Palma 2... (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Image 2 of 3

..but the photos aren't half bad – just don't expect phone-quality pics (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Image 3 of 3

OCR text conversion on the DocScan app is now much better than before (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

I can’t fault its battery life, though. It’s still the same 3,950mAh pack from the previous Palma and, if you read for an hour a day, you’ll easily get around 6-7 weeks out of a single charge. Battery life, however, is dependent on a lot of other factors, including the apps you use, the screen brightness and the refresh rate. Even with more extensive use, you can eke out four weeks before plugging it into the mains.

Charging speed will also depend on whether you use a wall adaptor or your PC/laptop to charge the Palma 2. The former will be the faster top up, and it took about 2.5 hours to go from about 20% to full the two times I had to give it a charge during my testing period using an USB-A to C cable plugged into a port of a 65W adaptor. The only time I had it plugged into a dock for my laptop, it took an hour for the battery level to go from 25% to 38%.

• Performance score: 4 / 5

The only difference between the two Palmas is the power button, which is slightly longer and flat on the new model (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar) Should I buy the Onyx Boox Palma 2? Buy it if...

You want a unique device

There’s no other ereader quite like the Palma devices, which makes them quite the novelty. And I can tell you that the novelty doesn’t wear off quickly either. It’s not the 6.13-inch display that makes it so, but the 2:1 aspect ratio that no other ereader brand has on offer at the time of writing.

You want a very compact ereader

Like its predecessor, the Palma 2 is the most compact ereader on the market. It’s phone-like size means it can be carried around in your pocket or slipped into any bag. It’s also very lightweight, making it perfect for travel.

You want to ease eye strain because you mostly read on your phone

The LCD and OLED displays on smartphones emit more blue light than e-paper displays, making the latter easy on the eyes. So if you find yourself tiring after reading a page or two on your phone, consider getting a similarly sized ereader.

Don't buy it if...

You want a cheaper 6-inch ereader

The Palma 2 can be versatile, thanks to access to the Google Play Store. But if you only want to use it for reading, you’ll save a lot of cash by opting for a 6-inch Kindle or Kobo alternative.

You want more bang for buck

A device like the Palma 2 needs to justify its price tag better, and one way to do that is to offer more functionality – aka adding writing capabilities. That would make it really easy to recommend the Palma 2 at its price point.

You need a bigger screen

If you typically use larger font sizes, you might get frustrated by the small screen of the Palma 2. A larger e-paper screen – perhaps 7 or 8 inches – would be ideal in those cases.

Also consider

As with the original Palma, there's not a lot that can be directly compared to the Palma 2 and I'm hesitant to offer up the older model as an alternative in case it gets discontinued.

That said, there are other 6-inch ereaders that are lightweight and portable, but not necessarily pocketable. I've picked three that I think would cover a few bases, including budget and usability. I've also listed some of their basic specs as a comparison with the Palma 2.

Amazon Kindle (2024)

Also using the older E Ink Carta 1200 screen, but getting software upgrades that make it a slightly more responsive/faster ereader than the 2022 edition, the latest Amazon Kindle is also an affordable option. It misses out on any kind of waterproofing, but it's great for a basic ereader.
Find out more in my in-depth Amazon Kindle (2024) review

Kobo Clara BW

It's my pick for the best budget ereader on account of getting a waterproof body, adjustable light temperature and baked-in OverDrive support to borrow library books in select countries. It also features the latest E Ink Carta 1300 screen and is repairable.
Read more in my full Kobo Clara BW review

Onyx Boox Poke 5

If you want an ereader that runs Android, the Boox Poke 5 is the better option than the newer Onyx Boox Go 6 as it's got a few less bugs than the latter. Giving you a similar reading experience to the Palma 2, just in a different form factor, it's also a lot cheaper.
Learn more in my Onyx Boox Poke 5 review

How I tested the Onyx Boox Palma 2

• Used as daily reading device for nearly 6 weeks
• Sideloaded all content via BooxDrop, including ebooks and music
• Downloaded Android apps for benchmarking, reading and streaming music

The Boox Palma 2 is a unique device, thanks to its form factor (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

As with every Boox device I test, I began by following the on-screen setup instructions to connect to Wi-Fi, then customized some of the settings for refresh rate, power-saving and system navigation. There's a lot of customization options on a Boox tablet, far more than on a Kindle or Kobo, so it's always best to get familiar with them before you start using a Boox ereader.

Next, I used BooxDrop to access files (ebooks and music) from my Onyx cloud storage account that I've had from previous Boox reviews. I also connected to Google Drive to test other means of cloud transfer.

I downloaded a few apps from the Play Store, including benchmarking, Kindle and Kobo (the last two were deleted after a short testing period of a couple off days).

For the majority of the six-week testing period, I used the Palma 2 mainly as an ereader for an average of three hours a day. I occasionally used the native browser to surf the internet, and even used the native music player to play some sideloaded MP3 files. All other music listening was down via Spotify.

To compare the two generations of Palmas side by side, I scanned a document to test the rear camera, took some sample photos with both models and ran Geekbench 6 on them to determine chipset performance. I also used CPU X, an Android app, to find out what exact chipset is being used as Onxy doesn't reveal this spec.

Having tested nearly 30 ereaders in the past few years, I've got the experience to determine whether a digital reader is a worthwhile investment.

Read more about how we test

[First reviewed April 2025]

It's not hyperbole to say we're in the midst of a golden age of video game adaptations.

From Arcane, Fallout, and The Last of Us TV shows, to the Sonic the Hedgehog films and The Super Mario Bros Movie on the big screen, there have been plenty of fantastic animated, live-action, and hybrid reimaginings to enjoy recently.

That's not to say there hasn't been the occasional dud and, unfortunately, A Minecraft Movie falls squarely into that category. Lacking a clear identity, and at times hideous and garish to look at, Warner Bros' take on the best-selling game of all time isn't the blockbuster video game adaptation I was hoping for.

Press play

Four human outcasts accidentally travel to the Overworld, aka Minecraft's block-based universe (Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures/Mojang Studios)

A Minecraft Movie tells the story of four human misfits who are inadvertently transported to the Overworld, a surreal, cube-based reality where your imagination is the only limitation to what you can craft.

However, the quartet – washed-up gaming champion Garrett (Jason Momoa), struggling realtor Dawn (Danielle Brooks), and orphaned siblings Henry (Sebastien Hansen) and Natalie (Emma Myers) – soon realize that this idyllic dimension isn't all it seems.

It's hard not to be impressed by... how incredibly faithful A Minecraft Movie is to Mojang's hugely popular sandbox game

When the malevolent Piglin leader/sorceress Malgosha (voiced by Rachel House) learns that the group possesses the Orb of Dominance, a magical cube that grants its wielder unlimited power, she sends her Nether-based forces after them. Cue Henry and company teaming up with Steve (Jack Black), another human outcast who's made the Overworld his home, to stop the Orb falling into Malgosha's hands – or, rather, hooves.

Right off the bat, it's hard not to be impressed by the scope of this film, nor how incredibly faithful A Minecraft Movie is to Mojang's hugely popular sandbox game.

Indeed, the attention to detail is tremendous. From the gorgeous, block-based backdrops, whose draw distance adds to the movie's scale, to the sheer number of Minecraft references and other gaming secrets dotted throughout its 100-minute runtime, A Minecraft Movie is a near-perfect example (from an Easter egg viewpoint, anyway) of a video game adaptation done right.

Many Minecraft fans have taken exception to its movie adaptation's art style (Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures/Legendary Pictures)

Unfortunately, that's where A Minecraft Movie's positives largely begin and end. Awestruck though I was by the background imagery, Warner Bros' live-action-animated hybrid flick isn't pleasant to look at.

That's being polite about its visuals, too. When its first trailer dropped last September, I couldn't decide if A Minecraft Movie looked beautiful or horrifying. Having seen the full film and spoken to its director, Jared Hess, about its incredibly divisive visuals, which he described as being "taken out of context" by audiences, I'm firmly entrenched in the latter camp.

Warner Bros' live-action-animated hybrid flick isn't pleasant to look at

Whether it's the uncanny valley nature of the fauna that inhabits the Overworld or the film's fleshy, nightmare-fuel-inducing take on Minecraft's villager contingent, I just couldn't get on board with its aesthetic.

There's no reason, as some long-time fans like Alumio on YouTube have demonstrated, that A Minecraft Movie couldn't have stuck with the game's block-based, pixel art style. In fact, I'd argue it would have a far better chance of not only succeeding but also getting fans on side if its creative team had retained the video game's 16-bit-esque visual approach.

Player selection issues

A Minecraft Movie doesn't know who it wants its protagonist to be (Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures/Mojang Studios)

There's little to shout about on the human cast front, too.

For one, A Minecraft Movie doesn't know who it wants its protagonist to be. Yes, there's an argument to be made that Minecraft is more enjoyable as a multiplayer experience than a single-player one. From that perspective, it makes sense to build the movie's plot around an ensemble and ensure each character, who all possess unique personalities, strengths, and weaknesses, has their fair share of screentime.

A Minecraft Movie doesn't know who it wants its protagonist to be

A Minecraft Movie fumbles the bag with this approach. Its prologue, which outstays its welcome by a good 10 minutes, suggests Steve will be its central character. One quick pivot later, though, and Garrett is set up as the movie's primary hero. No sooner has Momoa's character been established as the protagonist than Henry is installed as its champion-in-chief. Simply put, A Minecraft Movie's multifaceted main character energy outweighs the group dynamic nature it desperately wants to emulate.

The subplot involving Jennifer Coolidge's Marlene is the funniest thing that A Minecraft Movie has to offer (Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures/Mojang Studios)

It doesn't help that it somewhat relegates its female characters to the sidelines.

A Minecraft Movie tries to make Dawn and Natalie feel important to the story, but they're just kind of... there. Character-wise, they're not as fully formed as their male counterparts, which feels like a huge misstep in the current climate. Their burgeoning friendship is only fleetingly explored when the boys are off having much more thrilling adventures, too.

A Minecraft Movie... doesn't devote enough time to establishing bonds between its core cast of characters

But theirs isn't the only dynamic that feels half-baked. A Minecraft Movie spends so much time on slapstick moments and winking to the camera that it doesn't devote enough time to establishing bonds between its core cast of characters.

The exception to that rule is the slightly gratifying expansion of Steve and Garrett's relationship. What starts out as an amusing rivalry, as they attempt to one-up each other, leads to a deep respect for what their former frenemy has to offer. Black and Momoa may be playing archetypal individuals – Black's character, in particular, is just a heightened version of himself – that we've seen them portray many times before, but they play the parts well, so I can excuse their trite character portrayals to some degree.

Refusing to enable creative mode

A Minecraft Movie should be more creative than it actually is (Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures/Mojang Studios)

What's less forgivable is A Minecraft Movie's lack of innovation from narrative and thematic standpoints.

As I said, Hess and company deserve credit for their meticulous approach to Minecraft's in-game lore and other homages to Mojang's hugely popular video game. But, in a virtual world where creativity is king, A Minecraft Movie's inflexible and derivative approach to its story, and lack of action-based invention, leaves a lot to be desired.

A Minecraft Movie would've shone far brighter if it had been braver on the originality front

There are moments when A Minecraft Movie seems like it's ready to break free from its self-imposed shackles.

Henry and Garrett's respective crafting of a Tater Tot Gun and Buck-Chuckets (the latter being two buckets joined by an iron-link chain) are unorthodox, but at least they're wholly original weapons that aren't copy-and-paste jobs from Minecraft's extensive items list. The movie's final battle does something similar with the leader of an Iron Golem army, too – further evidence that A Minecraft Movie would've shone far brighter if it had been braver on the originality front.

A Minecraft Movie's plot doesn't creep along like one of the game's iconic Creepers do (Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures/Mojang Studios)

I'm always hesitant to criticise a movie or TV show for its plot pacing, especially one like A Minecraft Movie that, at its core, is designed for kids.

However, it gets off to a slow start due to the aforementioned sluggish prologue before performing a dizzying U-turn and barreling through its main quest. It's certainly lean in its make-up and, therefore, tailor-made for young minds with shorter attention spans, but I do wish it had been slightly more methodical tempo-wise.

My verdict

Two questions have dominated my thoughts since the press screening of A Minecraft Movie.

The first – 'Will families and/or Minecraft devotees enjoy this?' – can be answered with an emphatic 'yes'. Whichever way you slice it, A Minecraft Movie is a child-friendly film that's also designed to nostalgically appeal to those of us who have spent countless hours exploring procedurally-generated maps that allowed our imaginations to run wild.

As much as I want to recommend A Minecraft Movie, though, the answer to the second question that's been on my mind means I can't. Whenever I leave a film screening, I always ask myself, 'Did I enjoy that?' and, unfortunately for this movie, the answer is a firm 'no'.

A Minecraft Movie had the building blocks to be a great video-game film, but, for me, it's been crafted on shaky ground, rather than a layer of bedrock. My advice? Quit this game while you're ahead and wait for one of 2025's new movies to be available to stream on Max instead.

A Minecraft Movie launches exclusively in theaters worldwide on April 4.

Logitech G703 Lightspeed: Two-minute review

The G703 Lightspeed is a wireless gaming mouse with a thick body and an offset sloping design that aims to improve ergonomics.

It looks more understated than your typical gaming peripheral, adopting Logitech’s muted aesthetic, with just enough concessions made to the gaming crowd thanks to its sleek form and RGB lighting (although this is relatively subtle, confined to the small Logitech G logo and a thin bar along the scroll wheel).

The G703 Lightspeed also stays true to the brand’s high build quality standards. The chassis and button materials feel premium to the touch, as do the rubberized side grips, which have a smoother texture than most and mercifully don’t collect as much detritus as others. The overall construction is solid and matches that of the best gaming mouse offerings.

Underneath you’ll find a small compartment with a magnetic lid. Numerous Logitech mice have such a compartment to store USB wireless dongles, but here it’s used to house the optional weight included in the box, which adds 10g to the 95g default. This stock weight is quite heavy compared to its rivals, but the G703 Lightspeed does an admirable job of hiding this heft thanks to the even distribution.

(Image credit: Future)

Another nice touch is the USB cable with its trident design, featuring two extra prongs either side of the jack for added security. Indeed, I found this to be the case when using the G703 Lightspeed in wired mode. The cable itself isn’t braided, but it’s still very thin and light, so I didn’t experience any drag.

The G703 Lightspeed can be customized using Logitech’s G HUB software. You’ll find a generous selection of button mapping options here, with plenty of common shortcuts alongside more obscure system functions available for assignment, such cycling audio input and output devices.

G HUB also lets you assign keyboard keys and macros, as well as customize the RGB lighting. However, you won’t find the more advanced tweaks present in pro-level gaming mice software, such as slam click filters or angle snapping. The most you can alter on the performance front are the DPI sensitivities for cycling (from 100 to 25,600) and the polling rate, which has a 1K maximum.

When gaming, the G703 Lightspeed acquits itself reasonably well. The mouse buttons are quite snappy, although they rebound a little slower than I would’ve liked. What’s more, the rightward slope of the body made it harder for me to tap the buttons quickly, as I couldn’t push them downwards as directly as usual.

The bulging front right side also gave me grief, as it resulted in an unnatural middle finger placement that led to discomfort after only a short while. The G703 Lightspeed isn’t a mouse you can hold loosely; it’s at its best when you envelope your entire palm around it and grip tightly on the sides. This makes controlling the G703 Lightspeed much easier, but if you’re not a fan of this grip style, then the G703 Lightspeed might not be for you.

(Image credit: Future)

The other buttons perform well enough: I appreciated the large side buttons, which makes them easy to use, and they provide extremely snappy actuation too. However, the scroll wheel is a little too eager, as I occasionally flicked it accidentally when pressing middle click.

I experienced no connectivity issues, with the G703 Lightspeed performing flawlessly via the 2.4GHz Lightspeed dongle. Battery life is fine, although it’s not the best, dropping about 15% after several days of use, which seems roughly in line with the quoted 35-hour lifespan (although Logitech claims it can last up to 60 hours with the RGB turned off).

The G703 Lightspeed costs $99.99 / £94.99 / AU$199.95, although you can usually find it for cheaper than that if you shop around. Still, it’s a fair price for a wireless gaming mouse with a rechargeable battery. However, it’s the same price as the Razer DeathAdder V3 Hyperspeed, which boasts a much better battery life, as well as a much lighter weight.

There’s also the Cooler Master MM311, which is considerably cheaper and the best budget gaming mouse to our mind, thanks to its smooth and fast performance. With competition like this, the various foibles of the G703 Lightspeed make it harder to recommend over its rivals.

(Image credit: Future) Logitech G703 Lightspeed: Price & availability

• $99.99 / £94.99 / AU$199.95
• Available now in black
• Middle of the market

The G703 Lightspeed costs $99.99 / £94.99 / AU$199.95 and is available now in one colorway: black. It comes with a USB cable and a wireless Lightspeed USB dongle with an extension adapter. There’s also an optional insertable 10g weight, although this has to be removed if you want compatibility with Logitech’s Powerplay wireless charging mats.

For a wireless gaming mouse, it sits somewhere in the middle of the market – and Logitech’s lineup. It’s the same price as the Razer DeathAdder V3 Hyperspeed, which lasts much longer than the G703 Lightspeed on a single charge, is much lighter, and can be upgraded to have an 8K polling rate.

There are also some great picks that are even cheaper than the G703 Lightspeed. If you want something seriously light on your wallet, the Cooler Master MM311 is one of the best on this front, offering capable performance for a fraction of the price of many wireless gaming mice. Again, though, It requires an AA battery.

Logitech G703 Lightspeed: Specs Should I buy the Logitech G703 Lightspeed? Buy it if...

You want to grip your mouse fully
I found that the G703 Lightspeed performs best when engulfed in your palm, providing a more secure grip, easier swiping, and easier clicking.

You want a well-made gaming mouse
The G703 Lightspeed is up to the usual Logitech standards, which is to say it’s solid and premium feeling all-round.

Don't buy it if...

You want a conventional shape
Logitech has tried to make the G703 Lightspeed more ergonomic with its side slant, but I couldn’t get along with this, nor the bulbous front right side.

You want something lightweight
At 95g, the G703 Lightspeed is far from the lightest gaming mouse around, although some may prefer heavier pointers, as evinced by the included optional 10g weight.

Logitech G703 Lightspeed: Also consider

Razer DeathAdder V3 Hyperspeed
For the same list price as the G703 Lightspeed, you could also get the DeathAdder V3 Hyperspeed. This mouse is lighter and smaller, so may be a better pick for those with smaller hands. It also has a rechargeable battery like the G703 Lightspeed, but with a much longer battery life at a claimed 100 hours. What's more, its polling rate can be boosted all the way up to 8K, although you need to purchase an optional dongle.

Cooler Master MM311
The MM311 has been the undisputed king of budget wireless gaming mice for a while, thanks to its excellent performance at an ultra-low price. It does require an AA battery as well, but considering just how cheap it is, we’re happy with this sacrifice. Read our Cooler Master MM311 review.

How I tested the Logitech G703 Lightspeed

• Tested for several days
• Played various games
• Plentiful PC gaming experience

I tested the G703 Lightspeed for several days, during which time I used it for gaming, productivity, and general browsing.

I played Counter-Strike 2, a good litmus test for peripherals, as it requires quick and accurate movements and aiming. I also played S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, which similarly requires precision.

I have been PC gaming for over a decade, and during that time I have experienced a large number of mice, reviewing numerous models in the process, including those made by Logitech.

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

Potensic Atom 2: one-minute review

Potensic has carved itself a strong reputation in the sub-250g drone category with the release of the Atom SE and Atom drones in recent years. The Potensic Atom 2 is now available, with this latest model taking the coveted title of best sub-250g DJI alternative. It's not perfect – few drones are – but it's an enticing drone for beginners, enthusiasts and more advanced pilots alike.

(Image credit: James Abbott)

Given the features on offer, and what's to come in firmware updates – more on those later – the Atom 2 will sit somewhere between the DJI Mini 3 and the DJI Mini 4 Pro, which is an impressive achievement, especially when the Standard Kit costs just $330 / £300 / AU$580. This makes it only just a little more expensive than the entry-level DJI Mini 4K, making it a strong contender for our best drones guide.

The Atom 2 lets you capture video up to 4K at up to 30fps, in Normal and HDR color profiles; there's also slow-motion video and timelapse capture. Photos can be captured in raw and JPEG, while the camera offers both automatic and manual control. There are also AI Quickshots and AI Track for subject tracking. These features are just the tip of the iceberg, and with great flight performance to boot the Atom 2 is a solid option for many pilots.

Potensic Atom 2: release date and price

• Announced February 2025
• The Standard Kit costs $330 / £300 / AU$580
• The Fly More Bundle costs $430 / £400 /AU$785

The Potensic Atom 2 was announced in February 2025, and is available to purchase directly from the Potensic website and Amazon. The drone is reasonably priced considering the features and functionality on offer and will compete directly with other sub-250g models including the DJI Mini 4K, DJI Mini 3 and the Holy Stone HS900, although it exceeds all three in some areas.

The Atom 2 is available in two kits, with the Atom 2 Standard Kit costing $330 / £300 / AU$580 and comprising the drone, controller, one battery, two sets of spare propellers, phone cables and other accessories.

The Atom 2 Fly More Combo includes all of the above plus two additional batteries, a fast-charging hub, a shoulder bag and two extra sets of spare propellers for $430 / £400 /AU$785. This kit offers excellent value for money.

• Price score: 5/5

(Image credit: James Abbott) Potensic Atom 2: specs Potensic Atom 2: design and handling

• Folding sub-250g design
• Solid build quality
• Excellent controller

With the exception of the DJI Neo, DJI Flip and the HoverAir X1 models, drone design has remained relatively unchanged for years, which is no bad thing – if it isn’t broken, why fix it? The Potensic Atom 2 makes no bold statements in terms of design with its light gray airframe and folding propeller arms, but it is solidly made. Its dimensions extend from a palm-sized 5.63 x 3.46 x 2.28 inches / 143 x 88 x 58mm when folded to 8.3 x 5.98 x 2.28 inches / 210 x 152 x 58mm unfolded.

The main difference with the Atom 2 design-wise is that Potensic claims the new propellers are 40% quieter, and they undoubtedly appear to be quieter, with a lower pitch hum during flights, rather than the higher-pitch whirr we're used to with smaller drones like this.

There's also a green flashing LED on the rear of the drone that's visible over long distances, so it may be bright enough for night flying. Drone strobes must be visible at three miles in the US for night flights, but this distance couldn’t be legally tested.

The only other notable external aspects of the drone are the 3-axis mechanical gimbal, which can be tilted between -90 and +20 degrees so the camera can look up slightly as well as straight down. Plus, there's a basic downward vision system, although I didn’t notice this doing anything when flying low to the ground with an undulating surface. As you'd expect for the price, there's no collision avoidance.

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The controller follows the same design as the controller for the Atom and Atom SE, but has been upgraded and now features a directional antenna that helps maintain a control and video-transmission distance of up to 6.2 miles. During testing, there was occasionally some pixelation and stutter of the video feed, but ensuring the antenna was facing the direction of the drone alleviated this.

Moving back to the design, the controller holds your smartphone between the two comfortable handgrips that extend outwards to insert and then grip the phone. This makes the whole package look more like a smart controller, and the positioning of the phone in the centre between the controllers is much more comfortable than a top-heavy top-mounted phone.

There are six direct-access controls for accessing commonly used functions including the gimbal tilt, digital zoom, a shutter button and a Return to Home button. The two remaining buttons are set to switch the gimbal angle between 0 and -90 degrees and to change the flight mode by default. These two buttons are customizable if you'd like to change them, while the control-stick modes and stick sensitivity are also customizable.

• Design score: 4/5

Potensic Atom 2: features and performance

• Level 5 wind resistance
• AI subject tracking
• AI Quickshots

The Atom 2 is a fantastic flier, with responsive and smooth controls that facilitate seamless maneuvers when capturing video. GPS provides a stable hover, with no drift detected during testing, alongside providing Return to Home functionality which comes with standard RTH functionality and a new smart version.

Dynamic Home Point, when enabled, brings the drone back to the controller location rather than the take-off point when Return to Home is initiated. This may not sound like much, but it's an incredibly useful feature because it's sometimes useful to walk along behind drones during flight to maintain visual line of sight and to help with the performing of precise maneuvers.

This may be a small and lightweight drone, but the Atom 2 offers Level 5 wind resistance, which equates to speeds of up to 23.6mph. Flight modes include Video, Normal and Sport, with Sport mode offering a top speed of 35.8mph, while Video is for slower and smoother flight. There's also built-in Remote ID, which will be a welcome feature for US-based pilots.

Subject tracking is a feature that's becoming increasingly important and popular. It's been around for a while, but the introduction of AI in drones has made it more effective than ever before. The Atom 2 isn’t a selfie drone by any means, but its AI Track options for subject tracking include AI Spotlight, AI Follow and AI Parallel. These all work incredibly well.

(Image credit: James Abbott)

Then there's AI Quickshots, which includes Pull-Away, Spiral, Rocket, Circle, Boomerang and Dolly Zoom. All of these perform well, and most create professional-looking videos.

Dolly Zoom produces a great effect, thanks to combining the digital zoom with flying backwards, but it's not perfect. At the end of the dolly zoom, when the digital zoom is at its maximum, image quality is noticeably reduced, and while it's still a fun feature, it's not for professional use.

All of these effects can be applied to human subjects and inanimate objects simply by drawing around the desired subject in the Potensic Eve app.

Flight times are advertised as being up to 32 minutes per battery, but during testing the batteries typically lasted around 22 minutes before Return to Home was suggested by the drone at 15% battery level. This isn’t too bad, but it does make the Fly More Combo with three batteries and a fast-charging hub an attractive option. The fast-charging hub is claimed to be able to charge three batteries at once in 1.3 hours, and in my experience it was faster with batteries at a 15-30% charge.

Other features pilots will find useful are the Interval Timer for timelapse capture, and Cruise Control. There's also SmartTransfer, which enables you to transfer media files to your phone at speeds of up to 25MB/s. This makes it easier to share photos and videos directly to social media if you like to do this on the go.

• Performance score: 4/5

Potensic Atom 2: image and video quality

• 1/2-inch sensor
• Fixed focus 26mm f/1.8 lens
• 4K video and 12MP Raw photos

(Image credit: James Abbott)

The Atom 2 camera is an improvement on the Atom with improved image quality and additional features, but before we delve into those, let's take a look at the specs.

The camera features a 12/48MP Sony 1/2 in CMOS sensor with 4-in-1 pixels, which is claimed to reduce noise and enhance low-light performance, although if I'm honest I wasn't overly impressed with low-light performance.

The camera lens provides a 26mm equivalent focal length with a fixed f/1.8 aperture. The lens is fixed-focus from 4m to infinity, relying on hyperfocal focusing to achieve a large depth of field.

When it comes to image quality, sharpness is greatest in the center of the frame, with fall-off towards the edges. There's also some vignetting, and white balance can be inconsistent when using Auto and Manual settings, but this can be easily fixed in Lightroom when shooting raw.

Videos are consistently better quality and don’t suffer from these issues. Strangely, even white balance is more reliable for video capture. Moving back to photos, JPEG processing is heavy with strong and noticeable sharpening applied, so the best image quality will always come from raw files.

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You also have the ability to switch between 12MP and 48MP photo capture, but doing so isn’t a straightforward decision when JPEG processing is as it is.

The caveat with 48MP/8K photo capture is that it's only available in JPEG format, and not in raw. This is an odd omission, and one that will hopefully be fixed in a future firmware update, alongside adding a histogram for aiding exposure. You also have the option of 9:16 vertical photo capture, in JPEG only, with file sizes at 1520 x 2704 pixels.

Video can be captured in 4K at 24/25/30fps, 2.7K at 24/25/30fps, FHD at 24/25/30fps, and slow motion FHD at 2/3/4/5x. The maximum video bit rate is 80Mbps, while color profiles currently include Normal and HDR. In a future firmware update, a flat P-Log color profile will be delivered to the Atom 2 for more advanced video capture.

A digital zoom is available at 4K up to 2x, 2.7K up to 3x, and FHD up to 4x. Photos can be zoomed in up to 2x. Image quality reduces but the feature can be useful. Additional photo features include Bracketing, Burst Shooting and Panorama.

The Panorama mode includes Wide Angle, 180 Degree and Vertical options, with Sphere set to be delivered in a future firmware update. Panoramas are stitched in-camera, and saved as JPEGs alongside the constituent images in JPEG format. There's also a Defog mode for shooting in hazy conditions, and an AI Night mode for capturing video at night. The latter reveals more shadow detail at night, but image quality is questionable.

• Image and video quality score: 4/5

Main example video AI Night video Potensic Atom 2: testing scorecard Should I buy the Potensic Atom 2? Buy it if...

You're on a budget
The Atom 2 is one of the most feature-packed 'mini' drones available for such a competitive price, so you can get a lot of bang for your buck with this drone.

You’re a drone beginner
This is a great drone for beginners, but also one that will meet your needs for years to come. In a nutshell, the Atom 2 won’t require an upgrade any time soon.

You'd like log footage
The P-Log color profile will be delivered in a firmware update, making the Atom 2 one of the least-expensive drones to be able to capture video in a flat Log color profile.

Don't buy it if...

You'd like 48MP raw files
Despite the 48MP sensor, 48MP photos can only be captured in JPEG format, with raw capture available at 12MP. If you want higher-resolution raw files you'll have to look elsewhere.

You'd like a telephoto camera
If you'd like a dual-camera drone with a wide-angle and medium telephoto lens the DJI Air 3S is a great option, albeit much more expensive. The Atom 2 does, however, have a digital zoom.

You need collision avoidance
If you'd like collision avoidance for flying confidently in complex environments, the DJI Min 4 Pro is going to be a much better option for you.

Potensic Atom 2: also consider DJI Mini 4K

The DJI Mini 4K is slightly less expensive than the Potensic Atom 2, and offers similar features at a basic level. It doesn't offer the same subject-tracking, or more advanced features such as an interval timer for capturing timelapse videos, but if you'd like an inexpensive DJI drone capable of capturing 4K video and photos in raw and JPEG formats, it's a great budget option.

Read our in-depth DJI Mini 4K review

How I tested the Potensic Atom 2

• I tested all flight features
• I flew the drone in a range of conditions
• I tested all the camera functions

I tested the Potensic Atom 2 over several days of flying in a range of locations, environments and weather conditions (excluding rain) to test flight performance, flight features, overall handling, and image quality for both photo and video capture. All testing is conducted in a way that meets local aviation laws and restrictions to ensure that all flights are safe and legal.

Drones are always tested using manual flight patterns for videos that are typical of professional aerial video techniques for capturing visually interesting footage. This also provides the opportunity to test variables such as the connection between the drone and controller, latency between the two, and the accuracy of the controls and flight accuracy in general.

First reviewed March 2025

This review first appeared in issue 350 of PC Pro.

Zyxel’s SCR 50AXE will appeal to small businesses and home offices that want secure wireless networks without the added expense of separate devices. This desktop router delivers tri-band Wi-Fi 6/6E services, combines these with an integral firewall and Zyxel’s threat management services, and delivers them all at a tempting price.

It looks particularly good value as the price includes a lifetime subscription to Zyxel’s Security Cloud, which enables (deep breath) a firewall, ransomware and malware prevention, VPN proxy, intrusion, dark web and ad blockers, application monitoring, GeoIP country restrictions and protection against mail fraud and phishing. An SCR Pro Pack license adds the Trellix-powered real-time threat intelligence and web filtering services, with a one-year subscription costing around £40.

The router comes with a magnetic desktop base or it can be wall-mounted with the supplied bracket. It sports a WAN and four LAN ports – all of the gigabit variety – while on the wireless side its AX5400-rated access point (AP) claims speeds of 575Mbits/sec on the 2.4GHz radio and 2,400Mbits/sec each for the 5GHz and 6GHz radios. The latter two both support the high-speed 160MHz channels, but with gigabit ports all round you won’t see their full performance potential.

The SCR 50AXE is designed to be managed from Zyxel’s Nebula cloud portal. We found it simple to add it to our account. After logging into the Nebula app on an iPad, we selected our predefined site, scanned in the QR code on the label on the device’s side and added it to our site with one tap.

The portal presents a customizable site dashboard with extra sections for the SCR 50AXE. You can check its uptime and firmware status, see the top ten apps identified by the application identification service and view threat management activity. A second table shows total detections for each category.

You can manage the 50AXE from Zyxel’s Nebula portal and mobile app (Image credit: Future)

Up to four cloud-managed SSIDs are supported, each with their own authentication scheme, including the mandatory WPA3 for Wi-Fi 6E. You can decide which of the three radios are to be active, create custom captive portals for guest networks with click-through, voucher, Facebook or Nebula authentication, enable L2 isolation to stop guest users seeing other devices and apply upload and download rate limits.

You should use Zyxel’s application identification service with extreme caution, as its overheads will reduce wireless performance by up to 50%. We tested this using a Dell Windows 11 Pro workstation equipped with a TP-Link Archer TXE75E Wi-Fi 6E PCI-E adapter and saw close-range file-copying speeds between the client and a server on the gigabit LAN of 112MB/sec, dropping to a respectable 87MB/sec at a distance of ten meters.

Running the test again with application identification enabled saw close range and distance speeds tumble to 48MB/sec and 32MB/sec. While the copy test was running we enabled and disabled the service from the Nebula portal and could see its impact almost instantly.

Threat management is simple to apply, with six slider bars for enabling or disabling each individual component, and you can add exception lists for specific clients and IP addresses plus blocked or allowed web domains. Clicking on the main chart takes you to a monitor page with a map showing where threats are emanating from, and the affected clients with the SCR Pro Pack license extending its reporting period from 24 hours to 30 days.

This license enables content filtering, which offers 103 URL categories to block or allow, and you can fine-tune access by applying custom policies to all or selected clients. We also ran our copy tests with each threat management component progressively enabled and can confirm they have no adverse impact on performance.

The SCR 50AXE is an affordable all-in-one wireless security router for small offices. The fly in the ointment is the application detection service, which hits wireless performance hard, but otherwise the router is easy to manage from the Nebula cloud portal and offers strong threat protection measures for the price.

We've also ranked the best wireless access points.

This review first appeared in issue 350 of PC Pro.

Veritas Backup Exec (BE) has always been one of our top choices for on-premises data protection. It delivers a comprehensive range of backup and recovery services. The BE Simple licensing plans make it very affordable for SMBs, and BE 22.2 on review introduces plenty of new and welcome features.

Microsoft 365 (MS365) backups now support SharePoint and Teams as well as Exchange Online and OneDrive. Microsoft Azure Object Lock provides ransomware-protected immutable cloud storage, backups to ReFS volumes can be accelerated, anomaly detection protects backup scripts from tampering, and BE now uses the FIPs-compliant deduplication engine from Veritas’ enterprise NetBackup product.

The simple yearly subscription service is based only on compute instances, which can be a physical system, a virtual machine or ten MS365 users. The starter five-instance Simple Core Pack costs an agreeable £489 per year, and Veritas generously includes a bonus instance for an extra ten MS365 users.

Deployment is swift; we installed BE on a Dell PowerEdge R760xs Windows Server 2022 host in 20 minutes. After declaring our physical servers using their IP addresses, BE pushed the remote agent to them while for our Hyper-V systems, we just needed the agent loaded on the host to secure all its virtual machines.

Adding our VMware vSphere host was simple, and we only had to provide its IP address and credentials. MS365 couldn’t be any easier, either: we added our tenant using the link provided by BE and entered the unique device code it generated for us.

All four components of MS365 can be secured (Image credit: Future)

Backup job creation is simple, too: you just select sources from the list presented and choose from a range of predefined strategies. These include backup to disk or cloud, and you can add extra stages in the job for local and offsite backup, replication to other disk stores or conversion to VMs, and add an essential air gap by migrating backup data to tape drives attached to the BE host.

BE supports plenty of storage locations, including physical and virtual disks, cloud, tape, deduplicating stores and network shares. For our tests, we created a local store on the BE server, used a multi-TB share on a Synology NAS appliance and added immutable cloud storage using an Amazon S3 bucket with Object Lock enabled.

Veritas takes data protection very seriously, and the job wizard always advises you to enable encryption. You can choose from 128-bit or 256-bit AES encryption and, if required, only allow the user that created the key for a job to recover data from it.

Data restoration is another pleasant experience: you select a source, view its files, folders or volumes, pick a recovery point and decide where to send them. Creating a simplified recovery disk brings bare metal recovery into play, BE’s Instant GRT (granular recovery technology) is used to restore items such as SQL databases and the Instant VM Recovery feature takes seconds to create a new VM from a backup set. MS365 backups require a deduplicating store, and the best practice is to apply encryption at the store and not the job level otherwise data reduction may not be as efficient. We created one job to protect our Exchange, OneDrive, SharePoint sites and Teams data and used the restore wizard to recover data by choosing a component and selecting a time point.

SMBs that want every data backup and recovery angle covered will love Backup Exec 22.2. It offers a superb range of features, is a strong candidate for protecting virtual environments, cloud support is excellent and it’s very competitively priced.

We've also rated the best free video conferencing software.

This review first appeared in issue 350 of PC Pro.

We hoped to include the MultiSync E274FL in our annual group test of “everyday” monitors, but NEC has kept us waiting for this enterprise-friendly screen.

Especially friendly when the E274FL combines three alluring properties: a low price, USB-C docking and integrated wired networking.

As immediately became clear when I put it on my desk, it also produces excellent whites. It’s this, rather than a huge color gamut, that’s most important to office workers after all. The panel’s evident quality was backed up in our tests, where it covered 95% of the sRGB gamut with an average Delta-E of 1.08 and maximum of 3.03. Those are strong figures, even if film lovers won’t be wowed by DCI-P3 coverage of 75%, or print designers by 70% of the Adobe RGB gamut.

A measured contrast ratio of 3,493:1 also confirms that this is an MVA panel rather than IPS. MVA stands for multidomain vertical alignment, and it’s far more commonly found in curved, gaming monitors than monitors aimed at enterprises. Its use here shows that Sharp (maker of the panel and co-owner of the NEC brand) has matured the technology enough to rival IPS. For instance, the faint yellow bias that used to be seen in MVA screens isn’t visible here.

Connect over USB-C and the display supplies 60W of power (Image credit: Future)

I’m also used to seeing high refresh rates and low response rates on MVA panels, but the E274FL’s 60Hz and 6ms are bog-standard times. Office workers hoping for a speed advantage in after-hours gaming sessions will be out of luck.

IT departments, on the other hand, will be delighted. While the RJ-45 port gives users fast and secure access to the office network, it gives administrators a way to track their assets and even take control of the OSD without needing to touch the device itself. For example, they may decide that rather than allow the screens to hit their peak brightness – stated as 250cd/m2, but 297cd/m2 in our unit’s case – that the monitor stays in one of its two Eco modes. These lock it to either 30% or 70% brightness, and while the former is dim I found the latter mode to be more than bright enough.

End users should find the OSD relatively easy to navigate. It uses a joystick, with its one quirk being that you need to press right to select an option rather than pressing down as people may be used to. But I don’t expect many calls to the support team to check; trial and error is your friend, and the OSD is extremely quick to respond to commands.

Naturally, this monitor ticks all the ergonomic boxes. There’s a low blue light mode, TCO certification and superb flexibility: 120mm of height adjustment, 170° of easy swivel in both directions, and a pivot mode. Often the latter is pointless owing to a lack of contrast and viewing angles in a vertical orientation, but that definitely doesn’t apply to the E274FL.

With height adjustment, swivel and pivot, the E274FL is supremely flexible (Image credit: Future)

I mentioned right at the top that this is a docking monitor, and if you connect over USB-C then it supplies 60W of power to connected laptops; plenty for all the machines in our Labs this month, but I would have liked to see 100W to feed more powerful MacBooks. There are three USB-A ports, and it’s reassuring to see a USB-B port as well; this means you can share peripherals between a laptop on USB-C and a PC that uses the HDMI or DisplayPort inputs.

NEC also provides a pair of reasonable 1W speakers. As their power output suggests, these aren’t going to rock your world, but they’re fine for the occasional YouTube clip and video calls. Before you buy, there’s one final thing to consider. This is a 1,920 x 1,080 panel, and across a 27in diagonal that means text isn’t crisp. There’s a fuzziness to character edges in Word and Excel. This may not have a tangible effect on most workers’ productivity, but a new generation of employees used to pixel-sharp displays on their phones and tablets may not be impressed.

Still, that resolution is reflected in the price. A price that includes a three-year warranty, which covers backlight failures too. If the MultiSync E274FL had arrived in time for our group test, it would have blown away the similarly priced competition for its quality and its connectivity – which is why it walks away with a Recommended award.

We also ranked the best laptops for businesses.

This review first appeared in issue 350 of PC Pro.

Many business backup solutions require a dedicated Windows Server host, but Nakivo’s Backup & Replication (NBR) is far more amenable as it can be deployed to just about any platform you care to name. It will run happily on a Windows host, but also supports Linux, VMware vSphere, Nutanix AHV, AWS EC2, Raspberry Pi and all the main NAS appliance vendors, including Qnap and Synology.

On review is NBR 10.9, which includes bare metal recovery where you use its new Bootable Media Wizard to restore physical Windows and Linux servers from selected backups. Malware protection is now available, with NBR integrating with a range of third-party antivirus products, and all MS365 components, including Teams, can be protected.

Licensing is equally versatile. There are five versions available, with options for perpetual licenses or per-workload subscriptions. Nakivo cuts through any confusion with a cost calculator on its website. We’ve shown the price for an Enterprise 10-server perpetual license with a two-year 24/7 support contract here.

For testing, we chose Qnap’s TS-855eU-RP short-depth 8-bay rack NAS and used the QuTS Hero App Center to load the NBR package. NBR comprises three service components, with a Director for browser-based management, Transporters to handle backup, replication and recovery operations, and Repositories for storing backups.

After adding protected systems to NBR’s inventory, it pushed the transporter service to our physical Windows servers and workstations; note that Mac clients are still not supported. For Hyper-V, the service just needed loading on our host, while for our VMware vSphere host, we only had to provide its credentials for agentless VM backups.

Our Qnap appliance received a default local repository but this was on its system SSDs, so we created another on a large-capacity RAID5 pool. During creation, you must enter the absolute path, which can be found from an SSH session using the Linux List command.

Other possibilities for repositories are local storage, network shares or cloud stores. Ransomware protection comes into play with NBR supporting immutable cloud storage from Amazon EC2 and S3, Microsoft Azure Blob, Wasabi and Backblaze B2.

Services can be extended to MS365 Exchange, SharePoint, OneDrive and Teams (Image credit: Future)

Creating backup jobs is simple as options are based on the systems in your inventory. Just choose those you want to protect, assign a repository, set a schedule and decide how daily, weekly, monthly and yearly recovery points you want retained.

For our Hyper-V host, we chose the VMs to be included, and protecting our VMware vSphere system only required the host to be selected so any new VMs would be automatically added to the schedule. To use malware protection, you declare a “scan server” to NBR, which has the required antivirus software running on it.

MS365 licensing is separate, with ten users costing £252 per year, and it requires a special SaaS repository to store backups, which we found isn’t currently supported by QuTS Hero 5.1. Nakivo’s attentive support suggested creating an iSCSI target on the appliance and mapping it to a Windows system running the transporter service – hardly elegant, but it does work.

Recovery features are outstanding. Along with files and folders, granular restores can be used for MS365 items, SQL databases and on-premises Exchange objects. Disaster recovery is just as good, with Flash Boot jobs creating new VMs directly from the backup repository and facilities for replicating VMs as clones.

SMBs that don’t want their backup software tied to a Windows Server host will love Nakivo’s Backup & Replication 10.9 as they can run it on almost any hardware platform and OS they want. It’s good value, MS365 protection is handled well and it provides extensive data recovery services.

We also rated the best file-hosting services.

This review first appeared in issue 350 of PC Pro.

Hornetsecurity’s VM Backup is designed specifically to protect VMware and Hyper-V environments. It presents a clever management console where most operations can be carried out using nothing more than drag and drop.

VM Backup’s perpetual licenses are based only on the number of hosts, regardless of the sockets each one has. There’s also a subscription model where licensing is charged on the monthly number of VMs being backed up.

A perpetual Standard edition starts at £348 and allows you to back up five VMs per host. You can protect all VMs on each host with the Unlimited edition (£426 per host), while the Unlimited Plus edition on review ups the price to £536 and enables all the features VM Backup has to offer.

And features there are aplenty, with Unlimited Plus 9 enabling support for immutable cloud storage on Amazon S3 and Wasabi, and Azure Blob coming soon. When creating offsite backup locations, you configure these locations as immutable, which brings the Object Lock mechanism into play and turns them into ransomware-resilient WORM repositories.

We installed VM Backup on a Windows Server 2019 host and had our VMware and Hyper-V hosts declared in 15 minutes. After assigning a local hard disk backup repository, we dragged and dropped selected VMs onto it and started our first backups.

VM Backup supports local and external storage, iSCSI targets and UNC paths for NAS shares as backup destination options. For secondary off-site locations you can use physical devices, network shares, the free Offsite Backup Server app and standard or immutable cloud storage. We added a Synology NAS share for our on-site backups and an Amazon S3 bucket with Object Lock enabled for immutable off-site cloud storage.

Plenty of backup destinations are supported (Image credit: Future)

Two predefined backup schedules are provided, but it’s easy to create your own with the preferred weekly and monthly recurrences, versioning and retention policies. Each job can include replication to the secondary location. You add VMs by dragging and dropping them on the desired schedule and retention policy icons.

Along with a cloud console for managing multiple VM Backup installations, Unlimited Plus adds constant data protection (CDP) which is enabled on selected VMs and set to run as often as every five minutes. Both Unlimited and Unlimited Plus provide inline deduplication for faster backups, and you can view your storage savings from the dashboard.

A wizard guides you through the data recovery process: you choose a VM, restore its virtual hard disk, clone it or boot it straight from a backup to its original host or to another one. If you need to retrieve a file, folder or on-premises Exchange item, VM Backup provides granular recovery technology (GRT) services.

For data restoration, all three VM Backup versions use the Sandbox & Verification feature to confirm the integrity of all backups. Along with verifying data, it runs a background job that clones a VM back to the original host and confirms that it runs correctly.

VM Backup is an affordable choice for Hyper-V and VMware environments. The Unlimited Plus version delivers a wealth of features at a great price, support for immutable cloud storage, adds valuable ransomware protection and it’s incredibly easy to use.

We've ranked the best virtual machine software.

Samsung Galaxy Book5 360: Two-minute review

The Samsung Galaxy Book5 360 is a 15.6-inch convertible laptop, featuring a fully rotatable lid for tablet-style use.

It has a remarkably slender form, thanks to its ultra-thin profile. However, while the Galaxy Book5 360 is light for a laptop, it’s still a little too weighty to be used as a tablet comfortably for extended sessions.

From a build quality perspective, the Galaxy Book5 360 is engineered as well as the best laptops around. Every material and component feels premium, including the lid hinge which operates flawlessly, offering plenty of stability without being hard to move. The port selection is good as well, although a few placements are a little inconvenient.

(Image credit: Future)

The Galaxy Book5 360 doesn’t suffer from bloatware as other laptops can, and the preinstalled Samsung apps are useful in the main. These include a capable note-taking app and Air Command, which features useful shortcuts to compliment S-Pen functionality. There’s also AI Select for drawing and searching sections of the screen.

On the issue of performance, the Galaxy Book5 360 handles productivity and entertainment workloads with aplomb, and is capable of streaming ultra high definition content with relative ease.

The vivid display is a real boon in this regard too, as it renders images sharply and with plenty of vibrancy. However, it is overly prone to reflections, especially when displaying darker colors, as well as appearing slightly washed out at other times, although these are minor drawbacks that fail to ruin the experience.

The Galaxy Book5 360 can also handle gaming too, although it doesn’t always offer the smoothest experience in this regard. More of an issue is the fan noise generated even under fairly tame workloads, as I found out when downloading a sizable game file.

Fortunately, this noise isn’t too disruptive, and is mercifully muffled somewhat, owing to the vents being placed underneath the Galaxy Book5 360; but lift it up and it gets louder. On a positive note, it at least remained relatively cool.

(Image credit: Future)

I did find that the Galaxy Book5 360 excelled when it came to typing, thanks to the exquisite feel of the keys, which are satisfyingly damped and very responsive. They’re also generously spaced, which is all the more impressive given a number pad is present. The trackpad is equally brilliant, offering silky smooth and accurate swipes.

Samsung’s S Pen is included with the Galaxy Book5 360, and works well on the touchscreen, tracking accurately and quickly. However, there is a slight dragging sensation as you use it on the touchscreen, which might deter keen illustrators, but I found it acceptable for general writing and drawing. It’s also a shame there’s nowhere to store it.

The Galaxy Book5 360 is certainly a capable and exceptionally designed 2-in-1 laptop, and stands up well to the competition. It might lack the formidable performance of some of its rivals, but it’s still powerful enough for most needs, and while it’s not exactly cheap, it’s still priced competitively.

If you’re after another excellent convertible laptop, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is the best in this regard, while the Microsoft Surface 7 is the best overall laptop in our view. Both have similar price tags to the Galaxy Book5 360, and perform excellently in most areas too.

(Image credit: Future) Samsung Galaxy Book5 360 review: Price and availability

• Starts from $1,349.99 / £1,249 (about AU$2,148)
• Available now in grey
• Middle of the market

The Galaxy Book5 360 starts from $1,349.99 / £1,249 (about AU$2,148) and is available with a grey finish only. It’s configurable with 256GB, 215GB, or 1TB of storage, Intel Ultra 5 or Ultra 7 processors, and 130V or 140V 8GB Intel Arc GPUs, although all get 16GB of RAM, a 15.6-inch display, and come with Samsung’s S Pen stylus. There’s also a Pro version, which also has a larger 16-inch screen.

For a 2-in-1 laptop, the Galaxy Book5 360 is well-priced considering the quality on offer. It locks horns with some of the best Windows laptops on the market, such as the new Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, which we think is the best Windows laptop overall right now. This laptop also has a touchscreen, but it isn’t convertible like the Galaxy Book5 360. It also uses an ARM processor, so beware certain apps aren’t optimized or even compatible with this architecture yet.

If you’re looking for one of the best 2-in-1 laptops, then the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 takes the crown in this sector. We found its performance excellent, while the battery life seriously impressed us. The Surface Pro 11 also uses an ARM processor, though. Base models are cheaper than the Galaxy Book5 360, but prices are more closely aligned when comparing like-for-like configurations.

• Price: 3.5 / 5

Samsung Galaxy Book5 360 review: Specs

Here are the specs for the Samsung Galaxy Book5 360:

Samsung Galaxy Book5 360 review: Design

• Phenomenal build quality
• Light, but still heavy for tablet use
• Free from bloatware

The Galaxy Book5 360 makes a terrific first impression. It’s extremely thin with no superfluous bulges, adopting completely flat planes on all its sides. It’s reminiscent of the best MacBook Pro models in this regard, which is high praise indeed.

It’s also quite light, which is exactly what you want in a convertible laptop. However, it’s still not as light as the best tablets or even the new Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4), meaning it’s probably too cumbersome to be used as a tablet for the majority of the time.

All of its materials look and feel premium, and the hinge mechanism fulfils the brief of being smooth yet stable. Both joints have a small footprint and so avoid getting in the way when the Galaxy Book5 360 is folded back completely.

(Image credit: Future)

The screen takes up most of its allotted real estate, thanks to the very thin bezels which join seamlessly with the display itself. Again, it’s another indication that the Galaxy Book5 360 is constructed to the highest standards. And despite this slender design, the Galaxy Book5 360 still manages to fit in a 2MP, 1080p camera.

Port selection is sufficient too: on the right you’ll find a USB-A port, a microSD slot, and a 3.5mm audio jack. On the left are two USB-C ports, which use the Thunderbolt 4 protocol and can be used for charging the Galaxy Book5 360. However, it’s a shame these aren’t split across both sides, as this would’ve made plugging in the Galaxy Book5 360 more convenient if you’re restricted on your outlet placement.

The HDMI port is also on the left, and comes before the two USB-C ports, while the 3.5mm audio jack is the furthest of the three ports on the right, which again I find inconvenient, given that a headphone cable will have to cross over other connections on that side.

The Galaxy Book5 360 features a full-size keyboard with a number pad, something I personally welcome given its advantages for productivity purposes. It also includes a Microsoft CoPilot key, for quickly bringing up the brand’s AI tool. The trackpad is large and offset to the left slightly, and feels just as premium as the rest of the Galaxy Book5 360.

(Image credit: Future)

My one complaint from a design standpoint is the lack of storage for the S Pen; it can’t attach magnetically to the body, as is the case with the best iPad models, for instance, and there's no slot or clip for it either.

The Galaxy Book5 360 is mercifully free from bloatware, and the included Samsung apps justify their inclusion. Samsung Notes is easy and intuitive to use with plenty of helpful S Pen-related functions, while Samsung Studio is available for editing video content.

There’s also AI Select, which recognizes images and text you draw around and searches for the selection via Microsoft Bing. It has its uses, but as with most AI-related features, results can vary – sometimes quite wildly.

Another convenient app is Air Command, which summons a pop-up menu with useful shortcuts for the S Pen (this menu can also be opened by clicking the S Pen’s button, although this didn’t always seem to work for me). There are shortcuts creating a note and Smart Select, which works similarly to the Windows Snipping Tool, allowing you to drag a box to screenshot portions of the screen, which you can then overlay with text or drawings, as well as share it with others.

(Image credit: Future)

• Design: 4.5 / 5

Samsung Galaxy Book5 360 review: Performance

• Capable for common tasks
• Great typing experience
• Multitasking not the best

The Galaxy Book5 360 is a capable performer on the whole, although it isn't spectacularly fast. Basic tasking is taken in its stride, but slowdowns are common when too multitasking – even when multiple browser tabs are open, it can suffer, which is a surprise given its 16GB of RAM.

It can easily handle common productivity workloads, such as word processing and spreadsheet creation, and when it comes to entertainment, the Galaxy Book5 360 is more than capable of streaming ultra-HD content without breaking a sweat; for instance, I managed to watch 4K videos on YouTube without any issue.

Thanks to its Intel Arc GPU, the Galaxy Book5 360 is endowed with some credible gaming prowess too, even when playing some AAA titles. For example, I managed to play Grand Theft Auto 5 Enhanced at 1080p with a mixture of medium and high graphic settings, albeit not at a consistent 60 frames-per-second and with frequent micro-stutters. However, it was still perfectly playable enough to enjoy the experience, and will likely suffice for more casual players.

(Image credit: Future) Samsung Galaxy Book5 360 benchmarks

Here's how the Samsung Galaxy Book5 360 did when we put it through our benchmarking procedure:
PC Mark
7,008
3D Mark
Time Spy - 3,804
Night Raid - 31,816
Fire Strike - 7,900
Geekbench 6.4:
Single - 2,586
Multi - 10,150
Cinebench R23:
Single-core - 1,808
Multi-core - 9,486
Battery life test:
20 hours 30 minutes

The more egregious aspect of running demanding workloads on the Galaxy Book5 360 is the noise it generates in the process. The fans whirred constantly and quite intensely while I played; and more worryingly, this noise also persisted when downloading the game itself, which shouldn’t have been too onerous a task to warrant the fan speed.

Thankfully, the noise is somewhat muffled thanks to the underside vent placement. and in neither case did the Galaxy Book5 360 become unduly hot; there was a mere warming confined to a small area underneath.

The Galaxy Book5 360 excels more when it comes to typing. The keys feel tactile yet light, and are a joy to use thanks to their damped feel and responsive nature. They’re also spaced out nicely – a very impressive feat considering there’s a number pad squeezed in here too, as these can severely compromise ergonomics on laptop keyboards in my experience.

A number pad is also extremely useful from a productivity standpoint, so combining this with its great typing experience means the Galaxy Book5 360 rivals some of the best laptops for writers.

The touchpad is exceptionally smooth and responsive too, making for effortless navigation. The large surface area also helps in this regard, and thankfully I made no accidental swipes or clicks when resting part of my hand on it while typing.

(Image credit: Future)

The AMOLED display is another highlight of the Galaxy Book5 360, with its 1080p resolution providing a much sharper image that I was expecting, rivalling laptops with higher pixel counts. 4K content is rendered with plenty of vibrancy, although darker scenes are prone to generating reflections.

Thankfully, this isn’t too disruptive, and the Galaxy Book5 360 does a commendable job of preventing bright lights in the room from dominating the image completely. However, content can look a little washed out at times, and the Galaxy Book5 360 is still best used in environments with optimum lighting.

The touchscreen is accurate and responsive when used with fingers or the S Pen. The latter also tracks very well, although the screen does grip a little too much when drawing. Professional illustrators might lament this fact the most, but those who merely like to doodle and write notes by hand should find the S Pen’s performance perfectly acceptable – although its button is quite awkward to use, owing to its placement and flush design.

• Performance: 4 / 5

Samsung Galaxy Book5 360 review: Battery life

• Long lifespan
• Outlasts key rivals
• Fast to charge

The Galaxy Book5 360 has a 68.1Wh battery, which Samsung claims can last up to a staggering 31 hours. When I ran our test video on a continuous loop until it depleted, the Galaxy Book5 360 lasted 20 hours and 30 minutes – considerably short of the brand’s claims, but still a very impressive performance nonetheless.

It trounces many of its rivals, including the aforementioned Microsoft Surface 7, which only managed just over 10 hours, as well as the Surface Pro 11, which gave up the ghost after 14 hours and 33 minutes.

Samsung also claims the Galaxy Book5 360 is quick to charge, and it’s correct: I managed to get it from empty to full in just over 90 minutes, using the included charger and USB-C cable.

• Battery: 5 / 5

Should you buy the Samsung Galaxy Book5 360? Buy it if...

You want exceptional design
Every part of the Galaxy Book5 360 feels expertly engineered, and the folding mechanism is as smooth and as stable as you could wish for.

You want it for general productivity and entertainment
For most workloads, the Galaxy Book5 360 is perfectly capable. It can even handle gaming on some fairly demanding titles, although it isn’t up with the best gaming laptops.

Don't buy it if... 

You want to use it as a tablet regularly
Despite its 2-in-1 functionality, the Galaxy Book5 360 is a little too cumbersome to be used as a tablet all the time.

You want a silent operator
The Galaxy Book5 360 was a little too eager to fire up the fans in my experience, and their constant whining is certainly noticeable.

Samsung Galaxy Book5 360: Also consider

Microsoft Surface 7
If you can make do with just a touchscreen, rather than a fully convertible laptop, the Surface 7 is an excellent choice. We found its performance very capable across multiple areas, while its design, battery life, and even sound quality are great as well. It uses an ARM processor, though, so beware of possible incompatibilities. Read our Microsoft Surface 7 review.

Microsoft Surface Pro 11
A detachable 2-in-1 laptop, the Surface Pro has great performance and battery life, as well as a fantastic keyboard. It also comes with the Surface Pen, Microsoft’s take on the stylus. The base model doesn’t have an OLED screen, and like the Surface 7, all variants use an ARM processor, and app compatibility isn’t ubiquitous yet. Read our Microsoft Surface Pro 11 review.

How I tested the Samsung Galaxy Book5 360

• Tested for one week
• Performed variety of tasks
• Laptop testing experience

I tested the Galaxy Book5 360 for about a week, during which time I used it for all kinds of tasks. I edited documents and spreadsheets, and used Google Chrome for browsing, sometimes with multiple tabs open to test performance further.

I also streamed 4K content on YouTube, and played Grand Theft Auto 5 Enhanced to test its gaming potential. I used the included S Pen for writing and drawing in Samsung’s various creative apps.

I have been using laptops for decades, for both work and entertainment. I also have previous experience reviewing various devices, including other Windows models and Chromebooks.

Read more about how we test

• First reviewed: March 2025

One Step GPS aims to simplify fleet management for businesses of various sizes by providing reliable and accessible GPS tracking technology. It focuses on providing a user-friendly and cost-effective fleet tracking solution. It emphasizes real-time data, driver behavior monitoring, and comprehensive reporting to help businesses improve efficiency and reduce operational costs.

A core strength of One Step GPS lies in its diverse feature set, designed to cater to the specific needs of fleet operators. One Step GPS primarily targets small to medium-sized businesses, fleet managers, construction and transportation companies, and service-based businesses. Its key selling points revolve around its affordability, ease of installation, and user-friendly web-based software.

OneStepGPS: Pricing

One Step GPS provides businesses with an affordable and flexible GPS fleet tracking solution. Their pricing structure is centered around a monthly fee of $13.95 per device, offering a cost-effective way to monitor and manage their fleet.

One of the key advantages of One Step GPS is the absence of long-term contracts. This allows businesses to scale their usage up or down as needed without being tied to a lengthy commitment. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for businesses with seasonal fluctuations or those that are just starting up and may not have predictable long-term needs.

While the company advertises "no equipment costs," it's important to understand that the GPS devices themselves are not purchased outright. Instead, they are provided as part of the subscription service and must be returned to One Step GPS upon termination of the service. This model allows businesses to avoid upfront hardware costs but also means that they do not own the devices.

(Image credit: One Step GPS)

The core of One Step GPS's offering is its subscription-based model. The $13.95 per device monthly fee is consistently advertised as the base price. However, it is recommended that businesses contact One Step GPS directly to obtain the most up-to-date and specific pricing details. There may be additional fees or variations in pricing based on specific business needs, fleet size, or additional features required.

Overall, One Step GPS presents itself as a budget-friendly and adaptable GPS tracking solution for businesses. Their focus on affordability, flexibility, and a straightforward pricing structure makes them an attractive option for businesses seeking to implement or enhance their fleet management capabilities.

OneStepGPS: Features

OneStepGPS offers a comprehensive suite of fleet management and vehicle tracking solutions designed to optimize fleet operations and enhance driver safety.

Its core functionality revolves around real-time GPS tracking, providing continuous visibility into vehicle locations with frequent updates. This real-time data is accessible through an intuitive web-based platform seamlessly integrated with Google Maps, allowing for easy visualization and analysis. Users can delve into historical data, accessing up to three years' worth of information on routes, stops, and addresses, facilitating in-depth analysis and trend identification.

(Image credit: One Step GPS)

The system goes beyond basic tracking by actively monitoring driving behavior. It tracks instances of speeding, harsh braking, rapid acceleration, excessive idling, and prolonged stops, providing valuable insights into driver performance and enabling proactive intervention to promote safer driving practices. The platform's alerting and notification capabilities are designed to keep fleet managers informed in real-time.

Geofencing alerts notify users when vehicles enter or exit predefined zones, while after-hours driving alerts flag unauthorized vehicle use outside of designated operating hours.

Additionally, the system can send text and email notifications to alert managers of unsafe driving behaviors or unauthorized vehicle use, allowing for immediate action to be taken. Vehicle service reminders are also incorporated, promoting preventative maintenance to minimize downtime. OneStepGPS is built with scalability and customization in mind, allowing for granular control over user access and permissions.

OneStepGPS extends its capabilities beyond basic tracking with a range of advanced features tailored to specific fleet requirements. For trucking operations, the system offers DOT-compliant Electronic Logging Device (ELD) solutions, automating the logging of Hours of Service (HOS), International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA), and Driver-Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR) data, streamlining compliance and reducing administrative overhead.

(Image credit: One Step GPS)

Asset tracking capabilities provide real-time location data for valuable assets, aiding in theft prevention and recovery. The integration of an AI dashcam adds an extra layer of safety and accountability. The dashcam captures HD video footage both road- and driver-facing, providing valuable evidence in the event of accidents or disputes. AI-powered alerts for risky driving behaviors, such as distracted driving or drowsiness, enable real-time intervention to prevent accidents. Live and historic video recording allows for comprehensive review and analysis of driving events.

(Image credit: One Step GPS)

Furthermore, vehicle diagnostics capabilities, available on select vehicles, enable remote monitoring of critical vehicle health metrics, such as fuel level, engine temperature, and battery voltage. This information allows for proactive maintenance and early detection of potential issues, reducing breakdowns and optimizing vehicle performance. The comprehensive suite of features offered by OneStepGPS works together to provide businesses with a powerful and versatile tool for efficient and effective fleet management.

OneStepGPS: Support

OneStepGPS has made customer support a top priority by offering multiple channels for customers to access help, ensuring that assistance is readily available whenever it is needed. The company emphasizes its US-based support team, highlighting the benefit of direct and efficient communication with agents who are knowledgeable about the product and can provide effective solutions.

Customers can reach OneStepGPS representatives by phone, with separate numbers dedicated to general inquiries and technical or billing support. This ensures that customer inquiries are directed to the appropriate department for prompt and specialized assistance.

For those who prefer quick and convenient support, online chat is available for immediate solutions to simple issues. Email support provides an alternative for customers with more detailed inquiries or those who prefer to have a written record of their communication. This diverse contact system allows customers to choose the support method that best suits their individual preferences and needs.

In addition to its multi-channel support system, OneStepGPS further demonstrates its commitment to customer satisfaction by offering a lifetime warranty on its devices. This warranty covers manufacturing and software defects, as well as equipment failures that are not caused by customer misuse or neglect. This comprehensive warranty provides customers with peace of mind and reinforces the company's confidence in the durability and reliability of its products.

OneStepGPS also recognizes the value of self-service support and provides a range of online resources to assist customers. These resources include a frequently asked questions section that addresses common inquiries, as well as detailed information about the company's warranty and terms and conditions.

By offering both human support and comprehensive online resources, OneStepGPS aims to deliver a well-rounded and reliable customer experience that fosters trust and loyalty.

OneStepGPS: Final verdict

OneStepGPS offers a comprehensive suite of fleet management tools designed to optimize operations, enhance safety, and improve efficiency. The real-time tracking is complemented by detailed historical data, allowing for in-depth analysis of past routes, stops, and driving behaviors. Asset tracking capabilities extend beyond vehicles, allowing businesses to monitor the location and status of valuable equipment. AI dashcams enhance safety by recording incidents and providing driver coaching.

Furthermore, OneStepGPS enables robust monitoring of driver behavior, including metrics such as speed, acceleration, and braking. This information can be leveraged to identify areas for improvement, encourage safer driving practices, and reduce the risk of accidents.

OneStepGPS is committed to providing a reliable and supportive experience for its customers. They offer US-based customer support, ensuring prompt and knowledgeable assistance.

LG xboom Buds: two-minute review

Enter the LG xboom Buds, a pair of wireless earbuds fine-tuned by the man who spins his chair around on UK primetime TV… and produces a few hit songs now and then too: will.i.am. LG and will.i.am’s combined effort looks to supply “supreme sound”, effective ANC and unique style factor.

And for the price of $99 / £119, that sounds like a pretty sweet deal. Sure, the LG xboom Buds aren’t the cheapest on the market, but they're hardly priced in the premium cost bracket. Having said that, these earbuds don’t quite hit the dizzying heights we’ve seen from a handful of previous efforts, with good but not great sound and disappointing design.

Let’s start by tackling sound – the thing that matters most for us in our hunt for the best earbuds. Out of the box, you’re going to be struck by decent, deep and impactful bass output, ramped-up treble and fairly clean mids. I’d argue that the treble is overly forward on occasion, and can get a little grating at high volumes. That’s not the end of the world, of course, just hop into the xboom Buds app and take it down a peg – but it’s still a bit of an inconvenience when other options (see the Nothing Ear (a) are good from the box).

Bass is responsive, controlled and capable of going pretty deep. The xboom Buds are even capable of handling dark sub-bass – exactly what I’d expect from a product with ‘boom’ in its name. You’re not going to get a super-detailed listen out of these earbuds – there are no fancy codecs like LDAC and you’re not going to get the phenomenal instrument separation required to conjure up an expansive, nuanced soundstage. But with the right tuning, the xboom Buds certainly sound clean enough for the price.

Something that, for me, reduced my enjoyment when listening though was the fit. They feel a little chunky in-ear and protrude a fair bit, making for a not-so-elegant appearance or security. Don’t get me wrong, these aren’t too uncomfortable to use or anything, I just didn’t like keeping them in for particularly long sessions. It’s also worth noting that each bud has a practical hook that ensures it’ll stay in, even in more action-packed moments. They’re also IPX4 splashproof, ensuring they’re workout-ready.

I feel like I need to give these buds their flowers and one area where they deserve praise is in their features. The xboom Buds have a bundle of options to mess around with, whether that be EQ adjustment, customizable ANC or adaptive touch controls. Another major feature is Auracast compatibility, which enables you to connect up to any available broadcast nearby, such as music playing from a TV at the gym.

What’s a bit of a shame, though, is the removal of certain smash hit features from the LG Tone Free T90S – one of LG’s more recently released pairs of wireless buds and for me personally, among the best I’ve tested. Sure, leaving out Dolby Atmos, head tracking and immersive audio tech is understandable – the xboom Buds are a more budget-friendly alternative and that’s premium stuff in the audio world. But I would’ve loved to have seen Plug & Wireless return – which enables you to stream audio over Bluetooth from a source wired to the charging case. There’s no UVnano tech for keeping your buds bacteria-free either, which was pretty nifty on the T90S.

But back to the positives: ANC is proficient at nixing excess noise. In public areas, chatter and vehicles in my surroundings had their rumblings kept pretty quiet – dulled at the worst of times and totally cut out at the best. There’s also a transparency mode that’s great if you want to let a few ambient sounds through.

Another positive is battery life. These can knock out ten hours with ANC off and 7.5 hours with it turned on, which is only lengthened by the lightweight charging case. That should be enough for a day or two’s worth of listening and it’s an improvement on the T90S’s nine hours and five hours you get with ANC off and on, respectively.

All in all, the LG xboom Buds are a solid, yet flawed entry into the South Korean tech giant’s audio portfolio. They have sound quality that’s up-to-scratch for everyday listening and that will likely suit non-audiophiles perfectly, though the more keen listeners among you may wish for a bit more sonic finesse. Not to mention the fact that they have a feature-set and battery life that can compete with some of the best noise cancelling earbuds about.

In the end, though, these are let down by sub-par style and comfort. Given they’re on sale now, I’d highly recommend picking up the LG Tone Free T90S instead, or if you’re willing to cheat on LG, the Sony WF-C700N – more on those later.

(Image credit: Future) LG xboom Buds review: price and release date

• $99 / £119
• Launched in the UK March 2025
• Coming to the US in April 2025

The LG xboom Buds launched in 2025 and the first hundred UK customers could grab them for £99. Now, the xboom Buds are available for $99 / £119, meaning they’re in a middle place between being budget and mid-range earbuds. You can grab them now on LG’s official website in either black or white – I tested out the latter variant.

LG xboom Buds review: specs

(Image credit: Future) LG xboom Buds review: features

• Great app with customizable ANC, touch controls and EQ
• Auracast broadcast option
• Plug & Wireless, and UVnano left out

LG has a real knack of packing its audio tech with a flowing fountain of features and the xboom Buds are no different. But one of the flagship inclusions here is Auracast. This is a type of Bluetooth technology that enables you to tune into an audio broadcast transmitted from a phone, TV or similar device. Just download the LG xboom Buds app and you can access any nearby broadcasts.

The app also opens the door to some classic features like EQ options and adjustable ANC. In terms of EQ, you’re looking at a pretty slim set of presets: Natural; Immersive; Bass Boost; and Treble Boost. But you can also save two custom calibrations with the eight band equalizer, which you’ll likely want to make use of for the best possible sound – more on that later. ANC is pretty good too, during testing it effectively dulled the sound of a hairdryer and keyboard clacking, but it didn’t deliver that near-silent listening experience you’d expect from the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, for instance. There’s transparency mode here too, which enables some ambient noise to creep through if you’re on a run or similar.

Something I loved about the xboom Buds app was that it instantly triggered a test to determine the best in-ear fit for listening as well as optimizing ANC. All I had to do was position myself near a noise similar in volume to an air conditioner and the xboom Buds could work their magic. Some other nifty extras include: whispering mode, for keeping your voice clear when speaking softly on calls; wind noise detection, for reducing the disruptive nature of wind to listening; Find My Earbuds, which plays a sound if your buds have gone on the run; and game mode, for reduced latency.

All in all, there’s a lot here that was seen in LG’s recent outing, the LG Tone Free T90S. That means customizable touch controls, multi-point and voice alert, for reading messages received aloud to you. But unfortunately, you’ll also lose out on a few top-class inclusions from the T90S. That includes UVnano bacteria cleaning technology, Plug & Wireless (which enables you to connect the charging case to a source like an in-flight entertainment interface and stream its audio output over Bluetooth) and immersive sound tech like Dolby Atmos and Head Tracking.

So, if you still want the most premium audio and feature-rich option, the T90S are still going to be your best pal. But that doesn’t mean these buds don’t have a strong set of features in their own right. And that’s not to mention the fact that the xboom Buds actually have superior battery life. You get ten hours with ANC off and 7.5 hours with it turned on, which is only extended by the handy charging case. That’s not going to blow your mind, like the JBL Live Beam 3’s twelve hour battery life (ten with ANC on), but still LG serves up a commendable slice of playtime.

• Features score: 4.5/5

(Image credit: Future) LG xboom Buds review: sound quality

• Clear audio output with rich bass
• Do need some tuning for a more balanced sound, though
• AAC, but no aptX Adaptive this time out

After powering the LG xboom Buds on, I realized that they were set to the Natural EQ mode, which places emphasis on deep bass and treble sounds. Right off the bat, I switched into a custom EQ with more tempered treble. The default calibration put so much emphasis on sounds residing in the upper frequency range that higher-pitched sounds – especially percussion – could get quite grating.

Making that small alteration, made a world of difference. Treble sounded much more controlled and mids became a lot clearer too. But as the xboom name suggests, there’s some serious attention paid to low-end sounds. So, when listening to Black Eye by Allie X, I found the drum machine hits to have admirable depth – they were also rapid enough to ensure that the track maintained its trademark ‘bounce’. Vocals, synths and other elements weren’t separated enough to make for an elegantly layered, nuanced sound, but they were clear enough in the mix to ensure a decently enjoyable listen.

Unfortunately, though, delicate electronica that enters the fray around the song’s minute mark was a little too understated – perhaps in part due to the lack of higher resolution Bluetooth streaming. You get AAC here, but there’s no aptX Adaptive – something that made for a great inclusion in the LG Tone Free T90S.

Still, that shouldn’t detract from the fact that these buds are still capable of delivering a generally clean, enjoyable listening experience. When tuning into Come On Back With Your Love – Sunrise Mix by Kolter, vocal chops were clear and pumping bass had my head bopping.

The xboom Buds also handled bangers with imposing sub bass pretty well too. I was instantly struck by the in-your-face rumble that runs through The Boys Are Back In Town by Yung Gravy – something that cheaper rivals typically struggle with. Quality did take a bit of a hit at peak volumes – I’m talking 90% - 100% – but I never felt the need to blast my music quite so loud.

One more sound-related aspect I want to touch on is mic quality. Now, when I recorded a voice note, speech was relatively clear with limited static and I could only hear a bit of sibilance. On a video call with a colleague, there was a slight tinniness to my voice – not to the point where my words were hard to make out – but enough that switching to my everyday headphones made a noticeably positive impact.

• Sound quality score: 4/5

(Image credit: Future) LG xboom Buds review: design

• Not particularly sleek looking
• Secure, but slightly uncomfortable in-ear fit
• IPX4 splashproof

I’ll get straight to the point, reader: I’m not a massive fan of the design LG has gone with for the xboom Buds. Firstly, they look a little bulkier in-ear than the sleek and elegant-looking T90S. They protrude out a fair bit too, meaning they’re not the most discreet buds on the market.

The xboom Buds are a fair bit cheaper than the T90S and that shows from the more basic charging case and their plain outer casing. I tested the white variant, though these are also available in black if you’d prefer. The only design quirk here is that the buds have an almost hook like contraption fitted that keeps them firmly sealed into your ear, which is pretty handy for when you’re getting active. The hooks are a little awkward visually, but in-ear, they’re not going to be visible – not a bad addition all in all.

But something that’s more noticeable is that the in-ear fit of these is a touch uncomfortable, at least in my view. Their rounded shape made them feel a little too chunky in my ear, unfortunately, which meant I rarely wanted to keep them in for longer than an hour or so at a time. Sure, these buds feel nice and secure and form a tight seal, I just wish they looked and felt a bit more discreet.

On the upside, these are IPX4 splashproof. Well, at least the buds are – you’ll want to keep the case away from water. That means they’ll be well suited to workouts or use in light rain. There are also different sized ear gels in the box if you want to tighten or indeed loosen the in-ear feel.

• Design score: 3/5

(Image credit: Future) LG xboom Buds review: value

• Much cheaper launch price than LG’s previous buds...
• ...but fewer premium features included here
• Still by no means cheap and better value options are out there

With a list price of $99 / £119, the LG xboom Buds are essentially a budget to mid-range option with competition including the excellent Sony WF-C700N – more on those later. That makes them much cheaper than 2024’s LG Tone Free T90S, which launched at £229 (about $300), but these were admittedly more premium.

Of course, these buds are a totally different proposition. They’re not designed for the most high-end audio experience and take away that focus on spatial, three-dimensional sound. They’re also a bit more bare-boned with no UVnano tech or Plug & Wireless. But given that they still have a rich feature-set in their own right and they sound decent, all things considered, they’re not priced too badly.

I would argue, however, that there are a lot of buds that sound as good, if not a little better, that cost a fair chunk less. For instance, we scored the Nothing Ear (a) five out of five for sound quality, thanks to their fun, zealous sound and inclusion of LDAC. But they’re regularly available for less than $100 / £80. And even if you want to go for that more premium LG Tone Free T90S option, they’ve received a hearty price cut, making them available for closer to the $180 / £150 mark. I think they’re worth that extra cash.

That’s not to mention that $99 / £119 is by no means cheap for wireless earbuds. There are lots of excellent cheap options to choose from too if you’d prefer, such as the budget-friendly Sony WF-C510, which we even preferred to the far pricier Apple AirPods 4.

• Value score: 3.5/5

(Image credit: Future) Should I buy the LG xboom Buds? Buy them if...

You want wireless earbuds for a workout
The LG xboom Buds have a hook-like contraption attached to them that keeps them firmly in-ear, even during more active periods. They’re also IPX4-rated, making them both sweat and splash resistant.

You’re looking for Auracast-ready earbuds
There aren’t a ton of wireless earbuds out there that support Auracast, so if you want a solid pair that incorporate such tech, these are worth a look. Just fire up the LG xboom Buds app and you’ll be able to tune into any nearby Auracast broadcast. Easy as you like.

Don't buy them if...

You want top-tier sound quality
The xboom Buds don’t sound bad, let’s get that straight. But they’re not the most talented in the audio department either, sometimes lacking in instrument separation and detail. They’ll also require some tuning out of the box due to the top-loaded treble, which can get fairly harsh at high volumes.

You’re a movie fanatic
Unlike the LG Tone Free T90S, the LG xboom Buds don’t offer support for Dolby Atmos or head tracking. As a result, you’re not going to get the most immersive, three-dimensional sound in the world out of these.

LG xboom Buds: also consider

Sony WF-C700N
I’ve personally owned the Sony WF-C700N for well over a year and can vouch for their quality. These are some of the best value earbuds around, with impressive ANC, surprisingly detailed sound and a comfortable fit. You’re not going to get that Auracast compatibility here, and they have just been superseded by an upgraded Sony WF-C710 model (review incoming) but I’d still put these above LG’s latest earbuds effort. Read our full Sony WF-C700N review.

Nothing Ear (a)
These unorthodox looking buds are still a firm favorite of ours here at TechRadar. Why? They offer stellar sound with LDAC, admirable noise cancelation and wonderful in-app experience. No wonder they’re still sitting pretty as our best mid-range option in our best wireless earbuds guide. Read our full Nothing Ear (a) review.

LG xboom Buds review: How I tested

• Tested for two weeks
• Used in the office and while on walks
• Predominantly tested using Tidal

I tested the LG xboom Buds over a two week period, using them for hours during each working day and beyond. I tried them out at the office, while at home and when on walks to assess the fortitude of ANC across multiple environments.

Most of the time, I tested these wireless buds using Tidal on the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, but I also tried using them with both Spotify and YouTube on my Windows laptop. When listening to music, I ran through the TechRadar testing playlist, which features tracks from a wide variety of genres but I also tuned in to hours worth of tunes from my personal library.

Where appropriate, I compared these to the LG Tone Free T90S earbuds on metrics such as comfort, audio quality, ANC capabilities and features.

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