TechRadar Reviews

Marshall Stockwell III review

Seven years after its predecessor came to market, the Marshall Stockwell III is here — and wow, what a beauty.

From the moment I unboxed the Stockwell III, I was struck by its quality. Its striking amp-inspired aesthetic, complimented by luxurious PU leather, golden detailing, and a red velvet-infused handle made it likeable from the off. But could its sound live up to its enticing looks?

Well, I’ve spent hours upon hours listening to music and messing around with various features on Marshall’s new speaker, and I’ve got a fair few thoughts. So here’s whether it can compare with some of the best Bluetooth speakers around.

Let’s start with sound quality, an area where the Stockwell III is aiming to make quite the leap from its predecessor. Under the hood, you’ll find one three-inch woofer with 65W class D amplification alongside two 1.75-inch wide-band drivers, which both have 31W of class D amplification. This means that the Stockwell III is incredibly mighty for a speaker of its size, and offers considerably meatier audio than its predecessor could.

The Stockwell III’s impressive power really shines through in its performance — it displays a striking level of confidence with regimented, intent-filled bass, driven mids, and expressive highs that make it an incredibly enjoyable speaker to use.

(Image credit: Future)

In Home Meeting by Sadao Watanabe, I was impressed with the fluent and colorful leading sax, which played alongside substantial and weighty funky bass and accurate, precise drums in the treble range. As the track built towards its climax, the Stockwell III managed the swathe of instruments with ease, and backing vocals, guitars, horns, and bass all came together in a cohesive yet nuanced ensemble.

With a deeper track, like Vision of Love by Lewis Taylor, the Stockwell III proved that its power goes a long way. Pumping deep bass pounded through our music testing room with intensity, yet remained controlled and clean. Energetic drums high up in the frequency range also came through with plenty of bite, although neither end of the spectrum overshadowed the finer electronic details in the mid-range.

The Stockwell III can extend down to 54Hz, and although it wasn’t capable of the most full-sounding, consuming sub-bass, I still found that it coped decently with ultra-low frequencies. More generally, the speaker does have a bit of a bass preference, and although this may not be to everyone’s taste, a swift turn of the bass dial can easily get you the sound you’re after.

One thing I will say is that although vocals come through clearly on the Stanmore III, they perhaps lack the warmth and texture that you’ll find from some other premium speakers. To be clear, I still found that vocal-focused tracks sounded great on the Stockwell III, but audiophiles may wish for a bit more detail and depth.

As you’d expect with a recent Marshall release, there's USB-C audio onboard for lossless playback, and the speaker sounds great with a wired connection. There’s also a 3.5mm port if you’d prefer. Unfortunately though, there’s no LDAC for higher-res Bluetooth playback — something we recently saw on the Marshall Acton IV and Marshall Stanmore IV — which would’ve been nice to see.

But a couple of features really help the Stockwell III perform at an excellent level. For example, Dynamic Loudness helps the speaker maintain clarity, even at higher volumes, and I found that the Stockwell III still sounded excellent even when pushing volume up to 90% and beyond. Marshall has also implemented its True Stereophonic 360 sound, intended to make sure it sounds excellent from every angle, and this felt effective to me, resulting in the speaker having no true ‘sweet spot’ — ideal for a party situation, say.

One final thing worth pointing out about sound, is that the Stockwell III technically outputs in stereo. However, the stereo effects aren’t particularly convincing — in part due to the Stockwell III’s limited confines.

(Image credit: Future)

So the Stockwell III is a hit in the sound quality department. But how does it fare elsewhere?

Well, when it comes to features, there are quite a few options to uncover. For the moment, the Stockwell III is using the older Marshall Bluetooth app, unlike the newer Marshall software harnessed by the Acton IV, Stanmore IV, and Heston soundbars. This means that you only get a five-band EQ, though this still works well — and the speaker does sound great out of the box.

The app also enables you to use a soundstage mode to reduce or expand the width of sound, you can toggle on Source Mix to play media via wired and Bluetooth connections simultaneously, and you can map a specific EQ configuration to the speaker’s M button. In addition, there’s a placement compensation feature that genuinely makes a difference, as well as USB-C port configuration settings (you can make it charge other devices, play media, or both), and battery preservation options.

Speaking of battery, the Stockwell III is capable of providing 40 hours of playback — double what its predecessor could manage. That’s a phenomenal amount of playtime for a speaker of this size, and a seismic technological advancement, proving that Marshall are still one of the leading audio manufacturers when it comes to battery life.

I’ve spoken a bit about design already, but the Stockwell III is a true joy to behold. It’s also a lot lighter than Marshall’s alternate mid-weight speaker, the Marshall Middleton II, making it feel way more portable. It's also got more amplification power than the Middleton II and in my view, looks more premium — it’s the better mid-weight option overall in my view.

However, this does come at the expense of weaker waterproofing — the Middleton II is IP67 rated, whereas the Stockwell III is only IP55. That's still an improvement on its IPX4-rated predecessor and keeps it protected against splashes and dust ingress, but a lot of competitors shield their devices against full underwater submersion.

But let’s wrap up now. At $249.99 / £199.99 / AU$379, the Stockwell III isn’t the cheapest option on the market, but for its power, and its sound and build quality, it's an excellent value for money choice. At launch, the Stockwell II was priced the same as this new model in the US, but it's actually cheaper in the UK and Australia than its predecessor was at the point of release. With the improvements in acoustics, build, and waterproofing, that’s amazing to see.

Although the Stockwell III leaves out LDAC and is using the older Marshall Bluetooth app at the moment, I still think it’s a brilliant speaker. With confident yet elegant sound, amazing looks, and a fantastic feature-set, it's the best mid-weight Marshall speaker you can buy, and stands as a stellar upgrade over the Stockwell II.

(Image credit: Future)Marshall Stockwell III review: price & release date

• Priced at $249.99 / £199.99 / AU$379
• Released in August 2026

The Marshall Stockwell III was released in August 2026, seven years after the Marshall Stockwell II came to market. It's priced at $249.99 / £199.99 / AU$379, meaning that in the US it costs the same as the Stockwell II did at launch, and it's actually cheaper in the UK and Australia. Considering the vast improvements it provides, that makes it a phenomenal value for money option. It’s available in Black and Brass or in Cream.

Marshall Stockwell III review: specs

Weight

2.9 lbs / 1.3kg

Dimensions

17.1 x 5.9 x 2.8 inches / 181 x 150 x 72mm

Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.3, 3.5mm, USB-C

Battery life

40 hours

Speaker drivers

1x 3-inch woofer with 65W class D amplification, 2x 1.75-inch wide-band drivers with 31W class D amplification

Waterproofing

IP55

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the Marshall Stockwell III?

Attribute

Notes

Score

Features

Great connectivity options, feature-rich app, but still using the old version, great battery life.

4.5/5

Performance

Excellent bass, clear mids, and clean highs.

4.5/5

Design

Gorgeous looks, a more portable than the Middleton, but waterproofing not as good.

4.5/5

Value

Same price as predecessor with meaningful improvements, great price for the power and quality on offer.

5/5

Buy it if…

You want a super-stylish speaker
The Stockwell III is a gorgeous speaker with enticing PU leather, golden detailing, and a stylish handle. If you want style that matches substance, this is a great option.

You want a powerful yet portable speaker
The Stockwell III is crammed with plenty of amplification power, but it's still highly portable and relatively lightweight. That’s the main reason I’d pick it over a model like the Marshall Middleton II.

Don’t buy it if…

You want a speaker with higher-res Bluetooth codecs
Although the Stockwell III features USB-C audio and a 3.5mm input, it skips on aptX and LDAC. The latter has been seen on a few of Marshall’s recent releases, so it would’ve been great to see on the Stockwell III.

You want the ultimate waterproof speaker
The Stockwell III is protected from dust ingress and water splashes, but there are rivals with even better waterproofing on the market. For instance, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Gen has an IP67 rating, meaning it can be submerged under a meter of water for up to 30 minutes.

Marshall Stockwell III review: also consider

Marshall Stockwell III

Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Gen

JBL Charge 6

Price

$249.99 / £199.99 / AU$379

$349 / £299 / AU$639

$149 / £129 / AU$229.95

Weight

2.9 lbs / 1.3kg

1.27 lbs / 576g

3 lbs / 1.4kg

Dimensions

17.1 x 5.9 x 2.8 inches / 181 x 150 x 72mm

5.2 x 1.8 x 5.2 inches133 x 46 x 133mm

9 x 3.9 x 3.7 inches / 229 x 99 x 94mm

Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.3, 3.5mm, USB-C

Bluetooth 5.1, USB-C

Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C

Battery life

40 hours

24 hours

24 hours (28 hours with PlayTime Boost)

Speaker drivers

1x 3-inch woofer with 65W class D amplification, 2x 1.75-inch wide-band drivers with 31W class D amplification

1 x 0.6-inch tweeter; 1 x 3.25-inch woofer, each with 1 x 30W Class D amplification

53 x 93 mm mid/bass 'racetrack' driver, 20mm tweeter

Waterproofing

IP55

IP67

IP68

Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Gen
This luxurious speaker sounds absolutely spectacular, and it's one of the best-looking models I’ve tested. It’s pricey, but for the quality you get back in return — both sonically and in terms of build — it's well worth checking out. Read our full Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Gen review.

JBL Charge 6
With mighty sound, impeccable waterproofing, and a swath of features, the JBL Charge 6 was fully deserving of the five stars that we awarded it last year. If you want something a little cheaper, albeit slightly less premium-looking, this is my top recommendation. Read our full JBL Charge 6 review.

How I tested the Marshall Stockwell III

(Image credit: Future)

• Tested over a week-long period
• Mainly streamed tracks over Tidal
• Predominantly made use of Bluetooth and USB-C connectivity

I tested the Marshall Stockwell III over the course of a week, spending hours listening to music and exhausting its various features. I mainly had it connected to my Xiaomi 17 phone, where I streamed tunes over Tidal — predominantly using Bluetooth and USB-C connectivity.

When listening to music, I made sure to play tracks from a wide variety of genres — both from the TechRadar reference playlist and from my own personal library.

More generally, I’ve spent years testing audio gear here at TechRadar, where I serve as our in-house Senior Reviews Writer. I’ve tested all kinds of gadgets, from premium wireless headphones like the Sony 1000X The Collexion through to Dolby Atmos soundbars like the LG Sound Suite Immersive Suite 7 Pro. I’ve also reviewed countless Marshall speakers, including its recent Homeline releases, so I know exactly what to look for when putting the audio specialist’s tech to the test.

• Read TechRadar’s reviews guarantee
• First reviewed: August 2026

Keychron K8 Ultra 8K: One-minute review

The Keychron K8 Ultra 8K is a wireless mechanical keyboard with an impressive spec that hopes to compete with the more premium offerings in the space.

It exhibits the brand’s typical design language, with its sizable keycaps and retro looks. The whole unit is black, save for some grey and green keycaps. To liven things up, it features some bright backlighting with plenty of customization options, although the keycap legends aren’t transparent, so it doesn’t illuminate them. This makes them harder to see in dark environments, which somewhat defeats the backlight’s purpose.

The board base is very thick, which means you have to angle your wrists considerably to reach the tall keys. It’s in dire need of wrist support, which is an oversight since a lot of the best keyboards come with a rest. It’s also quite heavy, thanks to its metal construction. This does help to keep it planted, though, and it’s as solid as you would expect it to be.

(Image credit: Future)

To customize the inputs of the K8 Ultra 8K, you’ll have to use Keychron’s Web Launcher. Here you’ll find a reasonable selection of rebinding options, and there’s also a basic but functional SOCD function for altering key priority. It’s a relatively easy app to use, and despite being web-based, it’s quick and responsive; I didn’t encounter any disruptive loading times during my time with it.

In action, the K8 Ultra 8K performs well. The keys are sufficiently damped, although some clickiness remains, which can be a little harsh at times, but mostly they’re satisfying to use. They’re snappy and responsive, too, while being forgiving of accidental nudges. The indents and shape of the keycaps are comfortable and offer a secure hold.

However, the switches of my review unit didn’t have the smoothest of motions. The keys are also spaced quite far apart, which can make reaching certain inputs a stretch. What’s more, the aforementioned angle your wrists are forced to adopt can lead to strain after short periods. I had no issues with connecting the K8 Ultra 8K via 2.4GHz or Bluetooth, and switching between them was quick and easy.

The K8 Ultra 8K is a reasonable price when you consider all that it offers. There are certainly much dearer mechanical keyboards, such as the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%, but there are also cheaper ones, such as the MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra. However, the K8 Ultra 8K remains a solid choice if you like a substantial board — just pair it with a wrist rest.

(Image credit: Future)Keychron K8 Ultra 8K review: Price & availability

• $119.99 (about £90 / AU$170)
• Available now in three switch types
• Good price for a wireless mechanical keyboard

The K8 Ultra 8K costs $119.99 (about £90 / AU$170) and is available now from Keychron’s website, with shipping rates varying according to region. It can be had with a choice of three switch types: Red, Brown, or Banana. It comes with a braided USB cable, several spare keycaps, and a keycap puller.

This is a good price for a wireless mechanical keyboard with hot-swappable switches. Similar models from bigger names can cost considerably more, such as the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%. However, the performance of that board is far superior, being perhaps the best mechanical keyboard I’ve ever tested. Its switches are a joy to press, while the companion software offers more customizations and tweaks.

If you’re after a more budget-friendly gaming keyboard, the MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra is hard to beat for value. It has a surprisingly high-quality design, while its analog switches feel almost as good as mechanical ones, with added actuation adjustments.

Keychron K8 Ultra 8K review: Specs

Layout

TKL

Switch

Mechanical (Keychron Apex)

Programmable keys

Yes

Dimensions

14.1 x 5.1 x 1.2 inches (359 x 129 x 31mm)

RGB or backlighting

Yes (customizable)

(Image credit: Future)Keychron K8 Ultra 8K review: Design & features

• Retro look
• Solid, thick, and heavy
• Reasonable web app for customizations

The K8 Ultra 8K adopts Keychron's signature aesthetics, which is to say it has a thick base, tall keycaps, and a black colorway. However, there are a few grey peripheral keys, as well as a green Escape key, to add some contrast.

Allied to its thick chassis is a substantial weight. This helps the K8 Ultra 8K to stay planted, but makes it a chore to move around frequently. Build quality is also impressive, with its metal frame feeling as solid as you would expect it to feel, while the keycaps have only a hint of play.

(Image credit: Future)

What’s disappointing about them, though, is their opaque symbols. This means the vivid RGB backlighting doesn’t get a chance to shine through them; in fact, it can actively obscure them in dark environments, which defeats at least part of the backlighting’s purpose. Fortunately, it still shines through the spaces between the keys, and there are plenty of customizable patterns for it.

Like some other Keychron models, the K8 Ultra 8K’s USB port is located on the left side of the unit, rather than at the back. This is an interesting location and can help to reduce the cable interfering with deskspace, depending on your particular setup. The included cable’s jack protrudes slightly from the side, but since it’s L-shaped, it's actually quite discreet. This shape also helps the cable to naturally follow a path less intrusive to deskspace.

Keychron doesn’t offer a downloadable app for the K8 Ultra 8K; instead, you’ll have to use the Keychron Web Launcher via a browser. Quite often, such web apps can be slow and awkward, with frequent loading times and connectivity issues. However, I found Keychron’s fast and easy to use.

What’s more, it offers a reasonable amount of customization. Besides standard key assignments, there are quite a few shortcuts for various system commands and media controls. There’s also a SOCD feature with three different modes, as well as a section for altering the bounce (more commonly referred to as debounce) times of key presses and resets, with sliders for each ranging from 10ms to 50ms, with single millisecond increments selectable.

(Image credit: Future)Keychron K8 Ultra 8K review: Performance

• Tactile and damped switches
• Snappy yet forgiving
• Uncomfortable thickness

True to its mechanical nature, the K8 Ultra 8K is quite a satisfying board to use. The Brown Tactile switches in my review unit were sufficiently damped, though there was some clickiness to them. For the most part I liked this aspect, although hard presses can feel a little harsh. Worse is the roughness of their motion as they travel, which doesn’t feel particularly pleasant. Fortunately, this doesn't completely sap the joy out of presses, and it didn’t affect my performance in any significant way.

The switches are also quite snappy, requiring only a light touch to actuate. Better yet, they’re forgiving at the same time: whenever I accidentally grazed a key I didn’t intend to hit, often it wouldn’t register. This combination makes it ideal for fast typing.

(Image credit: Future)

The keycaps themselves are comfortable, thanks to their ergonomic indents, which also provide security. This comfort extends to the space bar, which I could easily hit flush when in the WASD position. That’s not something I can say about every space bar I’ve experienced.

Less comfortable, however, is the wide spacing of the keys. I often welcome this aspect, but I found it too great on the K8 Ultra 8K. Reaching certain keys was a stretch, especially when touch typing, or when trying to reach certain peripheral keys such as R and T when gaming in the WASD position.

The aforementioned thickness of the chassis also creates issues. Combined with the tall keycaps, this means you have to angle your wrists to a large degree, and what’s more I frequently caught my fingers on the edges of keys as I glided around them when typing. I’m not sure I’ve come across a keyboard in more desperate need of wrist support.

On the issue of connectivity, I had no qualms with the K8 Ultra 8K. It connected to my Windows PCs with ease via both Bluetooth and the 2.4GHz dongle. Hot-switching between these devices was also quick and easy, merely requiring the flick of switch on the side of the unit.

Should I buy the Keychron K8 Ultra 8K?Scorecard

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Value

The K8 Ultra 8K is keenly priced for a hot-swappable wireless mechanical keyboard with an 8K polling rate.

4.5 / 5

Design and features

Thick, heavy, and solidly made. The web app is functional, but the opaque keycaps are a misstep.

4 / 5

Performance

The Brown switches in my review unit weren’t the smoothest, but they still performed well. You really need to use this board with a wrist rest to make it comfortable.

3.5 / 5

Overall

The K8 Ultra 8K is well-priced for a wireless mechanical keyboard. Its performance isn’t as smooth as I would’ve liked, and you really need to use it with a wrist rest, but it’s still one to consider given its customizable hardware.

4 / 5

Buy it if…

You’re on a budget
There aren’t many keyboards offering better value for money than this, thanks to its high spec and relatively low price point.

You want a solid build
This thick metal frame is certainly sturdy, as are the keycaps and switches.

Don't buy it if…

You have short fingers
Reaching certain keys can be a stretch, owing to the wide spacing between them.

You like a low profile
The tall keycaps and thick chassis can easily put strain upon your wrists, so ideally you need support.

Keychron K8 Ultra 8K review: Also consider

MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra
Another great value keyboard, the FUN60 Ultra is just as well put together as the K8 Ultra 8K. It uses magnetic analog switches rather than mechanical ones, but they feel just as tactile while offering adjustable actuation and other analog features. Read our full MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra review.

Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%
For the supreme mechanical experience, you can’t do much better than the BlackWidow. This is just about the best mechanical keyboard I’ve ever used, thanks to its excellent performance and build quality. There are also plenty of input customizations available via Razer’s Synapse software. Read our full Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% review.

(Image credit: Future)How I tested the Keychron K8 Ultra 8K

• Tested for a few days
• Used for a variety of tasks
• Plentiful keyboard experience

I tested the K8 Ultra 8K for a few days, during which time I used it for gaming, working, and general browsing.

One of the games I played was Counter-Strike 2, as it serves as the ideal test for peripherals, since it demands fast and precise inputs.

I’ve been using gaming keyboards for years, and reviewed a great number of them, including other Keychron models as well as those from well-known brands like Razer, SteelSeries, and Corsair.

• First reviewed: August 2026
• Read more about how we test

Motorola Razr 2026 review: One-minute review

The Motorola Razr 2026 (or Razr 70, as it’s known in the UK and Europe) is your cheapest entry point into the world of 2026-era foldable phones. It undercuts its main rival — the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE — with a cheaper list price, while offering more storage and larger screens.

At $799.99 / £799.99, I wouldn’t go as far as to call the Razr 2026 'cheap', especially as it costs $100 more than its predecessor, the Motorola Razr 2025, in the US. But for those looking for the cheapest current-gen foldable, this is the handset to consider.

I really enjoyed using the Razr 2026 for the weeks I had it in for review. I love the design; the two screens are great, with the external display being genuinely usable; the battery life is solid, while its power and camera performance are fine enough — although it isn't going to blow you away on either count.

My main reservation about the Razr 2026 is that it offers very little in the way of advancement over its predecessor. This sameness makes the price increase hard to justify and left me scratching my head as to why Motorola made such minor upgrades.

(Image credit: Future)

At the same time, Motorola hasn’t messed with what was already a winning formula. The cover screen integration is superb — it's much better than Samsung’s — and allowed me to use messaging apps with ease, check Google Maps, see what’s coming up in my diary, and keep a check on my fitness stats, all without opening the phone to use the bigger display.

And it feels great in the hand too, with the compact folded size perfect for small bags and pockets, plus it turns heads.

Battery life is another strong point for the Razr 2026, with the phone able to comfortably deliver a day of use from a single charge. And if you don’t use your phone much, you’ll get a day and a half or more — especially if you mainly use the cover display.

The Razr 2026 isn’t as strong when it comes to performance. There can be a noticeable delay when handing off apps between the two screens, and load times can be on the longer side.

This wouldn’t be an issue if the phone were a couple of hundred dollars/pounds cheaper, but considering the non-foldable devices offering flagship performance you can buy at this price point, it’s not the best value for money.

The cameras also don’t offer a truly flagship experience, but they aren’t bad. Plus, the ability to use the main 50MP snapper as a selfie snapper when the Razr 2026 is closed is a huge plus for those who take a lot of this style of photo.

Overall, then, the Motorola Razr 2026 doesn’t revolutionize the market in any way, but if you’re drawn to this compact form factor, it's the best mid-range flip phone you can buy.

Motorola Razr 2026 review: Price and availability

(Image credit: Future)

• Starts at $799.99 / £799.99
• The cheapest of Motorola’s latest foldable phones
• Available in the US and UK, but not currently in Australia or India

The Motorola Razr 2026 is the cheapest of the firm’s four latest foldable phones, sitting at the bottom of a trio of flip foldables (including the Razr Plus 2026 and Razr Ultra 2026), with the book-style Razr Fold at the top of the pricing tree.

At $799.99 / £799.99, the Razr 2026 is also the cheapest, latest-generation flip foldable you can buy, undercutting its only real competition — the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE — by $100 / £50 (although the Samsung can now be found at discounted rates).

It is more expensive than Moto’s most premium Edge-series non-folding handset, with the Edge 70 Pro starting at £749.99 in the UK. Yet it’s cheaper than the non-foldable, flagship Motorola Signature at £1,199.99.

If anything, its biggest competition might well be its siblings. The Moto Razr Plus 2026 and Moto Razr Ultra 2026 offer more power, larger external screens, and better cameras for $300 / £200 and $700 / £400 extra, respectively.

Then there’s the previous-generation phone — the Razr 2025 / Razr 60 — which arrived at $100 less than the 2026 model in the US, and features similar specs. The 2025 model is now discounted, making it a more attractive offering if you can find it in stock.

While the Razr 60 is available to buy in the US and UK, at the time of writing, it’s not on sale in Australia or India.

Storage + RAM

US Price

UK Price

256GB + 8GB

$799.99

£799.99

• Value score: 4 / 5

Motorola Razr 2026 review: Specs

The Motorola Razr 2026 is the entry-level flip foldable in Moto’s trio of clamshells. If you’re after punchier specs, check out the Razr Plus and Razr Ultra.

Dimensions:

Unfolded: 171.3 x 74 x 7.3mm

Folded: 88.1 x 74 x 15.9mm

Weight:

188g

Internal screen

6.9-inch foldable LTPO AMOLED, Dolby Vision, HDR10+

Internal resolution:

1080 x 2640, 413 ppi

Internal refresh rate:

120Hz

Peak brightness:

3000 nits

External screen

3.6-inch AMOLED, HDR10+, 1056 x 1066 pixels, 413 ppi, 90Hz, 1700 nits (peak)

Chipset:

Mediatek Dimensity 7450X

RAM:

8GB

Storage:

256GB

OS:

Android 16

Main camera:

50MP, f/1.7, 1/1.95", 0.8µm, OIS

Ultrawide camera:

50MP, f/2.0, 1/2.76", 0.64µm, 122° FOV

Front camera:

32MP, f/2.4, 1/3.14", 0.7µm

Battery:

4,800mAh

Charging:

30W wired, 15W wireless

Colors:

Pantone: Hematite, Sporting Green, Bright White, Violet Ice

Motorola Razr 2026 review: DesignFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFuture

• Delightful compact design feels great in hand
• Premium and solid, despite being the entry-level model

In my mind, clamshell foldables make a lot of sense. They still offer the large-screen smartphone experience we expect from modern devices, but fold down into a more pocketable and small-bag-friendly size.

And with the 3.6-inch external display on the Razr 2026, I’m actually able to interact with key apps without it being annoying, plus you can use the main rear cameras to snap selfies, using the external display as your viewfinder.

As a form factor goes, I dig it — and Motorola has refined its offering since it spearheaded the design with the first Motorola Razr (2019) seven years ago.

The metal frame of the Razr 2026 feels solid and well-built, with the power key and volume buttons on the right falling nicely under thumb and finger.

You get a fingerprint scanner built into the power key, and I found it works nicely, with prompt unlocking even when my digit isn’t expertly placed across the entire surface.

When folded in its clamshell mode, the Razr 2026 feels great in the hand, and the textured rear panel on the Sporting Green model I was sent for review provides useful grip.

(Image credit: Future)

The Razr 2026 is available in three further colors, Hematite (grey), Bright White, and Violet Ice (pink), although the latter option doesn’t appear to be available in the UK. For those of you in the US, you get all four hues.

Each color has a different textured finish on its rear, with Hematite sporting a woven-inspired finish, Bright White a geometric finish for a bit of shine, and Violet Ice a wave-like pattern.

I was impressed by how sturdy the Razr 2026 felt, with the hinge stable, if a little on the stiff side — if you’re hoping to easily flick this phone open and closed with one hand, you’ll be disappointed. It requires a little more force to do so, which is a good thing, durability-wise, but it’s slightly less satisfying to use compared to the flip phones of the early 2000s.

And that durability extends to the phone’s water resistance capabilities; it can be immersed in up to 1.5m of water for up to 30 minutes.

As with all foldables, thanks to the moving screen and hinge, the phone's dust rating isn’t as high as on traditional phones. If you’re planning a beach trip, be careful not to get sand in the moving parts of this phone.

Included in the box with the phone is a case, allowing you to add extra protection to the handset if you’re so inclined. The plastic shell will keep the metal edges and textured rear safe from dings, but with the case on, it doesn’t feel as nice in the hand, and it looks a bit like a toy. Aesthetics or protection — pick one.

• Design score: 4.5 / 5

Motorola Razr 2026 review: DisplayFuture

• 3.6-inch outer display is surprisingly usable
• 6.9-inch foldable display is bright, clear, and colorful

As I’ve already alluded to in this review, the Motorola Razr 2026 (or Razr 70 for those of you in the UK and Europe) has two displays.

First up is the 3.6-inch, almost full HD external screen, which is slightly larger than the 3.4-inch offering on the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, and it’s a full square, as opposed to the slightly obscure shape on the Samsung.

The two main cameras and the flash do eat into the screen, but I prefer the overall aesthetic Motorola has carried over from the Razr 2025. Considering its size, it’s surprisingly usable.

I was able to easily check notifications, reply to WhatsApp messages, monitor my location on Google Maps, control music on Spotify, scroll through socials, and keep up to date with World Cup 2026 news and scores. In fact, a lot of the apps on the phone were in some way usable on this cover screen — you can even watch Netflix on it if you really want.

If you opt to spend more money, the Razr Plus 2026 and Razr Ultra 2026 have slightly larger outer displays, at 4 inches respectively, as was the case with Motorola’s 2025 range.

FutureFutureFuture

Flip the Razr 2026 open, and you’re greeted with a sizable 6.9-inch flexible LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision support, and a 1080 x 2640 resolution offering 413 ppi pixel density. Again, this is bigger than the internal screen you’ll find on the Galaxy Flip 7 FE (6.7 inches), and that extra size makes the Razr 2026 pretty tall at 171.3mm.

The taller screen gives the illusion that it’s narrower than other phones, but it is in fact wider than the Flip 7 FE, iPhone 17 Pro, Samsung Galaxy 26, and Google Pixel 10 Pro. If you have smaller hands, you might find the Flip 7 FE is easier to hold.

It’s bright, clear, and colorful, and while it doesn’t have a super high resolution, I found it perfectly acceptable for gaming, video streaming, and general use.

While creases in foldable screens have improved over the years, they've not been eradicated. It’s barely noticeable when looking straight-on at the Razr 2026, so the likelihood is you’ll forget it’s there visually most of the time.

Look at the screen at an angle, though, and you’ll spot the crease — but what’s more obvious is the feel. Scroll social feeds and your thumb will run over the undulation in the display. You might find it a little off-putting at first, but I quickly became accustomed to the feel.

Manufacturers have worked hard to improve the durability of foldable screens, and that’s the case with the Razr 2026, yet you still need to be careful. During setup, you’re warned not to remove the factory-fitted screen protector or use a third-party screen protector on the foldable display, as it could cause issues and will void the warranty.

• Display score: 4 / 5

Motorola Razr 2026 review: Cameras

(Image credit: Future)

• Dual 50MP (wide and ultra-wide) main cameras, plus 32MP selfie
• Clever use of the flip design allows the main cameras to be selfie snappers

The Motorola Razr 2026 comes with a trio of cameras. Two on the ‘back’ of the device, although when folded closed, the pair of 50MP snappers become front-facing.

There’s a main 50MP, f/1.7 camera, and that’s joined by another 50MP ultra-wide snapper with a 122-degree field of view, allowing you to fit more into frame — great for sprawling landscapes and towering skyscrapers.

The third camera is your traditional front-facing option with a 32MP, f/2.4 lens; however, if you want to take selfies, you’re better off closing the Razr 2026 and using the external display as the viewfinder and the 50MP snappers.

These cameras are a slight downgrade from the Razr Plus 2026 and Razr Ultra 2026, with OIS, Pantone Validated Cameras, improved video recording, and better image processing available on those more expensive phones.

If you want the best photography experience from your flip foldable, you should consider these pricier options, as they are more accomplished in this department.

That’s not to say the Motorola Razr 2026 can’t take decent photos. It certainly can, but you’ll need to be in good light, have a steady hand, and ideally not be shooting moving objects.

General shots when out and about in the city and countryside on sunny days come out nicely, with a good level of detail, balanced exposure, and vibrant colors — at least when shooting at 1x.

One area where the Razr 2026 struggles is capturing moving objects such as pets. I spotted some blurring and a shade of lag after pressing the shutter button, meaning I missed the facial expressions and poses of cats and dogs I was attempting to capture.

The dual-lens setup also allows for a 2x optical zoom, letting you get closer to your subject without having to physically move, along with a 10x digital zoom.

You get reasonable quality at 2x, but colors do look more muted than at 1x. Quality dips significantly once you get into the digital zoom, and I’d advise avoiding zooming past 2x if you want clear pictures.

(Image credit: Future)

I really like the ability to use the main cameras of the phone as a selfie camera, as you get better quality results. The 32MP camera on the internal foldable display isn’t bad, though, and it’s perfectly serviceable for video calls and the odd snap — but you’ll get better image quality, lighting, and colors by using the 50MP option.

Overall, the Motorola Razr 2026 can take good photos, but if you’re looking for a premium photography experience from your flip foldable, you’ll want to consider the pricier Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Razr Ultra 2026.

• Cameras score: 3.5 / 5

Motorola Razr 2026 review: Camera samplesFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureA regular selfie taken with the front-facing cameraFutureA Portrait mode selfie taken with the front-facing cameraFutureA regular selfie taken with the rear cameraFutureA Portrait mode selfie taken with the rear cameraFutureMotorola Razr 2026 review: Performance

(Image credit: Future)

• MediaTek Dimensity 7450X chipset and 8GB of RAM
• Handles social scrolling and video streaming, but intensive tasks can be slow

As I’ve already mentioned, the Razr 2026 is the baby of Motorola’s trio of flip foldables, and thus it comes with a slight performance disadvantage over its more expensive siblings.

Specifically, you get a MediaTek Dimensity 7450X chipset and 8GB of RAM. The good news is there’s enough power here to run your social apps, video streaming services, and most games without much slowdown.

I did notice apps would sometimes take a moment longer to load compared to non-foldable phones around the same price, several of which come with more power under the hood.

I was able to play Clash Royale without gameplay lag, and while I experienced slowdown in load times when playing Asphalt Legends, actual gameplay wasn’t affected.

Motorola helps to enhance gaming on the Razr 2026 with its Gametime toolkit. It automatically triggers when you fire up a game, with a small icon hiding subtly to the side of the screen.

Give it a tap, and you’ll open up a dashboard through which you can manage performance, block notifications, disable adaptive brightness, record gameplay, and more.

An area where I noticed frequent pauses was when I transitioned from using the app on the interior screen to the exterior screen (and vice versa). The Razr 2026 automatically handles the move between screens for you, but you will need to be patient for a second or so as it sorts itself out.

(Image credit: Future)

So, the Razr 2026 isn’t going to give you the best bang-for-buck performance, but for most users it shouldn’t be an issue.

There’s just one storage variant of the Razr 2026, with 256GB included in the handset. For most users, that’ll be plenty, plus Google offers a free 15GB of cloud storage too, allowing you to offload photos and videos from the handset while always having access to them. There’s no physical expandable storage (i.e., microSD) though.

And for your audio needs, there are stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos on the Razr 2026, which kick out at a decent volume, although they do sound a little tinny and there’s nothing really in the way of bass.

That’s not a surprise considering the form factor, and there’s Bluetooth for when you want to pair it with a speaker or headphones for an improved sonic experience.

• Performance score: 3.5 / 5

Motorola Razr 2026 review: Software

(Image credit: Future)

• Runs Android 16 with a clean overlay, but a few bloat apps
• Includes useful Motorola features and gestures

The Motorola Razr 2026 comes with Android 16, and unlike some manufacturers, Moto’s Android skin is pretty lightweight. In fact, it’s probably the closest interface to stock Android, giving you an almost Google Pixel-like look and feel.

It’s not completely devoid of Motorola’s touch. First, the bad: there are a number of pre-installed apps that are forced on you out of the box. On my UK model, I got Amazon Music, LinkedIn, Perplexity, Opera, Adobe Scan, FIFA Heroes, Google Home, and Google Health (Fitbit). Thankfully, they can be uninstalled if you don’t want them, but it’s a touch annoying to have them thrust upon you in the first place.

With that out of the way, we can focus on the good parts of the software, and Motorola’s cover screen implementation is simply fantastic. It functions as a small phone. It’s easy to navigate and add apps to, and if you swipe sideways, there are various panels you can set up, with each one acting like a home screen widget.

(Image credit: Future)

That means things like music controls, fitness targets, the weather forecast, and upcoming calendar entries can be just a swipe away. No need to open the app or even unfold the phone. This all works really well, and I loved using the exterior screen because of it. It’s a far better setup than on Samsung’s Flip series.

Plus, if you start using an app on the cover screen — Google Maps, for example — opening the phone will see the app transition to the large display, allowing you to continue what you’re doing without interruption (and vice versa).

(Image credit: Future)

Motorola’s clever gestures are also included; a double twist of the wrist will open the camera app, while a double-chop motion will trigger the touch. These gestures are simple, yet wholly effective.

Google’s Gemini is the default AI assistant on the Razr 2026, but Moto AI is also included if you’d prefer to use Motorola’s own LLM.

One negative on the software side of the Razr 2026 is the ongoing support for the phone. Motorola has committed to three years of OS updates for the Razr 2026, which would mean that after 2029 it won’t get new versions of Android.

When the likes of Google and Samsung are offering seven years of updates, three feels particularly stingy for a premium phone. That puts a potentially limiting lifespan on the handset, although it will get security upgrades for five years, which helps soften the blow.

• Software score: 4.5 / 5

Motorola Razr 2026 review: Battery

(Image credit: Future)

• 4,800mAh is an upgrade, but it lasts the same as its predecessor
• You can get over a day of usage from the Razr 2026's battery

One of the main upgrades on the Razr 2026 over its predecessor is its battery, with a 4,800mAh silicon-carbon power pack squeezed inside this clamshell design. That’s 300mAh more than the battery in the Razr 2025, and it means you get solid usage before the need to find a charger.

Motorola claims the Razr 2026 offers “over 36 hours on a single charge”, which I found to be achievable in certain use cases.

I found the Motorola Razr 2026 would easily last a full day on a single charge, from 7am to 11pm, with around 30-40% left in the tank as I climbed into bed. It meant that, even if I forgot to plug in the charger, the phone would survive the night and still give me a few hours of use the next day before it died.

With lighter use, and a focus on using the cover display more than the larger screen, the Razr 2026 can deliver between a day and a half and two days of battery life.

If you push the phone harder, such as with lengthy TikTok doom-scrolling sessions or intensive gameplay, the battery does drain faster, and you’ll likely end up needing to charge the Razr 2026 each night.

While the battery is bigger, the phone's longevity remains pretty much the same as its predecessor's. I’d have liked to see a more consistent day-and-a-half-plus of battery life, considering the increase in capacity and newer chipset, but the Razr 2026 still performs well.

When it comes to recharging, 30W wired support provides fast top-ups, although you’ll have to supply your own charging block to reach these speeds. During my tests, I saw the Razr 2026 replenish 9% of its battery in five minutes, 30% in 20 minutes, and 40% in 30 minutes. After an hour, I’d managed to gain back 70% of charge.

While that’s not the fastest charging on the market, it’s quick enough to give you a significant amount of battery before heading out. There’s also 15W wireless charging available if you have a charging pad at home, at work, or in your car.

If you’re looking for strong battery performance, the Razr 2026 outperforms the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, which comes with a 4,000mAh battery and 25W wired charging.

• Battery score: 4.5 / 5

Should you buy the Motorola Razr 2026?Motorola Razr 2026 scorecard

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

This is the most affordable current-gen flip phone. If you love the form factor, it’s a great introductory model at this price.

4/5

Design

Lovely compact design that looks smart and feels great in the hand. You also get a protective case in the box.

4.5/5

Display

The exterior display is genuinely usable, while the large foldable display provides plenty of real estate.

4/5

Cameras

Reasonable camera performance and clever use of the flip design for crisp selfies, but not best-in-class photography.

3.5/5

Performance

Performance is good enough for most tasks, but there are signs of slow down with more intensive use.

3.5/5

Software

As close to stock Android as you’ll get outside of Google’s Pixel devices, and fantastic cover screen integration makes it a joy to use.

4.5/5

Battery

The sizable battery gives you over a day of use between chargers, but overall performance is similar to that of its predecessor.

4.5/5

Buy it if…

You want a stylish phone for a tiny pocket or bag
There’s no doubt about it: the Motorola Razr 2026 is a great-looking phone. And it also feels wonderful in the hand. The fact that it folds down to such a compact size is great for those with small pockets or tiny bags, as it’ll slip in pretty much anywhere, without compromising on a large screen.

You don’t need flagship performance
If you mainly use your phone for social, emails, web browsing, snapping the odd photo, and the occasional video stream, the Razr 2026 has you covered without issue. If you want to play intensive games or are looking for a productivity machine, this isn’t the phone for you.

You love taking selfies
With the ability to use the rear-facing cameras with the exterior screen to take selfies, you’ll likely get far better results with the Razr 2026 than with pretty much any other phone. Plus, with the folding design, you can unfold the phone to 90 degrees, sit it on a surface, and you’ve got a built-in stand for snapping shots.

Don’t buy it if…

You want a top-notch photography experience
The dual-50MP cameras on the Razr 2026 are capable enough for general photography, and it’s great that you can easily use them as selfie snappers too. But they lack the finesse, quality, and features of true flagship smartphone cameras.

You want the best bang-for-your-buck
Motorola has added very little to the Razr 2026 over its predecessor, which is a shame as it’s now charging $100 more in the US for the new model. If you can find stock of the now-discounted Razr 2025, it’ll be a better buy, while those after the best specs should look at non-foldable alternatives at this price point.

You want a large exterior display
Unlike book-style foldables (think the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, Galaxy Z Fold 7, and Moto’s own Razr Fold), the clamshell form factor of the Razr 2026 gives you a smaller outer screen. If you want a space for watching videos and playing games without unfolding, you’ll need to spend more money, or forget about getting a foldable.

Motorola Razr 2026 review: Also consider

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE
If the Razr 2026 is too expensive, Samsung’s Z Flip 7 FE is now heavily discounted 12 months after launch, making it an attractive proposition if you want to get into flip foldables without the sky-high price. The displays are great, and the cameras are solid — although its battery life isn’t as strong as the Razr's.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE review

Motorola Razr Ultra 2026
There’s not a huge amount that’s different between the Razr 2026 and its 2025 predecessor. If you’re looking for a significant upgrade in the flip form factor, consider splashing the extra cash on the Razr Ultra 2026. It has bigger, higher-resolution displays, more power and storage, enhanced cameras, a bigger battery, and faster charging.

How I tested the Motorola Razr 2026

• Used for two weeks as my personal device
• Day-to-day scrolling social, checking emails, and sending messages
• More intensive video streaming, gaming, and work tasks

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I used the Motorola Razr 2026 as my personal device for two weeks, using a Three UK SIM card. During my time with the phone, I used it as I would day-to-day, from scrolling social media, checking emails, and sending messages to streaming video, playing games, and getting work done.

All these tasks were done over Wi-Fi at home, and over a mobile network when out and about. I coupled the variety of locations with high- and low-usage days to get a proper feel for battery life in the real world, and also tested wired and wireless charging.

I took the phone everywhere with me, snapping photos at a variety of locations and in a range of lighting situations.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed: July 2026

TP-Link BE6300 One Minute Review

I liked TP-Link’s BE3200 range extender, which helped to tackle the Wi-Fi deadspot in my office quickly and easily, and at a competitive price.

However, the BE3200 is very much an entry-level option for Wi-Fi 7, with a relatively modest top speed of 3.2Gbps. If you’re looking for something a little faster for gaming or streaming 4K video then you could consider the BE6300 model, which doubles that speed without doubling the price.

Both range extenders keep the price down by sticking with dual-band Wi-Fi, which uses just the 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz frequency bands, but omits the high-speed 6.0GHz band that is available with the fastest Wi-Fi 7 models.

But, as the name suggests, the BE6300 is still almost twice as fast as the BE3200, stepping up to a top speed of 6.3Gbps, which should be more than fast enough for most home users.

As you’ve probably guessed, the term ‘BE6300’ refers to the speed of the range extender, but it’s also known by the model number RE403BE, so keep your eyes peeled if you’re buying online.

(Image credit: Future)TP-Link BE6300 review: Price & release date

• Where is it available? US-only
• Available Now
• Price: $149.99

The BE6300 is currently only available in the US. You can’t buy it direct from TP-Link either, so you’ll need to shop around online, with the average price sitting at around $149.99.

Oddly, though, there is a similar model called the BE6500 (model RE605BE) available in the UK and Australia. This is slightly faster than the BE6300 that we review here, with a top speed of 6.5Gbps, and costs £188.00/AU$265.

TP-Link BE6300 review: Specs

Price

$149.99

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi 7 (2.4GHz/5.0GHz)

Wi-Fi Speed

6.3Gbps

Ports

1x 2.5Gbps Ethernet

Antennae

4

Dimensions (HxWxD)

161 x 81 x 39mm

TP-Link BE6300 review: Design

Unsurprisingly, the BE6300 looks very similar to its little brother, with a chunky, white rectangular design that plugs straight into any convenient mains power supply.

However, the extra speed of this model means that it requires a little more power and the BE5300 is therefore quite a bit larger, and also sprouts an extra pair of antennae – four in total - to boost performance.

The body of the BE6300 measures 161mm high, but unfolding the top and bottom antennae extends that to a full 261mm. It’s wider too, at 81mm, which means that the bulky device could block any adjacent power sockets if you have two or more sockets that sit close together.

You’ll also need plenty of room if you want to use the Ethernet port that's located on the right-hand side of the range extender. Mind you, it’s possible to plug the BE6300 into a mains extender, rather than plugging it straight into a wall socket, although that’s not a very neat solution as it leaves you with additional cables trailing on the floor.

(Image credit: Future)TP-Link BE6300 review: Features

As mentioned, the BE6300 provides dual-band Wi-Fi 7, using the 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz frequency bands with a top speed of 6.3Gbps.

It may not support the high-speed 6.0GHz band, but it does include a Wi-Fi 7 feature called MLO – multi-link operation – that allows computers and mobile devices with Wi-Fi 7 to boost performance by transmitting data on both bands simultaneously. The Ethernet port on this model is faster too, now running at 2.5Gbps.

As we’ve seen before, TP-Link’s Tether app is well designed and easy to use, making it easy to get started even if you’ve never used a range extender before. It recommends that you initially plug the BE6300 into a power socket close to your main broadband router in order to avoid any interference during the initial set-up process.

The app is then able to automatically detect the range extender and guides you through the process of connecting it to both the 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz networks set up by your main router.

If you want to keep things simple then you can tell the range extender to just use the same network name and password as your original network, or you can give the range extender a new name and password for extra security.

Once that’s done you can unplug the range extender and move it closer to the room where you need to boost the Wi-Fi signal. The app can help here too, by checking the strength of the Wi-Fi signal so that you can find the best spot to place it.

The app can also show you all the devices that are connected to the range extender, and allows you to block devices, such as a child’s tablet or smartphone at night-time. There’s also an Eco mode that helps to reduce power consumption, and you can schedule a time for the range extender to turn itself off as well.

TP-Link BE6300 review: Performance

I have a Wi-Fi deadspot in an office at the back of my building, and when I tested the less expensive BE3200, I found that its 2.4GHz band couldn’t quite achieve the full speed of 150Mbps provided by my office broadband service.

That was no longer a problem when I set up the BE6300 in a nearby hallway, and it was easily able to maintain a smooth 150Mbps for both the Ookla Speed Test and for file downloads from Steam. Needless to say, the faster 5.0GHz band worked equally well, cruising along at 150Mbps throughout all my tests.

Not everyone will need a range extender with a speed of 6.3Gbps, so many homes will still get perfectly good performance from a less expensive range extender such as the BE3200. But, if you do need strong performance for gaming or streaming video, then the BE6300 fits the bill at a competitive price.

Should you buy the TP-Link BE6300?

Attribute

Notes

Score

Features

It’s dual-band only, but good performance and ease of use make it suitable for many homes

4/5

Performance

It’s a modest performer compared to tri-band rivals, but still fast enough for gaming and streaming video

4/5

Design

The bulky design could cause problems with some power sockets

3.5/5

Value

It's a good dual-band range extender at a competitive price

4/5

Buy it if…

You’ve got an annoying deadspot
A range extender is a good option for improving the Wi-Fi signal in just one or two rooms, or an outdoor location such as a garden or parking space.View Deal

You’re a gamer
It’s certainly not the fastest range extender you can buy, but a speed of 6.3Gbps means that the BE6300 can handle gaming and streaming video with ease.View Deal

Don’t buy it if…

You’re on a budget
Not everyone needs Wi-Fi 7, or 6.3Gbps performance, so there are plenty of range extenders using the older Wi-Fi 6 that can still boost your Wi-Fi for less than $100.View Deal

You need top performance
The BE6300 performs well, but its dual-band Wi-Fi is really just mid-range for Wi-Fi 7. There are faster tri-band range extenders that can hit 10Gbps or more.View Deal

Also consider

TP-Link BE10000
A speed of 6.3Gbps will be fine for most homes, but if you really need top performance then TP-Link’s tri-band BE1000 range extender adds support for the high-speed 6.0GHz band, which boosts the Wi-Fi speed to 10Gbps.

Read our full TP-Link BE10000 reviewView Deal

Asus RP-AX58
Wi-Fi 6 has still got some life in it, and this low-cost range extender provides dual-band Wi-Fi running at 3Gbps, which will be perfectly adequate for email, web browsing and bingeing Netflix.

Read our full Asus RP-AX58 reviewView Deal

• Read TechRadar’s reviews guarantee
• First reviewed August 2026

DJI Mic Mini 2S: two-minute review

Until now, DJI's compact wireless mic lineup has had a clear budget option in the Mic Mini series and a clear flagship in the Mic series, with a gulf of features and price separating the two. The Mic Mini 2S changes things, and slots right into that gulf. It's not quite a flagship-killer, but with this release, DJI now has three tiers of small wireless mic — and this middle one is very appealing.

Much of the flagship DJI Mic 3's DNA has trickled down into the Mic Mini 2S: internal recording, 32-bit float support, AI-driven noise cancellation, adaptive gain modes, fast file transfers. These were all things that, until now, meant paying a premium. The Mini 2S borrows them wholesale, wraps them in the same pocket-sized transmitter and case as the standard Mic Mini 2, and undercuts the Mic 3 comfortably on price.

Audio quality is superb. Whether I was recording via the receiver connected to a camera or going wireless direct to an OsmoAudio device, the results were clean, full-bodied and detailed. An impressive feat for a supposedly budget offering.

Noise cancellation is another highlight. The new AI-assisted system handled everything I threw at it, from a droning desk fan to a chatter-filled pub garden, with a level of polish that puts some real distance between the Mini 2S and its S-less little sibling. It's not quite at the level of the class-leading Insta360 Mic Pro, but it's a comfortable step up from the standard Mic Mini 2's basic noise reduction.

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

Having tested both the Mic Mini 2 and Mic 3 extensively as well as the Mini 2S, I'd say the average creator might struggle to justify paying the Mic 3 premium now. Those with more demanding needs still have reasons to look past the Mini 2S, though: the Mic 3 offers more than double the onboard storage per transmitter, a touchscreen receiver display for on-the-fly monitoring, dual-file recording, onboard timecode, and more granular gain control — stuff which probably matters for professional productions.

For everyone else, the Mini 2S is the new sweet spot in DJI's range. It's a tiny mic that really punches above its weight.

DJI Mic Mini 2S: price and release date

• Released August 4 2026, priced from £59 / AU$99 to £183 / AU$328
• Sold in four separate bundles, plus individual transmitters, charging cases and cover sets
• Available globally — aside from in the US

The Mic Mini 2S launched globally on August 4 2026, not long after the Mic Mini 2's April 2026 arrival. I say "globally", but as with every other DJI product released recently, it isn't officially available in the US, with the company blaming ongoing regulatory hurdles.

The Mini 2S comes in a wide range of configurations. At the low end, a single transmitter (TX) costs £59 / AU$99, while receivers (RX) add to the cost. The core bundles are the DJI Mic Mini 2S (1 TX + 1 RX) and the DJI Mic Mini 2S (1 TX + 1 Mobile RX + Charging Case), both priced at £79 / AU$149. Stepping up, the DJI Mic Mini 2S (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case) costs £169 / AU$279, while the priciest option, at £183 / AU$328, has 2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case as well as a Mobile RX.

The DJI Mic Mini 2S (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case) bundle, available from £169 / AU$279. It also includes a box of colored covers and a soft zip-up storage bag. (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

It's a big price jump over the Mic Mini 2, where equivalent bundles cost roughly half as much: £29 for a standalone transmitter and £89 for the full 2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case kit. It also puts the Mini 2S's 2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case at the same price as the entry-level Mic 3 bundle (£169 for 1 TX + 1 RX).

DJI Mic Mini 2S: specs

Dimensions

TX: 28.6 x 28 x 13.5mm / RX: 46.5 x 29.6 x 19.3mm / Mobile RX: 39.3 x 27.3 x 9mm

Weight

TX: 0.4oz / 12g (with magnetic front cover, without clip or magnet) / RX: 19g / Mobile RX: 6.5g

Range

With standard RX: up to 400m / with mobile RX: up to 300m

Connectivity

RX: USB-C / Lightning, 3.5mm jack

Bluetooth

Yes (Bluetooth 6.0)

Battery

11 hours (transmitter), 10 hours (receiver), up to 40 hours with fully charged case

Noise cancelling

Two-level, AI-powered

DJI Mic Mini 2S: Design

• Looks nearly identical to the Mic Mini 2
• Features swappable magnetic covers in range of colors
• Redesigned charging case now fits the 3.5mm cable

If you've seen the Mic Mini 2, you already know what the Mini 2S looks like. DJI has barely touched the exterior: the transmitters are the same size with the same interchangeable magnetic front covers (available in the same range of colors, from timeless black to a fetching shade of magenta). The receiver, too, is essentially unchanged, which means there's no onboard display to keep an eye on gain or adjust settings; you'll need to open up the Mimo app on your smartphone to do that.

The family resemblance is generally no bad thing. At just 0.4oz / 12g with a cover attached, I barely noticed the transmitter magnet-attached to my shirt, and I couldn't feel it at all when clipped to the peak of a baseball cap. The detachable clip still rotates through 360 degrees (in 90-degree increments) so the mic capsule can be aimed correctly whichever way you've mounted it, and the magnet option remains handy for thinner fabrics where a clip might snag.

Future | Sam KieldsenFuture | Sam KieldsenFuture | Sam KieldsenFuture | Sam KieldsenFuture | Sam Kieldsen

There is one small but positive design change: DJI has found room for the 3.5mm cable inside the charging case (something the Mic Mini 2's case couldn't manage) which means the entire two-transmitter setup, cables, windshields and mounting options included, now fits in one pocketable case. With portability being a huge part of the appeal for a mic like this, it's a step in the right direction.

DJI Mic Mini 2S: Performance

• Offers internal recording with 14.5GB of storage space on transmitters
• Includes AI noise cancelling, improving on the Mic Mini 2's system
• Transmitter battery life roughly in line with Mic Mini 2's, and better than Mic 3's

The Mic Mini 2S's marquee upgrade over the Mic Mini 2 is internal recording, which I think is a huge deal. Every previous Mic Mini had to transmit to something — either a receiver, or an OsmoAudio device — to be of any use, but the Mini 2S transmitter can function just fine all on its own. With around 14.5GB of usable storage on each transmitter, it can store up to 28 hours of 24-bit recordings, or around 22 hours of 32-bit float recordings.

For those who aren't familiar, 32-bit float (which is available on the DJI Mic 3 but not the Mic Mini or Mini 2) doesn't inherently make your recordings sound better, but rather dramatically widens the available dynamic range. If levels unexpectedly spike or dip during a recording, 32-bit float gives you far more room to correct for that in post without clipping or losing detail. It's less about raw quality and more about insuring you're covered when recording in unpredictable environments.

The Mic Mini 2S receiver can connect to four transmitters at once, double the Mini 2's limit. (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

Another upgrade over the Mic Mini 2 is 4TX + 1RX support, meaning you can record from four separate transmitters onto a single receiver. I'd say this is a much more situational addition: handy if you're recording podcasts, panel discussions or similar, but not something most solo creators will need day to day.

File transfers are roughly twice as fast as the Mic Mini 2's when pulling recordings off the transmitter via the charging case. If you're regularly transferring lengthy 32-bit float recordings, those saved minutes might add up — but again, it's a situational improvement.

Noise canceling is where I noticed the clearest real-world improvement over the Mic Mini 2. The Mini 2S's AI-assisted system does a better job than the older mic's more basic noise reduction: it very nearly eliminated a loud desk fan running in my office, and noticeably cut through background chatter when I tested it in a busy pub garden so that my and my wife's voices remained nice and clear. For context, I still rate the Insta360 Mic Pro as the best noise-canceling wireless mic I've tested, but it also costs considerably more than this.

Alongside noise canceling, the Mini 2S also gets DJI's adaptive gain features, Clipping Control and Loudness Balance (previously available on the DJI Mic 3 but not the Mic Mini 2). The former automatically pulls back gain to stop sudden loud moments from distorting, while the latter lifts quieter sounds to even out levels — useful if you're recording somewhere volume might swing unpredictably.

The Mic Mini 2S's audio quality is superb no matter how you use it. It supports quality up to 96kHz/24-bit with the receiver connected to a camera, or up to 48kHz/24-bit over a direct OsmoAudio connection, plus the aforementioned 32-bit float. Frankly, I don't think most people (myself definitely included) would be able to reliably pick a Mini 2S recording out from one made on the considerably pricier flagship Mic 3, which says a lot about how good this is for a supposedly budget microphone.

On the battery life front, things are roughly the same as they were on the Mic Mini 2: a transmitter can record for a round 11 hours on a full charge, while the receiver can keep going for around ten. With two transmitters, the receiver and a charging case, you can expect around 40 hours of combined use before needing to track down a power socket.

That's a bit worse than the Mic Mini 2 (which offers 11.5 hours, 10 hours and 48 hours across the transmitter, receiver and charging case), but much better than the Mic 3 (8 hours, 10 hours and 28 hours respectively).

Should I buy the DJI Mic Mini 2S?Buy it if…

You want DJI Mic 3-esque performance without the Mic 3 price
With AI noise canceling, 32-bit float support and internal recording, the Mini 2S closes the gap to DJI's flagship mic very effectively – and at around half the cost.

You want reliable recording receiver-free
Internal recording means the Mini 2S transmitter can capture audio on its own, giving you a safety net if your wireless connection drops or you don't want to carry a receiver at all.

Don’t buy it if…

You're on a tight budget
The Mini 2S is roughly double the price of the standard Mic Mini 2, and the Mini 2 still does a perfectly good job for creators who don't need internal recording or AI noise canceling.

You want advanced pro-level features
Onboard timecode, dual-file recording, precise gain control and a touchscreen receiver display are still DJI Mic 3 exclusives.

DJI Mic Mini 2S: also consider

Insta360 Mic Pro

Insta360's flagship costs a lot more than even the priciest Mini 2S bundle. It justifies that gap with noise cancelling that's a step above anything currently offered in a DJI-made mic, plus party pieces like a customizable E-ink display and switchable polar patterns.

Read our Insta360 Mic Pro review

DJI Mic Mini 2

If the Mini 2S's price compared to its predecessor gives you pause, it's worth remembering the standard Mic Mini 2 remains a very capable mic in its own right — albeit one with no internal recording, 32-bit float or AI noise canceling. For creators who don't need those, it's fantastic value for money.

Read our DJI Mic Mini 2 review

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)How I tested the DJI Mic Mini 2S

• Two weeks of testing indoors and outdoors
• Connected to Panasonic Lumix GH6, iPhone 13, OnePlus Pad and DJI Osmo Action 6
• Also tested using internal recording without a receiver or camera

I was sent a review sample of the DJI Mic Mini 2S (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case) kit, and tested it for a couple of weeks, putting it through its paces in a range of indoor and outdoor conditions from quiet offices to windy walks and busy public spaces. I paired it with my Panasonic Lumix GH6 mirrorless camera, my iPhone 13, a OnePlus Pad tablet and the DJI Osmo Action 6 via OsmoAudio, testing both wireless transmission and manual connections. I also tested the Mini 2S's headline new feature directly, using the transmitter as a standalone recorder with no receiver or camera involved at all.

• First reviewed: August 2026
• Read more about how we test

TP-Link BE10000 One Minute Review

Wi-Fi 8 may be looming on the horizon, but routers and range extenders that use Wi-Fi 7 can still be pretty expensive.

One way of keeping prices down is to provide basic dual-band support, which uses the 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz frequency bands while omitting the high-performance 6.0GHz band.

Dual-band routers and range extenders can still perform well, though, as we’ve seen with TP-Link’s BE3200 and BE6300 extenders. But, if you want to pay a little extra in order to get maximum performance then you could step up to its top-of-the-range BE10000 model.

This is a tri-band range extender that adds support for the 6.0GHz band, boosting the maximum Wi-Fi speed to a blazing 10Gbps. You’ll need computers or mobile devices that have Wi-Fi 7 – or Wi-Fi 6E, which also supports the 6.0GHz band – to get the full benefit of the BE10000, but it could be a great option for boosting the Wi-Fi connection for gaming or streaming video in one or two rooms that suffer from a Wi-Fi ‘deadspot’ within your home.

(Image credit: Future)TP-Link BE10000 review: Price & release date

• Where is it available? US-only
• Available Now
• Price: $199.99

The BE10000 is currently only available in the US, and you can’t buy it directly from TP-Link’s own web site so you’ll need to shop around online or try to find it in a local bricks-and-mortar retailer. Online prices also seem to vary a lot too. TP-Link quotes a price of $199.99, but we’ve seen prices ranging from $149 - $249, so it’s definitely worth comparing prices before buying.

The BE10000 is not available in the UK or Australia, although there is a similar model called the BE11000 available in those regions that – you won’t be surprised to find - runs at 11Gbps.

However, this is priced at a rather hefty £299.99/$449, which is considerably higher than the price of the BE10000 in the US, even if you take into account the slightly faster speed of 11Gbps.

TP-Link BE10000 review: Specs

Price

$199.99

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi 7 (2.4GHz/5.0GHz/6.0GHz)

Wi-Fi Speed

10.2Gbps

Ports

1x 2.5Gbps Ethernet

Antennae

4

Dimensions (HxWxD)

161 x 81 x 39mm

TP-Link BE10000 review: Features

At first glance, the BE10000 looks very similar to the dual-band BE6300, with a bulky rectangular design and four large antennae. However, the BE10000 is even larger, with the body of the range extender measuring 161mm high, although this increases to a full 350mm with the antennae fully extended.

You’ll need a power socket with plenty of free room around it in order to plug in the BE10000, and I found that it was so wide – at 81mm – that it also blocked the adjacent power socket in my office as well. You’ll also need a bit of extra space if you want to plug an Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port on the side of the range extender.

It may be big and bulky, but the tri-band BE10000 certainly earns its keep. The name implies a Wi-Fi speed of 10Gbps, although it’s actually 10.2Gbps, which is more than fast enough to handle gaming and streaming video, while the 2.5Gbps Ethernet port provides a high-speed wired connection as well.

As always, TP-Link’s Tether app makes it easy to get started. You do need to initially plug the BE10000 into a power socket close to your main broadband router, but the Tether app can then automatically detect the range extender and guide you through the process of linking it to your existing Wi-Fi network.

The app allows you to connect to the 2.4GHz, 5.0GHz and 6.0GHz bands separately, perhaps to devote the fastest 6.0GHz band to a gaming PC that needs maximum performance.

The app’s security features allow you to set different network names and passwords for each band, or you can simply carry on using the same name and password as your main Wi-Fi router. Other features include the ability to boost the power supply to the BE10000 in order to increase the range of its Wi-Fi signal, or you can use Eco Mode to save power instead.

(Image credit: Future)TP-Link BE10000 review: Performance

I have an office that suffers from a Wi-Fi deadspot in my building, but I almost feel that I should apologise to the BE10000 for asking it to tolerate my puny office Wi-Fi.

I placed the range extender in a hallway, about halfway between my main broadband router and the office with the deadspot, and the BE10000 seemed to roll its eyes – or, rather, its blinking LEDs – as it picked up my feeble 150Mbps Wi-Fi signal and boosted it into that office.

Unsurprisingly, the BE10000 was able to hit the full 150Mbps on all three frequency bands, when running the Ookla Speed Test and also downloading large game files from Steam.

Ironically, though, that effortless performance is the only real disadvantage of the BE10000. Its 10.2Gbps Wi-Fi 7 is so fast that few homes really need that level of performance. But, if you have a gaming PC with Wi-Fi 7, or that is used for streaming 4K video, then the BE10000 will eliminate any troublesome Wi-Fi deadspots with no trouble at all.

Should you buy the TP-Link BE6300?

Attribute

Notes

Score

Features

As well as tri-band support, the Tether app provides a useful Eco Mode and security features

4/5

Performance

Tri-band Wi-Fi 7 and a top speed of 10.2Gbps make the BE10000 one of the fastest range extenders currently available

4/5

Design

The bulky design could cause problems with some power sockets

3.5/5

Value

It’s expensive, but the BE10000 provides top-of-the-range performance for tackling deadspots

4/5

Buy it if...

You have a Wi-Fi deadspot
It’s expensive, but the BE10000 is still cheaper than buying a high-end mesh Wi-Fi system, and it should be able to eliminate any troublesome deadspots in your home or office.View Deal

You’re an early adopter
Many PCs and mobile devices are still using Wi-Fi 6 or 6E, so you’ll need an up-to-date, top-of-the-range gaming system with Wi-Fi 7 to really exploit the full speed and features of the BE10000.View Deal

Don't buy it if...

You’re on a budget
As always, high performance comes at a high price, and there are many less expensive range extenders that will still be fast enough for casual gaming and streaming video.View Deal

You’ve got an old PC
There are still millions of PCs and mobile devices using Wi-Fi 5 and 6, and these simply won’t be able to exploit the full performance of a tri-band Wi-Fi 7 range extender such as the BE10000.View Deal

Also Consider

TP-Link BE3200
Most homes really don’t need tri-band Wi-Fi 7, so a less expensive range extender such as the BE3200 provides a much more affordable alternative. Its 3.2Gbps speed is still fast enough for casual gaming and streaming video, as well as being backward-compatible with older PCs and mobile devices with Wi-Fi 5 or 6.View Deal

Asus RP-AX58
There’s no point buying a Wi-Fi 7 range extender if your main router is still using Wi-Fi 5 or 6. This affordable Wi-Fi 6 range extender is the ideal option for use with older routers, providing 3.0Gbps Wi-Fi for well under $100.

Read our full Asus RP-AX58 review

• Read TechRadar’s reviews guarantee
• First reviewed August 2026

I was standing in a hotel lobby in Lyon trying to figure out why my travel eSIM had dropped to edge speeds. The provider's app showed I had 8GB left. The problem was I had no idea which network I was actually on, because the plan page never told me.

That sent me down a rabbit hole of eSIM providers that show you the carrier before you buy. Most don't. SIMOptions does. On most of its European plan pages, you can see whether you are buying Orange, Bouygues Telecom, or O2 before you enter your card number. That little detail is more important than it sounds.

If you have ever crossed into rural France and watched your signal disappear, you know that "Europe data" is not a real answer. The network behind the plan is.

• Want more options? Take a look at our best eSIMs for international travel

Why SIMOptions feels different

(Image credit: SIMOptions)

SIMOptions works best when you think of it as a storefront for carrier tourist SIMs, not just another data-only eSIM app. When you buy Holiday Zen, you are buying an Orange tourist eSIM. When you buy a My European plan, you are on Bouygues Telecom.

The carrier name appears on the plan page before you pay.

That matters if you care about coverage. If you know Orange performs better in rural France than a generic regional eSIM, you can act on that knowledge here.

You get a real phone number

Select Orange and Bouygues plans include a real French +33 mobile number. The O2 Go Card includes a Czech +420 number. These are SIM-based numbers on carrier networks, not VoIP lines or temporary virtual numbers. A real number helps, but it does not guarantee every OTP will land. Some banks block codes sent to foreign numbers. Still, a carrier-issued number is more useful than a data-only eSIM if you regularly need to receive SMS abroad.

The tradeoff

Carrier rules apply to these plans. Orange's ID registration requirement kicks in after 30 days. Bouygues top-ups may be limited to France. If an issue starts at the carrier level, SIMOptions has to work through that carrier's team, which adds time.

SIMOptions is not trying to be a simpler Airalo. It is the better choice for travelers who want carrier transparency, a real European phone number, or hotspot access without a daily cap. If you just need cheap data for a short trip, a simpler app will serve you faster.

SIMOptions: Pricing and plans

SIMOptions sells three types of plans worth knowing:

• Own-brand data plans: SIMOptions' own eSIMs.These are data-only and do not include a phone number. They are usually the cheaper option for basic trips.
• Number-included carrier plans: Select Orange and Bouygues plans include a +33 French number with EU calls/SMS. The O2 Go Card includes a +420 Czech number and a small amount of prepaid call/SMS credit.
• Regional bundles: Multi-country plans covering Europe, Asia, North America, and beyond.

Europe Plans (as of June 2026)

Plan

Carrier

Data

Calls & SMS

Validity

Price

Europe 5GB

SIMOptions

5GB (4G)

No

30 days

$9.90

Travel Basic

Bouygues

15GB (5G)

No

15 days

$15.90

Go Card 10GB

O2

10GB (4G/5G)

Yes (~$2 credit)

30 days

$21.90

Travel Basic+

Bouygues

20GB (5G)

Yes (EU unlimited)

15 days

$23.90

Europe Unlimited 7 Days

SIMOptions

Unlimited (4G)

No

7 days

$24.90

Holiday Zen

Orange

20GB (4G)

Yes (EU unlimited + 30 mins intl)

31 days

$28.90

Go Card 20GB

O2

20GB (4G/5G)

Yes (~$2 credit)

30 days

$29.90

My European eSIM 30GB

Bouygues

30GB (5G)

Yes (EU unlimited)

30 days

$32.90

My European eSIM 60GB

Bouygues

60GB (5G)

Yes (EU unlimited)

30 days

$39.90

Europe Unlimited 14 Days

SIMOptions

Unlimited (4G)

No

14 days

$39.90

Holiday Europe

Orange

50GB (4G)

Yes (EU unlimited + 2 hrs intl)

31 days

$49.90

Holiday Europe 100GB

Orange

100GB (5G)

Yes (EU unlimited + 2 hrs intl)

31 days

$55.90

My European eSIM 120GB

Bouygues

120GB (5G)

Yes (EU unlimited)

30 days

$55.90

Prices shown are promotional as of July 2026. Check simoptions.com before purchasing.

For the US, SIMOptions offers plans that run on AT&T and T-Mobile. These are data-only and do not include a phone number.

• On hotspot: SIMOptions advertises hotspot/tethering as fully allowed on its Europe plans. This is useful if you need to connect a laptop, tablet, or another phone while traveling. That gives it an advantage over Holafly's Europe eSIM, which does not allow hotspot or tethering. For resold carrier plans outside the main Europe lineup, check the plan page before buying.
• On refunds: Refunds are only available if the eSIM cannot be activated due to a verified technical issue with SIMOptions or its telecom provider. Buying the wrong plan, using an incompatible device, entering the wrong email address, or changing your mind does not usually qualify.

SIMOptions: What you get with a local number

Most travel eSIMs are data-only. Airalo's Europe regional plans, standard Holafly destination eSIMs, and SIMOptions' own-brand plans all fall into this category. You get internet and not a phone number.

That gap matters more than people expect. I learned this the hard way when an Airbnb host in Paris kept trying to reach me by SMS to share a door code. My data-only eSIM was fine. My inbox was empty. I only got the code because I had kept my home SIM active in the second slot.

The number-included plans on SIMOptions fix this. The Orange Holiday and Bouygues My European plans come with a real French +33 mobile number. The O2 Go Card includes a Czech +420 number.

These are SIM-based numbers on actual carrier networks, not VoIP lines or temporary virtual numbers. They can receive regular incoming SMS, hotel confirmation codes, bank OTPs, and app verification texts. Orange and Bouygues plans also cover calls within Europe.

International calls outside Europe are metered across all plans:

• Holiday Zen: 30 minutes
• Orange Holiday Europe (50GB and 100GB): 2 hours
• O2 Go Card: small prepaid credit of around $2

You can also register a new WhatsApp account using the +33 or +420 number, which is useful if local contacts need a European number to reach you.

That said, OTP delivery is not guaranteed.

A few things worth knowing before you rely on it:

• Some banks block verification codes sent to foreign numbers entirely
• Your home bank will keep routing OTPs to the number already on file, regardless of which eSIM you are using
• For anything critical, keep your home SIM active in a dual-SIM slot or switch to app-based authentication before you leave

SIMOptions: Installation and activation

(Image credit: SIMOptions)

Setup is faster than most travel eSIM providers. You choose your plan and go straight to checkout, and the QR code arrives by email within minutes.

Here’s how you can do it:

• Receive the QR code by email
• Install the eSIM according to the plan’s activation rule.
• Activate it when you land and connect to a local network

Check the activation rule on your specific plan before installing. Some SIMOptions plans activate only when you connect at your destination, while others activate immediately after installation. If your plan activates on installation, install it after you arrive or just before travel.

Install over Wi-Fi rather than mobile data to reduce the risk of activation issues. Once active, turn off automatic data switching so your phone doesn't fall back to your home carrier's roaming rates without you noticing.

SIMOptions: Compatible devices

SIMOptions works on any eSIM-compatible, carrier-unlocked phone. Most global devices released after 2019 qualify. SIMOptions’ compatibility list is broader than its FAQ, but still not perfect. It includes recent models from Apple, Samsung, Google, and Motorola, yet regional variants still need to be checked.

To check eSIM support, dial *#06# on your phone. If an EID number appears, the hardware supports eSIM, but that only confirms hardware capability.

A phone under a financing contract will show an EID and still block a foreign eSIM from activating. On iPhone, go to Settings > General > About and confirm the Carrier Lock field reads "No SIM Restrictions."

Brand

Compatible Models

Notes

Apple

iPhone XS/XR onward

China, Hong Kong, and Macau variants not compatible. US models from iPhone 14 onward are eSIM-only.

Samsung

Galaxy S20 and later, Z Fold, Z Flip

Some US and Korean models not compatible.

Google

Pixel 3 and later

Some regional variants not compatible.

Huawei

P40, P40 Pro, Mate 40 Pro

P40 Pro+ and all P50-series models do not support eSIM. Non-China-purchased units only.

Motorola

Razr and Edge series (select models)

Region-dependent.

Others

Oppo, Sony Xperia, Xiaomi (select models)

Check the compatibility page before purchasing.

Your phone also needs to be carrier-unlocked. Contact your carrier if you're not sure.

SIMOptions: Customer support

(Image credit: SIMOptions)

Support is reachable, but it takes some patience. You have live chat on the site and email at contact@simoptions.com. The live chat widget is the faster option in theory, but it can take a while to load (not great when you are standing somewhere with no data and a non-working eSIM).

Here is the part most people miss: there is a phone line at +1 646 586 2166. It is not plastered on the homepage, but it exists. If chat is being slow and the issue is urgent, just call. It will save you 20 minutes of waiting on a chat response.

One thing to keep expectations realistic on: if your issue started on the carrier side, SIMOptions has to go through that carrier's team to fix it. That is not a SIMOptions failure exactly, but it does mean resolution takes longer than you would want.

SIMOptions: Final verdict

(Image credit: SIMOptions)

SIMOptions is not the simplest travel eSIM provider, but it solves a problem many others avoid: calls and SMS. If you need a real local number in Europe, SIMOptions is one of the strongest options. The pricing is fair for what you get, and the carrier transparency is useful. Being able to see names like Orange, Bouygues, O2, AT&T, and T-Mobile before buying makes the service feel more predictable than many generic travel eSIMs.

The main downside is choice overload. SIMOptions has a large catalog, and the differences between plans are not always obvious at first glance. You need to check the carrier, activation rule, phone number support, hotspot policy, and top-up option before buying.

Use SIMOptions if you need a real local number in Europe, want to know which carrier you are buying, or need a hotspot without a daily cap. Choose Airalo for the simplest data-only experience. Choose Holafly if unlimited data matters more than hotspot use or calls/SMS.

SIMOptions: FAQsDoes SIMOptions provide a real phone number?

Yes. SIMOptions gives you a real local phone number on select carrier plans. The Orange Holiday and Bouygues My European plans include a carrier-issued +33 French mobile number. The O2 Go Card includes a +420 Czech number. Data-only plans (including SIMOptions’ own-brand plans) do not come with a number.

Can I receive OTP codes abroad with SIMOptions?

Yes. On number-included plans. The Orange and Bouygues carrier plans use actual SIM-based numbers that receive SMS, including one-time codes from banks and apps. Note that your home bank will still send OTPs to your home number on file. Keep your home SIM active or switch to app-based authentication to handle those. Not every service accepts codes sent to non-home-country numbers, so test before depending on it for anything critical.

Does SIMOptions work with WhatsApp?

Yes. If your plan includes a local number, you can register WhatsApp with it. Otherwise, your existing WhatsApp account works normally over mobile data. On a number-included plan, you can register a new WhatsApp account using your +33 or +420 number. WhatsApp sends a verification code, you enter it, and the account is live.

Can I make calls with SIMOptions?

Yes, you can make calls with SIMOptions on number-included carrier plans. Orange and Bouygues plans with a phone number include calls within Europe. International calls (Europe to the US, for example) are metered. The Holiday Zen includes 30 minutes. The 50GB Orange plan includes two hours. The O2 Go Card includes a small credit of around $2.

What happens when I run out of data?

If you run out of data you can top up through the SIMOptions app, on supported plans. Orange Holiday and Bouygues plans generally allow top-ups. Some own-brand plans don’t, so check before buying if you expect to need more data mid-trip.

Do I need to verify my identity to buy a SIMOptions eSIM?

No. There’s no sign-up or ID required at checkout. One exception: French law requires Orange lines to be registered with ID within 30 days of use. For trips under a month, this usually will not affect you because the deadline falls after most short trips end. Bouygues and O2 plans have no such requirement.

What is the refund policy?

Refunds are only given if the eSIM fails to activate because of a verified technical fault on SIMOptions’ side. Once the QR code has been emailed to you, there are no refunds for buying the wrong plan, using an incompatible device, or changing your mind.

Travel eSIMs are useful, but they still leave you guessing. You pick a country, choose a data pack, hope it lasts, and then lose whatever is left when the plan expires. If your trip has more than one country, the whole process starts again. Roamless caught my attention because it tries to remove that cycle.

Instead of making you buy a new eSIM or country plan for every trip, Roamless gives you a single global eSIM and a single balance. You add credits, use data where Roamless is supported, and keep the leftover balance for later. That makes it especially useful for people who travel a few times a year and hate wasting unused data.

Roamless also offers Roamless Numbers, a paid add-on that gives you a virtual number for calls and SMS inside the app. Roamless says it can receive SMS messages, including some verification codes, but I would still keep a regular SIM active for banking OTPs, since many banks block virtual numbers.

• Take a look at our other picks to find your best eSIM for international travel

Roamless: Pricing

(Image credit: Roamless)

Roamless runs two plan types that can work independently or together on the same eSIM.

Plan

Price

Data

Validity

Hotspot

RoamlessFlex

Avg. $2.45/GB

Pay per MB used

Never expires

Yes

RoamlessFix

Varies by destination

Fixed bundle

30 days from first use

Yes

RoamlessFlex

Flex is the main reason to consider Roamless. You add credits to your wallet, and Roamless deducts data usage as you go. The average rate is around $2.45 per GB, although pricing varies by country.

The important part is that your Flex credits do not expire. If you add credit for one trip and use only part of it, the remaining balance stays in your account for the next trip. That makes Roamless feel less wasteful than eSIM plans that expire after a fixed number of days.

New users may receive free Flex credits when they sign up, though the amount may vary based on current promotions. If you join through a referral code, both you and the person who referred you receive $5 in Flex credits after your first top-up. You can also turn on Auto Top Up to refill your wallet automatically when your balance drops below $5.

RoamlessFix

Fix plans are fixed data bundles for a country or region, valid for 30 days. They usually make more sense when you already know where you are going and how much data you will need. The per-GB price can be lower than Flex on larger bundles, but prices vary by destination, so it is worth checking the app before buying.

The catch is that Fix plans don't renew automatically. When your Fix plan expires, Roamless automatically switches back to your Flex balance so you stay connected without changing anything. Fix works best if you already know where you're going and how much data you'll need. If your plans are flexible or you're visiting multiple countries, Flex is usually the better choice.

Roamless: Features

The best thing about Roamless is that it removes some of the small decisions that make travel eSIMs annoying. You are not constantly deleting eSIMs, reinstalling profiles, or trying to use up leftover data before it disappears.

• Non-expiring credits: Most pay-as-you-go eSIMs attach an expiry date to your balance. Roamless doesn't. Flex credits sit in your wallet until you spend them. That matters most for travelers who take a handful of trips a year and don't want to scramble to use a balance before it disappears.
• Automatic Fix-to-Flex fallback: If your Fix plan runs out mid-trip, Flex credits automatically take over. You stay connected.
• Single global eSIM: Install once. The eSIM automatically connects to local carrier partners in 200+ destinations. On Flex, that spans every supported country with no reinstalling between trips or border crossings.
• Hotspot and tethering: Share your data with other devices. Any data you use comes out of your Flex balance or FIX plan.
• In-app calling: Roamless lets you make international calls through the app, with rates starting from $0.01 per minute. It works over any internet connection, including Wi-Fi, a local SIM, or the Roamless eSIM.

Roamless Numbers: Why It Matters

(Image credit: Roamless)

Most travel eSIMs are data-only. They get you online, but they do not give you a phone number for calls or texts. Roamless Numbers is Roamless's answer to that gap.

With Roamless Numbers, you can subscribe to a virtual number inside the app and use it for calls and SMS over the internet. Roamless says Numbers are now available in four countries, with monthly and annual subscription options. The listed price is $6.95 per month, or $59.95 per year ($4.95 per month if you pay annually, a 28% saving).

(Image credit: Roamless)

I'd have used this on a trip where my Airbnb host and a delivery driver both needed to reach me and I had no way for either to call back. That's the real use case: any time a hotel, a ride app, or a client needs to reach you while you're abroad. I also like that it lives in the same app as my travel data. One less VoIP app to manage.

The important limit is verification. Roamless says Numbers can receive SMS, including two-factor authentication and verification codes. That does not mean every bank or financial app will accept them. Many services are strict about virtual numbers, so your regular SIM is still the safer option for banking OTPs.

Number porting is not supported, and each subscription is tied to one Roamless Number. So this is a useful travel add-on, and not a full replacement for your main phone line.

Roamless: Installation

(Image credit: Roamless)

Setup takes about five minutes on an iPhone. Download the app, create an account, add funds or choose a plan, and follow the activation steps. The app walks you through labeling the new eSIM line, setting it as your data connection, and turning on roaming.

Two things are worth checking before you travel. First, install the eSIM while you are on a stable Wi-Fi connection. Second, after installation, make sure Roamless is selected for mobile data and that data roaming is turned on for the Roamless line. If your phone keeps switching back to your home SIM, you could end up using your carrier’s roaming instead.

After that, the setup is done. Land somewhere new, turn data on, and the app connects. You don't touch it between trips or border crossings.

Android setup can vary more by device. Samsung and Pixel phones are usually straightforward, but some models may need extra APN steps. If you use a less common Android phone, check Roamless’s setup guide before you leave.

Roamless: Compatible Devices

Brand

Popular compatible models

Notes

iPhone

iPhone XR, XS, XS Max, SE 2/3, iPhone 11–17 series, iPhone Air

Regional variants can differ, especially the China mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao models. Check for “Add eSIM” before buying.

Samsung Galaxy S

Galaxy S20–S25 series, including Plus and Ultra models

Some regional or carrier-locked variants may not support third-party eSIM installation.

Samsung Galaxy Z

Galaxy Z Fold2–Fold7, Galaxy Z Flip/Flip3–Flip7, Flip7 FE

Check the exact regional model before purchase.

Google Pixel

Pixel 4 and newer, including Pixel 8, Pixel 9, Pixel 9a, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and Pixel 10 series

Some carrier variants may have restrictions.

Huawei

P40, P40 Pro, Mate 40 Pro, Pura 70 Pro, Pura X Foldable, 80 Pro/Pro+/Ultra

Compatibility varies strongly by region. Confirm the exact model first.

Xiaomi

12T Pro, 13 series, 13T Pro, Redmi Note 13 Pro+, 14 series, 14T/14T Pro, Redmi Note 14 Pro+, 15/15 Ultra

eSIM support varies by market and variant.

Motorola

Razr 40/50 series, Razr+ / Razr Ultra, Edge 40/50 series, ThinkPhone 25, Moto G34/G35

Region-dependent. Confirm in device settings before buying.

For older or less common phones, check Roamless’s device page or ask support first. If your phone does not support eSIM, you can still use the Roamless app for Roamless Numbers and in-app calls over Wi-Fi or mobile data.

Roamless: Customer Support

(Image credit: Roamless)

Support runs through three channels: in-app chat, email, and a help center split into four categories. The FAQ section alone has 58 articles, which tells you something about how many edge cases Roamless has run into. The in-app chat opens with an AI agent first, and you have to ask for a human if the bot can't handle it.

Once you're past setup, you won't need support much. The eSIM connects automatically at every border, and the app itself is where most of what could go wrong (a failed activation, a calling glitch) actually happens.

Roamless: Final verdict

(Image credit: Roamless)

I'd recommend Roamless to anyone hopping between countries more than once a year. The Flex wallet is the whole pitch: credits that don't expire beat every fixed eSIM plan I've used that punishes you for not finishing your data in time.

The single global eSIM backs that up. Install once, forget about it, and it just works at the next border. That alone makes multi-country trips less annoying than switching separate eSIMs. Roamless Numbers is a nice extra if you want calls and SMS in the same app, but don't lean on it for banking OTPs. Banks reject virtual numbers often enough that your regular SIM should stay the backup.

Skip Roamless if you need unlimited data or the cheapest single-country plan available. For everyone else traveling light and often, it's one of the more practical eSIMs out there right now.

Roamless: FAQsHow does RoamlessFlex work?

Roamless Flex works by letting you add credits to your Roamless wallet and pay only for the data you use. The app deducts your balance as you go, and any unused credits stay in your wallet because they never expire. If you travel often or visit multiple countries, you can keep using the same wallet without having to buy a new eSIM each time.

What is RoamlessFix, and when should I use it?

Roamless Fix is a prepaid data plan that gives you a fixed amount of data for a specific country or region. The plan stays valid for 30 days from the time you first use it. It works best if you already know where you're traveling and roughly how much data you'll need. If you don't use all your data within 30 days, the remaining balance expires.

Does Roamless offer unlimited data?

No. Roamless does not offer unlimited data plans. Roamless only offers Flex and Fix plans. Flex lets you pay only for the data you use, while Fix gives you a set amount of data that expires after 30 days. If you need unlimited data for streaming or heavy daily use, you'll need to look at another eSIM provider.

Can I receive banking OTPs with Roamless while traveling?

No. You should not rely on Roamless for banking OTPs while traveling. The Roamless eSIM is data-only, and Roamless Numbers uses virtual phone numbers instead of regular mobile numbers. While some services may send SMS to a virtual number, many banks and financial apps block VoIP numbers for security reasons. Your regular SIM card is still the safest option for banking verification.

Does Roamless support hotspot and tethering?

Yes. Roamless supports hotspot and tethering on all of its data plans. You can share your mobile data with a laptop, tablet, or another phone without paying extra. Any data used through hotspot is simply deducted from your Flex wallet or your Fix data allowance, just like data used on your phone.

Does Roamless work in China?

Yes. Roamless works in mainland China. Once your Roamless eSIM is installed, your phone connects automatically through Roamless' roaming partners when you arrive. You don't need to buy a local SIM card, making it a convenient option for travelers who want mobile data as soon as they land.

Do I need to buy a new plan for each country I visit?

No. You do not need to buy a new plan for each country if you use Roamless Flex. The same Roamless eSIM and Flex wallet work across more than 200 supported destinations, and your phone connects automatically when you cross a border. If you use a Roamless Fix plan, you'll only need to buy another plan when you travel outside the country or region covered by your current package.

A few years ago, landing in a new country usually meant hunting for airport WiFi, comparing local SIM cards, or paying roaming fees you would regret later. GigSky helps you avoid all that. The California-based eSIM provider has been at this since 2010, and what started as a tool for enterprise road warriors now serves over a million people across 200+ countries.

GigSky has added a subscription tier, dedicated cruise and ferry plans, in-flight data packages, and a Visa partnership that hands eligible cardholders up to 3GB free before they spend a single dollar. Here’s all that you need to know about GigSky.

GigSky: Pricing and plans

Gigsky's pricing model is very flexible, and that gives you the space to see what fits your needs best. Plans are not sold as fixed tiers the way a phone contract is. Instead, you browse by destination, choose your data amount and duration, and pay for exactly what you need.

There are no subscriptions you will accidentally roll into, or hidden roaming fees bolted on at checkout. The plans start from $3.99, with the actual price varying by country, region, how much data you need, and how long your trip runs.

• We've rounded up the best eSIMs for Europe.

The structure breaks into six main plan types:

Plan type

What it covers

Best for

Country plans

Single-country data, fixed duration

Short trips to one destination

Regional plans

Multi-country coverage within a defined region (Europe, Asia Pacific, Caribbean, etc.)

Multi-stop regional travel

Cruise + Land plans

At-sea coverage on 290+ ships plus land coverage in 200+ port destinations, in one eSIM

Cruise goers who also explore on shore

Ferry plans

Data on ferry routes

Island-hopping, cross-channel crossings

Inflight plans

In-air connectivity on supported airlines

Frequent flyers who work at altitude

Offshore plans

Maritime and offshore use beyond cruise ships

Offshore workers, sailing, remote maritime

Beyond those one-time plans, GigSky also offers subscriptions. The GigSky One plan is built for people who travel enough that buying individual plans starts to feel like a part-time job. It covers a broad set of countries under a single subscription, with monthly, quarterly, and annual billing options. The longer you commit, the better the per-month cost.

Every new user also gets a free 100MB plan with no credit card required. It is not enough for streaming or navigating a city all day. But it is more than enough for messaging, checking email, or pulling up directions in a pinch, which makes it an easy way to test the service before spending anything.

GigSky: Features

GigSky handles installation through the app or a QR code, activates automatically when you land, and works on any eSIM-compatible smartphone. There are no hidden steps and no manual network selection.

GigSky is a data-only service, but the plan includes more than just data:

• Hotspot included: Tethering is available on all plans at no extra cost. One plan covers your phone, your laptop, and whoever you are traveling with.
• Fastest available network: GigSky connects to whatever the local infrastructure supports, 5G, 4G, or 3G, without capping your speed based on plan tier.
• Fair use on unlimited plans: After 2.5GB in a single day, speeds reduce until the following day. Messaging and email hold up fine at reduced speeds; streaming does not.
• Top-ups without reinstalling: Buy more data in the app and it loads onto the existing eSIM profile. No QR codes, no settings menus.
• Gift cards: GigSky credit is available as a gift if you want to sort someone's connectivity before they travel.

• We've rounded up the best eSIMs for USA.

GigSky: Installation

(Image credit: GigSky)

Getting GigSky onto your phone takes about five minutes, and there is nothing technically demanding about it as long as you do it before you leave. That last part matters more than it sounds. You need a Wi-Fi connection to download and install the eSIM profile, and the airport Wi-Fi at your destination is not the moment to find out you missed this step.

Once you are ready:

• Download the GigSky app on iOS or Android and create a free account.
• Browse plans for your destination and complete your purchase.
• Install the eSIM directly through the app, or scan the QR code that arrives in your email. The QR option is useful if you are setting up on a tablet separate from the device you used to buy the plan.
• When you land, switch the eSIM on in your phone's settings. It connects automatically to the strongest available local network from there.

• We've rounded up the best eSIMs for Turkey.

Is GigSky compatible with your device?

GigSky works across a wide range of phones, tablets, and laptops, but compatibility depends on whether your device supports eSIM and whether it is unlocked for international use. Here is how the most common devices stack up:

Device

Compatible models

iPhone

XR, XS, XS Max, and all models from iPhone 11 onward

iPad Pro

11-inch (1st gen through M4), 12.9-inch (3rd gen through 6th gen), 13-inch (M4)

iPad Air

3rd generation through M2 (both 11-inch and 13-inch)

iPad mini

5th and 6th generation

iPad (standard)

7th through 10th generation

Android

Most flagship and mid-range eSIM-capable handsets from the last few years

Windows

Microsoft Surface Pro X

Other

Fairphone 4, Honor Magic 4 Pro

GigSky: Support

Customer support runs around the clock, every day of the year. This matters for a travel product, since travelers rarely need help during business hours in their home time zone. You can reach support through the app or by email, and response quality is generally solid.

The FAQ section on the GigSky website is unusually thorough. Most practical questions a first-time user would have, from how to activate in a specific country to what happens when data runs out mid-trip, are answered there before you need to contact anyone. The Help Center covers troubleshooting, getting started guides, and announcements on recent service changes.

But I really liked their e-Sim Guide, which covered most of the basics that I needed to get started.

GigSky Cruise: Staying connected at sea

(Image credit: GigSky)

The standard experience for the internet on a cruise ship is either expensive, slow, or both. Cruise lines have historically charged per-megabyte rates that would have felt steep in 2005, and most travelers have just accepted it and treated sea days as a forced detox.

GigSky's cruise offering is a direct argument against that.

GigSky describes itself as the only eSIM built specifically for cruises, and the claim holds up. Cruise and Land plans cover 290+ ships from major lines alongside more than 200 land destinations, all on a single eSIM profile. At sea, your phone connects to satellite network infrastructure.

When you pull into port, the eSIM automatically shifts to land-based carrier networks. You do not switch plans, reinstall anything, or take any manual action.

Key features of GigSky Cruise

• One plan for sea and land: A single purchase covers both sea days and port days. On a multi-port itinerary, the alternative is managing a separate SIM or eSIM plan for every country you visit. GigSky collapses that into one.
• Automatic network switching: The handover between satellite at sea and cellular on land happens in the background. You do not manage it.
• Hotspot and top-ups work the same way: Tethering is included at no extra cost, and if you run through your data mid-voyage, you reload from the app without reinstalling the profile.

(Image credit: Gigsky )Who is the cruise plan actually for?

GigSky Cruise is not the right choice for everyone on a ship. If you are doing a week-long Caribbean sailing and your main use case is posting photos in port and checking the weather, the free 100MB trial might cover most of what you need, with a small paid top-up for the moments it does not.

For travelers who work remotely, need to stay in contact with family, or are on a longer voyage with multiple ports, this plan comes in handy.

On a two-week Mediterranean itinerary hitting eight countries, the alternative to a single GigSky Cruise plan is buying eight separate eSIM plans, installing them one by one, and managing the switches manually. There is also the category of cruiser who simply wants more than the ship's Wi-Fi, which tends to be throttled, expensive, and shared across hundreds of passengers.

GigSky's sea day coverage handles email, messaging, VoIP calls, and light browsing without the queue-and-throttle experience of onboard internet packages.

GigSky: Final verdict

When I first came across GigSky a couple of years ago, the knock on it was always price. You could find cheaper per-gigabyte rates from regional competitors, and for the average traveler doing a single-country trip, a local SIM bought at the airport often still won on cost. That critique is not wrong, but it has become less relevant as GigSky has built out additional features that local SIMs fundamentally cannot do.

A local SIM does not cover you when the ship leaves port. It does not automatically switch to the next country when your train crosses a border. It does not have a subscription model that prevents you from repeating the purchase ritual every three weeks. And it definitely does not come with a partnership that hands eligible Visa cardholders 3GB for free before they spend anything.

The lack of calls and SMS may matter for some travelers, but for the things that actually consume data on the road, GigSky covers most of the bases without the usual SIM-swapping routine. If you travel frequently, especially on cruises or multi-country trips, it starts feeling less like an alternative and more like the default setup.

FAQsDoes GigSky offer 5G connectivity?

Yes, GigSky offers 5G connectivity where the local network supports it. GigSky connects you to the highest available generation at your destination: 5G in cities that have deployed it, 4G LTE in most populated areas, and 3G in more remote regions. Keep in mind that 5G consumes data faster than 4G, so if you are on a limited plan, it is worth being conscious of what you are doing on a 5G connection.

What is GigSky One?

GigSky One is the subscription tier for frequent travelers. Instead of buying individual plans per trip, you pay monthly, quarterly, or annually for ongoing data coverage across a broad set of countries on a single eSIM. Longer commitments come at a better per-month rate.

Does GigSky work with Visa cards?

Yes. Eligible cardholders get up to 3GB of complimentary data across 175+ countries, discounts of up to 30% on every plan, and up to 7 days of unlimited data at curated Visa Destinations. Eligibility depends on your card and issuing bank, and you check it inside the GigSky app. Participating programs currently include the US, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Japan, Caribbean, and Latin America, among others.

What is the fair use policy on unlimited plans?

The fair use policy on unlimited plans says that after 2.5GB in a single day, speeds slow down until the following day from your plan's activation time. Email, messaging, and VoIP calls still work at reduced speeds. Heavy streaming and large file transfers are the activities most affected.

Most travel eSIMs ask you to pay before you even know if they work in your destination. Firsty flips that. You get a real, working data connection for free, supported by short ads, before spending a single euro. For a product category that's been moving toward higher prices and longer commitments, that's a genuinely different pitch.

Firsty is a Dutch eSIM startup founded in September 2023, built around one idea: give travelers free connectivity first and let the product sell itself. With a 4.1/5 on Trustpilot and over a million users, it's working. But the free tier has limits, the paid speeds are modest, and the company is still young.

Want more options? Take a look at our best eSims for international travel.

Firsty: Pricing and plans

Plan

Price

Speed

Data

Ads

Hotspot

Firsty Free

€0

256 Kbps - 1 Mbps

Unlimited (ad-gated)

Yes

No

Comfort+

From €1/day

Up to 5 Mbps (tiered)

Unlimited (tiered speed)

No

Yes

First Class

From €2/day

Extra high (up to 5G)

5GB full speed, then lower

No

Yes

Firsty Free

(Image credit: Firsty )

Free is exactly what it says. You pay nothing, watch a short ad every 59 minutes, and get data in return. The speed sits between 256 Kbps and 1 Mbps, enough for WhatsApp, Google Maps, email, and Uber. Not enough for Instagram Reels or a Zoom call, and Firsty isn't pretending otherwise.

On the downside, the free plan isn't available globally. It's currently limited to users in North America, Europe, and APAC. If you're traveling to regions outside those three, you'll need a paid plan from day one.

The free plan also has a referral perk. Invite a friend and you get 7 days of ad-free browsing added to your account. It's a small touch, but it shows Firsty is thinking about retention, not just acquisition.

• We've rounded up the best eSIMs for Europe.

Comfort+ (Daily plan, starts at €1/day)

(Image credit: Firsty)

Comfort+ is the entry-level paid option, and for most travelers it's probably the right call. At €1 per day, you get ad-free browsing, faster speeds, and access to social media and navigation without throttling out of the gate.

The speed structure is tiered:

• First 500 MB: up to 5 Mbps
• 500 MB to 1.5 GB: 1 Mbps
• Beyond 1.5 GB: 512 Kbps

You stay connected throughout. The speed just steps down as you use more data. For a travel day of maps, messaging, and light browsing, 500 MB at 5 Mbps is more than comfortable. Video calls are pushing it. Streaming is not what this plan is for.

You only pay for the days you actually use it. Pause it when you're back home, reactivate when you land somewhere new. Your unused days don't expire.

First Class (Daily plan, starts at €2/day)

(Image credit: Firsty)

First Class is for people who need their phone to work like it does at home. At €2 per day, you get 5GB of high-speed data, connecting to the fastest available local network, up to 5G where available. Streaming works, hotspot works, and if you need to get your laptop online through your phone, this is the plan for it.

After 5GB, speed steps down rather than cutting you off completely, which is the right call compared to providers who just shut you down.

Firsty: Features

Firsty keeps the experience deliberately simple. You are not choosing between regional bundles, juggling add-ons, or shuffling through settings to find hidden upgrades. The core product is straightforward, and a few features stand out more than the rest.

• Freemium model: Most "free" tiers in tech are either so restricted they're useless or so good they're unsustainable. Firsty's free tier threads the needle. You get enough connectivity for the moments that matter most after landing: booking a ride, pulling up directions, checking your hotel reservation, or messaging the person you're meeting. It is a simple idea, but a useful one, and the ad-supported model is what makes it possible.
• Single global eSIM: You install Firsty once and keep using the same eSIM wherever you go. There is no buying a new plan for every country, switching profiles, or sorting through a marketplace of regional options. The app handles the network side automatically, connecting to a local provider in the background. On the Daily plan, that coverage extends to more than 180 countries.
• Flexible daily billing: You pay only for the days you use a paid plan. If you're on Comfort+ and you spend a day on a beach with no need for more than basic speed, you drop back to Free and don't get charged. That flexibility is genuinely useful and separates Firsty from subscription-first competitors.
• Pause and save: Unused paid days do not disappear when your plans change. You can pause your plan and pick it back up later, with the remaining credit still intact. There is no pressure to burn through data just because you paid for it, which is especially useful if your travel schedule changes unexpectedly or you end up needing less connectivity than planned.

Firsty: Installation and activation

(Image credit: Firsty)

Getting Firsty running takes about five minutes, and most of that time is waiting for the eSIM profile to download.

Download the app from the App Store or Google Play, create an account using your phone number or email, answer a few quick questions about which apps you use most, and pick your plan. The app then walks you through the eSIM activation steps: labeling the new line, setting it as your data line, and toggling the right settings on your device.

Two things to get right before you start. First, do the setup on Wi-Fi. Installing an eSIM profile over mobile data is asking for trouble, and Firsty's own instructions flag this clearly. Second, once the eSIM is active, turn off automatic data switching. If your phone defaults back to your home carrier for data, you'll get hit with roaming charges and wonder why Firsty isn't doing anything.

After that, it's set and forget. You don't re-install for each trip or each country. The app handles network selection automatically wherever you land.

Firsty: Compatible devices

Firsty covers a solid range of devices across Apple, Samsung, Google, and a handful of other Android brands, which means most travelers won't have a compatibility issue before they even check.

That said, the official supported devices list hasn't been updated since December 2024, so newer releases like the iPhone 16 series, iPhone 17, Pixel 9, and Galaxy S25 are missing from it entirely. If you're on a recent flagship, chances are it works fine, but it's worth checking with Firsty's support team to confirm before you travel.

Brand

Compatible Models

Notes

Apple iPhone

iPhone XR, XS, XS Max, 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, SE 2 (2020), 12 / Mini / Pro / Pro Max, 13 / Mini / Pro / Pro Max, SE 3 (2022), 14 / Plus / Pro / Pro Max, 15 / Plus / Pro / Pro Max

iPhones purchased in China and Hong Kong are not eSIM compatible

Apple iPad

iPad Pro 11" (A2068, 2020+), iPad Pro 12.9" (A2069, 2020+), iPad Air (A2123, 2019+), iPad (A2198, 2019+), iPad Mini (A2124, 2019+), iPad 10th gen (2022)

LTE-capable iPads only

Samsung Galaxy S

S20 / S20+ / S20+ 5G / S20 Ultra, S21 / S21+ 5G / S21 Ultra 5G, S22 / S22+ / S22 Ultra, S23 / S23+ / S23 Ultra / S23 FE, S24 / S24+ / S24 Ultra

Some US, South Korea, China, and Hong Kong models are not compatible

Samsung Galaxy Note

Note 20, Note 20 Ultra 5G

Some US, South Korea, China, and Hong Kong models are not compatible

Samsung Galaxy Z

Z Fold, Z Fold2 5G, Fold3 5G, Fold4, Fold5 5G, Z Flip, Flip3 5G, Flip4, Flip5 5G

Some US, South Korea, China, and Hong Kong models are not compatible

Samsung Galaxy A

A54 (select model numbers only)

Some US, South Korea, China, and Hong Kong models are not compatible

Google Pixel

Pixel 2 XL, 3 / 3 XL / 3a / 3a XL, 4 / 4a / 4 XL, 5 / 5a, 6 / 6a / 6 Pro, 7 / 7a / 7 Pro, 8 / 8 Pro

Some Pixel 3 and 3a models from Australia, Japan, Taiwan, and those on US or Canadian carriers are not compatible

Huawei

P40, P40 Pro, Mate 40 Pro, P50, P50 Pro

Oppo

Find X3 Pro, Find N2 Flip, Reno 5A, Reno 6 Pro 5G, Reno 9A, Find X5, Find X5 Pro, A55s 5G

Sony Xperia

10 III Lite, 10 IV, 10V, 1 IV, 1 V, 5 IV, 5 V, Ace III

Xiaomi

12T Pro, 13, 13 Lite, 13 Pro, 13T Pro

Motorola

Razr 2019, Razr 5G, Razr 40, Razr 40 Ultra, Razr+, Edge+, Edge 40, Edge 40 Pro, Edge 40 Neo, G52J 5G, G52J 5G II, G53J 5G, G54 5G, G55 5G, G84

Firsty also lists compatible models from Sharp AQUOS, Rakuten, Honor, Vivo, and Nokia. These cover a smaller share of travelers but the full model breakdown is available on Firsty's supported devices page.

Firsty: Support

(Image credit: Firsty)

Firsty's support options are straightforward. You can reach the team via email at support@firsty.app, through the in-app help section, or through the online help center which covers the most common setup and troubleshooting scenarios.

The response quality holds up. App Store reviewers consistently describe the support team as responsive and easy to reach. On Trustpilot, where Firsty currently holds a 4.1/5 score with 283 reviews, customer support gets regular mentions as a positive.

Reddit tells a more mixed story. Most complaints are about device compatibility on unsupported Android models and connection issues during setup, nearly always caused by not installing on Wi-Fi.

For straightforward travelers, iPhone users and anyone on a mainstream Samsung, the setup is clean and support rarely needs to get involved after the first install.

Firsty: International calling

(Image credit: Firsty)

Most eSIM providers stop at data. Firsty added calling in 2025, and it is one of the more practical additions to the service. If you need to ring a hotel, contact a host, or make a quick local call, you can do it without relying on a separate app. The feature is currently available in the US, Canada, Singapore, Japan, and Europe, with additional regions expected over time.

The calling works through a credit top-up system that's separate from your data plan. You buy credits in flexible amounts from €1 to €50, they don't expire, and you pay per minute based on the destination. Calls go to 200+ countries, and you keep your own caller ID throughout, so whoever you're calling sees your regular number, not some unknown international line.

Rates are transparent and published openly on the website. Europe and North America average around €0.03 per minute. South America runs higher at around €0.07. Asia averages €0.12 per minute. Africa and Oceania are the most expensive at €0.56 and €1.08 per minute respectively. The app shows you the real-time rate before every call, so there's no bill shock at the end of a trip.

Firsty: Final verdict

For budget travellers, Firsty’s free plan alone is worth installing before any international trip. You land, you have Maps and Uber working, and you haven't spent anything. For people who need more, Comfort+ at €1/day covers a normal travel day without breaking the bank. First Class at €2/day handles everything, including streaming and hotspot.

The limitations are real but narrow. The free plan only works in North America, Europe, and APAC. Comfort+ isn't built for heavy data use. Plus, Firsty is still a relatively young company, founded in September 2023, which means its network depth in some regions won't match providers who've been at it for a decade.

But for what most travellers actually need, it delivers. And no other eSIM provider at this price point is offering a permanent free tier with this kind of coverage.

Firsty: FAQsWhat is Firsty?

Firsty is a Dutch eSIM provider founded in September 2023. It offers a permanent free data tier supported by short ads, alongside paid Daily plans for travelers who need faster speeds. One eSIM covers 180+ countries with no SIM swaps or regional plan purchases required.

How does the free plan work?

You watch a short ad every 59 minutes in exchange for data at speeds between 256 Kbps and 1 Mbps. That's enough for WhatsApp, Google Maps, email, and Uber. The free plan is available to users in North America, Europe, and APAC only.

What is the difference between Comfort+ and First Class?

Both are Daily paid plans. Comfort+ costs €1/day and gives you tiered speeds starting at 5 Mbps for the first 500 MB, stepping down to 1 Mbps and then 512 Kbps as you use more data. First Class costs €2/day and gives you 5GB of high-speed data up to 5G, plus video streaming and hotspot. After 5GB, you stay connected at a lower speed rather than being cut off.

Does Firsty work on my phone?

Firsty works on most modern eSIM-capable smartphones including iPhone XR and later, Samsung Galaxy S20 series and later, Google Pixel 2 XL and later, and select models from Huawei, Oppo, Sony, Xiaomi, Motorola, and others. iPhones purchased in China and Hong Kong and some Samsung models bought in the US, South Korea, China, and Hong Kong are not compatible. Check Firsty's supported devices page for the full list.

Can I make calls with Firsty?

Yes. Firsty supports international calling to 200+ countries through a pay-as-you-go credit system. Credits range from €1 to €50 and never expire. The feature works on all plans including Free, and your own caller ID shows on every call. It's currently available in the US, Canada, Singapore, Japan, and Europe.

Do I need to buy a new plan for each country I visit?

No. You install the eSIM once and it works across all supported countries automatically. The app connects you to the best available local network without any manual switching.

How do I install Firsty?

Download the app, create an account, pick a plan, and follow the in-app steps to activate the eSIM. Do the setup on Wi-Fi, not mobile data, and turn off automatic data switching on your device after activation to avoid accidentally falling back to your home carrier's roaming rates.

I ended up watching The Last House twice, just to confirm I hadn't hallucinated its truly head-scratching plot. I regret to inform you that it's just as bad the second time around, making it the biggest Netflix disappointment of the year.

It's unfair to call The Last House the worst movie of the year, but it's definitely not what I expected from the best streaming service, especially considering that Netflix had spent a lot of time promoting it, even creating a billboard featuring a live actor inside. The movie is being promoted everywhere, so it's a shame that it has received largely negative reviews, including mine.

A post shared by Netflix US (@netflix)

A photo posted by on

What has been hyped up as a tense thriller about a family sealed inside their home ended up being a massive letdown. I understand that being stuck at home is boring for the characters, but we shouldn't have had to suffer along with them.

The trailer for The Last House spoiled that the family spends years trapped inside their home, not just a few days. Had I not known about that reveal, I might've considered that to be an effective twist in the tale. But I went in already knowing it was about to happen.

I really am trying to find positives here, and the main one is the quality of the acting. Despite the fact that the story drags on, the family dynamic on show here is very believable, particularly from Greta Lee and Wagner Moura, who play parents trying to keep the house in order after a mysterious storm traps them at home.

They do their best to keep calm, even when the windows and doors can't even be opened, by smashing glass or forcing locks. The first 15 minutes of the movie seem promising as they begin to sort out a long-term plan, and then it completely loses control of itself as it trundles towards an unsatisfying conclusion.

The strength of the performances can't save the confusing script, however. The Last House suffers from an identity crisis where it can't quite decide what genre it wants to be. Though billed as a thriller, there aren't many thrills until the rushed final act. It's also not polished enough to be a thought-provoking drama, as I was left with more questions than answers.

There's also some unnecessary (in my opinion) cruelty towards animals, so those who frequent Does The Dog Die? will absolutely want to give this one a miss. I found this scene to be quite jarring, and not in the complimentary way I might apply to other thrillers or horror movies.

I really did expect more from The Last House, especially since the eventual creature design is well done. We don't see nearly enough of the threat, or learn anything about it or why it kept people trapped for years. If you want a proper answer at the end of the movie, you won't get it.

It's always a shame when a trailer or idea looks good, but the final product is not at all what you were expecting. Ultimately, that's my experience with The Last House; it could have been so much better but quickly ran out of steam.

There are far better movies to stream on Netflix, as well as an impressive line-up of new movies in theaters, so you might want to skip this one and find something that will actually deliver on its promise as a thriller.

Viltrox AF 26mm F2.8 EVO: one-minute review

If you're searching for a high-quality and compact lens for your Sony or Nikon mirrorless camera, then the excellent value Viltrox AF 26mm F2.8 EVO is well worth considering.

Compared to Nikon and Sony's own alternatives, the Viltrox 26mm f/2.8 strikes a balance of premium design, compact size and reasonable pricing most compellingly of all.

For $299 / £279 (approximately AU$500), you get a wide-angle prime with bright f/2.8 aperture, rugged metal body that measures just 25.8mm in length, rubber-sealed mount, twin dials and a fabulous magnetic lens cap design.

Not only is the Viltrox lens around half the price of the Nikon alternative, but it packs more features, while Sony's closest alternative is a physically larger and pricier 24mm F2.8.

Viltrox's lens isn't perfect, mind you; optically it's not the sharpest lens I've used and the maximum f/2.8 aperture setting is prone to flare, which reduces contrast. Autofocus can be a little fussy too.

Those drawbacks aside, the Viltrox AF 26mm F2.8 EVO is another high-quality hit from the established Chinese lens manufacturer that deserves to live on your Sony or Nikon camera.

A decent fit with the Nikon Z6 II, and even more so smaller full-frame bodies such as the Sony A7C (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Viltrox AF 26mm F2.8 EVO: price and availability

• Available in Sony E and Nikon Z-mount versions
• It costs $299 / £279 (around AU$500), with a 10% discount at launch
• A magnetic lens cap and filter is supplied

The Viltrox AF 26mm F2.8 EVO full-frame lens launched for Sony E-mount and Nikon Z mount mirrorless cameras. It can also be used with either's APS-C cameras, with which it has an effective 39mm focal length. The lens costs $299 / £279 (not directly available in Australia), but I regularly see 10-15% discounts on the Viltrox site and at Amazon. At the time of writing, there's 10% off the 26mm lens.

Viltrox has another autofocus pancake lens, the 28mm f/4.5, which is just one third of the price. However, that lens is much more basic, and for a fair comparison on value, consider Nikon's own 26mm f/2.8 pancake lens, which has a slightly simpler design yet is almost double the price.

Sony's choices are much more varied — there are low-cost (and lower quality) options such as the 20mm F2.8, while premium options such as the 24mm F2.8 are pricier and physically much larger. TTArtisan sells a AF 27mm f/2.8 pancake lens that costs around $130 / £110 less, but I've not tested that lens.

So while the 26mm F2.8 EVO is hardly cheap for a Viltrox lens, it is still excellent value considering its quality and the available alternatives. I think it's an excellent quality to size and price ratio. For other primes, check out my best Sony lenses and best Nikon lenses guides.

Viltrox AF 26mm F2.8 EVO: specsViltrox AF 26mm F2.8 EVO specs

Type:

Wide-angle prime

Mount:

Sony E, Nikon Z

Sensor:

Full-frame

Focal length:

26mm (or 39mm effective on Sony and Nikon APS-C cameras)

Aperture:

f/2.8 to f/16

Minimum focus:

0.2m, 0.2x magnification

Filter size:

43mm

Dimensions:

69.4mm x 25.8mm

Weight:

From 6oz / 170g (bare lens)

Viltrox AF 26mm F2.8 EVO: design

• Just 25.8mm in length and 6oz / 170g
• Metal components, rubber-sealed mount
• Clever magnetic lens hood

Tim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim Coleman

Lightweight, rugged and convenient, the Viltrox AF 26mm F2.8 EVO fits the bill for everyday photography.

It's clearly made from premium materials, with a metal barrel and rear mount with rubber seal to keep out moisture and dust.

And despite its compact dimensions, the lens fits an impressive number of controls, squeezing in focus and aperture control rings. Unsurprisingly, each ring is very narrow, and getting a secure grip on the focus ring is a little fiddly, but I certainly prefer having those shrunk-down controls rather than none at all.

The aperture ring is clicked with no option to de-click it for video use. Again, I'm not surprised about this given how small the lens is — there really is no spare space to fit this control.

Like all recent Viltrox lenses, the 26mm pancake features a USB-C port in its rear mount, through which firmware updates can be installed.

No lens hood attachedTim ColemanWith the lens hood, which takes 43mm threaded filtersTim ColemanAnd with the magnetic lens cap attachedTim ColemanProfile of the lens without hood or cap attachedTim ColemanAnd here both are attachedTim ColemanThe magnetic cap snaps securely into place, and is much more convenient than a pinch lock.Tim ColemanTim Coleman

The simple optical construction comprises eight elements in six groups, and includes two aspherical elements. The front lens element is tiny. In fact, the 43mm filter thread isn't even built into the lens itself, but the supplied lens hood.

Said dual-purpose lens hood is suitably compact, but I found it didn't provide the sort of protection against lens flare that I would hope for (more on this in the performance section).

The lens hood has a neat trick up its sleeve mind you — it's magnetic. The supplied lens cap snaps onto the lens hood magnetically, doing away with the traditional pinch lock lens cap design. The hood screws onto the lens, but you can bypass the hood because the front of the lens is also magnetic.

Viltrox's neat magnetic system is a revelation, and I hope other lens manufacturers follow suit. It might not be suitable for all lens types mind you, say those with floating lens elements which use electromagnetism, such as Viltrox's own 85mm F1.4 Pro.

Close focusing goes down to 0.2m, which delivers a maximum 0.2x magnification. This is no close up lens, therefore, but I've certainly tested plenty of lenses with a lesser maximum magnification factor.

(Image credit: Tim Coleman)

At launch, the 26mm lens is available in Sony E and Nikon Z-mount versions. There's no word yet on L-mount or X-mount versions (nor Canon RF, as per usual).

To truly appreciate the benefit of its compact dimensions and lightweight 6oz / 170g design, cameras such as the Sony A7C series and the Nikon Z f series are a good bet. And as a full-frame lens, you can also use it with APS-C cameras with a 1.5x crop factor, such as the Sony A6700 and Nikon Z50 II. It could be a fabulous option with the Lumix S9 or Sigma BF too, should an L-mount version land.

Viltrox AF 26mm F2.8 EVO: Performance

• Bright maximum f/2.8, but risk of strong lens flare at this setting
• Detail is impressively sharp for such a small lens
• Autofocus is decent, but I've used snappier lenses

Lens flare at f/2.8. Shooting towards the Sun without manually shielding the lens risks lens flare at any aperture setting, but especially so at f/2.8. I like the effect here, but it is strong. Tim ColemanAnother example at f/2.8Tim ColemanAnd here you can still see flare in the same scene at f/5.6 but it's less pronouncedTim ColemanStrong vignetting at f/2.8Tim ColemanEven at f/8 there's still some vignettingTim ColemanHere's the lens at f/2.8 againTim ColemanAnd at f/11Tim ColemanWhere the sun is out of the frame, detail is crisp in this scene shot at f/5.6Tim Coleman

Viltrox's smaller 28mm F4.5 lens wins for compact size and price, but for image quality, the 26mm F2.8 EVO is a step up.

True, it's not the sharpest lens I've ever used, but optical quality impresses, especially given how small and lightweight the lens is.

I regularly used the lens' maximum f/2.8 aperture setting, with which it's possible to get shallow depth of field and pleasant enough bokeh. There's no discernible drop in sharpness at this setting from the peak f/5.6 to f/8 settings, either.

However, lens flare is prominent at f/2.8 when shooting towards the sun and strong light sources, which massively reduces contrast. In some scenarios I rather liked the effect — it was at times characterful and dreamy. At other times, I wished the distortion was better controlled.

Tim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim Coleman

Vignetting (darker corners) is also visible at f/2.8, though nothing too dramatic, and remains even up to f/8. The worst of these lens distortions would be less noticeable when pairing the lens with an APS-C camera where the outer portion of the image is cropped out. Otherwise, using f/4 to f/11 aperture settings delivered impressively sharp images, generally free from severe lens distortion.

I tested the lens exclusively with a Nikon Z6 II camera. Not the latest mirrorless camera by any means (that'll be the Z6 III), but one with snappy autofocus and subject detection modes. Even still, I found myself fighting focus hunting more than usual when using the Viltrox lens, compared to a lens like, say, my Nikon 24-70mm F2.8 S.

I'll try the Viltrox 26mm lens with another camera when I get the chance, but so far I'm not fully impressed with its autofocus performance.

Tim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanShould I buy the Viltrox AF 26mm F2.8 EVO?

(Image credit: Tim Coleman)Buy it if...

You want a small lens for your small mirrorless Sony or Nikon camera
Viltrox's 26mm lens is a decent size match for mirrorless cameras like the Sony A7C, A6700, Nikon Z f, Z6 III and Z50 II.

You'd like a small lens to live on your camera
With its compact metal body, rubber seal mount and wide-angle perspective, the 26mm lens is always-on lens

Don't buy it if...

You're likely going to use the aperture wide open most of the time
The 26mm lens' image quality drops when the aperture is wide open at f/2.8.

You want super sharp detail
Detail is pretty good, but if you want a particularly sharp lens, you'll need to spend more on a larger, premium alternative.

How I tested the Viltrox AF 26mm F2.8 EVO

(Image credit: Tim Coleman)

• Viltrox sent me the Z-mount version of the 26mm lens
• I paired it with my own full-frame Nikon Z6 II
• I regularly used the lens for a month, across a wide range of scenarios

I used the Z-mount version of the Viltrox AF 26mm F2.8 EVO lens with my own Nikon Z6 II full-frame mirrorless camera regularly over the course of one month. My main focus was real world use over technical studio-based tests, though I typically use lenses in scenarios that test their technical capabilities.

For example, I took the same photo in a sequence to see how quality compares using each of the lens' full aperture settings, starting at f/2.8 through to f/16. I checked for bokeh, lens distortion and sharpness at each setting, too.

I was particularly keen to check quality of the maximum f/2.8 aperture, and how the lens copes in strong daylight, especially with such a small lens hood supplied. I photographed landscapes, portraits and documentary-style moments.

First reviewed August 2026

Baseus Bowie MC2: Two-minute review

I’ve tested a fair few of the more expensive options we recommend in our best open earbuds roundup, such as the Cleer Arc 5 and, more recently, the Shokz OpenDots Air.

But a new release has me wondering why you’d spend much more money on a form factor which, honestly, hasn’t changed that much.

When I tested the Baseus Inspire XC1 last year, I thought they were a great affordable alternative to the best on the market, but the brand said “hold my beer” with its newer, even-cheaper buds.

These are the Baseus Bowie MC2, which cost much less than the XC1; they’re some of the lowest-cost open earbuds I’ve tested to date, but you’re not getting too much of a feature or audio downgrade with the greatly-reduced price.

Is that because these are secretly super-buds, or because, at the end of the day, there’s really not much scope for variation in any earbuds of this form factor? I’m starting to come down in the latter camp, and the Bowie MC2 is a good example of why I’d personally pick a cheap pair of cuff-style buds over a premium proposition.

The Baseus do what you’d need for sports-targeted clip-on buds, and throw in precisely nothing you won’t need. The battery life is respectably long, netting you over 11 hours of listening on a single charge, and at least 55 hours when you factor in the charging case. Perfect.

The buds are comfortable to wear for long stretches, with the harder plastic arch of the XC1 swapped out for softer silicone, and a little soft pad around the bud making sure these don’t rub or scratch at all. They’re also pretty light, at 5.1g each.

While audiophiles won’t be impressed by the sound here, which emphasizes a hefty low-end over neutrality and sonic nuance (unusual in an open design, but it’s what you’d expect from workout-focused buds), I imagine many buyers will be happy with what they hear. The sound doesn’t match the XC1 though; there’s no Bose tuning or dual drivers.

One gripe I have is with the charging case. It’s a little bigger than I’m used to with clip-style buds, but it also has magnets that only let you use the right bud in the right gap, and the left bud in the left recess, which makes returning the buds a little finicky (unlike 'regular' wireless earbuds, most clip-style buds let you put 'em in either side to charge). Said case is also a serious fingerprint magnet, which might not annoy many people, but it quickly made my review sample look a bit grubby, and to me it matters.

A fingerprint-gathering charging case? Is that really what I’m complaining about here? The fact that that’s where I’ve gone suggests these are pretty decent for the price.

Baseus Bowie MC2 review: Price and release date

(Image credit: Future)

• Launched in early July, 2026
• Sells for $79.99 / £89.99 (about AU$180)
• Only a few more affordable options

The Baseus Bowie MC2 were released in early July 2026, less than a year on from the release of the XC1. I’m going to keep comparing these products, because that’s my reference point, but the Inspire line is slightly different to the Bowie lineup, so these aren’t direct siblings — more like cousins, if you will.

You can buy the Bowie MC2 for $79.99 / £89.99 (about AU$180, but they’re not available in Australia yet). In the US, I’ve already seen discounts on the buds, down to $59.99, a mere month after their launch.

The price makes the buds pretty affordable, sitting well below the $/£100 line that I usually to denote budget options. Their only serious budget rival is the Soundpeats Clip1, which go for $69.99 / £74.99 / AU$79.99.

Baseus Bowie MC2 review: Specs

Drivers

11mm

Active noise cancellation

No

Battery life

11.5 hours (buds), 55 hours (case)

Weight

5.1g (buds), 5.1g (case)

Connectivity

Bluetooth 6.0

Frequency response

20Hz-40kHz

Waterproofing

IP67

Baseus Bowie MC2 review: Features

(Image credit: Future)

• Fantastic 11+ hour battery life
• Baseus app has EQ and presets...
• ... but not much else

As someone who rarely remembers to charge tech, I love the battery life of the Baseus Bowie MC2. The buds are great for longer exercises; the case is great for longer holidays.

Baseus puts the buds battery life at 11.5 hours, but that’s if you use its bass boosting tech. Turn that off, and you get at least an hour more. That’s a surprisingly great stamina flex for these little buds. The case also has a fantastic life: 55 hours, or 60 if you’re not listening with super-bass. Those numbers are all much higher than average for this kind of product. You love to see it.

Your battery might drop quicker than expected, though. I found that putting the earbuds in the case didn’t turn them off, as with the vast majority of other buds out there. I had to manually stop the music playing for them to time out.

(Image credit: Future)

The features section is where we’d normally discuss ANC… except for open earbuds, which generally don’t include the tech. So why am I bringing it up? Well, call me crazy, but I feel like the ear cushion here does muffle surrounding sound a little bit. Not a huge amount, but as someone who’s tested ANC (and, more relevantly, bad ANC), I feel like it mutes a little sound.

You can use the Baseus app for some extra features, if you want — saying that, I don’t remember the last time I used a companion app for earbuds that feels this janky, with oddly-translated phrases and a layout that doesn’t cater for various phone sizes.

It’s a little barebones, as these apps go, but it has the basics. There’s an equalizer, with eight presets or an eight-band custom mode, a low-latency mode, set-up for multipoint connectivity, the ability to change what the on-ear controls do, and a few other small tweaks. The main one is toggling of Bass Boost, not that you’d ever want to turn that off.

I’d recommend downloading the app if you don’t like the Baseus Bowie MC2’s default sound profile, but if you’re happy, there’s not much need to take up the phone space.

• Features score: 3.5/5

Baseus Bowie MC2 review: Design

(Image credit: Future)

• Lightweight and comfortable
• Ear cushions bring some benefits
• A few minor charging case quirks

Let’s start with the case, shall we? It’s a 52g pebble which charges via a USB-C port and comes in white, black or blue (like the buds themselves).

I’m not sold on this case. It feels like it’s made from cheap plastic, and the lid feels a little fragile when you open it. I feel like I could snap it off if I'm not careful. The case is also a real fingerprint magnet, which admittedly won’t annoy many people, but I’d have liked something cleaner-looking.

The real annoyance of the case is in its magnets. You see, most cuff earbuds don’t assign one as the left and one as the right bud; they’re identical, after all, so you can put whichever bud you want in whichever slot. Not on the Baseus, though. Magnets stop you putting the wrong bud in the wrong gap, so when you return them to the case, it’s a game of trial and error to get the right one in the right slot. A game which only takes a matter of seconds, admittedly, but it’s a minor annoyance that I’ve not found in alternatives.

(Image credit: Future)

Now, onto the buds. They’re pretty light, at 5.1g each, and thanks to the soft material making up the arch, they’re more flexible than many alternatives I’ve tested. They’re IP67-rated too, so they should survive full immersion in shallow water for a limited time, along with a healthy dose of dust.

Like all cuff-style open earbuds, they consist of a large-housing counterweight which sits behind your ear, the arch, and a bud which rests in your ear well (never into your ear canal). But there’s something novel: the bud comes with an ear cushion, to stop it rubbing when you run. Admittedly, this is a problem I’ve never personally faced, but it’s good to see there are innovations yet to be made in this form factor. Like the case, the cushion picks up dirt, though. Swings and roundabouts.

There are touch controls on the earbuds, including a physical button, but I found it incredibly hard to press while on the go. I’d invariably end up twisting the bud or pulling it off my ear, instead of triggering the function.

• Design score: 4/5

Baseus Bowie MC2 review: Sound quality

(Image credit: Future)

• Single 11mm driver per bud
• Bass tech gives low-end heft
• LDAC support, but only if you deactivate bass

Baseus has loaded the Bowie MC2 with a custom-built 11mm dynamic driver, so you’re not getting the dual-driver system of some alternative Baseus open-ears. Instead of using a dedicated low-end driver, the brand is using what it calls ‘SuperBass 3.0’ to solve the ear problem.

What ear problem? Well, while all open-ears use directional audio to beam sound into your ear, it’s a little harder with lower frequencies which aren’t conducted as well by air (and remember, there's no seal betwixt ear tip and ear canal in this design). Different brands use different solutions to ensure their open earbuds still offer some level of bass in playback, and Baseus has gone for something it calls SuperBass. This ramps up the power of the low-end frequencies, while trying to retain some clarity.

As you can imagine, then, the sound profile of the MC2 heavily favors the lower-end. Bass is prominent, and fairly well-rounded too, offering a reasonably energetic rhythm to accompany your workout.

(Image credit: Future)

I won’t pretend that bass doesn’t sit above other instruments here. In something like Michigan Rattlers’ Time to Move On, the bass guitar is audible above the acoustic guitar it’s meant to accompany. Kasabian’s Superpowers sounds like a duet between a man and his bass guitar. These buds aren’t for people who like a neutral sound profile.

Whether or not you use the EQ to remove some bass, you’ll be surprised to learn that there are no significant audio trade-offs in the mid-range or high-end. Both retain more detail and clarity than you’d expect from bass-heavy buds… mostly. They can sometimes struggle with dissonance from hi-hats or twangy guitars in certain songs, but for the most part, I was impressed.

If you have a good Android phone, you can listen via LDAC, but this’ll drop the battery life somewhat. However you can’t use it if you’ve got that bass-boosting mode enabled, so you’ll have to make a choice about which you opt for.

• Sound quality: 3.5/5

Baseus Bowie MC2 review: Value

(Image credit: Future)

• Undercut key rivals from Shokz and Bose
• A few alternatives cost even less though…

These are some of the cheapest open earbuds I’ve tested, and they do all the same things that premium options do. They’re comfy, they last for a while, the play music. Tick, tick, tick. Why shell out twice as much for a name-brand model?

Honestly, there’s not really much reason to pay more for other buds. However that goes both ways: there’s a more affordable version of these called the Bowie MC2 Air, which is even cheaper, and it’s worth checking that model out too (though I haven’t tested it).

• Value: 4/5

Should I buy the Baseus Bowie MC2?Baseus Bowie MC2 score card

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

The fantastic battery life helps you forget that there's not a whole lot else.

3.5/5

Design

The buds are comfy and lightweight, though the case isn't perfect.

4/5

Sound quality

It's definitely for bass fans, but music on these sounds pretty fine.

3.5/5

Value

Only a few options cost less, without cutting too many corners.

4/5

Buy them if…

You’re on a budget for the clippers
These are lower-cost open earbuds that work just as well as pricier ones. If you’re on a budget, or would rather save what budget you do have, they’re a good pick.

You need something that lasts a while
The 11-13 hour battery life per bud is certainly above-average, so if you listen for long stints of time, they’re a great option to consider.

You have sensitive ears
Clip-style buds can sometimes be annoying for those with sensitive ears. But with its soft arch and ear cushion, these are probably the most gentle such options I’ve tested.View Deal

Don’t buy them if…

You’re fastidious about cleanliness
Both the ear cushions and charging case noticeably picked up dirt and fingerprint smudges during my testing — nothing major, but enough that clean freaks might be put off.

You need on-ear controls
If you’re, say, running without a smartphone, you might find that the on-bud button controls are too difficult to touch to give you control of your music. Other options work better this way.

You don’t want bassy music
Hey, some fitness fans don’t just want bass. You can strip it out to a decent degree in the Bowie MC2, but some other open earbuds don’t offer as much in the first place.View Deal

Baseus Bowie MC2 review: Also consider

Looking for other affordable clip-style earbuds? Here are a few we've tested and would recommend.

Baseus Bowie MC2

Soundpeats Clip1

Anker Soundcore AeroClip

Drivers

11mm

12mm

12mm

Active noise cancellation

No

No

No

Battery life (ANC on)

11.5 hours (buds), 55 hours (case)

8 hours (buds), 40 hours (case)

8 hours (buds), 24 hours (case)

Weight

5.1g (buds), 51g (case)

5g (buds), 55g (case)

6g (buds), 42g (case)

Connectivity

Bluetooth 6.0

Bluetooth 5.4

Bluetooth 5.4

Waterproofing

IP67

IPX5

IPX4

Soundcore Clip1
This pair of open-ears undercuts the Baseus, with with slightly lesser specs to match: the IP rating and battery life are both lower. The bud is also more rigid, though fits perfectly well.
Read our full Soundpeats Clip1 review

Anker Soundcore AeroClip
These earbuds generally retail for the same price as the Baseus nowadays, even if they launched in 2025 to a higher cost. They sound great and have an app full of features, even if other spec aren't as impressive.
Read our full Anker Soundcore AeroClip review

How I tested the Baseus Bowie MC2

• Tested for two weeks
• Paired with Android phones for music, podcasts, movies and games
• Used during multiple activities, including sports

I tested the Baseus Bowie MC2 for just over two weeks to put them through our paces. That's the minimum time we'd take to test out an audio product like this.

Over this period I tested them for a range of activities including gym sessions and runs, as well as on walks around my local area and trips further afield on public transport.

The earbuds were paired to two different Android phones over the testing process, and were mainly used for Spotify and Tidal tracks. I did conduct some calls, play some games and watch some TV using them though.

I've been reviewing tech for TechRadar since early 2019, and have tested countless open earbuds in that time. That includes past models from Baseus, and some of the rivals I cite in this review.

• First reviewed in August 2026

• Read TechRadar's reviews guarantee

I've been intrigued by AI photo editors for a while now. Some work well, some not so well. Photoroom falls into the former camp. By and large, I found the AI tools to be very impressive and intuitive to use. There are some caveats to that which I'll get into, but overall, Photoroom delivered what it promises.

But what does it promise, exactly? Now, compared to a lot of AI photo editors, things here are a little different. This isn't a platform for touching up your holiday snaps or brightening up social media posts.

The emphasis here is on business use. Effectively, if you run an online store or similar, then you use Photoroom to transform staid, dull product shots into more enticing and engaging imagery that pops off the page.

Keen to see how it's developed since we last reviewed it three years ago - AI has come a long way since then - I tried out the platform to see what I could create.

Photoroom: Pricing & plans

• Online service via browser, iOS and Android app
• Aimed at businesses large and small
• Reasonably priced subscriptions and free trial

You can check out Photoroom by clicking here.

The platform is available online through a dedicated app for your iPhone or Android phone, or if you’re working on a computer, via your favourite web browser. Unlike many I've tested, you're not restricted to either Chrome or Edge here.

As with any online service, you need to subscribe to it to use it with a monthly cost billed annually. Photoroom comes in three tiers.

‘Pro', recommended for ‘solopreneurs’, will cost you $13 per month, billed annually. This level grants you 4,250 AI credits monthly, allows you to perform 1,000 exports, and comes with Photoroom’s standard set of tools.

The middle tier is ‘Max’ and is designed for small businesses. For $35 a month (again, billed annually - all tiers are), your credits are upped to 12,000, your exports to 3,000, and the advanced ‘Video Generator’ tool is now available.

Finally, there’s 'Ultra', for “growing brands”. You’re given 20,000 AI credits,10,000 exports, and can create videos and images in 4K, all for $100 a month.

If you’re looking for a more bespoke option, there’s a tailor-made Enterprise tier, with a tailor-made cost to match.

I recommend checking prices as Photoroom often offer discounts on those standard prices. Plus, you can try any of these tiers free for seven days, although don’t forget to cancel your trial before that should you decide not to carry on with the service and you’re needlessly charged a hefty sum for your forgetfulness.

Photoroom was generous enough to grant me access to their Ultra tier, so let’s see what it’s capable of, and what you can do with all those AI credits.

• Pricing & plans: 4 / 5

Photoroom: Interface

(Image credit: Future)

• Simple, well designed, and clear interface
• Easy ways to import images and work on them
• For an online service, I was impressed

The interface is simple and well organised. Once you’ve logged in to your account, you’ll find a sidebar to the left which contains various tools you need.

Thiss includes all the AI tools in your arsenal, templates, a direct link to your Shopify account if you have one, a batch tool so you can work on up to 250 images at once, a Brand Kit where you keep all your assets, and a Design section where your products’ photos are stored.

All the AI tools, which are essentially all your editing tools, are easy to use: you select one, upload a new photo or select one already in your account, apply the effect and you’re done.

There is one thing that I found surprising: Photoroom supports HEIC, the High Efficiency Image Container. It’s a highly compressed image format that’s been around since 2015 and has been increasingly prevalent since Apple made it the default image format for their iPhones in 2017.

The reason I make a point of mentioning this is because far too many services still do not support it, forcing any image or photo saved as an HEIC to be converted into either a JPEG or PNG prior to import. There is no such issue here, saving you time and frustration.

• Interface: 4.5 / 5

Photoroom: Tools

(Image credit: Future)

• On the whole, the AI tools do an absolutely excellent job
• Impressive ways to transform passable shots into something potential customers will love
• But... not all tools are created equal

Such a service succeeds on the strength of its tools, and Photoroom iss betting the farm on AI for this. But AI is a very generic term these days. Is it really artificial intelligence to remove an image’s background?

I’d put it more in the “complex algorithm does a very good job with what it’s given” category. Same with removing objects or people from a photograph and replacing it with an artificially generated background that blends with the existing one.

Such tools already existed before “AI” became an all-encompassing marketing brand. Or, taking inspiration from Monty Python's The Life of Brian, “it’s not AI, it’s a very clever tool”.

But whether it’s AI or not is less important than how these tools fare: I found the achieved results to be excellent. More often than not in apps like Photoshop or Pixelmator Pro, I end up having to touch up the output of similar tools, but here, it was essentially a one-click wonder.

Tools that really impressed me were definitely more AI based. Say you want to sell a shirt, which you’ve photographed on a surface, with as few wrinkles as you can manage… except you know how it is: such layouts are never really good enough.

(Image credit: Future)

Well fret no more: Photoroom has a tool that digitally irons your shirt for you, transforming your amateurish-looking photo into a meticulously smooth out product. Couple that with the background remover tool, and you’re well on your way to have a professional looking photograph.

But why stop there? Photoroom has a bunch of AI-generated models who can wear your outfit for you. There’s even what they call a ‘ghost mannequin’ to puff up your shirt so customers can see what it would look like on someone, without being distracted by an actual (or virtual) person wearing it.

I found all this pretty incredible, and that’s just scratching the surface. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows though: for instance, Photoroom has a Video Generator.

Select a photo, browse through all available templates, maybe even type in a prompt if you need, and the AI will get to work… this is where I encountered the familiar “AI tries way too hard yet fails miserably” syndrome.

Some templates removed my test products from the usual confines of physical reality, sometimes in a most disturbing way. Or they just didn’t work at all as expected. I trust the team working hard on this aspect of the service (what I was able to use bore no relation to their intro video about it, so things are moving fast in this arena), but for now, maybe stick with still images, where the results are truly impressive.

Photoroom: AI credits

(Image credit: Future)

• Set number of monthly credits, so use them wisely
• Many common AI tools don't cost any credits at all
• However, sometimes, the requested action won’t work, so try, try again

As you’d expect, most AI tools will cost you credits. A video generation goes for 500 (money not well spent for now), Exporting an image at 2K or 4K will cost you 135 and 240 credits respectively, adding an AI background to an image is worth 5 credits, and so forth.

Thankfully though, some tools you’ll use most often, like removing the background of a shot, retouching a photo or performing some image enhancements won’t cost you a thing (beyond your subscription).

You’ll just have to balance what you are given each month with what you hope to achieve in that time period, with the relief that when an action doesn’t work, you won’t have lost any credits - yes, sometimes an error occurs.

However, I found that if I request the same action again - and again - it finally does what I asked it to. Teething problems, I’m sure, and at least it does work impressively well eventually.

Should I buy Photoroom? FutureFutureFutureBuy it if...

You’re looking to sell a ton of product and want the images advertising your wares to look their best, using a service that is well designed, and is easy to use (when it works)

Don't buy it if...

You don’t want to encourage the proliferation of AI, know your way around Photoshop anyway, and can’t justify yet another subscription, no matter how great some effects are.

How I tested Photoroom

I tested this service on my trusty Apple MacBook Pro. Generally I do my best to check how software works on a variety of devices, both Macs and PCs and portable devices, when needed.

But as this was an online service, whose tools are dependent on servers the main bottleneck would be my fibre connection. I experienced no issues on that score.

Everything was extremely responsive. The free tools were nearly instantaneous, and depending on the complexity of what I was asking the AI to do, it took gradually longer.

Video creation took the longest amount of time, clocking in at around 4 minutes for me. Still, that didn't feel like a long time, when I got it working.

For more creative tools, we tested the best photo editors.

OnePlus Nord CE5 review: two-minute review

The OnePlus Nord CE5 is an affordable yet premium-feeling handset that punches way above its weight. Although its successor, the CE6, has launched in some markets, OnePlus has confirmed that it and future handsets will no longer sell in the UK. So, in lieu of a newer version, is the CE5 still worth your consideration?

The OnePlus Nord CE5’s design certainly doesn’t make it look bargain basement, but it doesn’t feel super luxe either. While it’s pleasantly tactile under your fingertips, there’s no confusing its plastic edges for metal, and I’m not totally bowled over by the pearlescent effect on the Marble Mist colorway. However, I will grant that it feels solidly made and its vertical camera module looks pretty neat when so many handsets’ lenses look like they’ve been grafted on by Dr. Frankenstein.

Although it’s not a total knockout, the Nord CE5’s display definitely packs a punch given its price. Colors are bold and vivid, making the nature documentaries I was watching seriously pop. Its 387PPI display showed off most images in crisp detail, even if it wasn’t as pin sharp as some of the best phones. On the flip side, whites run a little bit blue for my liking, and the display is not quite bright enough to make up for how reflective its screen is. Still, there was plenty about the screen that dazzled me, figuratively at least.

Under the hood, the Nord CE5 runs the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Apex chipset. That’s not a current-gen SoC by any means, but I still got great productivity performance out of it. Not only was I able to have myriad apps open, but I also ran Google Docs and a streaming app in split-screen with no noticeable slowdown.

Gaming performance was also pretty stable. Playing lengthy sessions of both Call of Duty: Mobile and Genshin Impact, the Nord CE5 ran very smoothly and showed no hint of lag or jitter. Cranking the graphics settings up to their highest on Genshin Impact did throw up a warning that I was overclocking the CPU, though, so while performance remained stable, you might not want to run things that high. On the plus side, the Nord CE5 didn’t experience all that much warming during this, thanks to its CryoVelocity graphene vapor chamber.

Based on Android 15, the OxygenOS 15.0 that the Nord CE5 runs on is nice and agile. Multitasking is easy thanks to its split-screen mode and there are great shortcuts on offer, like screen-off gestures that let you open the camera or switch on the flashlight by tracing an O or V on the display. On the whole, its AI tools are unobtrusive yet helpful, and OnePlus offers a full six years of software updates. The only thing I don’t love here is the bloat that comes pre-installed — seriously, phone makers, can you stop foisting Temu on me?

For a phone in this price range, the Nord CE5 also offers a very decent camera. Whether I was popping off shots of brilliant yellow roses or the deep blue sky reflected in a river, colors felt vibrant and its HDR performance rendered textures like stonework with a nice depth. Admittedly, its smaller 1/1.95 inch sensor can’t quite rival flagship phones in terms of sheer detail, but it still captured textures and details with real precision. And even though I’d personally prefer at least a 3x lens in my camera, the 2x zoom conveyed excellent detail without showing any distortions or aberrations.

In my book, though, by far the Nord CE5’s strongest feature is its battery. OnePlus has managed to eke more than 20 hours of life out of its 5,200mAh battery, meaning it can happily outlast many of the flagship phones we’ve reviewed in recent times. Not only that, but during my testing I found its 80W SUPERVOOC charging could comfortably juice it up from 0% to 100% in just 59 minutes, which is blisteringly fast.

All in all, the Nord CE5 is a solid, if unexceptional, phone… until you consider its price point. Considering a list price that starts at £299, there are many areas it pulls ahead of similarly priced rivals, while in some areas — chiefly battery life — it can honestly give flagships a run for their money. Ultimately, if your intended spend sits on the border between budget and mid-range phone, the Nord CE5 has plenty of highlights and few enough deficits to make it a worthy investment.

OnePlus Nord CE5 review: Specs

Dimensions

6.44 x 2.99 x 0.32 inches / 163.6 x 76.0 x 8.2mm

Weight

199g

Screen

6.77-inch Fluid AMOLED

Resolution

2392 x 1080 pixels (FHD+, ~387 ppi)

Refresh rate

120Hz

Chipset

MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Apex

RAM

8GB / 12GB (LPDDR5X)

Storage

128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1, expandable via MicroSD up to 1TB)

OS

OxygenOS 15.0 based on Android 15

Rear cameras

50 MP main (f/1.8, OIS, Sony LYT-600) + 8 MP ultra-wide (f/2.2, 112° FOV)

Front camera

16 MP (f/2.4)

Battery

5,200mAh

Charging

80W SUPERVOOC wired

OnePlus Nord CE5 review: Price and availability

• Launched on July 8, 2025
• List price of £299 for 128GB storage or £349 for 256GB
• Succeeded by the Nord CE6 — but that’s not available in the UK

Having launched on July 8, 2025, the OnePlus Nord CE5 is currently available in the UK. While it has technically been supplanted by the OnePlus Nord CE6, released on May 8, 2026, the latter isn't sold in the UK and, with no launch rumored, is unlikely to make it here at all. So that means the Nord CE5 is still the budget OnePlus to aim for if you’re a Brit.

When it comes to cost, the Nord CE5 retails for a list price of £299 for the model with 128GB of storage or £349 for 256GB. That means it leans slightly more toward budget territory than mid-range. You can choose from one of two colorways for that spend, either the minimal Black Infinity version or the iridescent Marble Mist I’ve tested here.

(Image credit: Future)OnePlus Nord CE5 review: design

• Solid, robust-feeling design
• Easy to hold one-handed
• Personally not keen on marble colorway

Overall, I like the build of the OnePlus Nord CE5. While it doesn’t quite feel as premium as more expensive phones — that lightweight plastic trim around its edge can’t compete with my iPhone 16 Pro’s titanium, for example — that flat design still feels comfortable in your hand.

Measuring 6.44 x 2.99 inches / 163.58 x 76.02mm, the Nord CE5 is slightly taller and less broad than some of its affordable rivals, making it easy to hold in one hand — although you might need your second hand to reach the very top of the screen. But, at 0.33 inches / 8.27mm, and 0.32 inches / 8.17mm deep for the Marble Mist / Black Infinity versions respectively, it’s not the thinnest device on the market, with only a few handsets like the Nothing Phone (4a), iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max being thicker.

As I’ve mentioned above, the Nord CE5 comes in two colorways: Black Infinity and Marble Mist. Honestly, I’m not a huge fan of the pearlescent marble effect — while it sounds premium, in reality it looks a touch gaudy to me. On the plus side, its matte finish feels wonderfully smooth, with just enough of a grain to remain tactile.

Perhaps unsurprisingly given the budget price, its design is pretty minimal elsewhere. But that’s actually something of a relief, given how crowded some flagship phones can now feel with their full-width camera modules and bunches of bonus buttons. The Nord CE5’s vertically aligned dual-lens camera module looks neat and nicely self-contained, while it only has a lock button and volume rocker adorning one edge, making it feel lean and sparing.

• Design score: 3.5 / 5

(Image credit: Future)OnePlus Nord CE5 review: display

• Vibrant, satisfying colors
• Solid resolution, albeit not flagship sharp
• Lacking in brightness

Measuring 6.77 inches, the OnePlus Nord CE5’s screen is more expansive than that of many flagships. It outstrips the iPhone 17 Pro and Samsung Galaxy 26+ at 6.3 and 6.7 inches respectively, although it’s not quite as extensive as phones like the 6.83-inch Nothing Phone (4a) Pro or the 6.9-inch iPhone 17 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy 26 Ultra.

OnePlus has shared 2392 x 1080 pixels across that display, giving the Nord CE5 a pixel density of 387PPI. Keen to see how that stacks up in practice, I streamed Planet Earth II in 1080p on the Nord CE5 side-by-side with my 460PPI iPhone 16 Pro. During a scene involving a pride of lionesses on the savannah grappling with an African buffalo, the Nord CE5 felt just a tiny bit less crisp, with the drops and spray of water being cast up not feeling quite as sharp as on my premium phone. Most images still look pretty crisp though, even if they’re not quite up to flagship standard.

On paper, the OnePlus Nord CE5 offers 1430 nits peak brightness and a typical brightness of 800 nits. Unfortunately, its display didn’t exactly feel dazzlingly bright to me. Some scenes felt like their white level was a bit too low; for example, the canopy of a jungle looked thicker and more oppressive than it did on other screens. And the whites that are there are a little too cold for my liking, with the white highlights of exposed tree bark looking a little on the blue side.

This isn’t helped by the fact that the Nord CE5’s display is quite reflective. While most phones reflect the lighting in the TechRadar testing labs — they're huge fluorescent ceiling panels — the OnePlus’s display seems to mirror many other objects in the room as well. Without the extra brightness that more expensive models are capable of, it can’t quite overcome local sources of light.

That’s a shame because the Nord CE5’s color fidelity is pretty spot on elsewhere. Watching a Wilson’s bird of paradise trying to court a mate, I was impressed with how vibrantly the display rendered its bright blue crown, red back and yellow mantle, not to mention its bright green fluorescent collar. But thanks to that slight paucity of white highlights, it still doesn’t have quite the HDR pop it otherwise could have.

I’ll give the Nord CE5 credit where it’s due though: the display’s max 120Hz refresh rate ensures that everything looks smoother than an Olympic diver slathered in goose fat. Navigating menus and swiping between apps, everything felt wonderfully fluid and never showed even a hint of judder or slowdown. The device can absolutely rival any premium handset here.

• Display score: 3.5 / 5

(Image credit: Future)OnePlus Nord CE5 review: Software

• Great gestures and shortcuts built in
• Unobtrusive AI tools
• Quite a lot of bloat

Running OxygenOS 15.0, based on Android 15, the OnePlus Nord CE5 offers a pretty clean software experience with some seriously clever shortcuts built in. I like being able to swipe down with three fingers to take screenshots, while screen-off gestures that allow you to open the camera by tracing an O or switch on the flashlight by tracing a V are a fun touch. I can also see being able to lift the phone to my ear to auto-answer calls or flip it screen-down to mute them as features I’d end up using a lot.

On top of this, the Nord CE5 offers solid productivity features. For example, the smart sidebar allows you to quickly access your most-used apps by swiping from the top-right of the screen. Split View allows you to drag and drop two windows into a split-screen mode — not only does this feel super fluid to do, but you can easily resize each window by dragging the boundary between them.

It’s a little unfortunate then that OnePlus doesn’t seem able to resist the temptation to burden this otherwise lightweight experience with unnecessary bloat. Don’t get me wrong: it’s not the worst offender in this category. But the Nord CE5 still includes loads of apps that really should not be included by default, like AliExpress, Amazon Music or TikTok. Honestly, phone manufacturers: stop doing this.

The AI features on the Nord CE5 certainly aren’t as extreme as a phone like the Honor 600, with its Image to Video and wild VFX tools, but there are some useful tools available for tweaking your photos. Not only can you remove blur and reflections and upscale the quality of your images, but you can also erase those annoying people who walk straight through your shot and swap in a different expression for that one friend who always seems to have their eyes closed.

Overall, AI features are nicely unobtrusive, which is good news for those who are more AI-agnostic. The Google Gemini app comes pre-installed, offering answers, generative text and images. But if you’re not interested in its help, it’s easy to remove from your home and lockscreen, a pleasingly light-touch approach compared to some of the more gung-ho handsets.

Even if it doesn’t have the most cutting-edge advances, you can be sure the Nord CE5 will last you for the long haul. That’s because OnePlus has committed to providing six years of software support for its handset, something that’s definitely appreciated in an era when more of us are trying to eke more longevity out of our handsets, rather than ditch them every year.

All told, the software the Nord CE5 offers here isn’t groundbreaking. But it’s smooth and super-usable. Just please, OnePlus: shed some of that bloat.

• Software score: 4 / 5

(Image credit: Future)OnePlus Nord CE5 review: performance

• Not the highest power chipset
• But productivity and gaming largely ran smoothly
• Very capable cooling

Given the OnePlus Nord CE5’s affordable price point, you won’t be surprised to hear that it doesn’t pack a top-of-the-range chipset. Don’t get me wrong: its MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Apex SoC isn’t bad, offering roughly similar performance to something like the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4, but it doesn't offer as much thrust as many current flagship chips. With 8GB of RAM backing this up, I was expecting decent if unexceptional performance here.

And that’s generally what I found. During day-to-day productivity use, the Nord CE5 seems to run smoothly. Dipping in and out of apps, I never found any delays or witnessed anything hanging, no matter how many I opened. I even tried typing part of this review in split-screen mode while streaming What We Do In The Shadows — admittedly, this was atrocious for helping me focus, but both Google Docs and the video were unfaltering, marching on without a single misstep.

The Nord CE5 has surprisingly good gaming performance, given its budget price too. Playing Call of Duty: Mobile with the high-res texture packs, everything ran smoother than cappuccino foam. I played around eight ranked matches back-to-back and at no point did any judder or lag cause me to lose my kill-streak or stop me hoovering up MVP awards.

Genshin Impact was warier of the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Apex chipset. While I was able to get balanced performance on the Higher graphics setting, switching it up to the Highest setting gave me a warning that I was overclocking the chipset. Despite this, the game still ran without any real issues — it’s possible the game developers were being overcautious, but I’ve obviously not conducted any long-term testing on how this might affect the life of the chip, so I’d urge caution before doing the same.

While some mid-range processors I’ve tested lately have gotten pretty warm during extended play sessions, I’m pleased to say that’s not an issue here. Thanks to its CryoVelocity graphene vapor chamber with a 7041mm² cooling area, the Nord CE5 stayed frosty even with Genshin Impact running at its overclocked settings. So while you might not get flagship-level performance out of the Nord CE5, it packs a pretty decent punch for such a low cost.

• Performance score: 4 / 5

FutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureOnePlus Nord CE5 review: camera

• Lush, vibrant colors
• Pro camera mode built-in
• Only offers 2x optical zoom

For the price, I was expecting the OnePlus Nord CE5’s camera to feel limited, but it’s actually relatively talented. First off, it’s capable of some bold, punchy HDR. One shot I snapped nearing the golden hour of a stone urn on a pedestal showed really deep blacks, while the highlights were warm enough to feel true-to-life.

Thanks to its 50MP resolution main lens, the OnePlus Nord CE5 is capable of crisp resolution, although its 1/1.95 inch sensor can't keep up with those offered by flagships. Zooming into a shot I took of a bumblebee crawling over a thistle, its detail was pleasingly crisp and kept everything wonderfully sharp. But, by comparison, my iPhone 16 Pro picked up every speck of pollen on its fuzzy coat in sharp detail and captured the sun reflected in its glossy black eye.

Colors are also captured with a real vibrance, the petals of a rose rendered in a wonderfully rich pink, for example. Naturally, you can’t expect top-tier chromatic performance here — my iPhone conveyed more range between darker and lighter tones and gave the dappling of each petal more pop. But the Nord CE5 still records delightfully lush hues and at least avoids the shortcut some brands take of oversaturating certain shades to artificially make images seem more vivid.

FutureFutureFuture

When taking photos close up, the OnePlus has a much shallower depth of field compared to some phones I’ve used. While that’s useful for creating a wonderful depth effect in your images, it does mean the Nord CE5 sometimes struggles to keep the whole subject in focus — some of the petals of a purple coneflower I shot looked slightly less crisp than on my iPhone, for example. Having said that, I actually quite like its bokeh, which feels much more Gaussian and subtle compared to phones that tend to make their bokeh too sharp and ‘swirly’.

While there are some decent Pro camera apps out there that unlock more granular control over your phone’s snapper, I love that OnePlus has already parceled this up in the Nord CE5’s native camera app. Using the Pro setting, I was able to tweak the camera’s ISO and shutter speed, as well as its white balance. For me though, the most invaluable setting is the manual lens’s focus, although this is far harder to set accurately on a phone screen than a DSLR viewfinder, so I do wish OnePlus had created a shortcut for zooming in on the screen while tweaking the focal range.

Night photography on the Nord CE5 is also generally strong. Taking shots at my favorite riverside pub at dusk, it struck a good balance between light and dark, with bright highlights not feeling overblown without compromising the shadows. Occasionally, faces could look a little soft around the edges, but that may have just been my subject not remaining as still as they could have. And at least the phone avoids overexposing night-time images — I’m not Truffaut, so I have no desire to shoot day for night or vice versa.

One area where I’d say the Nord CE5 falls further short of more premium phones is the zoom lenses. While the phone has a decent 2x optical zoom, it did make me realize how dependent I’ve become on my phone’s 5x optical zoom. On the plus side, the Nord CE5’s zoom lenses are crisp and distortion-free — the shots I snapped of flapping sky rats pigeons near a local river rendered their wings in decent detail.

All things considered, the Nord CE5’s camera is very good. Not only is using it an uncluttered experience, but its shots feel a lot truer to life than some of the flashier cams on other mid-market phones.

• Camera score: 4 / 5

(Image credit: Future)OnePlus Nord CE5 review: battery

• Lengthy 20-hour battery life
• 80W charging fills battery in an hour

OnePlus generally packages outstanding batteries with its handsets, and the Nord CE5 is no exception. The brand suggests you should get several days of normal usage out of the CE5’s 5200mAh battery before needing to charge it.

Eager to put these claims to the test, I set the phone to stream a 2K video at 50% brightness on a loop — after 6 hours it had dropped to 71%, so I’d expect it to last roughly 20 hours and 40 minutes total. Not only does that mean OnePlus’s estimates are pretty on the money, but it also means the Nord CE5 comfortably outlasts many of the best phones on the market, whether premium options like the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra or budget bangers like Google Pixel 10a.

But where the OnePlus Nord CE5 really leaves all competition eating its dust is charging. Thanks to OnePlus’s 80W SUPERVOOC charging, topping up this handset feels faster than a pitstop fuel change — hooking it up to a cable and brick rated for up to 100W, it took around 59 minutes to go from 0% to 100%. While that’s not quite as ludicrous as the OnePlus 15’s blistering 120W charging, it still means you could juice it back up in the time it took you to scarf down your lunchtime bagel and boba tea.

So if your biggest priority in a budget phone is that it can last alongside you on your busiest days, the OnePlus Nord CE5 has definitely got you covered.

• Battery score: 5 / 5

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the OnePlus Nord CE5?

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Solid, well-built design, narrow aspect ratio makes it easy to grasp in the hand. Not the biggest fan of the faux marble colorway though.

3.5 / 5

Display

Expansive 6.77-inch display, rich colors, super-smooth 120Hz refresh rate, strong resolution even if it falls a little short of flagships, 1430-nit peak didn’t feel that bright, especially given how reflective the screen could be.

3.5 / 5

Software

Smooth agile OS, great screen-off gestures and raise-to-answer functionality, solid productivity tools, discreet AI tools, six years of software support, annoying unnecessary bloatware.

4 / 5

Performance

Chipset not top of the range but fares well, never witnessed any lag during productivity tasks and split-screening, games ran smoothly although running the highest graphics settings forced me to overclock the SoC, stayed cool during heavy loads.

4 / 5

Cameras

Striking hues, strong contrast, good resolution that falls just a little short of flagships, surprisingly good low-light performance, soft subtle bokeh, only offers up to a 2x zoom.

4 / 5

Battery life

Lengthy 20-hour battery, can charge from 0% to 100% in just 59 minutes.

5 / 5

Value

While the Nord CE5 isn’t perfect, it offers quality that rivals many mid-market phones. And when you factor in its starting price of £299, that’s a whole heap of quality for not much cash.

5 / 5

Buy it if…

You need a battery that will go the distance
If you never want to get blindsided by an empty battery, the Nord CE5 has you covered. Not only should its 5,200mAh battery last you around 20 hours, but you can fully charge it in just one hour via its 80W SUPERVOOC.

You want a solid camera for a cheap price
Having tested a few mid-range phones whose cameras cut corners or overprocessed images, the Nord CE5’s camera is a breath of fresh air, focusing on getting the fundamentals right.

Don’t buy it if…

You’re after a top-tier gaming phone
If you like some casual gaming, the Nord CE5 will still deliver rock-solid stability. But if you want to play on the highest graphic settings, a higher-spec phone might be a better shout.

You want it to look bold even in daylight
Not only is the Nord CE5’s screen a little too shiny, it also can’t quite rival flagships when it comes to outdoor peak brightness. So if you want a phone that will outshine the midday sun, maybe look elsewhere.

OnePlus Nord CE5 review: also consider

OnePlus Nord CE5

RedMagic 10 Air

OnePlus 15

Dimensions

6.44 x 2.99 x 0.32 inches / 163.6 x 76.0 x 8.2mm

6.47 x 3.02 x 0.31 inches / 164.3 x 76.6 x 7.9mm

6.35 x 3.02 x 0.32 inches / 161.4 x 76.7 x 8.1mm

Weight

7.02 oz / 199g

7.23 oz / 205g

7.44 oz / 211g

Screen

6.77-inch Fluid AMOLED

6.8-inch AMOLED

6.78-inch LTPO OLED

Resolution

2392 x 1080 pixels (FHD+, ~387 ppi)

2480 x 1116 pixels (~400 ppi)

2772 x 1272 pixels (~450 ppi)

Refresh rate

120Hz

120Hz

1-120Hz (165Hz for select games)

Chipset

MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Apex

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

RAM

8GB / 12GB (LPDDR5X)

12GB / 16GB

12GB / 16GB (LPDDR5X)

Storage

128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)

256GB / 512GB (UFS 4.0)

256GB / 512GB (UFS 4.1)

OS

OxygenOS 15.0 (Android 15)

Redmagic OS 10 (Android 15)

OxygenOS 16.0 (Android 16)

Rear cameras

50 MP main + 8 MP ultra-wide

50 MP main + 50 MP ultra-wide

50 MP main + 50 MP ultra-wide + 50 MP (3.5x telephoto)

Front camera

16 MP

16 MP (under-display)

32 MP

Battery

5,200 mAh

6,000 mAh

7,300 mAh

Charging

80W SUPERVOOC wired

80W wired

80-100W wired, 50W wireless

RedMagic 10 Air
If you’re looking for a dedicated gaming phone, the RedMagic 10 Air sits right in that sweet spot between solid gaming performance and an affordable price. Costing $499 / £439 / AU$449, it offers the more powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, 12GB or 16GB of RAM and a more capacious 6,000mAh battery to help you get your game on. Read our full RedMagic 10 Air review.

OnePlus 15
Should you have a little more moolah to spend, the OnePlus 15 offers all the things that make the Nord CE5 great, dialed up to flagship levels. Its top-of-the-range Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset offers staggering performance, its stunningly detailed display is capable of a 450ppi pixel density and can hit refresh rates of 165Hz, while its battery is an enormous 7,300mAh. That’s a great spec given its price starts from $899.99 / £849 (around AU$1,290). Read our full OnePlus 15 review.

How I tested the OnePlus Nord CE5

• Used it over several weeks
• Tested a broad range of features
• Have spent more than 6 years covering phones

I tested the OnePlus Nord CE5 over the course of several weeks. To assess the performance of its display, I watched multiple HDR 4K videos and compared them side-by-side with my iPhone 16 Pro to assess contrast, color and brightness. I tried the camera out in a range of contexts, from shooting flowers with a short focal range to long-distance shots using the zoom.

When weighing up the performance of its chipset, I used the phone for a range of productivity tasks in split-screen mode and played a range of demanding games on their max graphics settings. Finally, to assess battery life, I set the phone to stream a 2K video at 50% brightness for six hours to assess how long it would take to drain the entire battery.

Having covered and reviewed gadgets for more than a decade, I have a lot of experience in this area and have tested a range of phones, tablets and drawing tablets during my time at TechRadar. I’m a keen smartphone photographer, having snapped over 47,000 photos over the last 15 years — a small proportion of which I’d say are actually competently shot — and a reformed smartphone game addict who still periodically falls off the wagon.

• Read TechRadar’s reviews guarantee
• First reviewed: July 2026

Ultimea Poseidon D60 review

Looking to unleash the power of surround sound on your living room without breaking the bank? Then the Ultimea Poseidon D60 surely seems like a tempting proposition. This 5.1 channel system comes with a compact main bar, a small subwoofer, and a couple of surround speakers, enabling you to experience more expansive audio than your TV can provide alone.

Not only that, but the D60 supports Dolby Atmos, has a wide array of connectivity options, and customizable sound. All of that for less than $200 / £200? Seems like a sweet deal.

But is the Ultimea Poseidon D60 actually worth considering? Can it compete with some of the best cheap soundbars around? I spent a few days testing it, and this is my verdict.

First things first, let’s talk setting up. The D60 isn’t especially hard to get up and running. The sub is wireless, and pre-paired to the main soundbar, and both of those units just need to be hooked up with a power cable, as well as an HDMI or digital optical cord for the bar itself. However, the rear speakers are not wireless — you have to connect them up to the subwoofer with RCA cables. Depending on your placement of the sub, this can look pretty messy, and I prefer the solution offered by models like the Majority Bowfell Halo Atmos, where you wire the two surround speakers together with just one linked to a power output.

Otherwise, setup is simple. You can use either the included remote, or Ultimea’s companion app to adjust aspects such as channel levels, EQ settings, source controls and more. The included remote looks and feels a bit cheap and I found that it wasn’t always perfectly responsive, but the D60 does have HDMI CEC support, meaning you can simply use your main TV remote to alter the soundbar’s volume.

More generally, I have to say that the Poseidon D60 does look as cheap as its price suggests. It’s not an eye sore or anything, but each constituent part of the system is very plasticky and does little to stand out in a fairly convoluted market of plain black boxes. The LED display on the bar is also pretty small, and not the clearest.

Something I will applaud about the D60’s design, though, is how diminutive it is. The main bar, sub, and rears are all very small, and can easily fit into a smaller living space. Even in my relatively cramped apartment, the full system seamlessly slotted into my setup and, even if you’re limited on space behind you, the rear speakers can be placed beside the main bar for front surround effects.

(Image credit: Future)

But anyway, you must be wondering how the Ultimea Poseidon D60 performs by now, right? Well, in all honesty, it exceeded my expectations.

I started by throwing on my 4K UHD Blu-ray copy of The Boy and the Heron, and there were some positives right out of the gate. In a scene where the protagonist, Mahito, exits his house, the surround speakers did a great job of conjuring up immersion, with the sounds of birds and crickets chirping coming through with impressive clarity. Shortly after, the heron flew towards me on-screen, and the directionality was captured well — I almost jumped back in my seat.

As the heron swooped to the side, the D60 mapped his movement with precision, and it sounded as if he extended past the confines of my screen. As Mahito and the heron conversed, I found that the dialogue was pretty clean too. It wasn’t the most forward or expertly separated, but I had no issue following along — it didn’t sound muffled or tinny as I’ve experienced on other soundbars.

But after this, I was introduced to the D60’s Achilles’ Heel: its bass output. When a horde of fish and amphibians appeared, exclaiming “JOIN US”, it was meant to be accompanied by an all-consuming, almighty bass roar, but this roar sounded more like a meow. The D60 failed to provide the impact I was looking for, even after I turned the level of the sub up a notch.

I found that bass lacked substance as I tuned into other 4K UHD Blu-rays and Dolby Atmos content on streaming services. While dialogue remained consistently tight, and the rear speakers whipped up surprisingly prominent, well-balanced surround effects, the bass always just felt lacking. Why? Well, the sub is small and limited in terms of power output, meaning it can’t provide the impactful low-end you’d expect from pricier options.

Another area where the D60 struggles to compete with some of its rivals is in its lack of height effects. The main soundbar has no upfiring speakers, so the vertical Atmos effects are hardly the most convincing. If you want to experience more substantial height effects while remaining on a budget, then I’d suggest checking out a model like the Hisense AX5125H.

(Image credit: Future)

As you may expect, the D60 isn’t the most musically talented, with bass sometimes lacking impact, and guitars or vocals in the mid-range feeling short on texture and definition. But most tracks I threw at the soundbar system were clear enough for background listening, and Bluetooth connectivity makes playing tunes from your phone feel pretty seamless.

Speaking of connectivity, the D60 is pretty versatile. Of course there’s Bluetooth and HDMI eARC, but you also get access to digital optical, AUX, and USB playback. That’s a great line-up for a cheap soundbar, though it's worth noting that there’s no Wi-Fi streaming or HDMI input for connecting devices like games consoles or streaming sticks.

Other features include a 10-band equalizer, as well as a vast array of presets in the Ultimea app, and a bass boost mode. The D60 isn’t offering specialized options like room correction, speech enhancement, or a night mode, but the fundamentals are solid overall.

So, at the end of it all, would I recommend the Ultimea Poseidon D60? It’s a complicated one. If you want surround sound on a budget, then it’s certainly a decent solution. You’re not going to get the most amazing Dolby Atmos effects due to the limitations to height effects, and bass isn’t the most impactful. But the rear speakers work surprisingly well, and you get clearer dialogue than a lot of standalone TVs will offer.

If you’re more particular about your sound, then I think it's worth looking elsewhere. If your budget is flexible, I’d suggest checking out the Samsung HW-Q800F or one of its predecessors for seismic bass and incredible expansiveness, although the aforementioned Hisense AX5125H is another amazing surround sound option if you want something cheaper.

(Image credit: Future)Ultimea Poseidon D60 review: price & release date

• Priced at $169.99 / £199.99 (about AU$240)
• Released in September 2023

The Ultimea Poseidon D60 was released in September 2023, and typically costs around $169.99 / £199.99 (about AU$240). This plants it firmly in the budget category when we’re discussing 5.1 channel surround sound systems. It’s available in a single black colorway.

Ultimea Poseidon D60 review: specs

Dimensions

Soundbar: 15.7 x 2.8 x 3.5 inches / 400 x 70 x 90mm; subwoofer: 6.1 x 9.6 x 8.5 inches / 155 x 244 x 215mm; rear speakers 5.3 x 2.8 x 3.5 inches / 135 x 70 x 90mm

Speaker channels

5.1

Connections

HDMI eARC, digital optical, AUX, USB, Bluetooth 5.3

Dolby Atmos / DTS:X

Yes / No

Sub included

Yes

Rear speakers included

Yes

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the Ultimea Poseidon D60?

Attribute

Notes

Score

Features

Not the most feature-rich, but has EQ options, a control app, and a good set of connectivity options.

3.5/5

Performance

Generally clear dialogue, effective surround speakers, but disappointing bass and lacks verticality.

3.5/5

Design

Pretty plasticky, but nice and compact, making it easy to slot into any setup.

3/5

Setup & usability

Simple setup, but wires can be a bit messy, remote not the most responsive.

3/5

Value

Limited bass and Atmos, but surround sound is very solid at this price-point.

4/5

Buy it if…

You want affordable surround sound
If you want more expansive, immersive sound than your TV can offer, but you don’t want to spend a huge amount, then the D60 is a decent option. It comes with a soundbar, sub, and two rear speakers, and supports Dolby Atmos — though this is relatively limited.

You need versatile connectivity options
Want a soundbar with a wide range of connectivity options for a specific setup? It's likely that the Ultimea Poseidon D60 has you covered. It supports HDMI eARC for Atmos content, as well as Bluetooth, digital optical, AUX, and USB.

Don’t buy it if…

You want true Atmos
Sure, the D60 can decode Atmos content, but it doesn’t give you the fully fledged Atmos experience. It lacks upfiring speakers, meaning height effects are lacking. And though it creates a decent sense of width, it won’t provide the depth of pricier compact soundbars, like the Marshall Heston 60 or Sonos Beam Gen 2.

You’re looking for cinematic bass
I can forgive the D60’s lack of true Atmos, but I was a little disappointed by its bass output. Considering there’s a dedicated sub, the low-end output on offer is pretty underwhelming, so if you want an affordable option with meatier bass, you may want to check out the Majority option down below.

Ultimea Poseidon D60 review: also consider

Ultimea Poseidon D60

Majority Bowfell Halo Atmos

Hisense AX5125H

Price

$169.99 / £199.99 (about AU$240)

£169 (about $230 / AU$320)

$299 / £349 (roughly AU$449)

Dimensions

Soundbar: 15.7 x 2.8 x 3.5 inches / 400 x 70 x 90mm; subwoofer: 6.1 x 9.6 x 8.5 inches / 155 x 244 x 215mm; rear speakers 5.3 x 2.8 x 3.5 inches / 135 x 70 x 90mm

Soundbar: 15.9 x 3.5 x 2.4 inches / 405 x 90 x 62mm; subwoofer: 7.2 x 5.9 x 12.6 inches / 185 x 150 x 320mm; rear speakers: 3.5 x 2.4 inches / 90 x 62mm

Soundbar: 36.2 x 18.8 x 3.5 inches / 920 x 478 x 90mm; subwoofer: 8.5 x 12.3 x 11.9 inches / 210.5 x 310 x 300mm; rear speakers: 3.6 x 5.7 x 4.3 inches / 90.1 x 140.5 x 110mm

Speaker channels

5.1

5.1

5.1.2

Connections

HDMI eARC, digital optical, AUX, USB, Bluetooth 5.3

HDMI eARC, digital optical, AUX, USB, Bluetooth 5.3

HDMI eARC, 1x HDMI in, digital optical, AUX, USB, Bluetooth 5.3

Dolby Atmos / DTS:X

Yes / No

Yes / No

Yes / Yes

Sub included

Yes

Yes

Yes

Rear speakers included

Yes

Yes

Yes

Majority Bowfell Halo Atmos
I recently tested the Majority Bowfell Halo Atmos, and it’s in a very similar camp to the D60. It provides surround sound on a budget, with Dolby Atmos support and a wide array of connectivity options. However, it suffers from a lack of height channels and poor build quality. It offers better low-end output than its Ultimea rival, though I’d argue it's more lacking in terms of expansiveness. Read my full Majority Bowfell Halo Atmos review.

Hisense AX5125H
OK, it's a bit pricer than the competition, but the upgrade you’ll get with the Hisense AC5125H is considerable. Not only did it impress us with its cinematic sound, but it has HDMI passthrough, height channels, and DTS support. It's still very affordable for what it offers, so why not check it out? Read our full Hisense AX5125H review.

How I tested the Ultimea Poseidon D60

(Image credit: Future)

• Tested across the course of multiple days
• Connected to the Sky Glass Gen 2 TV
• Mainly used HDMI eARC connectivity

I spent a handful of days testing the Ultimea Poseidon D60 at home, using it to watch movies, stream videos, and listen to music. I had the system connected up to my Sky Glass Gen 2 TV via HDMI eARC, although I did test out other connectivity methods such as Bluetooth.

During listening sessions, I made sure to use a range of 4K Blu-rays, which I played using the Sony UBP-X700K Blu-ray player. When listening to music, I steamed tunes via Tidal as well as Spotify, and made sure to try out a range of Dolby Atmos and stereo format tracks.

More generally, I’ve spent years testing audio-visual gear here at TechRadar, and have reviewed everything from budget-friendly models like the Sony HT-SF150 to premium Dolby Atmos systems like the JBL Bar 1300MK2.

• Read TechRadar’s reviews guarantee
• First reviewed: August 2026

Eureka Ergonomic Wonder Glowing Glass Desk: Two-minute review

As I'm writing this review, I'm surrounded by an abundance of glowing red stars decorated all over my desk. It's hard not to feel relaxed here, thanks to the beautiful desktop, which can be activated in specific areas by your touch, or turned onto a setting that allows them to twinkle manually all across the glass panel.

When it comes to the best gaming desks or best standing desks, the Eureka Ergonomic Wonder Glowing Glass Desk is suitable for both categories. This makes it a good all-rounder for those wanting to effortlessly move between office work and gaming.

This is my first time using one of Eureka Ergonomic's desks, and I am impressed. The Wonder Glowing Glass Desk has been my daily companion for the past two months as I've written reviews, played games, and completed life admin. It's survived all of this effortlessly, with enough space for me to have both my work laptop and my gaming laptop side by side for those days when I need to switch between the two.

It also has enough room for me to decorate it with personal items to make it look more like "me". I hate having a boring workspace, after all. So aesthetically and functionally, it does tick a lot of boxes.

My main problem is that the desk does feel quite high, even when it's on the lowest setting. This isn't necessarily a fault of Eureka's, but it's a word of warning if you are short and you're looking for a desk to suit your needs. I'm 5ft 4in, and I think anyone under that would struggle with this desk.

I tested the desk with my partner, who is taller than me at around 6ft 3in, and he was able to comfortably use the desk at its lowest setting. If you are on the shorter side, it's worth choosing your chair well to make sure you can work comfortably based on this.

Eureka Ergonomic Wonder Glowing Glass Desk: Price and availability

• Prices start at $899 (around £665)
• Only available in the US, but does ship to the UK
• Available in one size with a black, oak, or black walnut finish

Eureka Ergonomic's Wonder Glowing Glass Desk only comes in one size, but there are price differences when it comes to the materials used on it. The black one (pictured throughout this review) is priced at $899, whereas the oak or black walnut versions are $999.

It's a very well-made and sturdy desk, and has a classic design which means it's right at home in most office spaces. It's also not as large and imposing as other desks of its kind, so it's a good choice if you want a smaller desk that's also under $1,000.

However, it's important to note that the Eureka Ergonomic Wonder Glowing Glass Desk's price tag puts it at the premium end of the market. This pricing is in line with the $949 / £829 Secretlab Magnus Pro XL, depending on which material you choose.

The Wonder Glowing Glass Desk's finish makes it ~$50 more expensive if you go for oak or black walnut, but it works out ~$50 cheaper than Secretlab if you opt for the standard black model.

Ultimately, you are paying for the unique and responsive lighting design across the desk, as well as the materials used. So if you're not really bothered by the glowing features of the desk, you might want to choose a cheaper option. I think this is worth the price given its unique selling point and overall quality.

The Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave has a similar RGB vibe at a much smaller price of $599.99, without the touch-sensitivity that the Wonder Glowing Glass Desk has. It is also not a standing desk, so it does not boast that additional feature.

If both Eureka Ergonomic and Secretlab are out of budget, however, we recommend the $340 / £360 / AU$420 Flexispot E7, a 5-star rated standing desk which is budget-friendly but does not skimp on the quality.

Eureka Ergonomic primarily sells to the United States, though they do have retail partners in the UK and select European countries; however, our Aussie readers won't be able to get their hands on any of Eureka's products right now, as they currently don't ship to Australia.

Eureka Ergonomic Wonder Glowing Glass Desk: Specs

Eureka Ergonomic Wonder Glowing Glass Desk

Price

$899 - $999

Height

29.5in ~ 47.25in / 74.93cm ~ 120cm

Load capacity

220lbs / 100kg

Material

Frosted Glass /Thermofoil top frame, Alloy Steel, Carbon Steel base frame

Dimensions (H x W x D)

29.5in ~ 47.25in x 23.625in x 47.25in /
74.93cm ~ 120 cm x 60 cm x 120 cm

Eureka Ergonomic Wonder Glowing Glass Desk: Design and features

• Remote control allows you to adjust the light color and patterns
• Dual-motor frame that adjusts from 29.5'' to 47.2'', great for converting to a standing desk
• Beautiful star-like lighting covers the entire desk

By far the biggest selling point of the Eureka Ergonomic Wonder Glowing Desk is the starry lighting across the entire thing. It makes it a unique choice and really pretty to look at.

Eureka describes the desk as being an "industry-first luminous desktop that reacts to your touch", and it is seriously cool. It feels more special than your standard RGB setup as it covers the entirety of the desktop and responds to your touch instantly, without any delay. You can draw patterns, drum on the desk, and do other wonderfully distracting things whilst you're meant to be working.

The lighting setup is a fun addition which livens up your workspace whilst still keeping a sleek and polished aesthetic, and you can easily turn the desk lights off to switch between fun and serious. The touch-activated lighting does not make it any less of a professional standing desk; it merely adds to it.

(Image credit: Future / Lucy Buglass)

You do need to plug the desk into a socket, of course, but as long as you have one nearby, you can play around with the lights til your heart's content.

If you like, you can also choose to have twinkling lights on the desk without you needing to touch the material. This is a good option if you want to get on with things whilst being surrounded by a starry backdrop that manually moves without needing your input.

It's easy to cycle between the different colors and light patterns thanks to an included remote control, which I'll demonstrate below.

(Image credit: Future / Lucy Buglass)Eureka Ergonomic Wonder Glowing Glass Desk: Performance

• Fits both big and small setups
• Small amount of cable management
• Sturdy, but also very heavy

I have been using the desk for both everyday work and gaming. Even though it is a fairly compact desk and fits nicely into my attic, I should warn you that it is a heavy and also very fragile desk with glass elements. I would strongly suggest you ask someone to help you if you want to take the boxes upstairs, as even before assembly they are cumbersome.

The same can be said for building the desk. This is very much a two-person job, and you need to be extremely careful not to shatter the glass panel on the desktop. Once it is built, however, it is very robust, and I am confident that it will stay stable due to weeks of regular use. It is also easy to build thanks to printed instructions that clearly outline what you need to do.

If you have a bigger setup than me and require cable management, the desk does feature some. Underneath the desk are five slots for you to organize your cables, securely fastened in when you assemble the desk. It's hidden away. Due to my minimal setup, I only have one cable running through this, the one that's connected to the desk itself, but it can handle the wiring associated with a more complex PC setup.

(Image credit: Future / Lucy Buglass)

The desk also easily converts to a standing one thanks to a touchscreen console on the front of the desk. It is easy to use, and there wasn't any stiffness or delay in converting the desk between the seated and standing positions.

I really can't fault the performance, and in my experience, this is a solid desk that's very nice to use every day. It feels professional and well put together, and everything operates as it should.

(Image credit: Future / Lucy Buglass)Should I buy the Eureka Ergonomic Wonder Glowing Glass Desk?Buy it if…

You want something different
The twinkling light effect is different from your average desk; everyone who has visited my home wanted to try out the touch-activated lighting themselves.

You want something spacious, but not domineering
The desk comfortably fits in my attic office, and there's enough room for my partner's desk too. It doesn't take over the entire room.

Don't buy it if…

You want a lot of storage space
The desk comes with a relatively small drawer, so if you have a lot of accessories and stationery, this might not be for you.

You need a budget-friendly desk
This falls under the premium category, and you may feel that it isn't worth the investment.

Also consider

Not keen on the Eureka Ergonomic Wonder Glowing Glass Desk? Here’s one cheaper gaming desk (without standing conversion) to consider and a much more budget-friendly standing desk.

Eureka Ergonomic Wonder Glowing Glass Desk

Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave

Flexispot E7

Price

$899 - $999 /

$599.99 /

$340 / £360 / AU$420

Height

29.5in ~ 47.25in / 74.93cm ~ 120cm

30in / 76cm

22.8-48.4in / 58-123cm

Load capacity

220lbs / 100kg

200lbs / 90kg

275lbs / 125kg

Material

Frosted Glass /Thermofoil top frame, Alloy Steel, Carbon Steel base frame

Steel, tempered glass

Steel

Dimensions

29.5in ~ 47.25in x 23.625in x 47.25in / 74.93cm ~ 120 cm x 60cm x 120cm

60 x 40in / 152 x 102cm

43.3-74.8 x 26.7 x 22.8-48.4in / 110-190 x 68 x 58-123cm

Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave
If you're keen to try Eureka Ergonomic but don't have the budget for the Wonder Glowing Desk, the GTG Wave is a great option for those who love RGB and a sleek finish. It is not a standing desk, but ideal for gaming.

For more information, check out our full Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave reviewView Deal

Also consider the Flexispot E7
If you want something similar to the Eureka Ergonomic Wonder Glowing Glass Desk that doesn’t break the bank, consider the Flexispot E7. It’s a standing desk that performs excellently and comes in a wide range of color options.

For more information, check out our full Flexispot E7 reviewView Deal

How I tested the Eureka Ergonomic Wonder Glowing Glass Desk

• Used as my main desk
• Tested over multiple weeks
• Extensive work and play

I used the Eureka Ergonomic Wonder Glowing Glass Desk as my main desk for two months for this review. In that time, I played a huge variety of games on my gaming laptop, and I also did everyday work on my MacBook Air while sitting adn standing at it.

I spent a lot of time playing around with the lights and trying out the different settings, as well as testing it out in both its seated and standing modes.

First reviewed June-August 2026.

Read more about how we test

Standing desks boast a variety of comfort and long-term health benefits over sitting in your chair all day, and if you’re looking for one that won’t just serve as a simple desk but a command center for your setup — be it for working from home, content creation, or gaming, or a mixture of all three — you’ll love the Eureka Ergonomic Aero Pro, and it's one of the best standing desks we've tested.

I’ve been testing it for the past couple of months, and this frankly giant station has all the space you could need. My previous gaming desk always felt too cramped, whereas now I have more freedom than I know what to do with. To this end, while the Aero Pro is just fine as a desk only one person will use, it feels especially good for a shared space — I have enough room for all my gear, and whenever I’m not working from home, my partner has been able to easily set up her laptop to work without needing to shove my gear out the way.

Despite its size, this desk feels supremely stable, even at its max height. I’ve gone as far as to shake the desk a fair amount, and I never had any fear it would collapse and destroy my home setup.

Adjusting the desk’s height is as easy as pushing a button to control the electric motors, and with memory presets it’s no trouble at all to adjust the desk between your preferred settings.

My only gripes are that the lighting it boasts is a tad lackluster and that the price, while more than reasonable for what you get, pushes this desk firmly out of the affordable tier. The size is also something of a double-edged sword — the Aero Pro can consume a more compact room.

That said, if you're looking to pick up a standing desk that’s spacious enough for pretty much any setup, and will encourage you to not stay seated all day, then the Eureka Ergonomic Aero Pro is one to keep your eyes on.

(Image credit: Future / Hamish Hector)Eureka Ergonomic Aero Pro: Price and Availability

• Prices start at $619 (around £460 / AU$865)
• Only available in the US, but does ship to the UK
• Multiple sizes and material choices available

Premium gaming desks, especially standing desks, don’t come cheap, but the Eureka Ergonomic Aero Pro comes in at a decidedly mid-range price point despite its impressive size and useful features.

The more affordable 63"x23" size option will set you back $619 (around £460 / AU$865), while the larger 72"x23" model I’ve been testing starts at $799 (around £595 / AU$1,115) — with solid wood designs costing more than the MDF alternatives if you’re after something with a little extra style and durability.

The larger size doesn’t just boast more main desk space; it comes with a pull-out under-shelf for your keyboard and mouse, which offers added ergonomic comfort — otherwise both designs are identical in terms of their shape.

As for availability, Eureka Ergonomics primarily sells to the United States, though they do have retail partners in the UK and select European companies — unfortunately, they don’t sell their desks in Australia, so you’re out of luck there for the Aero Pro and the company’s other designs.

• Value score: 4.5/5

Eureka Ergonomic Aero Pro: Specs

Eureka Ergonomic Aero Pro

Price

$799 (around £595 / AU$1,115)

Height

29.5-48in / 75-122cm

Load capacity

220lbs / 100kg

Material

Alloy Steel frame, wood top material

Dimensions (H x W x D)

29.5-48in x 72in x 30in / 75-122cm x 183cm x 76.2cm

(Image credit: Future / Hamish Hector)Eureka Ergonomic Aero Pro: Design

• Lots of usable space across multiple levels
• Shelves for up to a three monitor setup
• Lighting is a let down

The wing-shaped Aero Pro from Eureka Ergonomics feels at times less like a standing desk and more like a standing station — especially if you opt for the larger 72x23 inch model I’ve been testing. The huge size is more than you could ever need for gaming, working, or streaming, and the winged shape’s slight curve immerses you in your chosen setup (though it’s in an approachable way, rather than seeming like your desk might swallow you whole).

What compounds the sense of spaciousness this desk provides is that not only are you treated to a massive main desk space — which offers plenty of room for a laptop, a desktop music setup, your notebooks, or a playmat for an online TCG match — but you also have a trio of monitor shelves at your disposal.

These are ideal for, well, monitors but also your PC speakers, or something like a streaming setup. I have a dual-monitor setup across two, with my mic, prompter and light attached to the third shelf. On smaller desks this practical but busy setup has felt crowded, but with the Aero Pro I have it all set up neatly with plenty of room left over — my desk feels usable, not cluttered.

This spaciousness also means the desk can easily serve as a shared space. I don’t mean two people using it at once, but when I’ve not been working from home, my partner has found she can come and use this standing desk with no trouble; there’s all the room she could need to set up her laptop without needing to disassemble or move my gear. When I come home, I can just close the laptop lid and get back to using my PC.

Part of this lack of clutter is helped by the larger Aero Pro model’s other upgrade: its fourth shelf. This adjustable one slides out from underneath the desk and is ideal for your keyboard and mouse. I’ve found it helps me find the comfort sweet spot for my PC peripherals, and again keeps the main desk clutter-free.

(Image credit: Future / Hamish Hector)

Whichever size you choose, the Aero Pro comes with a couple of extra design features that range from just fine to very useful. Under the desk you’ll find a hanging controller station on the left which supports a pair of handsets, a cupholder on the right for which I have yet to find a cup/mug/glass that it isn’t an ideal size for, and a pair of brackets which are a massive help for cable management — I use them to support my monitor’s power cable bricks.

Speaking of, I appreciated the various cable management solutions the desk comes with. My current setup isn’t perfect, but I have plenty of tools to make it better, and the only part I feel I’m missing is a bracket to hang my desktop from the desk so that the changing height doesn’t put as much strain on my HDMI cables.

On the desk itself are a pair of small troughs which are perfect for propping up a phone or tablet. Plus, with the small holes in the bottom to run a USB-C cable through, you can charge your gadget up while it’s docked in the desk.

(Image credit: Future / Hamish Hector)

Lastly, there’s under-shelf lighting, though it’s nothing to write home about. It’s a tad annoying to turn/off or change, and even when you do get it working, the lighting isn’t all that bright — limiting their usefulness and aesthetic appeal.

When it comes to assembling this desk, the instructions are easy enough to follow, but I’d highly recommend building this desk in as clear a space as possible, and with a second pair of hands.

I did successfully build this desk entirely on my own without the need for any additional equipment — all of the tools you’ll need come in the Aero Pro’s box. However, I wish I’d given myself more space to assemble this beast and had an extra hand for a couple of portions of the build. (especially when flipping the desk over).

• Design score: 5/5

(Image credit: Future / Hamish Hector)Eureka Ergonomic Aero Pro: Features

• Adjustable height between 29.5 and 48-inches
• Quiet yet speedy electric motor
• Three memory options you can set to your preferred heights

Of course, the core feature of a standing desk is that it can be raised or lowered so you can use it sitting in a gaming chair or while standing upright. For the Eureka Ergonomic Aero Pro, its lowest height is 29.5 inches, while the max height is 48 inches.

To change the height, there’s an electric motor that is controlled with a simple panel. The Plus and Minus buttons raise or lower the desk height gradually between its extremes, and there’s a trio of memory options which can be set to three preferred heights — and pressing one of these options after it's set will see the Aero Pro automatically adjust itself to the current position.

If you’re worried about squashing anything under your desk, there’s a built-in safety sensor that, based on my testing, works effectively at detecting any obstructions. If the Aero Pro does bump into anything, it will retreat to a safe height so you can make necessary adjustments before telling it to descend again.

Plus the motor is fairly quiet. There's a noticeable whir when it goes, but it’s not especially loud or grating. Though if anyone does find it annoying, the desk’s adjustments are at least fairly speedy.

(Image credit: Future / Hamish Hector)

• Feature score: 4/5

Should I buy the Eureka Ergonomic Aero Pro?Buy it if…

You want a great standing desk at a reasonable price
This mid-range standing desk option is solid value for money given its size and feature set

You don’t need fancy aesthetics
This desk is curved, but otherwise boasts a classic look that I adore.

You need space
If your desk setup snakes other stations feel overcrowded, the Aero Pro could be the spacious solution you’ve been after.

Don’t buy it if…

You love gamer glow
If your gaming setup must be infused with RGB glow in every way, this desk’s lighting might not be what you’re after.

You have a small office
This desk’s large size is a blessing and a curse. In smaller offices it will take over the room.

Also consider…

Eureka Ergonomic Aero Pro

Corsair Platform:4

Secretlab Magnus Pro

Price

$799 (around £595 / AU$1,115)

$699.99 / £799.99 / around AU$1,600 or $899.99 / £999.99 (Elevate) / around AU$2,000

$799 / £770

Height

29.5-48in / 75-122cm

29in / 74cm (up to 48in / 122cm Elevate)

25.6-49.2in / 65-125cm

Load capacity

220lbs / 100kg

330lbs / 150kg

264.6lbs / 120kg

Material

Alloy Steel frame, wood top material

Steel, laminate / birchwood

Steel, wood fiberboard

Dimensions

29.5-48in x 72in x 30in / 75-122cm x 183cm x 76.2cm

29in / 74cm x 47in / 120cm x 30in / 76cm

59.1 x 27.6 x 25.6-49.2in / 150 x 70 x 65-125cm

Corsair Platform:4
The ultimate high-end gaming desk, ideal for creators and those who crave high-quality materials and Elgato support. It's expensive, yes, but the functionality feels almost endless.

For more information, check out our full Corsair Platform:4 review

Secretlab Magnus Pro
A rival for the Platform:4, but in a Secretlab package? Probably, with exceptional cable management, a great built-in controller, sleek and professional, and with a ton of magnetic accessories, it's seriously slick.

For more information, check out our full Secretlab Magnus Pro review

How I tested the Eureka Ergonomic Aero Pro Standing Desk

I used this desk in my home office over a couple of months, relying on it every day for my work, PC gaming, and other desk needs. My partner also shares this office with her own desk, and so I got a sense of how it fits into a more compact space — which is to say, it can take over a room.

As I mentioned earlier in my review, I made sure to assemble this desk entirely on my own to get a sense of how easy/difficult the task is: it’s doable, but getting your partner/housemate/a buddy to lend a hand will make the process a lot smoother.

First reviewed May 2026

Read more about how we test

Fosi Audio Merak: Review

First things first: the Fosi Audio Merak is not as portable a CD player as you might think by looking at it. Obviously it’s small (28 x 150 x 150mm, HxWxD) and light (less than half a kilogram), but though easily picked up and moved around, it requires mains power to function. So there’s no taking it out and about — unless you also take a powerbank with you, of course. No, the Merak is designed for slotting into an external system or for private domestic listening via headphones.

It manages both of these things thanks to a selection of analog and digital outputs. On the device's front, along with some physical controls and a rather small OLED display, there’s a 3.5mm headphone socket powered by Texas Instruments TPA6120 amplification. But it’s on the rear of the machine where the bulk of the action is.

As well as a 3.5mm line-level analog output, there’s a digital optical socket — so you can connect the Fosi Audio to a system either by letting the player do all the digital-to-analog conversion work, or by bypassing its Cirrus Logic CS4313 DAC chipset altogether. There’s also a USB-C slot for powering the player, a 12v trigger output for use in an appropriate system output, a slider to turn the electronic anti-shock protection on and off, and a USB-A slot.

The USB-A connection functions in both directions. You can plug in an appropriate flash drive and play digital audio files of many types, including FLAC, MP3 and WAV. Or you can load in a CD, plug in a flash drive, let the player know what you’re up to and then rip the CD as lossless 16bit/44.1kHz WAV files.

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

‘Letting the player know what you’re up to’ can be done in different ways. Six buttons on the front handle ‘power on/off’, ‘play/pause’ and ‘skip (or scroll) forwards or backwards’. They also allow you to scroll through your options for playback (‘repeat’, ‘shuffle’ or ‘sequential’), output mode (digital, analog or headphones) and begin or end CD ripping.

Eventually you’ll commit the number and length of button presses required to access these functions — or you could just use the little remote control handset that’s supplied. It’s slightly less convoluted than the button controls, and has some numerical buttons for direct track access, too.

The volume control, though, is no kind of chore to operate. It’s a big slider along the side of the player, finished in Fosi Audio’s customary orange, and it’s one of the more gratifying physical controls I’ve encountered lately.

Loading a disc is a fully manual process. The lid, which has a nice clear porthole the exact size of a CD, lifts and then it’s just a question of pushing the disc onto the central spindle securely. The lid's hinges feel robust, and the overall standard of build and finish is more than adequate in the context of the asking price.

With a disc of Fusa Riot by Bobby Hughes Experience loaded and playing, the Merak doesn’t take long to establish its credentials as an energetic, positive and quite revealing listen. At the top of the frequency range, in fact, it’s about as positive as it dares to be — there’s a lot of bite and shine to treble sounds, but somehow the Fosi Audio manages to stop just short of hardness or edginess. The midrange communicates well, with the notable levels of detail retrieval making voices sound articulate and characterful. At the bottom of the frequency range there’s a reasonable amount of body and substance, but where the Merak is very assertive at the top end, it plays things fractionally safe where bass is concerned. Low frequencies could easily have a little more impact and drive, but rhythms are nevertheless expressed well thanks to good control of bass attack.

It creates a nicely defined soundstage, and is open enough to allow emphasis for spaces as well as occurrences on the stage. Focus is good, too, no matter if you’re listening through headphones or with the Fosi Audio plugged into a wider system, and there’s sufficient dynamic headroom for a fairly full account of the distance between the most and the least intense passages in a recording.

Take the digital-to-analog duties away from the Fosi Audio by plugging it into an external DAC using its digital optical output and it’s possible to calm the excitable treble response just a little, but the switch also emphasizes just how adept the Merak’s Cirrus Logic circuitry is when it comes to identifying, revealing and contextualizing even the finer details contained on a CD.

And it’s also pretty impressive when it comes to ripping CDs — getting a 16bit/44.1kHz WAV file of your music onto an external USB drive is straightforward. I endured one or two false starts in the course of my testing, but ultimately the copies are faithful and of enjoyable high quality.

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)Fosi Audio Merak review: Price and release date

• Released on April 10, 2026
• $139 / £129 (approx.) / about AU$199

The Fosi Audio Merak CD player is on sale now, and in the the United States it sells for $129. It goes for around £139 in the United Kingdom, while in Australia it will set you back around AU$199.

Fosi Audio Merak review: Value

If you’re after a truly portable listening experience then the Fosi Audio Merak offers no kind of value whatsoever.

If, however, you want an affordable method of bringing CD-playing smarts to your existing audio system, or fancy being able to listen to your CD collection via headphones without having to plug into a full-size system, the Merak has plenty going for it before you even consider the quality of sound it’s capable of producing.

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)Should you buy the Fosi Audio Merak?Buy it if...

You have an existing system (or headphones)
The Fosi has plenty of digital and analog outputs and offers an easy plug-in-and-play option to insert into your current system. And it's just as simple to listen to your CD collection at home via your headphones, without bothering with your existing stack.

You want to go lossless
A USB-A connection that works both ways means you can plug in a flash drive to play digital audio files of various types – FLAC, MP3 and WAV included – or even load a CD and rip as lossless 16bit/44.1kHz WAV files.

You enjoy an energetic listen
There's real bite and shine to the top end of the frequency range, with detailed midrange, to deliver a positive and revealing sound.

Don't buy it if...

You prize portability
Unless you bring a powerbank with you, listening to the Fosi Audio Merak on the go isn't possible. This is especially strange when you consider its small size.

You like big bass
The Fosi lacks impact and is a little lightweight in the low end, generally playing things just slightly too safe.

You don't like using remote controls
First things first, the remote control here is not the issue – it's easy to use and performs every function perfectly. Compare it with the clunky user interface on the front panel, though, and the differences are stark. The latter is convoluted where the remote is relatively intuitive.

Fosi Audio Merak review: How I tested

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

I've been testing audio home entertainment for nearly two decades. Anything that makes a noise, I want to listen to it.

I sat down with the Fosi Audio Merak at home – it needs mains power or a powerbank, remember – and connected it up to my existing system and my market-leading Sennheiser IE 900 wired headphones. It had the best of the best.

Over more than two weeks' testing, I listened to music of various different genres via CDs (obviously) and lossless digital audio files through an external flash drive.

Read more about how we test

• First reviewed: August 2026

The Creality Sermoon P1 is a handheld 3D scanner and follows similar use lines to the superb Sermoon S1 that I looked at earlier in the year. However, unlike the S1, it can be used in isolation: no wires, no need for a computer; everything needed from the scan to the display is held within one small, portable box.

This includes the initial capture, point-cloud fusion, mesh creation, editing, and multi-scan merging, all of which can be handled on the device, which is impressive considering the amount of data being captured. Inside is an eight-core Qualcomm processor with 24GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, and the scans appear on a six-inch Full HD touchscreen.

The fact that everything is contained makes a difference to the user compared with wired models. When I reviewed the Sermon S1 earlier this year, the biggest limitation I had was the Y-cable connecting the S1 to the computer, especially when I knocked it mid-scan. As the P1 essentially has an onboard computer and no wires, this isn’t an issue.

Of course, this does mean that the P1 is heavier at 830g compared to the S1's 508g, but shaped a little like an oversized game controller, the shape and extra weight really aren’t an issue when you have that freedom to walk around an object without watching out for the cable catching.

Compared with the Sermon S1, the P1 is a complete device with a scanner and screen that lets you see the scanning process without needing to be constantly connected to a computer or a power source.

There are essentially two scanning modes: blue laser with lines that sweep across the object to be scanned and require markers to be stuck to the object, and then IR for objects where markers can’t be stuck; the scanning quality is also a small step up from the S1, although through the test I’d say they were actually pretty much on a par.

Physically, the large game-controller design of the handset, with its two substantial grips, makes it easy to handle, and at 830g, it’s thankfully not to weighty. As the device is completely standalone, it’s powered by a swappable 3,300mAh battery, with the kit including two; each charges to 80% in 50 minutes.

As you scan, everything is shown on the touchscreen, which is bright and responsive. While the screen is glossy and does show reflections, they weren’t too much and remained easy to see throughout scanning.

Like the Sermon S1, the scanning technique was still the sticking point; it was a test. Again, preparation is important to give yourself a good chance of a decent scan, and pumping light into the screen is also key.

Using the blue lasers to scan, after the initial calibration, marker placement, lighting, and placing marker cubes around the object helped with getting a successful scan. So did elevating on transparent blocks, all helped with the success of the scan.

While having everything in the handset is a step forward, the most significant feature here, as with all scanners, is a slow, methodical approach.

Creality Sermoon P1: Price and Availability

The Sermoon P1 is available direct from Creality in the US for $3299, and in the UK, the Creality store has it in stock for £2799.

You can also pick up the 3D scanner along with bundled items such as an automatic turntable and scanning markers. Depending on your use-case and workflow, they're well worth checking out.

Creality Sermoon P1: Design

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The P1 features a compact, game controller-like body with a grip on either side and a large touchscreen. The weight is actually pretty modest at 830g, and it feels solid enough with its rubberised plastic exterior, which suggests it was designed for use out in the field as well as in the studio.

The six-inch touchscreen is where things really differ from the other handheld 3D scanners I’ve used, as it lets you control object scanning and editing without a computer connection. However, a data connection is still available if needed.

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Handling the device around an object is easier than with the wired 3D scanner, and the grips make it easy to handle and manoeuvre, although I still find that using a turntable is the best solution.

One of the issues with a wireless handheld device is that the batteries will inevitably drain. Thankfully, Creality has designed this so the battery can be swapped out, with two pinch clips embedded in it that make it relatively easy to remove when needed. More importantly, they lock firmly into place so there is no possibility of the battery coming out at any point.

The feature that I was pleased to see, despite this being a handheld device, is the 1/-inch thread on the base. This means it will fit a rig if you have one and will actually make the whole scanning process far less painful for many objects. I also found that using a turntable is a must for higher-quality scans.

• Design: 5/5

Creality Sermoon P1: Features

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)Specs

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

CPU: Qualcomm eight-core processor, up to 3.36GHz, with FPGA acceleration
Graphics: Adreno 740 GPU
RAM: 24GB LPDDR5X
Storage: 256GB UFS 4.0
Left Ports: USB-C
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, wired USB-C to PC, wireless PC scanning
Audio: Integrated speaker for onboard guidance
Camera: Four-lens scanning system with global-shutter RGB colour camera
Size: 209 x 129 x 53mm
Weight: 830g
OS Installed: Creality onboard scanning and mesh-processing software; companion software for Windows and macOS
Display: Six-inch Full HD touchscreen, 160-degree viewing angle
Battery: Two hot-swappable 3,300mAh batteries, 65W PD 3.0, 80% in 50 minutes
Scanning technologies: 22 cross blue laser lines, seven parallel lines, single blue line, dual NIR VCSEL
Claimed accuracy: Up to 0.02mm laser, up to 0.075mm NIR
Volumetric accuracy: 0.02mm + 0.06mm/m
3D resolution: 0.05- 2 mm blue laser, 0.1- 2 mm NIR
Scan volume: 5 x 5 x 5mm up to 4,000 x 4,000 x 4,000mm
Maximum speed: Up to 60fps standalone, 100fps connected to a PC

A big feature of this and several other Creality 3D scanners is the dual light source, which enables different scanning technologies to be used depending on what you’re scanning.

The blue lasers, which are my preferred method of scanning, handle precise geometry. At the same time, dual NIR VCSEL projectors cover larger or more organic subjects, and the scanner switches between them rather than just using one.

As with the S1, there are three blue-laser modes that you can use to cover different types of jobs. The most common object, and the one to start with, is the 22 crossed lines that enable you to scan-sweep large surfaces quickly. Then there are the 7 parallel lines that capture more detailed features. Finally, there’s the single line, which can be used to probe deep into scanning holes, gaps, and recesses. Creality quotes a depth-to-diameter ratio of up to 5:1, tested on a 29.08mm pipe at a depth of 152.31mm; in the test, this was enough to reach the bottom of the coffee cup without issue.

Two features change from the Creality Sermoon S1 I reviewed. The fast mode drops from 34 crossed lines to 22, while volumetric accuracy improves from 0.02mm + 0.08mm/m to 0.02mm + 0.06mm/m. Fewer lines with better-stated accuracy should mean that the wider field of view is doing the work

The fact that the P1 has been designed as a standalone device means that all 3D scanning and modelling is processed internally.

When I first got started with the P1, I had to run through a similar calibration process that takes between 5 and 10 minutes, and during the test I found that it was best to recalibrate at each new location.

In use, its small internal eight-core Qualcomm processor, Adreno 740 graphics with FPGA acceleration, 24GB of memory, and 256GB of storage enable capture, point-cloud fusion, mesh editing, and multi-scan merging, all running on the device.

If you do want to connect to a PC, you still can with three options: wireless or wired PC, with Wi-Fi 7 handling the wireless link.

Alongside the 3D scanning, surface texture is captured using a global-shutter RGB camera and 12 white LEDs, which together record surface colour.

If you have used 3D scanners before, you’ll be used to scanning spray. Here, Creality states that blue-laser modes capture dark and metallic surfaces without requiring a spray scan. However, some reflective surfaces will still benefit.

• Features: 4.5/5

Creality Sermoon P1: Performance

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The Sermoon P1 arrives in a semi-hard case rather than the plastic waterproof cases that I’ve seen with previous Creality 3D scanners, which is a bit of a shame in some respects. However, it still keeps everything neatly packed in one case and, of course, offers protection during transport.

Before getting started, the 3D scanner needs to be calibrated. For some, this process will be fast and straightforward, while for others, adjusting the angle and moving the scanner up and down to align with the points on the 6-inch screen can be surprisingly challenging.

For the glass calibration chart, place it flat on the table and follow the on-screen instructions, such as aligning the markers by repositioning the handset. The first run of this takes some time and can be tricky; however, as I found during the test, regular recalibration is a good idea, and the more often you calibrate, the quicker it becomes.

Once calibration is complete, you can start scanning. I've found that starting with small objects is always the best place to begin, then gradually increase as your familiarity with the scanning process improves. I’ll also point out that 3D scanning is a skill, not something that you can just do out of the box. The first 10 attempts will more than likely be a disaster.

From experience, I know that a methodical approach works, and diving in headfirst almost always ends up in disaster. However, diving in headfirst is exactly where I decided to start, and with the first scan of whatever came to hand, I selected Infrared. I also just left it on the desk next to me and started the process.

Usually, this would be an instant fail; however, I was surprised that, on the first pass, the quality was usable, though not perfect. With a bit of mesh fixing and filling the hole in the bottom of the mesh, I’d managed quite a decent scan that would be perfectly printable on the K2.

I then noted at the bottom of the screen the “Colour Mapping”; clicking this, the texture from the mug was applied, which was even more impressive. What the scan and application of the mapping showed was that the light levels were a little low, so the graphics of the print looked duller than I would have liked - a good place to start, with the Original PRUSA INDX waiting in the wings for a full test.

I switched to the blue lasers, then grabbed the Chilli water bottle and covered it with markers. This didn’t go so well, and try as I might, I just couldn’t get a scan. This was also surprising as it’s usually the other way round.

However, this is where the methodical approach comes in: placing marker blocks around the bottle, elevating it onto transparent blocks, and placing it on a turntable with decent lighting suddenly showed what was actually possible.

I then selected a range of smaller objects and used the Infrared and Blue lasers to scan, switching between the line mode in the Blue Laser and the Object type in the Infrared.

The first point about the scanning process is that this is far easier to handle than the Sermoon S1 that I had looked at previously, and while it still takes some skill, I’m at about 50% after a few months' practice; this design definitely makes things easier, although still not quite perfect.

The screen's scan quality looked excellent, and what I really liked was the in-Studio workflow. Essentially, after scanning a few objects, I sat back in the studio, ready to download the models, which I expected would be a bit of a process.

However, using the provided USB cable, I plugged it into my MacBook Pro M1 Max, clicked through the usual authorisations, and loaded CrealityScan. When I plugged it in, I got the option to choose between Data Sharing and Scan Connection. You can then connect and share the files to the desktop software.

During the test on the Mac, the wired connection didn’t seem to work at all; however, it worked smoothly on the PC, whereas the Wi-Fi connection was straightforward, although you do need to switch your computer's Wi-Fi connection to the Wi-Fi hotspot of the Sermoon P1 even if both devices are connected to the same wireless network.

Checking over the scan, for the majority of objects, while there is some smoothing of finer textures, the detail is surprisingly good. What really stands out is the dimensions of the objects scanned; they remain one-to-one, so you get an exact scale match to whatever you're scanning.

I also really like the texture mapping; with the filament-mixing features of the latest multi-tool 3D printers, it suddenly becomes especially interesting. Although I haven’t as yet had much success, the potential here is massive.

Once again, the main issue I had was with the tracking, and despite having plenty of markers around and over the object, I had to be focused and methodical with the scans to get the results I expected. Again, practice is needed.

There were also times when the blue light scan would just lose the object or report not enough markers, even when things were covered.

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

What I really liked about the Yuse, however, was the fact that everything is in one place and in a far more portable form. The fact that you can take two scans of an object and blend them on-site quickly makes a massive difference.

Again, the frame rate and scanning techniques really come into play with many objects, and the auto-switching of scanning modes didn’t tend to deliver exactly what I expected; it was only my prior knowledge that enabled me to get the decent scans I wanted for this review.

What I will say is that, while Creality has worked on the user guide, it’s still a little clunky; a better getting-started guide is definitely needed, as the potential of these machines is now massive.

At the start of the test one of my big worries was that the internal processing was going to be slow, but actually from the scanning to editing the speed is actually pretty decent, there are some pauses in the scanning, which I get from the desktop version as well, but the process is quite smooth and this is a big step forward for the technology but also the ease of scanning.

• Performance: 4.5 / 5

Creality Sermoon P1: Final verdict

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The Sermoon P1 is a step forward in 3D scanning technology, and after some time spent mainly practising the techniques, I am impressed by its capabilities. The initial scans showed a flip in the ease of scanning wth trhe different techniques. Infrared, which I usually fail to scan with any real success, worked well, whereas I had initial issues with the Fine blue-laser modes.

However, stepping back and being more methodical about the process again yielded the results I expected, and what impressed me was the speed of the onboard processing and the scanner's flexibility, which didn’t require a direct connection to a machine. This also made it easier to scan in various places.

As I looked through the scans, the quality can be excellent, but this really depends on you and the time you put into it. When I reviewed the Creality Sermoon S1, the verdict came down to a steep learning curve, and the P1 does circumvent some of the issues that I had with that scanner.

The cable and the laptop are essentially gone, unless you need them. When it comes to the calibration, marker placement, lighting and coverage, all remain much the same.

The Sermoon P1 really does make sense if you’re moving between the workshop and a client's site where setting up a tethered rig takes more time than the scanning itself. The purchase price once again keeps it out of hobbyists' hands, but as the technology advances, this will, of course, change.

As it is, if you put in the time and take things step by step, this has huge potential.

Should you buy the Creality Sermoon P1?

Value:

Professional capability at a professional price, with a cheaper sibling close behind

4

Design:

Exceptional hybrid scanning and a genuinely standalone workflow

5

Features:

Fast and stable in use, pending full measured results

4.5

Performance:

Impressive when the preparation process is right. Steep learning curve, but results improve with practice.

4.5

Total:

The most self-contained scanner at this level

4.5

Buy it if...

You scan small engineered parts.

For reverse engineering, inspection, or digital archiving, the blue-laser modes capture sharp geometry, deepish holes, and fine surface detail without tethering the scanner to a computer.

You work on site rather than at a bench.

Swappable batteries, onboard storage, and a responsive screen let you capture, process, inspect, and export a model anywhere, removing the need for a laptop onsite.

Don't buy it if...

Your scanner lives next to a PC.

If you scan at a fixed bench, the Sermoon S1 currently sells for a lot less and delivers comparable scan quality.

You need production-ready colour textures.

Geometry is this scanner's strength rather than colour, and inconsistent lighting around the object produces visible exposure issues.

For more crafting essentials, I've also tested out the best 3D printers and best laser engravers