TechRadar Reviews

Pokémon Legends: Z-A feels like a mega evolution for the franchise.

It draws on elements from the core series of games, the battle mechanics ripped from the anime, the exploration and freedom pioneered by Legends: Arceus, and a story focus that I feel we haven’t seen since the Gamecube’s XD: Gale of Darkness – which, alongside its predecessor Colosseum, are my two favorite Pokémon titles.

REVIEW INFO

Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2
Available on: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
Release date: October 16, 2025

The final concoction produces a game that lands perfectly between familiar and fresh. It’s so delightfully moreish, I have struggled to rip myself away to write this review – or really do anything else other than play it since being sent my copy to try ahead of the game’s launch.

While there are a few areas where Legends: Z-A narrowly missed the mark – namely, difficulty scaling, there’s some battle bugginess, and Lumiose City isn’t quite varied enough to carry a whole game on its back – Legends: Z-A is easily the best Pokémon game I’ve played in years. I’d go as far as to say that this title might be the best since Mega Evolution was last seen in a mainline game.

My hope is that we see the series lean more deeply into what makes Z-A excellent, as with only a few minor tweaks, its formula could be perfect rather than near-perfect.

The best city there ever was

Visiting Lumiose City – the largest in the Kalos region – for a vacation, the player character is drafted in to help save it from a phenomenon known as Rogue Mega Evolution, which sees wild pokémon randomly mega evolve and cause havoc without a trainer (which shouldn’t be possible).

There’s also brewing tension between the people of Lumiose and Quasartico Inc., a technology firm renovating the city and introducing new Wild Zones – spaces in the streets which have been converted into safe havens for wild pokémon (allowing you to find and catch a pokédex worthy array of critters without ever leaving the city).

(Image credit: Future / The Pokémon Company)

While I love the Wild Zones, and generally exploring rooftops, looking in trees, and delving into all sorts of hidden spaces to find new additions to my pokédex, the folks of Lumiose are not too pleased with their streets and parks being taken over by dangerous wild ‘mons.

When Legends: Z-A was announced, like many, I was skeptical that a single city could support a whole adventure, but it almost does.

There’s a lot more of Lumiose to explore since the last time we visited – I mean a lot, lot more – and its densely packed streets are filled with shops, side quests, parkour challenges, and the aforementioned wild pokémon, making it feel like a much more bustling space than any Pokémon game city has ever felt before.

Though the city can start to feel a little samey once you’re many hours into your journey.

The wild zones do mix things up, but they aren’t quite large enough to feel like truly distinct biomes – I’d love it if varied habitats much more drastically changed the landscape, or added a good range of exploration challenges to the space they overtake. This way, the map could feel like it evolves drastically as time goes on and would help sell the idea that Lumiose is being over taken by wild pokémon.

There are some changes, but in my playthrough so far, Lumiose has yet to feel unfamiliar.

Another minor gripe here: I wish the pokédex did a better job of highlighting specifically where non-Wild-Zone pokémon can be found – as there are a few ‘mons I know I’ve battled on a random rooftop somewhere, but now can’t locate again for the life of me.

(Image credit: Nintendo)Battle time

Another departure for the game is its approach to battling – a core component of the franchise which has remained practically unchanged since its introduction all the way back in Red and Blue.

Much like Legends: Arceus, you are as much a part of the fight as your partners – take too many hits and you’ll be knocked out. However, the big change is rather than the usual turn-based affair, fights are now real-time.

You can select moves as quickly as they cool down – each attack has its own timer – and this allows for more aggressive as well as more reactive defensive tactics. You can spam damaging moves in quick succession with a faster ‘mon, or you could hold up a Protect to defend against a finishing blow as your foe goes to launch it rather than wasting it on a weaker or set-up move where it wouldn’t be as useful.

(Image credit: Future / The Pokémon Company)

There’s also some level of positioning. Based on where the player moves, your pokémon will follow – perhaps moving out of the way of attacks, which are now not only categorised as either physical or special, but also in how they materialise in different ways, such as ranged attacks, melee range attacks, charge attacks, and area of effect attacks.

With the debut of Pokémon Champions, the competitive scene will still focus on classic turn-based fights, but with Legends: Z-A’s online connectivity and a couple of battling competitions already planned, I am excited to see what new metas can be derived from this more anime-like approach to battle.

I do hope we see it return; however, I do think the battling needs two tweaks. For a start, I wish the type of attack (melee, ranged, etc) a move is was shown in the attack description to help remind me when I’m outfitting my Pokémon with its move pool – my current approach is somewhat trial and error.

I also found that because battles can happen anywhere, sometimes the environment causes some positioning bugs, including a Pokémon lining up for a ranged attack when a foe is much too far away, or Pokémon getting stuck on geometry, causing them to fight a wall rather than move to actually seek out their intended target.

Here I’ll throw in a mention of the Z-A Royale, this title’s alternative to the classic Gym Challenge. Instead of seeking out eight Gym Leaders for a badge, players must instead fight opponents in Battle Zones set up each night in Lumiose to earn a challenger ticket, to then take on a promotion match in order to progress to a new rank – starting at Z, and ending at A.

(Image credit: Future / The Pokémon Company)

Progressing through the 26 ranks is far less tedious than I thought it might be, and the Battle Zones keep me coming back every night.

That’s because to build up points (and cash to afford the game’s wide array of mega stones), you must not only win fights but also complete optional challenges, which ask you to use specific moves or tactics in battle.

This shift away from Gym Leaders also helps to keep your opponents generally feeling more varied, as even if they openly have affinity towards a specific type, their teams generally aren’t one-note – meaning you can’t simply sweep with one super effective partner.

Call this a challenge?

Pokémon titles aren’t known for their difficulty, but it’s quite easy to outpace Legends Z-A if, like me, you’re the sort of trainer who’s desperate to complete their pokedex and complete every side mission as it appears.

Even just by pushing yourself that bit further in a Battle Zone (especially with a high-tier Red Canari plush that boosts your EXP) can mean you quickly become 5-10 levels higher than your competition – unless you decide to regularly swap some ‘mons out as you discover new companions for your team.

Being so over-levelled can make standard trainer battles feel somewhat trivial, and I wish there was some kind of difficulty scaling option so that my foes kept pace with me better. Perhaps with larger or higher-level teams.

(Image credit: Future / The Pokémon Company)

At the same time, there are some challenges.

The Rogue Mega Evolution battles feel like proper boss fights, and the structure of wild zone brawls is a free-for-all – that is, if you disrupt five wild pokémon, then you’ll be faced with a five-on-one battle. In these boss and multi-mon brawls, it becomes apparent that as hardy as your team is, you, as a squishy human, aren’t as resilient.

I’ve not blacked out from my Pokémon being knocked out (so far), but I’ve definitely been bested by my player character being hit too many times while I still had a full team to protect me.

I get it’s a game aimed mostly at younger players so the difficulty can’t spike too high, but as the franchise persists as a game with a fanbase made up of kids and adults alike, and as the series pursues a more open-world design which can easily lead to over exploration and overlevelling, I’m firmly of the belief that difficulty options are more essential than ever.

(Image credit: Nintendo)Let’s get mega

I’ve yet to finish Pokémon Legends Z-A – at the time of writing, I’m about 25 hours into my adventure, and counting – but I’ve yet to discover any new entries to the pokédex.

BEST BIT

(Image credit: Future / The Pokémon Company)

There’s a lot of excellent moments – the mega evolution cinematic, when it plays, is always hype – but I actually just love the music so much in this game. It really sells the changing vibes of Lumiose, and every track is an audio delight.

Perhaps understandable given this title is set in modern-day Kalos only five years after we last visited the region – rather than being somewhere completely new to us, or set in a region we know but in the distant past, like with Hisui in the last Legends game.

Instead, we’re treated to a grand selection of brand-new mega evolutions. Some, like Hawlucha and Victreebel, have been spoiled by trailers, but just know there are plenty more on top of all the megas we already know and love.

I won’t be spoiling how many new megas we’ve got – or which pokémon are lucky enough to receive a new final form – but the picks cover a surprisingly broad range of fan favorites and more niche picks, and every new mega I saw felt like an excellent addition to the lineup.

(Image credit: Future / The Pokémon Company)

There's also one other change to this mechanic. Rather than being able to mega evolve once per battle, and needing to recharge your bracelet at a Pokémon Center, you instead charge up your mega meter over time and can then mega evolve any of your pokémon, provided they have their corresponding mega stone in hand.

I love this change because it allows you to push on with your quests without constantly needing to heal, as well as allowing you to mix up your plans on the fly – even using two megas in one fight if needed.

That said, I did find this meant my teams generally gravitated towards almost exclusively mega stone-wielding ‘mons. A problem only exacerbated by Rogue Mega Evolution battles, which are near impossible to defeat without megas – and it’s not all that convenient to train up new mega pokémon as and when you need them, further cementing your team into one that generally ignores any item that isn’t a mega stone so that you're ready for any challenge.

No spoilers

Much like the new mega pokémon, I’m not about to spoil the game’s plot here, just know that I think it’s really fun.

Legends Z-A isn’t likely to win any awards for narrative design, but it succeeds in every metric for what I want from a Pokémon adventure.

(Image credit: Future / The Pokémon Company)

That is it puts you at the center of the narrative in a way that makes sense; the missions offer a good range of low, medium and high stakes action that keep you on your toes and the adventure feeling varied; and the game doesn’t waste your time at the start – you can get right into the action with thankfully minimal exposition front loaded unlike some recent Pokémon entries (*cough* Pokémon Scarlett / Violet *cough*).

I thought Legends: Arceus was what I always wanted from a Pokémon game, but I was wrong. What I wanted was Pokémon: Legends Z-A.

It finds a way to simultaneously mix things up while gripping perfectly to a few core Pokémon pillars such that the end result can feel very different yet very recognisable all at once.

Yes, there are a few bits of fine-tuning to be done on this new formula, but it’s one that I desperately hope we see more of in the future.

If you’re a Pokémon fanatic like me, who are we kidding, I know you’ve already preordered the game before reading any reviews. Everyone else with a Nintendo Switch 2, however, should definitely consider picking this title up – even if you’re a lapsed fan or never touched a Pokémon game before.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A feels like it could be the dawn of a new era for the series, one where the franchise understands what it wants to and should be – an understanding I sometimes wonder might have been lost since Pokémon games left 2D graphics behind with Pokémon Black 2 and White 2.

I desperately want to see more of what Pokémon Legends: Z-A delivered – and that one announced DLC won’t be enough, I’m certain of it. For now, I’m going to continue to savor this treat while I can, and I look forward to what the next Legends game and the Generation X games will bring when they’re ready.

(Image credit: Future / The Pokémon Company)Should you play Pokémon Legends: Z-A?

You want a fresh take on a Pokémon adventure
Pokémon Legends: Z-A feels like a one-of-a-kind pokémon adventure right now, in all the right ways.

You like limited open-world adventures
This game’s manageable version of an open world is ideal for players who love to explore, but don’t want to try and find every nook and cranny in a map that is far too big for its own good.

You have a Nintendo Switch 2
I’ve tried a lot of what the Nintendo Switch 2 has had to offer so far, and this is easily one of the best games out there for the fledgling system.

Don’t play it if…

You crave a difficult game
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is great, but it isn’t all that difficult, so those looking for a challenge may need to look elsewhere.

You’re a Pokémon purist
While I love the ways Pokémon Legends: Z-A mixes up the formula, if you just want a classic Pokémon game, this isn’t what you’re after.

Accessibility features

Beyond the Switch and Switch 2's built-in accessibility features like text-to-speech, the ability to remap buttons, and to change text size, among a few others, Pokémon Legends: Z-A has no additional accessibility features.

How I tested Pokémon Legends: Z-A

I played Pokémon Legends: Z-A on my Nintendo Switch 2 for 25 hours – which has allowed me to experience a lot of what the game has to offer, including many side quests and a lot of story, though I have yet to roll credits at the time of writing this piece.

I played it in handheld and docked mode using standard Switch 2 hardware – though I do use an 8Bitdo Ultimate 2 controller when I’m playing a Switch 2 game on my TV – spreading my time fairly evenly between each method. The game ran fine throughout all my tests in both modes.

As this is an early preview, none of the online functionality works, but this was the only key feature I wasn't able to try.

First reviewed October 2025

• Buy at Eureka

Eureka RapidWash 730: two-minute review

The Eureka RapidWash 730 is a well engineered wet-and-dry hard floor cleaner that bridges the gap between traditional mopping and modern cordless convenience. Despite its higher-than-average weight and portly posture, this machine sports an excellent steering mechanism for easy maneuverability around furnishings and tight corners. Plus, its split toweled roller quite literally runs from edge to edge for complete cleaning along baseboards – something most of today's best wet and dry vacuums can't manage.

This model also surprises with a level of hard floor cleaning performance that matches the best of the opposition, while its suction power is extremely adept at removing most spilled liquids and debris in a single pass. With tanks large enough for multiple rooms plus 40-minute battery life, this one's an obvious candidate for busy households with extensive hard flooring.

However, while the RapidWash 720's roller provides natural forward momentum when spinning, the excessive 11 lb / 5kg weight of the unit makes it feel heavy when pulling it back. Also, the jury's out on how easy it would be for some users to haul it up a flight of stairs. Noise is another consideration, particularly in Turbo mode or during self-cleaning, where the volume spikes noticeably.

Nevertheless, for those with hard floors who want a single tool for daily debris and spill management, the RapidWash 730 is an effective choice. It saves a lot of time, cleans thoroughly and simplifies maintenance.

(Image credit: Future)Eureka RapidWash 730 review: price & availability

• List price: $499.99
• Available: US, sometimes also Europe

The Eureka RapidWash 730 is predominantly available in the US, with a list price of $499.99. It's available purchase direct from Eureka, or via Amazon. At the latter, I've already spotted it on sale for $400, so you might be able to avoid paying full whack if you're tactical about when you buy.

Although Eureka does have some online presence in the UK, its eureka.com/uk website doesn't list this particular model. Likewise, there is only a smattering of Eureka products at Amazon UK. It has been available in various European countries in the past.

At its premium sticker price of around $500, is the RapidWash 730 good value for money? Not really, though it is unquestionably a very competent hard floor cleaner that performs well at general mopping and collecting large liquid spills. But for my money, there are better deals out there from the likes of Bissell, Ultenic and, of course, global market leader Tineco.

• Value for money score: 3 out of 5

Eureka RapidWash 730 specs

Eureka RapidWash 730

Type:

Cordless wet-and-dry vacuum

Cleaner size (H x L x W):

45.7 x 9.3 x 10.6in / 116 x 23.5 x 27cm

Weight (empty):

11.5 lbs / 5.2kg

Clean water tank volume:

23.67 oz

Dirty water tank volume:

20.28 oz

Max runtime:

40 mins

Recharge time:

4 hrs 16 mins

Wattage:

350W

Suction power:

21,600Pa

Brush roller speed:

500RPM

Self-cleaning water temp:

185F / 85C

Self-drying water temp:

140F / 60C or 176F / 80C

Eureka RapidWash 730 review: design

• Weighty and large wet-and-dry cleaner, with self-clean docking station
• Mop extends the full width of the floorhead
• Very decent maneuverability

Eureka is a brand you don't see much of in the UK or Europe but the US-founded, now Chinese-owned company has a long history in America as a leader floor cleaners. The brand's roster now includes an eclectic range of stick vacs, cylinder vacs, robot vacs, carpet cleaners and wet-and-dry hard floor cleaners like the model I'm looking at here.

This writer is used to testing products from European, Japanese and Chinese brands, whereas the Eureka RapidWash 730 has a distinctly American look and scale. For some reason, this particular model reminds me of a 1949 Studebaker, only with smoother lines.

(Image credit: Future)

The RapidWash 730 is the largest wet-and-dry vacuum I've reviewed, and that size also equates to more weight (11.46 lbs / 5.2 kg to be precise) which you will doubtless notice when lifting it out of its self-cleaning station or hauling it up a flight of stairs. The action of the roller brush helps pull the unit forward, making it really easy to push… although heavy to pull back. It's not the end of the world, mind, since that is the case with most hard floor cleaners bar the Tineco Floor ONE S7 Pro and Roborock F25 ACE, which both come with motorized wheels.

Like most high-end Tineco hard floor cleaners, this model features a large, angled circular LED on top of the main body that lets you know what mode you're in and how much battery is left. All controls are mounted on the handle and are easily accessed.

(Image credit: Future)

First you have a simple on/off button that defaults to Auto mode on start-up. This mode uses AI-powered smart detection to assess the amount of dirt being collected before adjusting the amount of suction power. In most instances you wouldn't need to select anything else. Next, there's Turbo mode which uses a little more water and a lot more suction for heavily soiled areas – this model's suction is rated at a suitably high 21,600 Pascals. Finally, select Dry mode if you need to clean up a nasty wet spill or something that spontaneously came out of the dog's mouth.

(Image credit: Future)

Like all wet-and-dry cleaners, the RapidWash 730 comes with two water tanks, a 23.67oz / 700ml clean-water reservoir and a 20.28oz / 600ml tank to collect all the dirty stuff. While you won't necessarily need to empty the dirty water tank and give it a rinse after a short cleaning session, you will still be bombarded with voice reminders on a regular basis. This will eventually become annoying enough that you'll give in, only to notice that the tank is just one eighth full. Many hard floor cleaners suffer from this over-zealous approach to maintenance, so the Eureka is not unusual in this respect.

(Image credit: Future)

The majority of hard floor cleaners like this one use a wet, towel-covered cleaning roller that spins at around 500rpm. However, because manufacturers need to fit a motor and spindle to one side of the brush head, most rollers end up with a gap of about 10mm on one side, which means you can only mop the very edges of a floor from one direction.

Eureka's tech team has managed to find a way around this by reducing the length of the brush roller on one side and adding a short magnetized roller sleeve that slips over the motor housing on the opposite end. This allows the roller to cover the entire width of the cleaning head. And by entire I mean right to the very edge – indeed the left side of the roller, when viewed from the front, actually protrudes beyond the housing.

This is a major bonus because it means that the RapidWash 730 can be used to clean along baseboards from the left or the right. Furthermore, there's a comb behind the roller that effectively collects almost all remnants of hair and other stuck-on muck before having it sucked into the dirty water tank.

(Image credit: Future)

Like all decent wet-and-dry mops, the RapidWash 730 comes with a large bathtub-shaped charging dock that also serves as a cleaning station. Admittedly, mounting the unit on the dock requires awkwardly lining it up so its connectors meet, but once it's docked it's ready to start its self-cleaning regime, and this is as easy as putting your foot on a cross bar to set it all off. I like that, a lot.

The cleaning process itself is comprised of two stages – spinning the mop roller while it's washed with fresh water at 185˚F (85˚C) and then gently drying it using hot air at around 140˚F (60˚C). You can also speed up the drying process by pressing the Dry button on the cleaning unit's handle and selecting Rapid Dry. This setting increases the drying heat to 176˚F (80˚C).

The cleaning process is noisy so you may want this model stored away in the utility room or elsewhere out of earshot, but the main part of the sequence – the part where the brush roller spins around – only takes about five minutes to complete.

(Image credit: Future)

Finally, this model thankfully features one of the best steering mechanisms since the Dyson Gen5detect cordless stick vac. It angles at around 50 degrees by twisting your wrist when cleaning around table legs and in hard-to-reach areas. Given the extra weight of this machine, I think having a widely articulating head like this makes it much easier to use than you might expect. This thoughtful design flourish also extends to the permitted angle of the main unit, which can be tilted 170 degrees to the floor, making cleaning under sofas and beds a relative breeze.

For the record, the Eureka RapidWash 730 ships with a spare split toweling roller, a 15oz (450ml) bottle of Eureka Refresh Clean hard floor detergent, a spare filter and a cleaning brush.

• Design score: 3.5 out of 5

Eureka RapidWash 730 review: performance

• Impressive at collecting both liquid and solid spills
• Heavy enough to make longer cleaning sessions a bit of a workout
• Leaves only a thin film of water behind, and doesn't drip when turned off

When it comes to cleaning performance, the RapidWash 730 has proved to be extremely adept and thorough in the way it picks up dust, pet hair, crumbs and liquid spills in just a few passes. Also, I think that its edge-to-edge cleaning ability is a major advantage in kitchens and bathrooms, where dirt and pet hair always tend to gather along baseboards. However, the machine's weight and size did make extended cleaning sessions feel like a bit of a workout, even though its smooth forward movement offset some of the strain of pulling it back.

(Image credit: Future)

Before I get to my test results, one small but significant aspect I've been impressed with is the way the RapidWash 730's suction motor stays on for a few seconds after turning it off. This means any last vestiges of dripping water are sucked up, leaving the floor drier around the roller than most other models I've tested. I love this – I normally have to turn other models on again to collect any small pools of water before angling them back and turning them off a second time before quickly rolling the unit back to its dock for a clean. That's not the case with this model.

Right, let's get down to my cleaning test results. I first performed a few general cleans of my kitchen's engineered wood flooring and was pleasantly surprised at how well the RapidWash 730 completed the tasks, leaving a nice shiny appearance and only a very thin film of moisture in its wake. This was important to me because I'm always concerned about having too much water dispensed on my engineered wooden floors. Given the amount of water that's sucked up during this model's cleaning routine, I wouldn't have any concerns about using it on laminated flooring, which is known to easily warp if too wet.

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(Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 4

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(Image credit: Future)

I then fashioned up a tortuous test using a range of ingredients one would never mix together in real life – a cup of muesli with raisins, some squirts of tomato ketchup and mustard, plus a cracked egg for good measure. I wanted to check for any snowploughing of ingredients and whether the loosely broken eggshell blocked any passageways in the system.

Unexpectedly, this monster gobbled up the vast majority of this humongous mess in one fell swoop and the rest of it in a second pass. I then ran the unit over the visually clean floor a few more times and then checked the area behind the easily-removed roller. As expected, some fragments of eggshell remained behind the roller, but I heard it all being sucked into the dirty water bin once I'd positioned it on the dock and tapped the cleaning mode with my foot.

Overall, it was an effortless experience in my opinion and proof positive that this is, indeed, an excellent floor cleaner that would do any kitchen or bathroom proud. I just wish it was smaller in stature and a few pounds lighter.

• Performance score: 4 out of 5

Eureka RapidWash 730 review: battery life

• Maximum of 40 minutes cleaning per charge in Auto mode
• Recharge is slow at over 4 hours

Around 40 to 60 minutes is the magic time frame for most cordless floor cleaners. Given that this machine won't be used as often or as extensively as a cordless vac, I think its 40 minute running time in Auto mode is acceptable, and ample enough for a full downstairs clean without having to pause for a recharge. Mind, it did take 4 hours and 16 minutes to fully charge from empty, which is too long in my book.

• Battery life score: 3.5 out of 5

Should you buy the Eureka RapidWash 730?

//section// Should you buy the Eureka RapidWash 730?

Section

Notes

Score

Value for money

Despite its efficiency at mopping and debris collection, I think $500 is too high a price when compared to much of the competition.

3/5

Design

I can't say I'm that enamoured of this model's bulky design or its overall weight.

3.5/5

Performance

Surprisingly excellent performance in all disciplines. Easy to use, too.

4/5

Battery performance

Average 40-minute battery performance though it takes ages to recharge.

3.5/5

Average rating 3.5/5

Buy it if…

You have more hard floor than carpet

This model isn't suitable for use on carpet or rugs

Attribute

Notes

Rating

Value

X/5

Design

X/5

Performance

X/5

App

X/5

• Buy at Eureka

Buy it if...

You have a large home that gets dirty quickly

The RapidWash 730 is a sterling mopper, and the larger size is justified in big homes with lots of mess to clear up.

You're a pet owner

This wet-dry vacuum is exceptional at picking up liquid mess.

Don't buy it if...

You're not especially strong

The RapidWash 730 is the heaviest of all the wet-and-dry vacuums I've tested, and a bit of a workout to carry. There are lighter options on the market if you'd prefer.

You have a small household

The RapidWash 730 is rather large, so as well as being overkill for smaller households, you'll need to find somewhere to store its bulk.

How I tested the Eureka RapidWash 730

Like all TechRadar journalists, I spent an inordinate amount of time assessing this product and the process started right from the off when I unboxed it, assembled the handle, plugged in the charging dock and popped the RapidWash 730 on its plinth. Once fully charged, I subjected it to a variety of general mopping runs over a four-day period before setting up its main debris-collection test involving both solids and liquids. I also examined the unit's styling, assessed its weight and size, and monitored its battery usage and how long it took to charge.

Read more about how we test

• First reviewed October 2025

Philips i9000 electric shaver: two-minute review

Before I splashed out on the Philips i9000 electric shaver, I was putting up with a generic $35 / £30 one I picked up at Amazon. Forking out 10x the price for a premium model was a painful idea, but not as painful as my shaving experiences with the cheap model, so I went for it. (By the way, that shaver at Amazon had a 4.5 star average rating over hundreds of user reviews, many of which are clearly bogus. That's a risk in trusting unknown user reviews.)

Six months later, my face is still thanking me that I spent extra on the Philips i9000, especially for the 50% off sale price that pushed the base model closer to $300 / £230. (There are also pricier 'Prestige' models in the series, which I haven't tested.) The i9000's agile triple-head electric shavers easily navigate tricky contours, including the jawline, maintaining a close shave along the way. It feels great in the hand, too.

This is the first electric razor I've used with pressure indicators, which are a genuinely useful feature: if the shaver lights up green then you're applying the right amount of pressure, if blue you're too soft, while orange is too hard. I've generally found that following the pressure indicators delivers an effective shave while minimizing irritation – this feature is no gimmick.

Battery life is decent, too. For an average shave, I'm seeing a 3% reduction in battery life on the digital display, and that's even six months down the line. I'd say the i9000 is good for 30 shaves before needing a recharge, for which Philips provides a wall mounted USB-A charging base (a minor complaint is that USB-C would be more convenient for travel).

(Image credit: Tim Coleman)

The razor is waterproof so can handle wet and dry shaves, while the flip-out trimmer on the razor's underside is a reasonable solution for tidying beard edges and precise cuts, which is something I regularly do (and deal with stray nose / ear hairs – apologies for the overshare).

I reckon the i9000's heads have gradually lost some of their cutting effectiveness over the 6 months, but they still cut fine, just with a little extra effort than was required on day one. Replacement heads are available for a not-too-unreasonable cost, but I suspect I'll need to swap mine yearly rather than every two years, as Philips suggests.

Don't buy into any user reviews on the brand's site about the i9000 being closer than a proper wet shave with a safety razor – it's simply not true. If you want the closest shave possible, with fewer missed hairs, old school is the way. However, I've been super happy with the i9000. I can't recall switching to a wet shave ever since, which definitely wasn't the case when I was using that cheap alternative.

You really do get more for your money with the Philips 9000 series, and my shaving routine has been a happier experience since I made the switch – for my money, this is one of the best electric razors on the market.

Philips i9000 electric shaver: price & availability

• List price is $240 / £479.99 / AU$600
• Regularly on sale for less than half the list price in the UK
• Replacement heads available

I'm not sure anyone in their right mind would buy the Philips i9000 at full cost, but thankfully it's almost always available for less than half the list price, which is palatable. At the time of writing, I'm seeing the shaver for $240 / £225 on the Philips site. Even then, I'd hardly call it superb value, but then again you do get the better shaving experience versus a generic sub $45 / £35 model.

Replacement heads are available at the Philips site for $65 / £40 / AU$106 – prices will likely vary at independent stockists. The guidance is to replace the heads every two years, but on my experience I reckon every year is ideal, given 6 months use has seen a slight reduction in cutting efficiency. The product comes with a 5-year service warranty.

• Value for money score: 3 out of 5

Philips i9000 electric shaver specs

Waterproof:

Yes

Battery life:

50 minutes

Charge time:

1 hour full, 5-min quick

Charger type:

Shaver/USB-A

Accessories:

Quick clean pod, charging stand, travel pouch, plus GroomTribe app

Suitable for:

Face or body

Philips i9000 electric shaver review: design

• Ergonomic handle and handy pressure LED indicators
• Pop-up trimmer for edges, or dedicated beard trimmer head
• Charge dock and hard case for travel, but the latter only fits the razor

From the ergonomic handle to the agile heads and digital display plus LEDs, the i9000 is a premium shaving experience. Rightly so, given how pricey it is.

I've no real complaints in any area: the three heads pack what Philips dubs a triple action lift and cut system up to precisely 0.00mm skin-level, without the risk of cutting skin that comes with wet shaves – you'll certainly get a close shave, even if I found a few months down the line that the shaver regularly missed individual hairs.

(Image credit: Tim Coleman)

The shaver integrates an LED light ring around the base of the shaver head. With the shaver active, those LEDs emit a blue light if the pressure your applying is too soft, orange for too hard, and green for the right amount of pressure.

Below that, an small non-touch color screen displays battery life and cycles through features such as the Philips app. I'll be honest, I didn't see the need to pair the shaver with my phone and explore the app, which Philips says will give you 'an even-better routine and technique' by offering 'real-time guidance and personalized shaving insights to help you look and feel your best every day'.

Image 1 of 4

(Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 2 of 4

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(Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 4 of 4

(Image credit: Tim Coleman)

There's a pop-up trimmer on the shaver's underside, which is pretty basic but works well enough for quickly tidying up beard edges. If that's the main task though, the main head can be removed and swapped with a proper beard trimmer, which is much more powerful and effective.

Practically, I'd like to see a USB-C port which would make on the go charging much more convenient than lugging the charging base, which uses the proprietary shaver connector, on a trip. Although Philips supplies a hard travel case for the shaver, this will only fit the razor itself, and not any of the shaver or trimmer heads.

• Design score: 4.5 out of 5

Philips i9000 electric shaver: performance

• Around 30 shaves from a full charge
• Triple flexing shaver head and trimmer head options
• Modest pop-up trimmer

One cutback made versus the pricier Philips S9000 Prestige is in the charging department – the i9000 features the proprietary shaver connector (USB-A) only, while the Prestige model offers convenient wireless charging.

Still, a full charge should deliver around 30 shaves, so it's no real inconvenience to place the shaver in the dock at home once you're back from being away. And it'll charge quickly too – just 5 minutes returns the lion's share of the power, or it's an hour to fully juice it up.

(Image credit: Tim Coleman)

There are two heads supplied with the razor: the triple flexing head with what Philips says is 360-degree precision, plus a trimmer head to neaten edges. A basic pop-up trimmer in the shaver's underside supplements that trimmer head.

Overall, I've been really impressed with the performance of the i9000 electric razor. The flexing heads glide smoothly over every contour and have delivered close shaves, even if I'm getting stray hairs 6 months down the line, especially on my neck.

And the trimmer head is properly powerful, for doing the first stage of tidying edges, while the tiny pop-up trimmer take care of the finishing touches for a neat beard.

(Image credit: Tim Coleman)

Philips says the flexing heads are good for two years use before being replaced (you can buy replacement heads on the Philips website). I'm not so sure – more than six months down the line and after regular use, I'm already thinking of replacing them. Of course the numbers depend on how regularly you shave, but I reckon the average person would want to replace the heads after one year for the best possible performance.

Overall, the Philips i9000 has given me the best electric razor experience I've ever had and the proof is in the pudding – I feel good after a shave and my wet razor has been left unused the entire time.

• Performance score: 4.5 out of 5

Should you buy the Philips i9000 electric shaver?

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Ergonomic handle, waterproof, pop-up trimmer.

4.5 / 5

Performance

Agile heads, powerful trimmer head, handy pressure indicators.

4.5 / 5

Value

Make sure you get it on sale – it's regularly available for less than half the list price.

3 / 5

Buy it if...

You want a premium electric shave experience
Triple action lift-and-cut heads combine with LED pressure indicators for a close shave with minimal irritation.

You're looking for a versatile razor
The triple heads are smaller than average and can cover relatively precise areas, while the powerful trimmer head can neaten edges.

Don't buy it if...

You want a cheap razor
The i9000 is a pricey razor. If you're less fussed about its premium features, there are cheaper alternatives.

You want something for travel

The i9000 relies on a proprietary shaver connector, whereas many alternatives can charge conveniently through USB-C or even wirelessly. The travel case only fits the razor itself.

Philips i9000: also consider

Philips Shaver S9000 Prestige
If you can spend a little extra, the 'Prestige' version in Philips 9000 tops the bill for features, including wireless charging and adaptive power tech.

Read our Philips Shaver S9000 Prestige review

Braun Series 9 Pro
Even pricier, the Braun Series 9 Pro is also beautifully designed and boasts an excellent shaving performance. It's charge and run times are similar, and you'll get a close shave whether wet or dry. Another stellar premium choice.

Read our full Braun Series 9 Pro review.

How I tested the Philips i9000

• My primary razor for six months
• I've used it most days, whether for shaves or trimming
• Tested in both wet and dry environments

I used the Philips i9000 as my only shaver a few times a week over the course of six months. I generally tidy my neck and cheeks with the triple shaver head and trim beard edges daily with the trimmer head or pop-up trimmer, while full shaves are less frequent.

I have been able to use the razor in wet and dry shaving conditions, assessing how it performs in both scenarios and how effective its water resistance is. In general, I store the shaver in a wash bag and run the battery down to zero before docking it in the charging base to recharge. I have also used the supplied cleaning pod to give the device a deep clean.

• Read more about how we test
• First reviewed October 2025

Let's not beat around the bush with what director Noah Baumbach is trying to achieve with Jay Kelly, it's a blatant love letter to George Clooney. The new Netflix movie is self-indulgent to the point of rubbing in it in our faces, and I'm as surprised as anyone else that I have no problem with that.

In fact, I think it's this indulgence that means the film can exist and emote in the way that it needs to. Clooney and the character he plays Kelly are basically one synonymous figure, gently poking fun at a sadness that runs through the veins of Hollywood. As they say, you need to be your own cheerleader, and look where that can get you.

Where I was expecting to be emotionally eviscerated by other movies at the London Film Festival (namely Hamnet, as every critic and their dog suggested), Jay Kelly delivered meditative heartbreak where its programmed rivals have failed to. There's nothing too overt or gauche happening to achieve this, merely a lot of sitting in the moment, thinking and processing.

I'd go as far as to say that Jay Kelly is the movie many of us need to see this year. I don't know what kind of permanent Mercury retrograde 2025 feels like it's in, but people are collectively going through it now more than ever. To be grounded is to bring us back to ourselves, and for Jay/George, the answers aren't quite what he'd hoped for.

Jay Kelly isn't just an ode to George Clooney, but regrettable choices

Let's set the scene: After filming his latest big picture, Jay Kelly thinks he wants out of the business. When a longtime mentor suddenly dies, he's brought face-to-face with things in his past that he'd rather forget. With his daughters making their own way in the world, Kelly impulsively decides to follow his youngest to Europe, throwing the lives of everyone around him into jeopardy.

Like him or loathe him, Clooney is the epitome of old-school Hollywood. He's got the voice, charm and physicality of peers gone by, and still never fails to make a group of people swoon at his feet at the age of 64. Is he the best actor around? No. Have all of his films been successful? Absolutely not. Yet he remains golden.

Kelly is exactly the same. By his own admission, he isn't the best actor and hasn't made the best decisions professionally or personally. This leaves him wondering if his 35-year career actually meant anything. Kelly's family life isn't much better, as he's now estranged from his eldest daughter, Jessica (Riley Keough), while his youngest, Daisy (Grace Edwards), is determined to find her own feet. As he soberly tells us, "my memories are all in movies. That's all they are, memories".

This is where Clooney and Kelly differ. While we've got no idea what goes on in Clooney's personal life (and nor should we), Kelly's is violently ripped apart. We follow his life through flashbacks of his youth, adulthood and recent past, all while present-day Kelly watches on in the moment. It's clear that introspection is never something he's considered, running through life like a bull in a China shop.

Truthfully, he's ruined just about everything without realizing. Alongside his daughters, friend and manager Ron (Adam Sandler) believes their relationship is purposeful while Kelly sees it as transactional, and publicist Liz (Laura Dern) is one crisis away from jumping ship. Kelly decides he doesn't really know who he is, and everyone feels the consequences.

But while that's a massive nuisance for literally everybody who has ever met Jay Kelly, it's helpful for us as a viewers. By examining his career, personal choices and parenting in painstaking detail, we have no choice but to be confronted with our own lives in the process. Can you truly have a work-life balance? Will our kids resent us for how much our careers pull us in other directions? Are we making the right decisions for ourselves and our loved ones?

As life likes to remind us, there are no conclusive answers for this. But watching Kelly struggle to comprehend his own accountability packs the ideal emotional punch. As Jay Kelly continues, we become one with him, laughing, crying and resolving his issues as if they are our own. When it comes down to it, they are, and Baumbach knows just how to connect us to that feeling.

Jay Kelly isn't just about Jay Kelly

Laura Dern, George Clooney and Adam Sandler in Jay Kelly. (Image credit: Netflix)

As you might expect, Clooney is a duck to water when it comes to his performance, but he's not the only person behind the fractured man. Sandler returns to a comedy-drama balance as the long-suffering Ron, laying his heart on the line for it to get openly beaten by Kelly's self-delusion. It's the perfect blend of stern and soft, and we're rooting for him to stick up for the quality of life we know he deserves.

Liz doesn't suffer fools, which is the counter-balance needed to an industry intent on telling Kelly what he wants to hear. While I absolutely hated watching Jim Broadbent die for the 137465th time in a movie (playing Kelly's mentor Peter), Riley Keough is my standout supporting performance.

As a woman in a lot of pain, where she is in life and how she's choosing to live it has the most significance for understanding who Kelly is. She is desperate for her dad to listen to how she feels, yet direct about not wanting to be in his life on a permanent basis. It's a case of too little to late for Kelly, and an emotionally excruciating phone call scene hammers that point home.

Sure, Baumbach isn't doing anything exciting or fresh with his vision and direction, and there's a part of me that's annoyed with myself for loving a film about the most-documented genre of all time (men in Hollywood). But I loved how Jay Kelly left me examining my own life, reassessing what's going on around me and reminding me it takes a village to be a decent person – it's surprising how easy it is to forget self-reflection.

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Thermomix TM7: one-minute review

There are few times I’ve been so excited about a home appliance in my career as a lifestyle gadget reviewer as this; I’ve just finished testing the Thermomix TM7, an incredible, almost all-in-one device that can do everything from kneading bread all the way to sous vide. If you’ve ever lamented about your countertop space, this might just be the appliance for you. Still, there’s an interesting journey to perfection – or even just maximizing this device – that might color your choice to join the hype train.

I’ve tested almost all of the key functions available, and I must say I’m very impressed with the range on offer. Do I think it’s the best possible solution for each and every one? No, but I will say it makes tremendous efforts to cover all bases. I’ve made everything from bread to curry and smoothies using the Thermomix almost exclusively for every step, and I’ve never seen an appliance quite like it.

(Image credit: Future)

There are, of course, some trade-offs here. It’s bulky, and having a dishwasher is practically a must if you intend to use it regularly. Owing to its very powerful motor, it can also be pretty loud in use; we shudder to use it past 8pm in case our neighbors think we’re testing jet engines. It’ll also be a massive pain to stash away, so prepare for the Thermomix TM7 to be a mainstay on your countertops. If you can handle these setbacks, you’ll be more than happy to introduce it into regular meal prep and cooking rotation, though.

I’m also divided on the included subscription plan; you have three months of access to Cookidoo, wherein you’ll find ample recipes specifically tailored to the appliance, but after that, you face a $89 / £50 annual subscription fee. Of course, the machine is far from redundant after that period if you choose not to join up, but it will require a lot more manual input. In that sense, I don’t love the long-term landscape for Thermomix fans; especially given its lofty list price. I feel they could offer a little more as part of the base offering to help users, but if you’re willing to dole out further, it’s worth the investment.

All that being said, there’s a lot to love here, and a thriving community of users to support your Thermomix journey. New customers are encouraged to join up for one of the in-person training sessions; personally, I didn’t, and I found it pretty easy to learn the ropes and make best use of the machine, so don’t view that as a compulsory step if the effort to make it to a class is too great. Either way, you end up with a powerful, capable and relatively low-effort kitchen powerhouse.

(Image credit: Future)Thermomix TM7: price and availability

• Available for $1,699.00 / £1,349 / AU$2,649 direct from Thermomix
• Encouraged to buy through a Thermomix 'Consultant'

Unlike a majority of the appliances we test and review here at TechRadar, the Thermomix can’t be easily purchased through standard avenues. You won’t find it on the shelves of a department store or lurking on Amazon during Prime Day; instead, you can exclusively buy this appliance from Thermomix itself, either online or through a Consultant, for $1,699.00 / £1,349 / AU$2,649.

What’s a Consultant? Basically, a brand representative who makes a commission from selling and delivering training to new Thermomix customers. Now, I’m not one of these, but you’ll find a fair amount of content online from people who are affiliated with the brand as such.

In addition to the appliance itself, there’s an array of extra tools and accessories that you can purchase to unlock further recipes and cooking methods. The standard package comes with the TM7 base unit, mixing bowl and lid, a Varoma steaming tray, the power cord and three tools: a spatula, butterfly whisk, and simmering basket. You also get three months' access to the Cookidoo platform, which costs $66/£50/AU$89

• Value score: 3.5/5

Thermomix TM7: specifications

Motor

500W power, speed adjustable from 40 to 10,700 rpm

Materials

High-grade plastic, food compatible housing, stainless steel mixing bowl

Dimensions (base + mixing bowl)

253 mm x 405 mm x 336 mm (WxDxH)

Weight (base + mixing bowl)

6.5kg + 2.1kg (8.6kg total)

(Image credit: Future)Thermomix TM7: design

It’s hard to make a 'pretty' kitchen appliance, but the Thermomix TM7 is far from ugly. Large and in charge, the TM7 is a hefty piece of equipment for your countertops; and given its 8.5kg wight, you’ll probably want to keep it there rather than stash it in the cupboard if you’re looking to use it regularly. It takes up a lot of room, too; it stands at 33.6 x 25.3 x 40.5cm (H x W x D), but you’ll also need to find space for the 13.1 x 38.3 x 27.5 cm Varoma basket and other tools.

While I’ve not tested previous devices, the TM7 is a notable departure from older Thermomix designs. Since 1971, the appliance has seen a fair few design changes, but in the more recent years, it’s stayed fairly consistent until now. A new 10-inch multi-touch display is the headliner here, seated upon the main base and offering a bright surface from which to follow along with recipes. It’s pretty responsive and performs consistently, barring the occasional spot of lag if you're dashing around the screen too quickly.

Above the screen sits the 2.2L stainless steel mixing bowl, clad in a black insulated cover with a large, forward-facing handle. This cover locks in place using a lever mechanism on the right-hand side of the bowl, which keeps the bowl and blade inside secure; I found this could be a little stiff at times, and might be challenging for weaker hands to operate.

(Image credit: Future)

At the top of the device sits the lid, which has a removable steam cap so you can mount the Varoma steaming tray on top when needed. The steaming tray is 45% larger than the previous generation, and I found it was ample space to cook enough chicken for a six, maybe even eight-person meal.

One thing I will note about the steaming tray, lid, and outer cover is that the black plastic is an absolute grease-magnet. After cooking, it’s covered in oily marks and smears, and that’s where the dishwasher becomes a vital part of this package. I don’t have one in my apartment, so all cleaning was done manually, and when I tell you I felt cursed by the TM7, I mean it. The lid, in particular, is a real pain to clean by hand, and I had to re-clean it three or four times before I was satisfied the grub was gone.

I’m also not overly keen on the lid design, as it lets out a lot of cooking smells. Having researched older models, that’s a big change that has negatively affected the reception of the device, and while it’s by no means worse than using a saucepan on the stove, it’s definitely worth noting if you’ve got a TM6 or older device you’re not 100% sold on trading in.

• Design score: 4/5

(Image credit: Future)Thermomix TM7: performance

The real reason you’ll want a Thermomix TM7 is all in the performance. My favorite local chef uses his Thermomix to make a wide range of soups and sauces as well as doughs and batters, and that’s just the beginning of what this tool can do in both personal and professional environments.

This stand mixer-cum-blender-cum-steamer-cum-food processor can even sautee your veggies, meaning there’s way less washing up at the end – so long as, of course, you have a dishwasher.

The screen and Cookidoo app will walk you through each step of cooking, starting with measuring out your ingredients with the built-in scales. These are pretty accurate, providing you’ve got a solid flat surface to place the Thermomix TM7 upon.

Most of the recipes I tested were from Cookidoo, but I’ve got really mixed feelings about it. On the one hand, it’s incredibly useful for learning the machine; there’s a great variety of recipes, and I love that you can customize these for your preferences. The customizable home screen and meal planning are genuinely useful, especially for homemakers or power users, and the user experience for following the step-by-step guidance is pretty good.

That being said, I think there’s a lot of room for improvement. Almost every recipe I’ve tried has been way under-seasoned, and there are moments where the instructions aren’t clear enough; pre-heat the oven, sure, but is the suggested temperature for a conventional or fan oven?! Right now, I’m not sure it’s worth the monthly subscription after the initial trial period, though I’ve not actually seen how useful the machine is without it; I’m really hoping it doesn’t render it useless.

A huge miss for me is that you can’t remotely control the Thermomix TM7, despite the Cookidoo platform being accessible on other devices. Thermomix has hinted at this future utility, but I’d ask why they rushed to release the product without it; it feels pretty essential to me in the age of smart devices.

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(Image credit: Future)

I started my Thermomix journey by making some of the recommended starter recipes; Thai peanut chicken with coconut rice, which uses only the Thermomix to cook at each stage (though you will need vessels to put some ingredients aside in at various stages). You begin with the Peanut sauce, putting in sliced garlic, roughly cut ginger and olive oil into the mixing bowl. After a three-second whizz, scrape down the sides and whizz again, before sauteeing the contents.

At this stage, I was already pretty impressed; the blades are incredibly powerful and sharp, able to quickly mince my ingredients to a suitable size, and the machine has saved me from having to turn on the stove and grab a frying pan. You can use this setting manually, too, searing and browning ingredients up to 160°C without needing a recipe from Cookidoo selected.

After adding some liquid ingredients to the mix for the sauce and switching on the machine to cook and slowly stir the contents for five minutes, the sauce is finished and can be put to one side while you make the rest. Now, given there’s another 20 minutes before it’s time to reintroduce the sauce, this is one of the early pitfalls for the Thermomix; concurrent cooking for more complex meals isn’t always a choice.

(Image credit: Future)

That being said, I loved that in the next stage, the rice is cooked in the main mixing bowl while the chicken and vegetables cook in the Varoma on top using the steam from below. The con? Well, you have to wash the sticky sauce out of the mixing bowl first, and it’s not as easy as the “quick rinse” suggestion the Cookidoo app makes. It was worth it in the end, though; the results were tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice and delicious (albeit very heavy and unhealthy) peanut sauce. It’s a pretty bitty way to cook the meal; I’d sooner cook the sauce separately in a saucepan while the rice and chicken cook to halve the overall cooking time, but it’s neat to see a meal like this made possible using mostly just the machine itself.

Next up, I tried making another suggested starter recipe: Pão de água, or Portuguese water bread. Using just bread flour, water, yeast and salt, the Thermomix TM7 was able to handle everything from mixing to kneading and even proving the dough. However, the process was a little more mixed, here, in my experience.

Primarily, that’s because of the kneading; nobody wants to watch as an expensive appliance visibly teeters while in use. I don’t think it moves enough here to launch itself in any kind of dangerous way, but it can’t be good for the screen, internals or motor to be jostled so much. If I were regularly making large batches of dough, I’d be seriously considering wedging the machine in somewhere it can’t scuttle out from.

However, I have to say, I was really impressed with the results. The dough proved wonderfully within the mixing bowl, and after a slight mishap (read: user error) that saw me unlock the mixing bowl and pour the blade out with the dough, the bread came out of the oven well-risen, delicious and with excellent texture.

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An unfortunate unlocking event has occurred... (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 4

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(Image credit: Future)

Undeterred, I moved on to my next test: mushroom and cannellini bean soup. Here, I wanted to see if the food processing and blending were up to scratch, and they most certainly were. After cooking down the ingredients, the machine blitzed through the contents and left me with wonderfully smooth, tasty soup. The only issue? It was painfully loud while doing so.

Thermomix claims the TM7 has a quieter motor with “noticeably less noise, especially at low speeds”, but that certainly doesn’t extend to more challenging tasks. I was genuinely worried about damaging my ears when standing close to the device, and no wonder; when I crushed frozen berries in the machine to make sorbet, my sound meter measured 99db (equivalent to a subway train) at only the fifth of nine speed settings. With more crumbly contents, that dropped to 87db, and with sugar alone, it was 73db.

Some of this is to do with the powerful blades, but I have to wonder if the vented lid design and mixing bowl shape mean there’s rubbish sound isolation. I haven’t tried previous models to see if the issue is new, but the TM7’s redesign does have less cladding around the side to help prevent sound spillage, which definitely means blending past 8 PM is a non-starter in my apartment building. I will say, though, the sorbet was delicious, and the butterfly whisk attachment to whip it into a smooth texture is excellent.

(Image credit: Future)

Overall, it’s a mixed bag for me, and a lot of this comes down to personal preference; if you’re an accomplished cook who just wants a super powerful blend and mixer for handling some of those dishes that need constant stirring and a thin consistency, you’ll love the Thermomix TM7. Similarly, if you’re a homemaker without a great love for cooking (or washing up!) it’s a great way to make a low-effort meal for a whole family. I would argue it could be really useful for those with accessibility needs, too, but unfortunately, the bulky design and size of the device make it hard to lift and operate.

However, if you live in close proximity to neighbors, have children with early bedtimes, don’t own a dishwasher or just really enjoy the art of home cooking, you probably can (and should!) live without the Thermomix TM7.

• Performance score: 4.5/5

(Image credit: Future)Should you buy the Thermomix TM7?Buy it if

You want an easy, almost all-in-one kitchen appliance

The diversity of settings and cooking tools in the Thermomix TM7 makes it one of the most capable appliances available today.

You want some inspiration in the kitchen

The Cookidoo platform grants access to a wide range of recipe ideas for a range of dietary needs, but also gives you the agency to adjust these to your own liking.

You need high-performance blending and food processing

The Thermomix TM7 doesn’t just have great settings; it performs well across the board with them. Blending, in particular, is a real strength.

Don't buy it if

You don’t have a dishwasher

I cannot impress upon you how annoying it was to clean without one. The many fiddly components, the smudge magnet plastic materials and its heft make hand washing a real chore.View Deal

You hate subscriptions

Cookidoo comes at an added cost of $65/£50/AU$89, which is way less than your average streaming service, but more than some will be able to stomach given the device’s lofty list price.View Deal

How I tested the Thermomix TM7

I used the Thermomix as many times as possible to cook for myself over a three week period, trying both the in-app recipes as well as manual mode. To test the features as advertised, I opted to try most of the recipes from Cookidoo's 7-day crash course, which helped to understand the machine's abilities.

I made bread, baked goods, full meals, sauces, soups, stews and desserts in the Thermomix TM7, comparing the experience of each against my cooking experience. I'm a confident home cook with experience in cooking almost all of the meals I tried by hand, comparing my experience to traditional methods as well as methods that use a range of the best kitchen appliances.

I've been testing home appliances for years now, and in that time I've tried a huge range of the best blenders, best air fryers, best food processors and beyond. I've developed a keen sense for value, performance and good design through my testing experience.

As the biggest Conclaviac (that's a fan of director Edward Berger's movie Conclave) around, I was always seated for Berger's next movie before it had even been filmed. Now I've seen Ballad of a Small Player, it's clear that it was never going to live up to the hype.

Really, we're wrong to pit the new Netflix movie against Berger's previous work (which includes All Quiet on the Western Front), yet it's inevitable. Each of his last three projects exist in their own right, not sharing any characteristics outside of Berger's outstanding personal vision.

If you're coming to Ballad of a Small Player hoping for cinematography that will blow your mind, you're in the right place. If you're hoping Colin Farrell bares his acting soul in the portrait of a tortured gambler at war with his addiction, he charmingly delivers.

The downside is that the movie suffers from the classic problem of waning at the two-third mark – in a nutshell, the fatal moment where you're itching for things to wrap up and draw their conclusion, checking your watch in the process.

But besides this, I fell in love with Berger's end goal, flaws and all. While I wonder if being streamed on Netflix does the film's artistry a disservice, we should be thanking out lucky stars for such immediate access to thoughtful, quality craft

Ballad of a Small Player's visuals are the real star of the show

Macau is a city where, by Berger and his team's own admission, is unlike anywhere else in the world. A beast with two distinctly different identities, it's the perfect place to reflect big-time gambler Lord Doyle's (Farrell) inner demons, struggling to get himself out of a hole he makes deeper with every decision.

Without giving too much away, he's a man who owes a lot of people money (or has flat-out stolen it), spending anything he has left on the next game of Baccarat. When Cynthia Blithe (Tilda Swinton) begins to tail him for the life he's left behind, Doyle turns to Dao Ming (Fala Chen) in his hour of need. What follows is the ultimate test of his character.

Where there are big-scale locations like Macau and Hong Kong, there's big-scale vision. Doyle is accurately reflected as the flea in a circus of lights and power that he is, lost in an environment he's tricked himself into thinking he understands.

That's bad news for Doyle but excellent news for viewers, who'll be entranced by visuals that'll leave their eyes blaze in wonder, like a child seeing light for the first time. We see repetitions of Conclave's cinematic framing, meaning you can easily pause Ballad of a Small Player from time to time and find a freeze frame worthy of gallery installation.

In this respect, Berger is playful. Light plays against dark, overwhelm contrasts against stillness and chaos manifests under many different guises. As far as artistry is concerned, both he and the movie are at the top of their game.

Should Ballad of a Small Player have been picked up by Netflix?

Colin Farrell and Tilda Swinton in Ballad of a Small Player. (Image credit: Netflix)

Obviously, there are very few films in existence that are objectively flawless, and Ballad of a Small Player comes with its issues. Fans of the original 2014 novel of the same name might be horrified to realize quite a few key details have changed.

For example, Dao Ming is now directly tied to the Rainbow casino thanks to a switch in occupation, and Swinton's character has been entirely invented for the adaptation. Subjectively, I have a separate gripe here – a film without Swinton in every conceivable shot is one that doesn't have enough seasoning, offering up yet another chameleonic performance that stands uniquely on its own two feet.

But even if you're okay with the above, you'll likely feel the dreaded narrative lag that hits around the two-thirds mark. It was almost a given considering how much mental anguish Doyle puts himself though (which the storyline relies on), but we find ourselves frustrated with his lack of personal progress. It comes in the blink of an eye towards the end of the movie, making the journey from zero to hero unconvincingly rushed rather than thoughtfully mapped out.

Most importantly, though, Ballad of a Small Player being a Netflix release doesn't feel like the right fit, and that's for two reasons. The advantage of its stylistic visuals means it needs to be seen on the biggest screen possible, and I fear the average living room TV won't do the scale of what's been achieved true justice.

On top of this, the movie is going up against huge Netflix releases like Knives Out 3 and Frankenstein within weeks of each other. Out of all originals movies dropping on the streaming service, I think Ballad of a Small Player is the most likely to be glossed over (if for no other reason, purely because it's the smallest IP).

As Netflix hits its fall of back-to-back movie stride, my plea to you is to not overlook this one when it arrives on October 29. Granted, it's no Conclave, but what Ballad of a Small Player lacks in narrative nous it more than makes up for in cinematic scope, taking us to locations and circumstances we cannot access in reality.

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Meze Audio 105 Silva: Two-minute review

The Meze Audio 105 Silva are open-back headphones that don’t act like open-back headphones – and I think I’m a fan. Where open-backs usually trade bassy fullness for structure and measure, the 105 Silva do a bang-up job of reinforcing low-end for a gratifyingly pillowy result; this pillow lies beneath some of the best treble performance I’ve heard in a mid-range pair of headphones, too, with beautifully-balanced air and a keen-yet-forgiving transient response.

These headphones excel as at-home headphones, and especially so if you’ve a tranche of remastered jazz records to listen through. The more brick-wall limited a song is, though, the less fun you’re likely to have with these, dynamics-hungry as they are.

The 105 Silva are also as gratifyingly comfortable as any of the best wired headphones, with a well-designed self-adjusting headband and some decadent velour-enrobed ear-cushions to slip yourself between. I think Meze Audio have achieved almost precisely that which they aimed to achieve with this mid-range set, but that the narrow soundstage and fluffy low end could turn some fundamentalist open-back adherents away. More for me, maybe!

(Image credit: Future)Meze Audio 105 Silva review: Price and release date

• Released July 23, 2025
• $499 / £469 / AU$999

Meze Audio has been mucking up the hi-fi industry since 2010, and, in my opinion, has done for headphones what Pro-Ject did for turntables back in the 00s – just see the much-pricier Meze Audio Poet for reference, at a cool $2,000 / £1,899 / AU$3,550.

And the 105 Silva are much cheaper than their excellent siblings – think high-quality European design, assembled in Europe and sold at a price that makes you go “wait what? OK!”.

I make no attempt to hide my love for Meze headphones past, be they the 99 Classics that still get use in my studio, or the ultra-high-end Poet that blew me away not too long ago. The Silva sits between these two, being a mid-range pair of open-back headphones designed exclusively for the cosy, immersive listen.

The Meze Audio 105 Silva are the second pair of headphones in the 105 series, and a clear development on the 105 AER that came before. Gone are the art deco PC-ABS earcups, replaced with a fetching mid-century walnut-heavy design; gone is the close, sumptuous tuning of the 50mm dynamic drivers, replaced with a brighter, broader and altogether more ‘fidelitous’ approach (if I may neologise).

Silva is a Romanian word, meaning ‘forest’. Meze Audio wants you to look at those sumptuous walnut ear cups and envision nature; to slip between those outrageously-comfortable ear pads and feel safety; to experience the softness of its sound profile and feel nurtured. Can such bucolic Transylvanian headphones promise such bucolic Transylvanian serenity?

(Image credit: Future)Meze Audio 105 Silva review: Features

• 5Hz - 30kHz frequency response
• 42 ohms impedance
• USB-C DAC adapter

Meze Audio’s 105 Silva headphones are passive, open-back listening headphones – the ideal platform for at-home enjoyment of your eclectic record collection, your esoteric FLAC library or your immersive audiovisual storytelling experience. No schmancy tech gimmicks here; just great sound and you.

The 105 Silva deliver that great sound through some prodigiously-engineered 50mm drivers. A carbon fibre-reinforced cellulose composite dome combines durability with a lightness of weight, making for a considered reproduction of high-end information and a clever attenuation of unwanted resonances; the dome is encircled by a semicrystalline polymer torus, titanium-coated for fast attack and precisely grooved for more resonance control.

The result is a pair of headphones that exists in two states simultaneously: tension and relaxation, taut transients and thrumming bass. But more on this shortly. For specs, you’ll find an impressive frequency range of 5Hz - 30kHz and a 42-ohm impedance; the latter’s a tiny bit disappointing, if only for the fact that these aren’t smartphone fare. There’s more potential posed by driving these drivers a little harder from your hi-fi than there is convenience for keeping the impedance low, in my humble and completely subjective opinion.

Being passive headphones, the 105 Silva are of course wired for sound, and use dual-twisted, Kevlar-wrapped OFC cable to supply said wiring. Each ear cup hosts a mono TS port, so you can attach and detach with ease for transport; you can also be sure that each channel of audio is robustly connected. It’s naked, minimal and minimises points of failure all-round – all of which amount to top marks from me.

For those of that use smartphones for all things audio, you can still enjoy the 105 Silva out of the box, too; Meze Audio has lovingly included a custom 3.5mm TRS to USB-C adapter, which includes its own DAC. This is the techiest thing you’ll find in the box, and a good thing too.

• Features score: 4 / 5

(Image credit: Future)Meze Audio 105 Silva review: Sound quality

• High-end response is peerless for the price
• Nice, airy mid-range
• Bass surprisingly fulsome

As you would expect from most open-back headphones above a certain budget-price threshold, the Meze Audio 105 Silva are a pair dead-set on tactility. Between some measured soundstaging and delightful transient control, these cans deliver something comfortingly immersive above all else.

World Brain’s Minute papillon is a lassez-faire melange of syncopated synths, je-ne-cest-quoi ambiance and other such French-transplant turns of Romantic phrase; the 105 Silva resolve its light-stab electric pianos and dead-straight drums with a playful air. High-end information is delivered with space and grace, sharp enough to carve out its own place in your ears but soft enough not to insist upon itself in the process.

Andy Shauf’s debut collection of small-folk heartbreakers The Bearer Of Bad News, meanwhile, is a good carrier for both the dynamic potential of the 105 Silva and their incredible stereo imaging; I’m Not Falling Asleep is all slurred clarinets and ever-resonating piano before a huge, sparse beat and Shauf’s plaintive tone.

Separation between elements is impressive, too. The end section of I’m Not Falling Asleep is just voices and clarinets in stereo-spread choral harmony, and Shauf’s stacked voices seem as if to coast above the woodwinds like an air-hockey puck would on one of the good machines.

A little later in the record, Wendell Walker brings some excellent resolution of distance; close-strummed guitars and distant piano bass, diametrically opposed but united with a gloriously-staged, wrap-around drumkit that spikes up through the warmth with polish, presence and power. Even with the most maximalist, blown-out feats of electro-pop heft in my library – particularly, Normalize by Gelli Haha – there’s a palpable sense of space behind the sausaged synth-basses and punching-bag-to-the-face kicks.

Well-spaced as these elements are, there is a surprisingly close limit to their spread. These aren’t the widest headphones I’ve tried, sure, but the surprise is that I’ve heard wider closed-backs. Indeed, the 105 Silva, to me, exhibit some behaviours more redolent of closed-back designs than others.

This is reinforced by the overall bass response of those carefully-tuned 50mm drivers. Though brighter and airier than 105 drivers prior, here the low end is still suitably springy, and enjoys an unusual bloomy fullness. Open-backs typically don’t possess this fulsomeness, as they allow that placeless subby energy to dissipate outwards; here, though, there’s a sense of constructive interference usually reserved for closed-back systems. And it’s kind of glorious.

The 105 Silva do seem to respond better to some sounds than others. The aforementioned Normalize suffers for its brick-walled, low-dynamic clown-pop maximalism, where the Silva seems not quite sure on how to handle the lack of real movement. Listening to high-dynamic live-instrument arrangements, like Billy Valentine And The Universal Truth’s jazzy re-imagining of We People Who Are Darker Than Blue, feels like finally unlocking the Universal Truth of these headphones; the thing they were designed for.

The 50mm drivers handle bloomy double-bass with active measure, as if an occult hand were manually pushing the fader up for moments of “a-ha!” crescendo. The transient response is keen but not sharp, and the breath behind each saxophonic missive a textural delight. ‘Cosiness’ seems the ultimate state these headphones strive for.

• Sound quality score: 4.5 / 5

(Image credit: Future)Meze Audio 105 Silva review: Design

• Gorgeous-looking things
• Gratifyingly simple practical design
• And deeply comfortable, too

These headphones are an obvious winner in the aesthetics camp; have you seen them?! Everything about the design is tasteful, from the materials and proportionality of the earcups to the highly-satisfying minimalism of the metal bands that connect them. Walnut, pleather and velour present a united front of understatedly decadent luxury – an enticing wear if ever you saw them.

Speaking of wearing them, the 105 Silva’s headband is a lightweight and lightly-cushioned self-adjusting affair. I’m extremely impressed, again, by the coincident simplicity and practicality on display here. There’s no aggressive ratcheting or re-adjustment; the 105 Silva simply rests exactly where it needs to, with a softness of touch a far cry from the intrusive clamp other such headphones deign to visit upon your potentially-sensitive bonce.

Speaking of sensitivity, I have known no headphone more comfortable than a Meze Audio headphone – especially with the plush, velour-enrobed ear-cushions provided on the 105 Silva. Similar comfort has been experienced on Sennheiser ‘phones past, but none so gratifyingly smooth about the concha.

The 105 Silva come in a sturdy contoured fabric hardcase, with a reassuring firmness and even more reassuringly weatherproof zip; if you did fancy taking these out and about, this right here is a trustworthy receptacle for such adventures. There’s also a neatly-designed cylindrical soft case within, for your cables and adapters and whatnot – so designed to nestle within the Silva’s headband, and to not risk any jostle-related damage in transit. It’s a simple gesture, but one that sparks a not-inconsiderable amount of joy in me.

In all, there’s nothing really to fault the 105 Silva on design-wise. There’s comfort by the spade, eye-candy by the trowel and simplicity at the core of it all. A serene pair.

• Design score: 5 / 5

(Image credit: Future)Meze Audio 105 Silva review: Value

• Incredible comfort in the listening experience
• …but one you pay a price for
• Sound profile could be divisive, too

Value’s always a difficult thing to pin down with audio products, and especially so when the audio product in question isn’t all-singing, all-dancing. It’s easier to signal that something’s worth the whack when it’s got more features than you’ve got fingers, even if those features exist on products one tenth the price.

So, when it comes to a pair of passive headphones like the Meze Audio 105 Silva, there’s a lot of figurative weight in one place: the quality of the listening experience. I’m in no position to say that you need to spend this much money in order to have fun with your music collection – but, if you like the sound of soft tactility hand-in-hand with thick sonority, maybe it would help.

Bear in mind, too, that this unique listening experience is backed up by a prioritisation of listening comfort, and by attention-to-detail in pursuing the same. There’s balance in that self-adjusting headband, and in those Goldilocks ear-cushions. All this, steeped in minimal mid-century modern aesthetic, as if to say, “Romania does hygge too”.

I’ve had more fun with cheaper headphones before, and I’ve had far less fun with more expensive headphones too. I do think the 105 Silva have a great deal going for them aesthetically and ergonomically, which goes a long way to justifying their position in the market; the sound, though, is the singular thing about which most decisions ought to pivot – and the Silva’s unique performance could make this subjective decision either really easy, or really hard, for the prospective buyer.

• Value score: 4 / 5

(Image credit: Future)Meze Audio 105 Silva review: Should you buy them?

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

The inclusion of a custom 3.5mm TRS to USB-C adapter, which has its own DAC, is a classy touch

4 / 5

Sound quality

The 105 Silva excel with respect to high-end reproduction, with all the ear-candy detail you could ask for. The bass is a little more bloomy than you might expect from open-backs, but this is (often, at least) to their credit.

4.5 / 5

Design

These are some singularly fetching headphones, with that tasteful walnut-imbued mid-century earcup design and that minimal-yet-maximal PU leather headband. You won’t begrudge having these adorn your desk, to say the least. 

5 / 5

Value

The 105 Silva offer incredible comfort, both literally and with respect to sound profile. That bloomy bass could be enough to switch some off, but the rest is Goldilocks-level balance.

4 / 5

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

You value comfort
The 105 Silva are astonishingly comfortable listening headphones, both literally and figuratively. They hug your face and they hug your inner ear in near-equal measure, with plush cushioning and plusher bass.

You like jazz
The secret to the 105 Silva is fully revealed with dynamic music and largely-acoustic instrumentation; between a silky mid-range, musical handling of transients and a robust low-end that rises to the occasion, you have a pair of headphones that buries your face lovingly in jazz arrangements.

Don't buy them if...

You’re choosing open-backs for the soundstage
Despite their open-back nature, the Poet do not quite ‘breathe’ the same as other open-backs this writer has tried and enjoyed. I’m reminded more of closed-back headphones by the fit and feel, as well as the dimensionality of sound.

You’re looking for a wide soundstage
The soundstaging is fun, particularly with ticky-tacky high-end flourishes, but ultimately the 105 Silva sit quite close to your ears on the width front. There are wider ‘phones out there!

Meze Audio Poet review: Also consider

Meze Audio 105 Silva

Meze Audio 105 AER

Sennheiser HD 505

Type:

Over-ear

Over-ear

Over-ear

Open-back or closed-back:

Open-back

Open-back

Open-back

Driver:

50mm dynamic; bio-cellulose, titanium-coated semicrystalline polymer

50mm dynamic, bio-cellulose, PEEK

38mm dynamic

Frequency range:

5Hz - 30kHz

5Hz - 30kHz

12Hz to 38.5kHz

Impedance:

42 ohms

42 ohms

120 ohms

Connector:

Dual 3.5mm TS output

Dual 3.5mm TS output

Proprietary locking cable output

Weight:

354g

336g

237g

Extras:

Carry case, soft pouch for cables, 3.5mm TRS to dual 3.5mm TS cable, 3.5mm TRS to USB-C adapter w/ integrated DAC, 3.5mm TRS to 6.35mm TRS adapter

Carry case, soft pouch for cables, 3.5mm TRS to dual 3.5mm TS cable, 3.5mm TRS to USB-C adapter w/ integrated DAC, 3.5mm TRS to 6.35mm TRS adapter

Drawstring pouch, stereo cable with 3.5mm TRS plug, 3.5mm TRS to 6.35mm TRS adapter

Meze Audio 105 AER
Meze Audio's 105 AER are a slightly cheaper member of the same open-back over-ear family, with a darker tuning and hence, a little less width than the Silva. If you like a more intimate headphone experience – and don't mind eschewing some tasteful walnut in the process – the AER resolves excellently.
Read our Meze Audio 105 AER review for more

Sennheiser HD 505
The Sennheiser HD 505 set of open-back headphones is decidedly cheaper than Meze’s 105 Silva – and wears that affordability a little more readily on its sleeve, too – but doesn’t disappoint when it comes to fidelity. If you’re wanting a more accessible introduction to the open-back format, this is a good starting point.
See our in-depth Sennheiser HD 505 review for more

Meze Audio 105 Silva review: How I tested

• Tested for 3 week(s)
• Used as listening headphones, at home
• Predominantly tested via Edifier MR5 headphone output, through Universal Audio Volt 4 interface

The Meze Audio 105 Silva spent three weeks adorning my fancy new Ikea desk, in my attic office. There, they were my primary set of headphones for focused listening to my digital library of FLACs and 320kbps MP3s – with some ancillary listening on Spotify – via my Volt 4 audio interface and Edifier’s MR5 monitor speakers’ headphone output.

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

Microsoft’s Windows 11 has had its fair share of ups and downs since its 2021 release. Heralded as a new era for the operating system, it’s seen plenty of updates since launch, even before Copilot AI arrived. With Windows 10 now in its End of Life phase (which means it is no longer supported by Microsoft), more users will be encouraged to update, and the good news is that they’ll be greeted with a solid upgrade.

Fluent Design, Windows 11’s theme, remains front and center here, with the biggest changes found with the Start menu, now placed in the middle of the taskbar. Redesigned to help find files and apps more easily, it’s seen a fair share of updates since 2021. In addition, many Windows apps now have long-overdue upgrades, such as Paint and Notepad, with some powerful new features (many AI-powered) that have transformed these once-basic apps.

But with Microsoft’s Copilot AI seemingly taking over Windows and the company’s other products, it looks like Windows 11 is facing another regeneration, but some faults remain. Before you download and install the operating system, here are our updated thoughts on using Windows 11 since its 2021 debut.

(Image credit: Future / Microsoft)Microsoft Windows 11: Price and availability

• Free upgrade for Windows 10 users
• $119/£119/AU$249 for the Home version

Good news for Windows 10 owners: Windows 11 is a free upgrade, as long as the system requirements are met.

If you're not upgrading, or are installing Windows 11 on a formatted drive, expect to pay $119/£119/AU$249 for the Home version, or a $99 upgrade for Pro, or a full version in the UK for £219.

Windows 11 Pro has several features that can help secure your system if it gets lost or stolen. One feature is called BitLocker encryption, which will lock down your Windows 11 device, barring anyone from accessing your data.

But for most users, there’s no need for FOMO with the Pro version. There are third-party apps like VeraCrypt that can do the same function. Plus, if you use Microsoft’s OneDrive cloud service, your data can be backed up remotely and securely anyway.

(Image credit: Future)Microsoft Windows 11: A Fluent design

Windows 11’s big redesign was touted by Microsoft back in 2021 as a new beginning for Windows, and that has somewhat proved to be true. Called 'Fluent Design', it’s full of light blues, animations, and glass-like additions that make it feel like the natural (and more popular) successor to Windows 8’s Metro design.

But Fluent goes deeper than just the windows and Start menu you initially see. Context menus that appear when you right-click on a mouse now feature more useful information you can select, and tabs in File Explorer mean you don’t need multiple windows open that inevitably clutter your screen.

Other apps like Paint and Notepad have seen long-overdue makeovers thanks to Fluent Design, too. Everything looks and feels modern, and there’s also a Dark Mode that makes the updated legacy apps look fresh and new.

(Image credit: Future / Microsoft)

But it’s only when you go deeper that the similarities to Microsoft Windows 10 remain. For example, if you right-click in a folder and bring up the ‘Properties’ menu, you’ll find the same settings as before, but with rounded buttons and a new icon.

After a while it dawns on you: this is a reskin of Windows 10. While it’s a great step forward, more work needs to be done. Getting rid of the Ribbon interface in File Explorer and other built-in apps is a good start, as you now have ten icons on the toolbar instead of four tabs and countless settings found in Windows 10 and previous versions that used the Ribbon interface.

It’s one example of Windows 11 where it’s a great first step, there just needs to be a giant leap for more.

(Image credit: Future / Microsoft)

Widgets make a return from Windows Vista, but are wedged in the sidebar, and don’t offer much in terms of productivity. Worse still, when adding new ones, the preview images are pixelated, and sometimes look as if they’re a weird mishmash of internet pop-ups from yesteryear.

The Start menu, however, is the star of the show. Since its 1995 debut in Windows 95, this iconic part of the operating system has slowly evolved, but in Windows 11, it’s been given a full refresh and is now front and center, and clicking the Windows icon will bring up several helpful sections: recommended files, pinned apps, and a button to show all installed apps.

Since Windows 11’s 2021 release, the Start menu has seen several improvements, such as enabling more apps to be shown, a new section for showing connected devices like your smartphone, and the ability to show apps in a grid. It builds on Microsoft’s overall theme of productivity, and despite some users wanting the Start menu of old, it feels like a natural progression from where it all started (pun intended) 30 years ago.

Ultimately, Fluent Design remains a solid upgrade from Windows 10's look. It even puts Apple’s latest macOS update, Tahoe, which has a divisive Liquid Glass design, to shame, as Apple's refresh currently fails on feel and lacks in function. As things stand with Windows 11, Fluent succeeds at both.

Microsoft Windows 11: Artificial Intelligence

(Image credit: Future / Shutterstock)

2023 was a big year for Microsoft. It revealed Copilot, its AI platform that’s now tightly intergrated (and hard to ignore) across Windows 11. Much like rival tools such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Anthopic’s Claude, you can ask Copilot to rewrite your emails to sound more professional, generate images, remove subjects in existing photos, and much more.

Copilot is also everywhere in Microsoft 365’s Office suite, helping you create and manage spreadsheets, create reports from Teams meetings, and, according to Microsoft, saving you time to focus on other tasks within a project.

However impressive it may seem in 2025, AI has a long way to go before it can be considered a trusted, reliable tool. In our testing with Copilot, it got confused many times when looking through a document for grammar mistakes, and it generated a spreadsheet with too many errors to count.

As a virtual assistant, much like how Google Assistant, Siri, and even Microsoft's previous attempt, Cortana, work, it’s great for short queries. For accessibility, it’s useful as a screen reader in various Windows 11 apps, but it feels like there’s a missed opportunity with how AI can help Windows 11's accessibility features.

For now, it's best to use Copilot and AI as a whole as an experiment. It’s still far too early to judge just how useful AI will be in our day-to-day lives, and despite being everywhere in Windows 11, it still feels like a bit of a gimmick.

(Image credit: Future / Microsoft)Microsoft Windows 11: Accessibility

To its credit, Microsoft has been laser-focused on making Windows and its devices as accessible as possible. In Windows 11, there are a large number of accessibility features that can help users, such as the magnifier tool that can make apps and files bigger, audio alerts for visually impaired users that can notify them when a message box appears, and much more.

However, as noted earlier, while accessibility and AI work together in the Windows 11 of 2025, it doesn't feel like Microsoft is fully taking advantage of the opportunities AI offers for accessibility.

Still, what is there for now is very helpful. AI-generated captioning for videos is great, as well as an AI-powered search that can let visually impaired users describe photos in detail. Narrator can now read out contextual descriptions, meaning objects, people, and more can be identified to help give users far more helpful context.

Essentially, you can customize Windows 11 to suit your needs if you have a hearing, motor, visual, or non-visual disability. But there’s a lot of scope for Microsoft to go further when it comes to AI and accessibility.

(Image credit: Future / Microsoft)Microsoft Windows 11: Built-In apps

For years, a common theme in major Windows releases has been the feeling that built-in apps have been left to the wayside, but not so with Windows 11. Since its launch, we’ve seen improvements in apps like Paint, Clock, Snipping Tool, Notepad, Photos, and To-Do. All of these apps have been updated with the Fluent Design look, as well as features like tabs, dark mode, and Copilot integration, which will please anyone upgrading to Windows 11.

However, in 2025, some apps still look like they belong in Windows 10, such as Calculator and Weather, which have not received the upgrades that the other built-in apps have had.

When compared to macOS Tahoe, especially with its new Liquid Glass design, every app here looks fresh, albeit glitchy in places. But there’s far more cohesion in Apple’s OS, something that Microsoft should re-focus on.

(Image credit: Future / Microsoft)

In addition to built-in apps getting a glow-up, some new apps have been added since Windows 11's launch. Windows Media Player returned in 2022, allowing you to play your music, watch videos, and create playlists, but classic visualizations (a key feature of the original app) are sadly absent.

Clipchamp is a lightweight video tool, introduced in 2022, which is great for editing short videos to post on social media sites like TikTok and Instagram. Phone Link also saw a major update in recent years, adding support for the best iPhones (alongside Android devices), letting your phone notifications show on your PC, reply to messages, make calls, and sync your photos. It’s a big advantage for those who own an iPhone and a Windows PC, making it far easier for these devices to talk to one another.

Overall, all of these apps look great in Windows 11, and it's good to see Microsoft revist some of the older apps that once felt like they had been abandoned. Combined with the ability to use Android devices and iPhones on a PC, Microsoft is building on its mantra of Windows as a service with these improvements to Windows 11 in 2025.

(Image credit: Future / Microsoft)Microsoft Windows 11: Microsoft Store

A big highlight of Windows 11’s original release was the redesigned Microsoft Store. If you’re upgrading from Windows 10 due to its End of Life, this may be one of the biggest differences you’ll notice. Now redesigned, it’s become a more reliable place to download install all of your apps, like iTunes and ChatGPT, as well as games like Ninja Gaiden 4.

Everything looks clean and is easy to browse, with a helpful search bar placed at the top so you can always find the app you want. Recently, an ‘AI Hub’ was added to the sidebar, showcasing all the apps with AI features. It’s helpful, but it doesn’t add much to your productivity or creativity, to be honest.

(Image credit: Future / Microsoft)

With Apple launching its Mac App Store back in 2012, a lot of us have been waiting for Microsoft to offer something similar. Since 2021, the Microsoft Store has been updated and improved, and it’s now a great storefront in 2025 to easily find apps and games, making it straightforward for new users to download their apps quickly, all in one place.

Microsoft Windows 11: Other new features

Microsoft didn’t stop improving Windows 11 with Fluent Design, brand new apps, and a huge AI push with Copilot. There are new features scattered across the operating system that have been there since 2021, and subsequent updates have continued to bring new features.

Snap Groups can ‘snap’ windows to a section of the screen. This is more suited to touch-screen devices, but it works well regardless of whether you’re working with more than three apps at once.

(Image credit: Future / Microsoft)

Better multi-monitor support came to Windows 11 with its 2021 release, but there have been even more improvements since. A new taskbar on your second monitor will now appear, showing the time, date, and Notification Center, leaving more room for more apps on the main monitor. This is currently available as an optional update.

If you regularly send files over by email or a cloud service, you’ll likely be bundling them into compressed zip files. In Windows 11, other formats are available, like .7z and .RAR, which can result in better compression and smaller file sizes.

Even a smaller feature like scrolling the mouse wheel over the volume icon in the taskbar to control the level of sound is welcome in Windows 11. In addition, Virtual Desktops lets you change backgrounds and switch between app-filled screens instantly, as well as HDR support for compatible monitors and themes for the touchscreen keyboard.

As of October 2025, versions 24H2 and 25H2 have brought more refinements to Windows 11. This includes better Narration feautres, an AI Agent in the Settings app that lets you ask Copilot to enable or disable a feature, and the ability to pin favorite apps to the share window. Although these may sound minor, they add up to how you use Windows, and could benefit your productivity.

Windows 11 continues to evolve since its 2021 launch, and Microsoft is still bringing out new features and refining others, which is a welcome move.

(Image credit: Future / Microsoft)Microsoft Windows 11: Gaming

Previously, gaming on Windows using Microsoft's services could be a frustrating affair, from the Games on Windows Live debacle in Windows Vista to the barebones Xbox app in Windows 10. But Microsoft clearly wanted to have gaming as a tentpole feature in Windows 11, and it’s succeeded, as well as setting the foundations for its entry into the handheld market.

The Xbox app can let you chat to friends, add new ones, and create parties so you can play together in a bunch of games. These can be titles you own, to playing a game via the Xbox Game Pass subscription service. The app is well-made, which looks modern thanks to its green and blue aesthetic, and is tightly integrated with the games you play on your Xbox Series S/X console.

(Image credit: Future / Microsoft)

Another aspect is Game Bar, which can be summoned by pressing both the Windows and G keys together. Initially just a helpful way to capture your gaming moments when Windows 11 launched, it’s been vastly improved upon since. Now, you have a helpful overview of how your PC is running via its own task manager, which lets you capture images and videos, and control the inputs and outputs of your audio devices.

In addition, Copilot can, according to Microsoft, help you progress through a game, as well as recommend new titles, but it’s a feature I feel is best left switched off for now. Otherwise, Game Bar is a very useful tool that can help when playing any game via the Xbox app or third-party storefronts like Steam and the Epic Games Store.

However, Microsoft is launching its first handheld in collaboration with Asus later this month, called the ROG Xbox Ally. Coming in two models, it’s powered by Windows 11, but it ships with a user interface called the ‘Xbox Full-Screen Experience’. Building off the Xbox app and Game Bar, it’s a clean way of browsing and playing your game library without having to use Windows 11's interface, which doesn't work well on small screens. It’s long overdue from Microsoft, especially as Valve has its rival SteamOS operating system on its Steam Deck handheld, which is also coming to other devices, like the Lenovo Legion Go S.

Although the ‘Xbox Full-Screen Experience’ isn’t available until a future Windows 11 update in 2026, time will tell how it will fare on Windows-powered devices like tablets and laptops.

Overall, though, Windows 11 is now in a strong position for gaming, especially for handhelds. Compared to how Apple has been slow to bring more games to its platform, Microsoft has been making it far easier for developers and players alike to play and manage titles in Windows 11, with more improvements coming.

Microsoft Windows 11: Final verdict

In our initial review of Windows 11, we mentioned how Fluent Design seemed like a reskin of Windows 10, but it was a good foundation to build the future of Windows on.

Five years since its debut, AI has become a huge part of not just Windows 11, but Microsoft’s entire ecosystem, with the company working on integrating Copilot into the operating system, as well as its pre-installed apps. The jury is still out on AI, but for accessibility and as a chatbot for minor tasks, it can be useful.

Microsoft has maintained a steady pace in updating Windows 11, adding tabs in File Explorer, the return of Windows Media Player, huge improvements to gaming with the Game Bar, and soon the ‘Xbox Full-Screen Experience’. It’s impressive that at this point, many were expecting Windows 12 to be here by now.

But, who needs Windows 12, if Windows 11 continues to evolve like this? Microsoft has followed Apple’s old mantra of keeping the version number the same, like Mac OS X, but brought in significant updates annually. It’s helped Windows 11 become more refined, more bug-free, and more innovative — to the point where it’s closing the gap with Apple.

In 2025, Windows 11 is a great operating system, and if you use a Windows-powered device that’s currently on Windows 10, it’s probably time to consider an upgrade and take advantage of what Windows 11 has to offer. As things stand, Windows 11 has earned its place as a new classic in Microsoft’s lineup, ready to embrace what AI and handheld gaming will offer in the future.

• Here's how to download and install Windows 11

First reviewed February 2022, updated October 2025

Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is a remake of the classic Japanese role-playing game (JRPG), The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky, which was first released 21 years ago. Developer Nihon Falcom has modernized its 2004 title with full English voice acting, an overhauled combat system, and multiple quality of life improvements, bringing it to just about every modern platform you can imagine.

Review info

Platform reviewed: PS5
Available on: PS5, Nintendo Switch (physical and digital); Nintendo Switch 2, PC (digital only)
Release date: September 19, 2025

Now, I’ll put my cards on the table. I’m totally new to the Trails series. Sure, I predominantly play role-playing games (RPGs), but I simply hadn’t found the time to sink my teeth into it. But Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter appeared to be the ultimate entry point. Why? Firstly, it’s a remake of the very first part of the Trails story – but it's also got a smooth, up-to-date UI and graphics, making it very easy to get into for new players like me.

And after hours and hours exploring the Liberl Kingdom, I have to say, I’m so happy that I got the opportunity to dive into a Trails game. Yes, Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is a very apt remake, with addictive combat, an engaging plot, and brilliant visuals. Here’s a rundown of my experience with the game, and why I think it's among the best RPGs of 2025.

Brace yourself for an epic journey

(Image credit: Nihon Falcom, GungHo)

Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter follows the journey of Estelle Bright and her adopted brother, Joshua Bright, as they aim to track down their missing father and become Senior Bracers – essentially protectors of the peace.

As the tale unfolds, Estelle and Joshua find themselves embroiled in something much deeper than a simple search and rescue. I won’t spoil what’s to come, of course, but the game isn’t short on twists and turns. Although things take a while to get going – the opening is pretty lengthy – the narrative remains intriguing throughout. Cutscenes never feel overlong or convoluted, either, so rest assured, you’re in for an engaging adventure.

Estelle and Joshua make for interesting dual protagonists – Estelle is the explosive, fiery, energetic type, who’s all action. Meanwhile, Joshua appears more measured and introverted, resulting in some humorous conflicts, especially earlier on.

Best bit

(Image credit: Nihon Falcom, GungHo)

Without question, my favorite moment was defeating the boss in the game’s prologue – yes, really! I lost a fair few times here, which forced me to get a better understanding of the game’s combat and orbment system. After some learning, levelling, and restrategizing, I finally got my victory. If that’s not a good example of rewarding combat, I don’t know what is.

I will say that a few characters – Estelle included – do have that stereotypical over-the-top anime energy. This can be a little intense in moments, and may wear some players down, but it rarely bothered me, personally.

And the English voice acting is delivered to a high standard – every character’s personality is communicated with genuine passion and care. This adds so much texture to the various individuals you meet throughout the game, and it's a very welcome improvement from the 2004 original.

However, there are some segments – even in the main story – where scenes aren’t voice-acted, or bizarrely, only partially voice-acted. For instance, I encountered a non-player character (NPC) whose lines were voiced entirely, while those of Estelle, Joshua, and company were not. This resulted in a kind of awkward viewing experience, slightly reducing my immersion in the scene.

A Liberl dose of upgrades

(Image credit: Nihon Falcom, GungHo)

It's not only voice acting that elevates the Trails in the Sky experience, though. Just about every other area has been significantly upgraded, making the game a lot more appealing than its original counterpart.

Perhaps the most obvious thing is that the visuals have received a major revamp. And I’m a huge fan of this new look.

Character models looked fantastic on the PS5 version of the game, environments are bursting with color, and elements such as shadows appear natural. That’s not to mention the fact that the game ran just about flawlessly for me, with a smooth frame rate and short loading screens throughout my playtime, even when fast-traveling or playing in the handy high-speed mode.

I massively appreciated the graphical quality here – especially when you consider that the original game used chibi-style sprites in combat and cutscenes, rather than fully fledged 3D models.

(Image credit: Nihon Falcom, GungHo)

Something else I loved about this remake was its revamped original soundtrack. The music in Trails 1st Chapter is a beautiful mixture of funky, emotive, and invigorating, with almost every track complementing your battles or exploration down to a T. I also adore the fact that you can cycle between standard, arranged, or original background music – that sort of optionality is seriously commendable.

One more thing I want to shout out is the improved UI. I found the various menus in the game to be extremely easy to navigate through, whether I was equipping new gear, cooking up a new dish, or viewing my status. Everything about this game is silky smooth; it really is a joy to play.

The only aspect that I’d argue could’ve been improved would be the localization. There are some grammatical and translation errors littered throughout the text displayed throughout the game. I’ll admit that this is a small issue, especially as the voice acting is ultra-clean and the story has been faithfully re-created.

Chain…follow-up…I just can’t stop

(Image credit: Nihon Falcom, GungHo)

I’ve been excited to discuss this game’s combat because it seriously impressed me. There are two ways to battle through Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter: quick battle, real-time action-based combat; and command battle, a turn-based, more slow-paced approach.

It’s great fun to dive headfirst into scuffs via quick battle. I had a blast slashing up my opponents, charging up almighty crafts, and weaving around incoming attacks. If you stun an enemy, you can even switch into command battle and fight with an advantage over your foes, making it easier to clean up normal encounters quickly and load up on exp.

Command battle is the default for boss and mini-boss encounters. Turn order is displayed on the side of the screen, and on each turn you can decide whether to: cast an art, like a healing or attack magic; leather your opponent with a craft – a strong physical attack; use an item, shield, or flee. You’ll also get the chance to follow up or chain attack your enemies for huge damage. It took me a while to get used to this system, but when I nailed down the right arts, I was able to withstand harsh strings of enemy attacks and then launch a deadly counter-offensive.

You’ll need to get used to the orbment and quartz system if you want to stand a chance against some bosses, too – there are some difficulty spikes that are punishing to say the least.

The orbment system essentially requires you to string a range of gems together in a specific pattern in order to unlock new arts. Some, like Earth Guard, proved almost necessary for me to get through some tough battles in the early game – if you’re struggling, I’d suggest re-evaluating your build-out in this department, as well as purchasing better gear at an in-game shop.

(Image credit: Nihon Falcom, GungHo)

If you’re still struggling after re-stratagizing, don’t fear! You can simply turn down the difficulty, which ranges from Very Easy all the way up to Nightmare. As an experienced RPG player, I went with Normal – but this was by no means without its challenges.

Yep, I got my fair share of kickings during my playthrough. Sometimes, I was left dumbfounded as to how I could possibly survive such high-damage attacks and whittle down some imposing health bars. But the orbment system really does encourage experimentation, and when you finally nail down the right strategy, victory is oh so satisfying.

Sure, the game is going to ask some tough questions of you – but it’s also going to give you the tools to find the right answers. And in the end? That makes for exceptionally satisfying gameplay.

As someone who was experiencing a Trails game for the first time, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from this title. But truly, it blew my expectations out of the water. With a mixture of gorgeous graphics, addictive combat, a whimsical world, and a gripping plot, Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is a top-class JRPG.

But not only that, it's also a top-class remake. There are just so many improvements – a new UI, battle mechanics, visual style…I could go on. And it rarely feels like Nihon Falcom takes any half-measures. There are some small localization errors and some offbeat partially-voiced segments, sure. And some may find the difficulty spikes to be intimidating.

Still, Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is one of the best remakes of 2025, and one of the best JRPGs I’ve played this year, no question. If you’re a fan of the genre, this is an easy recommendation, and if you’ve ever wanted to get into the Trails series, now is the time to do it!

Should you play Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter?

(Image credit: Nihon Falcom, GungHo)Play it if...

You want to get into the Trails series
As a remake of the first chapter in the Trails series, this is the ideal entry point for any new player. On top of that, the up-to-date visuals and user-friendly quality of life changes make this title highly accessible for modern players.

You want action-packed combat with a hint of turn-based goodness
We’ve seen a few games combine turn-based and action combat systems lately – think Metaphor: Refantazio, for example. And like Atlus’ masterpiece, Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter does a great job of balancing action and strategy too. Mastering each battle type is highly satisfying, and the variation keeps battles fresh.

Don't play it if...

You’re not a massive fan of the ‘anime-inspired’ vibe
If you don’t really dig the anime-inspired tropes you’ll find in a lot of JRPGs, this title may not be to your tastes. Personally, I’m accustomed to this style, so it was no issue for me, but some may be turned off by aspects like the visual and comedic style of Trails.

You want something to play with a short runtime
As is the case with many JRPGs, Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter requires a fair time investment if you want to complete the main story and a good portion of side content. Sure, it’s not the 100-hour-plus epic you’ll experience with games like Persona 5 Royal, for instance, but if you want a quick game to dip into, this won’t be it.

Accessibility features

You can adjust the subtitle language to English, German, French, or Spanish, and select either English or Japanese voice acting. There are a number of ways to customize the camera’s behavior, too, such as normal or inverted configurations, camera movement speed, and camera distance.

On top of this, there are difficulty options, including a Very Easy mode if you just want to focus on the game’s story. Unfortunately, there is no colorblind mode.

How I reviewed Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter:

(Image credit: Nihon Falcom, GungHo)

I spent more than 30 hours playing Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter, predominantly focusing on the main story, but also picking up a few side quests here and there. I played the game on Normal difficulty throughout my time with it.

When playing Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter on PS5, I had my console connected up to the Sky Glass Gen 2 TV and used the Samsung HW-Q800D soundbar. On occasion, I also dipped into the game via remote play on my Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, but this was pretty rare.

On a personal note, I’ve reviewed a variety of games here at TechRadar, including recent releases like Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army and Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles. I'm also a life-long fan of JRPGs, with some of my favorite games including Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne, Persona 3 Reload, and Final Fantasy VII (the original, of course).

First reviewed September-October 2025

WEFFORT Smart Shades: one-minute review

WEFFORT offers a ton of different smart shade options, including roller, cellular, zebra, roman, sheer, outdoor, woven wood, drapes, and more. Within each category, you’ll find a variety of neutral colorways and differing degrees of light filtration/blocking. I ordered the 60% light-filtering Lattice Series Roman Shades in white for two identical windows in the same room.

You can choose to charge your blinds via a wall charger or a solar charger; I got one of each. You also choose your home’s ecosystem; I chose Apple’s HomeKit but it also works with Google, Amazon Alexa, Samsung, and several others. You can also get a remote control – either one-channel, five-channel, or 15-channel.

Installation initially went relatively smoothly, though the included screws are low quality and the threads will strip if you’re not careful. The major hiccup, however, was that one of the strings wasn’t wrapped around the motor correctly, so the blind would not lower all the way on one side. After some back-and-forth with customer service, who provided detailed instructions and videos, I was able to get it working properly.

Once that was done, the blinds worked like a dream. I set up an automation, so the blinds open each day at sunrise and close each day at sunset. I also utilized the remote control and Siri voice activation. They work exactly as expected.

(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)WEFFORT Smart Shades: price and availability

• Starts relatively inexpensive
• Order directly from site or Amazon
• Gets fairly pricey with customizations

You can order WEFFORT Smart Shades from WEFFORT's website or from Amazon in the US. You'll be able to see all of your options more easily if you order directly from WEFFORT, though you might find some sale prices though Amazon.

The shades start at $119.99 USD (about £90 / AU$180). I ordered two shades for two pretty large identical windows. I selected the 60% light-filtering Lattice Series Roman Shades in white with a battery motor (as opposed to hard-wired) and measured for an outside mount. I added a five-channel remote control, solar charging panel, and chose the HomeKit Motor over Thread. All told, my total was $1,013.94 (about £750 / AU$540) for two shades.

• Value score: 4/5

WEFFORT Smart Shades: design

• Had some hiccups with installation
• Shades look fine, if not luxurious
• Smooth and quiet operation

You'll need a drill and the know-how to use it in order to install the blinds. Note that the included screws are not up to the quality of the rest of the kit; if you're not careful, you can strip them pretty easily. But the trickiest part was that one of the strings that control the blinds got out of place, which meant that one of the shades would not lower all the way. Eventually, with help from WEFFORT's customer service, I was able to fix the string and get the shades working correctly.

(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

You can order the shades with whatever sort of smart home ecosystem you like, whether you prefer Apple HomeKit, Samsung, Google, Amazon Alexa, Homey, Hubitat, or something else. However, for this kind of customization, you'll want to order from WEFFORT directly. Custom orders on Amazon can be a bit tricky.

I set mine up with Apple's HomeKit, there was no need to download any other app to get this done. In addition to controlling the shades via HomeKit and Siri, they can also be controlled via remote control.

(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

I ordered 60% light-filtering shades, and that's what I got. The light filters through pleasantly, but the harshest rays of summer middays are blocked when I want.

As for the aesthetics, well, these don't look or feel like super expensive shades. The fabric of the shades is more like plastic than anything. The string that raises and lowers the shades is very thin. The valance is functional-looking, not anything special. It all looks fine though; I don't need shades to look fancy, I need them to work. And they do work. Operation is smooth, quiet, and flawless.

• Design score: 4/5

WEFFORT Smart Shades: performance

• Set up with Apple, Amazon, Samsung, Google, and more
• Control with your phone, your voice, or remote control
• They just work

When you place your order, be sure to choose your motor type carefully. The Standard Motor uses just the remote control. The Zigbee motor works with Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant, Hubitat and other Zigbee 3.0 Hubs. The Z-Wave motor can be used with Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant, and Hubitat. The Matter motor works with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Samsung, and Google. The HomeKit motor just works with the Apple ecosystem.

(Image credit: Future)

I found the shades easy to set up with Apple's HomeKit without having to download any other apps. Once set up, you can tell Siri to open and close your blinds, or use the app to choose the exact percentage open you want them.

You can set up Scenes and Automations to have the blinds open and close when or under what circumstances you prefer. I like my blinds to open at sunrise and close at sunset; once I set that Automation I can forget about it and the blinds do just that.

(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

As I mentioned earlier, I did have an issue with a twisted string at first. I'm not sure if the shades came that way or if that happened during installation. With the string twisted, the blinds would not fully lower. I did speak with customer service via email; they sent me instructions and videos until I was able to fix the issue. Since then, everything has worked flawlessly.

• Performance score: 4.5/5

Should you buy the WEFFORT Smart Shades?WEFFORT Smart Shades score card

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

They start out fairly cheap but get pricey with custom options

4/5

Design

More functional than fancy

4/5

Performance

Get through setup and these shades perform like a dream

4.5/5

Buy it if

You like many options for control

You can choose from a variety of motors so you can use just about any brand of smart home digital assistant. Or you can go old school and just use a remote control.

You want differing kinds of window coverings

WEFFORT offers a variety of smart shades, blinds, and drapes in various colors and light-filtering levels.

You want to set it and forget it

Set up Automations and Scenes so the blinds open and close at the time or in the specific situation you choose and you'll never have to think about them again.View Deal

Don't buy it if

You're looking for a bargain

You can get some basic shades pretty inexpensively, but once you go up in size and add upgrades, the price climbs quickly.

You want a no-brainer setup

You'll need to be handy with a drill and have a little techy know-how. I initially had a twisted string that didn't allow full closure, but worked through it.

You need easy removal

These do get drilled into the wall, so they may not be ideal for renters.View Deal

WEFFORT Smart Shades: also consider

Want some other, similar options to check out? Here are a couple of TechRadar favorites to consider.

SmartWings Smart Blinds

These are fairly similar to WEFFORT blinds, but maybe you'll see some different options you like more here. Read our SmartWings Smart Blinds review to find out.View Deal

GrayWind Smart Blinds

GrayWind and WEFFORT are sister companies, and I found them to be fairly similar. Again, you may find some different options here, so it could be worth checking out. Here's our GrayWind Smart Blinds review.View Deal

SwitchBot Blind Tilt

This renter-friendly, budget-friendly option attaches to your existing blinds and doesn't even require a drill. Read our SwitchBot Blind Tilt review to learn more.View Deal

How I tested the WEFFORT Smart Shades

I installed the WEFFORT Smart Shades on two different windows in my dining room and tested them over two weeks. I opened and closed them a variety of ways, including using the remote control, the HomeKit App on my iPhone, and voice commands to Siri. I also set up an Automation to open the shades at sunrise and close them at sunset.

For more details, see how we test, review, and rate products at TechRadar.

First reviewed October 2025

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Freewell Real Locking VND/CPL Mega Kit: two-minute review

Filters are an essential element of photography and video because, for the most part, they allow you to control exposure. Whether you’re aiming to manipulate shutter speed or to shoot at wider apertures than should be possible, filters are the way to achieve the desired results.

The Freewell Real Locking VND/CPL Mega Kit is a comprehensive filter kit built around a variable ND/polarizer and an ND32 filter, with a couple of video haze filters thrown in for good measure. This is a stackable kit, allowing you to combine multiple filters as required. Where this kit differs from others is in how the filters clip together and to the adaptor ring, rather than being magnetic.

Freewell rightly says clip attaching is a more secure system than magnetic, and results in less accidental adjustment of the variable ND. The only negatives to the system are that it’s not quite as convenient as magnetic systems, and you have to make sure the filter being attached is secure.

There are two Real Locking VND/CPL kits available: the Mega Kit and the All Day kit. I tested the Mega Kit, shooting both photos and videos to see how the kit as a whole and the individual filters perform. First, you have the base ring, and these are available from 49mm to 82mm with a lens cap that can be used with the ring left in place on the lens if desired. The filters are 82mm, so the adaptor rings step down, allowing you to use them across multiple lenses.

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You can use the Mist filters, ND32 or any of the other separately available filters individually on the Base Ring. The variable ND is paired up with the polarizing filter, and using the two together works surprisingly well. To adjust the polarizing effect, you have to rotate the entire filter by releasing the rubber locking grips and turning it until the desired effect is reached. Then, to adjust the variable ND, you simply move the marker to the desired strength, which ranges from three to seven stops.

The kit also comes with an ND32 filter, which features a five-stop light-reducing density. This can be used in isolation or paired with the VND for up to a 12-stop light blocking density, so a couple of stops over a Big Stopper. With the VND at up to seven stops, there’s no color cast visible in photos, although there is a tiny hint of red or magenta when the ND32 is also attached.

When I say minor, I do mean minor – the color cast is only just visible to the color-trained eye, and this can be easily removed in editing software. When the ND32 is used in isolation, there is a slight cast that looks a little red, minimal again, like when stacked with the VND.

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(Image credit: James Abbott)

The ND filters are great for video, offering the ability to quickly control exposure while maintaining the correct shutter speed for capturing movement – the 180-degree rule. For landscape photography, you can extend exposure times to smooth water and blur clouds, while the filters also make it possible to shoot at larger apertures in bright conditions.

There’s no specific information about the glass construction of the filters, but you can see that they are coated, and image quality when using them is excellent. Color rendition is also excellent, with only the extremely minor aforementioned color cast issue. The two mist filters also work well and do what they’re claimed to do.

The Glow Mist 1/4 Filter blooms highlights slightly, smooths contrast and adds a cinematic haze without losing sharpness. With this filter, the haze spreads into midtones. In the examples below, you’ll see the sun star of the filter-free version remains, but with a bloom in the centre.

The Snow Mist 1/4 filter blooms highlights more than the Glow Mist 1/4 Filter and also smooths contrast, but with less spread into the midtones. This filter has completely bloomed the sun star into a circular highlight. Both of these filters can be used for all types of photography to apply cinematic haze effects, alongside being used for video capture.

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Polarizer at full strength (Image credit: James Abbott)

My only minor gripe with the Mega Kit is that when the ND32 and two Mist filters are inserted into the smart leatherette Filters Case with a magnetic clasp, the middle and rear filters are a bit tight when removing them from the case. The case is, however, well-made and stores the entire kit away safely.

The lens caps have NFC built in, which takes you to the freewell website ‘Hub’ for tutorials, user guides and other stuff. It’s a bit of a gimmick and possibly unnecessary, but it’s certainly an innovative and unique feature.

The rear cap, which attaches to the VND/CPL, has a built-in gray card and white balance for color calibration. This, I have to say, is extremely useful, especially for video capture, where you can ensure color consistency when shooting without filters and with filters at different strengths.

Freewell Real Locking VND/CPL Mega Kit: key specs

Filter slots

Stackable

Adaptor rings

82mm included (49mm to 82mm available separately)

Polarizing filter

Built into VND

Case included

Yes

Lens cap

Yes

Freewell Real Locking VND/CPL Mega Kit price and availability

There are two Real Locking VND/CPL kits available: the Mega Kit and the All Day kit. These are available now at Amazon and the Freewell website. The All Day Kit is available for $250 at Amazon US and includes the VND3-7/CPL Base, an ND32, an 82mm Base Ring, an NFC Front Lens Cap, a White Balance Back Cap, a Filters Case and a Cleaning Cloth for. The same All Day kit costs £227.43 at Amazon in the UK. Australia price TBC.

The Mega Kit includes all of the above, plus a Snow Mist 1/4 and a Glow Mist 1/4. This kit costs $350 and pricing for both is in USD on the Freewell website, meaning if you live outside the US you'll need to check the exact cost in your own currency at the time of purchase.

The kits aren’t cheap, but they’re priced similarly to magnetic filter kits. Other filters can be purchased separately, as well as additional Base Rings, which come with corresponding NFC Front Lens Caps.

Should I buy the Freewell Real Locking VND/CPL Mega Kit?

(Image credit: James Abbott)Buy it if...

You require convenience

This is a comprehensive stackable filter solution that can be used with a wide range of lenses.

You’d like portability

You would like a compact and lightweight filter system for photography and video capture.

Don't buy it if...

You need ND grads

If you’d like to use ND graduated filters to control sky exposure, you’ll need a square filter system.

You only need a VND

If you only need a variable ND filter, a simple VND will be a more appropriate and less expensive option.

How I tested the Freewell Real Locking VND/CPL Mega Kit

• Used for photo and video capture
• Filters tested individually and stacked
• Tested in differing light conditions

I tested the Freewell Real Locking VND/CPL Mega Kit over a couple of weeks and used for a variety of photography and video shoots using different lenses with 82mm and 77mm filter threads. I used filters individually and stacked as required to assess performance in a range of configurations.

I also tested the filters in different light conditions to check their effectiveness in regard to the manufacturer's claims, as well as how the effects of the Mist filters work in different situations.

First reviewed October 2025

Soundpeats H3: Two-minute review

While you’ll most likely know Chinese headphone company Soundpeats from its dime-a-dozen budget buds, this rare foray into the mid-range market is still enough to pique interest… and to open wallets, because let me be clear: these are some of the best cheap headphones I’ve tested all year.

The Soundpeats H3 (no, you’re not expected to have heard of the H2) look like and sound like premium earbuds, and they make easy work of rivals at their price point, such as the AirPods 4.

The unique selling point here is the specs list, as the buds each have three drivers per earpiece (the AirPods, for example, have one) which let them handle the extremes of the audio spectrum with grace. They offer a vivid, insightful and well-defined sound, an expansive soundstage and support for a range of audio codecs.

I personally appreciated how Soundpeats didn’t follow the example set by most other mid-range and budget audio brands: the buds don’t turn the bass up to 11 to excite, at the expense of balanced sound, making them an option that offers something distinct from other buds you might be considering.

Audiophiles on a budget should add this to the shopping list straight away – and I do not write that lightly.

The premium sound is reflected in the design, with both the buds and case looking chic and classy. The earpieces also fit well and I never had problems with them falling out, which isn’t something I can say about many non-stem earbuds.

If there are issues with the Soundpeats H3, or at least reasons to temper your expectations, it’s in the features department. The battery life and active noise cancellation (ANC) are both a little below what I’ve experienced in other similarly-priced earbuds, and I had some app connection troubles (these didn’t affect streaming music, just using Soundpeat’s apps for some extra functionality).

Despite these small setbacks, the Soundpeats H3 are still exemplary earbuds that have certainly earned their way onto personal ‘best headphones’ list of 2025.

Soundpeats H3 review: Price and release date

(Image credit: Future)

• Released in September 2025
• Costs $149.99 / £139.99 / AU$142
• Slightly pricier than AirPods (in most regions)

The Soundpeats H3 were released in September 2025, as a follow-up to 2021’s Soundpeats H2 – given that the new buds cost almost twice as much as their predecessors, and look vastly different too, it seems that the name is the only thing these buds have in common.

The new earbuds cost $149.99 / £139.99 / AU$142 (no, that’s not a typo, the buds are inexplicably cheaper in Australia compared to the rest of the world, given that an exact conversion would put them closer to AU$280).

That’s not cheap cheap like most Soundpeats earbuds, and it means the H3 bumps shoulders with the $129 / £129 / AU$219 AirPods 4, but any buds that serious audiophiles will be considering will cost a fair bit more. Top picks from Sony, Apple and Bose have much higher price tags.

Soundpeats H3 review: Specs

Drivers

12mm + dual balanced armatures

Active noise cancellation

Yes

Battery life (ANC off)

7 hours (buds) 37 hours (case)

Weight

6g (buds) 53g (case)

Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.4

Waterproofing

IPX5

Soundpeats H3 review: Features

(Image credit: Future)

• ANC is fine, but can be beaten by rivals
• 7/37 hour battery life (ANC off)
• Occasional app connectivity problems

According to Soundpeats, the H3 last for 7 hours of listening time before needing to be charged. From my testing, this figure is presumably with ANC turned off, as I listened with it turned on and just scraped the 5 hour mark.

Soundpeat’s figures continue to 37 hours for the case, which again would be lower if your noise cancelling is hogging all the charge. That’s still a fair amount higher than many other rivals though, so I can’t knock it.

Another case of ‘fine, but not the best’ comes with the noise cancellation, which will certainly take the edge off surrounding sounds but not remove them. Some of the environments I was in when testing the buds included the gym, near busy roads, on the train and on a flight, and the H3’s ANC would rarely totally remove a sound, but was decent at reducing its volume so your music could sit over the top.

I can’t say the same about Transparency mode, however, which seemed to amplify ambient noise while muffling voices – that’s the opposite of what it’s meant to do.

In an apparent attempt to make my testing job harder, Soundpeats offers two different apps which you can use to control the buds (they work independently, so you only need one, but to do my job well I have to test both): there’s the SOUNDPEATS app (all caps in the name, not my excitement) as well as PeatsAudio.

SOUNDPEATS has the same features as PeatsAudio but also a little bit less visual flair… when it picks up the buds, which wasn’t always the case during my testing. Sometimes I had to re-enrol the buds in the app to listen.

You can use the app to toggle what the touch controls do, change the volume and language of voice prompts, turn on LDAC, connect to multiple devices, test your buds’ fit to see if you’re wearing them properly and, in theory, play with a 9-band equalizer. I say ‘in theory’ because every time I tried opening this part of the app, I got an error message in Chinese and also an error screen saying an error occurred in English, so could never try it. This happened even when I reset the app and the earbuds.

PeatsAudio, meanwhile, has most of the features of SOUNDPEATS but the EQ actually worked. I sometimes found that LDAC toggled itself though, once when I was looking at (and not touching) the toggle on the app. Unless I’ve unknowingly been cast in a new Paranormal Activity movie, that’s a possible bug.

• Features score: 3/5

Soundpeats H3 review: Design

(Image credit: Future)

• Light, well-fitting buds
• Handy touch controls
• Bulky carry case

I’ve never given Soundpeats kudos for original design, mostly because it’s never deserved any, but that’s certainly different now. The Soundpeats H3 have a unique and, dare I say, classy design.

It starts with the charging case, which I’ll readily admit is too big to comfortably fit in a pocket, but it makes up for it with its looks. The shell is transparent so you can see the buds while a gold trim blends well with the black; opening the case reveals the buds as well as a leather-esque patterned design. Admittedly the panel pleading “Hear the difference” looks a little gauche, especially with its inconsistent font that sees the ‘f’s descend to different levels, but this error triggers the editor in me instead of the tech reviewer in me, so I’ll let it slide.

Talking of letting things slide, let’s slide out the buds. These are in-ears with no stem; the whole thing sits in your ear. I’m generally skeptical about the reliability and fit of buds like this, as I’ve tested too many that are too heavy and fall from your ears, but the Soundpeats H3 worked a dream. They sat comfortably in my ear, never falling out and barely being noticeable during listening.

I’m a fan of how the shape of the H3’s body loosely resembles an ear, making the buds look like a part of the body when worn. This has a functional benefit too, with a small raised section at the far side of the body to the bud bearing a little hook, which helps keep the bud in place.

Each bud has a touch control and I found these fairly convenient to use. It feels like you can tap anywhere to trigger the function, instead of on one specific area, so you won’t waste time hammering away at your ear hoping to pause your music.

One thing that could be better here is the waterproofing which, at IPX5, sits below quite a few rivals. That marks the buds as being fine against sweat and rain but not water immersion or jets of water.

• Design score: 4.5/5

Soundpeats H3 review: Sound quality

• Three drivers per bud
• Lovely neutral sound
• Range of codecs supported

(Image credit: Future)

Why do these buds rate so highly? This section. The Soundpeats H3 come with three drivers, more than most rival buds: there’s a 12mm dynamic driver paired with two balanced armatures which in tandem, according to the company, ensure the entire audio spectrum is covered.

It works too, with the H3 perhaps the best-sounding mid-range earbuds I’ve ever tested that don’t have a bass focus (an important distinction given that many rivals focus on powerful bass more than Soundpeats has).

Treble is clearly the focus here. The balance, brimming with clarity and making vocals and higher-frequency instruments sparkle with energy and clarity, is refreshing and insightful. This extends to mids, which get to make a rare and detailed appearance, after getting somewhat overlooked in the vast majority of similarly-priced wireless earbuds.

Lower frequencies aren’t as powerful as on many rival buds, but they’re better-defined too, which more than makes up for it – the integrated bassline these buds provide sits well in the mix without ever dominating or encroaching.

There’s a lovely sound separation going on too, spacing and layering each musical passage and instrument in a way that justifies the use of multiple drivers.

Not content with a solid array of hardware, Soundpeats has included support for a wide variety of wireless audio codecs too, including aptX, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, LDAC, AAC and SBC. I only briefly tested with LDAC for fear of running down the battery (unless the app turned it on without telling me…) but the buds’ release at the same time as Spotify Lossless is a lovely little treat for audio reviewers.

• Sound quality: 4.5/5

Soundpeats H3 review: Value

(Image credit: Future)

I’ve got an ongoing list of great-value mid-range wireless earbuds that I can recommend to people who ask for my advice – placement on the list boils down to whether or not I’d buy it myself if, god forbid, I stopped getting sent buds to test.

The Soundpeats H3 certainly earn a place on the list. They may not have the features of rivals but the audio chops more than make up for it. They sound great and, more importantly, distinctly different from most same-priced rivals – all for half the price of other audiophile-grade earbuds.

• Value: 4/5

Should I buy the Soundpeats H3?

(Image credit: Future)Soundpeats H3 score card

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

Middling battery life and ANC, with some app connection problems.

3/5

Design

Attractive and lightweight buds, albeit with a bit of a big case.

4.5/5

Sound quality

The specs list doesn't lie with these well-tuned buds.

4/5

Value

They're not the cheapest buds ever, but they're a lot more affordable than other equally-great sounding buds.

4/5

Buy them if…

You like stem-less buds
It's rare that I rate in-ear buds that don't have stems, as they often have balance or fit issues, but not here.

You like detailed, expansive-sounding tunes
Bass-heads might look away, but we don't need them anyway (jokes! You're very welcome here). These are some of the best-sounding earbuds that don't focus too heavily on 'excitement' via low end clout.

You value codec support
I've tested some great-sounding buds that don't go the extra mile by supporting extra, higher-resolution Bleutooth codecs. Soundpeats has you covered if you want high-quality music wirelessly.View Deal

Don’t buy them if…

You need top-notch ANC
The noise cancellation isn't terrible, but plenty of other similarly-priced buds will beat the H3 for blocking out background sound.

You're a devout app user
While some earbuds users ignore the app, people who do spend time on PeatsAudio or SOUNDPEATS might find them frustrating.

Soundpeats H3 review: Also consider

Soundpeats H3

OnePlus Buds 4

AirPods 4

Skullcandy Method 360

Drivers

12mm + dual balanced armatures

11mm + 6mm

Custom Apple design

12mm

Active noise cancellation

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Battery life

12mm + dual balanced armatures

11 hours (buds) 45 hours (case)

5 hours (buds) 30 hours total (with case)

11 hours (earbuds), 29 hours (total)

Weight

6g (buds) 53g (case)

4.73g (buds) 40g (case)

4.3g (buds); 32.3g (case)

11g (buds) 77g (case)

Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.4

Bluetooth 5.4

Bluetooth 5.3

Bluetooth 5.3

Waterproofing

IPX5

IP55

IP54

IPX4

Apple AirPods 4
Given the similar price, these are a natural competitor, but despite their popularity we're not overwhelmed by the AirPods. Soundpeats H3's audio, look and battery life all win out here.

See our full Apple AirPods 4 review

OnePlus Buds 4
If you want top-notch ANC, these slightly-cheaper buds are what you need, and they're also unlike the Soundpeats in that the audio mix clearly favors bass. They're for a very different kind of user, but that means that if you're not keen on the H3, they might have what you're looking for.

See our full OnePlus Buds 4 review

How I tested the Soundpeats H3

(Image credit: Future)

• Tested for 21 days
• Tested at home, in the office and on walks

I tested the Soundpeats H3 for at least three weeks in order to write this review.

For testing, the buds were connected to my Android phone and I used music platforms including Spotify, Tidal, Netflix, YouTube and various games. I tested at home, on walks around my neighborhood and on various modes of transport, including trains and planes.

I've been reviewing gadgets for TechRadar for six years now, including many earbuds across a wide range of prices.

• First reviewed in October 2025

• Read TechRadar's reviews guarantee

CMF Watch 3 Pro by Nothing: One minute review

(Image credit: Future / Luke Baker)

The CMF Watch 3 Pro is Nothing's latest budget smartwatch, and no, that's not a typo. Bizarrely, the naming scheme has changed slightly, and the successor to the CMF Watch Pro 2 is the CMF Watch 3 Pro.

Naming confusion aside, the latest CMF watch brings with it some upgrades. The screen is now 1.42 inches up from 1.32 inches, and it's also slightly brighter, with slimmer bezels. In addition, there's now dual-band GPS onboard for improved workout tracking, a slightly bigger battery and it pairs to the new Nothing X app.

It's not all good news, though. The larger size makes the screen easier to use, but it also means that it may be too large for some wrists, with only one size available. Nothing has also ditched the swappable bezels on this model, and unfortunately, it costs more, too.

Overall, it's a stylish smartwatch with great software, extremely long battery life and plenty of features. Despite the higher MSRP, it's still very affordable. This higher price brings with it tougher competition, and unless you're a huge fan of the CMF styling, this one could be a tough sell.

It certainly doesn't seem worth a buy if you already own the CMF Watch Pro 2, but if you're coming from the original CMF Watch, this is a substantial upgrade. It's not perfect, but I've thoroughly enjoyed using it.

CMF Watch 3 Pro by Nothing: Specifications

Component

CMF Watch 3 Pro

Price

$99 / £99 / AU$179

Dimensions

54 x 47 x 15.2mm

Weight

47g including strap

Case/bezel

Aluminum alloy

Display

466 x 466px AMOLED

GPS

Dual-band GPS / GLONASS / Galileo / QZSS / Beidou

Battery life

Up to 13 days

Connection

Bluetooth 5.3

Water resistance

IP68

CMF Watch 3 Pro by Nothing: Price and availability

(Image credit: Future / Luke Baker)

• £99 in the UK
• $99 in the US
• AU$179 in Australia

The CMF Watch 3 Pro carries an MSRP of £99/$99, making it £30 more expensive than the Watch Pro 2, which launched at £/$69 last summer. That increase could be a tough pill to swallow, especially considering the value proposition was one of the key selling points of previous models.

That said, the CMF Watch 3 Pro is already discounted to £79 in the UK, and considering how new it is, you might expect that price gap to close even further in the coming months. Either way, it still remains very affordable for such a feature-packed watch.

• Value score 4/5

CMF Watch 3 Pro by Nothing: Design & display

(Image credit: Future / Luke Baker)

• 1.43-inch AMOLED display
• Dark Grey, Light Grey and Orange options
• Replaceable liquid silicon wrist strap

The CMF Watch 3 Pro features a 1.43-inch circular AMOLED display, a big increase over the last generation's 1.32-inch display. It also has slimmer bezels, and it's slightly brighter, rated at 670 nits up from 620 nits. This size increase is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it makes the display nicer to look at and easier to interact with. But it also makes the watch very large.

It's still super lightweight, weighing only 47 grams with the strap attached, but it's a chunky unit. I'm a pretty big guy, and I think it looks nice on my wrist, but I certainly wouldn't want to go any bigger. Those with dainty wrists need not apply.

The CMF Watch Pro 2 was a dramatic redesign compared to the original CMF Watch, but with the third iteration, the design feels very familiar. It still has a minimalistic circular design with a single rotating crown that can be pressed like a button on the right-hand side.

One thing that has changed, though, is that the bezel is no longer swappable, so it's crucial that you pick the style that you like best when you buy it. Like before, there are flatter, more angular bezel options, as well as a more curvy version. The Light Gray model I have in for testing has the textured curved bezel: the raised lip should help keep the screen free from scratches, and it looks quite fetching, too.

The body of the watch is made from aluminium, and I think the bezel is too, but it looks and feels a little plasticky, which detracts from an otherwise premium experience.

As for the display itself, it's pretty great. It has a 60Hz refresh rate, which looks smooth enough when you're swiping around the OS, and while most of the OS is black, white and orange, colours look very vibrant when they appear. It's not the brightest display around, but I never had trouble reading it, and given the budget price point, I think the performance is acceptable.

One thing I didn't like so much, though, was the brightness of the always-on display. I usually like to keep the always-on display active, as it means I don't need to raise my wrist to glance at the time. However, this one is so dim and hard to read that it doesn't really seem worth the battery drain.

Like its predecessor, the Watch 3 Pro has an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. This means it's well protected against dust, and it can be fully submerged in freshwater, but Nothing doesn't recommend using it for swimming or in the ocean.

• Design score: 4/5

CMF Watch 3 Pro by Nothing: Features

(Image credit: Future / Luke Baker)

• 131 sport tracking modes
• Nothing X app for Android and iOS
• Essential News and Recording Transcription

The CMF Watch 3 Pro runs Nothing's proprietary software, just like previous models, and the way that it functions is largely unchanged. As with the older models, Nothing's unique design language is present throughout the OS, and if you're a fan, you're sure to love the library of monochromatic minimalist watch faces.

What has changed is the companion app. The CMF Watch 3 Pro pairs with the Nothing X app, rather than the old CMF Watch app. The experience feels more polished, and the app looks nicer, in my opinion, but functionally, it's not that different. I was pleased to see that there are more options for health monitoring now. Rather than just being able to toggle on or off all-day heart rate tracking, you can now choose how frequently the sensor reads your heart rate.

Nothing has continued to add additional exercise tracking modes to the watch, and there are now 131 different options to choose from. This includes extremely niche activities like parkour and parachuting, as well as some sports I've never even heard of, like sepak takraw (a volleyball-like game from Southeast Asia). No matter what you're into, there's a good chance it's here.

There's a new feature called Essential News, which is supposed to read you a daily summary of your preferred news topics using AI, but I just couldn't make it work. That's a shame, as it seems like a cool feature, but I tried on a couple of different phones, and it would always say "Playing", but nothing would happen.

Recording Transcription is another new feature, and thankfully, this one actually worked. Essentially, you can record a voice memo on your watch, and then you can transfer it to your phone, where it will be transcribed into text.

It seems very accurate, but I'm just not really sure what the purpose of it is. I guess if you have a brilliant idea while you're away from your phone, you could use this, but I think there are very few people who will find this feature useful.

Another slight tweak is the music controller now displays album artwork, which is a nice touch. Keep in mind that there's no onboard storage with this watch, though, so you'll need to be paired to your phone to take advantage.

• Features score: 3/5

CMF Watch 3 Pro by Nothing: Performance

(Image credit: Future / Luke Baker)

• Up to 13 days of battery life
• Heart rate, sleep, stress and blood oxygen monitoring
• Built-in dual-band GPS

One of the biggest functional changes with the Watch 3 Pro is that it now has dual-band GPS rather than single-band. How much this matters to you will depend on where you train, but whether you're in the built-up city streets or deep in the woods, you should be able to enjoy more reliable GPS tracking.

In my experience, mostly tracking walks and bike rides, the GPS was rock-solid. In fact, it was so accurate that it knew which side of the street I was on when I zoomed in on the map. Otherwise, while the array of sensors may have had some hardware upgrades, they perform the same functions as previous CMF releases.

Based on my heart rate readings from my other watches, my average and maximum BPM seemed to be correct. That said, there were a few times when the reading seemed way off, usually when I was wearing the strap slightly loose for comfort. I think you need this cranked down for the best tracking results.

The real star of the show here is the battery life. Nothing says it'll last up to 13 days on a charge, or around 4.5 days with always-on display enabled. I enabled as many features as possible, and used the watch extensively to test all its features, and I still managed well over four days per charge, so these estimations seem very accurate.

I usually wear the Huawei Watch GT5 Pro, so I'm used to exceptional battery life, but even still, the CMF Watch 3 Pro managed to impress with its longevity. If you hate charging your watch, this is an excellent choice.

Charging doesn't take too long either; it's around an hour and a half from flat to full. However, the magnetic charging puck could use a redesign thanks to an extremely flimsy connection, as the slightest of knocks can cause the watch to disconnect. It gets the job done, but it's among my least favourite charging cables.

• Performance score: 3/5

CMF Watch 3 Pro by Nothing: Scorecard

Category

Comment

Score

Value

It's more expensive than its predecessor, but it's still a very affordable smartwatch, with a more premium build than much of its competition.

4/5

Design

Stylish, minimalist design, solid build quality, and a spacious OLED panel. However, it may be too large for some.

4/5

Features

Loads of tracking modes, a decent app and some novel additions that may or may not work.

3/5

Performance

Incredible battery life, smooth performance, and fitness metrics that are good enough for casual users.

3/5

Total

It looks the part and it performs well, but with a significant price hike, it's up against some stiff competition.

4/5

CMF Watch 3 Pro by Nothing: Should I buy?Buy it if...

You want a stylish watch that doesn't break the bank

The CMF Watch 3 Pro is very affordable, but it still looks very premium. That's true of both the software and the hardware. If you want to make a statement without spending a fortune, it's a good option.

You want long battery life

The battery life on this smartwatch is phenomenal. If you're a light user, it's certainly possible to go 13 days between charges, and if you're coming from a WearOS watch or Apple Watch, that's a serious luxury.

CMF Watch 3 Pro by Nothing: Also consider

Component

CMF Watch 3 Pro

Amazfit Active 2

Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro

Price

$99 / £99 / AU$179

$99 / £99

£62.99 / $75 / AU$99.99

Dimensions

54 x 47 x 15.2mm

43.9 x 43.9x 9.9mm

43.27 x 32.49 x 10.8mm

Weight

47g including strap

29.5g

24.5g

Case/bezel

Aluminum alloy

Stainless steel bezel, polymer frame

Aluminum frame, high-strength fibre polymer

Display

466 x 466px AMOLED

1.32-inch AMOLED touchscreen

1.74-inch AMOLED touchscreen

GPS

Dual-band GPS / GLONASS / Galileo / QZSS / Beidou

Yes

No

Battery life

Up to 13 days

Up to 10 days

Up to 21 days

Connection

Bluetooth 5.3

Bluetooth 5.2

Bluetooth 5.4

Water resistance

IP68

5ATM

5ATM

Amazfit Active 2

The Amazfit Active 2 has the exact same MSRP and yet comes with some seriously advanced features, including an on-board AI assistant, seriously advanced tracking modes and sleek, slim design.

Read our full Amazfit Active 2 review

Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro

While not as advanced as the CMF Watch 3 Pro, the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro offers a big, beautiful display and lots of fitness features at a significantly lower price.

Read our full Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro review

CMF Watch 3 Pro by Nothing: How I tested

Our reviewer wore the CMF Watch Pro as his primary smartwatch for over a week, while travelling, commuting and during regular workouts. It was paired with the Oppo Find X8 Ultra for the majority of the testing period, but was also tested with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 to compare.

The tracking results were compared to historical results from the Huawei Watch GT5 Pro, as well as the built-in step counter on the smartphone and the Strava app for GPS accuracy.

The best word processors are essential tools for both personal and corporate use. They make it easy to type and edit everyday documents, from contracts to memos, articles, letters, resumes, and many more.

You can download an offline word processor or use an online version like Google Docs. This free tool, provided by Google, allows you to create and edit documents with ease. You can collaborate with other people on the same document and share or download the final work to your device.

I’ve used Google Docs for a while and can attest to its features, pros, and cons. I thoroughly tested and reviewed it to help you decide if it’s ideal for your personal or business use. Read on to learn what Google Docs offers and how it fares against alternatives.

(Image credit: Google)Google Docs: Plans and pricing

Google Docs is free for personal use. Some restrictions exist, as each Google account is limited to 15 GB of storage across all services. However, 15 GB is more than enough for the average person to create and store all their texts.

However, if you surpass the 15 GB limit, you can purchase a Google One subscription to increase your storage capacity. $20 annually unlocks 100 GB of storage, $100 offers 2 TB, and $250 annually unlocks 5 TB. This storage space can be shared between you and friends or family (whom you invite to join your Google One plan).

Companies can use Google Docs to collaborate and create documents. A Google Workspace subscription provides access to robust storage capacity and numerous Google services, including Docs.

Google Workspace offers three pricing plans – Starter, Standard, and Plus – that unlock 30 GB, 2 TB, and 5 TB of storage per account, respectively. The Starter plan costs $7 per user per month, the Standard plan costs $14 per user per month, and the Plus plan costs $22 per user per month.

A 14-day free trial is available for a Google Workspace subscription. During this trial period, employees can test the ins and outs of Google Docs, although they can also do that by using Google Docs for free from their personal Google accounts.

Google Docs: Features

Google Docs is similar to any document editor you may have worked with. It’s essentially an online version of Microsoft Word, designed for real-time collaboration. The text pane is the most prominent part of the Google Docs interface, and the features are highlighted across the top menu.

Real-time collaboration is the defining feature of Google Docs. Multiple people can work on the same document simultaneously, and every user’s changes can be monitored in real-time.

Every user working on a document has an icon displayed at the top, and their cursor is highlighted on the document. This way, as a document owner, you’ll know exactly who is working on a document and which part they’re working on.

Collaborators can highlight specific words and leave comments and suggestions for each other. When someone creates a suggestion, such as deleting a paragraph or adding a new sentence, you can click the accept button to automatically implement the suggested change or the reject button to ignore the suggestion. You can also reply to a suggestion to provide context.

Likewise, when someone leaves a comment, you can reply to the person and create a back-and-forth conversation thread if needed. Everything is displayed on the same dashboard, and you can view all comment history. This way, you can track all changes made to a document by specific users.

The version history feature allows you to view all previous versions of a document, including its original state. If you don’t like the changes that have been made, you can restore a document to a previous version at a specific date and time.

As a document owner, you control who can access a document and what they can do with it. For instance, you can allow collaborators only to view but not edit or suggest changes. You can enable collaborators to suggest changes but not make final edits.

On the corporate version, you can prevent any user outside your organization from accessing a document. Outsiders with non-organizational email addresses would need explicit permission before accessing a document in this case.

To say I enjoyed the smooth collaboration of Google Docs is an understatement. It’s the best part of using Google Docs – the ability to work together on the same document, despite being physically far apart. It felt like being in the same room with my collaborators.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is raging in this era, and any product that doesn’t incorporate it risks getting left behind. Google has integrated AI features into Google Docs, bringing noticeable improvements compared to when I last reviewed the app.

If subscribed to Google Workspace, employees can switch on the Gemini AI assistant while using Google Docs. This assistant functions as a writing companion, suggesting new words, correcting errors, and refining a document to make it easy to read.

(Image credit: Google)

Gemini can generate text based on your prompts, although the text often felt robotic during my test. The good thing is that you can make the final edits to make the generated text sound more human. I enjoyed Gemini’s suggestions and corrections of mistakes I initially overlooked. I can attest to it being a productivity boost when creating and editing texts.

Creating business documents from scratch can be hectic. Often, users don’t know where to begin, but Google Docs provides help. It features a collection of templates that can serve as the foundation of your document. Examples include meeting notes, product roadmaps, project proposals, and sales quotes.

The free version has these templates, albeit in limited numbers. Google Workspace subscribers have access to a much larger template collection. Another advantage for Google Workspace subscribers is the ability to append e-signatures to documents. These signatures are just as legally binding as manually appended ones, so you can use them to sign contracts, invoices, vendor agreements, and other crucial corporate documents.

Google Docs is integrated with many other Google tools, including Drive, Meet, Chat, Tasks, and more. For instance, you can create new Google Docs files directly from Google Drive or upload existing documents into Google Drive and edit them with Google Docs. Any changes you make to Google Docs will be automatically saved to Google Drive.

I earlier mentioned that Google Docs’ collaborative features made me feel like I was in the same room with other people working on my document. It gets even better with the Google Meet integration, which allows you to host video meetings directly within the Docs interface.

You can create a new meeting and invite other collaborators, or join existing meetings created by others. This way, you can pass across vital information while editing a document.

Similarly, you can chat with collaborators in real-time, thanks to the Google Chat integration. If video-conferencing isn’t convenient, chat is a reliable alternative to exchange vital information during collaborative edits.

Another standout feature is Voice Typing, which allowed me to dictate text into my document instead of typing endlessly. This feature is based on Google’s advanced speech-to-text technology. However, don’t expect perfection. It’ll make some mistakes when converting your speech to text, which you’ll have to correct afterwards.

Language translation is also available, based on Google Translate. You can translate text into over 100 languages, but don’t expect perfect translation. When I translated several texts, the system often struggled with context and translating uncommon words. It works for basic use cases, but it isn’t as good as a professional translator.

I’ve discussed a lot about Google Docs’ internal features, but it doesn’t end there. Google Docs notably has “add-ons,” which are third-party integrations created by other developers. Some of these add-ons are free, while others require payment.

Examples of add-ons I used include an AI-based video generator, a plagiarism checker, and a tool for creating detailed diagrams. Depending on your personal or organizational needs, you can select relevant add-ons from the Google Workspace marketplace.

I could spend all day talking about Google Docs’ features, but that would be tiresome. Clearly, Google Docs offers a robust feature set on both the free and personal tiers. It’s one of the best tools you can use for document editing and creation.

(Image credit: Google)Google Docs: Interface and in use

Google Docs has a user-friendly interface that I think anyone can navigate. If you’ve ever used a word processor like Microsoft Word, it feels exactly the same. Even as a new user, the features are neatly arranged in a way you can quickly grasp.

All formatting buttons are arranged across the top menu, and you’ll type in the main body below. The buttons have distinct icons that let you understand them at a glance.

If clicking buttons gets tiring, you can use keyboard shortcuts to achieve the same functionality as many of the buttons. However, these shortcuts can be a steep learning curve, so don’t expect to know them all within a short time. Similarly, Google Docs’ extensive features can present a steep learning curve, but you can understand the advanced features with time.

Google Docs is accessible from your web browser or mobile app. The mobile app allows you to edit documents offline, and you can also enable offline editing on the web browser version. When you reconnect to the internet, any changes made in offline mode will be automatically synced.

Google Docs: Support

Google provides decent support for free users. You won’t have access to direct help, but Google’s help center contains extensive user guides, tutorials, and solutions to common issues encountered on Google Docs.

When I faced any challenges with Google Docs, I consulted the help center and always found a solution. It helps that Google Docs is an intuitive tool that didn’t give me many problems in the first place.

If subscribed to Google Workspace, you have access to significantly more support resources. You can speak directly with a Google support representative to resolve issues. Support reps are available via email or live chat. Companies subscribed to the Enterprise plan have a dedicated account representative who provides swift support.

You can also seek help in Google’s official support forum. This website has fairly active users who exchange solutions to each other’s issues. You can post a question on this forum and receive answers.

Google Docs: The competition

Competition is intense in the document editing software niche. Consumers have endless options when seeking document editing software, but how do they fare against Google Docs?

The main competitor I’d like to highlight is Microsoft 365 (Word Online). Microsoft Word is the most popular offline word processor with which most people are familiar. Under Microsoft 365, you can access an online version of Microsoft Word with similar features to Google Docs.

From my perspective, Google Docs fares better in real-time collaboration than Microsoft Word Online. The latter has collaborative features, but doesn’t feel as smooth as that of Google Docs.

However, Microsoft Word Online beats Google Docs in advanced formatting. It offers a broader range of document editing features than Google Docs, and it supports a wider variety of text file formats.

From my perspective, the strengths of each boil down to Microsoft Word being designed first for offline use, before an online version was later developed. Hence, it excels more at text formatting and features designed for offline use.

In contrast, Google Docs was built as an online collaborative platform from its inception. The developers have honed the collaborative editing features to deliver the smoothest experience.

Google Docs: Final verdict

Google Docs is an excellent choice for document editing. In particular, the free version offers many features that competitors charge money for.

The business version, part of Google Workspace, offers a good bang for your buck when considering the numerous other Google apps you gain access to. Google Docs is one of the best online word editors I recommend for personal and business use.

We've listed the best online collaboration tools .

If you've never heard the jaw-dropping true story of Jeffrey Manchester, the new Paramount movie Roofman is about to school you in the best way. Don't expect it to outline the facts, but you'll be guaranteed a good time with this endearingly unhinged slice of Toys R Us-themed entertainment.

Remember the good old days in the nineties and noughties when your parents would take you to the toy store to pick something out, if you'd been really well behaved? My eye always gravitated towards the rows on rows of bikes, wishing I could ride one of the ever-so-shiny frames straight out of the door of the shop.

Turns out that if you were a kid living in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2004, you were likely coming toe-to-toe with Jeffrey Manchester, a convicted criminal who spent six months holed up in the city's Toys R Us after escaping from prison (Manchester was previously sentenced to 45 years incarceration for armed robbery and kidnapping). I swear on my own mother's life that this is what actually happened.

In Roofman, Channing Tatum takes on the role of the charming escapee, and it's undeniably the best performance of his career so far. The Magic Mike star's latest role is much more revealing (not like that) and vulnerable, and frankly, Tatum's portrayal of a man who really loves and wants to do right by his kids makes him the hottest he's ever been.

Roofman makes takes the Jeffrey Manchester story to a new level of entertaining

Here's our basic premise: a man robs 45 (yes, 45) McDonalds stores to provide for his kids after leaving the US Military with no support or direction. After a short time in prison, he uses his onsite job in the woodwork shop to make a fake bottom for their weekly delivery truck to hide in, successfully escaping to you know where.

What's most surprising is that the movie version of Manchester falls in love with one of the Toys R Us workers and integrates himself into her church and family – and again, that's what really happened. Every sequence of events seems so unfeasible that it must have been engineered by director Derek Cianfrance to make a plausible movie narrative, but the work was done for him.

If you've ever thought you could survive on the run, Manchester is proof that even if you pick a smart strategy, you will get stung by love and pick up a lot of cavities along the way. Tatum's connection with Kirsten Dunst's character Leigh isn't only what pulls Manchester away from success, but it's what pulls us more into the storytelling.

Together, they're an unlikely yet exceptional pair. The perfect cross-section between what's right and wrong with suburban America. Although, the two never fully reveal their truth to each other before it's too late to act. Isn't that always the way? Leigh in particular is an intriguing portrayal of what happens when a woman suddenly (and unashamedly) decides to go after what she wants, and how that doesn't always end in a happy ever after.

Take a shot every time you see an A-grade actor being underused

Channing Tatum as Jeffrey Manchester in Roofman. (Image credit: Paramount Pictures)

Tatum's balance between kind-hearted loverman and an intelligent criminal is pitch perfect, and seeing the after-hours dynamics in the most magical store in our cultural zeitgeist is solid entertainment, but there are some flaws.

Most notably, Roofman dips around the two-thirds mark. Once we've established how Manchester hid himself and how he successfully lived a double life with Leigh and her children, we've seen the whole movie. The ending, though I won't spoil it, is pretty guessable, despite the true story certainly being available on Google. There isn't enough substance or momentum to drive us through the 126 minute runtime, and that's to the Paramount movie's detriment.

It goes without saying that none of what we see touches the sides of following what happened in real life (though stay until the end for more on this). However, that doesn't mean we needed key details very obviously spoonfed to us. We find out what happened between Manchester and Leigh because another character literally asks Tatum that question, which is the equivalent of reading stage directions aloud.

On top of this, we've got a stacked cast who barely get any screentime, ranging from Ted Lasso's Juno Temple to The Residence's Uzo Aduba. If a film is going to feature people we desperately want to see, it's unhinged that we have to plead (like this) for it to actually do that.

But are any of us watching Roofman for it to blow us away or to win awards? Of course not. I'd probably recommend watching a YouTube video of Manchester's story instead (until an inevitable Netflix documentary comes out), but Roofman is worth it for Tatum alone. Flawed, funny and flaming good at what he does, and that's what we want from any leading man.

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The best video conferencing software is essential in every workforce now. It fosters seamless communication and collaboration between employees regardless of their location. It’s a must-have for companies in 2025, but choosing the right videoconferencing platform in a sea of options can be daunting.

Google Meet is one of the options you’ll likely encounter when researching videoconferencing software. It’s offered by Google, a company best known for its search engine and a host of other software tools. Google Meet is an intuitive platform that’s directly integrated with other Google apps, and it has its unique pros and cons.

I’ve thoroughly tested and reviewed Google Meet to help you decide whether it’s an ideal tool to adopt. Read on to learn about Google Meet’s features, pros, cons, and how it compares to the competition.

(Image credit: Google)Google Meet: Plans and pricing

Google Meet is free for personal use, but the personal version lacks some of the features available in the paid business plans. I used the free Google Meet version to hold video calls, and it worked excellently. However, it became limiting when using it as a group.

On the free plan, group meetings are limited to a maximum of 100 participants and a 60-minute duration. Some helpful group meeting features, including recording, attendance tracking, and admin controls, aren’t available on the free plan.

The paid version of Google Meet isn’t offered as a standalone plan. Instead, it’s part of a Google Workspace plan that unlocks access to Meet and many other tools. There are three standard Workspace plans: Starter, Standard, and Plus.

The Starter plan costs $7 per user per month. Under this plan, Google Meet is restricted to 100 participants and a 60-minute meeting duration, similar to the free plan. However, it offers additional features not available on the free plan, such as live captions.

The Standard plan costs $14 per user per month. Under this plan, the maximum number of meeting participants increases to 150, and the meeting duration is extended to 24 hours. It also unlocks enhanced features, such as polling, Q&As, and meeting recordings, which are saved to Google Drive. Each account has 2 TB of storage, so there’s ample space to store recorded meetings.

The Plus plan costs $22 per user per month. Here, a maximum of 500 participants can hold video meetings for up to 24 hours. It has advanced capabilities, including attendance tracking and the ability to dial into meetings by calling a designated phone number. 

There’s an Enterprise plan with no specific pricing, but it’s best suited for companies with large workforces (500+). If you represent such a large organization, you can contact Google’s sales team to negotiate a deal.

A 14-day free trial is available for Google Workspace plans, during which you can test Meet’s features before making your final decision.

Google Meet: Features

Google Meet is designed for videoconferencing between many participants. A major appeal of Google Meet is that you don't need to download any app to use it, although a mobile app is available for convenient access. You can run Google Meet and utilize all its features on your web browser.

I enjoyed Google Meet’s intuitive interface, which made starting and managing meetings a seamless process. Unlike several other videoconferencing tools I’ve tested, new users can grasp Google Meet’s interface without needing much help.

To start a new video meeting, users can click the "New meeting" button, which is prominently displayed on the Google Meet landing page. You can create instant video meetings or schedule them for a later time.

After scheduling a meeting, you can create a unique link for other participants to join. If needed, you can set a passcode to add an extra layer of security. One of the best features I tested was the ability for participants to join meetings by dialing a phone number – Google will create a unique phone number for each meeting.

I’ve discussed the limitations of the free version, including the number of participants and meeting duration. This free version works well for personal use, but a Workspace subscription is what unlocks the full value of Google Meet and its features.

A key feature is the ability to record meetings, which is available on the Standard plan or above. Recording meetings is standard practice in many organizations, as it lets you review content for mistakes and share information with colleagues who couldn’t attend the original meeting.

Meeting recordings are saved on Google Drive, from which they can be easily accessed. With the Standard plan providing 2 TB of storage per user and the Plus plan offering 5 TB, there’s sufficient space to store many meeting recordings. However, if you run out of storage space, you can upgrade to a higher plan for additional storage or delete old recordings that are no longer useful.

I enjoyed using the polling and Q&A features, which make video meetings more interactive. As the meeting administrator, you can create polls to gauge participants’ opinions on topics related to the meeting.

For example, if debating on a corporate decision, you can make a poll for participants to vote on the direction to take. Technically, the poll could be about anything, but it’s mainly used for topics relevant to the meeting.

(Image credit: Google)

The Q&A feature enables meeting participants to ask questions and receive feedback. These questions can be addressed during the meeting or later. After the meeting concludes, the host and moderator receive a detailed report of all questions asked, providing them with ample time to prepare detailed answers.

Attendance tracking is a valuable feature that Google Meet provides. With this feature, meeting hosts can track which invited participants attend their meeting and which do not. After a meeting, the host will receive an email report summarizing the attendance and duration, including participant names, join/leave times, and the total time each participant spent in the meeting.

If your meeting has a large number of participants, you may need to split participants into smaller groups to discuss relevant topics. It’s similar to how large conferences have smaller meetings that take place between main sessions. Google Meet offers a Breakout Rooms feature that makes this easy.

With Breakout Rooms, you can divide participants into smaller groups that hold distinct video meetings. These breakout meetings work exactly like the main one, with the same Q&A, polling, and attendance tracking features, among others. During a breakout meeting, participants can leave at any time and return to the main session.

From my observation, Google Meet’s audio quality is much better than that of most videoconferencing apps. I think there’s a simple explanation: Google Meet was relatively late to the videoconferencing game, having launched in 2017, compared to competitors like Zoom, which was launched in 2012 and Skype (now discontinued in favor of Microsoft Teams), which launched in the early 2000s.

To differentiate itself amid intense competition, Google’s engineers invested heavily in audio quality. Google Meet offers adaptive audio, which automatically tweaks audio settings to fit your environment, and noise cancellation powered by artificial intelligence (AI). I tested these features and they worked very well, hence my observation of Google Meet’s enhanced sound quality compared to other videoconferencing platforms.

I liked that I could share my screen with other participants during meetings. Screen sharing helps users communicate clearly and address problems in real-time. For example, you can teach a colleague how to use a software tool by demonstrating it live on your desktop, and they’ll view each step you take.

Live captioning is another helpful Google Meet feature, especially during group meetings. When turned on, every spoken word is automatically translated into text you can read. When testing the live captioning feature, it worked well most of the time, but occasionally made mistakes, which is the typical experience with transcription tools.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the talk of this era, and Google Meet doesn’t disappoint in this sector. I used the “takes notes for me” feature powered by Gemini, Google’s AI assistant, which can listen in on meetings and summarize the meeting notes for you. Meeting notes are saved in Google Drive, from which you can access them.

Like with most AI-based features, the meeting notes weren’t perfect. I noticed a few mistakes here and there, but they were decent, although not yet as good as taking the notes manually.

(Image credit: Google)Google Meet: Interface and in use

I won’t mince words to say that Google Meet has a stellar interface. User-friendliness is an area where it outshines most competitors. Features are arranged neatly on the dashboard, with minimal background colors and prominently displayed buttons that make the interface easy to grasp.

Even as a first-time user, you’ll likely not have any problem understanding Google Meet’s interface. First-time users have on-screen tutorials to guide them, and a few minutes can be enough to understand the features.

Google Meet is accessible through a web interface or mobile app (iOS and Android). Both offer the same intuitive interface, functionalities, and extensive integration with other Google tools.

Google Meet: Support

Google offers decent customer support, although the available resources depend on your pricing tier.

Free users have access to Google’s Help Center, which contains detailed user guides and tutorials on Google Meet. All Google Meet features are covered in this Help Center, and it’s ideally the first place to visit for troubleshooting problems.

Free-tier users can also visit Google’s official forum and ask questions. Other users provide valuable help, and you can reciprocate by answering questions too. In my experience, Google Meet didn’t give me problems in the first place, so I didn’t need to consult the forum. The slight challenges I faced were quickly resolved by consulting the Help Center.

Expectedly, paid users have access to more support resources than free-tier users. As a paid user, you can contact Google's support team directly to help resolve any issues. You can do this via email, live chat, or telephone and get quick help. Support is generally fast, but users on the highest paid plans are prioritized more than others.

Google Meet: The competition

Videoconferencing is one of the most competitive software niches. Google Meet has many rivals, and the main ones I’d like to highlight are Zoom and Microsoft Teams.

Zoom is a standalone videoconferencing software that blossomed during the Covid pandemic circa 2020 and has remained atop the industry ever since. I’ve extensively tested Zoom to note its pros and cons compared to Google Meet.

Zoom has more advanced functionalities and customization options. It supports a larger number of meeting participants, which can include up to thousands on standard plans. Suppose you want to host a large webinar with over a thousand participants– Zoom is the better choice because its standard plans can host this audience volume, unlike Google Meet.

The drawback is that Zoom isn’t as user-friendly as Google Meet. Zoom’s interface appears more cluttered, partly due to its broader feature set, and it takes longer to become accustomed to the interface than Google Meet’s.

Microsoft Teams offers similar videoconferencing features to Google Meet. However, it provides more complementary features and is integrated with the Microsoft 365 suite of business tools. It offers more customization and third-party integration, both with Microsoft tools and external platforms.

However, I found Google Meet much easier to use– its interface is less cluttered and feels more interactive. Microsoft Teams has extensive features, but there’s a steep learning curve to get used to them.

Google Meet: Final verdict

I’ll recommend Google Meet for personal use and for small to medium-sized businesses. It’s an intuitive platform with robust features and integration with other Google tools.

Google Meet isn’t the best for large enterprises with many hundreds or thousands of employees. It’s also not ideal for companies that are locked into other business software ecosystems like Microsoft 365. Rather, it’s best suited for small to medium sized businesses that want to adopt Google Workspace as their collaborative software suite.

We've featured the best alternatives to Microsoft Office.

Xiaomi 15T Pro: One-Minute Review

Xiaomi’s T-series phones serve up an almost-flagship class experience, while making considered concessions in order to hit a significantly lower price point than typical top-tier offerings.

This year’s Xiaomi 15T Pro is a little different, however, breaking convention by toting functionality that not even the premium Xiaomi 15 Ultra has to offer, while significantly undercutting similarly-sized flagship rivals like the iPhone 17 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. It's not just me saying so, Xiaomi execs made the unusual move of explicitly comparing the new phone to those rivals at the 15T Pro’s launch.

The design and software take some heavy-handed inspiration from Apple's Pro iPhones and iOS, but the 15T Pro is generally better for it. With a more elegant look and feel compared to last year's more utilitarian 14T Pro.

Software support that surpasses even the 15 Ultra helps up the value proposition, as does the assortment of launch offers Xiaomi serves the 15T Pro up with; from YouTube and Spotify Premium, to out-of-warranty repairs.

One of the largest and nicest screens we've even seen on a T-series phone sits front and center on the 15T Pro, held back only by a lower peak brightness compared to its predecessor, and the absence of a fully dynamic refresh rate that's found on full LTPO display-toting flagship rivals.

The Dimensity 9400 Plus is an excellent piece of silicon that enables top-tier everyday performance, high-fidelity gaming and decent AI capabilities too, but at least on paper, lags behind the new wave of flagship silicon now emerging from MediaTek and Qualcomm.

The Leica-backed camera experience is the best I've seen from the T-series to date, not least because of that capable new 5x periscopic telephoto camera. A rich camera user experience helps too, but collectively highlights the weaknesses in the ultra-wide in particular, which now feels like it's lagging behind the rest of the camera system.

A huge 5500mAh battery delivers great results in lab tests, but proved a little more pedestrian – in terms of longevity – in my real-world use. It nonetheless still renders the 15T Pro a capable all-day phone, and 90W fast charging gets you back up to full charge in well under 40 minutes.

All in all, this is an excellent (if a little unoriginal) next-gen entry in Xiaomi's T-series, and thanks to design, camera and software support improvements, really puts pricier rivals to shame.

Xiaomi 15T Pro review: Price and Availability

• Starts at £649 / €799
• Announced and on sale from September 24
• Not available in the US

Xiaomi’s September event in Munich served as the international launch for the Xiaomi 15T series (consisting of both the Xiaomi 15T and the Xiaomi 15T Pro). Unlike the base Xiaomi 15 series, which saw a staggered rollout that started in the company’s homeland of China, before arriving in markets elsewhere.

Just like the its predecessor (and the new iPhone 17 series), storage starts at 256GB, paired to 12GB of RAM, for which you’ll pay £649 in the UK. That’s the same as its predecessor and great value considering what the phone serves up. What’s more, Xiaomi pairs it with longer software support than even the Xiaomi 15 Ultra; increasing its value in the long-term even further.

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

At the phone’s launch, the company also brought Google out on stage to reveal a three-month free Google AI Pro offer and (at the time of writing), new Xiaomi 15T Pro owners also get a three-month trial of YouTube Premium, four months of Spotify Premium, a free screen replacement within the first six months after purchase and an out-of-warranty repair within 12 months, inclusive of labour costs.

While you’ll find the Xiaomi 15T series in most markets across Asia, Europe and the UK, Xiaomi doesn’t sell its phones Stateside, so US fans will have to look at importing, if you’re dead-set on getting your hands on either of these latest phones. Doing so means no warranty, none of the above offers and potential incompatibility with local mobile carriers, however, so keep that in mind.

Whilst Xiaomi listed a ton of carrier partners at the phone’s launch, in the UK it looks like you’ll need to pick the phone up off-contract; either direct from Xiaomi’s website or from retailers like Amazon UK (who at the time of writing already offer the phone with a 12% discount).

• Value score: 5 / 5

Xiaomi 15T Pro review: Specs

Xiaomi 14T Pro

Xiaomi 15T Pro

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

iPhone 17 Pro Max

Weight:

210g

210g

218g

233g

Display:

6.67-inch OLED

6.83-inch OLED

6.9-inch OLED

6.9-inch OLED

Resolution:

2712 x 1220

2772 x 1280

3120 x 1440

2868 x 1320

Refresh rate:

Up to 144Hz

Up to 144Hz

Up to 120Hz

Up to 120Hz

Peak brightness:

4,000 nits

3,200 nits

2,600 nits

3,000 nits

Chipset:

Dimensity 9300+

Dimensity 9400+

Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy

A19 Pro

Rear cameras:

50MP wide (23mm, ƒ/1.6), 12MP ultra-wide (15 mm, ƒ/2.2), 50MP telephoto (2.6x optical zoom)

50MP wide (23mm, ƒ/1.62), 12MP ultra-wide (15 mm, ƒ/2.2), 50MP telephoto (5x optical zoom)

200MP wide (24mm, ƒ/1.7), 50MP ultra-wide (120º, ƒ/1.9), 10MP telephoto (3x optical zoom), 50MP telephoto (5x optical zoom)

48MP wide (24mm, ƒ/1.78), 48MP ultra-wide (13 mm, ƒ/2.2), 48MP telephoto (8x optical zoom)

Front camera:

32MP (ƒ/2.0)

32MP (ƒ/2.2)

12MP (ƒ/2.2)

18MP (ƒ/1.9)

Storage:

256GB, 512GB, 1TB

256GB, 512GB, 1TB

256GB, 512GB, 1TB

256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB

Colors:

Titan Black, Titan Blue, Titan Gray

Black, Gray, Mocha Gold

Titanium Silver Blue, Titanium Black, Titanium White Silver, Titanium Gray, Titanium Jade Green, Titanium Jet Black, Titanium Pink Gold

Silver, Cosmic Orange, Deep Blue

Xiaomi 15T Pro review: Design

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

• Refined (if unoriginal) aesthetics and ergonomics
• IP68 dust and water resistant up to 3m
• Available in Mocha Gold, black or gray

I wasn’t sold on the aesthetics of last year’s Xiaomi 14T Pro; it was more utilitarian than its predecessor, and lacked coherence and flow. The result was an uninspired design, that while sturdy, wasn’t all that nice to handle either.

With the 15T and 15T Pro, Xiaomi’s design team took things in a different direction, and the phones are all the better for it. The satin-finish flat-sided aluminum frame feels great in the hand, and despite sporting a larger display than last year’s Pro, this year’s entry doesn’t get any heavier (still 210 grams), also boasting a thinner waistline (7.96mm, down from 8.39mm).

Tolerances are tighter, the low-profile metal hardware controls on the phone’s right side still offer up a satisfying ‘click’ when pressed, and there’s a nice contrast with the reworked metal surround around the flush new rear triple camera system. Chamfered edges adopt a polished finish that falls on the right side of looking luxurious, rather than cheap.

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

Although not the most adventurous compared the wider smartphone space, the Mocha Gold of my review sample (pictured) is the most head-turning colorway of the three that the phone comes in (there are also black and Gray [silver] options too), lending itself nicely to the 15T series’ generally sophisticated appearance.

The finish also repels fingerprints exceptionally well, but if you are still worried about scuffs or marks, Xiaomi does also include a dark gray flexible TPU case in-box.

One of the reasons I think I like the look of the 15T Pro so much may have to do with familiarity. That new slightly rounded frame, flat back and the pleasingly thin (27% thinner than on the 14T Pro) uniform bezels surrounding the display all echo one of the most well-known phones of the last twelve months: the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

This isn't the only heavily iPhone-inspired aspect of the 15T Pro, but it's one of the most obvious (more on that later).

Image 1 of 2

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)Image 2 of 2

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

While the 15T Pro doesn't also share Apple's fleeting appreciation for titanium, Xiaomi has stated that the frame on its new phone is now even stronger (by about 17%, compared to the 14T Pro). The phone's IP68-certified protection has also improved, with support for submersion in up to three meters of water; twice the IP standard's minimum requirement.

The front is protected by Corning's mid-range Gorilla Glass 7i, which promises improved scratch resistance (it's also used to protect the camera on the Xiaomi 15 Ultra and has held up extremely well after months of use, in my tests). The pre-fitted plastic screen protector, meanwhile, doesn't repel scratches all that well, even if it is still appreciated to have such added protection out-the-box.

I was totally fooled by the 15T Pro's back, which I assumed was lightly textured glass, but as confirmed by the company's Terrence Xiao at the phone's launch, it's actually fiberglass.

While not as premium on paper, Xiaomi's efforts at imitation, in reality, pay off. Not only is fiberglass going to be harder wearing than glass in the long run (boasting a tensile strength of 3000MPa), it helps keep weight down, and is likely one of the main cost-saving measures that allows the 15T Pro to hit its competitive price point.

Xiaomi states that the 15T Pro is also twice as drop-resistant as its predecessor.

• Design score: 4 / 5

Xiaomi 15T Pro review: Display

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

• 6.83-inch 12-bit AMOLED display
• ‘1.5K’ 2712 x 1220 resolution
• Up to 144Hz dynamic refresh rate

The flat display on the 14T Pro was already capable, meaning the main benefit here is the larger size of the 15T Pro's panel (6.83-inches up from 6.67). Xiaomi has also adjusted the resolution to grant this year's larger iteration similar sharpness too (447ppi).

The more expansive viewing experience it serves up is made all the more immersive thanks to those dramatically thinner and even 1.5mm bezels. Something Xiaomi was able to achieve by using a LIPO ( low-injection pressure over-molding) process; just like Apple's Pro phones, as it happens.

The only real trade-off is this larger panel's lower brightness ceiling, with the phone promising a peak 3200-nit output, down from 4000nits on its predecessor.

Even so, in practice you can expect a great viewing experience; especially when soaking up HDR content. The 15T Pro's display offers all the benefits OLED tech is known for; deep blacks, vibrant but accurate colors, and respectable viewing angles, with minimal distortion, even when viewed off-angle.

Its abilities are bolstered by the likes of 12-bit color depth and Dolby Vision support, as well as 480Hz touch sampling, which paired with this year's larger-sized panel means it's a great screen for gaming, as well as watching media on.

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

One small caveat comes with the phone's refresh rate. Just as I found with 14T Pro, while the screen is rated for super-smooth visuals at up to 144Hz, finding games or experiences that can actually hit that number eluded me. Even games like Minecraft – which supposedly supports uncapped frame rates within its own settings – topped out at 60Hz/60fps on the 15T Pro, while Call of Duty: Mobile allowed for (still impressive) 120Hz/120fps play.

The 15T Pro also doesn't use a fully-fledged LTPO panel, like you'd find on the new iPhone 17, and full-fat flagships, like Pro Pixels and the Galaxy S25 series. So although the refresh rate still adjusts dynamically, it does so in larger increments; like 30Hz, 60Hz and 120Hz. This still means power savings when possible, but when using the 15T Pro's Always-On display, for example, the panel rests at 30Hz, where an LTPO-toting phone can rest at just 1Hz, saving far more battery.

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

Xiaomi always spoils you, when it comes to display customization. There are three preset color profiles, plus a full custom option where you can tweak every color space attribute you can think of. Similarly to OnePlus' 'AquaTouch' screen tech, Xiaomi has Wet Touch, and there are even display options for AI-backed video upscaling, SDR to HDR conversion and motion smoothing (all of which you can turn on and off).

The 15T Pro also features an optical in-display fingerprint sensor, which while not as swish as the Xiaomi 15 series' ultrasonic sensors, worked quickly and consistently during review.

• Display score: 4 / 5

Xiaomi 15T Pro review: Software

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

• HyperOS 2 atop Android 15 at launch
• Deep personalization
• 5 years OS + 6 years of security updates

Sticking with the display for a second, one thing that Xiaomi continues to inexplicably bury is select native Android features. One of the first things I have to do on any Xiaomi phone is download a third-party Hidden Settings app, to grant easier access to frequently-used features, like Extra Dim. Why Xiaomi's software team has been hiding such functionality since the days of MIUI is beyond me; especially when the user experience is otherwise heaped in functionality.

On the flip side, one of the things I was worried about after reviewing HyperOS 1 on the Xiaomi 14T Pro, was the presence of ads littering the UI and first-party apps, but it looks like Xiaomi has thankfully reined them in for the experience on the 15T Pro. This phone may be cheaper than a conventional flagship, but for the price, users shouldn't be running into baked-in ads, and thankfully you won't.

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

One other perk to bear in mind is that the Xiaomi 15T series will be the first of the company's phones to make the jump to HyperOS 3 (atop Android 16). It felt like an upgrade Xiaomi was hoping to have ready for the 15T line's debut, but they didn't quite make it (the company's has slated the update to arrive sometime in October 2025).

I tried pre-release devices running HyperOS 3 at the phone's launch and generally, it doesn't feel like a seismic upgrade, but there are some notable (if unoriginal) additions. HyperIsland behaves exactly like iOS' Dynamic Island – save for the added ability to expand island elements out into full floating-windowed apps – plus, there's a new Liquid Glass-like search bar that persists across your home screens.

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(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

In the here and now, however, the HyperOS 2 experience on the 15T Pro is otherwise generally good. It feels wonderfully snappy (and you even have the option to toggle on richer UI animations if you want), animations are smooth and playful, there are a wealth of ways to easily access multitasking, be it the Side Toolbox (shortcuts which you swipe in from the edge of the screen) or from Xiaomi's unique take on Android's app switcher.

While there aren't any ads to worry about, there are a few duplicate apps – as examples Xiaomi's App Mall and Mi Browser – which can't be uninstalled, plus a few pre-loaded third-party inclusions – like AliExpress and WPS Office – which thankfully can.

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

HyperOS can also be a little convoluted at times. Game Centre grants access to free instant web games, but an app icon for Game Turbo (Xiaomi's gaming performance management overlay) will only appear if you dip into the Security(?) app of all places, and enable a home screen icon from there.

The Xiaomi 15T Pro's user experience does boast some of Xiaomi's latest HyperAI features; like the ability to generate animated wallpapers from your photos and one of the best gallery apps around, with regards to image editing. It also features additional AI imaging tools, that are generally useful and capable, although object and reflection removal need more work (Samsung currently offers the gold standard in object removal on mobile).

One of the best oddities about the Xiaomi 15T Pro's software experience is support, with the promise of five years of OS updates and six years of software support. On the operating system side, that's an additional year over the uber-flagship Xiaomi 15 Ultra. Whilst odd, it further improves the 15T Pro's value, and spells good things for the international release of the Xiaomi 17 series.

• Software score: 4 / 5

Xiaomi 15T Pro review: Camera

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

• 50MP ƒ/1.62 Light Fusion 900 main sensor w/ OIS
• First 5x periscopic telephoto on a T-series phone
• 12MP ultra-wide & 32MP front-facer

Generally speaking, you're going to love the look of the photos produced by the 15T Pro's camera setup. Xiaomi's ongoing partnership with Leica means Leica color science, which, paired with the tuning on Xiaomi's own custom Light Fusion 900 main sensor, doesn't fall foul of the over-brightened look the likes of Google's Pixels tend to produce.

Shadows are allowed to be shadows, but you can still expect detail and decent dynamic range. Colors appear rich (samples in this review use the default Leica Vibrant color profile, but you do have the option of the more muted Leica Authentic profile) too.

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The big upgrade this year is the jump to a 5x periscopic telephoto sensor; a first for the T-series and welcome inclusion that proves its worth. It's better suited to capturing subjects further away and compressing a scene, as its 115mm equivalent focal range is a little too long for general portrait shooting, but it does well enough in such scenarios too, in a pinch.

With a maximum zoom for 100x, the phone resorts to generative AI to make up for lacking raw image data past 20x, but I wouldn't bother zooming beyond 60x if you want a convincing final shot. Any further and it's too obvious where the AI is filling in the gaps.

With regards to portrait capture, the 15T Pro is a great option, with great edge detection and subject separation. If we're splitting hairs, the most obvious giveaway of the phone's smaller main sensor compared to the 15 Ultra comes with the quality of the bokeh. You'd be forgiven for mistaking shots taken on the Ultra as coming from a conventional camera, whilst the 15T Pro's equivalent images still look like (very good) smartphone photos.

As the smallest sensor on the back of the 15T Pro , the 12MP ultra-wide is great in bright lighting but suffers the most when less light is available. Expect more punchy and contrast-heavy images across the board, but lower fidelity shots when the lights go down.

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

As a tool for creators, the Xiaomi 15T Pro seems like an excellent option, not just at its price point but in general. HDR10+ video capture across all focal lengths, up to 4K 120fps or 8K 30fps recording, plus LOG capture, LUT import and viewfinder support (i.e. an applied LUT isn't burnt into the recorded video and needs to be applied after capture), and even a teleprompter mode too.

While I feel like I'm splitting hairs, beyond physical sensor sizes, there are only subtle improvements I can think of asking Xiaomi for the next-gen T-series camera experience.

Motion tracking focus at 4K 60 and up would be great, Leica filter support above 1080p video capture, richer audio capture (most recorded audio lacked bass, in my opinion), and bigger refinements to the ultra-wide and selfie sensors, which feel as though they're being left behind.

• Camera score: 5 / 5

Xiaomi 15T Pro review: Performance

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

• 3nm MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ chipset
• 12% larger 3D IceLoop cooling system than 14T Pro
• Xiaomi Offline Communication up to 1.9km

While Qualcomm's Snapdragon chips inhabit the majority of today's best Android phones, MediaTek's premiere Dimensity silicon does sometimes find its way inside certain combatants too.

At the tail end of 2024, I was mightily impressed with the Dimensity 9400 powering the Oppo Find X8 Pro, and the 15T Pro uses a boosted '+' variant of this same chip. Xiaomi also isn't as stingy as, say, Google, with its RAM and storage; with 12GB of fast and power efficient LPDDR5X RAM (across all storage options), pared to equally capable UFS 4.1 storage – in 256GB, 512GB (as tested here) and 1TB capacities.

Xiaomi cites 12% better CPU performance, compared to the 14T Pro's previous-gen Dimensity chip (along with 41% better GPU performance and 20% better AI performance speeds), and in testing the 9400+'s Geekbench 6 multi-core score actually put it 15% ahead of the 14T Pro's Dimensity 9300+. It also slots in just behind the likes of the Snapdragon 8 Elite, found inside this year's Oppo Find N5.

In real-world use, using the Xiaomi 15T Pro feels like a premium experience, with fast app load times, consistently smooth animation and competent proglonged gaming performance, even with demanding titles.

The Dimensity 9400+ doled out a solid 60fps in games like Zenless Zone Zero (which cap at 60fps); defaulting to a blend of 'medium' and 'high' graphical settings. Heat build-up was instantly noticeable with such titles, but nothing I became concerned about, not least because the brand's 3D IceLoop cooling system (a vapor chamber cooling solution) is 12% larger on this generation Pro T-series phone.

The Xiaomi 15T and Xiaomi 15T Pro are also the first of the company's phones to support Xiaomi Offline Communication, which allows for calls and texts with another compatible device at a range of up to (in the case of the 15T Pro) 1.9km, without cellular signal, so long as a SIM is inserted (or an eSIM registered).

While not quite as outlandish as the iPhone's satellite communication, this more localized take on cellular-free communication is a pretty cool addition, which should only improve with time as Xiaomi seeds more devices with support for the feature.

• Performance score: 4 / 5

Xiaomi 15T Pro review: Battery

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

• 5500mAh battery
• Up to 90W wired charging + 50W wireless charging
• Rated for 1600 charge cycles

On paper, the Xiaomi 15T Pro's battery setup promises great things, with the largest capacity power pack ever seen in a T-series phone (5500mAh), backed by up to 90W wired Xiaomi HyperCharge tech. In practice, I found there was a little more nuance to the 15T Pro's longevity.

Using PCMark's Work 3.0 battery test (with the screen set to 200nits), the Xiaomi 15T Pro was one of the longest-lasting phones I've tested, with a score of 15 hours 24 minutes; clocking in just behind the 6000mAh-backed OnePlus 13R and OnePlus 13.

However, in real-world use battery life was far more pedestrian; clocking in between 5.5 and 6 hours of screen-on time per charge. In my experience, that equates to a confident day's heavy use, but not much more.

For comparison, despite only possessing a 9% larger battery, both OnePlus phones delivered 9.5 and 13 hours of screen-on time, respectively. This disparity likely comes from a mix of display, OS and processor inefficiency, compared to the OnePlus phones, but doesn't mark the 15T Pro as a weak performer by any stretch.

This remains a capable all-day phone and battery anxiety can also be kept at bay thanks to those fast recharge speeds.

Whether you get a power adapter in-box will depend on which market you're buying in, but in the UK and Europe, you'll have to source one separately to get the 15T Pro's maximum recharge speeds. You also have to enable 'Top Speed' mode in the battery sub-menu, where the phone will warn you about potential heat build-up when using the mode.

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

Out the box, with standard charging enabled, the phone's 5500mAh power pack reached only 21% charge in 30 minutes and didn't reach 100% until almost 2.5 hours. However, with Top Speed enabled, the phone hit an impressive 85% in 30 minutes and was fully charged in 37, right in line with Xiaomi's claims; so it pays to pick up the right power adapter, if you want to capitalize on this fast-charging prowess.

One small note is that, despite being faster than the majority of its more costly competition, the Xiaomi 15T Pro's 5500mAh battery does technically recharge slower than the 14T Pro's; with the previous-gen phone boasting quicker 120W wired charging.

As with the 14T Pro, the Xiaomi Surge Battery inside the 15T Pro is once again rated for 1600 charge cycles, which equates to more than four years of charging before the battery loses 80% of its original capacity. Respectable.

While there's no full-fat passthrough charging, the GameTurbo overlay does include a 'slow charge' option; designed to reduce strain on the battery during extended gaming sessions, without you worrying about losing too much juice.

• Battery score: 4 / 5

Should you buy the Xiaomi 15T Pro?Xiaomi 15T Pro score card

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

An elegant – if unoriginal – improvement on its predecessor's more utilitarian aesthetics.

4 / 5

Display

One of Xiaomi's largest smartphone screens yet, and a great viewing experience, if only it had a true variable refresh rate.

4 / 5

Software

Longer software support and no baked-in ads are welcome upgrades, but feature-rich HyperOS is still a little convoluted and, again, unoriginal in places.

4 / 5

Camera

The best camera experience on a T-series phone yet, and a capable rival to some markedly pricier rivals. The ultra-wide is falling behind though.

5 / 5

Performance

A great high-end chip, delivers all-round performance, but it's no longer MediaTek's best.

4 / 5

Battery

A huge cell that impresses on paper proved a little more pedestrian in practice, but is still good for all-day use. 90W fast charging beats out pricier competition too, even if that's slower than its predecessor.

4 / 5

Value

There's a whole lot of phone on offer for the price, with sensible cut-backs (back material, no LTPO display), proving small sacrifices on what otherwise feels convincingly flagship-class.

5 / 5

Buy it if...

You want a near-flagship camera experience

The 15T Pro's Leica-backed optics, new 5x telephoto and rich imaging feature set are superb; able to tango with much pricier camera phones.

If you want that iPhone look and feel on Android

Imitation and flattery etc. If you like the look and feel of Apple's smartphones but what the flexibility of Android, the 15T Pro's unoriginality here actually works in your favor.

You need dependable fast charging

Provided you're happy to pay extra for the fast charger (in some markets), the 15T Pro's 90W recharge speeds walk all over mainstream rivals.

Don’t buy it if...

You want the longest battery life

In spite of a huge battery, the Xiaomi 15T Pro's longevity was little more than 'adequate' in real-world use. It's not bad, but there are noteworthy alternatives that last longer.

You want a clean user experience

While credit goes to Xiaomi for squashing ads, beyond the aesthetic similarities with iOS, HyperOS behaves very differently. It's feature-packed but convoluted in places and obfuscates the odd native Android feature too.

You want the best performance

The Dimensity 9400+ is a superb piece of silicon and will last you a few years, but it's built on previous-gen tech and is already outpaced by the next wave of flagship mobile chips.

Xiaomi 15T Pro review: How I tested

• Review test period: 2.5 weeks
• Testing included: everyday use including web browsing, social media, photography, video calling, gaming, streaming video, music playback
• Tools used: Geekbench 6, Geekbench AI, 3DMark, GFXBench, 3DMark native Android stats, Xiaomi 120W charger

I received the Xiaomi 15T Pro just ahead of travelling out to Munich for the phone's global launch, and used it every day since taking delivery of it.

It became my main camera, I used it for everything you'd expect from the phone in your pocket; spanning social media to gaming, web browsing and more.

I dipped into developer settings to assess certain aspects of the 15T Pro's performance more closely and used industry-standard benchmarks to quantify and verify the performance I experienced.

Having reviewed smartphones for 15 years, including numerous Xiaomi smartphones, as well as devices from the company's key competition, I felt equipped to review the 15T Pro; assessing its strengths and abilities against the market it's competing in.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed October 2025

Nintendo Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case: review

If you’re looking to buy a case for your shiny new Nintendo Switch 2, you may have come across the official Nintendo Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case. This model is large enough to house your Nintendo Switch 2 console, but also everything else you’d need to enjoy the console in TV mode.

Yep, there really is a lot of room to play with here. I’m talking slots for your console, dock, controllers… the full works. But with a list price of $84.99 / £66.99 / AU$109.95, is it really worth investing in? I tested it across multiple days to find out…

If, like me, you’re someone who much prefers playing your Nintendo Switch 2 in TV mode, then this case has you covered. It’s large and spacious, with individual compartments designated for your console, dock, Joy-Con 2 controllers, Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, and more. There’s also a zip-up pouch for you to store cables and any additional bits and pieces.

I was easily able to fit everything I needed within the case – something I can’t say about any other case I’ve tested.

The only aspect that could be improved storage-wise is an increase in physical game card slots. You only get six here – less than some third-party options like the Belkin Charging Case for Nintendo Switch 2, for instance. Still, if you’re taking a short trip – perhaps to game at a friend’s house, for example – six slots will probably be plenty.

Let’s talk durability – a pretty big factor when deciding on which case to buy. Now this model is certainly durable enough. No, it’s not got a rock-hard exterior or anything – it’s more flexible than some rivals. Still, it’s got a decent amount of padding, and the material used for the exterior is rough enough to deal with drops and scratches. On top of that, there’s a protective flap for your Switch 2 console and dock.

I tried throwing the case on the floor and giving it a good scratch, and I didn’t see any damage, so no complaints from me.

(Image credit: Future)

I do have a couple of complaints, though. Firstly, the case’s handle is pretty narrow and doesn't extend all too much. As a result, it felt undersized in my hand. But as someone with relatively large hands, I wanted to get some additional opinions. Unfortunately, everyone in my office agreed that the handle’s extension and shape were too limiting, with one colleague noting that this resulted in a weak overall grip.

Secondly, I’d argue that the design is a little one-note. It's entirely black with no fun detailing of note. That’s not the be-all and end-all – but I would’ve liked to see a splash of color, or at the least, a few colorful options. As an official case, I feel like there was an opportunity to make use of Nintendo’s amazing IPs for a more charismatic look.

Finally, and you may have seen this coming, we need to talk about that price. This is definitely the most spacious case I’ve tested. It’s also durable and secure. But $84.99 / £66.99 / AU$109.95 is quite the investment – especially when a lot of third-party rivals are charging around half of that for a similar sort of build.

All in all, then, is the Nintendo Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case worth it? Well, I’m pretty torn. On one hand, I can see myself using this due to a combination of abundant storage space and solid durability. On the other hand, I’m not convinced that it's priced particularly well, and I was disappointed with the awkward handle and slightly limited number of game slots. If you’ve got the cash, it’s an option worth considering – otherwise, I’d recommend checking out some third-party alternatives.

(Image credit: Future)Nintendo Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case review: price & specs

Price

$84.99 / £66.99 / AU$109.95

Dimensions

6.4 x 9.5 x 9.8 inches / 163 x 241 x 248mm

Weight

1.7lbs / 770g

Number of game card slots

6

Compartments

7

Handle

Yes

Color

Black

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the Nintendo Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case?

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Slightly one-note look, awkward handle, but plenty durable and secure.

3.5/5

Storage

Well-made individual compartments for console and accessories, only six game card slots.

4.5/5

Value

Despite high storage and ruggedness, it’s very expensive and not without its flaws.

3.5/5

Buy it if…

You want a highly secure case
I was more than satisfied with the durability of Nintendo’s official all-in-one case. It’s got a hardy, yet flexible exterior, a protective flap for your Switch 2 console and dock, and secure compartments for all of your accessories.

You’ve got plenty of accessories
Yes, if you’ve got an additional controller – such as the Pro Controller 2, for example – as well as Joy Con 2 grip and straps and cables, it should all fit with ease. Of course, you have space for your dock too.

Don’t buy it if…

You want the best bang for your buck
With a list price of $84.99 / £66.99 / AU$109.95, Nintendo's official all-in-one case is quite the investment. And although it's both durable and spacious, I'm not sure it's quite worth that much. A rival like the Nacon case in the 'Also consider' section, for example, is large enough to house your console, dock, and cables. And although it doesn't have as much room for accessories, it's still durable and easy to handle, while also coming in at around half the price.

You want to carry a large number of games around
Don’t get me wrong, six game slots is solid enough, and if you’re only taking a short trip, that should be enough. But there are competitors who offer 10 or more game card slots, so it would’ve been nice to get a couple more here.

Nintendo Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case review: also consider

Nacon Protection Case XL for Nintendo Switch 2
Unfortunately, this one’s not available in the US or Australia just yet, but if you’re in the UK, the Nacon Protection Case XL is the ideal alternative to Nintendo’s full-sized model. It comes in at under £25 (about $34 / AU$50), but still has enough room for your console, dock, and cables. It won’t quite offer the space for a Pro Controller as well, say, but if that’s ok with you, then you may get better bang for your buck with Nacon.

Read our full Nacon Protection Case XL for Nintendo Switch 2 review.

How I tested the Nintendo Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case

(Image credit: Future)

• Tested over the course of multiple days
• Compared directly against rival models
• Trialled by a Switch 2 owner and life-long gamer

I tested the Nintendo Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case over multiple days. I loaded it up with a Nintendo Switch 2 console, dock, Joy-Cons, a third-party controller, cables, games… you name it.

Although I wasn’t particularly keen to drop the case with my console inside, I threw it onto the floor while empty. I also tried scratching the exterior and checked for any wear after a few days of use. I also compared aspects like sturdiness and storage space against the Nacon Protection Case XL for Nintendo Switch 2.

Generally speaking, I’m a Switch 2 owner, lifelong gamer, and experienced tech reviewer. I’ve had the Switch 2 from launch, and have reviewed a bunch of accessories, like the Genki Aegis Shield, DBrand Prism 2.0, and Hori Piranha Plant Camera for Nintendo Switch 2.

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

I can't think of the last time an entry in any long-running first-person shooter series was as safe as Battlefield 6. It seems as though the lackluster reception to Battlefield 2042 has left developer Battlefield Studios terrified of taking any kind of creative risks, a move that's shaping up to be a real double-edged sword.

Review info

Platform reviewed: PS5
Available on: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X and Series S
Release date: October 10, 2025

Although I haven't had quite enough time to come to a definitive verdict on this latest instalment, I can already see that it delivers almost everything you would expect from a Battlefield game - often to a fault.

While a decent enough campaign and strong multiplayer offering will undoubtedly be more than enough to satiate some fans, and I can't say that I haven't enjoyed much of my time with it so far, others will surely be disappointed that it's not pushing the envelope in any way.

Boots on the ground

(Image credit: EA)

This lack of risk-taking is most evident in the single player offering, which is easily one of the least memorable that I've played in years. It does a good job of preparing you for online multiplayer by introducing the controls and basic mechanics, but it's not something you'll be eager to dive back into once the credits roll.

Set in 2028, it takes us to a near-future world in which NATO is on the brink of collapse. A private military force, Pax Armata, has stepped up to replace it, funded by former NATO states. The opening mission takes place in Georgia, with US marine Dylan Murphy and his squad tasked with pulling out with the rest of NATO’s army as Pax moves in.

The supposedly peaceful handover quickly spirals into an all-out war when Pax attacks without warning, with Murphy's squad cornered in a downed helicopter. As the sole survivor, Murphy is assigned a new team and then becomes the central part of NATO's effort to take down this sinister force.

The nine missions are set in a range of global locations and have you alternating between different members of Murphy's squad. Playing as the likes of Gecko, the team's sniper, adds a decent amount of variety, but none of the activities are particularly original.

(Image credit: EA)

There are the obligatory nighttime stealth sections, a handful of tank driving segments, and a few more open areas that have you taking out enemy squads with long-range weaponry and a spotter.

The most interesting stages are the ones that take place in a war-torn New York, including a townhouse assault that echoes the iconic Clean House mission from 2019’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and an enjoyable section that has you chasing a train down abandoned subway tunnels in an armored vehicle.

The underlying narrative that ties them all together is perfectly serviceable, but entirely predictable right down to its final twist. There was still plenty of enjoyable shooting throughout, but it's a notable step down from the much stronger, cinematic single-player action of Battlefield 1 and Battlefield 5.

There are plenty of challenges and hidden collectibles to discover that unlock some rather nifty skins in multiplayer, which is a nice touch, though, and might draw me back in for another run a few months down the line.

It certainly doesn’t help that the visuals are distractingly rough at times. This is the first Battlefield game to launch exclusively for modern consoles, but it doesn’t show in the slightest. The visual fidelity is nowhere near that of even previous titles, with muddy textures, a low overall render distance, and fuzzy artifacts around objects on PlayStation 5 - even with the optional high resolution textures installed.

The frame rate is impressively stable at least, even in the more explosive moments of large-scale destruction.

On the front lines

(Image credit: EA)

Battlefield 6 fares much better when you jump into its multiplayer modes. The minute-to-minute action is some of the best in the series to date, with no hint of the frustrating balance issues that plagued 2042 at launch. You get a total of nine maps at launch, including the return of the popular Operation Firestorm from Battlefield 3.

Most of my time in multiplayer so far has been spent in the new maps, which all seem refreshingly well-designed. The huge Liberation Peak and Mirak Valley, both perfect for the massive flagship Conquest and Breakthrough modes, are fantastic combat environments, with tumultuous, uneven terrain that’s filled with nooks and crannies for infantry to explore.

This lends them a fantastic pacing, with short bursts of intense combat as you discover entrenched enemies, and importantly, helps level the playing field against powerful vehicles and snipers by giving you places to hide.

This contrasts nicely with the more open Operation Firestorm. Those who love racking up long-range headshots will feel right at home here, but the smart addition of some new cover means that this never becomes too annoying for infantry players.

The new Escalation mode, which decreases the play area as the two teams capture objectives, is quite thrilling - gradually ramping up the intensity of each match as you hurtle towards a dramatic final confrontation.

Urban warfare is well represented in the smaller Gibraltar and New York maps, both filled with winding streets and an impressive number of building interiors to explore.

These maps do highlight the limits of the tactical destruction system, though, which is quite inconsistent at times. It’s hard to tell what can and can’t be destroyed at a glance, leading to occasional frustration. While the brick wall of a house crumbles like a biscuit at the slightest provocation, an almost identical wall elsewhere will be totally impervious to shell blasts from a tank.

(Image credit: EA)

On a handful of occasions, I’ve found myself unable to flank groups of enemies thanks to the odd indestructible barrier, or hunkered down in a corner to regenerate health, only to watch all of my cover evaporate before my eyes. I also can't ignore the fact that the maps look quite similar aesthetically. Aside from New York, everywhere has a brown, flat look that runs the risk of all blending into one.

Although they were significantly less enjoyable to actually play, I do find myself missing the striking map themes of Battlefield 2042. There’s nothing anywhere near as engaging as that bright and colorful high-tech Korean city block or the eerie automated lightshow of a half-buried Doha.

The return to a proper class system is at least a dramatic upgrade compared to its predecessor’s cartoon-like heroes and really helps to sell the large-scale combat fantasy.

Split into Assault, Engineer, Support, and Recon, the four classes all play well and offer more than enough unique abilities and equipment to set each of them apart. Call me boring, but I’ve mainly been playing Assault so far, taking full advantage of the new deployable ladder equipment to quickly ascend buildings to ambush foes.

I do wish that there was a separate medic class, as some Support players are clearly more interested in handing out ammo than reviving fallen comrades, but this is far from a major complaint.

Whether any as-yet-unnoticed issues come to the fore once the servers are flooded with real players is yet to be seen, and I’m interested to discover how everything plays come launch day. For now, though, I’m eager to dive back in for more.

Roborock H60 Hub Ultra: two-minute reviewProduct info

This vacuum is available in two iterations:

H60 Ultra (not yet released at time of writing)
H60 Hub Ultra

The Hub version is the model I've reviewed here, and comes with an auto-empty dock. The standard version is almost identical, except there's no dock and the wand can be released to bend forwards.

The Roborock H60 Hub Ultra is a cordless stick vacuum that boasts a range of useful features, including an auto-empty dock that removes the need for messy dustbin wrangling. Roborock is best known for its robot vacuums, but the H60 range (of which the Hub Ultra sits right at the top) marks a serious expansion into manual vacuum cleaners. I've been using the H60 Hub Ultra for the past two weeks, to get a feel for how it performs and to figure out if it can compete with the rest of the best cordless vacuums on the market.

At first, I was thrown off by the design of the floorhead. The roller is mostly soft, and it didn't look like it would agitate carpet fibers sufficiently for a thorough clean. I needn't have worried, though: this vacuum sailed through my cleaning tests, on both hard floors and carpet. In addition, it avoided hair from becoming tangled around the brushroll throughout my review period, and boasts what is, perhaps, one of the brightest, most effective lasers I've come across in all my vacuum-testing experience.

The floorhead is also shallow enough to clean right into awkward spaces (it's one of very few vacuums to be able to shuffle right under my low sofa), and the telescopic wand means that its height can be adjusted to suit you. If you opt for the version of the H60 without the auto-empty dock, you'll be swapping out the telescopic wand for one that can bend forward to 90-degrees.

Speaking of the auto-empty dock, it works very well (perhaps not surprising when you consider this is the brand behind many of the best robot vacuums on the market) – and it's a big effort-saver, as well as being a strong choice for allergy-sufferers. Design-wise, it looks more stylish, too, than rival dock options, and the hidden storage for detail tools is an inspired design flourish.

So why haven't I awarded the Roborock an outright win? This is mostly down to battery life. In anything above the lowest mode, the battery drains a little too quickly. In medium mode – which most people will be using, most of the time – I managed 25 minutes of cleaning, which is too little time to cover a larger house in one go. The issue is exacerbated by the lack of an Auto mode. Many modern vacuums can auto-adjust suction power based on dirt levels and/or floor type, to provide a thorough clean without wasting battery. The H60 relies on you to change the mode manually.

That's the short version; read on for my full Roborock H60 Ultra review.

(Image credit: Future)Roborock H60 Ultra review: price & availability

• List price: $599.99 / AU$999
• Available: US, AU, Europe (not UK)

The Roborock H60 Hub Ultra launched in September 2025, and is currently available in the US, Australia, and various countries across Europe (not including the UK).

In the US, it has a list price of $599.99 – but since I started reviewing, I haven't seen it sold at this price; it's been available for $499.99 at Roborock, Target and Amazon. In Australia it has a list price of AU$999, but at the time of writing was discounted to AU$499 at Roborock. That's equivalent to around £450-£490 at list price (Roborock does have a presence in the UK, so I'm hopeful these vacuums will make their way over at some point). The standard H60 Ultra – minus an auto-empty dock – is also on its way. I don't have pricing information for this model yet, but it will definitely be a bit cheaper.

At list prices, the H60 Hub Ultra sits in the premium price bracket. With discounts (which look like they might be common), it might just sit on the cusp between mid-range and premium. The vacuum feels high quality, and the auto-empty base amps up value for money. However, I'd expect an Auto power mode in that price bracket, and far superior battery life.

Looking at comparable models with an auto-empty base, there's the Shark PowerDetect Cordless Clean & Empty, with a list price of $499.99 / £549.99/ AU$999.99, but discounts are common. That model has multiple automation capabilities, and offers better value for money than the H60. There's also the Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra, which has a list price of $1,099.99 / £1,199.99 / AU$1,699.

Sitting at the top of the Dyson range right now is the V16 Piston Animal, with a list price of £749.99 / AU$1,349 (it currently isn't available in the US). It, too, lacks an auto-empty base – although apparently one is incoming soon.

• Value for money score: 3.5 out of 5

Roborock H60 Ultra specs

Weight (body only):

4lbs / 1.8kg

Weight (vacuum with wand and floorhead):

6.6lbs / 3kg

Bin size (onboard):

0.5L

Bin size (dock):

3L

Max runtime:

90 mins

Charge time:

3hrs 30 (3hrs 15 on test)

Vacuum dimensions (H x L x W):

45.1 x 9.8 x 11.5in / 114.6 x 25 x 29.3cm

Dock dimensions (H x L x W):

33.4 x 11.4 x 11.4in / 84.8 x 28.9 x 28.9cm

Filter:

HEPA

Max suction:

210AW

Roborock H60 Ultra review: design

• Stick vacuum with button operation, telescopic wand and info screen
• Auto-empty charge dock with hidden storage for two detail tools
• Floorhead is mostly soft with rubber fins, and kitted out with a laser

The Roborock H60 Hub Ultra is a premium stick vacuum with an auto-empty dock. The vacuum itself looks much like any other stick cleaner, except perhaps it's a little more classy. It switches on and off with a button, and other information is conveyed via a large screen that covers most of the front of the vacuum.

There are three power modes, which you switch between using a second button. The system adopted to tell you which mode you're in isn't terribly clear: two "whoosh" symbols appear for the lowest-powered mode; three, for medium mode; and six show in max mode. I could have done with some color coding or even just a Low, Mid, Max for easier, at-a-glance decoding. Battery status is much clearer to decipher: the cleaner counts down from 100 as the battery runs down.

The "whoosh" symbols indicate the mode you're in, while the number tells you how much battery is left (Image credit: Future)

Rather unusually, the wand is telescopic, and can extend from around 17in / 43cm to around 25.6in / 65cm in length. This means it's adjustable to a length that's comfortable for your height. With the wand contracted, the total height with the floorhead flat on the ground is 36.6in / 93cm; fully extended, it's 44.9in / 114cm tall.

This adjustable height also allows for the dock to come in a bit shorter. The bin section needs to connect to the dock, which can mean that some auto-empty docks end up being rather statuesque. Here, the stick vacuum can collapse down to fit in at a lower level.

(Image credit: Future)

Speaking of the dock, Roborock has gone for a white, curved cuboid design with a dark base. It isn't especially exciting to look at, but neither will it stick out like a sore thumb in your kitchen or utility room. (In my mental ranking of attractive auto-empty bases, it sits below the Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra, but above the Shark PowerDetect Cordless.)

The vacuum charges via the dock, but its primary purpose is to house a generous 3L dust bag, into which the onboard bin will empty itself whenever the vacuum is docked. This dust bag is fully sealed and comes with HEPA filtration.

There are a couple of big benefits to an auto-empty dock. The first is that it means you can get away with a smaller bin on the vacuum itself, which can result in a lighter and more streamlined vacuum overall (Roborock has taken advantage in this regard, supplying a small onboard bin of just 0.5L).

The second benefit is that emptying the bin is much cleaner and needs to be done less frequently. Roborock says the large dust bag in the dock will only need replacing once every 100 days – although, of course, that will vary depending on how much dust you're busting. Nevertheless, this might be welcome news for allergy sufferers, and those who aren't really a fan of maintenance tasks.

Image 1 of 2

The H60 Ultra comes with one general-purpose floorhead (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

The roller is mostly soft, with some rubbery fins (Image credit: Future)

The design of the main floorhead is a little unusual. Most vacuums have a mostly plastic roller, fitted with bands of stiff bristles and perhaps also bands of soft brushes. Here, the whole thing is covered with a soft microfiber-style covering, with rubbery fins that wind around it. There's nothing especially rigid there – it reminds me of Dyson's Fluffy floorhead for hard floors. Before I began testing, I had my doubts over how well it would agitate carpet fibers to release any trapped dirt.

Elsewhere, this main floorhead is kitted out with a wide-angle laser to illuminate dirt that might otherwise be missed. Most brands' headlamps are white, but Roborock has gone for a Dyson-inspired lime green. There are also anti-tangle features to prevent long hair from becoming wrapped around the roller.

There's room in the dock to store accessories (Image credit: Future)

Like pretty much every stick vacuum on the market, the wand can be removed and a detail tool added to turn the unit into a handheld vacuum. Here you're supplied with a mini-motorized tool and a 2-in-1 crevice tool. One feature I especially like, and which I haven't seen before, is that there's a home in the dock for the two detail tools to nestle safely out of the way.

• Design score: 4.5 out of 5

Roborock H60 Ultra review: performance

• Excellent suction on both hard floors and carpet
• Laser is bright and useful, and the floorhead can fit under low furniture
• Auto-empty is mess-free and saves effort

To kick things off, I used the H60 Hub Ultra to do a general clean of my flat. What was immediately noticeable is that the floorhead propels itself forwards when you switch it on – so much so that it can feel like the vacuum is running away with you a bit.

While this does take the effort out of moving forward, unfortunately it has the opposite effect when you're pulling the vacuum back towards you. Perhaps if you could figure out a route that snakes around your home, never requires you to pull the vacuum backwards, it would be ideal.

Aside from the pull-back problem, the H60 feels relatively comfortable to use. The mechanism for the extendable wand is smooth and easy to adjust, and it means you can raise or lower the vacuum to the perfect height for you.

The extendible wand means you can get the vacuum to the perfect height for you (Image credit: Future)

In use, the floorhead feels really different to other carpet floorheads I've tested, because it's so soft. In fact, I was so disconcerted that I checked back in the box a couple of times to make sure there wasn't a second floorhead in there that I'd missed.

On carpet, it felt like the roller might not be vigorous enough to pick up much dirt, but the dust and fluff building up in the dust cup told a different story (as did the suction tests, which I'll get to in a minute).

There was the occasional "sticky" bit of fluff on the carpet that stubbornly refused to be lifted, but in general the floorhead did a very solid job of cleaning my carpets. I even used it to clear up after a visit from an especially hairy dog, and it pulled an impressive amount of fur from my carpets. I didn't encounter any issues with the floorhead as a result of my own, armpit-length hair becoming wrapped around it, either – after two weeks of testing, the floorhead roller remains completely hair-free.

Using the H60 Hub Ultra on hard floor felt much more natural, and it did a great job of clearing dust and dirt. In addition, the laser illumination really comes into its own on hard floors: the light is bright and wide, and shows up fluff and hair very effectively. (It might even be slightly better than the light on my Dyson Gen5detect, the current reigning laser-illumination champ.)

The H60 has some of the very best laser illumination I've seen (Image credit: Future)

I guess I've been spoiled, but during general cleaning, the one thing I really missed was having an Auto mode. A number of vacuums these days can intelligently adjust suction depending on the floor type or dirt levels. I was vacuuming away, thinking "but how do I know it's working?".

If you're not a professional vacuum reviewer, and are used to using your eyes to assess vacuum performance, this may not be a problem. Perhaps the more relatable issue was that I had to keep a hand free to manually shift modes when moving from carpet to hard floor, to preserve battery life.

However, extra credit should go to Roborock for creating a vacuum that's great at cleaning under furniture. The floorhead's relatively shallow profile and compact docking mechanism mean it can lie almost completely flat, easily reaching right into the dusty depths beneath my sofa. (Note, if you opt for the version of the H60 that doesn't have the auto-empty dock, you'll get a wand that can be released to bend forward to 90-degrees, for even easier cleaning under furniture.)

The floorhead is excellent at getting right under furniture (Image credit: Future)

Like most stick vacuums, the H60 Ultra can be reconfigured for use as a handheld. The two tools provided will cover a wide variety of cleaning tasks, and the mini-motorized tool did a particularly good job of pulling pet hair from my sofa.

A slightly weird quirk is that if you swap tools without switching off the suction, the rollers won't rotate and the laser won't turn on. This can be fixed by switching the machine off and on again.

The telescopic wand actually makes getting the vacuum into the dock easier and more comfortable than I've experienced with other auto-empty machines I've used. Roborock says bin-emptying takes 10 seconds, and on test that proved accurate.

The auto-empty process was also relatively quiet, and in almost all instances, all the dust disappeared from the onboard bin in one go. The only time I had an issue with the auto-empty function was after I'd had a shedding dog visit – the hair-filled bin didn't empty at all the first time I docked the vacuum, but everything was sucked out on the second go.

Generally speaking, if you have space for one, I think an auto-empty dock is an excellent investment. They really take all the hassle and fuss out of a daily vacuum.

Suction tests

Moving on to the official suction tests. The H60 Hub Ultra performed far better than I expected considering the slightly weird floorhead.

I sprinkled loose, dry tea on the carpet to represent fine, gritty debris, then added a pile of oats and dry lentils to represent chunky debris. In medium mode, it scooped up pretty much everything in a single forward pass – if you look very closely, there are a few specks of tea remaining, but this is still an extremely strong result.

Image 1 of 3

Tea and oats / lentils on floor before the suction test (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 3

The tea after a single pass in medium mode (look very closely and you can see a few specks remaining) (Image credit: Future)Image 3 of 3

No remaining oats after a single pass in medium mode (Image credit: Future)

Here's a video clip of the tea test:

And a clip of the oats / lentils test:

I then repeated the same tests on a hard linoleum floor. Here, the results were equally strong: all mess was sucked up in a single forward pass. What's especially impressive is that none of the oats and lentils either pooled in front of the floorhead or were pinged around the room, as often happens in this test.

Finally, on to the edge test. The results here were a little weaker, but not awful. I sprinkled oats along the edge of my hearth in my carpeted lounge. Approaching from the side with the main floorhead attached, the majority of oats were sucked up – but a strip was left along the edge. Approaching front-on proved more successful.

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Oats before the edge test (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

... the results after a single pass, approaching from the side (Image credit: Future)

Overall, a really strong performance from the Roborock H60 Hub Ultra. The cleaning power proved excellent on both hard floors and carpet, and it was comfortable and easily maneuverable in use. My only minor complaints are the lack of an Auto mode, and the fact it's so intent on only moving forwards.

• Performance score: 4.5 out of 5

Roborock H60 Ultra review: battery life

• 8 mins 38 seconds in max, 25 minutes in medium
• Roborock quotes 90 minutes for min mode
• Recharge took 3 hours 15 mins

Roborock promises up to 90 minutes of cleaning per charge. This would be for the lowest-powered mode, and I will test and time this as soon as possible.

From the rapidly depleting battery indicator, I could immediately tell that runtimes in higher-powered modes would be significantly shorter. In the medium mode, it lasted 25 minutes – long enough to do a good amount of cleaning, but perhaps not enough for a whole large house. In maximum mode, the H60 lasted 8 minutes and 38 seconds, which again isn't terribly impressive.

The lack of an Auto suction mode is a down-side here. As well as saving you effort, Auto modes help eke out battery life, because the vacuum is only ever using the actual amount of suction power required for that particular cleaning task.

If you bleed the battery on the H60 Ultra to flat, it will take 30 minutes to start charging again. Roborock quotes a 3 hours and 30 minutes recharge time; I recorded slightly less than that at 3 hours and 15 minutess (including the extra 30 minutes where it just sat on its perch and did not charge). On the plus side, the charge dock makes keeping your vacuum juiced up straightforward.

• Battery life score: 3 out of 5

Should you buy the Roborock H60 Ultra?

Attribute

Notes

Rating

Value

Premium, but there can be good discounts. Decent pricing for a high-quality vac with auto-empty, although I missed an Auto mode.

3.5 / 5

Design

Premium-feeling stick vacuum with telescopic wand and laser illumination. Effort-saving, auto-empty charge dock.

4.5 / 5

Performance

Excellent suction on both hard floors and carpet, with no hair wrap around brush roll. Floorhead can get right under furniture, and laser is nice and bright. Auto-empty works well.

4.5 / 5

Battery

Officially up to 90 minutes, but only 25 minutes in medium mode, and no battery-maximizing Auto mode.

3 / 5

Buy it if...

You suffer from allergies or hate bin-emptying

The auto-empty dock means once dirt and hair is sucked up, it's very difficult for it to escape back into the air. This also takes all the effort out of emptying the bin.

You have lots of hard floor

As the floorhead is very soft, you won't have to worry about it scratching delicate hard floors (it's also great on carpet, for the record). The dust-illuminating laser is also ultra-useful on hard flooring.

You're short

The telescopic wand means you can adjust the height of this stick vacuum to be comfortable for you. It doesn't go much longer than your average vacuum, but petite users will appreciate the ability to shrink down the wand to their height.

Don't buy it if...

You have a big house

The runtimes in higher power modes here aren't great, so if you have a big home you'll either need to commit to the lowest suction mode, or to pausing to recharge mid-clean.

You want an intelligent cleaner

Many premium vacuums these days can adjust suction and/or roller speed intelligently, based on floor type and dirt levels, for a low-effort, effective and battery-efficient clean. There's no Auto mode to speak of here.

How I tested the Roborock H60 Ultra

I used the Roborock H60 Hub for two weeks in my one-bedroom flat, which has a mix of carpet and linoleum floors.

I set up the charge station in my lounge and used the H60 vacuum regularly for a fortnight, to get a general feel for maneuverability, cleaning effectiveness in each mode, battery life, and any usability issues. I also took note of how well the Hub station's auto-empty feature worked and if it proved a genuine effort-saver.

To gain a more objective view of this vacuum's performance, I also ran a series of standard suction tests. For these, I sprinkled dry tea (to represent fine dust) and an oat / dry lentil mix (to represent chunky debris) on hard floors and carpet, and observed how efficiently the vacuum cleared it up. I also assessed how the H60 dealt with hair (my own, armpit-length human hair, and that of a visiting Cocker Spaniel ) and cleaning along the edges of rooms, and timed how long it took to run the battery flat in different modes, and to recharge it again.

Read more about how we test vacuum cleaners

• First reviewed October 2025