TechRadar Reviews

Dyson Cool CF1 desk fan: two-minute review

The Dyson Cool CF1 desk fan is the latest generation of the brand’s original bladeless fan, boasting some upgraded features in a desktop format. As one would expect from the brand, the Dyson Cool CF1 is firmly at the premium end of the desktop fan scale, with a list price of £249.99. We’re still waiting on pricing and launch specifics, and will update as we learn more, but so far we know that the Cool CF1 won’t be available in Australia until later in 2025, or in the US until 2026.

Setting up the Dyson Cool CF1 was simple, as it comes in just two parts – though the rotating base made it a little tricky for me to click the loop amplifier into place. I had mixed feelings about whether it makes a suitable desk fan, as the 14-inch / 360mm loop amplifier could prove a tight squeeze on smaller desks or nightstands. That being said, the height and compact diameter of the fan’s base meant I had no issues incorporating it into my workstation.

(Image credit: Future)

The Cool CF1 desk fan has a clean and modern aesthetic, making it instantly recognisable as a Dyson. I liked the combination of the satin silver and gloss white finishes, but found it needed regular dusting, though this can often be the case, even with the best fans.

With 10 fan speeds, sleep mode, oscillation, and a timer, there were plenty of features to play with. The Cool CF1 doesn’t have any smart capabilities, though, so I had to rely on the onboard buttons and the remote control. Both proved simple to use when operating the Cool CF1, but the responsiveness when using the remote was inconsistent, especially if I wasn’t pointing it at the fan head-on.

In terms of the overall performance of the Dyson Cool CF1, it did a great job. The airflow was smooth and proved very efficient as it helped me stay cool as I worked away in a stuffy office. I appreciated how easy it was to adjust the angle of the fan, giving me more control over the direction of the airflow.

(Image credit: Future)

I was very pleased with how quiet the Cool CF1 was, with sound levels ranging from whisper-quiet at speed one to moderate rainfall on the highest speed setting, which is particularly impressive considering how strong the airflow is. While the Cool CF1 sounds a little unusual while oscillating, I had no problem dropping off when using sleep mode.

If you’re a diehard Dyson fan, you definitely won’t be disappointed with the Cool CF1. It has the classic Dyson aesthetic, plus it quickly and quietly delivers efficient cooling. The remote could be better, and I’d have liked to see a companion app for more convenient control at this price point, but the great performance from the fan itself means it’s still a worthwhile investment.

Dyson Cool CF1 desk fan review: price & availability

• List price: $TBA / £249.99
• Launch date: May 2025 (UK)
• Available now in the UK. US and Australia release dates TBA

Released in the UK in June 2025, the Dyson Cool CF1 desk fan has a list price of £249.99 and is available for purchase at Dyson, John Lewis, and AO. In terms of availability in other regions, all we know so far is that the Cool CF1 won’t be available until later in 2025 in Australia and 2026 in the US. I’ll provide an update as soon as I learn more about the specific release dates and pricing.

This is a pretty premium price tag for a desk fan, though this likely won’t come as a surprise if you’re already familiar with the brand. I must admit I’ve found some Dyson offerings to be somewhat overpriced in the past, and I can’t say I’d want to pay this for a desk fan myself, but the build quality and performance of the Cool CF1 are worth the cost if it’s within your budget.

There are far cheaper options out there that can still help you chill out at your desk, like the bladed MeacoFan Sefte 8in Portable Air Circulator, for those in the UK, though the cheaper price comes with compromises; namely that it’s heavier, only offers 90-degree oscillation, and it’s nowhere near as attractive.

• Value for money score: 4 out of 5

Dyson Cool CF1 desk fan review: specs

Type

Bladeless desk fan

Speeds

10

Oscillation

15, 40, 70 degrees

Timer

Yes

Dimensions

5.9 x 14.2 x 217 inches / 150 x 360 x 550mm

Weight

4lb / 1.8kg

Control

Onboard buttons and remote control

Timer

Yes

Additional modes

Sleep mode

Dyson Cool CF1 desk fan review: design and features

• Sleek and modern aesthetic
• Collects dust and fibers
• Basic but easy-to-use controls

The Dyson Cool CF1 comes in just two parts, so it was pretty straightforward to set up. Assembling the fan was simple in theory, as all I needed to do was push the bottom of the circular loop amplifier onto the base unit and twist anti-clockwise until I heard a click. It proved a little trickier in practice, however, due to the rotating base and the glossy outer finish, but I got there eventually.

Apart from the inside of the ring, which is a satin-finished silver color, the Cool CF1 has a glossy white exterior. I tend to appreciate a gloss surface, as this finish tends to be easy to clean, which was fortunate in the case of the CF1, as it appeared to be statically charged and attracted any dust or fibers that happened to be in the vicinity. As easy as it was to clean, my efforts felt a little futile as it would gather more dust very quickly.

(Image credit: Future)

I’m on the fence about whether the 14-inch / 360mm diameter loop amplifier makes the CF1 a little impractical for a desk fan. I found it to be a bit of a space invader, but as it sits eight inches / 200mm off the tabletop on a base of just 5.9 inches / 150mm in diameter, I was able to fit it on my workstation and my nightstand. It is at least easier to accommodate than the old-school bladed fans I’ve owned over the years, and as it weighs 4lb / 1.8kg, it proved easier to move around, too.

In terms of onboard controls, there are two push buttons and a dial/button combo under the little LCD screen on the front of the fan's base. The two push buttons control sleep mode and oscillation, and the dial can be turned to cycle through the ten fan speeds or pushed to power the fan on or off.

(Image credit: Future)

A remote control is also included, so it was fairly easy to switch up the settings even when the fan wasn’t within reach. It offers the same functions as the onboard buttons, along with a button to cycle through the timer durations, which range from half an hour to eight hours.

The concept of the curved and magnetized Cool CF1 remote control is to stick it to the top of the fan. While this makes it easily accessible, it looks out of place and disrupts the sleek aesthetic, especially as each end of the remote is clear, showing the circuitry within. That being said, I still managed to forget where it was, so it clearly isn’t that much of an eyesore. Speaking of losing the remote, it’s a shame the Cool CF1 isn’t compatible with the MyDyson app, as it’d make life much easier for those times I’ve gotten comfy and realised the remote’s still sitting on top of the fan.

• Design score: 4 out of 5

Dyson Cool CF1 desk fan review: performance

• Satisfyingly strong airflow
• Patchy remote performance
• Quiet enough to fall asleep with

It didn’t take long to feel the cooling effects from the Dyson Cool CF1 on the lowest setting when I had it about 2 ft / 600mm away from me on my desk in our stuffy reviews office. As I’m only 5 ft 2 inches tall, I found that the stream of cold air hit me in the face, even if I adjusted the angle. While this was great for keeping my makeup from melting off my face, it proved a bit of a sensory nightmare for me, so I made good use of the oscillation.

The airflow felt smooth, and it was satisfyingly strong, to the point where I’m pretty sure it gave me brain freeze when I tried it on the highest setting. I tested how far away I could still feel a cool breeze on the lowest, highest, and middle fan speed settings, and found that it was still noticeable when I was 2ft / 600mm away from the CF1 on setting one, 7ft / 2m on setting five, and 11ft / 3.3m on setting ten.

The three oscillation choices were convenient for a desk fan, as I could choose the 15-degree option to keep the cool breeze around me, 70 degrees to circulate the air a little more, or 40 degrees for something in between. I did wish the CF1 could remember my last-used setting, though, as I had to cycle through each time.

(Image credit: Future)

It was really easy to tilt the fan upwards or downwards, even when it was oscillating. This simple angle adjustment proved a real asset, especially when using it next to my bed on warmer nights, as it allowed me to fine-tune the fan’s position for the maximum cooling effect.

The simple onboard controls and remote made it simple to control the Cool CF1. The dial mechanism felt pretty satisfying; there was clear feedback each time I bumped the fan up or down a speed, so I didn’t even need to look at the screen.

The magnetic hold on the remote control felt just right, as the remote would stick to the top of the fan even if I was a bit absent-minded when placing it down, but was still really easy to pick up again. I’ve got to say I wasn’t thrilled with the remote’s operation, however. I found that the fan didn’t respond at times, even at pretty close range, and this worsened if the fan was rotated away.

The timer function worked as expected, and I liked that I could easily view the time remaining at any point by pressing the timer button on the remote. It was easy to cancel the timer by double-clicking the button.

(Image credit: Future)

Noise level is an important consideration, especially at nighttime, which is why I always do a sleep test whenever I’m testing fans or a potential best air purifier. If I happened to be using a higher fan speed setting before toggling sleep mode, the Cool CF1 would drop to speed setting four. I was happy to find that I could still increase the fan speed when in sleep mode, and the display would still turn itself off, which bodes well if I need it on a particularly toasty night.

For context, I have a British king-size bed, roughly the size of a queen, for those in the US, and I placed the CF1 on the nightstand on the opposite side to where I was sleeping. As speed four was the default for sleep mode, I kept the fan at that setting and set the oscillation to forty degrees. I’m quite sensitive to sound, especially repetitive ones, so I picked up on the whirring from the oscillation, which sounded a bit like I was settling down inside a document scanner, but it wasn’t overly loud. In fact, this bedtime setup had a reading of just 35dB, which is the equivalent of a whisper, so I was able to drop off and sleep undisturbed.

I was very impressed with the sound levels in general, with the CF1 giving an impressively quiet reading of 27dB on the lowest setting. Even on its highest setting, which kicks out a lot of air, it was only emitting 45dB of sound, comparable to the sound of moderate rainfall, and just a meagre 5dB louder than the bladed MeacoFan 260c on its lowest fan speed.

• Performance score: 4.5 out of 5

Should I buy the Dyson Cool CF1 desk fan?

Section

Notes

Score

Value for money

This isn’t a desk fan for the budget-conscious, and there are certainly cheaper alternatives out there, but if you’re willing to pay the Dyson price tag, you’ll be more than happy with the overall quality and cooling performance.

4/5

Design & Features

Typically on-brand for Dyson, this fan looks well made, with a pleasingly sleek and modern aesthetic. It offers useful features to help fine-tune the airflow, but it loses a point for the lack of app connectivity and the slightly questionable design of the remote.

4/5

Performance

Aside from the hit-and-miss remote performance, I was really happy with the CF1. It produced a strong and consistent flow of air, which did a great job of cooling me down without making a racket.

4.5/5

Buy it if...

You want fine-tuned airflow
With 10 fan speeds, three oscillation settings, and adjustable vertical angles, it’s delightfully easy to get customized cooling.

You want a quiet night
The CF1 was whisper-quiet when I had it in sleep mode, and measured just 45dB when running full blast, making it a good choice for summer nights.

You love the Dyson aesthetic
With smooth lines and metallic elements, this fan is undeniably Dyson, so you can get a taste of the premium label without shelling out on one of the higher tech models.

Don't buy it if...

You’ve got limited surface space
This fan can’t be considered compact due to the wide loop amplifier. If your desktop and nightstand real estate is taken up by monitors or large lamps, I’d suggest looking at a floor-standing format like the Dreo Smart Tower Fan 519S instead.

You’re on a tight budget
While it’s currently the cheapest model in their air treatment range, this fan's price tag still comes with the Dyson premium. If you’re looking to save some pennies, I’d check out brands like Govee or Meaco, whose offerings won’t make such a dent in your wallet.

You like your products smart
At this price point, I can’t help but find it a little stingy that Dyson didn’t design the CF1 to be compatible with the MyDyson app, especially considering the disappointing remote performance.

Dyson Cool CF1 desk fan review: Also consider

Dyson Cool CF1

Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo

Shark TurboBlade

Price

$TBA / £249.99

$149.99 / £129.99

$299.99 / £249.99

Speed settings

10

5

10

Oscillation

Up to 70 degrees

No

Up to 180 degrees

Timer

Up to 8 hours

No

Up to 12 hours

Controls

Onboard push buttons and dial, remote control

Onboard buttons

Onboard button, remote control

Companion app

No

No

No

Additional modes

Sleep mode

Cordless up to 12 hours, Misting

Natural Breeze, Sleep Mode, BreezeBoost

Dimensions

5.9 x 14.2 x 217 inches / 150 x 360 x 550mm

8.7 x 8.4 x 11.5" / 22 x 21 x 29cm

11.8 x 31.6 x 44.8" / 300 x 800 x 1,120mm (max)

Weight

4lb / 1.8kg

4lb / 1.8kg

15lb / 8.8kg

Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo
Not only is this fan and mister combo compact enough to use as a desk fan, its cordless capabilities mean it can be used on the go, too. The pairing of the built-in battery, which offers up to 12 hours of use, and the misting function makes it a great choice for summer weather. If you’d like to learn more, why not take a look at our full Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo review?

Shark TurboBlade
If you want to save on desk space and would like a bladeless format without the price tag of a Dyson tower fan, then I suggest taking a look at the TurboBlade. It’s height adjustable, offers multi-directional airflow, and can oscillate up to 180 degrees, so you can really customize your cooling. Check out our full Shark TurboBlade review for more information.

How I tested the Dyson Cool CF1 desk fan

• I used the Dyson Cool CF1 in multiple locations
• I judged the setup process and how easy the fan was to use
• I evaluated the strength of the airflow and the sound levels

I used the Dyson Cool CF1 in our reviews office, my home office, and my bedroom for one week. I evaluated the assembly process and build quality closely before using it passively and in specific tests that allowed me to assess the available features.

I assessed the airflow by checking the distance I could still feel a good breeze on different settings. I used a decibel meter on my phone to check the noise levels, taking the readings from around 2ft / 600mm away, ensuring the fan wasn’t blowing directly into the microphone.

I checked the timer worked as expected, and tested out the sleep mode to see whether the Dyson Cool CF1 was quiet enough for me to be able to sleep well with it running overnight.

• First reviewed: June 2025
• Read TechRadar's Reviews Guarantee

Anker Soundcore Liberty 5: two-minute review

The Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 are a modestly priced pair of stem-equipped wireless earbuds, aiming to offer “detail-rich” sound and silencing ANC. With a list price of $129 / £99 / AU$169, these buds are hardly short on competition. But they do a decent amount to stand out in what is a congested market.

One of the ways they do that is by offering a broad, rich suite of features. Whether it’s a preference EQ test, low-latency gaming mode, customizable touch controls or environment-specific ANC, there’s plenty to sink your teeth into. Of course, the adaptive ANC is a standout feature here. It’s not groundbreaking and I’ve experienced better noise-nixing capabilities from wireless earbuds, but external sounds are dulled effectively overall and there are lots of customization options.

That said, to compete with the best earbuds on the market, you need to sound good – in fact, the audio needs to be very good. And thankfully, the Liberty 5 do sound pretty solid overall. You can uncover substantial sonic detail – especially with LDAC deployed – plus booming bass and even a fair amount of breadth and separation when using Dolby Audio. Out of the box, the Liberty 5 do lack a modicum of neutrality, showing a clear preference for bass and treble (read: 'excitement' or 'zeal' over a more natural, faithful and integrated balance across the frequencies). The detail in musical passages and layering of instruments are unlikely to impress audiophiles either. However, it's all relative and for the price you pay, these buds meet the mark.

Something that’s not so impressive, though, is the Liberty 5’s design. I’m just not digging the plasticky housing and stem design. Touch controls, which are accessed via the stems, are fiddly and inconsistent too. You do, however, get a pretty cool sliding case and IP55 dust and waterproofing.

Other aspects that could be better include call quality, which is not exactly bad but not quite as “crystal-clear” as advertised. I also experienced a notable amount of sound leakage – though that’s pretty common for earbuds at this level.

Still, there’s a lot to like about the Liberty 5. My testing suggested battery life may not be as long as quoted, but you still get a decent amount of playtime. There’s a fit check option to get the best seal, a range of additional ear tips in the box and multi-point connectivity too.

All in all, I’d argue that the Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 make for a decent pair of wireless earbuds, though their design flaws in particular hold them back from greatness. If you want an even cheaper option, I’d go for the similarly stemmed Earfun Air 2 NC which impressed me in the audio and noise cancelling department.

At a similar price you could instead get the Nothing Ear (a) – more on those later. And finally, if you’re willing to step it up a little bit, I absolutely love the Dolby Atmos-enabled LG Tone Free T90S, which you can grab on-sale close to the $180 / £150 mark. If the Liberty 5 see a significant price-slash at any of the upcoming sales events, I’m sure they’d be worth adding to your online shopping cart. But right now, you can do better for the money.

(Image credit: Future)Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 review: price and availability

• $129 / £99 / AU$169
• Launched in May 2025

The Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 launched in May 2025, just over two-and-a-half years after their predecessor, the Liberty 4. They have a list price of $129 / £99 / AU$169, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they were on sale in the not too distant future. Notably, you can grab the Liberty 5 in four different color options: Black; White; Blue; or Apricot. The color you select should have no bearing on price.

Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 review: specs

Drivers

9.2mm dynamic

Active noise cancellation

Yes

Battery life

Buds: 12 hours (8 hours with ANC on); Total with case: 48 hours (32 hours with ANC on)

Weight

4.6g

Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.4

Frequency range

20Hz-20kHz

Waterproofing

IP55

(Image credit: Future)Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 review: features

• Customizable noise cancellation options…
• ...but actual ANC performance isn’t top-class
• Top-tier companion app

I want to start off with a big plus-point: I really love the Soundcore companion app – and as someone who has countless similar audio apps on my phone, it’s rare that I really love something priced at this level. Said app is laid out in a clean, user-friendly manner, with all of the crucial settings listed on a hub page and smaller nuggets up in a separate menu. I find some companion apps to be a bit slow or buggy – not this one.

So, let’s run through all of the key features you can find on the Soundcore app. There’s the classic inclusions like multi-point connectivity, a Find Device option if a pesky bud goes amiss, and customizable touch controls – something I’ll discuss more in the Design section.

But one of the key areas I want to focus on is EQ adjustment. Soundcore has really knocked it out of the park here; there are just so many ways to tailor the Liberty 5’s sound to your tastes. Firstly, there’s all the usual suspects – think Bass Booster and Bass Reducer, as well as genre-specific choices such as Classical and Dance. There’s also a Dolby Audio option (not Atmos) with music, podcast, or movie sub-options. Mobile gamers are in luck too: there’s a low-latency Gaming Mode that enhances the sounds of footsteps and voices – though you won’t be able to use this alongside the ‘hi-res’ Bluetooth codec, LDAC, which is a great inclusion.

And there’s more! You can even take a preference test, as seen on the Anker Soundcore Space One Pro, which presents a series of sound ‘A’ and ‘B’ options, and forges a bespoke sound for you based on the selections you make. Honestly, I think Soundcore is doing this better than all of its rivals – I even like this more than the preference-based EQ function on the Sony WH-1000XM6.

Of course, the main event here is active noise cancellation, but despite the Liberty 5’s admirable report card so far, this is where things take a slight dip. Is ANC bad on the Liberty 5? No, that would be harsh. But is it the best around? Also no: it’s acceptable, but no better.

When walking near a busy road, I could still hear vehicles going by, even in the 60-70% volume range. Sure, sounds were significantly dulled, but there was a touch more extraneous noise filtering in than I would’ve liked. Similarly, while working away in the office, chatter in an adjacent room was easily phased out, but low-level discussions from my colleagues would creep in. If you don’t need silence or near-silence at all times, the Liberty 5 will do just fine. But if you’re looking for S-tier noise-crushing capabilities, you’re gonna have to look some more.

Interestingly, you can adapt noise cancelling between one – the weakest, and five – the strongest, if you want to take a more balanced approach to listening. There’s a transparency calibration too, as well as a wind noise reducer and ANC modes for traveling via plane or car. If you’d like, you can even use Fit Test, to ensure you’re getting the perfect seal for shutting out the world around you.

Finally, Soundcore says that the Liberty 5 can manage eight hours of playtime with ANC on – that is if you listen at moderate volume with basically every extra option switched off. That’s a pretty solid amount, though I did realize that the battery depleted by 20% after one hour of testing. That suggests you may not quite get that full eight hours after all. Still, the case packs plenty of charge, so unless you want to lock in for a super-long session, there should be enough battery life here.

• Features score: 4/5

(Image credit: Future)Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 review: sound quality

• Impressive bass output
• Lack a bit of balance out of the box
• …but there are extensive EQ options and Dolby Audio to fix it

For $129 / £99 / AU$169, it’s rare that you’ll find top-of-the-range sound quality. And the Liberty 5 aren’t going to plate up the kind of perfectly nuanced, beautifully separated sound that audiophiles are hunting down – if the Liberty 5 could do that for this money and without wires, we could all pack up and go home.

All the same, I’m pleased to report that they do sound good overall. When listening to It’s Possible by Piero Piccioni and Catherine Howe, vocals had a pleasing degree of detail, with tongue clicks on the palate and subtle breaths sounding three-dimensional and largely authentic. Audio was particularly revealing with the higher-resolution Bluetooth codec, LDAC, switched on, but even then, the vocals weren’t quite lifted out of the mix for the most expressive, layered listen.

Similarly, when tuning into Black Eye by Allie X, the vocal performance was clear, but felt as if it could be more prominent in the mix. This track did reveal, however, that the Liberty 5 pack some serious low-end punch. The pumping drum machine – though perhaps not as agile as you’d hear on more premium buds like the Technics EAH-AZ100 – offered impressive depth. And again with Breather by Christ Stussy & S. A. M., the Liberty 5 had the talents to replicate the thumping bass at the heart of this track’s energetic, almost hypnotic bounce.

When listening to Breather, I did feel that percussion in the treble range could sound overemphasized, especially at higher volume levels. That may well cause some fatigue during longer listening sessions, so if you’d like to tone things down, it’s going to be worth taking a trip to the Soundcore app. After making use of the custom eight-band equalizer, I was able to largely quash this issue, which really is a testament to the highly tunable sound of the Liberty 5.

Yes, you really can make these earbuds sound your own. There’s a Dolby Audio option, if you want slightly wider, more immersive sound. For reference, you’re not getting Dolby Atmos – something you’ll find on models like the LG xboom Buds, as an example. How does this particular Dolby side-sauce sound? Well, it does what it says on the tin. Bass in particular sounds broader… more encapsulating. But you may find that a touch of detail is lost compared to listening with Dolby Audio off.

One more performance-related element I should discuss is mic quality. Soundcore proudly states that the Liberty 5 are capable of “crystal-clear” call quality, thanks to six mics, a wind-resistant algorithm and a helping hand from AI. But I wasn’t all too impressed in this department. My voice was decently clear, but my surroundings would often get in the way. Similarly on a voice note, I could certainly hear myself, but my voice wasn’t particularly forward and external noises crept in easily.

• Sound quality score: 4/5

(Image credit: Future)Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 review: design

• Stem design won’t be for everyone
• Neat sliding case
• The touch controls just aren’t it

I think it’s only fair that I put my cards on the table here and say that I’m not a mega-fan of the Soundcore Liberty 5’s design. Part of that comes down to personal preference – I like the smaller, more discreet look of stemless rivals like the Sony WF-C710N.

Still, I can put that aside to a degree. But I couldn’t help feeling that the Liberty 5 look like a more plasticky and less sleek pair of AirPods. I would argue that their slightly slanted look is a plus though, that does give them a sharper, more angular edge. And unlike AirPods, you can grab these in multiple color options: Black; White; Blue; or Apricot.

Looks aside, there is one major impracticality about the Liberty 5’s design: their touch controls. Soundcore’s gone for a kind of ‘pinch’ control scheme, which frankly, I found a little awkward. The buds wouldn’t feel very secure when I was pinching at the stems to skip or go to previous tracks. And the effectiveness of my attempts varied. Sometimes I had to make multiple attempts to pause or play a song – it’s just not a massively consistent way to control playback.

So, yes, not a lot of good stuff to say so far. But one thing I do like about the Liberty 5 is their charging case. Simply, slide it open and there you are. Your earbuds, right before you! I prefer this motion to the flip-top motion cases opt for and would like to see a few more manufacturers consider it.

The buds are also fairly comfortable in-ear, so it’s unlikely you’ll feel exhausted after mere minutes of use. You can find multiple sized eartips in the box too, helping you find the most secure fit possible. Despite getting a nice seal, though, a colleague did hear some sound leakage at around 65-70% volume. There’s an adaptive sound leakage compensation toggle in the Soundcore app’s advanced settings but, still, you’re not going to get the perfect isolation that the best over-ear headphones supply.

Waterproofing is also pretty solid. The Liberty 5 are IP55 dust and waterproof rated, which means that they can withstand low pressure water jets from multiple directions. That’s better than a lot of competitors, but you can do even better. The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, for instance, are IP57-rated, so they can even survive being immersed under a meter of water for a while.

• Design score: 3/5

(Image credit: Future)Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 review: value

• Fairly moderate list price
• But still, you can do better for the money
• Outperformed by a number of rivals

The Soundcore Liberty 5 are playing in a pretty competitive field, coming in at $129 / £99 / AU$169. It’s a decently modest price tag, sure, but a lot of manufacturers are producing pretty great earbuds for even less.

Now, there are a lot of rivals I could name here. I own the Sony WF-C700N and they sound great while also offering a more low-profile look than the Liberty 5. We also rate the Nothing Ear (a) highly, but I’ll discuss those a little more below. But if you want the ultimate guide to the leading cheap models, then I’d recommend checking out our guide to the best budget earbuds.

Ultimately, $100 / £100 / AU$150 is still a significant spend. And I’m not convinced these are particularly standout – aside from their excellent companion app and decently broad feature-set. In terms of sonic prowess, ANC abilities and design, it’s a more mixed picture. If these are on sale, I wouldn’t count them out, of course. But at the moment, I’d rather grab a pair of buds from Sony or Nothing.

• Value score: 3.5/5

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the Anker Soundcore Liberty 5?

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

Awesome companion app, customizable but fairly average ANC, OK battery.

4/5

Sound quality

Good overall sound for the cost with impressive bass, calling could be better.

4/5

Design

Impractical touch controls, divisive stem design, IP55 waterproofing and case.

3/5

Value

Decent price but outperformed by rivals on sound and design.

3.5/5

Buy them if...

You’re looking for a cheaper alternative to AirPods
AirPods are expensive, there’s no getting around it. And there’s no doubt that the Soundcore Liberty 5 are attempting to be a more budget-friendly alternative. With a stem design and a spatial sound option, via Dolby Audio, you can expect a lot of the AirPods’ niceties on the Liberty 5.

You want highly customizable sound
I love the Soundcore app, and one of the reasons for that is its incredibly rich set of EQ options. There’s a preference test that helps you create a truly bespoke sound profile, genre-based presets and even an eight-band custom equalizer. If you want a more balanced listen, it’s definitely worth exploring the options at hand here.

Don't buy them if...

You want class-leading ANC
ANC isn’t all too bad on the Soundcore Liberty 5. External sounds will be dulled fairly effectively and there’s a tasty selection of customization options too. But even at the highest intensity, I wasn’t blown away by the Liberty 5’s noise-crushing skills. I didn’t quite get near-silence in more built up areas and a whisper of noise crept through when I was working in the office, even when blasting music at around 70%.

You’re an audiophile
And finally, these earbuds may not satiate your needs if you’re a true audiophile. Even with LDAC turned on, you won’t get the best instrument separation or perfect control right across the frequencies. With some tuning, they do sound good for the money, but yes, maybe not for the most analytical listeners out there. If that's you, I'd suggest instead checking out our list of the best noise cancelling earbuds.

Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 review: also consider

Anker Soundcore Liberty 5

Nothing Ear (a)

Apple AirPods 4

Price

$129 / £99 / AU$169

$99 / £99 (about AU$150)

$129 / £129 / AU$219

Drivers

9.2mm dynamic

11mm custom

Custom

Active noise cancellation

Yes

Yes

No

Battery life

Buds: 8 hours (12 hours without ANC on); Total with case: 32 hours (48 hours without ANC on)

Buds: 5.5hrs (9.5hrs without ANC) Total with case: 24.5hrs (42.5hrs without ANC)

Buds: 5 hours (official), 7 hours (measured); Total with case: 30 hours

Weight

4.6g (per bud)

4.8g (per bud)

4.3g (per bud)

Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.4

Bluetooth 5.3

Bluetooth 5.3

Frequency range

20Hz-40kHz

Not stated

Not stated

Waterproofing

IP55

IP54

IP54

Nothing Ear (a)
The Nothing Ear (a) are an excellent pair of budget-friendly earbuds that we’ve talked up no end here at TechRadar. And for good reason. They serve up zealous, expansive audio, surprisingly strong ANC and a compact design. Sure, their battery life is nothing special by today’s standards, but all in all, they’re an awesome pair of buds. Read our full Nothing Ear (a) review.

Apple AirPods 4
In design alone, it does feel like the Soundcore Liberty 5 are a direct competitor to the Apple AirPods 4. And I’m comparing Soundcore’s effort here against the ANC-less version of the AirPods 4, simply due to their closeness in cost. Anyway, Apple’s earbuds are, well… OK. They offer decently fun and dynamic spatial sound as well as that classic design. But no ANC at this price-point, combined with middling levels of detail and lackluster cross-platform features, is disappointing. Read our full Apple AirPods 4 review.

How I tested the Anker Soundcore Liberty 5

• Tested for two weeks
• Used in the office and while out in public
• Predominantly tested using Tidal

I tested the Soundcore Liberty 5 over a fortnight, listening to songs and watching videos for hours on end. I used them out at the office, while at home and when on walks to assess the fortitude of ANC across multiple environments.

Typically, I tested these buds using Tidal, but I also tried using them with both Spotify and YouTube. When listening to music, I ran through the TechRadar testing playlist, which features tracks from a wide variety of genres. Of course, I also tuned in to tons of tunes from my personal library.

Where appropriate, I compared these to the LG xboom Buds on metrics such as comfort, audio quality, ANC capabilities and features. And for reference, I’ve tested tons of audio products here at TechRadar. I’ve reviewed flagship over-ear headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM6, wired earbuds like the Sennheiser IE 600 and, of course, other wireless earbuds like the LG Tone Free T90S.

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

It’s hard to overstate just how much there is to do in Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition. This Nintendo Switch 2 port of the latest entries in the legendary stealth series comes crammed with everything from 2016’s Hitman, its follow-up Hitman 2, and the most recent instalment Hitman 3 plus heaps of downloadable content (DLC).

Review info

Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2
Available on: Nintendo Switch 2
Release date: June 5, 2025

You get a total of three main story campaigns, tied together by a servicable overarching plot. Storytelling has never been the main appeal of Hitman, however, which lies instead in its highly replayable, richly detailed global locations.

There are 21 here (or 25 if you count the more limited tutorial and Sniper Assassin stages) ranging all the way from a high-profile Paris fashion show to the annual meeting of a sinister secret society on a remote North Atlantic island, the top of a skyscraper in sun-drenched Dubai, and the high-tech rain-swept streets of Chongqing.

Each of these is an expansive open-world sandbox that is designed to be replayed over and over again. As Agent 47, the world’s greatest assassin, your objective is always the elimination of a highly guarded target - but how you approach that is entirely up to you.

Feedback loop

(Image credit: IO Interactive)

You could sprint through a stage and shoot your target in the face, before mowing down legions of guards on the way to an extraction point like a bald John Wick, but careful stealth is always more effective and rewarding. The likes of Splinter Cell’s Sam Fisher might rely on futuristic tech to remain undetected, but Agent 47 just needs a simple change of clothes to get by. Knock out a guard and you can steal their outfit, exploring otherwise restricted areas and getting close to your target without the fear of being stopped.

Dress up as a member of a maintenance crew, and you might be allowed to tamper with dangerous equipment - setting up the perfect, undetectable accident kill. Agent 47 can become almost anyone, anywhere, and the possibilities that this opens up are practically endless. You’re always free to experiment, but those who prefer a more guided experience can follow dedicated mission stories - elaborate, showstopping eliminations that require multiple steps to pull off.

Every playthrough contributes to a location’s overall mastery level that unlocks new weapons, tools, starting locations, and so on. You might go in for the first time armed with just a silenced pistol and your trusty fibrewire, but before you know it you have access to compact sniper rifles, undetectable poison syringes, lockpicks, explosive rubber ducks, throwable decoys, flash grenades, and so much more. You can even start armed with a floppy fish to slap enemies over the head.

Best bit

(Image credit: IO Interactive)

Every location in Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition is superb, though the New York bank of the Golden Handshake mission remains a firm favorite. It’s a wholly indoor environment, but that doesn’t mean that it’s small. There are multiple floors to explore and some great Mission Stories including a full-on bank heist to pull off.

Even when you’ve finished the main story, this Signature Edition comes with the fantastic Patient Zero side campaign on top of heaps of bonus missions to master. You also have Escalations (bite-size challenges that layer-on absurd conditions to often hilarious results), live-service Elusive Target contracts that can only be attempted once, seasonal challenges and stages, the Sniper Elite-esque Sniper Assassin levels, and a roguelike Freelancer mode.

For the $59.99 / £54.99 asking price the value is undeniable, though it is a shame that a small amount of content is gated behind further paywalls. Some cosmetic packs, for example, and, more significantly, the extra Sarajevo Six campaign are locked behind additional $4.99 / £4.49 purchases.

There’s so much here already that most players likely wouldn’t even notice, but for die-hard Hitman fans like me who have already paid for such extras on multiple other platforms, it’s a shame that this Nintendo Switch 2 version isn’t truly 100 percent complete.

Missed shot

(Image credit: IO Interactive)

With gigantic crowds of NPCs and complex AI interactions, Hitman World of Assassination is a very technically demanding game. The Nintendo Switch 2 port runs at a level that I would consider just about good enough, provided that you don’t intend to play a lot with the system docked. In handheld mode, texture quality and resolution takes an obvious hit compared to the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 versions, though this isn’t hugely noticeable on the smaller screen unless you compare the images side by side.

The render distance has also been reduced by a fair amount, and there’s more pop-in than other platforms - even the Xbox Series S. When the image is static, it looks about on par with the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 versions of the game to my eyes - which is not the worst result when you consider the battery life and cooling limitations of a handheld console. The frame rate is stable in most situations too, averaging between 40 and 50 fps, but is prone to dips in certain areas of specific stages.

The streets of the leafy Vermont suburb Whittleton Creek, for example, are noticeably more jittery, as is the dense rainforest of Ambrose Island. Signature Edition also seems buggier than other versions with small visual issues, like floating objects and doors sometimes vanishing when opened, decreasing immersion. Neither of these complaints amount to anything that renders the game unplayable, but I am hopeful that things will be smoothed out in future patches.

(Image credit: IO Interactive)

As for the docked experience, this is unfortunately where it all falls apart a little bit. Blowing the picture up on a big screen allows you to appreciate some of the complex lighting, weather, and reflection effects at play, but makes the cutbacks much more apparent. Again, the experience is never horrifically bad, but if you want Hitman World of Assassination on a big screen you will unavoidably be much better served by the PS5 or Xbox Series X and Series S editions.

There are also some areas where I feel as though developer Io Interactive has really missed the opportunity to make some simple changes to really take advantage of the Nintendo Switch 2 hardware. Foremost is the game’s control scheme, which is effectively identical to other console versions. There’s no Joy-Con 2 mouse aiming here, or even basic gyroscope support which is disappointing given how much it would improve precision aiming with long-range weaponry.

Hitman World of Assassination is also still limited by the lack of a proper offline mode. Sure, you can technically play the game without an internet connection - but you have to sacrifice access to literally all your progression. Unless you’re keen to run around with default loadouts, you have to be online. While I like to play at home, this could be a dealbreaker for those looking for a new favorite to play on the go.

With all that said, is Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition worth picking up? I would say yes as, despite this version’s flaws, you’re still getting a fully playable version of one of the greatest stealth games ever made. There’s plenty here to keep you busy and, with a few updates under its belt, we could be looking at a must-have Nintendo Switch 2 release.

Should I play Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition?Play it if…

You want a top quality stealth game
Hitman World of Assassination is still one of the greatest stealth games ever made. If you love sneaking around, then this Nintendo Switch 2 release is the perfect excuse to pick it up.

You after a game with heaps of content
I’ve already spent hours in Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition and barely scratched the surface of what’s on offer. Pick this up if you want a content-rich game that will keep you occupied for hundreds of hours.

Don’t play it if…

You’re keen to play docked
Graphically, Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition is solid in handheld mode but lacking when the Nintendo Switch 2 is docked. If you mainly play on a TV, you’ll be better off with one of the other console versions of the game instead.

Accessibility

There are unfortunately no dedicated accessibility settings in Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition. The game features subtitles, which are enabled by default, and some basic assist settings including an aim assist.

How I reviewed Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition

I played Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition for more than 10 hours on Nintendo Switch 2, experiencing every location in the game at least once.

I’m a die-hard Hitman fan, and have spent more than 900 hours in Hitman, Hitman 2 and Hitman 3 on Xbox One and Xbox Series S, in addition to roughly 200 hours in Hitman World of Assassination on PC and PlayStation 5 so I compared my experience closely to that.

First reviewed June 2025

Ivanky is a brand that I have not heard a ton about other than a few targeted ads or other people's setups I watch on YouTube (yes, gear is a hobby and a job). Once I got my hands on the iVanky FusionDock Max 1 though, I realized just how powerful this docking station truly is.

Granted, it's clearly designed for MacBooks alone, and M-Series, Apple Silicon MacBooks at that. But for Apple users, it's a great docking station, able to produce the amount of power that just about anyone from a casual user with a single display, to a professional user with a quad setup and plenty of accessories.

I added this to one of my more robust desks I have set up as of recently, with a custom desk from Uplift, a super cool desk shelf from Hexcal and a dual monitor setup. Just the kind of bougie, yet accessible setup the iVanky FusionDock Max 1 commands.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )iVanky FusionDock Max 1: Unboxing & first impressions

Unboxing this docking station was pretty straightforward, in the box was the dock itself, which is a bit heavier than expected, a Dual USB-C Cable which has connected USB-C ports on one end and disconnected leads on the other end. It also has a power adapter, an HDMI Cable and the user manual.

Personally, I love the floating look, I think it looks fantastic, intentional and unique in a good way. It stands out in all of the best docking stations I have tested, and I have seen quite a few. It has a minimalist design with a compact footprint, though it is a bit too thick to slide underneath my Hexcal Desk shelf, at least without the extensions which would then make my monitors too high.

Moving on, the port split from the front to the back seems very intentional, and easy to navigate. Lastly, the dual-cable system is interesting, though understood. It is interesting that the part that connects to the MacBook is the side that is connected meaning that there is only ever the option to plug both into the MacBook — then again what ports could you possibly want that this dock doesn't already offer?

iVanky FusionDock Max 1: Design & build qualitySpecs

Ports: 20 ports; 4x Thunderbolt 4, 2x HDMI, 5x USB-A, 3x USB-C, SD card slot, Ethernet port, Optical Audio
PD: 96W

The iVanky FusionDock Max 1 is clearly a premium product. By build quality alone let alone the materials used and the unique design promoting better airflow, this device is high-end. The ports are tight and assembled perfectly, the labels are clear and descriptive, and the front facing ports are exactly what I would want up front, just enough to keep me capable of pretty much anything I'd need to plug in, but not so much that I feel like there is always a cable cluttering my desk.

iVanky seems to understand the same thing that I have been saying for years with docking stations. The back ports are for your constantly plugged in devices, such as HDMI, Audio, USB-A (most), USB-C (most), power, Ethernet, in this case, optical, and so on. It should be all the devices you don't plan on unplugging anytime soon. The front, however, is where your frequently accessed devices should live. SD Cards, USB-C, USB-A, Headphone jack, and maybe some more.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )iVanky FusionDock Max 1: In use

From the first time I plugged a MacBook into this docking station it has run wonderfully. Part of the reason I chose to put this docking station on this desk you see in the photos is because that desk has a soundbar that is currently being used via Bluetooth, but it also has an optical port, just like this dock (something I have never seen before on a docking station).

The integration to the MacBook was not only seamless physically but digitally as well. The ports lined up great to plug in, and then once I approved the device on my Mac I was instantly connected to my dual display setup, my SSD, my Optical, Power, Ethernet, and more.

So far, I have yet to have any issues with the FusionDock Max 1. Like I said, I am running audio out every day through Optical, I am streaming content with the network cable, along with uploading and downloading large files and more. I don't notice any lag or latency in the displays, even when running a heavy load.

I will say that under a heavy load this guy can get hot, but thankfully that is why there is a bit of a guard built into the stand, but regardless, if it takes having a dock that gets a little hot to be able to to run as smoothly as this, then it's worth it.

iVanky FusionDock Max 1: Final verdict

The FusionDock Max 1 is a hefty, powerful, and premium docking station with an ideal number of ports for heavy users. It's a feature-rich docking station that has been super impressive to use and rely on for a few months now. I have this dock running a dual-monitor setup for a MacBook, and it has been an absolute dream so far. If you're looking for a reliable docking station to run your professional setup without compromise, this is a docking station worth checking out.

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Unique and beautiful

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ease of use

Needs to be for specific macs

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Practicality

Practical for the right machine

⭐⭐⭐

Price

Decent price for the quality

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Samsung QN90F: Two-minute review

The Samsung QN90F is the company’s flagship mini-LED TV series for 2025. It’s available in 43-inch to 98-inch screen sizes, and is a showcase for the full range of new features Samsung is bringing to market in its 2025 TV lineup.

A key feature found in the Samsung QN90F and other 2025 flagships, such as the Samsung QN990F 8K TV and Samsung S95F OLED TV, is a ‘2.0’ version of Glare-Free technology. Previously limited to the S95F, one of the best TVs of 2024, this effectively eliminates screen reflections, and does so while retaining the deep black levels needed to maintain picture contrast when watching movies in a bright room – something the S95F stopped short of delivering.

The QN90F also has a new NQ4 AI Gen3 Processor, which allows for a range of AI-driven picture enhancements to improve picture upscaling of lower-resolution sources and motion handling for sports. It even adds HDR to standard dynamic range programs being upscaled to 4K, giving them a high dynamic range-like look.

Picture quality on the QN90F is stunning. The TV’s powerful, refined local dimming delivers images with strong contrast and deep, detailed shadows. This is the kind of performance we expect to see from the best mini-LED TVs, and the QN90F has set the bar high for 2025.

The QN90F’s 4.2.2-channel built-in speakers provide clear and dynamic sound over a wide volume range. Dialogue clarity is good at the default settings, but there are also processing modes, such as Active Voice Amplifier Pro, to further improve clarity. The TV’s Object Tracking Sound Pro+ feature ensures that both dialogue and sound effects accurately follow the onscreen action.

As with other high-end Samsung TVs, the QN90F has a full suite of gaming features, including support for 4K 165Hz across its four HDMI 2.1 ports, FreeSync Premium Pro, and Samsung’s Gaming Hub, which offers cloud-based, console-free gaming. The TV’s ultra-low input lag makes gaming performance as responsive as one can expect from the best gaming TVs.

The QN90F’s Tizen smart TV platform is among the most advanced in the industry, and Samsung has given it a range of tweaks for 2025 to improve navigation and expand content offerings. The company’s own Samsung TV Plus free ad-supported TV portal provides a wide range of channels. There’s also the Samsung Art Store, a subscription-based service previously limited to Samsung's The Frame TVs that lets you view a wide range of art offerings when the TV is in standby mode.

At $2,499.99 / £2,499 / AU$3,499 for the 65-inch model I tested, the Samsung QN90F isn’t cheap, and it faces stiff competition from the flagship mini-LED TVs from Hisense and TCL. However, the QN90F more than holds its own when it comes to picture quality, features, and design, making it a premium choice for discerning viewers.

Samsung QN90F review: Price and release date

The Samsung QN90F's Glare-Free tech eliminates screen reflections when viewing in bright rooms (Image credit: Future)

• Release date: March 2025
• 43-inch: $1,299.99 / £1,199
• 50-inch: $1,499.99 / £1,299
• 55-inch: $1,799.99 / £1,699
• 65-inch: $2,499.99 / £2,499 / AU$3,499
• 75-inch: $2,999.99 / £3,499 / AU$4,499
• 85-inch: $4,499.99 / £4,999 / AU$5,999
• 98-inch: $14,999.99 / £8,999

The Samsung QN90F is the company’s flagship 4K mini-LED TV series for 2025. Launch prices are lower compared to 2024’s Samsung QN90D series, with the 65-inch QN90F I reviewed priced at $2,499.99 / £2,499 compared to $2,699.99 / £2,699 for the 65-inch QN90D.

Pricing for new Samsung TVs typically takes a substantial drop by mid-year – the same 65-inch QN90D was priced at $1,899 / £1,999 / AU$3,995 when we reviewed it in September 2024, for example – so buyers can expect discounts going forward.

Such discounts will let the QN90F compete more effectively with affordable brands such as Hisense, which at the time of writing had reduced the price of its new 65-inch flagship Hisense U8QG mini-LED TV to $1,399 in the US.

Samsung QN90F review: Specs

Screen type:

QLED with mini-LED

Refresh rate:

Up to 165Hz

HDR support:

HDR10+, HDR10, HLG

Audio support:

Dolby Atmos

Smart TV:

Tizen

HDMI ports:

4 x HDMI 2.1

Built-in tuner:

ATSC 3.0 (USA)

Samsung QN90F review: Benchmark resultsSamsung QN90F review: Features

The QN90F has four HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 165Hz support (Image credit: Future)

• Glare-Free screen
• NQ4 AI Gen3 Processor with 4K AI Upscaling Pro
• 4K 165Hz gaming support

The Samsung QN90F’s headline feature is its Glare-Free screen. This anti-reflection tech was previously limited to the Samsung S95D OLED but has migrated to all of the company’s flagship TVs in 2025. It very effectively reduces screen glare from ambient room lighting and can even minimize reflections from direct lighting sources such as lamps.

Samsung’s new NQ4 AI Gen3 Processor is used in the QN90F series and enables features such as 4K AI Upscaling Pro, Auto HDR Remastering Pro (upscales standard dynamic range programs to high dynamic range), and AI Motion Enhancer Pro (reduces motion blur in sports and other fast-action content).

Other picture enhancements include Wide Viewing Angle, which improves screen uniformity when viewing from off-center seats, and Real Depth Enhancer Pro, which analyzes scenes to emphasize the difference between foreground objects and backgrounds for a more 3D effect.

The QN90F has a similar audio feature set as its predecessor, including a 4.2.2-channel speaker array powered by 60W, Object Tracking Sound Pro+ for accurate dialogue and sound effects placement, and Active Voice Amplifier Pro to enhance dialogue in complex movie sound mixes. The Q-Symphony feature requires a compatible Samsung soundbar to unlock and combines the TV’s speakers with the soundbar’s output for an expanded soundfield.

Samsung’s Tizen smart TV platform supports both Samsung’s own Bixby and Amazon Alexa voice assistants, and the TV features built-in far-field mics for hands-free voice control. Samsung has added a wide range of custom apps to Tizen for 2025 – everything from the Samsung Art Store (a feature previously only available on its The Frame TVs) to Dr. Tail, an online pet care consultation platform.

The QN90F series supports FreeSync Premium Pro for gaming, with up to a 165Hz refresh rate across its four HDMI ports. There’s also Samsung Gaming Hub for cloud-based gaming, with a wide array of selections from apps like Xbox, Nvidia GeForce Now, Boosteroid and Luna.

• Features Score: 5/5

Samsung QN90F review: Picture quality

The QN90F's picture looks consistently great when viewing in bright and dark lighting conditions (Image credit: Future)

• High brightness and refined local dimming
• Good off-axis picture uniformity
• Effective Glare-Free screen tech

My measurements of the Samsung QN90F were made with its Movie picture mode active. While the Filmmaker Mode provided a slightly more accurate picture, the extra brightness from Movie mode made it a better all-round option for both dark and bright room viewing, and I found myself subjectively preferring it.

Peak brightness measured on a white 10% window pattern with HDR was 2,086 nits in Movie mode, and 1,987 nits in Standard mode. Fullscreen brightness measured on a white 100% window pattern with HDR was 667 in Movie mode and around the same level in Standard.

Those are excellent brightness results, and roughly similar to what we measured on last year’s Samsung QN90D.

UHDA-P3 and BT.2020 color gamut coverage results in Movie Mode were 93.6 and 76.5, respectively, marking a slight improvement over the Samsung QN90D. Color accuracy, meanwhile, averaged out to a 6.3 Delta-E value (the margin of error between the test pattern source and what’s shown on-screen), which is a higher level than the 3 threshold we normally look for, though Filmmaker Mode showed better results.

After calibrating the QN90F’s grayscale, its picture looked fantastic. Colors were rich and detailed, and the TV’s high brightness and contrast gave the picture a strong visual punch in both dim and bright room lighting conditions.

Image 1 of 4

The Samsung Art Store has a wide range of famous artworks on offer, along with images from Disney, Star Wars, and National Geographic (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 4

(Image credit: Future)Image 3 of 4

(Image credit: Future)Image 4 of 4

(Image credit: Future)

Watching the movie Mountainhead (streamed on Max in 4K HDR), the bright orange outerwear worn by the tech bros wandering the grounds outside the mountain retreat popped nicely against the snowy background. The white sky and snow-filled trees displayed an impressive level of highlight detail, and the picture had good uniformity even when watching from off-center seats.

The QN90F’s strong contrast also gave excellent depth to darker shots in movies like Oppenheimer. Shadows looked deep, and I saw almost no evidence of backlight blooming effects. While the QN90F’s rich color display carried over to Oppenheimer, the movie's black-and-white scenes also revealed excellent uniformity across the picture’s full range of black, white, and gray tones.

Motion handling on the QN90F was also very good, with only a minimal level of judder and blur visible in a reference scene from No Time to Die where James Bond walks across a craggy hillside cemetery. To evaluate this scene, I selected the TV’s Filmmaker Mode, which disables all motion processing, but setting the judder and blur adjustments to 3 in the Custom menu fully eliminated motion artifacts without adding any unnatural “soap opera” effect.

As mentioned above, I preferred the QN90F’s Movie picture preset for its extra brightness kick, a factor that helped bring out shadow detail and highlights when viewing in both dim and bright rooms. With my room's overhead lights turned on, the TV’s Glare-Free screen was completely free of reflections. And even when I turned on a lamp in front of the screen to see how it could handle strong light sources, the light was effectively diffused.

The QN90F’s Glare-Free screen performs as advertised. And, unlike the version used in last year’s Samsung S95D OLED TV, it manages to maintain solid black levels, even when viewing in a bright room.

• Picture quality score: 5/5

Samsung QN90F review: Sound quality

The QN90F (side view shown above) has impressively clean, full sound for such a slim TV, but a soundbar is recommended to take movie viewing to the next level (Image credit: Future)

• 4.2.2-channel, 60W speaker array
• Clean, well-defined sound
• Object Tracking Sound Pro+ and Active Voice Amplifier Pro features
  

The QN90F has a 4.2.2-channel, 60W speaker array, along with Samsung’s Object Tracking Sound Pro+ feature to optimize dialogue and sound effects placement. Active Voice Amplifier Pro uses AI to analyze, separate, and amplify dialogue in sound mixes. There are two preset sound modes, Standard and Amplify, with the latter also giving dialogue levels a general boost.

I found the QN90F’s sound to be clean and well-defined, even when played at fairly loud levels. Bass, while lacking the weight and extension you’d get from using one of the best soundbars with a separate subwoofer, was also suitably punchy.

Sound effects, while well-delineated, were mostly contained to the screen area, with little in the way of a surround effect. Dolby Atmos height effects were also modest, though certain scenes, such as one from No Time to Die with a close-up shot of clanging church bells, proved more effective here than others.

The QN90F supports Samsung’s Q-Symphony feature, which combines the TV’s speaker output with a Samsung soundbar for enhanced and expanded sound. As good as the QN90F’s built-in sound is, this slim TV would definitely benefit from being paired with a Samsung soundbar or one from another brand.

• Sound quality score: 4/5

Samsung QN90F review: Design

The QN90F's sturdy aluminum pedestal stand (Image credit: Future)

• Ultra-slim, bezel-free design
• Sturdy pedestal stand with cable management
• Solar-powered remote control
  

The Samsung QN90F has a remarkably slim design for a mini-LED TV. The panel depth is a mere 1.1 inches, and the TV’s ‘bezel-free’ display means there’s a disappearingly slim black border surrounding the screen.

Samsung’s ‘Sharp Neck Hexagon’ aluminum pedestal stand provides firm support, and a cable management system on the back makes for tidy installation. The side-mounted input section features four HDMI 2.1 ports plus an antenna connection for the TV’s ATSC 3.0 tuner (US-only).

The QN90F’s battery-free SolarCell remote control draws power from ambient room lighting, but can also be charged via its USB-C port. I’m of two minds about this compact, minimalist remote. On the one hand, its small size and uncluttered layout fit with the design philosophy of the QN90F. On the other, it lacks a dedicated input button – something I complained about in my LG G5 OLED TV review – and it mostly facilitates onscreen menu navigation to perform functions, along with voice-controlled searching.

• Design score: 5/5

Samsung QN90F review: Smart TV and menusImage 1 of 2

Samsung's Tizen smart TV interface neatly divides browsing options into multiple categories (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

(Image credit: Future)

• Samsung Tizen Smart TV platform
• Samsung Art Store
• Some settings buried deep in menus

As with all Samsung TVs, the QN90F series uses the company’s Tizen Smart TV platform. This presents a mostly uncluttered ‘For You’ homescreen, with program recommendations, a customizable row of app selections, and tabs to access additional Live TV and App screens.

A vertical row of icons on the homescreen’s left side provides access to the Search, Art, Daily+, and Gaming hubs. The Art Hub now features the full Samsung Art Store, which costs $4.99/month or $49.90/year in the US, and offers selections from partners such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museo del Prado, the Tate, and, new for 2025, Star Wars and Disney. Think of this as a streaming service for artwork, which looks fantastic on the TV’s Glare-Free screen.

Daily+ is Samsung's lifestyle hub, and you’ll find a wide range of fitness and productivity apps here, along with telehealth services for you (HealthTap) and your pets (Dr. Tail).

The Live tab on the homescreen features programming from Samsung’s own Samsung TV Plus and other free ad-supported TV channels. There are an almost ridiculous number of free channels here to explore, and you can also view a program grid that integrates live channels received via the TV’s ATSC 3.0 tuner in the US.

With most picture settings buried deep in the TV’s menu structure, it can be difficult to access even basic picture adjustments like brightness. Some of the drudgery is lessened by the QN90F’s quick menu, which presents a compact screen overlay with a customizable range of settings and setup options, including sound and picture preset modes and, yes, brightness.

Another advantage of the quick menu is that by selecting the All Settings icon, along with a full list of menu options for picture, sound, advanced features, and more, you’ll see a list of your five last used settings for easy access. There's also a search option here, with voice control support, if you don’t want to scroll deep through menus.

• Smart TV & menus score: 5/5

Samsung QN90F review: GamingImage 1 of 2

Samsung's Gaming Hub (1) and onscreen game menu overlay (2) (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

(Image credit: Future)

• Four HDMI 2.1 ports
• 4K 165Hz, FreeSync Premium Pro, and HDR10+ gaming support
• 9.5ms input lag

Higher-end Samsung TVs regularly rank among the best gaming TVs, and that’s still very much the case with the QN90F. With four HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 165Hz support, FreeSync Premium Pro, HGiG, and Samsung’s Gaming Hub, which features apps such as Xbox, Nvidia GeForce Now, Boosteroid, and Luna, there’s little here that’s been overlooked, with the exception of Dolby Vision Gaming (HDR10+ gaming is supported, however).

The QN90F’s ultra-low 9.5 input lag results in highly responsive gaming performance. Gaming is also enhanced by the TV’s game bar menu, which lets you quickly make gaming-related picture and sound adjustments and access the Super Ultra Wide Game View and MiniMap Zoom features.

• Gaming score: 5/5

Samsung QN90F review: Value

The QN90F's compact SolarCell remote control has a limited button count and is mainly designed for navigating onscreen menus (Image credit: Future)

• Great performance and features help justify the price
• Impressive competing TVs available for less
• A complete package for TV perfectionists
  

Making a value call on the Samsung QN90F can be tough. It’s an excellent all-around TV with great picture and sound quality, a complete set of gaming features, and an attractive, living room-friendly design.

The QN90F faces stiff competition from other TV brands, such as Hisense and TCL, which also make great mini-LED TVs and ultimately sell them at a much lower price. As mentioned above, the 65-inch Hisense U8QG that earned 4.5 out of 5 stars in our review now costs $1,399 in the US. We haven’t yet reviewed the new TCL QM8K, but if its pricing history follows the same trajectory as last year’s TCL QM851G, that model will eventually cost around the same as the Hisense U8QG.

Nevertheless, the QN90F scores value points over its competition with better overall picture and sound quality, a superior smart interface, a more advanced feature set, and a sleeker design. It really is the complete package and an excellent option for watching movies and sports, gaming, or even scheduling a telehealth appointment for your pet.

• Value score: 4/5

Should I buy the Samsung QN90F?

(Image credit: Future)Samsung QN90F

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

Feature-packed, with AI picture and sound enhancements and a wide array of gaming features

5/5

Picture quality

High brightness and refined local dimming plus a Glare-Free screen make this a great TV for viewing in a range of lighting conditions

5/5

Sound quality

A built-in 4.2.2-channel speaker array provides clear, and reasonably full sound, but it's light on bass and immersion

4/5

Design

A wonderfully sleek design with sturdy pedestal stand, but the SolarCell remote provides few options for direct control outside the menu system

5/5

Smart TV and menus

Samsung's relatively uncluttered Tizen smart interface is easy to navigate and there's a wide range of apps plus the Samsung Art Store

4/5

Gaming

An impressive suite of gaming features plus cloud-based gaming and fast, responsive performance

5/5

Value

Pricey compared to the mini-LED competition, but great performance, features, and design for the money

4/5

Buy it if...

You want a TV for viewing in bright rooms: The QN90F has a powerfully bright picture, and its Glare-Free screen tech eliminates screen reflections when viewing in bright rooms.

You want a great TV for movies: The QN90F’s powerful local dimming delivers pictures with deep blacks and refined shadows. And its Glare-Free screen ensures that blacks remain solid over a range of room lighting conditions.

You want a great TV for gaming: The QN90F has a full suite of gaming features: four HDMI ports with 4K 165 Hz support, FreeSync Premium Pro, HGiG, and Samsung’s Gaming Hub. Its ultra-low 9.5ms input lag also ensures fast and responsive gaming.

Don't buy it if…

You want Dolby Vision HDR: Like all Samsung TVs, the QN90F doesn’t support Dolby Vision high dynamic range. However, it does support the HDR10+ format, which can now be found on shows from Amazon and Netflix.

You want to save money: The QN90F faces strong competition from mini-LED TV makers like Hisense and TCL. If you can tolerate a small step-down in performance and features, you’ll save a fair amount of money by buying a TV from one of these brands.

Samsung QN90F: Also consider...

Samsung QN90F

Hisense U8QG

Samsung QN90D

TCL QM851G

Price (65-inch)

 $2,499.99 / £2,499 / AU$3,499

 $2,199 / £TBC / AU$2,999

$2,699 / £2,699 / AU$4,299

$2,999 / £2,999

Screen type

QLED w/ mini-LED

QLED w/ mini-LED

QLED w/ mini-LED

QLED w/ mini-LED

Refresh rate

165Hz

165Hz

144Hz

144Hz

HDR support

HDR10+/HDR10/HLG

DolbyVision/HDR10+/HDR10/HLG

HDR10+/HDR10/HLG

DolbyVision/HDR10+/HDR10/HLG

Smart TV

Tizen

Google TV / VIDAA

Tizen

Google TV

HDMI ports

4 x HDMI 2.1

3x HDMI 2.1

4 x HDMI 2.1

4 (2x HDMI 2.1)

Hisense U8QG

The U8QQ is Hisense’s top mini-LED for 2025, and it offers very impressive picture quality for the price. There are areas where it comes up short against the QN90F, such as its sound quality and off-axis picture performance, but it’s still a very solid, high-value bet.

Here’s our Hisense U8QG review

Samsung QN90D

Samsung’s top 2024 mini-LED is still available, and it delivers nearly as good picture quality as the QN90F. You won’t get the QN90F’s Glare-Free screen or 4K 165Hz gaming support, but you will save money as the QN90D is now discounted.

Here’s our Samsung QN90D review

TCL QM851G

TCL’s top mini-LED from 2024 is another high-brightness TV that also performs very well with movies. It’s only available in the US, where it's now seeing steep discounts.

Here’s our TCL QM851G review

How I tested the Samsung QN90F

Measuring a 10% HDR white window pattern during testing (Image credit: Future)

• I spent about 15 viewing hours in total, measuring and evaluating
• Measurements were made using Calman color calibration software
• A full calibration was made before proceeding with subjective tests

When I test TVs, I first spend a few days or even weeks using them for casual viewing to assess the out-of-box picture presets and get familiar with the smart TV menu and picture adjustments.

I next select the most accurate preset (usually Filmmaker Mode, Movie or Cinema) and measure grayscale and color accuracy using Portrait Displays’ Calman color calibration software. The resulting measurements provide Delta-E values (the margin of error between the test pattern source and what’s shown on-screen) for each category, and allow for an assessment of the TV’s overall accuracy.

Along with those tests, I make measurements of peak light output (recorded in nits) for both standard high-definition and 4K high dynamic range using 10% and 100% white window patterns. Coverage of DCI-P3 and BT.2020 color space is also measured, with the results providing a sense of how faithfully the TV can render the extended color range in ultra high-definition sources – you can read more about this process in our guide to how we test TVs at TechRadar.

For the Samsung QN90F, I used the Calman ISF workflow, along with the TV’s advanced picture menu settings, to calibrate the image for best accuracy. I also watched a range of reference scenes on 4K Blu-ray discs to assess the TV’s performance, along with 4K HDR shows streamed from Max, Netflix, and other services.

• First reviewed: June 2025
• Read TechRadar's reviews guarantee

Want the benefits of a standing desk but don't have the space (or you love your existing desk?). Well, Branch has you covered with its new Desk Riser.

I've tried a lot of the best standing desk converters, some electric and some not, some good and some not, but the Branch Desk riser is one of the most beautiful ones to date, boasting the build quality and materials of a high-end standing desk in the form factor of a riser.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Branch Desk Riser: Pricing & Availability

The Branch Desk Riser is available for purchase for $349 on the official website by clicking here. They offer four colors and can ship within 3-5 business days at no extra cost. You can also add a shelf to the back of the riser for monitors, the look, or some small storage for an additional $100.

Branch Desk Riser: Unboxing & first impressions

One of the best aspects of adding a standing desk converter like this one to your current workstation, rather than upgrading to any of the best standing desks, is that there is no assembly required with the Desk Riser. You open up the box, cut some ties, and then you're good to go.

Now, any space I want can become my standing-capable workstation. I can bring this to my kitchen and now have it serve as a multi-purpose space. During the workday, it's my place to sit or stand and work on my laptop, and then at the end of the day, I can move it away and have my table back. Alternatively, I can place this on a counter, another desk I already have, or on any flat surface I'd like to stand on rather than sit or hunch over.

This is particularly important and helpful when you have a workspace that is not a traditional one, meaning the ergonomics may not be optimal. The Desk Riser can transform a boring space into the perfect ergonomic height for standing and getting things done.

The materials feel like they will last for a long time; the desktop is smooth, and the lifting system is easy to use and very smooth.

Branch Desk Riser: Design & build qualitySpecs

Dimensions: 30.7" W x 24.3" D x 15.8" H
Weight: 22 lbs
Weight Capacity: Supports up to 26 lbs
Material: Laminated plywood top with powder-coated steel frame
Height Adjustment: Manual, spring-assisted lift mechanism
Warranty: 3 years

The Branch Desk Riser is made of laminated plywood top and a powder-coated steel frame with a smooth spring-assisted lifting mechanism. The front edge of the desk features a softened curved edge to allow for a smooth resting area for your wrist, rather than leaning it or resting it against a 90-degree angle.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Branch Desk Riser: In use

Using this Desk Riser the last few months has been great. It's a fantastic minimalist option for a smaller workspace, or a desk that is not a standing desk that you still love and don't want to give up on quite yet.

I've been using this standing desk converter (admittedly) while the family and I are at the family cabin. One of the many perks of working remote is that you can work from anywhere! In a space like this, I don't have a dedicated office or even desk. So, a standing desk converter like this is literally perfect.

I can take a game table we have downstairs and turn it into a highly usable workspace. I can easily move from standing to sitting with a simple trigger pull, I have enough room on this desk for my laptop, an iPad, a mouse if I want it, and a monitor if I wanted it, but for this setup I like to keep things simple.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

There's a part of me that wishes it was an electric lifting mechanism, but I also appreciate the simplicity of not having it be electronic. Though that does bring another slight issue where I wish I had an easy way to charge my devices when I'm getting a lot of work in rather than dangling a cable down.

Branch Desk Riser: Final verdict

The Branch Desk Riser combines aesthetics and overall functionality with this lightweight and beautiful desk riser that can work on any flat workspace. It offers flexibility where you may not have had it before and it makes for a perfect accessory for those workspaces that don't have a full dedicated desk.

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Sleek and comfortable, and it looks and feels premum

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ease of use

So easy anyone can use it

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Practicality

Very practical for working at a table or traditional desk

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Price

High price

⭐⭐⭐⭐

OdinLake's previous flagship, the Ergo Plus 743, was one of my favorite chairs I have ever tested. I prefer chairs to be firmer. When I'm sitting in a chair, I don't want to be enveloped by it, so I prefer a slightly firmer chair to start with.

The fact that OdinLake tends to be firm, combined with the choice to use mesh material, which keeps the sitter cool and features smooth casters, makes this my chair. Additionally, it features excellent ergonomics and is highly adjustable, all while maintaining a high weight capacity, so I have no concerns.

The O2, also known as the Ergo Max 747, is the upgraded version of the Ergo Plus 743. It utilizes the same material, design, and build quality and adds a few fantastic features. They upgraded the leg rest and the lumbar support and added a jacket rack to the back of the chair, making things just a tad better overall. How does it stack up against the best office chairs I've reviewed? I took it for a test ride.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )OdinLake Ergo Max A747: Pricing & Availability

The OdinLake O2 retails for $899.00, though at the time of writing this article, the OdinLake listing shows it on sale for $799. It has a 30-day return policy in case you, for some reason, do not like it, and it comes with a 15-year warranty, ensuring you'll be covered for at least that long, if not significantly longer. It's available from OdinLake.com and a few other select retailers.

OdinLake Ergo Max A747: Unboxing & first impressions

The OdinLake O2 (also known as Ergo Max 747) was delivered in a large box, which contained the chair pieces, the necessary tools for assembly, and some instructions.

I built this chair myself in about 18 minutes, but keep in mind I had built a chair just like this before, so it wasn't new to me.

Right off the bat, I loved the design; I noticed just how similar it is to the last model I tested while still retaining its unique features in certain areas.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

I love the look with the mesh and metal frame. It even looks good with my mostly Dark Walnut office with dark accents.

The biggest standout, of course, is the three-section backrest, and it's a bold look for sure, but I don't hate it; in fact, it's growing on me. It makes other chairs look like they are missing something, and this chair is not only hefty but also high-end.

OdinLake Ergo Max A747: Design & build qualitySpecs

Weight Capacity: 350 lbs
Warranty: 15 years
Seat Height: 18.5-22.5 inches

The OdinLake design for their flagship chairs has remained consistent, featuring an aluminum alloy frame, black mesh, and a sturdy base. The O2 features a distinctly designed backrest with three sections — one for your shoulders, one for your mid-spine, and one for your lumbar support. These independent sections help ensure that my back is supported better than in other chairs I have sat in that are just a single section.

The mesh is one of my favorite aspects of this chair; it's something I genuinely love. It's sturdy and doesn't feel like it's giving way, yet it's comfortable, and, of course, it's very breathable. As someone who is typically warm, regardless of the time of day, year, or what I'm wearing, having a chair that helps keep me cool rather than warm me up more is a must-have at this point.

The armrests are also really solid. Unlike some chairs that I have tested, where 4-D armrests are the bane of their existence and make for a super touch-and-go experience, I am wondering if adjusting or standing up using the armrest will be the thing that drops me to the floor due to giving way (dramatic, but based on a true story), these armrests are stable, secure, and sturdy to where I do not hesitate leaning on them, standing up pushing off of them, or adjusting to get more comfortable in the seat if needed.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )OdinLake Ergo Max A747: In use

Not only is this chair adjustable from the jump, but it's also dynamic and moves with me during the day. I've spent (admittedly) many 9-to 12-hour days sitting in this chair, only getting up briefly. Usually, I like to rotate to standing, but that's not always something I remember to do or feel like doing, especially if I'm locked into a project. The O2's dynamic lumbar support moves with me, allowing for some flex, but in a way that adds support rather than getting out of the way.

This chair offers valuable insights with its suggested heights listed on the website. It's best for those who are 5'3" to 6'3". I'm right in that range, at 6'1" -6'2", depending on the day. This chair feels like it's made for people my height. I've had some taller friends enjoy this chair still, and some that are a tad shorter, though once you get closer to that 5'5" mark, you're going to feel like the chair is oversized.

For my larger friends, this chair is designed to accommodate those weighing 300 - 350 lbs as well. I'm currently floating around 200 lbs, so I had a buddy of mine, who is pushing 285 lbs, come and try this chair. I kid you not; he hasn't sighed relief like that since he tried my last OdinLake chair.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

For those who followed my last review or are familiar with the OdinLake Ergo Plus 743, the most significant difference I've noticed is that this chair feels like a true "version 2" of the 743. The leg rest system has been upgraded and is easier to use. The lumbar backrest system has also been upgraded, and a jacket holder has been added to the back for use in a friendly office environment. You don't want to get your sports coat wrinkled or wear a jacket on a cold or rainy day. Everything else feels like it was all slightly improved, but perhaps that's just a matter of perception in light of the other upgrades.

OdinLake Ergo Max A747: Final verdict

All around, this chair is fantastic. It's one of my personal favorites for a reason. If you're looking for one of the best ergonomic chairs available, if you're over 300 lbs or over 6'2", if you run hot, or if you want a remarkably comfortable chair for long hours, the OdinLake Ergo Max A747 (O2) has knocked it out of the park. It's pricy, but it's worth every penny.

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Powerful and comfortable design

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ease of use

Easy for all within height range

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Practicality

Practical for those who need high comfort and breathability

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Price

Higher price

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Hobot S7 Pro: two-minute review

The Hobot S7 Pro is a square robot that clings to your window and cleans dirt away using dual cleaning pads and a fine spray mist. It can be used indoors and out, and is suitable for framed or frameless windows. The large size is well suited to big windows; note that if the pane is too narrow, it won't clean it at all.

On test, I found this bot did a great job of cleaning lightly dirty glass. It's easy to use, navigates accurately, and doesn't miss any spots. However, it struggles with tougher dirt, which is probably true of most window bots. When I used it on the outer panes of my large patio doors, with some water marks and general grime accumulated from being exposed to the elements, the results were a little streaky. In contrast, my indoor glass partitions were left perfectly clean with no smears at all (and the bot accurately detected the frameless edges, which impressed).

The design of the S7 Pro is largely effective, with a few downsides. At time of testing, app support wasn't available, which meant I had to rely on the remote control. This requires you to point the remote directly at the robot, which is sometimes awkward. I also found the voice prompts shrill and irritating – and there's no way to switch them off. During my extensive testing period, the bot did once fall off a window.

Price-wise, the S7 Pro is an investment, but roughly in line with the wider market. You won't be saving much time by opting for this bot and, unlike a robot vacuum, you can't leave it to do its thing unattended – you need to be around to move it from pane to pane. However, in a home with lots of glass, or glass that needs regular cleaning, it could be a big effort-saver, and worth the investment. That's the short version; read on for my full Hobot S7 Pro review.

Hobot S7 Pro review: price & availability

• List price: $439 / £329
• Available: US / UK
• Launched: 2025

The Hobot S7 Pro is available in the US and the UK, with a list price of $439 / £329. Solenco – the brand behind Hobot – also has a presence in Australia, but at time of writing, the S7 Pro wasn't available there. You can buy it direct from Solenco in the UK, and via Amazon in the US, although I suspect it will become more widely available as time goes on.

The S7 replaces the S6 in the Hobot range. Unfortunately, I can't find the pricing for that model anywhere, and nor can I discern the exact differences between the S6 and S7 models. (I've requested the information and will update this review when I hear back.)

A major competitor in this market is Ecovacs with its Winbot line. Models range from around $230-$700 in the US or £300-£500 in the UK. In general, though, the models closest to the S7 seem to be roughly the same price.

The Hobot S7 Pro isn't an especially cheap alternative to manual window cleaning, but it could be worth the investment if you have a lot of glass to clean, or if your windows get dirty quickly.

• Value for money score: 3.5 out of 5

Hobot S7 Pro specs

Size (W x D x H):

10.5 x 10.2 x 3.5in / 26.7 x 26 x 9cm

Tanks:

2 x 80ml

Max suction:

4,800 Pa

Total charge cable length:

21ft / 6.4m

Hobot S7 Pro review: design

• Square-shaped bot with dual reciprocating cleaning pads
• Sprays fine mist from two small water tanks
• Controlled via remote control – app support advertised, but unavailable

The Hobot S7 Pro is a square robot with dual reciprocating cleaning pads. It clings to your window and makes its way across its surface to clean it, with the aid of "AI-powered navigation". This bot is suitable for both framed and frameless windows, as well as patio doors and mirrors. While the following isn't addressed in the literature anywhere, previous reviews suggest the S7 Pro is only suitable for perfectly vertical surfaces.

Size-wise, the bot is rather large, so better suited to big windows (in fact, it refused to clean a 12.6in / 32cm wide window, I think due to lack of maneuvering room). The brand makes a range of smaller window bots, shaped like elongated ovals, which might be a better option if your windows aren't sizeable.

(Image credit: Future)

On the upper side of the unit is a grip handle for attaching and removing the bot to a surface, plus an on/off rocker power switch and a start/pause press button. On either side are two small, 80ml water tanks, sealed with a rubbery stopper. These can be filled with water and/or Hobot's own (supplied) cleaning solution; they're detachable with the aid of a screwdriver. Attached to each one is an "Ultrasonic nozzle", which sprays a very fine mist into the path of the bot as it moves around the surface. These are apparently extremely sensitive and not to be touched under any circumstances.

(Image credit: Future)

Flip the robot over and you'll find two rubbery caterpillar belts and two removable, washable cleaning cloths. These have rectangular sections cut out of the middle, to leave the suction area the bot uses to cling to the glass free. The cloths are mounted on separate plates, and vibrate vertically in towards each other. Hobot says this simulates the motion of a human hand scrubbing, although with up to 600 "wipes" per minute, it's rather more frenetic than any window cleaner I've met.

On the edges are bumpers to protect your window frames. This model also includes patented Edge-Leakage-Bumper (ELB) sensors, which are designed to make this cleaner suitable for edgeless glass. These sense if there's a loss of suction as a result of a gap, or if the bot reaching the edge of a pane of glass, and change direction rather than continue over it, breaking the main suction seal and dropping off.

(Image credit: Future)

The device needs to be plugged into the mains to work. Thankfully, the cable is nice and long, but you might still need to make use of an extension cord for awkwardly placed outside windows. You'll also need to keep the backup battery charged, in case of a power outage – this will keep the bot attached to your window for up to around 20 minutes without power.

A safety cable is provided as a further backup if you're cleaning windows up high. I was pretty lax about attaching this until the bot fell off one of my windows. This only happened once during my extensive testing period, and luckily I was close enough to catch the rope before it hit the ground outside, but I learned a lesson about being diligent with attaching the rope.

(Image credit: Future)

Control is via remote. This offers a few different cleaning cycles – with the one you'll probably want to use helpfully colored in blue – plus options to turn the spray on and off, or manually direct the cleaning path if required. Unfortunately, you need to be pointing the remote directly at the bot for it to register, which can sometimes be tricky to achieve. Ideally, I'd have used the companion app; app support is advertised for this model, but didn't appear to be available at time of writing.

The bot will also provide information by yelling at you in a rather shrill voice, accompanied by various loud beeps. It needs to be loud to be heard over the suction of the machine, but that doesn't make it any less irritating, especially given it repeats the same safety instructions every time you turn it on.

• Design score: 4 out of 5

Hobot S7 Pro review: performance

• Navigates accurately and doesn't miss any spots
• Excellent for maintenance cleans, but can smear dirtier windows
• Not especially speedy, but does save on effort

The Hobot S7 Pro's dual pads vibrate in a reciprocating (linear, side-to-side) motion to clean and buff your windows. The water tanks apply a fine mist onto the surface of the glass, but this is by no means a wet cleaning setup – after cleaning three large floor-to-ceiling windows, the pads were only very slightly damp around the edges.

It's easy to get started, although if you're unfamiliar with window-cleaning robots, you might need to watch a video or two to understand how it will work. You need to hold the bot against the window and switch it on manually – at this point the suction will kick in, along with a loud voice prompt, and you can let go.

(Image credit: Future)

Then you can start the cleaning run. Unlike, say, a robot vacuum, there's no need to map anything first: just set off your preferred cycle and the bot will do the rest. I found the S7 Pro navigated my windows accurately, turning after it had bounced lightly against the window frame or sensed a gap in the glass. Route planning is apparently aided by AI, although each of the buttons on the remote launches a specific cleaning pattern, so I'm not exactly sure where the AI comes in.

The water tanks spray jets of mist – from the side the bot is moving towards – at regular intervals (it isn't "continuous", as some of the literature on the bot states). Filling the tanks to max gave me enough liquid to clean one side of one pane on my patio door, plus a bit more; but you'll still have to top these up quite regularly.

The cleaning coverage is excellent: the S7 Pro left only a small margin around the edges of my framed windows. Previous Hobot window-bots have used two circular cleaning pads; the squared-off design here seems much better suited to regularly proportioned windows.

The ELB (Edge-Leakage-Bumper) sensors are designed to make this bot suitable for edgeless glass (explained more in the Design section). I tested it on some indoor glass partitions that have a 1.5in / 4cm gap at the sides, and the feature worked exactly as advertised – the bot stopped short of the wall and changed direction.

In terms of cleaning results, I'd give it a middling score. For lighter, maintenance cleans, it performed very well. Using it on relatively clean windows indoors, the results were excellent, with no smearing.

However, when faced with the dirtier outside panes of my patio doors, the S7 Pro struggled. While windows were left significantly cleaner than they had been, the results were streaky. I could see the path the bot had travelled, and the occasional caterpillar track-mark. Don't expect the bot to be able to clean off caked-on dirt or bird poo, either.

Overall, I'm not sure that the ultra-fine mist is sufficient to tackle tougher dirt; I think a little more liquid would help. In addition, when using the S7 Pro outside, I could see that much of the mist was getting blown away in the breeze rather than landing on the window.

(Image credit: Future)

On dirtier windows, Hobot suggests you run a no-spray cycle first, to buff off surface dirt. I also found a brand video that recommended drizzling a little bit of cleaner solution on clean pads before starting, to help with grip. I found both of these tips improved the results on dirtier windows.

As as side note, the S7 Pro was also an unexpected win for cleaning behind the safety railings on some second floor, floor-to-ceiling windows; an area that's extremely awkward to clean any other way.

(Image credit: Future)

Generally, the bot adhered well to my window, and felt securely attached when giving it a little tug after pausing operations. However, it did once fall off a window, seemingly for no reason.

In terms of timings, Hobot advertises that it will clean an area of 1 square meter in 2 minutes 36 seconds. In practice, a complete, standard cleaning run takes rather longer than that – in my tests, it cleaned a 1.3 square meter pane of glass in around 7 minutes 30 seconds. So you're not saving a ton of time by opting for this method of cleaning, but you are saving on effort.

In general, like most robotic home assistants, the Hobot S7 Pro doesn't do as good a job as a human would do with a manual tool. It's designed for maintenance cleans that can be supplemented by the occasional proper window-wash, rather than to replace humans entirely. Also note that you can't leave it to clean unattended – you'll need to be present to move it from pane to pane.

• Performance score: 3 out of 5

Should you buy the Hobot S7 Pro?

Attribute

Notes

Rating

Value

Not an especially cheap solution, but in line with similar bots on the market.

3.5 / 5

Design

Square-shaped bot with effective dual reciprocating mop pads and ultrasonic spray. Remote control is a little too sensitive, and app control is absent. Voice alerts annoying.

4 / 5

Performance

Easy to use and navigation accurate and complete. Results are excellent on lightly dirty windows, but can smear when encountering more challenging dirt.

3 / 5

Buy it if...

You have a lot of large windows
The large, square shape of this window bot makes it a good choice for big expanses of glass. Those with smaller windows will get away with a more compact bot.

Your windows get dirty fast
This bot won't do as good a job as a human, but it will make a noticeable difference to how clean your windows look – which makes it ideal for regular maintenance cleaning.

You don't need a pristine result
My windows were left much cleaner, but the results were slightly streaky. If that's acceptable to you, it will be a great addition to your cleaning arsenal.

Don't buy it if...

You want a pristine, smear-free result
If you're seeking perfectly clear windows, you'll be better off taking care of the task manually.

You want something that can operate unattended
Unlike a robot vacuum, you'll need to stick around while the S7 Pro cleans, to move it from pane to pane.

You want something app-controlled
At time of writing, there was no app support for this window bot.

How I tested the Hobot S7 Pro

I used the Hobot S7 Pro window cleaning robot to tackle various floor-to-ceiling windows, both inside and out. I tested its different cleaning modes, as well as the remote control option. I focused on how clean it left windows, if it missed any spots, and if it could achieve the advertised streak-free finish. I also assessed how easy it was to use, its noise level in operation, and if there were any design features that proved troublesome.

Read more about how we test

• First reviewed June 2025

I review monitors as a significant portion of my work here at TechRadar Pro. I've tried more than most, and I have a good sense of what monitor I'd be willing to buy for real-world use and what is good on paper. That's partially due to the fact that I am still very much in the "regular" workforce as well, using all sorts of different setups, computers, monitors, and so on. With all that being said, I had forgotten how affordable this monitor was during my testing phase and realized it was only $360 when I sat down to write the review and double-checked the specs.

There is a plethora of 4K monitors on the market right now, ranging from budget options that are not worth the money to absurdly overpriced models. We have excellent guides if you're looking for some of the best business monitors right now, but what is truly impressive about this EW2790U is that, for only $360, you get a great 4K panel packed with features, not just a bare panel.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )BenQ EW2790U: Pricing & Availability

The EW Series currently has three variants: the EW3290U at $549.99, the EW2790U at $359.99, and the EW2790Q at $329.99. The Q model has a lower resolution (2560x1440) but a higher refresh rate of 100Hz compared to the EW2790U. Outside of that, the displays are identical. The EW3290U, then, is essentially the same as the EW2790U, but with a larger screen and an improved speaker system.

BenQ displays are sold through the BenQ website and at major retailers and are frequently available at discounted prices. If you are in the market for a new panel and want a BenQ, be sure to do some searching to check for deals.

BenQ EW2790U: Unboxing & first impressions

The BenQ EW2790U comes with a monitor, a slimmer stand than other BenQ monitors, a USB-C cable, a power cable (IEC), and a quick guide. Right off the bat, the visible speakers stand out, there's no doubt about that. Additionally, the white bezel is a bit different than most black bezel monitors. However, after having it out of the box for a little while, I grew accustomed to it, and now I don't mind it at all.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

I had the monitor on the stand it came with for about 15 seconds to see how it worked. Then I moved the display to one of my monitor arms because I'm pretty sure I've reached my limit, and all my monitors need to be on one of my monitor arms for aesthetic reasons, to keep the desk clean, and for cable management.

BenQ EW2790U: Design & build qualitySpecs

Display: 27-inch IPS
Resolution: 3840x2160
Contrast Ratio: 1,000:1
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
Response Time: 5ms
Color Profile: 95% DCI-P3

There have been a few BenQ monitors now that I have tested that has a non-standard white bezel frame, and I have really grown to like it in the right space. It feels modern and fun, reminding me that I can enjoy this space and the work I am doing and not just feel like work is work.

The visible speakers are something that I haven't seen before in a monitor, but now I barely even see them as odd since I have seen them so frequently at this point.

The port offering on the back is another build quality that I was not expecting on a budget monitor in the slightest. Most budget monitors have minimal ports, I've seen some with a single HDMI port to save money. This monitor, though, has three HDMI, two USB-C (one that can plug into your computer, one for accessories), three USB-A, a headphone jack, and an IEC port for power (not a cheap barrel connector like a lot of budget displays have).

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )BenQ EW2790U: In use

Alright I'll admit it, I have a problem. After only about 15 seconds of having this monitor on the stand it came with, just long enough to test it out and see how it functions, I threw this display on one of my monitor arms. I just love the look and function. But that's not to say anything negative about the stand that BenQ sends with the monitor, because I don't mind it. It's minimalist, has some nice mobility to it, and it's pretty.

Moving on, this display has been running my secondary setup for 105 days at the time of writing this review. For 105 days I have run every computer through this monitor to test specs and performance, I've had it in the background of every meeting, I've had my son play games on it, and watch shows on it while I'm working, I've had friends co-work from it, and I've even had it play a podcast or two just because I can and it's that easy.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

For productivity, this display is great. The 27-inch size is industry standard for a reason, it's a sweet spot. That, along with the 16:9 aspect ratio and 4K resolution, works well with almost every computer. What makes this unit unique though is that with the tap of a button you can swap color profiles, audio modes, display modes and volume and jump to a totally different profile for a different device all together.

So, you could have your productivity setup with your standard visuals, vocal audio mode, and USB-C port, and then with the touch of a button you can be ready for gaming after hours, or watching content on your lunch break. And, with the three HDMIs, you can plug in a gaming system, an Apple TV, and a work dock all while still keeping your personal laptop or tablet plugged in via USB-C. Oh, and don't forget this is a budget monitor.

The speakers are not ground breaking, but I will say that they are better than the vast majority of other monitors and would more compare to a TVs speakers in my mind. They're good, you won't be upset with the quality but you also won't be mind blown by them. For music I could tolerate non-descript background music but anything I know well I felt like I was missing out on some parts. For virtual meetings the audio profiles were excellent, same with podcasts or videos I was watching.

BenQ EW2790U: Final verdict

The BenQ EW2790U is a spectacular budget 4K monitor with phenomenal port offerings, fabulous features and a unique design. If you're looking for a full-featured budget monitor, or even just a full-featured monitor and you aren't as worried about the price, you'll want to check this display out before you make any other purchases.

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Unique and clean design

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ease of use

Easy for all to use

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Practicality

Practical for most who need monitors

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Price

Great price

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

XPPen Artist Pro 19 Gen 2: one-minute review

The XPPen Artist Pro 19 Gen 2 is the second incarnation of this 19-inch, 4K drawing tablet that offers 16K pressure levels, assignable shortcuts and 1.07 billion colors. Retailing for $899.99 / £899.99 / AU$1,499.99, it hardly occupies the budget end of the market. But once you factor in that this package includes absolutely everything you need, including two styluses, a stylus case, all cabling, and a wireless shortcut remote, the price looks like seriously good value.

The XPPen’s 19-inch 4K display is a stunner. While its pixel density is a relatively modest 239ppi, it’s capable of an average brightness of 250 nits and 1.07 billion colors, thanks to its 99.8% sRGB, 96% AdobeRGB, 98% Display P3 color gamut. One-inch bezels deliver a decent amount of space to rest your wrists, while its built-in feet hold it up at a 19-degree angle, making it well-suited to working on a desk. Sadly, though, its bulk and cable setup mean you’re unlikely to want to sketch away with it on your lap for long periods.

Whether you’re sketching or retouching photos, the Artist Pro 19 Gen 2 offers performance that can compete with some of the best drawing tablets. Once it’s properly calibrated, there’s no hint of parallax or jitter, and its customizable 16K pressure curves make it easy to adapt strokes to your personal preference. You can also customize the shortcuts available on its styluses and wireless remote, although I did experience a rare bug here that prevented some of these working and that took a while to resolve.

The styluses provided are well designed and comfortable to use over long drawing sessions. In particular, the X3 Pro Roller Stylus is beautifully balanced, with a center of gravity that sits perfectly in the middle of your grip. It’s easy to accidentally knock both styluses' shortcut buttons on occasion, but the X3 Pro Slim Stylus comes with a swappable faceplate, allowing you to remove the buttons if you’d rather go without. My only real criticism of the styluses is that I wish they had eraser buttons on their tips – I find such a setup far more intuitive to use and it would free up one of the buttons for a different shortcut.

Everything considered, the XPPen Artist Pro 19 Gen 2 offers a great all-round package. The display doesn’t quite have the pixel density of the 275ppi Xencelabs Pen Display 16, or the gargantuan 24-inch screen of its sibling, the XPPen Artist Pro 24 Gen 2. Nevertheless, it offers gorgeous color reproduction, accurate performance and, most importantly for some users, significant value compared to some rivals. If you want a great balance between screen size, performance and price, the XPPen Artist Pro 19 Gen 2 is well worth checking out.

(Image credit: Future)XPPen Artist Pro 19 Gen 2 review: price & availability

• Launched August 27, 2024
• Retails for $899.99 / £899.99 / AU$1,499.99

Launched on August 27, 2024, the XPPen Artist Pro 19 Gen 2 has a list price of $899.99 / £899.99 / AU$1,499.99. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t pick it up for less; at the time of writing, XPPen was offering a reduced price of $719.99 / £854 / AU$1,199.99 in a short-term flash sale. It’s worth keeping your eyes peeled in case you can make a saving here.

As prices go, even its MSRP is pretty reasonable for what you’re getting. The closest Wacom product by size, the Wacom Cintiq Pro 17, goes for a whopping $2,499.95 / £2,349.98 / AU$3,999 – although it's stunningly bright and comes Pantone Validated. The smaller Xencelabs Pen Display 16 costs $999 / £969 (around AU$1597), but also comes with fewer accessories as standard, meaning you’ll have to stretch to the $1,299 / £1,199 (around AU$2,080) bundle if you want its USB hub, additional cabling, and the customizable Quick Keys accessory. Viewed through that lens, the Artist Pro 19 Gen 2 is a good price for an all-in-one package.

(Image credit: Future / Josh Russell)XPPen Artist Pro 19 Gen 2 review: specs

Dimensions

18.1 x 12.1 x 0.8 inches (460 x 306.6 x 21.5mm)

Active drawing area

16.1 x 9.1 inches (409 x 230mm)

Weight

4.91lbs (2.23kg)

Display resolution

3840 x 2160 pixels

Pressure levels

16,384

Compatibility

Windows 7 or later; macOS 10.13 or later (latest update); Android (USB3.1 DP1.2); Chrome OS 88 (or later); Linux

(Image credit: Future / Josh Russell)XPPen Artist Pro 19 Gen 2 review: design

• Vibrant yet accurate 18.4-inch display
• Great range of included accessories
• Not as portable as some rivals

Despite its "19" moniker, the XPPen Artist Pro 19 Gen 2 actually measures only 18.4 inches across; but this is still a massive amount of screen estate. However, it's worth noting that it offers the same 3840 x 2160 area as any 4K 16:9 drawing tablet, which means you’re getting a lower pixel density than some smaller tablets. It offers a more modest 239ppi compared to the 16-inch Xencelabs Pen Display 16’s near-print-quality 275ppi.

Thanks to its 1.07 billion colors and the 99.8% sRGB, 96% AdobeRGB, 98% Display P3 coverage of its color gamut, any artwork I opened on-screen looked lush and vibrant without appearing unrealistic – it’s definitely superior to the poorly calibrated screen of my 2017 MacBook Pro. Brightness averages out at 250cd/㎡, which is very decent, although that’s still a little duller than the 300cd/㎡ the larger XPPen Artist Pro 24 Gen 2 can hit.

However, vision isn’t the only sense that matters when it comes to a drawing tablet’s screen: how it feels in use is almost as important. The Artist Pro 19 Gen 2 fares pretty well on this front. It doesn’t have the super-realistic texture of an e-paper display, for example, even when using one of the felt nibs for its pens. Nevertheless, this means your stylus is unlikely to catch on the screen while you sketch and doesn’t slip either, so there’s still a good balance here.

In use, the design of XPPen’s drawing tablet is ergonomic – up to a point. Its one-inch bezels are about the perfect size to give you somewhere to rest your arms, while the built-in wrist-rest helps prevent ache building up during long drawing sessions. The inclusion of an integrated stand is a nice touch, although it offers only a single angle, 19 degrees, which felt a little steep for me. At 2.23kg, the whole device is pretty unwieldy – I’m not sure you’ll be using it on your lap all that often.

Another reason you're likely better off using it on a desk is cabling. Don’t get me wrong: the Artist Pro 19 Gen 2 doesn’t come with the 15-wire highway intersection that some tablets do. But it also has a substantial power draw – while I could run it directly from my MacBook Pro, this only worked while my laptop had a decent amount of charge left; otherwise, it would disable USB-C power output. Realistically, then, for most of the time you’ll be using at least two cables – one USB-C data cable and one mains power – which makes it a little messier to use while kicking back in an armchair.

XPPen has been pretty generous with accessories here. In addition to the aforementioned stand, this package includes a wireless shortcut remote and a stylus case – which includes the X3 Pro Roller Stylus, the X3 Pro Slim Stylus, eight nibs, a USB dongle for the shortcut remote, a nib-changing tool, and a button cap for the slim stylus. It also provides full cabling, including two USB-C to USB-C cables, a USB-C to USB-A cable, a 3-in-1 USB and HDMI cable, and a power cable. On the downside, there’s neither a carry case for the tablet nor any tablet-mounted rests for the styluses, both of which would have been welcome additions.

• Design score: 4 / 5

(Image credit: Future / Josh Russell)XPPen Artist Pro 19 Gen 2 review: performance

• No parallax or jitter
• Easily customizable using drivers
• Experienced some issues getting shortcuts to work

To test the XPPen Artist Pro 19 Gen 2’s mettle, I carried out a range of line tests as well as working on some of my own sketches. Generally speaking, it’s impressively accurate. While there was a bit of parallax throwing things off at first, once I’d calibrated it, this totally vanished. There’s also no noticeable jitter, although there's a little lag when you’re moving fast – this wasn’t sufficient to cause any inaccuracies, however.

Subjectively speaking, when I was initially sketching on the XPPen it didn’t feel quite as expressive and responsive as a drawing tablet such as the Xencelabs Pen Display 16 – the barbs of the magpie feather I was drawing felt ever so slightly less nuanced and refined. However, once I dug around in XPPen’s driver settings, it was easy to tailor things to my liking; you can either pick one of seven pressure-curve presets or shape your own, and once I’d done this, strokes felt much more realistic and pencil-like.

The driver app allows you to customize far more than this, though. You can adapt the device’s working area to specific screens, all of your screens or a subsection of one of them, and you can also assign shortcuts to the buttons on its styluses and wireless shortcut remote. Buttons are assignable to any keyboard shortcut, mouse shortcut, or a range of other functions such as opening apps, switching to the driver software, or shifting monitor focus. Alternatively, the roller on the remote or the X3 Pro Roller Stylus can be assigned to Zoom, Scroll, Brush size or any function that can be increased or decreased by two keys.

While this should be very handy, in practice I did run into some problems. While both the remote and stylus responded to my programmed keyboard shortcuts – for example, flashing up the label "CMD + Z" when I hit the undo button – this didn’t activate the relevant menu shortcut. After quite a lot of back and forth with XPPen’s support team, I did manage to resolve the issue: it seems that having a wired keyboard plugged into my USB dock at the same time as the wireless shortcut remote’s dongle prevented it from accessing the menus. It’s unlikely you’ll encounter similar problems; It's an odd quirk, one that I haven't experienced with other drawing tablets.

• Performance score: 4/5

(Image credit: Future)XPPen Artist Pro 19 Gen 2 review: stylus

• Attractive ergonomic shape and balance
• Responsive pressure curves
• No eraser tips

On the whole, XPPen’s styluses are excellent. Naturally, the slighter X3 Pro Slim Stylus is the best option for nimble scribbling. But even the chunkier X3 Pro Roller Stylus felt comfortable for long scribbling sessions – despite spending hours drawing a magpie feather, there was never any hint of aching or strain from the sustained grip. The Roller stylus is nicely weighted, too, with its center of mass sitting right on the fulcrum of your fingers, making it easy to spin and pivot as you sketch.

Both styluses respond pretty fluidly to pressure as well. On paper, the 16K pressure levels sound amazing; in practice, though, you’re unlikely to notice much difference from an 8K device. Certainly, I couldn’t really tell the difference in terms of the smoothness of the pressure gradients of the lines I was drawing. In fact, when using the XPPen driver’s pressure gauge, I found it pretty much impossible to reduce the pressure to below 2,000 and to keep the stylus nib consistently on the screen. As such, I’d say the sensitivity here is far higher than you’re ever realistically going to use.

As with styluses from other brands, I did find I’d occasionally knock the shortcut keys by accident. I’m not sure you can hold this against XPPen, though: part of the price of having convenient shortcuts right where your fingers can find them is that sometimes your fingers do find them. And on the Slim stylus, it’s possible to hot-swap out the shortcut buttons for a plastic cap, meaning you can easily avoid this if you find yourself nudging them too often.

My only real criticism of the styluses is the lack of erasers on their far ends. I get that some people would probably rather switch tools to the eraser with a shortcut, to save removing the nib from the screen. But I make mistakes all the time and I find it psychologically much easier to fall back on the muscle memory of the analog pencil eraser than I do shifting between shortcuts. You might find this bothers you less, but I do wish XPPen’s styluses gave me that option.

• Stylus score: 4.5/5

(Image credit: Future)Should you buy the XPPen Artist Pro 19 Gen 2?

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Bright, vibrant display and a decent array of accessories; but it’s chunky enough that you'll probably only want to use it at a desk.

4 / 5

Performance

There’s zero parallax or jitter, and it offers a great range of customizable shortcuts – even if I had some difficulties getting them to work.

4 / 5

Stylus

Excellent pressure sensitivity, good customizability, great ergonomic balance; but eraser tips would have been a nice option.

4.5 / 5

Value

With its bright display, responsive performance, 16K pressure levels and comprehensive accessories, you get a lot for the price.

4.5 / 5

Buy it if…

You want a huge, color-accurate display
The XPPen’s 19-inch screen not only gives you an enormous amount of sketching space – it can reproduce 1.07 billion colors with its 99.8% sRGB, 96% AdobeRGB, 98% Display P3 gamut.

You want a great-value drawing tablet
At $899.99 / £899.99 / AU$1,499.99, the XPPen isn't cheap, but factor in its 16K pressure levels, large display and myriad accessories, and you’re getting a lot for your cash.

Don’t buy it if…

You want a portable drawing tablet
Given its not inconsiderable bulk and its power consumption needs, you’ll likely want to use the tablet on a desktop with a bunch of wires hooked up to it. If you want something you can whip out on the couch or in a co-working space, you might find other options more versatile.

You prefer an eraser
Sure, you can remove your old scribblings using a button shortcut. But if, like me, you prefer a dedicated eraser for eliminating your mistakes, the XPPen’s styluses might not suit your needs.

(Image credit: Future)XPPen Artist Pro 19 Gen 2 review: also consider

XPPen Artist Pro 19 Gen 2

Xencelabs Pen Display 16

Xencelabs Pen Display 24

Dimensions

18.1 x 12.1 x 0.8 inches (460 x 306.6 x 21.5mm)

16.1 x 10.2 x 0.47 inches (410 x 259.4 x 12mm)

24.4 x 15.3 x 1.4 inches (619.8 x 388.6 x 35.6mm)

Active drawing area

16.1 x 9.1 inches (409 x 230mm)

13.55 x 7.6 inches (344.2 x 193.6mm)

20.75 x 11.7 inches (52.71 x 29.72cm)

Weight

4.91 lbs (2.23kg)

2.67 lbs (1.21kg)

13.3 lbs (6kg)

Display resolution

3840 x 2160 pixels

3840 x 2160 pixels

3840 x 2160 pixels

Pressure levels

16,384

8,192

8,192

Compatibility

Windows 7 or later; macOS 10.13 or later (latest update); Android (USB3.1 DP1.2); Chrome OS 88 (or later); Linux

PC: Windows 7 or later (latest service pack/build); macOS 10.13 or later (latest update); Linux - Ubuntu 14.04 or above, Debian 9.5, CentOS 7.0 or above, RedHat 7.0 or above

PC: Windows 7 or later (latest service pack/build); Mac OS X 10.13 or later (latest update); Linux - Ubuntu 14.04 or above, Debian 9.5, CentOS 7.0 or above, RedHat 7.0 or above

Xencelabs Pen Display 16
The Xencelabs Pen Display 16 is bright and vibrant, offers gorgeous color reproduction and staggering detail on its crisp 275ppi 4K display. Even though its 8K pressure levels are lower than the 16K offered by the Artist Pro 19 Gen 2, it’s still beautifully fluid and responsive, while its shortcuts are customizable and easy to use. It does cost a fair bit more at $999 / £969 (around AU$1597), but it’s still a good price for what you’re getting – and the $1,299 / £1,199 (around AU$2,080) bundle provides everything you could need, from a remote with OLED shortcut keys and a handy desk stand. Read our full Xencelabs Pen Display 16 review.

XPPen Artist Pro 24 Gen 2
Describing the XPPen Artist Pro 24 Gen 2 as the "big brother" of the Artist Pro 19 Gen 2 is a bit of an understatement – this tablet is freaking huge. Its 24-inch 4K display offers up an enormous amount of screen estate on which to sketch out your artworks, and its color gamut can display 16.7 million colors. Its natural and precise drawing, programmable shortcuts and remote, plus sturdy stand are simply the cherry on top. Read our full XPPen Artist Pro 24 Gen 2 review.

How I tested the XPPen Artist Pro 19 Gen 2

• Tested the drawing tablet over three weeks
• Conducted multiple line tests
• Worked on various sketches and retouched some photos

I tested the XPPen Artist Pro 19 Gen 2 over a period of multiple weeks. First, I carried out a range of line tests to test its accuracy when it came to parallax and jitter, as well as evaluating its responsiveness to pressure. I also played around with its driver settings, tweaking its properties to see how it affected the drawing experience, and experimented with the various shortcuts you can assign to its remote.

I then worked on a range of artworks in both Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to get a sense of how the drawing tablet performed in use. As well as creating a line drawing of a magpie feather and adding watercolor hues as an overlay, I retouched multiple photographs to see how well it could handle airbrushing work.

Having spent nearly two decades creating digital artwork, I have a lot of experience in working with digital sketching and photo retouching tools. In addition, through my time working in print publishing, I’ve spent many years assessing proofs for color accuracy and detail, and so have a keen eye for how artwork should look at its best.

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

Activo Volcano review

Astell & Kern’s lifestyle-focused sub-brand is back with a new offering, the Activo Volcano. These wired in-ear headphones aim to bring audiophile-quality sound to all, combining supposedly “vibrant, immersive sound” at an easy-to-swallow price.

Specifically, the Activo Volcano IEMs will set you back $80 / £99 (about AU$120), which is considerably – and I mean considerably – cheaper than most of the brand’s oeuvre to date. As well as carrying a modest price tag, the Activo Volcano come with a 3.5mm, 4.4mm, and a USB-C connector, meaning they’re available to a broad audience, across a broad range of devices. But is Activo’s budget offering a hit?

Well, to some degree, I’d answer that with a resounding yes. That ability to cycle through various connectivity options is something many of the best wired earbuds skip out on and to be clear, the Activo Volcano execute this fantastically well. Simply unscrew whichever connector is in use and swivel the desired alternative on – that’s all there is to it.

There’s a handy carry case included too, so you can store the out-of-use adapters when you’re on the go. On top of that, you get a nice selection of both foam and rubber eartips in a range of sizes. After you’ve found the right fit, you should get a tight seal, ensuring you hear their various drivers at their best and with commendable passive noise isolation. Activo’s decision to pack all of this in at such an uncharacteristically low price-point is certainly something to be applauded.

Where I become – let’s say, a little more picky – is in the audio department. Yes, this is a product from the Astell & Kern ecosystem, but if you’re expecting truly premium high-grade sound, you’re going to have to look elsewhere. Do the Activo Volcano sound poor, then? Absolutely not. But if you want the most intricately detailed sound around, you will need to spend more.

So, let’s really zoom in on how the Activo Volcano sound. Each earpiece boasts a triple driver design: a main 8mm unit partnered with two 6mm drivers. This configuration, says Activo, is intended to enhance the richness of lower-midrange and bass. And perhaps as the name suggests, you can hear rumbling bass erupt from the get-go.

Yep, you’re gonna sense a significant emphasis on low-end output with these in-ears – something that perhaps a lot of IEMs hesitate to go too hard on. When tuning into Breather by Chris Stussy & S. A. M., I was struck by palpable low-end output, with the Volcano easily able to replicate the track’s pounding drum machine.

Activo compares these IEM’s low frequency output to the “eruption of magma” from a Volcano. And although you’re not going to get that ultra-immersive, almost tangible boom that some of the best over-ear headphones can deliver, say, I’d argue there’s enough depth here for fans of bass-heavy bangers to sink their teeth into.

I’ll admit, I certainly do enjoy a slight emphasis towards bass registers, especially given that I predominantly listen to a mixture of funk, dance, and jazz fusion. But many looking for a flashy new pair of IEMs – whether musicians, audiophiles, or just casual listeners – may be hoping for a more neutral sound signature. And that is something you’re not going to get out of the gate here.

When listening to Flying Beagle by Himiko Kikuchi, I felt the low-end could sound a little overstated, not giving quite enough room for the flowing piano to sit forward and work its magic, while letting light percussion roll through the backdrop. And when listening to Splash Mountain by Yung Gravy, an already bassy track, I felt that both the low-end and treble were a touch aggressive, meaning vocals in the mid-range were left behind. That’s not to say that the Volcano are regularly harsh-sounding or typically deliver muddy audio, but just know that there are more well-rounded options out there.

For instance, I switched over to my Sennheiser IE 200, which are among my very favorite IEMs, and cost a very similar amount to the Volcano. As soon as I did this, I could tell a big difference in quality across all genres. The IE 200, put simply, plate up better balance and instrument separation, meaning you get a more nuanced, revealing listen.

Even still, the Volcano aren’t going to smack you with distorted or tinny sound. Generally, I found tracks were clear and there were noticeable details, such as light electronica in Black Eye by Allie X, that didn’t go amiss. And if you customize EQ in your source device or streaming app’s settings, you’ll be able to get a more neutral sound – or not – depending on what you’re into. But, all in all, I’d be lying if I said these blew me away, sonically speaking.

(Image credit: Future)

Unfortunately, I’m not done with my criticism of these IEMs just yet, though. If I’m honest, there’s not a ton that I love about their design. First of all, I want to talk about looks. Now, Activo says that the Volcano have a “crater-inspired” design that symbolizes the “immense power and energy” of their triple drivers.

But really, I’m getting moon crater, rather than volcanic crater from these – especially given the white and silver finish that’s been selected here. I also moaned at Tribit earlier this year after the Tribit Stormbox Lava speaker totally failed at playing to its open-goal volcanic theme. Any audio manufacturers out there fancy making a more fun volcano-inspired product? I’ll be keeping an eye out.

On top of that, I just found the Volcano earpieces a bit too bulky in my ear. Each bud felt substantially heftier than my IE 200 and I found it challenging to keep these on for much more than an hour or so before fatigue kicked in. The cable is pretty chunky too and is without playback options or a mic – something you’d get from a rival like the Shure Aonic 3.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. I have to say, the build of the Activo Volcano appears more luxurious than perhaps its price suggests. The cable, while large, looks and feels high in quality. It’s also detachable if you want to swap in an after-market alternative. For reference, though, the included wire is made up of seven-strand silver-plated copper and five-strand oxygen-free copper cables. The PC material used for the buds themselves also feels smooth and not overly plasticky, oozing a sense of durability and reliability.

So, let’s return to the all-important question. Are the Activo Volcano a hit? Well, perhaps not quite. There’s plenty to like here for sure, whether that be weighty bass output, high build quality or various connectivity options. But equally, there are a few areas that left me a touch disappointed. I personally found that the model is overly large, with a design that while secure and easy to fit, isn’t particularly comfortable or on-theme. And the audio – though still good for the price – could be more revealing and balanced.

Should you buy the Activo Volcano? Well, if you don’t need fantastic evenness across the frequencies and don’t mind it’s slightly larger feel, then perhaps. But for a similar price, I’d say you’ll be better off with the Sennheiser IE 200 – did I mention I like those?

(Image credit: Future)Activo Volcano review: Price and release date

• $80 / £99 (about AU$120)
• Launched in March 2025

The Activo Volcano IEMs came to market in March 2025. Activo is still fairly fresh and was created by parent Astell & Kern as a lifestyle brand. And the Volcano are its cheapest offering to date, with a list price of $80 / £99 (about AU$120). That’s a massive chunk less than Activo’s previous effort, the Activo Q1 IEMs, which we rated four-and-a-half stars, lauding their excellent clarity and superb separation.

Activo Volcano review: Specs

Drivers

1x 8mm, 2x 6mm dynamic triple-driver

Weight

5g (per bud)

Frequency range

20Hz-20kHz

Waterproof rating

Not stated

Connectivity

3.5mm; 4.4mm; USB-C

(Image credit: Future)Should you buy the Activo Volcano?

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

Detachable cable, interchangeable connectors, no controller.

4/5

Sound quality

Good audio for the price, big bass, but rivals offer more balance and detail.

4/5

Design

Unremarkable looks, bulky, not massively comfortable, but premium feel.

2.5/5

Value

Cheap given overall quality, but similar-priced competitors are stronger.

4/5

Buy them if...

You're on a tight budget
The Volcano stray from much of their parent’s audio tech in that they're very much an affordable model. For $80 / £99, you're getting a solid set of IEMs, ideal for those that value the details, yet don’t want to spend an arm and a leg.

You want multiple connectivity options
A lot of IEMs use a 3.5mm connector and don’t leave space for anything else. That can be pretty limiting if you want to use them with a modern smartphone, say, that's ditched the good ol' headphone port. So, in come the Activo Volcano with not only a 3.5mm option, but also a USB-C and 4.4mm option. Simply screw on whatever connector you want and you're good to go, no matter what device you're using.

Don't buy them if...

If you’re an audiophile seeking top-tier sound quality
The Activo Volcano never had to wow me with absolutely top of the range audio, given their price tag. And I want to echo that here – you’re not going to get the ultimate mixture of effortlessly balanced and stunningly separated audio from the Activo Volcano. Yes, they’re more than up to the task of dishing out an enjoyable listen that leans into warm bass tones, but if you want the most analytical IEMs on the market, it’s worth looking elsewhere.

You're looking for a lightweight option
What's likely to be the most divisive aspect of the Activo Volcano is their chunky build. Both the IEMs themselves and the braided cable are pretty weighty, meaning they're not the most discreet looking or feeling. So, if you want a featherweight, understated way to listen to your tunes, it may be best to avoid these in-ears.

Activo Volcano review: Also consider

Activo Volcano

Sennheiser IE 200

Master & Dynamic ME05

Price

$80 / £99 (about AU$120)

$149.95 / £129.99 / AU$239.95

$199 / £169 (about AU$320)

Drivers

1x 8mm, 2x 6mm dynamic triple-driver

7mm dynamic

8mm high-excursion

Weight

5g (per bud)

4g (per bud)

23g

Frequency range

20Hz-20kHz

6Hz-20kHz

20Hz-20kHz

Waterproof rating

Not stated

Not stated

Not stated

Connectivity

3.5mm; 4.4mm; USB-C

3.5mm

3.5mm; USB-C

Sennheiser IE 200
If I’m ever asked to recommend some IEMs, I almost always find myself suggesting the Sennheiser IE 200. Why? Because in this price range, they’re simply the best sounding IEMs that I’ve heard so far. You get open, articulate audio with sublime instrument separation, a straight up sexy design and dual-tuneable sound. There’s no USB-C adapter and you’ll have to buy a cable with playback controls separately, but if you’re all about sound, these are an amazing pair of in-ears. They’re also regularly on sale for a solid amount less than their list price. Read our full Sennheiser IE 200 review.

Master & Dynamic ME05
If you’re in the market for great-sounding wired in-ears, but don’t need IEMs specifically, the Master & Dynamic ME05 are a fantastic choice. These remastered classics supply balanced, detailed audio, a premium build, and dual 3.5mm/USB-C connectivity. Pretty neat. Oh, and you’ll get a mic and playback controller too. Read our full Master & Dynamic ME05 review.

How I tested the Activo Volcano

(Image credit: Future)

• Tested for multiple weeks
• Used in the office and while on a flight
• Predominantly tested using Tidal

I used the Activo Volcano over the course of multiple weeks. I predominantly tested them while working at home, but also used them at the office and while on a flight. When listening to tunes, I mainly turned to Tidal, but I also spent some time blasting songs on Spotify.

When testing, I ran through the entirety of the TechRadar testing playlist, which contains tracks from a variety of genres. I also compared the Volcano against the Sennheiser IE 200 and re-released version of the Master & Dynamic ME05.

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

The Bluetti AC240P is a hefty power station, to say the least. However, when I knew I would be able to get my hands on it, my mind immediately went to "How could I put this to the best use?" I saw the solar panels, I saw the IP65 rating, and I saw my growing collection of tech, and I thought that I could surely find a way to power my outside electronics, right? Yes and no, but let me explain.

The Bluetti AC240P is a powerful portable power station, no pun intended. It's rugged, hefty, and has an excellent output for its size. It also boasts a very impressive IP65 rating. For anyone who is outside and needs one of the best portable power stations for outdoor activities and adventures, this is a great solution; just don't get it soaked. That's the one caveat, as this power station is not waterproof but water-resistant with that IP65 rating. That's also why this power station is nearly the perfect solution for my backyard dilemma.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Bluetti AC240P: Pricing & Availability

The base price of the AC240P is $1,999.00 - but at the time of review, it's discounted to $1799 on the official Bluetti website by clicking here. In the UK, it's currently retailing for £1899 from Bluetti.

I have seen it for less than that from some other retailers, so be sure to do a quick search before purchasing.

Bluetti packages this power station in several different ways; it can come with a 200W solar panel or a 350W solar panel setup. Additionally, if desired, you can expand your capacity with several expansion batteries.

Bluetti AC240P: Unboxing & first impressions

I was shocked when I first went to pick up this box from my front porch. The box was absurdly heavy, and until I had the carrying handles built into the Bluetti AC240P, it was challenging to manage when moving around. Once I got the handles, though, all was fine.

In the box, you will find the AC240P unit, an AC charging cable (which is not IEC-compliant, like most power stations), a DC (car) charging cable, and a user manual. Since I got a solar package (350W), I also got some solar wires and then the solar panel and accessories in a separate box.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

The handles make this beast manageable to move around, and though the power outlets and ports are all sealed to help with the IP rating, they are easy to open and work with. The ports are easily accessible on the front, the charging ports are located on the sides, and the screen in front is straightforward to navigate. If you prefer, there is also a great companion app that makes it easy to adjust settings.

Bluetti AC240P: Design & build qualitySpecs

Battery Capacity: 1,843Wh
AC Output: 2,400W (3,600W Power Lifting Mode)
Solar Input: 1,200W max
Charging Time: 0–80% in 45 minutes via AC
Weight: Approximately 72 lbs
Dimensions: 16.5 x 11.6 x 16.1 inches

The Bluetti AC240P has one of the more rugged and outdoor feels I have seen in a power station. This one is designed for spending time outside, as opposed to some of the others I have, which are primarily intended for interior use. The rugged coating, blaze orange accents, and port covers give it away. Besides that, the design is compact and easy to navigate.

The IP65 rating is ideal for most people, making this a versatile solution suitable for use on a boat, in a truck, in a camper, on a work site, on a job site, in a barn, or even in a backyard.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Bluetti AC240P: In use

The original dream was to have this power station as a permanent fixture in my backyard, with a solar panel running to the roof of the playset. This way, I could run my Eufy E18 robot mower completely off the power station without needing to charge it from the house at all. In the fall, I could run my leaf mulcher off of this and power some lights and the kids' playhouse.

That was the dream. Then I realized that this couldn't be a permanent fixture because I live in Illinois, and it rains one second, then it's snowing the next, and then it's sunny and blazing hot the next. So I'd need at least some rain coverage, and then I also realized that the playset I built is not tight enough in the roof, meaning that water could and would get through during a rain.

To ensure safety, I took the power station to my garage. I started dreaming of an eventual shed I could throw this power station in and run my whole shed off of this, charging my tools, EGO Trimmer, my kids ride on Jeep and more off of the unit, and then also running mulchers, leaf blowers, and all my other electric yard tools off of it as well.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

In my testing, this power station charged my Eufy E18 mower without even flinching in effort. It was also able to charge my larger EGO Mower, with a 48V battery, as well as my electric trimmer's and leaf blower's batteries, and even my kid's ride-on Jeep. While it was sunny, the solar panels would recharge the unit, but there was never a time when it struggled to power all of those things.

While I don't own an RV or a Yacht, if you are part of the crew that does, this power station features a NEMA TT-30A port and an RV port, making it easy to use with either of those larger vehicles. And, if you do take it out on the water, the IP65 rating will help make sure that it keeps working even with a few splashes of water; don't go swimming with it (for many reasons).

If you choose to use this power station inside of an RV, camper, Van, or home, you won't be blasted with any fans or loud noises, which is a nice plus as well. Additionally, if you are slightly tech-savvy or prefer using apps, the Bluetti companion app allows you to adjust nearly every setting on the Bluetti AC240P.

Bluetti AC240P: Final verdict

All in all, the Bluetti AC340P is a robust, easy-to-use, and durable power station designed for outdoor use, and it's powerful enough to keep your devices charged. If you're in the market for a rugged power station that you won't have to worry about "if" this power station can keep up with your needs, check out the AC240P.

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Simple and easy to carry

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ease of use

Easy for all to use

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Practicality

Practical for most mid to small size needs

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Price

Slightly high price

⭐⭐⭐⭐

After two long years of waiting, Lies of P: Overture has finally arrived.

Review information

Platform reviewed: PC
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Release date: June 6, 2025

A full-sized expansion to the 2023 base game (a title that was my game of the year for 2023), Overture is a masterful example of taking an already complete-feeling game and showing that its best content was actually yet to come. Indeed, if Lies of P wasn’t already one of the best soulslike games out there, it certainly is now.

Overture is a prequel set some years before the events of Lies of P. The protagonist and his companion Gemini somehow find themselves transported back in time, right on the cusp of the Puppet Frenzy outbreak and the spread of the Petrification Disease. You’ll visit locations that have since been burned to the ground or decommissioned, and meet a handful of characters whose fates are only discussed in passing in the base game.

If you’re a lore head, then you’ll be pretty pleased with Overture, as it fills in the gaps left by plenty of unanswered questions - and sheds even further light on the twisted experiments and excursions of the villainous Alchemist faction.

You can also expect to visit plenty of gorgeous locations, including the opening level of Krat Zoo and its massive greenhouse and carnival. There are a handful of underground interiors that can start to feel a little samey, and there are some instances of very questionable enemy placement (those guys dual-wielding massive shields can absolutely do one) but the good news is that level design is as strong here as it is in the main campaign.

Naturally, Overture also sets the stage for plenty of new boss fights, and these are by far the best and most challenging encounters the whole game has to offer. Paired with the brand new Battle Memories mode - which lets you replay all bosses across five difficulty levels - and there’s plenty to keep fans busy here for months if not years to come.

At around 20-25 hours, I estimate Overture to be roughly half as long as the base game on a first playthrough on the Legendary Stalker difficulty (that’s the game’s standard difficulty option, joined by two easier modes in the accompanying free update). Though it is possible you may run the clock a bit longer than that if you’re stuck on some of these boss fights or going through the new lore with a fine-toothed comb.

Overall, though, if you liked Lies of P, you’ll adore the Overture expansion. Developer Round8 Studio seems to have already perfected its approach to the soulslike formula, and I’m beyond excited to see what the team has in store for the future.

Pasts unwritten

(Image credit: Neowiz)

Firstly, I’d just like to note how simple it is to unlock and play the Overture DLC. So long as you’ve beaten Chapter 9 of the main story, you’ll get an item and a prompt telling you exactly where to go to begin the expansion. There’s no FromSoftware-esque obscurity here; just head to said location and you’re underway in seconds, which is very welcome.

If you’re curious about how the Overture journey begins, you can read my preview where I talk about Krat Zoo at length. Otherwise, I won’t get into a talk about the expansion’s individual levels for the sake of avoiding spoilers. But in general, you can expect the same compact, expertly crafted level design for the most part. Overture still follows the fairly linear level structure of the main game, but there are plenty of avenues of exploration and instances of revisiting earlier levels during side quests.

You’ll absolutely want to be exploring these locations top to bottom, too. Overture has no shortage of new weapons, costumes, consumables, scraps of lore, sidequests, and even a couple of new Legion Arms (your trusty left arm-mounted utility) for you to discover.

Best bit

(Image credit: Neowiz)

I won’t go into spoilers here, but the closing hour of Overture is its crowning achievement. Mixing climactic combat, deeply emotional moments, and a showstopping final boss fight, this whirlwind expansion definitely ends with a bang.

The new weapons are pretty excellent across the board, and you can expect armaments obtained from each boss, as well as ones you’ll find tucked away in treasure chests that let you swap blade and hilt, just like in the base game. Better yet, these are compatible with the base game’s weapons, opening up even more opportunities for customization.

I went into Overture with a Technique (dexterity) build, so I quickly warmed to the new Death’s Talons weapon. These Wolverine-like claws slash foes quickly, and its unique Fable Art (special moves you can perform by filling the accompanying gauge) attack can perform a devastating multi-stage combo which quickly builds an enemy’s Stagger bar, allowing you to go in for a massive critical hit.

Pale Knight is another big winner; essentially a Squall Leonhart-esque gunblade with explosive rounds, it packs a serious punch for Motivity (strength) builds, and it’s one I can see becoming a favorite among the playerbase if only for its coolness factor.

Those two new Legion Arms are also a vast improvement over many of the main game’s roster. In Lies of P, most Legion Arms had very situational usages, making it tough to commit to a single one. Overture’s are far more practical, one producing a devastating shotgun blast, with the other firing out spinning discs that stay in place, damaging enemies over a short period of time.

Both are vastly more useful, and I find myself sticking with the latter in particular for my current New Game Plus run.

Writ in blood

(Image credit: Neowiz)

It wouldn’t be a soulslike experience without a few bosses for you to bash your head against for hours on end, and Lies of P: Overture certainly doesn’t disappoint in this department. While there aren’t too many new boss encounters, the ones that are here are absolutely a quality over quantity affair.

I’ve already spoken at length about three of them in my previous boss impressions piece - and I certainly won’t be spoiling the remainder here - but you can rest assured that if you’re seeking a challenge, Overture’s bosses are indisputably the hardest fights in the entire game.

Hard, but certainly not unfair. And if you’re tired of those Elden Ring-style bosses that have seemingly endless combo strings, there’s actually very little of that here. Like the main game, it’s all about pattern recognition and how effectively you can Perfect Guard the attacks you’re confident about, and dodging through the ones you’re not. Most of the bosses are a good deal speedier, too, so picking the right moments to strike is more crucial than ever here.

Should I play Lies of P: Overture?

(Image credit: Neowiz)Play it if...

You want more of 2023’s best soulslike
Simple. If you loved Lies of P, you’ll adore what Round8 Studio has brought to the table with its Overture DLC.

You’re pining for new weapons and builds
Overture’s lineup of new weapons, amulet accessories, and Legion Arms add even more variety to Lies of P’s build scope. Want to deal more damage after a perfect dodge? Or decimate a group of foes with a powerful shotgun blast? You can expect all this and more.

You’re looking for a new challenge
Between the new bosses and the excellent Battle Memories boss rematch mode, Lies of P: Overture will test your soulslike skills to their limits.

Don't buy it if...

You haven’t played Lies of P yet
This one’s a bit obvious, sure, but Overture requires that you own the base game first. Be sure to get a playthrough of that under your belt before deciding whether or not the DLC is right for you.

You’re easily frustrated by soulslikes
Even on its new easier difficulty options, Lies of P: Overture can provide a staunch challenge. If you’re not a fan of grinding boss attempts for potentially hours, this might be one to miss.

Accessibility

Lies of P: Overture has launched alongside a new free update for the game. This adds two easier difficulty options, perfect for players less versed in the soulslike experience. There are also new colorblind mode options (protanopia, deuteranopia, and tritanopia), as well as a colorblind mode intensity slider.

How I reviewed Lies of P: Overture

My playthrough of Lies of P: Overture took me around 20-25 hours to complete on the default Legendary Stalker difficulty. That time was spent combing through most of each level’s optional secrets and side quests, as well as a good deal of time up against the incredibly tough new boss encounters. While I’m not sure I achieved a 100% complete run, I am confident that I got to experience the vast majority of what Overture has to offer.

I played the expansion on PC (via Steam) with my controller of choice being the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro. I also made use of my RIG 900 Max HS gaming headset to experience the game’s immaculate soundtrack and impressive audio design.

First reviewed June 2025

Brother is the last major inkjet maker to cave in and join the refillable revolution, so I’m keen to see how its first supertank printers stack up against the best ink tank printers. Of the two new models, the Brother DCP-T780DW is the more expensive, aimed at the home office or SMB (small to medium-sized business). It’s a well-equipped all-in-one able to duplex print on any kind of paper up to A4 or legal via either of its two input trays, or copy using its flatbed scanner and ADF (automatic document feed).

To keep the price competitive, there’s no touchscreen interface, Bluetooth or USB Host port. These are all features you’d expect on a cartridge printer at this price, but the big attraction here is the remarkably low TCO (total cost of ownership) which includes the five bottles of ink Brother is putting in the box. That’s enough for around 15,000 black and white pages or 5,000 color.

Brother DCP-T580DW: Design and build

(Image credit: Brother // Future)Specs

Type: color tank inkjet printer

Functions: Print, copy, scan, ADF

Connectivity: Ethernet, USB, Wi-Fi

Data storage slots: none

Max print speed: 16ipm (mono)

Max paper size: A4/legal

Print quality: 1,200 x 6,000 dpi

Apple AirPrint: yes

Consumables included: 5 bottles (15,000 black, 5,000 color pages)

Dimensions/Weight: 320 x 390 x 245 mm (WxDxH)/71.4lb/32.4kg

The Brother DCP-T580DW looks and feels like a compact and well designed all-in-one, and quite unlike the awkward Brother DCP-T525W. That older Amazon-exclusive model had its ink tanks bulging out at the side like an afterthought, whereas the new printers have their reservoirs seamlessly integrated in a way that doesn’t increase the footprint.

You access them through a front flap, so there’s no need to open up the whole machine to top up. The flap has clear windows so you can see the level of the liquid easily. Brother’s designers have cheated a bit, by using tanks with a smaller volume than its rivals, but the 48.8ml limit still beats any inkjet cartridge for capacity.

In other respects it’s a familiar form factor, with a slightly protruding front paper tray able to hold 150 sheets of paper up to A4, letter or legal in size. There’s a flatbed scanner on top and the 4.5cm color display is mounted on a tilting control panel surrounded by the usual array of buttons.

The two ports for connecting power and USB cables are at the side, rather than the rear, which could be more convenient, or less, depending on your setup. The Brother DCP-T780DW differs from Brother’s other tank printers by including a 20-sheet ADF, which adds only 3.4cm to its height.

Ink tank printers are the most sustainable way to print as they generate less ink and plastic waste, while all inkjets use less energy than lasers, so I’m glad to see Brother’s packaging is also more sustainable. Instead of polystyrene in the cardboard carton, there’s just more cardboard.

Brother DCP-T580DW: Features & specifications

(Image credit: Brother // Future)

As the premium printer, in Brother’s first ink tank range, the DCP-T780DW can do more than merely duplex print and simplex scan. It also has an ADF for copying a stack of up to twenty pages automatically and two paper inputs.

The main tray can hold a useful 150 pages, while a multi-purpose tray at the rear offers an easy way to print one-off jobs such as addressing an envelope. The rear tray, with its flatter paper path, is able to print on heavier paper than the main tray, including card up to 300gsm.

There’s 5GHz Wi-Fi with AirPrint compatibility for wireless connectivity, plus Ethernet and USB ports available. The top speed for black and white printing is quite fast for an inkjet at 16ipm, while color pages emerge almost as quickly at 15ipm. The maximum print resolution is 1,200 x 600dpi, delivered by 840 nozzles.

Brother DCP-T580DW: Setup and operation

(Image credit: Brother // Future)

Setting up the Brother DCP-T780DW should be a simple process, especially if you download the free Brother Connect app. Just load some paper and turn on to receive prompts on the printer’s display and your smartphone. Filling the tanks with ink is a quick and clean process. Like Epson, HP and Canon, Brother has made it possible to fill the four ink tanks without spilling a drop.

Like the other systems, the lips of the bottles are keyed, so you can’t pour in the wrong ink. Be sure to pour in the whole 48.8ml bottle though. I made the mistake of half filling the tanks and putting half full bottles back in the box. Once their seals are broken, the bottles leak, even when you think you’ve screwed the lids back on tight. I made a very colorful mess, but to be fair to Brother, it was a case of user error.

Unlike the HP Smart Tank 7001, there’s no inbuilt Bluetooth to make an immediate connection with your smartphone, so the setup procedure takes a little longer. I also found Brother’s ink bottles a little more fiddly to pour than Epson and Canon’s foolproof supertank systems. In short, Brother’s system works just fine.

Brother DCP-T580DW: Performance

(Image credit: Brother // Future)

The Brother DCP-T780DW worked well right out of the box. The setup procedure involved running out two test sheets to check ink delivery and nozzle alignment, and both were spot on. All my test pages appeared promptly and with no cases of creased paper, smudges or jams and the results varied from okay to great.

Black text on plain white paper looked crisp and legible down to point size two. However, Brother’s dye-based black appears somewhat grey compared to the pigment black that other brands use. It might not look as glossy or bold, but it is consistent and the ink doesn’t smear when you run a finger over the page as it emerges.

(Image credit: Brother // Future)

Color pages are more impressive thanks to Brother’s bright C/M/Y inks and there’s a great level of detail resolution. Brother launched two tank printers in this series and this higher-specified multifunction model gives significantly sharper prints. That can only be because these print heads are equipped with 840 nozzles, while the cheaper T580 has only 420 nozzles. So while their quoted maximum print resolutions are exactly the same, having double the number of nozzles applying the ink droplets is evidently an advantage.

Scanning single pages on the platen and copying multipage documents with the ADF went without a hitch during my tests and the duplicate pages looked faithful to the originals. There’s no single pass two-side scanning, but nonetheless, it all worked fairly quickly, so I’d recommend this printer for light photocopying duties.

Brother DCP-T580DW: Consumables Image 1 of 2

(Image credit: Brother // Future)Image 2 of 2

(Image credit: Brother // Future)

Brother is bundling two bottles of black ink plus the three colors in the box, so those five bottles could print up to 5,000 color pages, or 15,000 in black and white. That’s great, but it’s less than HP, Epson, or Canon are offering with their equivalently priced tank printers. Brother’s slightly smaller ink bottles and tanks are the reason for this, but I think the difference is small enough not to be a deal-breaker.

Brother DCP-T580DW: Maintenance

(Image credit: Brother // Future)

Like all inkjet printers, the Brother DCP-T780DW is likely to dry out and print badly or not at all if left unused for a length of time. The problem is ink clogging the nozzles and the solution is flushing them through with more ink. In a cartridge printer, you’d begrudge that wasted ink, but at least tank printers use affordable ink. This printer has quite versatile maintenance options with a choice of three flushing cycles of varying strength depending how clogged your nozzles are.

Brother DCP-T580DW: Final verdictImage 1 of 4

(Image credit: Brother // Future)Image 2 of 4

(Image credit: Brother // Future)Image 3 of 4

(Image credit: Brother // Future)Image 4 of 4

(Image credit: Brother // Future)

The Brother DCP-T780DW is a reasonably well equipped and well made home office all-in-one, with decent all-round print quality to boot. Brother makes lots of cartridge printers like this, but this tank printer runs on cheap bottled ink and that makes it a much better investment.

The design is compact with the four ink reservoirs neatly integrated, while the 20-sheet ADF on top adds surprisingly little height. Having two paper inputs is another advantage, especially as the multipurpose tray at the rear is able to handle more substantial 300gsm card stock.

I found it easy to use, despite the lack of a touchscreen, while the print quality with both documents and photos is above average. And with enough ink included in the price for 20,000 pages, this looks like a fair price. Now that Brother has proved it can make tank printers that work, let’s hope the rest of its inkjet line-up eventually goes refillable so we can consign cartridges to history.

For more options, I've tested and reviewed the best home printers you can get right now.

• ^ Back to top

Tern Setups is one of the first portable monitors that got me interested in working with multiple displays and not just using my iPad as a secondary display when I was using my MacBook.

I've tested out plenty of the best portable monitors, although, not all of them boast the higher screen specs you'll find with this model. So, I was keen to see how the Tern Setups 16-in 4K OLED portable display measured up - and how it lives up to its eye-catching promise.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Tern Setups 16-inch 4K OLED portable monitor: Unboxing & first impressions

When I got my package from Tern, I opened it up to find the 16-inch monitor, a sleek magnetic stand, USB-C to USB-C Cables, an HDMI cable, a 30W Brick, and a sleek sleeve to carry the display in so it won't get scratched up when not in use. The packaging is super clean and minimal, fitting the entire brand for Tern beautifully.

The panel is super thin, thinner in person than I expected. There is a slightly thicker part at the bottom back of the display, but that's understandable and still would be considered thin in my book. The bezel is tiny, and the ports are easy to access, regardless of whether you are using the stand or using the monitor without the stand. I followed basic guidelines to set the panel to match my MacBook colors perfectly, giving me rich blacks, bright colors, and gorgeous contrast.

Tern Setups 16-inch 4K OLED portable monitor: Design & Build QualitySpecs

Model: 16" Portable Monitor + Stand
Panel Type: 4K OLED (3840 x 2400)
Aspect Ratio: 16:10
Brightness: 400 nits
Color Range: 100% DCI-P3
Color Depth: True 10-bit
Refresh Rate: 60Hz (2.5K model offers 144Hz!)
Response Time: 1ms
Connectivity: 2x USB-C, 1x HDMI, 1x USB-A
Passthrough Power: 40W
Weight: 1.15kg (2.54 lbs)
Max Stand Height: 25cm (9.8in)

I'm in a phase of life where I am adding MagSafe to everything; I have a BenQ Laptop Light bar I can mount with Magsafe that I keep adding to places. I love mounting my iPhone to different things with MagSafe, and I'll even mount SSDs (Samsung T7s and such) via MagSafe to the back of laptops to give an easy, on-the-go solution to add storage to notebooks. So, when I saw Tern use a magnet to hold a monitor up, I thought it was genius in every way. The stand feels clever and fun, all while being super easy to use.

Another thing that I was thrilled to see is that the Tern monitor has some key ports built-in that make it super practical. They have USB-A, USB-C, and a full-size HDMI, something I have yet to see on a portable monitor. This means that even if I'm not using a laptop but want to display content, I can use a standard, easy-to-find HDMI cable to connect to most devices that output video these days.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Tern Setups 16-inch 4K OLED portable monitor: In use

I've used this monitor just about everywhere. I've had it in my possession for 139 days as of right now, and in that time, I have taken it on a few trips and many coffee shop runs. However, this has been the perfect "around the studio/house" monitor for my specific workflow. Rather than carrying around a bigger monitor, working without a second monitor, or unpacking my portable monitor in my backpack, I jump to this gorgeous monitor.

It's been the perfect companion for everything from late-night writing sessions (lit up by that BenQ Laptop light bar) to evening light gaming on my iPad or my Nintendo Switch; it's been a fantastic display to help me set up a server Mac Mini that I have and needed to work on, it was a great companion for setting up some Desktop PCs I was testing and more. It has been a portable workhorse that I have been able to rely on for just about everything. This display has become so indispensable that I leave it right where I keep my bag in my studio or other workspaces, ready to break out at any moment.

It's excellent in vertical and horizontal use cases, especially when I use the magnetic stand to raise the display off the desk or table. It's got a super convenient USB-C and USB-A port. However, I would not transfer large files or charge large devices through this, but having quick access for quick file transfer is excellent.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

Now, a few notes that make this a spectacular monitor, but with a little bit of room to grow. First, since the cables hang off the base of one side, this panel needs to be perfectly centered with the magnet, or it can tug one way or another, especially if at full height and with a heavier cable.

Secondly, It's a bummer that the passthrough power caps at 40W, but for most people, that won't be a huge downfall, just for those heavy power users. Thirdly, the Magnetic stand is nifty and super cool, but this may get in the way depending on your bag setup. In some of my backpacks, this fit beautifully without any issues.

In others, the way my bag was orientated, there was no good area to put this stand. So, if you are picking one of these up, ensure you have a place in your bag to safely and securely put the stand, and then you'll have no issues.

All in all, this is the most beautiful portable panel that I have tried. It's gorgeous, and since Tern has a handful of different resolutions and feature options, anyone can find what they need regarding portable displays with Tern.

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Beautiful, professional design

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ease of use

Easy to utilize

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Practicality

Practical for most all

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Price

High price, high quality

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Tern Setups 16-inch 4K OLED portable monitor: Final verdict

The Tern Setups 16-inch 4K OLED portable monitor is the best spec-for-spec, color-accurate portable monitor I have tested. It's beautifully built, high-featured, and tuned for creative and business workflows. Whether you need an easy-to-use display around your house, office, or workspace, or a display you can take on the go in a bag traversing the world, the Tern Setups 4K OLED Portable Monitor is a fantastic option.

OnePlus Pad 3: one-minute review

As someone who has sworn by iPads and iPadOS for over a decade now, consider me pleasantly surprised to discover just how much fun it is to use the OnePlus Pad 3. For my particular use case, as someone who likes to use tablet computers for a mix of productivity during the day and catching up on YouTube and Netflix in my spare time, the Pad 3 provided me with quality of life features I didn’t even know I needed.

Smart suggestions from Open Canvas that let you split-screen apps in seconds, not to mention having up to three apps open at once with extra capacity for apps sitting in a floating window, all add up to a great experience that’s further emboldened by a bright screen and fantastic battery life.

When you factor in the additional cost of accessories, the complete OnePlus Pad 3 package can set you back a fair bit, and I still think that the entry-level iPad 10.9 is the best value option for more people where tablets are concerned. It’s also a shame that a lack of Android optimisation gets in the way of the grand ambitions of OxygenOS. If something can be done to make key Android apps function more appropriately in tablet form, then the OnePlus Pad 3 could make a fine case for arguably being the best Android tablet out there.

OnePlus Pad 3 review: price and availability

(Image credit: Future)

• Starts at $699 / £529 for 12GB of RAM and 256GB storage
• A 16GB RAM/512GB storage model is available in the UK, but not the US

You’d be justified for thinking that, with all the upgrades included and the current state of the world economy, that the OnePlus Pad 3 would bring about a hefty price increase over the OnePlus Pad 2, but thankfully that’s not the case.

The OnePlus Pad 3 boasts an entry level price of $699 / £529 for the 12GB RAM/256GB storage model, but that can leap up to £599 for the more robust 16GB RAM/512GB storage option.

Given that the OnePlus Pad 2 had a launch price of $549 / £499 at the checkout, seeing just a £30 uptick this time around (in the UK at least) isn’t too shabby, and I think it’s reasonable request when compared against the larger screen, faster processor, increased storage and improved speakers that you get with this newer model. Sorry, US users, but you know what you did.

What you do need to bear in mind however is that the OnePlus Pad 3 does not come bundled with any of its key accessories. In the US you get the 80W SuperVOOC charger, but in the UK you’ll only find OnePlus’ signature red USB-C cable included. This is where the cost can soar.

The OnePlus Pad 3 Stylo 2 will set you back $99 / £99, so you'll have to factor that in for digital drawing or note-taking, while the OnePlus Pad 3 Smart Keyboard and Folio Case cost $199 / £169 and $49 / £59 respectively. Of course, you can always opt for cheaper alternatives to help mitigate that cost, such as eschewing the Smart Keyboard in favor of one of the best wireless keyboards, but for the most seamless experience where everything complements one another in design language, it can add up.

• Value score: 4 / 5

OnePlus Pad review: specs

Starting price

£529

Operating system

OxygenOS 15

Chipset

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite

Memory (RAM)

12GB/16GB

Storage

256GB/512GB

Display

13.2-inch 3.4k LCD, 144Hz

Weight

675g

Battery

12,140mAh

Charging

80W SUPERVOOC

Cameras

13MP main, 8MP front

Pretty much all of the key areas have seen an upgrade over the OnePlus Pad 2. There’s now the much faster Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset under the hood which OnePlus claims to provide a 45% and 40% boost in CPU and GPU performance respectively.

Helping to power that chipset is an increase in the default amount of RAM, with the entry-level option now boasting 12GB instead of 8GB, and that’s also paired with a higher starting storage of 256GB as opposed to 128GB. In the UK there is an upgrade option with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, but that model isn't being sold in the US.

What’s sure to turn heads for those who use their tablets as all-day devices is the leap to a massive 12,140mAh battery which absolutely towers above the 9,510mAh cell found within the OnePlus Pad 2. There’s even an increase in charging speeds, now up to 80W, to help you fill up that larger battery even faster. In the US that faster charger comes in the box, but UK users will need to splurge on the faster plug.

OnePlus Pad 3 review: display

(Image credit: Future)

• Gorgeous 13.2-inch 3.2K LCD panel
• 7:5 ratio is helpful for multitasking
• Great depiction of colour

Because I’d become so used to using the much smaller iPad 10.9, which has been my go-to tablet for everything over the last few years, I was somewhat gobsmacked by the display that the OnePlus Pad 3 brings to the table. Sure, it’s not quite the 14.6-inch beast that you’ll find on the far pricier Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra, but the Pad 3’s 13.2-inch 3.2K LCD display is an eye-catcher for a handful of reasons.

At the surface level, it just looks great. Whether you’re simply admiring the collection of landscape photography that OnePlus offers up for potential wallpapers, or streaming one of the best Disney Plus shows, it all leaps out of the screen with a level of vibrancy that really makes the OnePlus Pad 3 a joy to use. Whenever I had to go back to using my Windows laptop, I always found myself irritated at the immediate downgrade in screen quality.

When I was diving into a bit of Call of Duty Mobile to test out the performance of the device, I ended up playing for quite a bit longer than I usually do just because of how great the game looks on the OnePlus Pad 3. Particle effects really pop thanks to the larger than average sizing, and your eyes are drawn to character models which are given their due thanks to the detailed 3.2K resolution.

The high density of pixels also means that fans of animation will love using this thing for entertainment. Diving into Disney Pixar’s Elemental, the opening scenes in Element City are an absolute feast for the eyes, with your attention drawn equally to what’s happening in the foreground and all the smaller moments of background action.

Because of the unique 7:5 aspect ratio, the OnePlus Pad 3 has just the right amount of height in its display to have multiple windows open at one time, all without any of them feeling too cramped to the point where you’re forced to zoom in. In the time that I’ve been using the tablet, I’ve probably come to value this feature the most as it means I can really maximise its capabilities as a productivity device. I never like to bring a laptop with me on holiday, but for something like this that works so well for both watching content and responding to emails, the OnePlus Pad 3 is exactly the type of device I’d pack in my suitcase.

• Display score: 5 / 5

OnePlus Pad 3 review: designImage 1 of 2

(Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

(Image credit: Future)

• Barely thicker than the USB-C port at the bottom
• Fairly mundane colour options

When you lay your hands on the OnePlus Pad 3, you’ll no doubt notice, before anything else, just how slim this thing is. As soon as I took it out of the box, I became far more cautious in my handling of the Pad 3 until I was able to encase it in the Smart Keyboard accessory that OnePlus sent along with it.

The OnePlus Pad 3 is just 5.97mm thick, which isn’t too far off the 5.1mm thickness of the iPad Pro 2024. Despite its larger than average display, the Pad 3 doesn’t weigh all that much in the hand either, coming in at only 675g. Thankfully, all of this means that, even with the Smart Keyboard in tow, the OnePlus Pad 3 feels wonderfully lightweight in your bag, and it’s very easy to carry around one-handed.

Unfortunately, there isn’t really anything here in the way of visual flare to elevate the OnePlus 3 from competing tablets. There are two colors available in the UK, Storm Blue (the same as the review unit) and Frosted Silver. The silver model won't be sold in the US.

While I can’t speak for the latter, the Storm Blue looks anything but blue to my eyes, striking more as a darker grey. I know that this isn’t uncommon with tablets around this price range, but I would love to see more vibrant options like what you’ll find with the entry-level iPad 10.9.

(Image credit: Future)

It also doesn’t help that the ‘all metal unibody’ of the tablet loves to pick up the occasional smudge, which is never a good look. I also think that the design of the Smart Keyboard accessory could use a bit of an overhaul.

The keyboard itself is fine once you get used to it, but it would be nice if the keys were less mushy and a bit more clicky, similar to what you’ll find on Apple’s Magic Keyboard. The material underneath the keyboard also doesn’t have much grip to it either, and when working at a standard office desk, I found it would slip and slide all over the place with just a slight nudge, which forced me to be a bit more considerate in my typing. This wasn’t the case everywhere that I took the Pad 3, but it’s something that I would like to see fixed in a successor.

• Design score: 4/5

OnePlus Pad 3 review: softwareImage 1 of 2

(Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

(Image credit: Future)

• Open Canvas is now better than ever
• Android still needs better optimisation on tablets

Software has long been the Achilles heel for almost all Android tablets when weighed up against the seamlessness of Apple’s iPadOS, but to give OnePlus its due, the company has done its best to close the gap with OxygenOS 15.

Compared to some of the more cumbersome Android interface options out there, OxygenOS is clean in its aesthetic and easy to understand in its UI so that, even if you’re someone who’s knee-deep in Apple’s ecosystem and considering picking up an Android tablet for the first time, you’ll get on just fine here.

OnePlus made the excellent decision last year to bring the impressive Open Canvas software (originally found on the OnePlus Open) over to the OnePlus Pad 2. This ingenious bit of tech means that you can easily have up to three apps open at the same time, which has been incredibly helpful whilst writing this review as it means I’ve been able to cross reference my own notes with OnePlus’ official press release without having to constantly minimize and reopen windows.

Open Canvas was already great, but it’s just been given a handy upgrade that now makes launching it even easier than before. If the Pad 3 notices that you’ve quickly jumped from one app to another, it will ask if you want to split-screen these apps so that they sit side by side. The moment you tap this notification, both apps appear instantly – it’s that simple.

(Image credit: Future)

It’s such a small addition to the software but one that ended up saving me a decent chunk of time, and anything that helps to keep your flowstate going when you're in the middle of a tough deadline is fine by me. Apple should take note and bring this to iPadOS in the future.

As great as Open Canvas is, the OnePlus Pad 3 doesn’t completely avoid the optimization problems that plague Android on tablets. Regardless of which device I’m using, I frequently rely on Google Docs and Notion, both of which had issues when trying to run on the Pad 3.

Initially, Notion wouldn’t let me type anything until I was forced to delete the app and then reinstall it, while Google Docs would just flat out refuse to recognize the scrolling gesture on the Smart Keyboard trackpad, so I’ve been forced to use the touchscreen whenever I’ve needed to move through a document.

What I will say is that for a lot of these web-based apps, they do work rather well when you run them in the Chrome browser, similar to how you would with one of the best Chromebooks, but it’s hardly ideal given that it’s never an issue I’ve had to deal with when using iPadOS.

(Image credit: Future)

Unlike a lot of companies right now, OnePlus hasn’t gone so far into AI that it’s taken up the bulk of the upgrades, but there are some helpful AI features now baked into the ‘AI toolkit’ which appears when you’re browsing the web. This allows you to quickly summarise an article if you’re in a rush, or have an AI voice read out its contents for you, even as you dive into other apps. It’s unobtrusive yet well executed, so well done to OnePlus on this front.

• Software score: 4 / 5

OnePlus Pad 3 review: performance

(Image credit: Future)

• Flagship performance thanks to the latest Snapdragon chip
• This is a tablet designed for multitasking

If you’ve already read the specs for the OnePlus Pad 3 then you may have raised an eye-brow at the inclusion of the super-powered Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset under the hood. Not only is this the same processor you’ll find in the best smartphones such as the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and the Honor Magic 7 Pro, but it also represents a major leap in speed from what we've seen before.

As previously mentioned, the claim is that the 8 Elite can provide a 45% boost in performance to the CPU, and 40% for the GPU. That all sounds great on paper, but what difference does it make to the day to day experience? Plenty, as it turns out.

Just for context, this entire review has been written with the OnePlus Pad 3, and I’ve had Google Docs open alongside a PDF press release, and a Chrome window with several tabs. Occasionally I’ve had a WhatsApp overlay in the corner to quickly respond to messages, and at one point I had Disney Plus playing Avengers: Endgame on top of all these apps, and it didn’t break a sweat. Sure, it did look like some kind of pop-up-filled nightmare, but I was impressed to see no signs of slowdown. Simply put, if you're after a productivity tablet that you can really push to the limits, you’ll get on well here.

The same can be said for gaming. Taking a quick break to enjoy a few rounds of Call of Duty Mobile with an Xbox controller connected via Bluetooth, the OnePlus Pad 3 kept up with every fast-paced moment and all the chaos that a typical match brings with it.

As a final point, I want to draw particular attention to the improved speakers on the OnePlus Pad 3. There are now eight speakers instead of four, and they collectively offer up the best sound I’ve ever come across on a tablet. Layers feel separated so that they each have noticeable depth, and vocals are elevated to make watching shows and films a really enjoyable experience.

• Performance score: 5 / 5

OnePlus Pad 3 review: battery

(Image credit: Future)

• Charging speeds and battery capacity have been upgraded
• No charging brick included

While there have been plenty of upgrades elsewhere, OnePlus has still made sure not to forget about the battery and charging experience. The headline upgrade here is the change to a much larger 12,140mAh battery which OnePlus claims can play triple-A games for six hours, or endure video playback for more than 17-hours. That’s definitely impressive, but I think that the proof is in how it can handle a bit of everything over the course of a day.

Beginning my test at 9:30am, I used the OnePlus Pad 3 as my main work device for typing documents and responding to emails, but over the course of six hours of screen-on time, downloading apps, watching 30-mins of Disney Plus and similarly playing games for 30-minutes, I was able to make it to 5:30pm with about 35% battery left in the tank. Of course, the average work day (for myself at least) doesn't tend to have quite so much time set aside for entertainment, but to still have 35% remaining leaves me with plenty of confidence for the days when I want to hunker down with work.

Charging is a bit of a different story. The OnePlus Pad 3 now support fast charging up to 80W, up from 67W on the OnePlus Pad 2, but you’ll need to buy a compatible charger separately in order to hit those speeds.

For my charging test, I had a 65W charger to hand (which is still faster than most), and managed to get the Pad 3 from 5% battery to 100% in 121 minutes. It took about an hour to reach 56% so if you are strapped for time, that should give you enough power to get through a day with the power saver mode switched on.

• Battery score: 4 / 5

Should you buy the OnePlus Pad 3?OnePlus Pad 3 report card

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Value

For all the upgrades the OnePlus Pad 3 packs, its small price increase is easily justified.

4 / 5

Display

The increased size and unique aspect ratio make the display ideal for work and entertainment

5 / 5

Design

The Pad 3 is incredibly thin and light to the touch, but its overall design isn't too inspiring

4 / 5

Software

OxygenOS is brilliantly intuitive, but Android still needs some work for tablets

4 / 5

Performance

The Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset makes short work of multitasking and gaming

5 / 5

Battery

Plenty of longevity but charging can be slow if you don’t buy an appropriate fast charger

4 / 5

Buy it if…

You need a multitasking tablet for work

If you’re constantly juggling emails, documents and notes then the OnePlus Pad is perfect for jumping between them quickly.

You want one of the best Android tablets out there

Between OxygenOS and the improved battery life, the Pad 3 will leave you wanting for very little within the Android space.

You’re tempted to make the jump from iPad

As a long-time iPad user, I can safely say that I’ll be using the Pad 3 predominantly as my main productivity tablet going forward.

Don’t buy it if…

You aren’t prepared to pay for the accessories

The OnePlus Pad 3 is a great tablet, but it’s made infinitely better by buying at least one of its available accessories which should be factored into the overall cost.

You want the best value tablet

Compared to the iPad Air 2024, the Pad 3 is a bargain, but it’s still more expensive than great value offerings like the Galaxy Tab S10 FE which bundles in the S Pen for free.

You’re knee deep in the Apple ecosystem

Because of the seamless communication between Apple devices, those toting an iPhone or Apple Watch will still find a better overall experience with one of the best iPads.

Also consider

Not convinced by all the OnePlus Pad 3 has to offer? Here are some alternatives worth checking out:

OnePlus Pad 3

Apple iPad 10.9 (2022)

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra

Price

£529

$349 / £329

$1,199.99 / £1,199 (now regularly discounted)

Base storage

256GB

64GB

256GB

Screen size

13.2-inch 3.4k LCD, 144Hz

10.9-inch LCD, 60Hz

14.6-inch AMOLED, 120Hz

Chipset

Snapdragon 8 Elite

Apple A14 Bionic

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2

Battery

12,140mAh

7,606mAh

11,200mAh

Charging

80W

28.6W

45W

Cameras

13MP main, 8MP front

12MP main, 12MP front

13MP main, 8MP ultra wide, plus 12MP wide and 12MP ultra wide front sensors

OS

OxygenOS w/ Android 15

iPadOS 18

One UI with Android 15

Apple iPad 10.9 (2022)

Apple’s entry-level iPad still manages to defy expectations by offering plenty in the way of productivity and entertainment prowess, and since its successor hit the scene, it can now be found cheaper than ever.

Read our full Apple iPad 10.9 (2022) review

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra

If you know where to look, Samsung’s ultra-premium tablet of yesteryear can be picked up for a significantly reduced price, and it comes with the S Pen stylus included.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra review

How I tested the OnePlus Pad 3

I used the OnePlus Pad 3 over a nine-day testing period, using it in my home office, connected to my home Wi-Fi, and also at a local cafe whilst using my OnePlus Open as a hotspot.

Testing the full speed of its 80W fast charging wasn’t possible due to only having a 65W adapter available over the course of this review, which should be taken into consideration when analysing the battery results.

When testing out the gaming performance of the OnePlus Pad 3, I played Call of Duty Mobile, GTA: San Andreas The Definitive Edition, and Dead Cells: Netflix Edition, all with a wirelessly connected Xbox controller.

First reviewed June 2025

VTech KidiZoom Duo FX: Two-minute review

I assigned my five-year-old daughter chief reviewing duties for the VTech KidiZoom Duo FX, a popular cheap compact camera for younger kids that can be picked up for as little as $45 / £40 at leading retailers like Amazon.

After she'd used if for a few months it was time to hear her thoughts. "What do you like most about the camera?" I ask. I can predict the one-word answer before it has left her lips: "Games!"

To be fair, the KidiZoom Duo has had more use than a number of other toys, gadgets and cameras for kids in our house, but I picked one up for her in the hope that she might be inspired to become the next Vivian Maier, not zone out playing the basic games on board.

She might well develop a creative eye over time and start taking fantastic photos, but it won't be the KidiZoom Duo that sends her on that path.

It's just the right fit for small hands, and it'll survive plenty of drops onto hard surfaces too. (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

That said, when I did direct her focus to the KidiZoom Duo's camera, she found it incredibly easy to use. There's a generous grip for both hands that was perfectly sized for her little hands, and it's come away from multiple mishaps and drops onto hard surfaces unscathed.

She can apply various animated filters to the photos, which has brought many smiles over the months, even if the basic photo quality hardly inspires – not that I'd expect anything better from such a low-cost camera.

Practically speaking, the use of four regular AA batteries is a pain. The first batch were flat after less than two days of use (you guessed it – from mainly playing games). I invested in rechargeable batteries, which in the long run has been more cost-effective.

Better battery life topped the list of my daughter's responses to the question "What could make this camera better?", along with more color options for the finish. And from my perspective, better-quality photos might inspire her to use the camera itself more.

Would I recommend the feature-packed VTech KidiZoom Duo FX as a first camera? Absolutely. No other camera comes close at this super-low price. Will it inspire your young ones to take up photography? Probably not.

VTech KidiZoom Duo FX: Price and availability

• List price of $55 / £65 / AU$110, but can be found for less
• It's available in blue and pink versions, plus there's a pricier Duo 5.0

The best-selling VTech KidiZoom Duo FX has been available for some years now, and its price has settled at around $45 / £40 / AU$100 at leading retailers. It's recommended for children aged thee to nine years, and features and design-wise you'll be hard pressed to find a better alternative.

The FX version of the Duo is available in blue and pink versions. There's also a newer and pricier Duo 5.0 version that we've yet to test.

VTech KidiZoom Duo FX: specsQuick Specs

Recommended age:

3-9 years

Photos:

Dual cameras; 8MP front, 2MP selfie

Video:

640p

Lens:

4x digital zoom

Memory:

256MB internal, expandable with micro SD

LCD:

2.4-inch, non touch

Connectivity

Micro USB for image transfer, headphone jack

Power:

4x AA-size alkaline batteries (LR6)

VTech KidiZoom Duo FX: design

• Tough plastic body in bright pink or blue
• 2.4-inch LCD and look-through viewfinders
• Basic flash

The KidiZoom Duo is a pretty easy camera to control. It features large buttons for key functions, including a joystick to navigate menus and a control wheel for the 4x digital zoom.

The twin viewfinders are simple windows, nothing fancy, spaced so the user can look through both, binoculars-style. My daughter barely used the viewfinders, however, instead focusing her attention on the basic fixed 2.4-inch LCD, which can be pretty hard to see in bright light.

Image 1 of 2

(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)Image 2 of 2

(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

I was thankful for the headphone jack on the camera's underside, which meant I could ask my daughter to use headphones rather than having to listen to the music of the on-board games coming out of the KidiZoom Duo's built-in speaker.

Photo and video files are tiny, but the camera's internal 256MB memory still fills up soon enough, so a cheap microSD card is a must-buy. You won't need to go big – even a 32GB one will easily store years' worth of images.

Images can be transferred to a computer by a now-dated micro USB port – the cable is supplied with the camera.

(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

To keep costs down, the KidiZoom Duo is powered by AA batteries. You'll need four in all, with two slotting into the left grip and two into the right. You'll need a mini screwdriver to unscrew the internal door that helps secure the batteries in place.

A built-in lith-ion battery would be preferable, making recharges much simpler and quicker. However, if you've got a set of rechargeable AAs, then it's not too much bother to go through the process.

(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)VTech KidiZoom Duo FX: Performance

• Dual cameras; 8MP front, 2MP selfie
• Flash with 1-3m range
• 4x digital zoom

Image quality is, as you'd expect from such a cheap camera, basic. Photos in JPEG format from the main front camera top out at 8MP, while the selfie camera is just 2MP.

Photo resolution is further reduced when using any one of a number of built-in animated templates and filters, while video quality is even more basic at just 640p.

A soft lens and a tiny image sensor compound matters; the KidiZoom struggles to hold detail in high-contrast sunny scenes, and low-light images are super noisy. Detail is soft, and the 4x digital zoom only further reduces image quality.

You get the picture, but to be fair I wouldn't expect any better for the money. Also, thankfully, there's a built-in flash, which can give a little fill light to your subjects, with a range up to 3m. This flash is super helpful in dim conditions, especially indoors.

(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

It's best to put aside any expectations for photo quality, and focus more on the creative tools on offer, which are more likely to engage young creatives.

For example, there's panorama, wacky slideshow, animation maker, photo editor and voice recorder options, all of which add a little extra to the creative arsenal where the camera alone comes up short.

And what kid doesn't enjoy composing themselves or a family member into animated templates, of which the KidiZoom Duo has in spades?

Yes, any of today's smartphones will take better pictures and probably offer more creative control. But for a device that you can safely leave your child alone with, the cheap KidiZoom Duo fits the bill. It's excellent value too.

VTech KidiZoom Duo FX sample imagesImage 1 of 9

The selfie camera takes 1600 x 1200 pixel images and focuses closer than the front camera (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)Image 2 of 9

You know it – rocking one of the many animated filters on offer. (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)Image 3 of 9

I took this selfie with the main front camera, which has higher resolution pictures than the selfie camera, however its minimum focus distance is beyond me so detail is soft (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)Image 4 of 9

Don't expect photos packed with detail (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)Image 5 of 9

Here the sky is really washed out (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)Image 6 of 9

You can't really take closeup photos of little details because of the limited minimum focus. The flowers are soft here. (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)Image 7 of 9

(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)Image 8 of 9

(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)Image 9 of 9

(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)Should I buy the VTech KidiZoom Duo FX?Buy it if...

You want a kid's camera that's rugged and easy to handle
The VTech KidiZoom Duo FX big, bold, easily held, and can withstand knocks and drops.

You want a feature-packed toy
The KidiZoom Duo FX is more than a camera, it's a handheld gaming device, voice recorder, audio player and more.

Don't buy it if...

You hope to encourage photography skills
The KidiZoom offers an element of creative development thanks to its filters and various tools, but the camera itself is very basic.

You'd like decent-quality photos
Photo and video quality is poor, even if the built-in flash somewhat improves the picture.

VTech KidiZoom Duo FX: Also consider Camp Snap camera

The Camp Snap camera is essentially a digital version of the single-use film camera. With no screen and singular purpose, it's the ideal antidote to the KidiZoom Duo's multi-function, games-distracting features.

Read our in-depth Camp Snap camera review

myFirst Camera 50

The pricier myFirst Camera 50 has elements of the KidiZoom Duo, but is more likely to draw attention to the creative aspects, plus the camera and its photos are slightly better quality.

Read our in-depth myFirst Camera 50 review

(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)How I tested the VTech KidiZoom Duo FX

• It's been with our family for the best part of a year
• My daughters, both within the recommended user age, have used it extensively
• We've taken plenty of photos and videos (and played the games!)

This is a long-term review of an older camera that all of my family has contributed to.

We've exhausted the KidiZoom Duo's creative tools, including both cameras for photo and video, its various shooting modes, animated templates and audio recording.

And yes, we got pretty good at the basic selection of games.

• First reviewed June 2025

Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1: One-minute review

The Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1 is the latest hybrid laptop from the venerable Windows laptop maker, marking its first 2-in-1 since the company's major rebranding earlier this year, which replaced the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 2-in-1.

Fortunately, as with the clamshell Dell 14 Plus, Dell's latest 2-in-1 offers very solid performance at a fantastic price. But given that this is a 2-in-1, typically a form factor where the display takes center stage, the dim, lackluster panel makes this a less attractive option as a 2-in-1 than its clamshell sibling.

Starting at $649.99 / £849 / AU$1,498.20, the Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1 does earn its place among the best 2-in-1 laptops this year thanks to its affordable starting price, especially in the US and Australia where the AMD Ryzen AI 300 configurations are available. When these configurations make it to the UK, the prices there ought to be much cheaper to start as well.

Performance-wise, the 14 Plus 2-in-1 isn't much different than the standard 14 Plus, so what you're really looking for here is the versatility that comes with a 2-in-1.

Unfortunately, this versatility is undermined by the display quality, which is much more important on a 2-in-1. So while I found the rather dim FHD+ display on the 14 Plus to be an acceptable compromise to keep the price down, it's a much bigger negative on the 14 Plus 2-in-1.

That's not to say the Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1 is necessarily bad, or even that its display is an absolute dealbreaker. Given its price and level of performance, the display doesn't keep it from being one of the best student laptops on the market right now, and it also remains one of the best Dell laptops on offer currently. Just be prepared to look past a couple of flaws if you decide to pick one up.

Dell 14 Plus: Price & availability

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

• How much does it cost? Starts at $649.99 / £849 / AU$1,498.20
• When is it available? It's available now
• Where can you get it? You can buy it in the US, UK, and Australia through Dell’s website and other retailers.

Easily the best feature of the Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1 is its excellent pricing. Starting at $649.99 / £849 / AU$1,498.20, there aren't going to be many Windows laptops with solid entry-level specs at this price point. For those who are more price-sensitive (such as students, general users, and enterprise fleet managers), the 14 Plus 2-in-1 really should be at the top of your list if you're in the market for a 2-in-1.

Even better, of course, is that Dell regularly runs sales on its products, so it should be fairly easy to find this laptop for even cheaper (especially around holidays or other major sales events like Amazon Prime Day).

• Value: 5 / 5

Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1: Specs

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

• Configurations vary considerably between the US, UK, and Australia
• Options for both Intel Core Ultra 200V and AMD Ryzen AI 300 processors
• No discrete graphics options

The starting specs for the Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1 feature 16GB DDR5 RAM, 512GB PCIe SSD storage, and a 16:10 FHD+ (1200p) IPS touchscreen display with 300-nit max brightness. The only difference between the US, UK, and Australia is that the US and Aussies start off with an AMD Ryzen 5 AI 340 processor with Radeon 840M graphics, and the UK starting configuration comes with an Intel Core Ultra 5 226V chip.

This also means that while the US and Australian starting configuration only has two USB-C Gen 3.2 ports, the UK swaps one of these out for a full Thunderbolt 4 port.

Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1 Base Specs

Region

US

UK

Australia

Price:

$649.99 at Dell.com

£849 at Dell.com

AU$1,498.20 at Dell.com

CPU:

AMD Ryzen AI 5 340

Intel Core Ultra 5 226V

AMD Ryzen AI 5 340

GPU:

AMD Radeon 840M Graphics

Intel Arc Xe2 (140V)

AMD Radeon 840M Graphics

Memory:

16GB LPDDR5X-7500

16GB LPDDR5X-8533

16GB LPDDR5X-7500

Storage:

512GB SSD

512GB SSD

512GB SSD

Screen:

14-inch 16:10 FHD+ (1200p), 300-nit, touch IPS

14-inch 16:10 FHD+ (1200p), 300-nit, touch IPS

14-inch 16:10 FHD+ (1200p), 300-nit, touch IPS

Ports:

2 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 w/ DP and Power Delivery, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x combo jack

1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C w/ DP 1.4 and Power Delivery, 1 x Thunderbolt 4 w/ DP 2.1 and Power Delivery, 1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x combo jack

2 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 w/ DP and Power Delivery, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x combo jack

Battery (WHr):

64 WHr

64 WHr

64 WHr

Wireless:

WiFi 7, BT 5.4

WiFi 7, BT 5.4

WiFi 7, BT 5.4

Camera:

1080p@30fps

1080p@30fps

1080p@30fps

Weight:

3.35 lb (1.52 kg)

3.42 lbs (1.55kg)

3.35 lbs (1.52kg)

Dimensions:

12.36 x 8.9 x 0.65 ins | (314 x 226.15 x 16.39mm)

12.36 x 8.9 x 0.65 ins | (314 x 226.15 x 16.39mm)

12.36 x 8.9 x 0.65 ins | (314 x 226.15 x 16.39mm)

For the max spec, the US and UK can configure the 14 Plus 2-in-1 with an Intel Core Ultra 9 288V processor with Intel Arc Xe2 (140V) graphics, while Australia tops out at an AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 processor with Radeon 840M graphics. The US config also maxes out at 32GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB storage, while the UK and Australia max out at 16GB DDR5 RAM, and 512GB and 1TB storage, respectively.

Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1 Top Specs

Region

US

UK

Australia

Price:

$1,499.99 at Dell.com

£1,299 at Dell.com

AU$1,498.20 at Dell.com

CPU:

Intel Core Ultra 9 288V

Intel Core Ultra 9 288V

AMD Ryzen AI 7 350

GPU:

Intel Arc Xe2 (140V) Graphics

Intel Arc Xe2 (140V) Graphics

AMD Radeon 840M Graphics

Memory:

32GB LPDDR5X-8533

16GB LPDDR5X-7500

16GB LPDDR5X-7500

Storage:

1TB NVMe SSD

512GB NVMe SSD

1TB NVMe SSD

Screen:

14-inch 16:10 FHD+ (1200p), 300-nit, touch IPS

14-inch 16:10 FHD+ (1200p), 300-nit, touch IPS

14-inch 16:10 FHD+ (1200p), 300-nit, touch IPS

Ports:

1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C w/ DP 1.4 and Power Delivery, 1 x Thunderbolt 4 w/ DP 2.1 and Power Delivery, 1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x combo jack

1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C w/ DP 1.4 and Power Delivery, 1 x Thunderbolt 4 w/ DP 2.1 and Power Delivery, 1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x combo jack

2 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 w/ DP and Power Delivery, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x combo jack

Battery (WHr):

64 WHr

64 WHr

64 WHr

Wireless:

WiFi 7, BT 5.4

WiFi 7, BT 5.4

WiFi 7, BT 5.4

Camera:

1080p@30fps

1080p@30fps

1080p@30fps

Weight:

3.42 lbs (1.55kg)

3.42 lbs (1.55kg)

3.35 lb (1.52 kg)

Dimensions:

12.36 x 8.9 x 0.65 ins | (314 x 226.15 x 16.39mm)

12.36 x 8.9 x 0.65 ins | (314 x 226.15 x 16.39mm)

12.36 x 8.9 x 0.65 ins | (314 x 226.15 x 16.39mm)

The configuration I reviewed is much more in the middle of the pack, featuring an Intel Core Ultra 7 256V chip, 16GB LPDDR5x RAM, and a 1TB SSD. This specific configuration isn't available in the UK and Australia, but the UK can get close enough (though with half the storage capacity).

Dell 14 Plus Review Unit Specs

Price:

$1,099.99 / £999 / (about AU$1,650, but Intel systems not yet available in Australia)

CPU:

Intel Core Ultra 7 256V

GPU:

Intel Arc Xe2 (140V) Graphics

Memory:

16GB LPDDR5X-8533

Storage:

1TB NVMe SSD (512GB in the UK)

Screen:

14-inch 16:10 FHD+ (1200p), 300 nit, touch IPS

Ports:

1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C w/ DP 1.4 and Power Delivery, 1 x Thunderbolt 4 w/ DP 2.1 and Power Delivery, 1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x combo jack

Battery (WHr):

64 WHr

Wireless:

WiFi 7, BT 5.4

Camera:

1080p@30fps

Weight:

3.42 lbs (1.55kg)

Dimensions:

12.36 x 8.9 x 0.67 ins | (314 x 226.15 x 16.95mm)

• Specs: 4 / 5

Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1: Design

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

• Thin and light
• Trackpad can feel 'sticky'
• Display isn't great for a 2-in-1

The design of the Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1 is nearly identical to the standard 14 Plus, with the major difference being its 360-degree hinge. Otherwise, it sports a functional design language that, while not premium, doesn't necessarily look or feel cheap either.

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

The keyboard on the 14 Plus 2-in-1 is functional, if not incredible, but for most people it'll do the job just fine. The trackpad occassionally felt somewhat 'sticky' to me, however, and it's something that kind of gives away the laptop's price point, if I'm being honest. I've felt similar trackpads on much cheaper Chromebooks in the past.

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

The webcam is a solid 1080p at 30 frames per second, which is pretty much standard nowadays. It does feature a physical privacy shutter though, which is excellent.

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

For ports, you have a good mix, especially for a laptop this thin, and if you're using an Intel-based configuration, you get a Thunderbolt 4 port, which is very handy. Regardless of the processor brand, though, with USB-C Gen 3.2 ports available, you can display out using DisplayPort 1.4, and all USB-C ports support power delivery.

Where this laptop was more of a letdown than its clamshell cousin is the display. At 300 nits peak brightness and just 67.5% of the sRGB color gamut and only 47.8% DCI-P3 (according to my testing), the color quality and brightness on the display just isn't very good.

It's one thing when the display on a cheap clamshell isn't great, but if you plan on taking notes or maybe even do some sketch work on your 2-in-1, this display is not going to give you the best experience. If you plan on using this laptop for school, try to avoid using it outside on a sunny day, or else you're really going to struggle to see things clearly.

• Design: 3 / 5

Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1: Performance

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

• Solid performance
• Can do some modest gaming
• Not the best for creative work

Here's how the Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1 performed in our suite of benchmark tests:

Geekbench 6.4 (Single): 2,673; (Multi): 10,880
Crossmark (Overall): 1,708; (Productivity): 1,655; (Creativity): 1,934; (Responsiveness): 1,293
3DMark (Night Raid): 31,074; (Fire Strike): 8,462; (Time Spy): 3,896; (Steel Nomad): 601
Civilization VI Gathering Storm (1080p, Max Graphics, Avg): 53 fps
Civilization VII (1080p, Medium, Avg): 59 fps; (High): 34 fps
Web Surfing Battery Test: 15 hours, 14 minutes

The performance of the Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1 is going to vary quite a bit depending on your configuration, but like the clamshell 14 Plus, the 14 Plus 2-in-1 is a very solid performer when it comes to everyday computing and general productivity tasks that are typical of laptops at this price point.

To be clear, this isn't a professional mobile workstation like the MacBook Pro 14, and definitely isn't one of the best gaming laptops, but if what you're looking for is a laptop that does its job, does it reasonably well, and doesn't try to do too much beyond the everyday, then the 14 Plus 2-in-1 is a very solid pick (especially if you're on a budget).

Thanks to the integrated Intel Arc Xe2 or Radeon 840M graphics (depending on your configuration), you'll also be able to get some casual to moderate gaming out of this laptop, though you'll definitely want to keep things at or below 1080p and reasonable graphics settings.

In my testing, Civilization VII (one of the more graphically demanding sim games out there) managed to get close to 60 FPS on average on medium settings, which is more than enough for a thin and light laptop like this.

This is a 2-in-1, though, and the focus really is on note-taking, drawing, and the like, and for that the responsiveness of the display was good enough for the price, though nothing spectacular.

• Performance: 4 / 5

Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1: Battery Life

• How long does it last on a single charge? 15 hours and 14 minutes
• How long to fully charge it to 100%? 2 hours and 36 minutes

I haven't tested one of the AMD Ryzen AI 300 models of this laptop, but the Intel Core Ultra 256V in my review unit is a very energy-efficient chip, so this laptop's battery life is good enough to rival many of the best laptops of the past few years, though it's not in the top five or anything like that.

It ran for just over 15 hours in my battery test, which involves using a script and custom server to simulate typical web browsing behavior. This is more than enough for a typical work or school day, and with the included 65W charger, it took about two and a half hours to recharge the 64WHr battery to full from empty (though higher wattage chargers will likely get you there faster).

• Battery Life: 4 / 5

Should you buy the Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1?

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1 Scorecard

Category

Notes

Rating

Value

The Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1 offers great value for its price.

5 / 5

Specs

Available configurations are generally very good.

4 / 5

Design

The 14 Plus 2-in-1 looks good on the outside, but its display really brings its design down.

3 / 5

Performance

Everyday computing and productivity performance are solid, but it can't hold up to intense workloads like gaming at high settings.

4 / 5

Battery Life

Solid battery life capable of many hours of use on one charge.

4 / 5

Buy the Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1 if...

You want solid productivity and general computing performance
The Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1 offers solid performance for most users, especially for the price.

You want a laptop that doesn’t look too cheap
While it isn't going to win any major design awards, it's still a pretty good-looking laptop for its price.

Don't buy it if...

You need a high-performance laptop
While its general performance is very good, you're not going to be able to push it much further than general use and casual PC gaming.

You need a quality display
While the clamshell 14 Plus might have been able to skate by with this display, it's not really good enough for a 2-in-1.

• First reviewed June 2025

Yo-Yo’s Wellness 2+ smart desk presents a unique offering; the ability to control and track your standing desk activity using its companion app, helping you understand and visualize the benefits of using a standing desk.

With its robust build quality, great array of features and customizability option, it’s a contender for our ranking of the best standing desks.

Yo-Yo Wellness 2+ smart desk: Price & availability

You can find the Yo-Yo Wellness 2+ smart desk from online retailers and from the official Yo-yo website. The retail price is currently £732 for the frame only, putting it firmly into premium standing desk territory.

Yo-Yo Wellness 2+ smart desk: Specs

The control panel is very easy to use (Image credit: Yo-Yo )

With fairly premium build quality and materials, the desk can support up to 100kg (including the tabletop, which is a lightweight veneered surface). It’s wonderfully robust; unlike some more affordable models I’ve used there’s little-to-no wobbling or juddering.

The Wellness 2+ ranges in price, starting at £732 for the frame only (if you want to reuse an existing desktop). There are six sizes ranging from extra small (100 x 60cm) for £804 up to £900 for the extra-large (180 x 80cm) tabletop model.

My version came with a free Yo-yo mat and there's free installation, and you can also add Yo-Yo’s Ongo Stool with a £100 discount, to boot. Models with portholes (all sizes barring small and extra small) include plastic grommets, and all models come with a basic up/down switch.

The legs have dual motors and a 3-stage design with a minimum height of 617mm and a maximum height of 1267mm, moving at a rate of 32 mm/sec.

Yo-Yo Wellness 2+ smart desk: Shipping and unboxing

All Yo-Yo desks come with free installation, which takes 7 - 12 days (check out Yo-Yo’s Zone Map for further insight) or you can expedite the process by installing yourself, meaning you’ll get the desk in just 1-2 days.

It arrives in two boxes, one for the legs and one for the surface and attachments, but the legs come pre-assembled and ready to attach to the tabletop; you’ll want a helping hand to carry the boxes if you’re not particularly strong and opt for the self-installation. Everything came securely packaged, and the team even took the boxes with them when they left.

Yo-Yo Wellness 2+ smart desk: Assembly

Loaded up with devices (Image credit: Yo-Yo )

I opted for the free installation as I’m not the strongest office worker in the world; however, I was in the room to observe the process, which was completed by a single builder. It’s definitely a two-person job when it comes to actually upturning the desk if, like me, you’re not built for heavy lifting, but the rest is very easily done following Yo-Yo’s quick and easy instructions. You’ll need your own electric and manual screwdriver, tape measure and spirit level, but the desk does come with an Allen key.

From start to finish, building the Wellness 2+ took around 40 minutes, including some light chatter along the way - a wonderfully quick process expedited significantly by the pre-built legs which you simply unbox, unfold, and attach to the table with the provided brackets. Then, add the feet and any accessories, affix the manual height controls and all that’s left to do is plug it in, flip the table and get it in situ.

Once upright, you can use a spirit level to determine the straightness of the surface, then use the feet to tweak it to perfection; a satisfying process I almost wanted to interrupt and do myself.

The hardest part is making sure the wires aren’t dangling around, if that’s something that will bother you, and I wish there was a bracket over the desk leg motor control power supply as I’ve seen in other models. While the wire that connects to your laptop for app controls does magnetically attach two the metal beam across the middle of the desk’s underside, it’s still prone to sliding off, so I’d recommend investing in some under-desk wire clips if you’re a cable control freak like me.

Yo-Yo Wellness 2+ smart desk: First impressions

All set up and ready to go (Image credit: Yo-Yo )

My immediate thought when I first saw the this smart desk set up in my home office was that, while it’s simple and professional, it’s a wonderfully blank canvas to work from. Personally, I’m not a fan of lighter surfaces on desks, as they’re prone to showing wear and tear far quicker, but fresh out of the box it does look lovely.

Getting myself set up with the app was simple and speedy, though I did have the added benefit of Yo-Yo’s founder Gavin Bradley attending my installation himself and talking me through the process. Still, I could have very easily done it myself.

To connect the desk to the app, you’ll need to plug in the included USB-A cable to your laptop, which requires some thoughtful wiring and desk organisation. You can download the app directly from Yo-Yo’s website, after which you set your desired standing and sitting default heights to be saved in the app.

Yo-Yo Wellness 2+ smart desk: Design

(Image credit: Yo-Yo )

Simple in looks, the Yo-Yo Wellness 2+ smart desk I tested came with silver motorized legs and a light grey surface; not light enough to be marred by grubby fingers, but enough to maintain a neutral aesthetic.

The surface is also available in a white colorway for free, or you can opt for a timber, beech, oak, maple, Nebraska oak or walnut veneer finish for an added £25. While its lightweight nature might cause concern for the longevity of the surface, the reality is you need to keep things as slight as possible to allow for more heavy items on top of the desk. The legs also come in white or black, featuring dual motors and a 3-stage design.

I opted to place a cable management shelf at the rear of the desk, which doesn’t come included in the basic price but is a real boon given there are a few extra wires with this desk to accommodate the necessary USB-A connection with the companion app, and no included bracket to affix over the leg motor connector.

As highlighted in the specs section, this desk comes with the Yo-Yo Mat medium, which is designed to encourage small amounts of motion and also provide some cushioning on harder floors. Clad in black lining and measuring at 77 x 50 x 2cm, it’s a fantastic addition that made a world of difference for me.

The basic controls that come included with the Wellness 2+ are fine, allowing you to move the desk up and down, but you can’t see your selected height nor can you set or toggle defaults. That can be a little frustrating if, for whatever reason, you don’t have a device paired with the desk handy - which did happen to me a few times.

Yo-Yo Wellness 2+ smart desk: Performance and app

Here's the Yo-Yo mat sitting neatly under the desk (Image credit: Yo-Yo )

Even as a standalone desk and without considering the app and included mat, the Wellness 2+ is accomplished. It’s responsive, fairly quiet and fast, graduating smoothly through its different height settings to reach your desired setting. While it is, as I say, fairly quiet at a maximum volume of 50dB (which is louder than the advertised 45dB), I have certainly used quieter desks.

It also feels very robust; on my desk, I had a large monitor, laptop stand and several peripherals, all of which felt well-secured thanks to the legs’ smooth transition. Its anti-collision smarts work well too, which genuinely came in very handy when I accidentally switched modes and forgot I’d stashed some boxes under my desk.

I’ve always wanted to try using a standing desk, but my biggest, perennial issue with anything wellness and fitness-related is my rather low commitment to the cause. So, when I was offered the opportunity to review the Yo-Yo Wellness 2+ desk with its companion app and extensive user education, I leaped at the opportunity.

Once you’re set up, you can choose from within the app which setting and height you want to use, as well as what ratio of sitting to standing you’d prefer to target yourself on. Bradley says the optimum setting is 45/45 minutes, which I tried for the first few times I used the desk.

After you’ve finished one session, the app notifies you that it’s time to change position, and with the click of a button, it will rise or descend to the appropriate measure. It’s incredibly satisfying, even after a few weeks, and broadly speaking this did help me build some good standing habits. However, there were a few times I couldn’t exactly transition between positions, such as during an interview or while in the thick of some spreadsheets, but in such situations you can simply snooze the notification.

I loved being able to not only track my time spent standing and sitting, but also the estimated calories burned and how many times I switched throughout the day, which served as really positive reinforcement for my habit-building.

Yo-Yo Wellness 2+ smart desk: Accessories

The desk's cable storage in action (Image credit: Yo-Yo )

I kept my desk fairly light and simple when it came to accessories outside of the aforementioned cable tray, which, as I say, is a must-have in my opinion. This comes at an added cost of £45, but there’s also a smaller version for £36, should you want to keep things simple.

There’s also a selection of add-ons such as metal grommets, a digital display with smart settings, various other cable management accessories, power accessories, monitor arms and more advanced standing mats. You can find more of those in our round-up of the best standing desk mats.

Yo-Yo Wellness 2+ smart desk: Final verdict

Ready for work (Image credit: Yo-Yo )

Overall, I have to say I’ve mostly been splitting hairs when critiquing the Yo-Yo Wellness 2+ smart desk. It’s impressively well-built, performs very well, and its smart features offer a unique benefit that could really help someone trying to habit-build or track their usage. It’s only flaw is being very basic in terms of what’s included, given its price.

I really put the Wellness 2+ through its paces, stacking it high with a full array of weighty peripherals, and it stayed resolute through it all, still moving with the smoothness and responsiveness I’d expect.

I can absolutely see myself using this desk for a long time in my home office, though in retrospect I’d have probably opted for a different surface colorway to make it feel a little less corporate. Still, it’s a brilliant desk that has had a genuine positive impact on my working habits and well-being, and for that alone it’s a real win.

Attributes

Notes

Rating

​​Design

While it’s no show-stopper, the desk is certainly well-built. I’d have liked to see more in-built features at this price that aren’t costly add-ons, however.

⭐⭐⭐

Material quality

The veneered tabletop is no solid wood slate, but it keeps the weight (and cost) low. Otherwise, everything is of excellent build quality.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Assembly

I’d estimate a self-install would take 45 minutes to an hour, but with the included free installation completed by a professional it can take as little as 30 minutes.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ease of use

Both the build-in manual controls and app are wonderfully easy. The instructions are clear and easy to follow.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Practicality

There’s no storage, and all of the power and cable management options are add-ons, which can rack up the cost.

⭐⭐⭐

Price

It’s by no means overpriced as a basic desk, but it’s not cheap. Plus, the Wellness 2+ could become a big investment if you throw in accessories, some of which feel like must-haves.

⭐⭐⭐

For more workspace accessories and office furniture, we reviewed the best office chairs.

Avid Ingenium Plug&Play: two-minute review

The Avid Ingenium Plug&Play is a belt-driven unsuspended turntable and it’s the very smallest and simplest turntable that the company makes. This might sound surprising for a turntable with a price tag of £1,500 (about $2,500 / AU$2,500, where available) but it is a reflection of quite how far up the Avid range goes.

If you want to purchase the brand's flagship Acutus Reference Mono turntable, Nexus V2 arm and Ruby cartridge, you will need a not inconsequential £48,950 (or around $66,250 / AU$102,260, give or take) to do it. Judged by this metric, then, those aforementioned prices are indeed fairly entry level.

Most importantly, the Avid Ingenium Plug&Play is built around the same principles as the top-tier Acutus. Everything that Avid does is developed from the top down. The company begins by making the best example of something that they know how to make. When they want to make a more affordable version, they change the absolute minimum number of parts and design elements. Then, when a more affordable version still is required, this second level becomes the point from which development begins. By this process, the Acutus has become the Ingenium.

This process also means that the Ingenium is designed with different priorities to some of the best turntables at the price and it looks and feels different as well. Is the result exactly what you need in a turntable or do other approaches work better?

(Image credit: Future / Ed Selley)Avid Ingenium Plug&Play review: Price & release date

The original Ingenium has been around for over a decade but it has changed a little in that time. Originally, it could be ordered with different cutouts from the factory that allowed you to choose different arms. You could also have one that had a longer chassis that allowed it to work with 12 inch arms. Not only that, if you were feeling really keen, you could order one where the chassis extended in both directions and could mount two arms at once. As someone who is the very definition of keen when it comes to turntables, I have owned a twin-armed Ingenium for many years as it is a fantastic piece of test equipment.

The Plug & Play was released in 2018 and quickly became the sole version of the Ingenium. By simplifying the versions, Avid could keep the price down and ensure that installing one is as simple as possible. Though there is only one version for sale, the company makes a series of upgrades that can be added at a later date, which we will cover as well.

As of May 2025, an Ingenium Plug & Play is £1,500 in the UK. In the US, the current liveliness around imports makes the price a little volatile but it appears to be around $2,500. In Australia, it is yours for AU$2,500.

This price is inclusive of everything you need to get up and running out of the box, with the exception of a phono stage. Avid does make these if you need and, as the Ingenium Plug & Play is fitted with a moving magnet cartridge, many owners will have a phono stage built into their existing electronics that will allow them to connect directly.

(Image credit: Future / Ed Selley)Avid Ingenium Plug&Play review: Features

• Metal chassis built around a custom bearing
• Motor acts on subplatter with MDF or optional metal platter
• Upgradable power supply
• Arm and cartridge fitted

Every Avid turntable from the Acutus down is designed around the same principle. It is intended to dissipate energy away from the playing surface via the bearing. The chassis of the Ingenium Plug&Play takes the form of a two-piece cruciform with the longer section housing the bearing and tonearm mount, and the shorter crossbeam adding stability. The motor is not attached to the chassis; instead it sits in free space behind the main chassis member. The feet are pliant rubber and add some useful isolation from the outside world.

The bearing is hugely important to how the Ingenium works and considerable attention has, rightly, been lavished on it. It is set forward from the center of the chassis which means that you can see the entire assembly from the front. The bearing comprises a shaft, with the actual bearing itself sat at the top. A subplatter sits on top of this and this is what the belt acts on. On top of this, the platter is then fitted.

This platter is cork topped and used on other Avid turntables. As standard, it is made of MDF and feels pretty substantial but you can also order the Plug&Play with a metal platter. This looks very similar to the standard one but is much heavier and more inert. The upgraded platter comes with bolts that screw into the underside. These drop into holes in the subplatter to tighten up the relationship between the two. Order the metal platter at the same time as the Ingenium and it will cost you £350 ($475, AU$730 where sold) or you can order it later on for £450 ($610 / AU$940, where sold).

(Image credit: Future / Ed Selley)

The Ingenium makes use of another Avid design feature in the form of a clamp. This screws down via a threaded spindle to physically press the record against that energy-dissipating bearing. This is another feature present on all Avid turntables and is absolutely integral to how they work.

As supplied, the Ingenium's motor plugs directly into the wall and simply has an on/off switch most of the way up the wire. Depending on how you place the Avid, this can make it hard to reach and it means that changing between 33 and 45 RPM is a matter of lifting the platter off and moving the belt from one motor pulley to another.

Both of these can be corrected by upgrading to the Electronic PSU. This allows for electronic speed control via a motor with a different pulley that allows two belts to be run at the same time. This is not a cheap upgrade – at £1,500 ($1,355 / AU$2,085 approx.) it’s the same price as the turntable itself and there is no saving to be had ordering it at the same time.

The arm that comes pre-fitted is something Avid calls the TA1. It is designed with a view to working with the supplied cartridge but will accept others that are content working with its fixed anti-skate system. It outputs via a captive lead and Avid has ensured that the VTA is correct out of the box. This arm is not expensive; it appears with the same cartridge on a turntable that costs £330 ($445 / AU$690, where sold) but it reflects Avid’s design priorities. Their argument is that, unless the turntable itself is correctly engineered, nothing else will be right. For some people, this price balance will seem somewhat lopsided but is a ratio that Avid employs on many of their turntables.

Should you wish to change it in future, any arm using the same mount and geometry should fit but this does not include either of the arms that Avid makes. Something that can also be done, though, is to change the stylus on the cartridge. By origin, this is an Audio Technica design called the AT-91 and it has sold in huge quantities. Roll your sleeves up and get online and you’ll find a variety of upgraded stylus options for it that simply slide on in place of the existing one and can offer substantially better performance.

• Features score: 4 / 5

(Image credit: Future / Ed Selley)Avid Ingenium Plug&Play review: sound quality

• Exceptionally cohesive and controlled performance
• Excellent bass; made even better with the upgrades
• Some limitations to fine detail
• Can be very good fun

Turntables are fascinating and slightly maddening things. They perform one job that has very few variables – at the most basic level, support a record and rotate it at 33 or 45 RPM, and yet, the performance they offer varies hugely. Put simply, every single design and engineering decision makes a difference to how the turntable performs. Done well, this manifests itself in how the information on the record is presented. The more capable the turntable, the better it avoids information on the record becoming congested and confused.

It doesn’t take very long listening to the Ingenium Plug&Play to realize that, at its fundamental core, it is incredibly capable. I’ve been using The Cinematic Orchestra’s Man with a Movie Camera as a piece of test material for years. The version of Burn Out used here is bigger and has a larger overall sense of scale than the original and, as the track builds, it can start to sound a little muddled. On the Avid, this simply doesn’t occur; it has the bandwidth and ability to keep everything sounding as it should. The Ingenium hangs together, even when a number of similarly priced rivals are beginning to struggle.

It also possesses extremely good bass and when I say, ‘good bass’ I mean more than straightforward low-end thudding. From the moment that lower midrange starts to become bass, there is a heft to it that is perfectly judged – weighty without tipping over into being dominating or overblown. It does rather justify Avid’s belief in the turntable itself as the final decider of the quality of playback. I have never heard anything else using a remotely similar arm and cartridge achieve the same level of sheer low-end tone and texture as what the Ingenium extracts from it.

There is more to be had from it. Avid supplied an example of the upgrade platter with my review sample and fitting this improves the bass response even further. Not only does the absolute extension improve but the texture and control to low notes improves even further. Rogues Gospel by Duke Garwood is an exceptionally natural recording, underpinned by surprisingly deep bass notes. With the metal platter present, the percussion is better defined against the mix and it starts and stops with greater precision.

(Image credit: Future / Ed Selley)

Adding the external power supply (I also used the motor from my own Ingenium for this as it has the correct pulley and connecting cable) yields more performance. It might sound odd that changing the power feed for the motor has any effect on the performance but it’s important to remember that this is the only part of the turntable where electrical power is added – everything else is entirely passive. The power supply allows me to more easily listen to a 45RPM version of Peter Gabriel’s eponymous third album. The already orderly and spacious presentation takes a further step forward. Without losing the building urgency of Family Snapshot, the Avid is astonishingly capable.

There are some limits, though, that would need attention before spending £1,500 (approx. $1,355 / AU$2,085) on the power supply. The Avid extracts more from its cost-effective arm than you would ever credit but it will show its limitations. Compared with the arm and cartridge combination used regularly on my resident Ingenium (which I am compelled to admit costs more than the Plug&Play and the optional power supply combined), there is a loss of fine detail and tonal realism that is the absolute limiting factor to the Avid’s performance. As noted, changing the stylus would be a cost-effective means of starting to correct this, and there is a decent choice of arms that will bolt straight on that I would probably look at ahead of the power supply.

Crucially, though, you won’t need to rush to do this. In the time the Avid has been in situ, it’s been sharing a rack with more expensive, and notionally more capable, decks but I’ve never rushed to switch over from listening to it. What it does so effectively is balance attributes I have long associated with Avid turntables – a confidence and realism that is unaffected by the scale and complexity of the material being played, with the ability to be plain and simple good fun when you want it to be.

Playing the belated vinyl release of Superabundance by the Young Knives on the Ingenium is a neat demonstration of this. Even after a remaster, it’s not a great recording but the Plug&Play takes in its stride and will have you yelling along to the utterly nonsensical chorus of Terra Firma in fine style.

• Sound quality score: 4.5 / 5

(Image credit: Future / Ed Selley)Avid Ingenium Plug&Play review: Design

• Simple, but attractive with it
• Superbly made
• Easy to set up
• No dust protection or cover of any kind

Avid is first and foremost an engineering company. They don’t really go in for ‘styling’ as it might be defined in the usual sense. There is absolutely nothing on the Ingenium Plug&Play that doesn’t need to be there for it to work. Despite this (or, partly because of it), I love it. The Avid doesn’t set out to be pretty but thanks to the absolute lack of frippery and adornment, it looks fantastic. You don’t need to know anything about vinyl to know it’s a very special thing.

It is also superbly made. Extracting the Avid from its box allows you to get a handle of the sheer heft of the metalwork and the precision involved in the construction. I won’t insult your intelligence by calling it cheap but I don’t know of many turntables at the price that feel anything like as substantial. It very effectively gives a little taste of just how incredibly well assembled the company’s more premium offerings are.

It also delivers on the name as well. It can be momentarily intimidating to see all the parts sat in the box when you open it but, thanks to a genuinely good set of instructions, the Avid is a pleasure to put together and should not be beyond even a complete novice. The quality and care of the execution is evident from the moment you start slotting the parts together and the whole process inspires confidence in what you're doing. Pay attention, avoid distractions and you should be spinning a record within 10 to 15 minutes of opening the box.

Something to remember when choosing an Ingenium Plug&Play is that as a 'skeleton' deck, the Avid has no dust or child protection as standard. This means that it is rather more vulnerable than some rivals to the outside world. Avid offers some covers, and other options are available, but this of course will come at an extra cost. I have generally kept an old record on my Ingenium's platter to help keep dust off the playing surface.

• Design score: 4.5 / 5

(Image credit: Future / Ed Selley)Avid Ingenium Plug&Play review: Value

There are two levels to judging the Plug&Play. Judged on what you get in the box for £1,500 (about $2,500 / AU$2,500, where available), it’s good but there are other turntables that can keep it honest, ones which also offer lids, electronic speed control and other niceties. The Ingenium is competitive and can hold its own but it doesn’t deliver a knockout blow.

The thing to consider, though, is that the Ingenium can be taken to places that almost nothing else for the price can. My twin-armed one has the upgrade platter and the power supply and uses arms that cost more than the Plug&Play does on its own. It’s still mechanically the same basic turntable as the review unit but it can deliver a level of performance far beyond what the basic unit is capable of.

If you know you are committing to vinyl for decades to come, this is a turntable that will grow with you. Viewed in this way, the Ingenium represents rather more impressive value.

• Value score: 4 / 5

(Image credit: Future / Ed Selley)Should I buy the Avid Ingenium Plug&Play?

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

Metal chassis, with possible upgrades available

4 / 5

Sound quality

Cohesive and controlled with excellent bass; some limitations to fine detail

4.5 / 5

Design

Simple and attractive; superbly made; easy to set up

4.5 / 5

Value

A little pricey, but good-quality equipment means it grows with you

4 / 5

Buy it if…

Accuracy matters
The Avid is a capable and revealing source that is able to handle complex material in a way that even similarly priced designs can struggle with. It’s effortlessly capable.

You want simplicity
Everything you need turns up in the box and putting the Ingenium together is straightforward and logical. This is a top-tier vinyl experience but it’s not an intimidating one.

You’re in this for the long haul
The upgrades available from Avid and the basic adaptability of the turntable itself means this is something you can spend your money on, enjoy it as it is and then begin to upgrade it at a later date.

Don't buy it if…

You need electronic speed control
Adding this feature to the Avid will set you back some cash and, while it will boost performance, it's an extra expense when some rivals have it included.

You need a lid
Got cats or a low flying toddler? The Ingenium probably isn’t the turntable for you. It’s more vulnerable than models with a cover.

You live for tiny details
Out of the box, the supplied cartridge on the Plug&Play is good but not the last work in detail retrieval. At the very least, it will need a stylus change to start to rival what some more sophisticated pickups can do.

(Image credit: Future / Ed Selley)Avid Ingenium Plug&Play review: Also consider

Rega Planar PL1
The snap and timing of the Rega make it a real contender. Everything is in the box, too.
Read more on the Rega Planar PL1

Technics SL-1500C
If you like the power of a direct drive, then the Technics is the one for you. It's got a sturdy build to it, too.
Read our Technics SL-1500C review here

Pro-ject Debut Carbon Evo
When it comes to effortless flow, the Pro-ject is peerless, and is a wildly detailed listen.
Read our full Pro-ject Debut Carbon Evo review here

(Image credit: Future / Ed Selley)How I tested the Avid Ingenium Plug&Play

The Avid was parked on a Quadraspire rack and run both in out-of-the-box and upgraded forms, connected to a Cyrus Classic Phono phono stage, which outputted to a Cambridge Audio Edge A integrated amplifier and Kudos Titan 505 speakers. As the Cyrus has four inputs, it meant other turntables that live here all the time could be run alongside and everything played through my standard reference system.

All listening took place in a 3.5m x 4m lounge that I use as a listening space. As well as the listed recordings, I used a huge selection of records, ranging from very audiophile indeed to Boss Drum by The Shamen which, with the best will in the world, is not.

• First reviewed: June 2025
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