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Garmin Approach S50: One-minute review

Sitting in the mid-range of the brand’s golf watch range, the Garmin Approach S50 is an excellent course companion. It includes all of the brand’s suite of excellent golfing features, as well as just the right amount of extra health and fitness, and everyday functionality to offer a golf-first, near-complete package.

It’s the golfing pedigree that shines the brightest, of course, and it puts those features into action brilliantly as a course companion. It enhanced my time and game on the course with its accurate yardages, automatic shot tracking and score logging, golf course and hole graphics, and the excellent PlaysLike feature — which factors in elevation and weather — is brilliant.

The design and build are of excellent quality, too, with the S50 having more of a lifestyle-friendly design and form than others in the Approach range. Combine this with some very friendly day-to-day functionality and a host of fitness and health features that are excellent to use, and the package becomes even clearer.

I still reserve a strong dislike for Garmin’s own proprietary charging method, which only gets more intense when combined with a super short charging cable, but this is a wider problem shared by the S50, not unique to it. Elsewhere, it’s easy to use on-screen, and its battery life is strong, offering more than two rounds of golf’s worth of juice before needing to even consider charging.

All in, however, the S50 could really give some more premium devices a scare with its overall offering, and for those who are put off by the higher-end Garmin Approach S70’s hefty price tag, this could be the perfect solution and new golf course companion.

Garmin Approach S50

Price

Starts at $399.99 / £349.99 / AU$729

Dimensions

1.69 x 1.69 x 0.44in / 43 x 43 x 11.4mm

Weight

1.02oz/29g

Bezel/case

Aluminium

Display

390 x 390px; 1.2in / 30.4mm; AMOLED

GPS

GPS + GLONASS + Galileo

Battery life

Smartwatch mode: Up to 10 days; GPS only: Up to 15 hours

Connection

Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi

Water resistant?

Yes, 5 ATM

Garmin Approach S50: Price and availability

(Image credit: Future / Rob Dwiar )

• List prices of $399.99 / £349.99 / AU$729
• Mid-range in Garmin’s lineup
• Good value for money

Coming in right in the middle between the high-end Approach S70 watch and the budget, entry-level Approach S12, the Garmin Approach S50 is targeting the middle ground of its golf watch lineup. And does so successfully from a price and value perspective.

The balance of features on offer, its overall performance, and everything that getting into the Garmin Golf ecosystem gives you, all on an AMOLED watch with the brand’s best on-course elements — while still coming in considerably less than the S70 is excellent. In fact, I’d wager that the S50 might have the S70 worried from a value perspective, as only a couple of compromises could get you down to the S50 from the S70 and save you a bunch of cash.

The S50 is joined in the middle of the Garmin golf watch pack by the S44, released at the same time late last year. This offers a much leaner mid-range experience, without being a totally entry-level device. With the S50 being less than $100 / £100 / AU$180 more than the more streamlined-for-golf S44, but still $250 / £150 / AU$370 less than the S70 (42mm), it really does feel like it’s hit the sweet spot.

A small wrinkle for me on price was that I found the default strap to be really sub-par and swapped it out for another from Garmin; this naturally increases the overall cost of the S50, but the freedom to change straps and pick an alternative for one you like is welcome.

• Value score: 4.5/5

Garmin Approach S50: Design and screen

(Image credit: Future / Rob Dwiar )

• 1.2in / 30.4mm AMOLED screen
• Two-button control system is an acquired taste
• Lightweight and robust build but default strap is lame

Broadly speaking, the S50 is the same size as its Approach siblings, and that comes from being built around a 1.2” / 30.4mm display, with no other size options. There’s no chunky bezel here either, and in fact, the S50’s display edge isn’t raised like the S70. As a result, the S50 is much more reminiscent of an everyday smartwatch like the more recent Samsung Galaxy models.

Two compact buttons positioned on the right-hand side, and the easily removable watch strap system on all Garmin watches, round out the design to create a compact and tidy build that can look like a lifestyle watch and is robust to boot.

The screen is lovely and clear. And while it can’t hold a candle to the MARQ Golfer (Gen 2)’s domed screen, which I loved, the S50’s display works well here. Fairways and course maps are a vibrant green on the wrist, figures are crisp and clear at a glance, and even though I don’t like Garmin’s font at all, health features, settings, and menus are all clear and easily readable.

I do far prefer the three-button control on the S70 and MARQ Golfer (Gen 2) for ease of navigation and input, with the latter devices providing more easy ways to navigate systems and menus to get to where you need to be. Of course, given time it soon becomes easy to use and intuitive.

The biggest design gripes I have are with the default strap, which I found, despite its comfort, very fiddly to use every time, and the inelegant Garmin charging solution with a short cable and the port on the back of the watch.

• Design score: 4/5

Garmin Approach S50: Features

(Image credit: Future / Rob Dwiar )

• Includes all Garmin’s golf features, including PlaysLike
• Has extensive fitness and health features
• Battery life is good, and as stated

The Garmin Approach S50 includes all the (non-subscription-based) golf features that set the best Garmin watches apart, and that includes the excellent PlaysLike feature - Garmin’s own tool which will factor in weather and elevation difference between your location and the target to give you accurate, ‘real’ yardages, not just those based on straight lines on a 2D map.

In fact, positioning itself as the cheapest watch in the range that offers this feature is a very helpful way of identifying itself to golfers who are looking for the best features, but not anything outrageous price-wise. On the course, I found all the yardages to be excellently accurate and well presented on the crystal clear AMOLED color screen, and features like the AutoShot tech, swing temp meter, and green view (and more) were typically superb to use.

Away from golf, there’s a host of Garmin’s usual, and excellent, health and fitness trackers, which are super for the active golfer looking to monitor their wellness off the course. This sets it apart from the rest of the cheaper watches in the Approach range, and these include features such as sleep tracking, body battery, stress, and more, all of which perform as expected.

As far as daily watch features go, the S50 is perfectly functional and has been a solid if unspectacular companion for messaging, music control, and other daily use.

I found the battery life to be as Garmin described, too, going days and days in normal smartwatch mode before needing to charge, and easily getting two rounds in before having to think about charging it up when using it mainly for golf.

• Features score: 5/5

Garmin Approach S50: Performance

(Image credit: Future / Rob Dwiar )

• Wonderful on-course performance
• Easy to use, accurate, and game-improving
• Perfectly functional as a daily smartwatch

As expected, the Approach S50 is a joy on the course, and offers exactly the top-level of performance I’d expect from a Garmin golf watch. The features are super, the courses are presented clearly, the yardages are accurate, and the full suite of features that includes the PlaysLike distance element is all fantastic.

Switching between the PlaysLike yardage of a hole and the on-paper yardage of a hole, and navigating courses clearly through the watch’s crisp screen, is a joy. You’ll get all the accuracy you’d expect, which can then be elevated even more with a Garmin Golf Subscription, should you wish.

The health and fitness features are also fantastic (typical Garmin), and perform with accuracy, ease of interaction, and help to ensure the watch offers something away from, or complementary to, the course.

There are a few Garmin-isms that I continue to dislike personally, that the S50 features such as the font and the way it displays the original messages from WhatsApp chats by default rather than the latest (Garmin has announced that there is better WhatsApp integration now available for some of its devices — but not its golf watches, at least yet, anyway). Battery life holds up as promised, and I found it to reflect Garmin’s own description pretty much like for like, but the very short cable combined with Garmin’s inelegant solution of where you attach the charger (on the back of the watch, which then has to lie face down, at least initially) makes for a couple more small frustrations.

The aforementioned two-button control system takes a bit of getting used to, especially if you’re coming from a different control setup, but give it enough time, and it’ll become second nature. Until I switched straps, however, I would also argue that the default one hindered the watch’s performance personally, as it detracted from using it and wearing it somewhat.

• Performance score: 4/5

Garmin Approach S50: Scorecard

Category

Comment

Score

Price

Offering robust value for money in the mid-range of Garmin golf watches, the S50 encapsulates the best of the golfing elements and combines them with a solid suite of fitness tracking features to offer a good value package.

4.5/5

Design and screen

The default strap is not one I’m a fan of or enjoy, and some Garmin design-isms remain, which hold the design score back a point. The screen, however, is excellent as usual, and the buttons are easy to use and intuitive.

4/5

Features

Combining excellent golf features from Garmin, including the PlaysLike element, with Garmin’s usual brilliance in fitness and health features, and the usual robustness in being an everyday device, the feature-set is a strong proposition on the S50.

5/5

Performance

Featuring all the Garmin golf feature greatness that you’d expect, the S50 is a brilliant watch on the course and a joy to use to improve one’s game and rounds. It’s supported by strong but unspectacular daily smartwatch performance to offer a full package.

4/5

Total

If you’re looking for a great Garmin golf watch that features everything you could want from the brand’s esteemed lineup of golf features, then this is a superb watch. There are not many detractors here, and the price point means the value proposition is robust, too.

4.5/5

Garmin Approach S50: Should I buy?Buy it if...

You want a really good value mid-range golf watch

If you’re on the hunt for a mid-range golf watch that channels all that Garmin does brilliantly in the field, then the S50 is hard to beat.

You simply have to have Garmin’s PlaysLike feature

The Approach S50 is the cheapest Garmin golf watch, which will still bag you the excellent PlaysLike feature.

Don’t buy it if…

You want a premium device and experience

If you want a watch that will be all-singing and dancing, then you might need to consider investing more into a watch and go for something even more flashy, like the Garmin Approach S70 or even the MARQ Golfer (Gen 2).

You’re looking for an entry-level golf watch

Alternatively, if you’re looking to rein in the spending on your golf watch and are happy to consider something even more restrained or don’t fancy loads of bells and whistles, then you can save money with something like the Garmin Approach S12 or Shot Scope G6.

Also consider

Garmin Approach S50

Garmin Approach S70

Shot Scope G6

Price

Starts at $399.99 / £349.99 / AU$729

$649.99/$699.99 / £549.99/£599.99 / AU$1,099/$AU$1,199

$179.99 / £179.99 (around AU$370)

Dimensions

1.69 x 1.69 x 0.44in / 43 x 43 x 11.4mm

1.8 x 1.8 x 0.5in/47 x 47 x 13.4mm / 1.7 x 1.7 x 0.5in/42 x 42 x 12.6mm

1.7 x 1.7 x 0.39in/44 x 44 x 10mm

Weight

1.02oz/29g

2oz/56g / 1.6oz/44g

1.48oz / 42g

Case/bezel

Aluminium

Ceramic

Brushed steel

Display

390 x 390px; 1.2in / 30.4mm; AMOLED

454 x 454px / 390 x 390px; 1.2in/32mm / 1.4in/35.4mm; AMOLED

176 x 176px; Daylight readable MIP

GPS

GPS + GLONASS + Galileo

GPS+GLONASS+Galileo

GPS L1, Galileo E1, Glonass L1

Battery life

Smartwatch mode: Up to 10 days; GPS only: Up to 15 hours

Smartwatch mode: Up to 16 days/up to 10 days; GPS mode: up to 20 hours/up to 15 hours

GPS Mode: 2+ rounds of golf / Watch Mode: 4 days

Connection

Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi

Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi

Bluetooth 5

Water resistant?

Yes, 10 ATM

Yes, 5 ATM

Not stated

Garmin Approach S70

If you’re looking to get the absolute most out of your Garmin golf watch purchase and experience — but without spending the huge price of admission the MARQ Golfer requires — then the Approach S70 is the watch to go for.

Read our full Garmin Approach S70 review

ShotScope G6

If you want to keep the budget down and want to laser in on golfing prowess and focus, then ShotScope’s G6 is a brilliant GPS-only watch.

Read our full Shot Scope G6 review

How I tested

I tested the Garmin Approach S50 on the course and off it for several months, playing multiple rounds at my home course in Somerset and a few elsewhere in the UK. I also regularly used it as my daily smartwatch, testing a whole host of its features from fitness and health to messaging.

I compared the Garmin Approach S50 to my TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 Golf Edition, and the Garmin MARG 2 Golfer as well as the more affordable ShotScope G6 GPS watch, while also l,ooking back to my time with the Approach S70 for comparison.

First reviewed November 2025-March 2026

The Garmin Approach S50 is a brilliant mid-range golf watch that shines on the course — and is only slightly held back by some familiar grievances.

GEEKOM A5 Pro: 30-second review

The Geekom A5 Pro at 112.4 x 112.4 x 37mm is one of the smaller Mini PCs that I’ve looked at; however, removing it from the box, the all-aluminium casing gives it an instantly premium look and feel. The finish is exceptional, and it’s a good, solid machine that will be equally at home in the office or used as a portable machine in the field, for events or any situation where a PC is required. The design is decidedly premium, and unlike some of the more plastic Mini PC options, there’s an overall feeling of quality and style that would make this a perfect option for offices as well as stylish studios.

If you do want to hide the machine away, then there are the usual VESA bracket options so it can be secured to the back of a compatible monitor or stand, although it's worth noting that the SD card reader on the side would then become harder to reach.

One of the features that I like about this machine is the port layout, which, as ever, is split between the front and rear. The front features two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports and a 3.5mm audio combo, and on the side is an SD card reader. Around the back, there are two more USB Type-A ports, one 3.2 Gen 2 and the other USB 2.0.

There are also two USB 3.2 Type-C ports, dual HDMI 2.0 ports, and the 2.5GbE LAN port. That LAN port is a step up from Gigabit Ethernet that I usually see on machines of this size and price, and when connected to the UGREEN NAS, it delivered faster file transfer rates for archiving images and footage.

Powering the machine is an AMD Ryzen 5 7430U, which is paired with 16GB of DDR4. The 16GB is split between two channels, 8GB in each, and this helps ensure that the dual-channel potential is utilised, which is something that has limited other Mini PCs that offer the same RAM but in a single channel, which proves to be far slower. This dual-channel configuration did provide a boost in performance over similar machines, with applications loading faster, especially with Lightroom and Photoshop.

As I pushed the system with the creative apps, the cooling system IceBlast 2.0 kicked in. For a small machine, the noise was kept to a minimum and far lower than I would have expected. For most of the test, it was effectively silent, and even under extended office use, writing this review, the fan noise was hardly noticeable.

One of the additions that I always like to see is an SD card reader on the side. This just makes downloading images and videos that much faster, without needing to locate a card reader. Transferring 90GB of data from an SD card took around 9 minutes and 30 seconds, which is a reasonable speed.

Another feature that highlights its use in the office is the ability for quad display output, and this can be done through the dual HDMI and dual USB-C. I was only able to test with two 4K BenQ monitors running via HDMI or USB-C, but the machine was powerful enough to cope.

While this machine's GPU is limited, especially for gaming or mid-level creative work, for office use, the small machine packs plenty of power - expect to see it included in our guide to the best mini PCs soon.

GEEKOM A5 Pro: Price and availability

• How much does it cost? $499/£499 RRP
• When is it out? Available now
• Where can you get it? Directly from Geekom and Amazon.com

The Geekom A5 Pro is available from Geekom in the US for $569 and via Geekom UK for £518.

You can save an extra 7% when you use our exclusive code TECHA5PRO

This mini PC is also available from Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk.

• Value: 3.5 / 5

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)GEEKOM A5 Pro: Specs

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 7430U
GPU: AMD Radeon Vega 8 Graphics
Memory: 16GB DDR4 SODIMM(Max 64GB)
Storage: 1TB M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 ×4 NVMe SSD (up to 2 TB) and M.2 2242 SATAIII SSD, (up to 1 TB)
Display output: 2x HDMI 2.0 (4K@60Hz), 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C
Front Ports: 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A (10Gbps), 3.5mm audio jack
Rear ports: USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A (10Gbps), USB 2.0 Type-A, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, 2x HDMI 2.0, 2.5GbE RJ45, DC in
Wireless: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2
Kensington lock: Yes
OS: Windows 11 Pro
Dimensions: 112.4 x 112.4 x 37mm
In the box: A5 Pro Mini PC, VESA mount, 65W power adapter, HDMI cable, user guide
Warranty: 3 years

GEEKOM A5 Pro: Design

The Geekom A5 Pro is one of the smallest mini PCs I have tested, yet while closely packed, the ports, both front and back, are well laid out. The all-aluminium alloy chassis gives it a real premium feel and means that if you want this as a portable machine, that build quality should stand up. The machine feels solid and well-made, with a minimalistic quality that will appeal to many.

When it comes to the size, as already mentioned, it is small at 112.4 x 112.4 x 37mm, just larger than your palm-sized, so if you want, it’s more than small enough to be attached behind a monitor on a VESA bracket or slipped into a bag for location use.

The included VESA mount makes monitor mounting easy; however, as it is so small, it will equally take up very little space on a desk. One practical issue with VESA mounting is that if it is hidden behind a monitor, reaching the SD card reader on the side may be an issue. If you are planning to use the card reader, placing it on your desk will be a better idea, especially as it takes up so little room.

When it comes to connectivity, there are a surprising number of options considering the small size. On the front, there are two USB 3.2 Gen2 ports and an audio jack, while on the side, there’s the SD card reader.

Round at the rear, there's the rest of the connections: dual HDMI 2.0 ports for monitors, dual USB-C ports with DisplayPort support, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A and a USB 2.0 port, and the 2.5GbE LAN port. The rear port density is well balanced considering the size, and the fact that it has a 2.5GbE LAN over the more usual Gigabit Ethernet is good to see.

As this is such a small machine, decent cooling is essential, and here the IceBlast 2.0 cooling system is in place. This uses dual copper heatpipes and a large fan with side intake and rear output so that plenty of cool air is drawn through the system.

In practice, even under load, I found that the machine remained exceptionally quiet, which is good if you’re using this as an everyday office machine for general work and light creative use. Even when pushing the GPU harder with Lightroom catalogues or video timelines, the fan remained relatively subdued. Just checking the heat of the chassis, and it remained cool to the touch throughout the test.

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

While this is in no doubt due to the cooling system, the fact that the chip's 20W TDP means that the entire system will be running cooler than many higher-powered mini PCs.

Through the test, I took a look at the upgrade root for RAM and SSD, and the internal access is notably easier than that of some competitors. Removing four screws from the base lifts the cover, revealing both SO-DIMM and M.2 slots, all accessible without too much issue.

The primary M.2 2280 slot takes NVMe drives up to 2TB, and the secondary M.2 2242 SATA slot adds up to 1TB more, enabling a potential 3TB of internal storage. Upgrading RAM to up to 64GB is equally straightforward.

• Design: 4.5 / 5

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)GEEKOM A5 Pro: Features

Taking a look at the features, aside from the computing components, the small size has to lead the field. The fact that you have such a small machine in a solid aluminium chassis does make this Mini PC instantly appealing. Although from the outset, the lack of a powerful GPU means that while this is a good, powerful PC for office-based work, for creative and gaming, its feature set and performance are limited.

At the heart of the machine is an AMD Ryzen 5 7430U featuring a 6-core, 12-thread chip based on Zen 3 architecture with a 20W TDP, boosting to 4.3GHz. Essentially, this processor is focused on efficiency rather than performance.

What makes a difference to this machine compared with others that I have looked at that also use this processor is the RAM configuration. The 16GB arrives as two 8GB sticks in dual-channel mode, which delivers a noticeably better experience than single-channel alternatives that I have used.

Storage technology is on the older side, with a PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe SSD in the primary slot. There is a second slot for storage, although this is an M.2 2242 SATAIII SSD, so it is still relatively fast and will take a module up to 1TB. It’s also worth noting that PCIe 4.0 is increasingly common at this price point, and the absence of a Gen 4 drive is a disappointment, even if the Gen 3 speeds are unlikely to cause an issue for office work.

On the side of the machine is the SD card reader, which will appeal to creative users. Transferring image files from an SD card is quick, and having the reader built in without needing an external adapter or hub is convenient and keeps additional accessories off the worksurface.

Networking is also a step up from most machines of this type, with a 2.5GbE LAN port on the rear. During the test, I connected this to the UGREEN NAS via a wired router, and transfer rates were noticeably faster than with Gigabit connections.

While quad-display output is supported via dual HDMI 2.0 and dual USB-C with DisplayPort, during this test, I was limited to two 4K monitors.

Connectivity was also solid for the most part, with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 handling wireless connectivity. Wi-Fi performance was consistent at close range but sensitive to line-of-sight distance to the router, with occasional signal drops when the machine was farther from the Eero network.

The Kensington security slot is a useful inclusion for anyone deploying this machine in a shared office or workspace environment. At this price, it is not a common feature, and its inclusion reinforces the professional positioning Geekom aims for with the A5 Pro.

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

• Features: 4 / 5

GEEKOM A5 Pro: PerformanceBenchmark scores

Benchmark Results:
CrystalDiskMark Read: 6994.18 MB/s
CrystalDiskMark Write: 6188.09 MB/s
Geekbench CPU Multi: 12,600
Geekbench CPU Single: 2,382
Geekbench GPU: 30,577
PCMark Overall: 7,536
Cinebench CPU Multi: 12,133
Cinebench CPU Single: 1,700
3DMark Fire Strike Overall: 3,091
3DMark Fire Strike Graphics: 3,376
3DMark Fire Strike Physics: 15,071
3DMark Fire Strike Combined: 1,094
3DMark Time Spy Overall: N/A
3DMark Time Spy Graphics: N/A
3DMark Time Spy CPU: N/A
Wild Life Overall: 6,834
Steel Nomad Overall: 188
Windows Experience Overall: 8.0

Getting into the performance and the use of this machine was almost instantly apparent. For office-based work, Microsoft Office and all its applications, browsing the internet and light creative work in CapCut, this machine excelled. However, as soon as I started to place demands on the GPU, the machine's speed started to struggle.

Checking the benchmark results highlighted the strengths of the machine and the PCMark overall score of 5,933, the Geekbench multi-core of 6,903, and the WEI score of 8.0, all of which highlighted that the A5 Pro is a very capable home office machine.

Over other very similar machines that I have tested, the dual-channel RAM configuration has recently given this machine the edge when it comes to performance, although there are still slowdowns. Switching between Lightroom Classic and Photoshop was notably faster, although there’s still quite a wait for many applications to load.

Where this machine is most at home is when running Microsoft Office, and with all applications, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, the A5 Pro was able to handle everything from large documents to image-heavy presentations without issue.

This is where the Ryzen 5 7430U and the Zen 3 architecture work well and provide fast and reliable performance. Web browsing, media streaming, and general Windows use are where this machine's strengths definitely lie.

Switching the type of work to light creative, the A5 Pro continues to perform well, although the 1TB SSD capacity is slightly limiting.

Lightroom Classic opened and catalogued files from the Canon EOS R5 C without issues, and basic editing and batch export were manageable once the application had loaded, which can take a while. Photoshop handled basic editing as well as complex multi-layer files at a reasonable speed, although I did find that as I built up complex focus layer stacks, which created larger files, there was a notable slowdown as the Vega 8 graphics started to work harder. Adobe Bridge showed the GPU limits more clearly, with thumbnail rendering becoming especially slow.

Again, referring back to the benchmarks, the Geekbench GPU score of 13,683 and Fire Strike Graphics of 3,376 show the Vega 8 limitations. 1080p video editing is possible, but 4K starts to challenge the system. In Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve, 4K timeline work slowed considerably once effects and colour grading were applied. At 1080p, both applications were more manageable, and in a lighter editor like CapCut, the machine handled social media editing well. This is a machine that you can use for some creative work, but it should be seen first as an office machine rather than creative.

As ever, to really push the system, I loaded a series of games, and this is where the machine really hit its limits. Demanding titles like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle would not run, and Hogwarts Legacy was equally beyond the hardware. Older, less demanding titles ran at low settings, which is about as much as the Vega 8 can handle.

Under sustained load, the IceBlast 2.0 cooling system performed well. Even when the machine was working hard, the fan noise remained relatively low, considerably quieter than that of machines running higher-TDP processors in similarly sized chassis. The 20W limit means there is less heat to manage, and the dual copper heatpipe system seemed to keep the machine in check.

The 20W TDP is both an advantage if low power systems are essential to you, especially out in the field or as part of Van Life; however, it's also the machine's limitation. The power consumption is exceptionally low, and through the test, I was able to run the machine from a compact power station for a full day, making it a great portable option for location work or van life setups.

The trade-off for this low power draw is the performance, especially under GPU-intensive creative and gaming workloads. If you are looking for a machine for productivity, this machine is a great choice. If you need a machine for more demanding creative use, then look for a higher-powered machine.

• Performance: 3.5 / 5

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)GEEKOM A5 Pro: Final verdict

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The Geekom A5 Pro is a well-balanced and genuinely impressive home and office mini PC that just about justifies its price.

The all-aluminium build, dual-channel RAM, 2.5GbE networking, SD card reader, quiet operation, and three-year warranty all come together as a well-balanced offering that just takes the edge over similar machines that I have looked at recently. It essentially runs everything that most offices will need, including Microsoft Office and some creative apps.

The PCIe 3.0 SSD and the Vega 8 GPU do feel like older technologies and do limit the machine's performance, but these aren’t really an issue for the intended market.

If your daily work stays within Office, browsing, and light photo or video editing, the A5 Pro is more than sufficient for your needs. If 4K video editing or GPU-intensive creative work is part of your day-to-day tasks, then the 20W chip will leave you frustrated. If you’re a home-office professional, small-business owner, or content creator who needs a capable secondary machine, this is a good choice at a reasonable cost.

Should I buy the GEEKOM A5 Pro?

Value

Aluminium build, dual-channel RAM, 2.5GbE, SD card reader, and a three-year warranty just make this a reasonable value.

3.5

Design

A well built machines at this size and price, with the all-aluminium chassis and compact form factor being genuinely impressive.

4.5

Features

2.5GbE, SD card reader, quad display support, easy internal access, and VESA mount included mean that there’s plenty on offer

4

Performance

Excellent for productivity and light creative work; however, the 20W Vega 8 GPU reaches its limit quickly with 4K video or gaming

3.5

Overall

A premium-feeling, practically well-equipped home office mini PC that runs quietly, although a little pricy

3.5

Buy it if...

You need an Office Machine.

The A5 Pro handles everything the home office demands quietly and without fuss. The premium aluminium build, dual-channel RAM, and connectivity options make it a compact and well-equipped machine for the size and price.

You want to plenty of connection options.

With 2.5GbE, dual HDMI, dual USB-C with DisplayPort, six USB ports, an SD card reader, and a VESA mount all in the box, the A5 Pro provides plenty for most desktop set-ups.

Don't buy it if...

You need 4K video editing.

The Vega 8 GPU and 20W TDP mean 4K timeline work in Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve becomes slow once timelines build and effects are applied.

You plan to VESA-mount it and use the SD card reader.

The SD card reader sits on the side, which makes it easily accessible on the desk but harder to reach once the machine is mounted behind a monitor.

For more productivity machines, we've reviewed the best business laptops around.

A quiet solidly build mini PC that's an ideal fit for any home office.

Malwarebytes has successfully passed its first independent no-logs audit, opening up its VPN infrastructure to X41 D-Sec. Here's why this "white-box" assessment is a massive win for user privacy.

At its closest point, the crew of Artemis II will loop about 4,000 miles from the lunar surface late Monday. The astronauts will also venture farther into space than any previous human mission.

(Image credit: NASA via Getty Images)

You don't need to spend a fortune to get a great floor cleaning gadget — these are the best affordable options I've tested.

Here are the answers for The New York Times Mini Crossword for April 6.

Here are hints and the answers for the NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle for April 6, No. 560.

UCLA secured the first NCAA women's basketball national championship in school history — a goal that was set after losing in the first Final Four last season.

(Image credit: Rick Scuteri)

The rapper Ye was announced as the headliner for the Wireless Festival in London. He's gained notoriety over the years for his antisemitic comments and activities glorifying Nazis.

(Image credit: Hector Retamal)

Looking for NYT Connections answers and hints? Here's all you need to know to solve today's game, plus my commentary on the puzzles.

Looking for NYT Strands answers and hints? Here's all you need to know to solve today's game, including the spangram.

Looking for Quordle clues? We can help. Plus get the answers to Quordle today and past solutions.

The Writers Guild of America went on strike for months in 2023 in a dispute with Hollywood studios. This year the union announced a new four-year contract after just a few weeks of negotiations.

(Image credit: Valerie Macon)

Here are hints and answers for the NYT Strands puzzle for April 6, No. 764.

Here are some hints and the answers for the NYT Connections puzzle for April 6 No. 1,030.

Here are hints and the answer for today's Wordle for April 6, No. 1,752.

Terra Industries is expanding drone deployments across Africa using in-house production and subscriptions.