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DJI Osmo Nano: two-minute review

The DJI Osmo Nano is the latest in the brand's line of action cameras. Rather than building on a predecessor it's a whole new concept in its own right, although it shares the same-sized 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor as the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro, which landed at the end of 2024.

The range of best action cameras is more diverse today than it was even just a few years ago. The one-block shops of design like the GoPro Hero 13 Black are still popular, for sensible reasons like ruggedness and extended battery times, but modular designs like the Osmo Nano and the new Insta360 Go Ultra are becoming more common.

Why? We don't just want to hold our action cams or use a fiddly mount to attach them to our bike handlebars anymore. The content creation universe is continuing to grow, and so is the number and variety of places where we need our cameras to go.

In a nutshell, the Osmo Nano is a light, wearable action camera. You can wear it around your neck, on your head, on a hat or helmet, plonk it on your car, bike, or even attach it to your dog. It's remarkably small, and at 52g it's a gram lighter than its main competitor, the Insta360 Go Ultra, released a month before it.

The product is modular in design and built as a two-piece system, with a tiny, standalone camera unit that pairs with the Multifunctional Vision Dock underneath. The dock acts as a remote, screen, and charging station, with a small but bright 1.9-inch display to help you compose shots and adjust settings.

(Image credit: Lauren Scott)

These two parts join together via two clips and a strong magnetic system, and it's this magnet that also allows the camera to snap onto DJI's various accessories, for a wide range of hands-free, wearable mounting options.

Although the camera is a fully IPX8-rated unit that's waterproof down to 10m, the dock is only IPX4-rated for splash resistance, which limits its use in heavy rain or near a body of water – a totally rugged design this is not.

Inside the camera is a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor, which captures a dynamic range of up to 13.5 stops according to DJI. I haven't done any calculations with my test images on this, but I did find great levels of detail and color in bright sky highlights as well as darker, shadowy areas like tunnels. I was genuinely impressed by the level of detail and tone the camera could capture, particularly for a sensor this small (in full-frame terms).

• Check out our DJI Osmo Nano vs Insta360 Go Ultra write-up to see how the small action cams compare

For me, DJI has always been a brand for what I'd call 'serious' creators, and that's something I'm pleased to see the brand has leaned into with the Osmo Nano. There aren't any 'fun' filters or gimmicks in the menus. Instead, the settings are pared back to sensible and helpful options; voice controls and gestures to start recording all work very well to make hands-free shooting that much easier.

A big draw for professionals is the color performance. I was surprised to discover that the Osmo Nano can record in 10-bit color with D-Log M and HLG profiles – a pro-level feature that gives you more leeway for color grading in post-production, if you want to edit manually rather than relying on the automatic outputs from the DJI Mimo app. In 10-bit, I found videos were punchy but still well-balanced.

(Image credit: Lauren Scott)

Performance-wise, the Osmo Nano delivers exceptionally well in some areas but underwhelms in others. The promise of rapid file transfer holds up, with the 128GB version clocking transfer speeds of up to 600MB/s over a USB 3.1 connection. This is a huge time-saver.

Battery life, however, is a clear limitation. While DJI claims up to 90 minutes from the camera and 200 minutes with the dock, I found that shooting at 4K/60fps got me closer to just 60 minutes of continuous recording. On the upside, the dock's ability to fast-charge the camera to 80% in about 20 minutes means you can be back to shooting in no time.

The RockSteady 3.0 and HorizonBalancing stabilization features work well for walking or light activity, and even when I tried recording star jumps and high-intensity workouts, the footage was stable in sports mode. Audio quality is good all-round too, and two built-in microphones capture immersive stereo sound, with decent but not brilliant wind reduction. Another plus for more advanced creators is the ability to pair the Nano with two mics separately, and you won't need receivers if they're from DJI.

While the image quality is good for a camera this small, it’s still bound by the limitations of its form factor. The fixed 143-degree ultra-wide field of view is great for first-person shots, but obviously lacks the versatility of a more zoomed-in lens. And while DJI's SuperNight mode for low-light shooting is better than ever, it's limited to 30fps and 8-bit color.

(Image credit: Lauren Scott)

The Osmo Nano is pricing is really aggressive, coming in much cheaper than the Insta360 Go Ultra and the GoPro Hero 13 Black – and that's with built-in storage too, meaning you can start shooting straight out of the box.

It's not necessarily the most charming camera I've tested, but it's thoroughly dependable and sensible, and for that reason I found it growing on me, while the low price sweetens the deal. The DJI Mimo app is less intuitive than Insta360's, and AI edits are a little less exciting, but it's smart and stable, and puts a clear live feed with access to settings at your fingertips on your smartphone.

DJI isn't marketing the Osmo Nano for family users, and it lacks some of the fun features of the Insta360 lineup, plus Toddler Titan mode for capturing kids. While charging is fairly speedy it doesn't charge as quickly as its main competitor, the Insta360 Go Ultra, either, but the camera does last longer.

If you need a fully rugged and all-in-one device for more extreme sports or environments, the GoPro Hero 13 Black or the DJI Action 5 Pro might be a better choice. But this is a well-thought-out, truly wearable action camera for creators who want to experiment with unique perspectives, and need a B-camera for places their main camera can't go, for a B-cam price.

(Image credit: Lauren Scott)DJI Osmo Nano: specsDJI Osmo Nano specs

Sensor

1/1.3-inch CMOS

Max Resolution

35MP (6880 x 5160) photos
4K, 60fps footage

Weight

Camera: 2.54oz / 53g Vision dock: 3.8oz / 72g

Dimensions

Camera: 57 x 29 x 28mm
Vision Dock: 59 x 42 x 22mm

ISO Range

100–25600

Lens

FOV: 143 degrees
Aperture: f/2.8
Focus: 0.35m to ∞

Operating Time

Camera: 90 mins*
Camera + Multifunctional Vision Dock: 200 mins*

Connectivity

Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB-C 3.1

Storage

64GB/128GB built-in
microSD card, up to 1TB

Waterproofing

Camera: 33ft (10m)
Vision Dock: IPX4-Rated

DJI Osmo Nano: Price and availability

• Launched worldwide on September 23 2025, except US
• Osmo Nano Standard Combo (64GB) costs £239 / AU$529
• Osmo Nano Standard Combo (128GB) costs £259 / AU$589

The DJI Osmo Nano was announced on August 23, 2025, and is now shipping from DJI’s online store and authorized retailers, including Amazon. It won't be available officially in the United States at launch. A DJI Spokesperson told TechRadar that "DJI remains dedicated to the US market and is optimizing our strategy to best serve our customers amidst evolving local conditions."

There are two standard combos to choose between, broken down by the internal storage capacity: the Osmo Nano Standard Combo at 64GB (£239 / AU$529) or 128GB (£259 / AU$589).

Each combo comes with the same content, including the Osmo Nano Camera, Multifunctional Vision Dock, Magnetic Hat Clip, Magnetic Lanyard, a protective case, USB-C cable (USB 3.1), and a Dual-Direction Magnetic Ball-Joint Adapter Mount. The protective case is more just a plastic sheath rather than substantial padded protection.

That price puts it way below the Insta360 Go Ultra Standard Combo ($449.99 / £369 / AU$759), which is more impressive given that you get built-in storage too. It's also less than the GoPro Hero 13 Black (now available for around $359.99 / £315).

• Price score 5/5

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(Image credit: Lauren Scott)DJI Osmo Nano: Design

• Standalone camera is waterproof, dock is splashproof
• Magnetic base connects easily to mounts
• The camera weighs 1.83oz / 52g

The DJI Osmo Nano camera is oblong-shaped, about half as wide as it is long. It sits comfortably between your thumb and forefinger in either portrait or landscape mode, but I didn't find it as pocketable as the Insta360 Go Ultra because of its extra depth.

Without the dock, the Osmo is a light, wearable action camera at just 52g. Adding the dock, by way of two secure mounting clips and a magnetic, adds another 72g and turns the camera into a more complete action companion. It's small, but I found the combo top-heavy on uneven surfaces, making low-level shots without a mount more difficult.

There's just one built-in OLED HD touchscreen on the dock, rather than a screen at the front and back, or a flippable design like the Insta360 Go Ultra. This means you have to detach and remount the camera every time you want to go from shooting your environment to talking to the camera (if you want to see yourself, that is). Unlike the Go Ultra, which simply plops back into place with strong magnets, flipping the Osmo Nano around is a bit fiddly.

The design is gray and plastic, which is familiar territory for both DJI and action cams in general. The body is subtly textured though, meaning it's easy to grab onto with cold, wet or sweaty hands. Ruggedness is key for an action camera, but only the wearable part of the Osmo Nano is waterproof. The camera is IPX8-rated for submersion up to 10 metres underwater.

The dock is only splash, rain and likely sweat resistant, and I wouldn't fancy its chances in a heavy rain shower. This is a shame, because it limits potential usage and introduces a little caution to creativity when shooting. It's also a far cry from DJI's Action 5 Pro, which is verified down to 20m / 65ft.

(Image credit: Lauren Scott)

While the dock isn't waterproof, you can use the whole product in temperatures of -20C to 45C (-4F to 113F), so you're good for everything from winter sports to desert treks. A lens cover screws over the main lens, so if you damage or scratch it a replacement costs a fraction of buying a whole new unit.

The Osmo Nano has just two physical controls: there's a big red record button on the top of the camera and another on one side of the dock. These also act as power switches, and they require some force to push down so that you're not likely to press them accidentally. That's it, other than a small flap that opens up on the other side of the dock to reveal the USB 3.1 port for charging and transferring files, plus the microSD slot, which takes up to a 1TB card.

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I didn't find the DJI Osmo Nano as enjoyable or easy to navigate as other action cameras I've tested. You swipe up to access video settings, down for the main menu, and left to change the shooting mode. To toggle Pro Mode on or off, you tap the slider icon on the right side of the screen.

It's not rocket science, but at 1.96 inches the small screen means you need to be extra precise with your touch gestures to bring up menus and dial in settings. My partner – who has bigger hands and fingers than I – sometimes had to tap the screen a few times to activate settings.

The menus are mainly black and white with yellow accents, and I found this less eye-catching than the GoPro or Insta360 ecosystems, although that may be more a matter of personal preference. Some settings are also overlaid on the live picture and can be difficult to read. The camera doesn't have the same detailed tutorials and guides that you get when you start using the Insta360 Go Ultra, although I'm sure DJI fans will have no trouble finding their way around.

• Design score: 4/5

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(Image credit: Lauren Scott)DJI Osmo Nano: Performance and features

• Quick-edit videos on the DJI Osmo Mimo app
• Standalone camera charges 80% in about 20 mins
• In-built storage and takes microSD cards up to 2TB

The performance of the Osmo Nano is hard to pin down. In some areas I felt it delivered exceptionally well, but in others it was a bit underwhelming. The rapid file transfer ended up being surprisingly helpful, and in my tests with the 128GB version DJI's claim of up to 600 MB/s transfer speed over USB 3.1 holds up, and I found it a huge time-saver compared to sending lots of files wirelessly.

The camera's battery life is a limitation, though, particularly when shooting at higher resolutions like 4K/60fps. I got closer to 60 minutes of continuous recording here – rather than the 90 minutes that DJI claims at 1080p/24fps – which isn't bad for its size, but lags behind the multi-hour endurance of larger cameras like the Osmo Action 5 Pro. The dock can top up the battery on the go, and I was also impressed by its ability to charge to 80% in just 20 minutes, especially if you're as bad as I am at remembering to charge your gear before a shoot.

You then get up to 200 minutes of 1080p/24fps video from the dock, but in reality, I found this closer to two hours once the screen and Wi-Fi are on and you've powered the camera up and down a few times.

If you tend to record short clips throughout a longer day, it's nothing to worry about. If you're the type of shooter to record continuously, you may lament the fact that there aren't replaceable batteries to swap out when you run out of juice. I left the camera running for my battery tests during a particularly warm day, and although it felt hot to the touch during, it never overheated to the point of turning off.

(Image credit: Lauren Scott)

The Osmo Nano is equipped with DJI's RockSteady 3.0 stabilization and HorizonBalancing. It handles a fair amount of shake, but it's not on the same level as a dedicated gimbal like the Osmo Pocket series. In footage of fast-paced, high-impact activities like running on trails you'll still see some micro-jitters, but for walking shots it's pretty impressive.

Using different mounts will dictate how stable your results are. Using the pendant seemed to cause me more wobbles than handholding the camera, for example, but the head mount gave me super-smooth footage when running. It's worth noting that there are different levels of stabilization, with daily, sport, or anti-motion blur options. You can also turn off image stabilization to save battery, or if you're using a secondary DJI product to keep things stable.

The DJI Osmo Nano performs really well in remote shooting scenarios without a phone. The voice commands, like 'start recording', work almost instantaneously in a quiet environment, but require you to shout when it's loud (not a great look in a city center). I found that gestures worked well too, and I liked being able to pat the camera when it was powered off to start recording, or nod my head when it was mounted on my head. Much more subtle.

(Image credit: Lauren Scott)

The Osmo Nano has two built-in microphones for stereo sound, and I found the audio straight out of the camera surprisingly immersive. It picks up sound from a variety of directions when you're shooting in a public place, but still hones in on your voice when you're speaking to the camera clearly.

Like all action cameras, the audio quality sounds muffled underwater, but the clarity returns more quickly than others I've tested when you pull the camera back out into fresh air. There are lower and stronger wind reduction modes, and both did a decent job of reducing disturbance when I captured some clips on a blustery countryside walk, without removing the noise entirely (see the clips below). My voice was clear and free from distortion, but it's not the perfect solution for clean audio; for that, you'll need a separate mic.

A major draw is the ability to connect the Osmo Nano directly to DJI's wireless microphones without needing a separate receiver. I haven't been able to try this yet, but I can see it being convenient for creators who want to capture high-quality audio, especially those already with DJI mics.

• Performance score: 4/5

DJI Osmo Nano: Image quality

• 1/1.3-inch sensor
• Video up to 4K/120fps and 35MP photos
• 10-bit D-Log M and HLG color profile options

The Osmo Nano has a 1/1.3-inch sensor, the same size as you'll find in the Osmo Action 5 Pro and just a fraction smaller than the one in the Insta360 Go Ultra. Video headlines include 4K at 60fps in 16:9 format, and 4K 120fps slow-mo footage, which expands to 1080p 240fps.

The specs are one thing, but the proof is in the pudding; or in this case, in the videos and shots you get from the camera. Overall, I think the image quality is good for an action camera of this size. As ever, it won’t completely replace a full-sized or full-frame camera, but that's not the expectation here. The fixed 143-degree ultra-wide field of view is perfect for first-person POV shots, and I could fit a whole wedding group in the frame (I don't have permission to include the sample shot in the review, sadly), but it's not easy to zoom in on the scene should you want to get closer in.

I tested the Osmo Nano in all weather and lighting scenarios. DJI touts the wide dynamic range of the Osmo Nano, but in direct sunshine I noticed some banding where the highlights had been clipped. You can see this in the video above, which was a test of the one-tap editing feature in the DJI Mimo app.

4K resolution is sharp and punchy, and even in 8-bit color mode the camera seems to capture vibrant blue skies and leafy greens, and handles quick changes in light (coming out of a dark tunnel, from indoors to outdoors) well; however, while I like a bit of lens flare, this is one area that could be handled better. It tended to keep my face exposed when I was talking to the camera, but this wasn't set up anywhere in the camera. If I were to generalize, I'd say footage comes out darker than Insta360's Go Ultra, possibly for greater leeway when editing, where the Insta option is designed for near-automatic use.

DJI's SuperNight mode does a decent job of reducing noise in low light, but it only works at up to 30fps and with 8-bit color, which might limit its utility for serious cinematographers. It’s the best night image quality in a wearable camera I’ve seen, but it’s still bound by the laws of physics – a smaller lens and sensor will always have certain limitations compared to a larger, more dedicated camera. There's some AI-smoothing being applied to reduce noise in low-light footage, but this is less obvious to the untrained eye, and less muddy than some night modes I've seen on earlier action cameras.

DJI's automatic horizon leveling (which can be calibrated) is pretty flawless, and the RockSteady image stabilization is most impressive in sports mode. To really test it out, I wore the camera on DJI's headband mount and recorded the first five minutes of a high-intensity workout. Throughout a gruelling round of burpies, star jumps and squats, the footage was stable and smooth (almost unnaturally so). Trail runs, dog walks, and cycle clips were all just as usable, but the handheld results are slightly more jittery than using a dedicated mount.

Photos from the camera have a medium-range megapixel count (the maximum resolution is 35MP and you can shoot in a 16:9 or 4:3 ratio), and as to their quality, I said the same thing about Insta360 Go Ultra's photo results: they're good enough to insert into videos, but I probably wouldn't use them for standalone social posts or prints as a creator. Consider them as an additive rather than a standalone feature, and you won't be disappointed.

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Impressively, the Osmo Nano gives you the option of recording footage with a flat color profile (DJI's D-Log M setting), designed to preserve the maximum color and brightness info in the video file, especially in lights and darks.

While the footage out of the camera is desaturated in this mode, I found you had far more wiggle room to adjust the colors, contrast, and saturation to achieve a specific, cinematic look without losing any of the detail captured in the original scene. This is also going to benefit creators shooting a project with the Osmo Nano alongside other cameras who want their edited work to look consistent.

• Image quality score: 4/5

DJI Osmo Nano: testing scorecard DJI Osmo Nano

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Price

Much cheaper than the Insta360 Go Ultra, and that includes helpful built-in storage.

5/5

Design

Unexciting but functional, and it's a shame the dock is only splash-proof. The lens replacement adds ruggedness.

4/5

Performance & features

Fewer filters and modes than the Insta360 Go Ultra, but you get the option of manual controls. The DJI Osmo app makes quick, clever edits.

4/5

Image quality

In daylight, colors are vivid and dynamic range is good. Stabilization is excellent, and low light footage is fine. Slow-mo could be crisper.

4/5

Should I buy the DJI Osmo Nano?Buy it if...

You want a camera that 'disappears'
The Osmo Nano is small enough to be worn on a pendant, hat, or headband, thanks to its small size and weight. The magnetic mount allows for quirky mounting solutions like lamp posts, cars, and even washing machines.

You already own DJI products
To boost the sound quality, you can connect the Nano directly to two DJI microphone transmitters without needing a receiver. If you've already got a DJI mic, gimbal or camera, sticking with the brand also means greater familiarity with the app.

Don't buy it if...

You like a roomy LCD screen
At less than two inches, I found the Osmo Nano's LCD touchscreen a little small for composing shots and reviewing footage. You can use your phone for a larger live view, but this isn't always convenient.

You want a fully waterproof solution
The Nano's Vision Dock is only splashproof, and this made me uncomfortable while shooting in the rain or near water. If you're a real action lover, I'd recommend a camera with a more rugged build.

Also consider

Insta360 Go Ultra

The Insta360 Go Ultra has a similar form factor, with a separate camera and action pod. The flip-up screen is more vlog-friendly and bigger at 2.5 inches, while the camera weighs the same as the Osmo Nano but is more square and shallow (which I found easier to mount). Pricing and image quality are similar, but it's a slightly more fun action camera that's great for the whole family.

Read my full Insta360 Go Ultra review

GoPro Hero 13 Black

The GoPro Hero 13 Black is still the flagship of action cams and one I'd recommend for serious filmmakers. It's chunkier than the Osmo, but it also has magnetic mounting. GoPro also has the widest range of mount accessories to open up creative shooting opportunities, and it's possible to squeeze 1.5 hours of 5.3K video from the battery, for recording with fewer interruptions.

Read our full GoPro Hero 13 Black review

(Image credit: Lauren Scott)How I tested the DJI Osmo Nano

• I tested the camera for two weeks pre-embargo
• I wore it on walks and runs, and mounted it for drives
• I recorded videos at all settings and in all modes

DJI sent me a full-production Osmo Nano for review around two weeks before its release date, and I used it at least once a day – often much more – during this period. I always like a camera to become a natural part of my workflow, rather than carrying out one intense period of testing, so that I uncover the nuances for a more informed and helpful review.

I tried all the camera's modes, used it with and without the dock, and mounted it on the magnetic pendant and headband. I mainly used the DJI Mimo app to edit footage right from my iPhone 15 Pro.

• First reviewed September 2025

DJI's new Osmo Nano is a tiny modular action camera that's big on quality, with stabilized 4K video and 10-bit color depth. It's less intuitive than Insta360's Go Ultra, but costs way less.

We put the DJI Osmo Nano and Insta360 Go Ultra through several real world tests to see which tiny action cam comes out on top, and which model is best for you.

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Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K: two-minute review

Founded around 15 years ago, Shenzen-based Baseus Security is one of a number of Chinese brands whose products are now available across the world. Under review here is a new model, the Baseus Security S2 - an outdoor camera with a twist (quite literally). It’s the follow up model to the 2024 Baseus S1 Pro which was billed as the world’s first 4K security camera with a sun-powered tracking system.

Like its predecessor, the S2 also features an innovative twisting solar panel above the main camera unit to maximize power from the sun. However, the big difference is that the video resolution of this latest model has been improved from 2K to 4K. Rather than 8GB of local storage, the S2 upgrade also features a MicroSD card slot capable of storing up to 256GB local storage.

(Image credit: Chris Price)

That’s particularly useful in avoiding costly monthly cloud storage fees and reducing a potential cybersecurity risk (hackers have been known to access video footage from security cameras stored in the cloud). Unfortunately, however, the memory card isn’t provided as standard so you will have to buy it separately.

Designed to be installed on the outside of a property with an unhindered view of the sky, the S2 comes with a reasonably sturdy mount complete with wall plugs and screws. Once installed, a process that takes around 20-30 mins, it’s simply a case of downloading the iOS/Android app and adding the camera via the QR code on the side of the device.

Whereas some outdoor models are dual-band Wi-Fi compatible (some will even work on 4G/5G cellular networks), the S2 is only compatible with the 2.4GHz, not the 5GHz, band. That said, we didn’t have any issues connecting the camera at the end of the garden to the broadband repeater at the back of the house. With an IP67 waterproof rating, the Baseus Security S2 can, claims the manufacturer, be used in temperatures from -20 degrees centigrade to 50 degrees centigrade – though it never got above 25 degrees centigrade during my testing.

(Image credit: Chris Price)

Once the app is installed, it’s simply a case of tailoring the camera’s settings to suit your setup. This includes naming the camera depending on where it’s located (eg backyard) and checking to see if it captures all the areas you need it to.

The field of view of the Baseus camera is 145° which should be wide enough for most applications. You can set up privacy zones to exclude certain areas (handy to prevent accidentally capturing your neighbour’s property) as well as activity zones to detect motion in certain parts of the frame.

(Image credit: Chris Price)

Whereas many outdoor security cameras are overly sensitive capturing footage of passing cars, even swaying tree branches, this doesn’t seem to be an issue with the Baseus Security S2. Although it is possible to adjust sensitivity between 1 and 5 we found on the standard 3 setting the camera it didn’t trigger any false positives. Baseus claims the inclusion of radar detection in addition to standard PIR (passive infra-red) detection, reduces false alerts by 99% so you only get relevant notifications.

Best of all are the facial recognition settings which enable you to add the images and names of family members or house mates on the app. It will then detect when it sees these faces on the camera and send you an alert telling you who it has spotted. It’s a feature that is now available on other outdoor security cameras but you usually have to pay a monthly subscription fee for it. With the Baseus, you can even set up motion alerts if the camera spots a vehicle or a pet. Alternatively, these can be excluded if you want to reduce the number of notifications you receive.

Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K: price and availability

• How much does it cost? Baseus Security S2 £199, $US129, $AU129
• When is it available? Available since July 2025
• Where is it available? UK/US/AUS

Generally, outdoor security cameras and video doorbells are fairly cheap to buy. That’s because manufacturers can subsidize the price of them with monthly subscriptions, costing anywhere between £2.50 and £15 a month.

Not so the Baseus Security S2 outdoor camera. Rather than being stored in the cloud for a monthly fee, your footage is stored locally on a MicroSD card. And while you will have to buy a MicroSD card if haven’t got one already (I paid £10.99 for a 128GB Samsung EVO Select with SD adaptor), this is still a far cheaper option than being locked into an expensive subscription.

(Image credit: Chris Price)

What’s more, the camera offers smart detection/facial recognition features as standard which are normally only available to premium users paying a subscription fee. Plus of course another bonus is the inclusion of solar panel.

That said, the Baseus Security S2 certainly isn’t the cheapest model on the block, particularly in the UK where prices are significantly more expensive than in the US and Australia. It’s also a lot more expensive than its predecessor, the Security S1, which you can currently get for £59 from Amazon. Like the S2, the S1 also features a rotating solar panel. However, the key differences are that it is only offers 2K resolution and 8GB of built-in storage rather than up to 256GB via a MicroSD card.

• Value score: 4/5

Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K: design

• Simple installation
• Flexible battery/solar power options
• Sleek design

Looking more like a Bluetooth speaker than a conventional security camera, the all-white Baseus Security S2 is long tubular design with an innovative rotating solar panel mounted on top. Screws and wall plugs are provided for mounting the bracket on the wall and the camera can be angled easily to obtain the optimum view.

I had worried that the long and narrow design might make the camera a little unstable when mounted on my wooden summer house, but actually this wasn’t a problem at all. Set up didn’t take too long either (less than half an hour), though obviously if you are mounting on a brick wall you will need to use a drill and wall plugs for installation, which will take longer.

(Image credit: Chris Price)

Underneath the device is a USB-C socket for charging the camera up via the mains (a 7800mAh rechargeable battery is built in), as well as a slot for a MicroSD card. Up to 256GB is supported but we used a 128GB card for recording. There’s also a sync button for use during set up and a modest-sized speaker underneath.

On the front of the camera there are PIR and radar sensors for detecting movement more accurately, a small microphone for two-way audio and a powerful spotlight capable of illuminating the night at distances of up to 12 meters.

(Image credit: Chris Price)

Next to the circular radar sensor is a similar shaped camera lens, giving the impression of two eyes on a face! Capable of recording in 4K and providing a 145° Horizontal field, the camera displays a flashing blue light on the front of the camera when recording footage. Finally, there’s the solar panel on top of the camera which auto tracks the sun moving 40° to the left or the right from the horizontal position depending on the sun’s location.

• Design score: 4.5/5

Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K: performance

• Excellent 4K image quality
• Stable video connection
• Smart detection is still work in progress

Never having tested a Baseus security camera before I didn’t really know what to expect. However, I was more than pleasantly surprised. There are really two main issues with outdoor security cameras.

Firstly, images can sometimes be a little unstable because of the longer distances between the router and the camera. Secondly, when you do eventually get a stable image, the onboard sensors are usually so sensitive that they end up recording far too much, draining the battery and creating lots of false alerts.

(Image credit: Chris Price)

Not so the Baseus. On both counts, performance was flawless. Despite it only being compatible with 2.4GHz and not the 5GHz Wi-Fi frequency I didn’t have any signal problems at all.

What’s more, it also triggered fewer false alerts than other cameras I’ve tested, in part because of the combination of PIR (passive infra-red) and radar technologies to detect movement. Images are superbly detailed during the day and the spotlight is excellent for illuminating the garden at night to ensure high quality footage in the dark.

(Image credit: Chris Price)

That’s not to say everything was perfect. When testing the camera’s two-way audio talking to my wife in the garden, I didn’t think the speaker was the best. Also it’s fair to say that the smart detection/facial recognition system (billed as being in beta) is still a work in progress.

During testing I added images from my phone’s camera roll of family members and friends to see if it recognzsed them when it saw them on camera. Sometimes it did, especially when standing right next to the camera, but often it didn’t. One on occasion it even mistook me for my dog which was a little odd (we don’t look much alike).

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(Image credit: Chris Price)Image 2 of 3

(Image credit: Chris Price)Image 3 of 3

(Image credit: Chris Price)

Undoubtedly, what’s really good about the Baseus device is the rotating solar panel. While living in the UK and testing at the beginning of Autumn/Fall wasn’t ideal for testing, we had enough sun to get a pretty good idea of the panel’s performance. After a week of rainy days, power had dropped to 85% but just four days of sunshine was enough to bring it back up to 96%.

Considering I installed the camera practically under the eaves of a summer house and it only received around three hours of direct sunlight a day it really wasn’t bad at all. Usefully, a solar panel image appears on the display to show you when the camera is being powered by the sun and with the detection statistics option in the app you can see how much solar is contributing to the device’s overall power – a nice touch.

• Performance score: 4.5/5

Should you buy the Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K?Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K score card

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

In the UK, the camera isn’t particularly cheap (although it works out cheaper in the US and Australia). However, the main bonus is you don’t have to pay an expensive monthly subscription so it does work out better in the long run.

4/5

Design

A white tubular design, the Baseus Security S2 is a pretty classy looking security camera. Best of is the solar panel above that rotates towards the sun to maximize power.

4.5/5

Performance

Picture quality is excellent and thanks to the inclusion of radar there are far fewer false alerts than with many cameras. However, facial recognition technology is still a work in progress.

4.5/5

Overall

An excellent outdoor security camera with an innovative rotating solar panel. Though it’s a little more expensive than some models, the lack of a monthly subscription fee means in the long term it’s much better value.

4.5/5

Buy it if

You want to maximize power from the sun

A large rotating solar panel means that this outdoor camera is able to maximize power from the sun so you shouldn’t need to charge it very often especially if you live in sunny climes.

You want high quality images

Boasting 4K resolution, the Baseus device provides some of the sharpest images I’ve ever seen from an outdoor camera. Connectivity is very good too.

Don't buy it if

You want to locate it in a shaded area

Of course you can still power the security camera from the mains via the USB-C socket if you are located in the shade. But where this device really comes into its own is with the solar panel.

You just want a cheap solution

Costing nearly £200 in the UK, there are simply much cheaper options out there. However, always bear in mind that you may need to pay a monthly subscription fee with some devices.

Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K: also consider

Camera

Baseus Security S2 4K

Reolink Altas PT Ultra

Eufy 4K S330 Security Camera

Ring Outdoor Cam Plus

Subscription price

None

From £3.49 a month

None

From £4.99 a month

Viewing angle

145 degrees horizontal

355-degree pan / 90-degree tilt camera view

360-degree view

140 degrees horizontal

Network connection

Wi-Fi (2.4GHz)

Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz)

Wi-Fi/4G

Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz)

Audio

Two-way audio

Two-way audio

Two-way audio

Two-way audio

Video

4K video resolution

4K video resolution

4K video resolution

2,560 x 1,440 (2K)

Power

Battery, solar

Battery, solar

Battery, solar

Mains, battery, solar

Hardware price

£199 (with built-in solar panel)

£229 (with solar panel)

£189 (with solar panel)

£69 (£99 with solar panel )

Reolink Altas PT Ultra

A very advanced home and business security solution boasting a large rechargeable battery and solar panel. Can record footage 12 hours a day for over a week with colour night vision facility.

Read our full Reolink Altas PT Ulta review

Eufy 4K S330 Security Camera

An extremely innovative battery and solar-powered camera, the Eufy can be used with the supplied 4G Sim card to capture recordings - ideal for those who live in areas with poor Wi-Fi/broadband.

Read our full Eufy 4K S330 Security Camera review

How I tested the Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K:

• I used the camera outdoors
• I installed it myself
• I tested the facial recognition technology with family and friends

To test any outdoor security camera you really need to use it regularly over a period of time to get used to its quirks and idiosyncrasies. I decided to use this camera for a period of two weeks in the back garden. It was placed on my summer house at a height of about 2.5 metres and connected to a wireless repeater in my kitchen around 13 metres away.

During this period, we experienced a range of weather conditions to challenge the IP-67 rating of the camera. This included heavy rain and cloud followed by a period of around 4 to 5 days of sunshine. It was during this sunny period that the solar power really came into its own, charging the battery back to nearly 100% despite regular daily alerts via the app.

No more worrying about wires or charging with this cordless wonder.

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Levoit LVAC-300 cordless: two-minute review

The Levoit LVAC-300 is a simple, cordless stick vacuum designed to deliver effective cleaning for an affordable price. I tested it out for three weeks and while its cleaning powers aren't up there with the best cordless vacuums on the market, it's still a solid performer for the price. California-based (Chinese-owned) Levoit may be best known for its purifiers and fans, but this cordless proves it knows what it's doing on floors, too.

In my tests, the LVAC-300 was strong on hard floors and low-pile rugs, quieter than expected, and was especially good at cleaning the edges of rooms. It's also lightweight and easy to maneuver – in fact, it can even stand upright on its own. There are are few compromises, however. It's not great at cleaning thicker rugs, the floorhead gets in a tangle when faced with long hair, and the filter clogs quickly too.

It won't be the best vacuum cleaner for everyone, but the LVAC-300 is perfect for frugal shoppers who have mostly hard floors are aren’t easily wooed by fancy frills or cutting-edge tech. That's the short version; read on for my full Levoit LVAC-300 review.

The black, bronze and silver livery is easy on the eye, if not swoon-worthy (Image credit: Future)Levoit LVAC-300 cordless review: price & availability

• List price: US $349.99/ GBP £249.99
• Launch date: March 2025
• Availability: US and UK

In the US, the Levoit LVAC-300 hit shelves in Spring 2025, following an official debut at CES in Las Vegas. It has a list price of $349.99, but the good news is you’ll almost never pay that. Levoit’s own site, Amazon and Best Buy regularly kick it down to around $269.99, and I even spotted it for $249 in a recent Prime Day sale.

The LVAC-300 went on sale in the UK a few months later, with an RRP of £249.99. Again, it’s worth digging around – you can find it closer to £199 if you know where to look (spoiler, head to Amazon). Discounts aren’t quite as plentiful as in the States, but it’s worth keeping an eye out around major shopping events.

Either way, you're getting a bit of a steal for a cordless that promises 60 minutes’ runtime, comes with a motorized floor head, mini brush, crevice tool and wall mount in the box. Filters and spare batteries are extra, but that’s standard practice, even when you shell out twice as much. At this price point it sits in the lower-mid range; not a bargain basement buy, but without the wallet-burning tag of a Dyson.

All told, the LVAC-300 seems fairly priced for what you’re getting. It’s not going to out-muscle a top-end Shark or Dyson (especially on thick carpet), but for everyday cleaning it’s quietly capable. It feels well pitched for anyone wanting a competent cordless without the bling of flashier brands.

• Value for money score: 4 out of 5

Levoit LVAC-300 cordless specs

Weight:

6.6 lbs / 3kg

Dimensions (H x W x D):

43.3 x 9.8 x 7.7in / 110 x 24.9 x 19.6cm

Floorhead width:

10in / 25.4cm

Filter:

HEPA

Bin capacity:

0.8 quarts / 0.75L

Battery:

21.6V 3.0Ah

Max runtime:

60 minutes

Charge time:

3.5-4 hours

Levoit LVAC-300 cordless review: design

• Light and easy to swing about, though the grip position is odd at first
• Aesthetics not exactly premium, but inoffensive
• Small info screen, and buttons to scroll between the 3 power modes

Unboxing the Levoit LVAC-300 cordless was a total delight. It arrived in the tiniest box imaginable – I genuinely thought half the vacuum was missing. Turns out Levoit has cleverly shoehorned it in to save on packaging waste. Slot the pieces together, give it three hours to charge, and you’re good to go. Easy.

The Levoit LVAC-300 cordless is also refreshingly lightweight. The handle is angled slightly oddly, which threw the ergonomics off for me, but I got used to it quickly enough. Looks-wise, I’d describe this as 'utility chic'. I’ve certainly tested uglier vacuums, but this one won’t be winning any design awards. The plastics felt a smidge cheap, especially when swapping out tools, and the buttons have all the glamour of an office photocopier (showing my age there).

Carbon footprint-friendly compact packaging (mug for scale!) (Image credit: Future)

And then there’s the quirky design choice of perching the bin above the main wand – rather than tucking it neatly underneath in the more familiar style. It looked a bit back-to-front to my eye – although, to be fair, this is the configuration used in the best Dyson vacuums these days. On the plus side, you do get an unfiltered view of the dust, hair and fluff collecting, which is always satisfying, not to mention useful for avoiding overfilling.

Because the bin is on the top size, it can get very low to the floor (Image credit: Future)

The control panel is pretty basic. A little lozenge-shaped screen, a chunky on/off button right under your thumb, and two smaller buttons to scroll between Eco, Mid and Turbo modes. The screen also shows battery life, mode, and warnings for blockages – though you’ll need good eyesight to notice them. That’s it. No apps, no smart integrations – refreshingly simple.

The 2-in-1 nozzle is a nifty bit of multitasking design (Image credit: Future)

The LVAC-300 only ships with two extra tools: a 2-in-1 crevice nozzle with a slide-down brush and a mini motorized brush. That doesn’t sound like much, but in practice, between them, these tools handled everything I threw at them.

Some vacuums ship with a wide variety of random detail tools, but I think that's unnecessary – they'll generally end up cluttering my utility cupboard, never to be used. The main floorhead here is the real workhorse anyway, with a powered multi-surface brush, rubber fins and an anti-tangle roller designed to shrug off hair-wrap.

• Design score: 3.5 out of 5

Levoit LVAC-300 cordless review: performance

• Maneuvers like a dream – light, nimble and even stands up on its own
• Filters clogged quickly and occasionally dirt made it past them
• Cleaning power is solid, but it's not great with hair and larger debris

Using the Levoit LVAC-300 cordless day-to-day was a breeze. It’s light enough that my RSI-riddled wrist didn’t complain (even on the staircase), and it corners beautifully, picking up right to the edges. I loved that it stands upright on its own and reclines with a little nudge of your foot, which meant I could steer it one-handed while my other hand shoved chairs and pets out of the way.

The freestanding design is far easier than resting on the floor while you move obstacles. (Image credit: Future)

Because the bin sits above the hose, you can also get it completely flat to the floor and reach right under sofas. On the downside, it defaults to Eco mode every time you turn it on, which drove me a bit bonkers. I always had to ramp it up manually, and I really missed my Miele DuoFlex’s Auto mode, which adapts to different floor types so I can vacuum while listening to my audiobook rather than paying attention to the task in hand.

It also clattered noisily over my reclaimed terracotta tiles, though suction didn’t seem affected. Noise-wise, I measured it between 61-68 decibels, which is actually quieter than most cordless vacs I’ve tested. Eco is almost gentle on the ears, and even Turbo never reached eardrum-spitting territory.

The 0.75L bin is relatively generous for this type of vacuum (Image credit: Future)

Emptying the bin was blissfully mess-free. No dust clouds, no digging about with a wooden spoon handle or kebab stick. Plus, every component is washable, which makes maintenance straightforward.

The only downer is that the filters clogged quickly during testing. They’re simple enough to rinse under the tap, but with no spares included, the vacuum had to sit idle while they dried. Worryingly, some dirt and dog hair somehow managed to get past the two filters and were gathered around the motor entrance. At this point I did need my trusty kebab stick to clear it away.

(And don’t get me started on the sticky residue left behind when I tried to peel the maintenance instruction sticker off the bin canister. Very upsetting.)

The double filters should have stopped this debris getting through (Image credit: Future)

Hair proved quite the challenge for this cordless, despite promises of a no-wrap roller. I dumped an entire brush’s worth of my daughters’ long locks onto the floor (yuck) and set the LVAC-300 loose. It managed a fair amount, but the roller inevitably clumped up. In good news, the Levoit’s brush bar pops out in seconds, so a quick snip with the scissors and I was back in business.

I wasn't impressed by the no-wrap roller (Image credit: Future)Suction tests

Now for the fun bit: the tests. I started with fine dust; a teabag’s worth scattered across my wooden engineered flooring. On eco, the LVAC-300 gobbled it up in a single pass, even from the grooves between planks. On carpet, Eco barely made a dent, so I cranked it to Turbo. Better, but a faint smudge of tea leaves still lingered, like my husband’s five o’clock shadow – and I am afraid I had to reach for my Miele to get the carpet fully clean again.

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(Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

(Image credit: Future)

Next came 30g of oats to represent bigger debris. On hard floors, the LVAC-300 struggled at first because the floorhead acted more like a snowplough than a vacuum, pushing the oats into little drifts. Lifting the head slightly and hovering over the oats worked, but it’s not ideal. Turbo helped, but I still had to chase some strays.

Again, this isn’t unique – even Dyson vacuums sometimes bulldoze big debris across tile – but the best Shark vacuums tend to have edge here, with heads that are better designed to funnel large bits straight into the suction path. Switch to carpet, however, and the LVAC-300 was surprisingly effective, scooping up oats cleanly even on Eco.

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(Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

(Image credit: Future)

The edge cleaning test was genuinely impressive. I lined a corner with tea leaves, expecting to need the crevice tool, but the LVAC-300 slurped up every last bit in Eco mode. Honestly, it matched my Miele here, which is high praise – so many cordless models leave frustrating crumbs in the corners. I also tried it over the sheepskin rug in our spare bedroom and it did an admirable job of fluffing up the fleece without the rollerbrush getting blocked and stopping rotating, which made a refreshing change.

The edge cleaning test was a complete success (Image credit: Future)

In summary, the LVAC-300 did what it promised and offered reasonable suction, easy handling and quieter operation than many. It doesn’t quite topple the big names in every test, but it put up a very respectable fight at a far friendlier price. Fine dust removal on carpet could have been better, but for everyday cleaning it got the job done with minimal fuss and zero arm ache.

• Performance score: 3.5 out of 5

Levoit LVAC-300 cordless review: battery

• 41 minutes in Eco, 22 minutes in Mid, 14 minutes in Turbo
• Just under 4 hours to recharge, with flexible charging options
• Easily enough juice for a decent clean on one charge

Levoit reckons you’ll get 60 minutes out of the LVAC-300 in Eco mode, but that figure is with the nozzle attachment, not the powered floorhead, which is a little misleading. I have never spent an hour vacuuming with a nozzle in my life.

The fine print in the User Manual promises 40 minutes with the floorhead attached, which was pretty accurate. My stopwatch recorded 41 minutes in Eco mode with the floor head, which was good enough for me. I’d actually run out of things to vacuum and left it buzzing on the floor just to see it die.

Turbo gave me 14 minutes, which doesn’t sound like much but was plenty to whip round the ground floor and staircase of my four-bed family home. For a cordless at any price point, that’s seriously respectable.

Recharging takes around four hours, which is par for the course. I like that you can either click it onto the dock or pop the battery out and plug it in elsewhere, so you’re not at the mercy of having a wall socket in the perfect spot.

Despite the 60 minute 'fake news' on Levoit's marketing, the battery life impressed me. I got through a full clean on a single charge without breaking a sweat, and that’s really all most people will need. However, there are models – even in this budget-friendly bracket – that offer longer runtimes if you need them.

• Battery life score: 3.5 out of 5

Should you buy the Levoit LVAC-300 cordless?

Attribute

Notes

Rating

Value

Strong mid-range pricing with regular discounts. Offers features you’d usually pay more for, though can’t quite match pricier rivals on power.

4/5

Design

Lightweight and easy to maneuver, though the styling is a bit basic. Simple controls and easy setup win it back points.

3.5/5

Performance

Excellent on hard floors and edges, but struggles with fine dirt on carpet, and long hair in general. Overall solid cleaning results.

3.5/5

Battery

40 minutes in Eco with the main floorhead is decent but other models give you longer. A solid 16 mins in Turbo mode.

3.5/5

Buy it if...

You have mostly hard floors

The LVAC-300 performed very well on hard floors, and is especially impressive at clearing dirt from the edges of rooms. It's also lightweight and very easy to wrangle.

You're on a budget

At list price the LVAC is mid-range, but big discounts are rare and can deliver very strong value for money.

You appreciate a simple life

If the thought of downloading an app to run a vacuum makes you want to lie down in a dark room, take note. Big on/off button, three modes, no Wi-Fi pairing fails. Even your nan could suss it out.

Don't buy it if...

You have lots of carpet

This vacuum struggled a little with cleaning carpets. Turbo helps, but it’s still not great at dragging dust out of thicker pile, no matter how much time you spend dragging it back and forth.

You're obsessed with high-end tech

If you want a vacuum that looks like it belongs in an Apple Store, step away. The LVAC-300 is more functional than fantasy.

You live with Rapunzel

Although it had no problem with pet hair, long human hair wrapped around the roller like a clingy baby koala that isn’t ready to leave its mum.

How I tested the Levoit LVAC-300 cordless

I lived with the Levoit LVAC-300 as my main vacuum for nearly three weeks, putting it through its paces in our four-bed home, which is home to our family of four, plus two dogs and a budgie. That meant daily whizzes around the kitchen and hallway (the main crumb/fluff zones), plus regular runs up the stairs, rugs and on the wool bedroom carpets to see how it coped. I timed battery life in each mode with my Garmin watch and used a decibel app on my phone to check out noise levels.

I also made sure to test all the attachments: the mini motorized brush was drafted in for sofas and pet beds, while the crevice tool was sent hunting for dust bunnies under radiators and cobwebs along the curtain rails. The main floorhead got the biggest workout, smashing through a mix of pet hair, school-run debris and general family chaos. I played around with setup, docking and charging too, trying both the wall mount (admittedly not screwed to the wall but I recreated the effect just fine propped against the wall) and popping the battery out to plug it in elsewhere.

In short, I didn’t just whizz it round the house for 10 minutes before hitting the keyboard, both set tests and real-life use was long and thorough, and I really got to know this impressive little vacuum during the process.

Read more about how we test vacuum cleaners

First reviewed September 2025