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pheran, a traditional winter coat that gives warmth during the coldest days of winter. A pot of embers carried beneath the fabric adds to the comfort.'/>

In Kashmir, December 21 is said to mark the start of the 40 harshest days of winter. A woolen robe called a pheran is key to keeping warm — and a reminder of how to face and overcome hardships.

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This dramatic documentary has 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, making it a must-add to your Netflix watch list.

If you're interested in trying out one of these monitors, start with these top picks.

JBL Bar 1300MK2: two-minute review

Two years after its predecessor came to town, the JBL Bar 1300MK2 has landed, aiming to deliver tons of power, awesome Dolby Atmos, and immersive surround sound. With a price of $1,699.95 / £1,299.99 / AU$2,299.95, I had very high expectations for JBL’s new flagship model. Luckily, it more than delivered.

This model stands out from the rest thanks to its detachable, battery-powered rear speakers, which can also be attached to the main bar or act as standalone Bluetooth speakers. These have 10 hours of battery life each, and can even be charged while in use, making them ideal for just about any user.

But even when it comes to the basics, this model can go toe to toe with the very best soundbars around. Dolby Atmos performance is excellent all-round, with incredibly expansive, almost three-dimensional sound on offer. This model also supports the DTS:X format, streaming over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, as well as Auracast connectivity.

One key difference this model has over its predecessor is its incredible leap in power output. This 11.1.4 soundbar system has a maximum power output of almost 2,500W across its 29 drivers, which is almost ludicrously high. Will most users require this much might? No, but it’s there if you want to get really loud!

Beyond Atmos, you’re also going to experience crystal-clear dialogue, seismic bass, and precise treble, which makes for great listening experiences whether you’re watching movies or listening to music.

Pair that with an incredibly easy setup and a broad set of features – most of which are accessible via the JBL One app – and you’re looking at a near-perfect offering from JBL.

But the word ‘near’ is important here. There’s 4K passthrough – but only at 60Hz. That’s a shame for gamers who want to enjoy newer titles in 4K at 120fps. And even though I’m a fan of the detachable speakers, the system itself isn’t the most beautiful looking – it’s fairly standard stuff from a brand that usually likes to incorporate unique colorful elements into its designs.

Still, it’s fair to say that the JBL Bar 1300MK2 is an excellent soundbar system overall. It's costly, but pretty well priced against rivals. It sounds absolutely fantastic, and its versatile build helps it stand out in a highly competitive market. As a result, it’s more than worthy of my recommendation.

(Image credit: Future)JBL Bar 1300MK2 review: price & release date

• $1,699.95 / £1,299.99 / AU$2,299.95
• Launched in September 2025

The JBL Bar 1300MK2 was launched in September 2025. It’s worth noting that in the US consumers get the JBL Bar 1300XMK2 instead, which has a slightly larger subwoofer. Typically, you’ll pay $1,699.95 / £1,299.99 / AU$2,299.95 for this bar’s services. That’s pretty similar to the launch price of the original JBL Bar 1300X.

(Image credit: Future)JBL Bar 1300MK2 review: specs

Dimensions

Soundbar: 40.6 x 2.3 x 5.4 inches / 1030 x 58 x 136mm; subwoofer: 12.4 x 10.9 x 10.8 inches / 315 x 277 x 275mm; surround speakers: 8 x 2.3 x 5.4 inches / 202 x 58 x 136mm

Speaker channels

11.1.4

Connections

1x HDMI eARC, 3x HDMI in, digital optical, USB (playback US-only), Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3 (surround speakers use 5.4)

Dolby Atmos / DTS:X

Yes / Yes

Sub included

Yes

Rear speakers included

Yes

JBL Bar 1300MK2 review: features

• Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support
• 11.1.4 configuration with detachable rear speakers
• 4K passthrough, but not at 120Hz

The JBL Bar 1300MK2 is equipped with just about everything you could want from one of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars. Of course, there’s support for expansive audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, with up-firing speakers on board for an added sense of verticality.

On top of that, this 11.1.4 channel system makes use of MultiBeam 3.0 technology. This uses beamforming and digital processing to supply a “wide, cinema-like soundstage”, according to JBL – and I’d be inclined to agree. You get a beautifully expansive listen from JBL’s new flagship soundbar system, but I’ll speak more about that in the performance section.

Another key feature is the inclusion of AI Sound, which has featured on some Bluetooth speakers like the JBL Xtreme 4. This enables the large, dual-driver subwoofer – which can reach down to 33Hz – to deliver improved dynamics.

There are a number of settings you can play around with in the JBL One app too, which is an easy-to-use and well laid out piece of companion software. Something that instantly springs to mind is room calibration. This optimizes sound to your living space incredibly well, and even plays a sound demo after so you can experience the true three-dimensional sound of the Bar 1300MK2.

On top of that, there’s an AI-enabled dialogue enhancement setting, an ambient audio playback option, and various sound modes like Movie, Music, and Standard. There’s even a new Night mode, which only uses the two detachable wireless speakers to supply more mild audio with softer bass.

Speaking of those wireless speakers, you can even use them as standalone Bluetooth listening devices, and they can link up to other JBL models that have Auracast enabled. Of course, they won’t deliver the kind of performance you’d expect from the best Bluetooth speakers around, but the option is very nice indeed.

You get 10 hours of battery life from the wireless rear speakers, which is plenty for a day of movie watching or gaming. And whenever you’re taking a break, you can simply whack the detachable speakers back on the main bar to charge them. You can even keep them charging while in use via USB-C, so JBL really covered every base here.

Something I also appreciated about the Bar 1300MK2 was its solid array of connectivity options. These include: HDMI eARC; digital optical; Bluetooth 5.3 (though the rears use version 5.4); Wi-Fi; USB (playback on the US model only); Ethernet; and three – yes three HDMI inputs.

Here’s the thing though. Although there are three HDMI in slots, none of them offer 4K 120Hz passthrough or auto low latency mode (ALLM). That’s a little disappointing for gamers who want to enjoy titles in performance mode. Sure, you still get 4K passthrough from JBL’s new soundbar, but only at 60Hz I’m afraid.

Given that a lot of 4K TVs are restricted to only two HDMI 2.1 ports – one typically being eARC, which would be used for this soundbar – I think this ends up being a fairly important miss for gamers, especially when rivals like the Samsung HW-Q990F bring 4K 120HZ to the table.

• Features score: 4.5/5

(Image credit: Future)JBL Bar 1300MK2 review: performance

• Incredible power output from 29 drivers
• Earth-shaking bass, clear dialogue, expressive highs
• Very strong Dolby Atmos and surround sound capabilities

To absolutely no surprise whatsoever, the JBL Bar 1300MK2 is a phenomenal performer in the audio department. It harnesses the power of 29 – yes, 29 – drivers, across the main bar, detachable surround speakers, and sub. All of that combines to offer a maximum power output of almost 2,500W. That’s more than double the power of its predecessor. Is it excessive? Arguably yes, but I’d rather have too much rather than too little.

And that raw power was incredibly striking when I tested the 1300MK2 out, proving to be ideal for grandiose movie soundtracks and immersive Dolby Atmos experiences. When I tuned into The Boy and the Heron, a scene with frogs and fish roaring ‘JOIN US’ at the protagonist, is meant to have imposing rumbling bass throughout. And the 1300MK2 replicated this with outstanding vigor. The regimented, deep, and moving low-frequency output was room-enveloping and grasped every last inch of my attention.

Even in spite of this, the soundbar system retains balance. The bass didn’t overwhelm dialogue, which remained clear throughout. And when the heron snapped a wooden sword in half, the high-pitched snap came through with a wonderfully natural crack. The whistle of an arrow was also expressive and bright, and I was generally really impressed by the treble performance of this soundbar.

Let’s focus on Dolby Atmos for a second, which is excellent once more. In The Mask, the frantic and cartoonish movement of the titular character was tracked with impeccable accuracy, voices sounded as if they were flowing well beyond the confines of the speakers themselves, and the overall expansiveness of the presentation was top-notch.

Over in Top Gun: Maverick, I made sure to test out the scene with a jet flying up and over the head of Ed Harris – a must-watch reference scene for soundbar testing. The verticality of this move was pretty good – definitely more believable than a lot of premium rivals. Sure, I wasn’t blown away by the sense of the jet flying above me, but this bar is using upward-firing drivers as opposed to overhead speakers, which can provide an almost tangible sense of height.

Every other aspect of audio was as good as I’d hoped. Dialogue – both with or without PureVoice active had exceptional clarity. More sudden moments in tense movie scenes hit with serious impact, showcasing the soundbar’s great handling of dynamics. And the cohesiveness of the system was great too – the rears had the perfect sense of subtlety, while the sub didn’t overshadow the clean and concise sound emerging from the main bar.

Something we appreciated about the original JBL Bar 1300 was its strong musicality. And I’m glad to report the MK2 also hits the target in this regard. Dolby Atmos music, like Dream of Arrakis by Hans Zimmer is spacious and engrossing, with ambient electronic elements and backing vocals escaping the confines of the bar itself. The heartbeat-like deep bass was dark and low-reaching too, resulting in a hypnotic listen.

Even stereo music sounds very good on the Bar 1300MK2. With Space Cowboy by Jamiroquai, spacey synths were given plenty of room to breathe, smooth percussion was expertly weighted, and bass was intent-filled once more. Vocals sounded a little recessed in my view, but that was nothing a little bit of EQ tweaking couldn’t fix.

Overall, the JBL Bar 1300MK2 is an exemplary performer in the audio department, and its raw power is truly something to behold.

• Performance score: 5/5

(Image credit: Future)JBL Bar 1300MK2 review: design

• Convenient detachable surround speakers
• Strong build quality
• Overall look not spectacular, but sub is sleek

The most captivating aspect of the JBL Bar 1300MK2’s design is undoubtedly its detachable surround speakers, which are battery powered and can assume a number of roles. They can be used as part of the main bar, serve as rear channels, or just play music as standalone Bluetooth speakers.

That versatility is wonderful, and really helps this model stand out. JBL also includes slide-on end-caps for the main bar if you’ve detached the surround speakers, ensuring it looks sleek at all times.

As you’d expect, the Bar 1300MK2’s build quality is high. This is a durable, well-finished model and there’s a neat LED display that will indicate volume or input change as well as when Atmos content is being played.

In terms of looks, I’d argue that this bar is pretty much on-par with most of the competition. It’s a wide model that’s best suited to a TV sized 65-inches or more, and comes in plain black. Personally, I prefer the aesthetic of the Marshall Heston 120 and KEF XIO – models that have gone the extra mile to stand-out from the crowd with intricate details and multiple colorways.

Still, if you prefer a more understated approach, the Bar 1300MK2 will suit you just fine.

JBL describes the included sub as “compact” and even “small” on its website, but I’d say that’s a bit of a reach. Sure, it’s a very powerful unit, packing a huge 1,200W of power on its own, and you could certainly argue that it’s well-sized with that in mind. But small it is not. Having said that, it is a good-looking piece of kit, with a beautifully rounded exterior making it easier on the eye than some of the blockier models out there.

Something I really liked to see was the inclusion of L- and U-shaped brackets, as well as screws. That means that anyone hoping to wall mount the soundbar and rear speakers has the necessary tools to do so. Some rivals charge a fair amount for that privilege, so kudos to JBL!

• Design score: 4.5/5

(Image credit: Future)JBL Bar 1300MK2 review: setup & usability

• Plug and play setup
• Responsive physical and digital remote
• Easy-to-use companion app with user-friendly features

Setting up the JBL Bar 1300MK2 is as easy as you’d expect. Simply hook the main bar and sub up to a power source, link the soundbar to an HDMI or digital optical cable, and you’re off. There’s no complex pairing required after this either, everything is already synced up.

There’s an included remote that you can use to adjust channel levels, bass power, volume and the like. Alternatively, you can use the digital remote on the JBL One app to control the soundbar. Both of these methods are responsive, and I never experienced pesky input delays when issuing commands.

The user-friendly app also takes you through network connection, calibration, and has a digital manual that can be referenced if needed.

More generally, this model packs in a bunch of integrated music apps for Wi-Fi streaming, an inbuilt mic for voice assistant functionality, and effective physical controls on the main bar and surround speakers. Pair that with an easy-to-read LED display and easy to detach surround speakers, and you’re getting top-tier setup and usability.

• Setup & usability score: 5/5

(Image credit: Future)JBL Bar 1300MK2 review: value

• List price is undoubtedly on the premium end
• But you still get plenty of bang for your buck
• Well priced against rivals

Let’s not beat around the bush here. The JBL Bar 1300MK2 is an expensive piece of kit, with a list price of $1,699.95 (for the 1300XMK2, which has a slightly larger sub) / £1,299.99 / AU$2,299.95. In fairness, though, that’s about the same as the original Bar 1300, which launched more than two years ago now.

Also, when you consider the raw power and caliber of performance offered by the Bar 1300MK2, it competes pretty well against rival soundbar systems. The Samsung HW-Q990F, for example, is regularly selling for $1,599 / £1,499 / AU$1,599, and although it offers 4K 120Hz passthrough, it does lack the battery-powered detachable speakers and has a smaller array of speakers.

I’ve also started to see the 1300MK2 go on sale in some territories, with its price standing at AU$1,599.95 on JBL’s Australian store at the time of writing, for example. JBL is also selling the model for less in the US, and so you can expect to see sales pop up here and there in coming months and years.

Combine all of that with the bar’s impeccable performance and versatile design, and it actually ends up being a great value-for-money option, even in spite of its typically high asking price.

• Value score: 4.5/5

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the JBL Bar 1300MK2?

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

Broad feature set with plenty of sound optimization options, 4K passthrough but not at 120Hz.

4.5/5

Performance

Incredible Dolby Atmos effects, awesome bass, clear dialogue, and expressive treble.

5/5

Design

Convenient detachable speakers, sleek sub, great build quality although fairly plain looking.

4.5/5

Setup & usability

Simple plug and play setup, highly responsive.

5/5

Value

Despite high cost, you get plenty of quality, well priced against rivals.

4.5/5

Buy it if…

You want awesome Dolby Atmos performance
There aren’t many soundbar systems out there with better Dolby Atmos performance than the JBL Bar 1300MK2. Its speakers all combine to deliver three-dimensional audio with very decent verticality.

You’re looking for some serious power
If you’ve got a very large room that needs filling with top-class cinematic sound, then this model is an awesome choice. It offers almost 2,500W of power in total from 29 drivers, delivering almighty all-round sound.

Don’t buy it if…

You’re short on space
The main bar itself is pretty wide here, and you’ll need a good amount of room for the dual-driver sub and rear speakers too. If you’re short on space, there are some nice slim one-box options, though, like the Marshall Heston 60 and Sonos Beam Gen 2.

You’re a gamer
With no 4K 120Hz support, the JBL Bar 1300MK2 is a slightly harder sell to gamers. If you’ve only got a couple of HDMI 2.1 ports on your 4K TV, having an extra one on your soundbar is always very handy. Sadly, the ports on this soundbar only support 4K passthrough at 60Hz.

JBL Bar 1300MK2 review: also consider

JBL Bar 1300MK2

Samsung HW-Q990F

LG S95AR

Price

$1,699.95 / £1,299.99 / AU$2,299.95

$1,999 / £1,699 / AU$2,099

$1,699.99 (about £1,260 / AU$2,610)

Dimensions

Soundbar: 40.6 x 2.3 x 5.4 inches / 1030 x 58 x 136mm; subwoofer: 12.4 x 10.9 x 10.8 inches / 315 x 277 x 275mm; surround speakers: 8 x 2.3 x 5.4 inches / 202 x 58 x 136mm

Soundbar: 48.5 x 2.8 x 5.4 inches / 1232 x 70.8 x 138 mm; subwoofer: 9.8 x 10.0 x 9.8 inches / 249 x 251.8 x 249 mm; surround speakers: 5.1 x 8.0 x 5.5 inches / 129.5 x 201.3 x 140.4mm

Soundbar: 49.2 x 2.5 x 5.3 inches / 1250 x 63.5 x 134.6mm; subwoofer: 7.9 x 16 x 15.9 inches / 200 x 406 x 404mm; surround speakers: 6.3 x 8.8 x 5.6 inches / 160 x 223.5 x 142mm

Speaker channels

11.1.4

11.1.4

9.1.5

Connections

1x HDMI eARC, 3x HDMI in, digital optical, USB (playback US-only), Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3 (surround speakers use 5.4)

1x HDMI eARC, 2x HDMI 2.1 in, digital optical, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3

1x HDMI eARC, 1x HDMI in, digital optical, USB

Dolby Atmos / DTS:X

Yes / Yes

Yes / Yes

Yes / Yes

Sub included

Yes

Yes

Yes

Rear speakers included

Yes

Yes

Yes

Samsung HW-Q990F
This five-star soundbar system is an incredible option, boasting awesome Dolby Atmos, phenomenal dialogue clarity, and tightly controlled bass. It’s incredibly easy to set up, has a boatload of features available via the SmartThings app, and has HDMI passthrough with 4K 120Hz support. It’s also regularly on sale for a good chunk less than its initial launch price. Read our full Samsung HW-Q990F review.

LG S95AR
We really liked the LG S95AR, heaping praise on the model for its impressively immersive sound, its incredibly easy setup, and its dense feature-set. Again, there’s 4K 120Hz passthrough on this rival, but only one HDMI input port. Read our full LG S95AR review.

How I tested the JBL Bar 1300MK2

(Image credit: Future)

• Tested across the space of a week
• Used at our TV testing space at Future Labs
• Played 4K UHD Blu-Rays and streamed music over Wi-Fi

When testing out the JBL Bar 1300MK2, I had it hooked up to the LG C5 OLED TV via HDMI eARC. I made sure to use the detachable speakers attached to the soundbar, but usually kept them separated as rear channels. I also made sure to try them as individual Bluetooth speakers.

During my testing time, I watched and listened to a variety of content. This included a number of movies on both Netflix Premium and on 4K UHD Blu-Ray via the Panasonic DP-UB820. I also connected up my phone to the Bar 1300MK2 and listened to music via Tidal Connect, in both Dolby Atmos and stereo formats.

I also made extensive use of each listening mode: Movie; Music; Standard; and Night. Of course, I also made sure to try out the various other settings in the JBL One app too, including the voice enhancement, ambient sound, and calibration options.

On a more general level, I've tested dozens of soundbars here at TechRadar, and have tried out everything from ultra-cheap options like the Hisense HS214 through to premium alternatives like the Marshall Heston 120. My extensive experience with the Bar 1300MK2’s rivals mean that I know exactly what it takes for a soundbar to stand out, in what is ultimately a highly competitive market.

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

I reviewed JBL’s flagship Dolby Atmos soundbar, and its immersive surround sound, mighty power output, and versatile design really wowed me.

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One-minute review

No, it’s not a Garmin. The Coros Nomad may look ever so slightly like the Instinct 3, but in many ways it’s more exciting, since it boils that excellent smartwatch down to a less feature-packed but still compelling alternative that’s considerably cheaper.

It’s strictly in fitness tracker territory, with features like NFC payments not making the cut, but it does have the advantage of offering locally stored maps. Add to that more than three weeks of battery life on a single charge, a handy action button, and a really nice, lightweight design, and there’s an awful lot to like about this upstart.

Memory in Pixel displays aren’t for everyone as they’re duller than most smartwatches’ AMOLED screens, but they do conserve battery as a result. If you’re happy with one here, you’re getting excellent value for money and fantastic battery life.

Coros Nomad: Price and availability

(Image credit: Coros)

• Starts at $349 / £319 / around AU$640
• Considerably cheaper than rivals
• Available in three color options

The big pull for the Coros Nomad is how favorable it compares to the Garmin Instinct 3 price-wise. It starts at $349 / £319 / around AU$640, compared to the Garmin model’s $449 / £389 / AU$829, and it comes in Dark Grey, Green, and Brown finishes – I tested the green version.

• Value score: 5/5

Garmin Venu 4: Specifications

Component

Coros Nomad

Price

$349 / £319

Dimensions

47.8 x 47.8 x 16.4mm

Weight

49g with band

Case/bezel

Polymer Case

Display

1.3 inch Memory-in-Pixel display (260x260 resolution)

GPS

Dual frequency GPS

Battery life

22 days of standard use, 34 hours in GPS mode

Connection

Bluetooth

Water resistant

50M

Coros Nomad: Design

(Image credit: Coros)

• Durable, but fairly lightweight
• Action button

Given that this is billed as a rugged smartwatch, there’s a good chance the first thing you notice when picking up the Coros Nomad is that it’s not all that heavy at all.

The Polymer case feels strong (although you won’t catch me hurling my review unit at a concrete floor), but it’s also nice and light. That’s particularly helpful given that this is a device you can wear for up to three weeks without taking it off for a charge, and the strap is comfortable, too (albeit I’m not a big fan of the pin-based method of attaching them).

The case envelops the display, and provides plenty of clearance to keep it from being dinged if you were to drop the watch or swing your arm into something, although Coros says it’s a mineral glass display that should be tough to crack anyway.

Controls-wise, there are two buttons for interacting with the UI, as well as an action button that can be programmed to perform different functions such as the backlight, adding a voice pin along a route, or switch between activity data and map view. Charging is handled via a small proprietary port on the back.

• Design score: 4.5/5

Coros Nomad: Features

(Image credit: Coros)

• Offline maps
• No smartwatch features

Where Garmin’s Instinct 3 doesn’t offer map functionality, the Coros Nomad does, making it an attractive choice for trail runners who may not know a route very well. This works with Coros’ companion app, allowing you to store routes and save them to quickly check conditions before you head out the door.

There’s dual-band GPS for tracking, too, and it proved exceptionally accurate in my testing, whether I was out for a wander in the countryside or standing amidst London’s largest buildings.

It’s really built for the great outdoors, as the name suggests. As well as all the usual maps and GPX routing functionality, you can drop voice pins using the onboard mic during walks and runs, which will replay thoughts that occur to you at specific points during routes, such as descriptions of landmarks. You can add photos in the app too, creating an adventure journal.

Fishing modes, which don’t normally get a lot of love, get a digital anchor, putting a pin in a spot so you can see if you’re drifting during the activity. Niche, but eminently useful to the right person. Health-wise, you get an ECG sensor, SpO2 monitor, and Safety Alerts allowing you to send your location to emergency contacts. However, this is more like Garmin’s LiveTrack than SOS messaging, as it’s done on your phone rather than satellite, and thus requires phone signal. Still, a nice-to-have.

The only real downside is that some smartwatch features are lacking. To be clear, Coros is marketing the Nomad as a fitness watch, but I’d have liked NFC payments and maybe some music options here for the days when I want to leave my phone at home.

• Features score: 4.5/5

Coros Nomad: Performance

(Image credit: Coros)

• MiP display
• Up to 22 days of battery
• Heart rate accuracy is up there with the best

The Coros Nomad’s performance is pretty fantastic across the board. A single charge can last you a whopping 22 days, while you’ll get around 50 hours if you’re using GPS mode for more intensive location tracking, or 34 hours for dual band. I found this was accurate during testing.

Unfortunately, I didn’t get to go fishing with the watch during my testing period, but I did use its headline feature: maps.

This is something many similarly-priced rivals don’t offer, and it’s great to have offline maps downloaded if you’re unsure of where you are and you’ve left your phone at home. It’s nice and easy to get them downloaded via the companion app, and the maps themselves are easy to read with color-coding for route types.

You can zoom in and out with the crown, too, making it easier to get context for your current route.

Another nifty feature, I’ve not seen anything like Voice Pin on a watch before. The idea is relatively simple, letting you leave an audio note on a run or hike tailored to a location. In theory, this could mean you could create curated audio cues for a route you’re sharing with a friend, or provide additional notes on how to get home.

Heart rate tracking matches up to the current gold standard in my experience – the Apple Watch Ultra series. Despite the Coros Nomad costing less than half the price, it pretty much matched Apple’s most rugged watch beat-for-beat. We’ve independently tested the Ultra against a Polar H10 heart rate monitor, finding it very accurate, so to have Coros match this is very encouraging.

• Performance score: 5/5

Coros Nomad: Scorecard

Attribute

Comments

Score

Value

Undercuts a Garmin while offering additional features.

5

Design

Easy to use, comfortable, and rugged.

5

Features

Plenty of health monitor features, but lacking in terms of NFC payments.

4.5

Performance

Offline maps and voice pins are great.

5

Coros Nomad: Should I buy?

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

You want a Garmin, but don’t want to pay Garmin money

The Coros Nomad certainly pushes Garmin’s Instinct lineup into a corner, offering many of the same features for much less than the Garmin Instinct 3.

You want to wear it for weeks without charging

More than three weeks of battery is great, even without any Garmin-esque Solar charging.

Don't buy it if...

You’re a gym person

The Coros Nomad is wasted during indoor workouts, operating best outdoors.

You’re looking for a watch to take off-grid

There’s no satellite SOS messaging unlike the Google Pixel Watch 4, Garmin Fenix 8 Pro and Apple Watch Ultra 3.

You want a communication-based smartwatch

Don’t expect much in the way of smartwatch features – there’s no NFC for payments, notifications are basic, and no option to run third-party apps.

Also consider

(Image credit: Future)

Component

Coros Nomad

Garmin Instinct 3 (45mm) AMOLED

Apple Watch Ultra 3

Price

$349 / £319

$449 / £389 / AU$829

$799 / £749 / AU$1,399

Dimensions

47.8 x 47.8 x 16.4mm

45 x 45 x 14.9mm

49 x 44 x 12 (mm)

Weight

49g with band

53g

62g

Case/bezel

Polymer Case

Fiber-reinforced polymer / aluminum

Titanium

Display

1.3 inch Memory-in-Pixel display (260x260 resolution)

AMOLED, 390 x 390px

Liquid retina LTPO3 OLED

GPS

Dual frequency GPS

GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, SatIQ

L3 dual-band GPS

Battery life

22 days of standard use, 34 hours in GPS mode

Up to 18 days (smartwatch), up to 32 hours (GPS)

42 hours smartwatch mode

Connection

Bluetooth

Bluetooth, ANT+

Bluetooth, LTE

Water resistant

50M

10ATM

WR100

Garmin Instinct 3

The closest thing to a Coros Nomad, except within Garmin's excellent ecosystem.

Read our full Garmin Instinct 3 review

Apple Watch Ultra 3

An ultra-premium adventure watch with all the Nomad's missing communication tech.

Read our full Apple Watch Ultra 3 reviewView Deal

How I tested

I wore the Coros Nomad in daily life, during sleep and workouts. I went rucking with the Coros Nomad a handful of times, comparing its GPS and biometric information to both the recently-reviewed Suunto Race 2, the Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch Series 11. I also visited some cities to test its GPS system amid larger crowds and buildings during workouts.

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A Kremlin envoy says peace talks in Florida on a U.S.-proposed plan to end the war in Ukraine are proceeding constructively, after U.S. meetings with Ukrainian and European officials in Berlin.

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HP has a longstanding history of making powerful portable workstations packed with superb performance, solid battery life, and robust port offerings.

The ZBook X G1i is not only a continuation of that tradition, but it's also touted as the most mobile ZBook ever, still with high performance and a great battery.

It's a bold claim, and HP has successfully pulled it off. As an all-rounder, it's one of the best mobile workstations I've tested, performing very well in my tests and well-suited to business professionals, creators, and power-users.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )HP ZBook X G1i: Unboxing and First Impressions

Given how powerful this machine is, I'm still shocked by how lightweight it is. Granted, it is a 16-inch unit, so it's not something you'd want to toss into a daypack or a shoulder sling, but it's still pretty portable for a workstation. As I always do, I left the charger in the box and will use my UGREEN or Anker power bricks, or one of the several docking stations I have set up across my different workspaces.

The next thing I do is log in to my Windows account and allow my sync to run, along with logging in to my proper accounts. I like using Windows Hello with both fingerprint and face recognition for easier, more secure sign-in. Once I got that taken care of, I made the proper updates and minimized my desktop to fewer apps, creating a clean workspace.

The HP ZBook X G1i is a very sleek and professional-looking laptop. It fits right into the business-tier design language, without being boring. It's got an elegant silver finish, it's easy to toss in a backpack, and it's got enough ports to power you through your day. This laptop is portable yet packs a full-size HDMI port, an RJ45 Ethernet port, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB-C port, a headphone jack, a USB-A port, and an optional Nano SIM Card and/or a Smart Card Reader.

All of that in a portable workstation is wild. To add to the insanity, there is a full-size numpad as well. While this isn't unbelievable to see on 16-inch laptops, it's definitely not so standard that it's not worth mentioning. For those who spend all day entering numbers, a number pad can absolutely cut down on that time and make it faster and easier.

Speaking of the keyboard, the standard QWERTY side is comfortable to type on; it has good key travel and resistance without feeling like I am working too hard. It's a keyboard you can type on all day without discomfort or the urge to swap it out, unless you are a keyboard fanatic or mechanical keyboard lover.

HP ZBook X G1i: Design & Build Quality

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

The overall design of the ZBook X G1i is clean. It's business professional. It fits the look you're going for as a business pro with a laptop that can hold its own. You're not looking for something that flashes RGB, but you also need a machine powerful enough to handle your hefty workload. I get it.

The HP ZBook X G1i gets it too. With powerful components under the hood, this laptop still looks unassuming enough that you can take it into a conference room or a coffee shop without looking like a gamer while getting serious work done.

Another big thing that I look at for workstation laptops is port selection. A computer can be wildly powerful, but if you always need to plug into a dongle, that's worth noting, especially for a computer that claims to be a workstation. A workstation is not just another term for a laptop, but a tier, or class of laptop in its own right.

The workstation passes that test with flying colors. Offering not only a good number of ports but also a good spread and distribution, helping enhance working with them rather than just slapping ports wherever they fit.

HP ZBook X G1i: In use

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Specs

as tested

CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7
GPU: Intel Arc Pro 140T (32GB) / NVIDIA RTX Pro 2000 Blackwell
Memory: 64GB
Storage: 2TB
Display: 2560×1600 120Hz DreamColor (500 nits)
Ports: 2× Thunderbolt4 (USB-C), 1× USB-C 20Gbps, 1× USB-A, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x RJ-45, 1x Audio jack
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, 5G
Battery: 62Wh
Weight: 3.19 lb

For day-to-day work on this machine, I have found zero problems or qualms. It's excellent at basic productivity tasks, administrative tasks, and pulling up information in DBeaver or other database tools. It's fantastic with VSCode or other coding applications.

I haven't had any issues with 3D printing software or with elementary video and photo editing. It may not be the very best video editing laptop for creative professionals, but I would rank it as one of the best laptops for photo editing and general content creation.

I used this computer as my primary machine for a full day of work, and then used it on and off for a few weeks as my secondary. In that time, I barely felt the ZBook X G1i even take a deep breath. It's an excellent machine for AI work, front-end and back-end development, and even full-stack development and coding.

It's great for project managers who need to QA software features and pull everything up for testing before pushing to production, and it's also great for 3D modeling, CAD, and related work. All while being in a portable 16-inch laptop shell with one of the most beautifully sleek logos on the market.

The HP ZBook X G1i is an excellent choice for this kind of work. Plus, to add a little extra to a great package, HP offers a 5G antenna along with Wi-Fi 7. Meaning that you can get the best connection available while it's around and you're in buildings that have Wi-Fi.

When you are out and about or don't want to trust the sketchy Wi-Fi at an airport, you can hop on a Cellular 5G connection rather than having to pop out a travel router or jump on a VPN to keep your information secure. Or perhaps you're someone who isn't worried about sketchy Wi-Fi, but rather about the lack of a connection while working remotely. That's where the 5G option comes into its own, letting you hop on whenever you need to, even if that's poolside, between laps, or at a resort.

HP ZBook X G1i: Final verdict

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

The HP ZBook X G1i continues a great legacy of ZBook machines from HP. It's a powerful mix between a portable powerhouse and a lean mean computing machine, all while retaining that professional style.

It's ideal for, quite honestly, people like me. Project managers, side hustlers, system architects, hybrid professionals, the kind of people who have their hands in everything and anything at all times.

It's not the machine I'd choose to run my powerful app servers on, but if you need a machine that has workstation power in a form factor you're not dreading to take with you, then the HP ZBook X G1i is an option worth considering.

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

The HP ZBook X G1i is a mobile workstation with high-powered Intel Core Ultra processors, NPUs, plenty of RAM, powerful graphics, and excellent connectivity.

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