Feed aggregator

Casabrews 5418 Pro: one-minute review

The Casabrews 5418 Pro espresso machine is compact, lightweight, and easy to operate via physical buttons and a simple lever to control all its functions. A pressure meter on the machine's face helps guide extraction; but the pressure can be inconsistent, leading to under-extracted espresso.

This inconsistency may well be down to the boiler, but it's further hindered by the lightweight plastic tamper, which makes it difficult to exert much pressure on the coffee puck. The portafilter also feels rather flimsy, and with no clip to keep it in place, the filter basket had a tendency to fall out when I was knocking out used grounds.

The Casabrews 5418 Pro can work well, but it sometimes struggles to achieve the necessary pressure for well-extracted espresso (Image credit: Future)

On the positive side, the 5418 Pro heats up quickly, and the shot volume can be manually configured to compensate for any drips once the pump has finished. The steam wand is also a highlight, with a good range of movement and a cool-touch silicone handle. The machine can also dispense hot water for tea, which is handy.

My first impressions were overwhelmingly positive, but the more I used this machine, the more it became apparent where corners had been cut to keep the price so low.

Casabrews 5418 Pro: price and availability

• Launching late August 2025
• List price $299.99 (about £220 / AU$460)
• About the same price as Breville/Sage Bambino

At the time of writing, the Casabrews 5418 Pro has yet to be officially launched. It will go on sale on August 26, 2025, with a list price of $299.99 (about £220 / AU$460). However, there will be a $120 launch coupon, bringing that price down to just $179.99 (about £130 / AU$280) – and, ahead of its launch date, Casabrews is offering pre-orders for an early bird price of $159.99 (about £120 / AU$250) at Amazon.

The Breville Bambino (known as the Sage Bambino in the UK) is a compact espresso machine sporting roughly the same specifications, and has a similar list price at $299.95 / £329.95 / AU$449.95. The Bambino has been around for several years, and can usually be found steeply discounted on Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day. Check out our full Sage Bambino review for more details.

• Value score: 5/5

Casabrews 5418 Pro: specifications

Name

Casabrews 5418 Pro

Type

Semi-automatic espresso machine

Dimensions

12 x 5 x 11 inches / 30.5 x 13.5 x 28cm

Weight

7.2lbs / 3.27kg

Water reservoir capacity

34oz / 1 liter

Steam wand

Manual

Max pressure

20 bars

User profiles

N/A

Casabrews 5418 Pro: design

• Very compact and lightweight
• Physical buttons rather than touchscreen
• Accessories feel somewhat flimsy

The Casabrews 5418 Pro is extremely compact, and very light, making it ideal for small kitchens; you can easily tuck it in a corner and move it around, if necessary. It measures just 12 inches / 30.5cm tall, 5 inches / 13.5cm wide, and 11 inches / 28cm deep. That’s tiny enough to fit on my kitchen scale, which confirmed that it weighs around 7.2lbs / 3.27kg including its power cable and plug.

I was testing the North American version. The UK model, when it launches, will be slightly heavier as a result of the bigger fused plug.

Image 1 of 2

The tank is easy to lift off the back of the machine (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

The water tank has a robust handle (Image credit: Future)

The water tank lifts easily out of the back of the machine, and has a robust handle that makes it easy to carry to and from the sink. There’s no water filter provided, but I wouldn’t expect that for such an affordable espresso machine. Casabrews doesn’t currently appear to sell filters for this machine, but you could fill it with filtered water, if you like. Just don’t use distilled water; it’s not good for any coffee machine, and can cause problems with the water-level sensors.

There’s no touchscreen here; instead, all the controls are in the form of physical buttons arranged along the front of the 5418 Pro: power, single shot, double shot, and steam. The steam wand is operated using a lever on the right-hand side of the machine, which feels a little lightweight in the hand, but works perfectly well. The wand itself has a good range of motion, and a heat-resistant silicone grip, so you can adjust it safely without burning yourself.

The steam wand is a breeze to use, although the machine doesn't come with a milk pitcher (Image credit: Future)

On the front of the machine you’ll see a pressure meter, which is a helpful guide to help you see whether your espresso shot is likely to be extracted correctly. The pressure goes up to 20 bars, but you’re aiming to be around nine when pulling a shot. It’s worth noting that this is the pressure at the boiler, and will likely be higher than the pressure at the group (where the hot water is forced through your coffee grounds).

The Casabrews 5418 Pro comes with just a handful of accessories: the portafilter handle, a pressurized double-shot filter basket, and a plastic scoop with a tamper on the end. According to the instruction manual there should also be a single-shot pressurized filter basket, but this wasn’t present with my review sample.

The machine comes with pressurized filter baskets, but no single-walled units (Image credit: Future)

The portafilter is different to any I’ve used before, because it doesn’t have a spring clip to hold the basket in place. Instead, you place the basket in the handle and rotate it to fasten it in place. This was presumably a design decision made to keep costs down.

The tamper is super light, and you may find it tricky to tamp your coffee grounds hard enough – although it helps that the portafilter handle has silicone ridges on the base that help stabilize it on your countertop. I have my own wood and metal tamper, which I would have tried for comparison, but it’s too large for the 51mm basket.

The portafilter handle has no clip, so the basket has a tendency to fall out when you're knocking out used grounds (Image credit: Future)

There’s no milk pitcher provided with the machine, so you’ll need to buy one separately. Look for one with a fine spout if you want to try your hand at latte art.

According to its Amazon listing, the 5418 Pro will be available in two colorways (Silver and Metallic Gray); but at the time of writing, only the latter is available to pre-order.

• Design score: 3.5 / 5

Casabrews 5418 Pro: performance

• Heats up very quickly
• Initial results were promising
• Inconsistent extraction (sometimes under-extracted)
• Lots of dripping after pouring a shot

I wanted to love the Casabrews 5418 Pro, and my initial impressions were very positive. My first attempt at brewing a shot with the 5418 Pro turned out well, and I was pleasantly surprised at how well the espresso was extracted. Foaming milk was a piece of cake, and within a couple of minutes I was enjoying a very pleasant latte.

Unfortunately, this wasn’t always the case, and the 5418 Pro sometimes struggled to reach the optimal nine bars of pressure, leaving me with under-extracted espresso, even when I set my Sage Dose Control Pro grinder to its finest setting. I’m quite sure from experience that my grinder wasn’t the limiting factor, so it may have been the pump, or it may have been due to me struggling to apply sufficient pressure consistently using the plastic tamper. If you choose to pick up this machine, I’d recommend investing in something sturdier.

The machine sometimes managed to reach the correct pressure for extracting espresso, but it wasn't consistent, even after dialling in the grinder (Image credit: Future)

I also didn’t love the clipless portafilter, since the basket tended to fall out when I was trying to knock out the used puck. Fishing a hot filter basket out of a food waste bin is nobody’s idea of a good time.

On the plus side, Casabrews’ claims that the machine can reach temperature in just a few seconds proved accurate. The 5418 Pro comes with a sticker warning you to pre-heat the groupset by running hot water through it without the portafilter attached, and another note to the same effect in the instruction manual – but this is good practice with any espresso machine. I certainly didn’t experience any problems with cold espresso during my testing.

The pressurized basket means there's no shortage of crema (Image credit: Future)

The double-shot pressurized basket certainly creates lots (and I mean lots) of crema, but I’d be curious to use the single-shot basket as well.

Like the Breville/Sage Bambino, the 5418 Pro tends to dribble coffee after the pump has stopped, presumably for the same reason – the lack of a three-way solenoid valve. If you own the Bambino, you can get around this problem by using the manual shot button. This lets you choose how long the pump runs, and you can stop it early so you don’t end up with too much espresso.

There’s no such button on the Casabrews machine, but if you’re finding yourself with too much espresso, you can configure the shot volume manually. To do this, press and hold either the single or double espresso shot button for three seconds (depending on which one you want to customize), then press it once to start the pump. Once you’ve reached the desired amount of espresso, press the button again to stop the flow. The machine will then remember this setting and re-use it next time.

You can also use the Casabrews 5418 Pro to dispense hot water for tea, which is a nice feature that you won’t find on all espresso machines.

My only other criticism is that the 5418 Pro’s beeps sound somewhat tinny, which is perhaps a strange thing to complain about, but it does add to the overall impression that this is an espresso machine made to a strict budget.

• Performance score: 3/5

Should you buy the Casabrews 5418 ProCasabrews 5418 Pro score card

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

One of the most affordable home espresso machines I've tested, with early bird discounts available too.

5/5

Design

Compact and light, but some unsatisfying design decisions have been made to keep the cost down.

3.5/5

Performance

Initially performed well, but proved inconsistent with continued use.

3/5

Buy it if

You're on a tight budget

This is a very affordably priced espresso machine, particularly if you take advantage of Casabrews' early bird discounts.

You have a very small kitchen

The 5418 Pro is both small and light, so it will fit into even a super-compact kitchen (and you can easily stash it in a cupboard when it's not in use, provided it's clean and dry).

Don't buy it if

You have over $300 to spend

This is a budget machine, and some of the compromises that have been made to keep the price down are quite obvious. With espresso machines, you get what you pay for to a certain level.

You prefer black espresso

Adding milk can go some way to disguising somewhat inconsistent extraction, but if you drink your espresso plain, you'll notice the difference more.

Casabrews 5418 Pro: also consider

If you're not sure whether the Casabrews 5418 Pro is the right espresso machine for you, here are two alternatives to consider.

Breville / Sage Bambino

Around the same list price as the Casabrews 5418 Pro, the Bambino (branded as Sage in the US and Breville in the rest of the world) is a reliable little espresso machine that's stood the test of time, and is regularly recommended as a good option for beginners.

Read our full Sage Bambino review

De'Longhi Dedica Style

Even more affordable, the Dedica Style is a reliable performer that's compact and simple to use. It tends to drip after brewing, much like the 5418 Pro, but stopping the pump early will prevent you pouring too much espresso.

Read our full De'Longhi Dedica Style review

How I tested the Casabrews 5418 Pro

I used the Casabrews 5418 Pro for two weeks in place of my usual coffee machine, and brewed coffee using a blend of freshly roasted Brazilian and Colombian arabica beans. When my shot wasn't properly extracted, I adjusted the grind size of my Sage Dose Control Pro grinder to compensate. I used the tamper provided with the machine to tamp the coffee. I tested the steam wand with fresh, full-fat dairy milk and oat milk.

I flushed the machine with hot water before and after brewing (to preheat and cool it respectively). I purged the steam wand and wiped it with a damp cloth after making each drink.

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

First tested August 2025

The Revolution Wind farm was slated to start sending power to homes and businesses in Rhode Island and Connecticut starting next year.

(Image credit: Seth Wenig)

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort for a good night’s sleep, look no further than these top-rated innerspring mattresses handpicked by CNET’s experts.

Immigration officials said they intend to deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Uganda after he declined an offer to be deported to Costa Rica, according to a Saturday court filing.

(Image credit: Brett Carlsen)

• BenQ PV3200U is a 32-inch 4K monitor with calibrated color display for content creators
• It has an integrated 2.1 audio system with woofer but headphones may still be required
• A wireless Hotkey Puck lets users make quicker adjustments during editing

BenQ has taken the wraps off its new 32-inch 4K monitor designed primarily for video creators who want better audio than usually found in mid-range monitors.

The PV3200U’s display combines a calibrated panel with an integrated 2.1 sound system. The monitor offers 95% DCI-P3 coverage along with full Rec.709 and sRGB, aiming to deliver consistent visuals across platforms.

With factory calibration at Delta E ≤ 2, BenQ says editors can expect color stability whether producing for Mac, Windows, or mobile playback.

Wireless Hotkey Puck

M-book Mode and ICCsync are included to match Mac devices more closely, which can help reduce unwanted shifts once projects move beyond the editing stage.

While most monitors only include basic speakers, the PV3200U introduces a small 5W woofer alongside dual 2W speakers to produce a fuller sound. It’s hard to say without hearing it in action, whether it will be good enough to replace headphones for detailed audio editing, so you may want to try before you buy.

PV3200U has a useful Studio Mode designed to preserve audio detail by avoiding unnecessary processing, something BenQ says will provide users with an accurate reference point.

To reduce clutter and simplify setup across multiple devices, the monitor makes use of a single USB-C cable to carry 4K video, transfer data, and provide up to 65W charging.

A wireless Hotkey Puck is included, giving users quicker access to adjustments during editing.

The ergonomic stand supports tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustments, which should be handy for different working styles.

“Creators shouldn’t have to guess how their content will look and sound once it’s live,” said Peter Huang, President of BenQ Corporation.

“Too often, post-production color shifts and flat audio edits hamper YouTubers. PV3200U’s precise color, clear sound editing, and seamless device compatibility empower creators to trust the creative process from first cut to final upload.”

By combining color precision, integrated audio, and simplified connectivity, BenQ is positioning the PV3200U as an all-in-one editing solution for YouTubers and the like, but whether it can truly do away with the need for external gear is up for debate. Many creators will need convincing that a single screen can replace dedicated speakers and other hardware for critical work.

The PV3200U monitor is priced at £699 in the UK and available to buy from here. No word on global availability yet.

You might also like

• These are the best 5K and 8K monitors that you can buy right now
• And these are the best monitors for photo editing on any budget
• LG has a new 5K monitor with a Thunderbolt 5 port, and I love that it is curved

Let me start off with an apology: I’m sorry I’m writing this article now, as we’re probably only three weeks away from the launch of the next-generation iPhones, which we and many others in the tech world have dubbed the iPhone 17.

That means you should almost certainly wait for the reveal of the new iPhones rather than rush out and buy one unless you absolutely need it; even then it might be better to get a pre-owned older model or an iPhone 16e that to tide you over and one that’ll act as a backup phone once you have a fully new iPhone.

So yeah, I could end the article there and apologize that I’m late to the game here; we’ve had a big Prime Day sale event and the launch of the Google Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold to distract me.

But there are two questions that I can still mostly answer: if you have waited, should you be excited? And if you’ve just got an iPhone 16 model, did you make a mistake? I think I can answer them both at the same time.

Apple anticipation

Starting with the second question first: No, I don’t think you made a mistake, as I think all the iPhone 16 models are rather good. While I don’t love that the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus still use 60Hz displays, they are still fine phones if you’re happy to play in Apple’s walled garden.

And I’m a big advocate for the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, the latter of which I use as my personal phone, as they blend performance, sleek industrial design, and great cameras into a seamless user experience. They may be a tad boring and incremental compared to some of the best Android phones, but you simply can't go wrong with these iPhones.

Going by the rumors so far, I'm not convinced that the iPhone 17 series will offer a big step up from the current crop of phones. There’s a hint that there'll be 120Hz displays for all four new iPhones, which I’d very much welcome as I love a high-refresh-rate display. And the Pro iPhones are tipped to get a 48-megapixel telephoto camera, which should help give a boost to zoomed-in shots.

There is the rumored iPhone 17 Air, which could replace the Plus model and offer a tall but slim iPhone option, but I don't expect it to be a revolution in Apple phone design.

Aside from that and likely improved A-series chips, it doesn't feel like this year will usher in a big step-change for the iPhone. So my feeling is you don’t need to be super excited for the next Apple event from a phones perspective, but you can pretty much guarantee that an iPhone 17 will once again offer the best iPhone experience, even if it’s only an incremental upgrade over the iPhone 16.

It’s on the AI side that I think Apple will garner a bit more attention with the iPhones this year. The launch of Apple Intelligence wasn't a smooth one, and it’s only recently that I’ve started to feel some of the benefits of it. As such, I reckon Apple will focus a bit more on the new AI features that’ll come with the new iPhones, as well as emphasize those revealed at WWDC 2025 with the showcase of iOS 26.

I’d expect the Cupertino crew to really focus on what Apple Intelligence features will be available for the iPhone 17 straight out of the box, rather than those that may have a regional or staggered rollout. Of course, if you have an iPhone 16, you’ll almost certainly be able to run these features after an update, yet that’ll still mean an iPhone 17-centric Apple event is worth watching.

With that in mind, TechRadar will be looking at bringing you all the news, announcements, and analysis live for the next Apple event, and in the run-up, we’ll be perusing the rumors and last-minute leaks. So keep an eye out for that.

And do let me know in the comments below if you're looking forward to the next-generation iPhones.

You might also like

• 5 smart privacy features on iPhone you need to know about
• How to download the iOS 26 public beta
• Ready for an iPhone upgrade? Here's why you (probably) don't need to buy a Pro

I went eyes-on with Samsung's two 115-inch TVs, and was surprised at what glare filters and Micro RGB backlights could do.

The MSI Claw A8 Z2 Extreme is yet another gaming PC handheld to hit the market. Taking all of the positives of the previous iteration of the MSI Claw, the MSI Claw A8 Z2 Extreme seems promising on paper, being the first gaming handheld to pack the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip, potentially giving gamers a whole new level of performance right in the palm of their hands.

In terms of availability, the MSI Claw A8 Z2 Extreme has been slowly released over the past few months as different regions start to stock the device. The UK is still waiting for its opportunity to purchase, as well as the US, and with the new Asus ROG Xbox Ally hitting the shelves soon, it may be a race to the finish line in terms of the first device featuring AMD’s new chip to be on the shelf.

However, using the device at Gamescom 2025 actually proved to be a rather mediocre experience, and this wasn’t the fault of the handheld but rather the processor itself. While the device looked snazzy and was comfortable to use, it didn’t quite deliver the performance boost I was expecting from AMD’s latest chip, and instead felt practically identical to the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme.

Not only are my expectations for the device tainted, but I’m worried about the progression of handhelds in general if this level of performance is meant to be seen as an upgrade. Oh dear.

(Image credit: Future)MSI Claw A8 Z2 Extreme hands-on: Price and availability

The price of the MSI Claw A8 Z2 Extreme varies from region to region and with no stock available in the US or UK just yet, we don’t have a confirmed price.

However, with sales already underway in Germany starting at €999, we can therefore assume it will be at a similar price point in both dollars and pounds, though exchange rates, local taxes and tariffs will likely have an impact.

This is particularly expensive when compared to alternative handheld gaming devices on the market. However, this is currently the only gaming handheld to feature the brand new AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip, which makes direct price comparison difficult. The previous MSI Claw was £899 / $899 on release, and other alternatives like the Asus ROG Ally X come in at around £799 / $799 with frequent sales and price cuts.

Right now, there's no confirmed release date for the MSI Claw A8 Z2 Extreme for most of the world, but with it being on shelves in some areas of Europe, we shouldn’t be waiting too long.

(Image credit: Future)MSI Claw A8 Z2 Extreme hands-on: Design

In terms of design, the MSI Claw A8 Z2 Extreme comes in a fancy new colorway, Neon Green.

Being honest, I found this new color absolutely repugnant, but this is more of a personal taste issue rather than it being a major problem. Despite not being a fan, I can be the bigger person and admit that this new color definitely sets the device apart from the monochrome sea of gaming handhelds which are on the market right now.

You get an 8-inch screen which is just slightly higher in resolution than your standard 1080p at 1920x1200. Pair this with the variable 120Hz refresh rate, and this screen is one of the best options on the gaming handheld market.

The only thing that would improve this display would be if it was OLED. It was gorgeous to look at and would make a great option for both casual and competitive gamers alike - if competitive gamers would ever dare to play ranked on a gaming handheld.

(Image credit: Future)

The chassis definitely feels more ‘gamery’ in style when compared to its predecessor, with a more aggressive shape and clear cut edges rather than that smooth and sleek finish which we’re familiar with. Despite this, it was still comfortable to hold.

Coming in at 765g, it's one of the heavier devices on the market; the Asus ROG Ally X, for example, weighs less than 700g. This is to be expected given the difference in screens, but doesn’t detract from the fact that the handheld feels like it's slightly weighing you down while you’re playing it, but it didn’t cause any major issues.

MSI Claw A8 Z2 Extreme hands-on: Specs

In terms of specifications, the MSI Claw A8 Z2 Extreme looks fantastic on paper, however the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme does majorly let it down. While using the device, I found that I wasn’t really getting any better performance when compared to the Z1 Extreme chip found in other (cheaper) gaming handhelds.

It managed good quality graphics in the games I played on the handheld, with solid frame rates which didn’t look or feel choppy. However, since this was just a brief hands-on session I wasn’t able to actually monitor the frame rates while playing, and it really didn’t feel like the device was delivering any significant boost in performance on a surface level.

MSI Claw A8 Z2 Extreme specs

CPU

AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme

Display

8-inch FHD+ (1920x1200), 120Hz, VRR, Touchscreen

Memory

24GB LPDDR5x-8000

Wireless

Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4

Ports

2x Type-C, 1x Micro SD Card Reader

Battery

80Wh

Dimensions

299.5 x 126.2 x 24.0mm

Weight

765g

Aside from this, you also get 24GB of RAM, a major upgrade from some of the previous generation gaming handhelds. Lower RAM in previous handhelds has posed issues in the past, so it's nice to see MSI learning from the mistakes of their competitors.

You also get a chunky 80Wh battery, the same as the previous iteration of the MSI Claw. While it would have been nice for this to have been improved upon, it seems like this is slowly becoming industry standard.

I wasn’t able to actually monitor the battery level during my hands-on time with the device, but the AMD Ryzen Z2 series of chips come with a promise of better efficiency so we’ll have to wait for a full review to see if this proves to be true.

MSI Claw A8 Z2 Extreme hands-on: Early verdict

All in all, I feel like I was somewhat underwhelmed with the MSI Claw A8 Z2 Extreme, but that wasn’t down to the device itself but rather the processor from AMD.

The device was comfortable to hold, looked stunning (apart from the new neon green colorway, sorry) and has a promising battery capacity.

However, with a high price point and a processor which wasn’t delivering that boost in performance that I was expecting over its predecessor, it’s hard to recommend picking up the MSI Claw A8 Z2 Extreme based on first impressions alone. Our full review, where we'll put the MSI Claw A8 Z2 Extreme through our suite of benchmark and real-world tests, should determine if it deserves a place amongst the best gaming handhelds.

GPT-5 wasn't the game-changer OpenAI hyped it up to be. At least it feels faster and more useful.

Hawaii's Kilauea volcano resumed erupting Friday by shooting an arc of lava 100 feet into the air and across a section of its summit crater floor.

(Image credit: M. Zoeller/AP)

The Gunners host Daniel Farke's newly promoted team at the Emirates.

• Apple may stick with the Camera Control button
• Previous rumors suggested it wouldn't be on the iPhone 18
• We may see a simpler button on future iPhones

Last week we heard a rumor that the iPhone 17 would be the last to sport the Camera Control, which was only introduced last year with the iPhone 16 – but a fresh leak suggests the button will live on, albeit in a different form.

The new rumor comes from well-known tipster Instant Digital (via MacRumors), which states that Camera Control components are in production for the iPhone 18. That refutes the idea that Apple would get rid of it as it's not seeing a lot of use.

There is a twist though: Apple is apparently removing the capacitive sensor next year to cut down on costs. That's the sensor that detects any kind of touch or swipe, enabling users to gradually change settings like exposure or zoom.

That will leave only the pressure sensor, detecting distinct touches of different strengths. We'll have to wait and see how that might affect the different functions of Camera Control – some of them might be remapped or replaced, with the help of iOS.

Mixed reactions

We're expecting Apple CEO Tim Cook to introduce the iPhone 17 next month (Image credit: Getty Images)

When the Camera Control was introduced with the iPhone 16 models, Apple described it as a feature that "elevates the camera experience" and which is "packed with innovation" – offering easier access to various camera controls and Visual Intelligence.

In our iPhone 16 review, we described it as "major enhancement" for the Apple handsets, and in fact the "best addition" to the 2024 handsets. However, it didn't make an appearance on the iPhone 16e that Apple launched the following February.

Despite our enthusiasm for the small button, it's fair to say the reaction overall has been mixed. Some have struggled to find a real purpose for the Camera Control, but it seems that some time and effort investment is required to make the most of it.

What seems clear is that we'll get the standard Camera Control button back again with all four iPhone 17 handsets in September – including, if the leaks are to be believed, the iPhone 17 Air that's supposedly replacing the iPhone 16 Plus this year.

You might also like

• I found the best use for Camera Control
• These are the best iPhones you can buy right now
• The iPhone 17 could cost $50 more

The Goal Zero powerstation lineup is impressive, especially since their merger with BioLite. According to Goal Zero, the Yeti Pro 4000 is their most remarkable power station yet. It boasts a high output, high capacity, high weight, and a high price to match.

There are several different setups that this power station can support. First, there are Haven Setups that provide additional capacity and a home connection point, allowing a home to function as a battery backup. Second, there is an option to integrate solar power, enabling recharging from the sun. Lastly, there is an escape system that can either convert a towable RV into a system powered by the Goal Zero Yeti Pro 4000 or a drivable kit that transforms an adventure vehicle into a system backed by the Yeti Pro 4000.

No matter what the use case is, if you need a large amount of reliable power, high output, and you're willing to pay for quality gear, this system could be the right fit for you. Goal Zero's goal with the Yeti Pro 4000 was to replace noisy and messy traditional gas generators - and they've done it.

I will note here that I have seen some notes about reliability issues that some have had with this unit, though I have not experienced that myself. So far, I haven't had any problems.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // TechRadar Pro)Goal Zero Yeti Pro 4000: Pricing & Availability

The Goal Zero Yeti Pro 4000 is available on Goal Zero's website for just under $4000. There are other retailers selling, including Amazon.com.

You can pick up an expansion battery to extend the capacity for another $2000, and there are other accessories to outfit this even further.

Worth noting that I'm seeing limited availability outside the US right now.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // TechRadar Pro)Goal Zero Yeti Pro 4000: Design & build qualitySpecs

Battery: ~3,994 Wh (LiFePO₄), 4,000+ cycles
Power: 3,600 W continuous; 7,200 W surge
Recharge: 1,800 W AC inlet; up to 3,000 W solar

The Goal Zero Yeti Pro 4000 is not a compact device. It's pretty cumbersome, so it has a wheeled base that comes with the standard purchase to facilitate more effortless movement.

However, what it misses in ease of mobility, it makes up for in pure power. The output is phenomenal for this size, and the choice in port layout makes sense. All of the inputs are on the back of the unit, plus the inverter you would use if you are plugging into the Haven system, for example.

All of the output ports are on the front, making it super simple if you want to set this unit up and leave it somewhere for an extended period. You can set it and forget it, and still you're able to plug in everything you may need to without moving the unit around, unless you are changing primary inputs, which is less familiar to change around than outputs.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // TechRadar Pro)Goal Zero Yeti Pro 4000: In use

The Yeti Pro 4000 by Goal Zero is designed to carry a heavy load, all without any issue. It's intended to be a home backup, a primary power system on the road, or even a primary system for an off-grid building.

It's rated to run a residential fridge for 1-2 days, while also running a Wi-Fi Setup, basic lighting, and other essentials. If you connect to solar, depending on the sun, you can keep things running for longer. You recharge with the sun and then run off the battery when the sun is not out, and recharge via the solar panels.

For home use, this is an easy option. Set it, forget it, keep it tucked away, hooked up to your house with a Haven backup system. If your home requires more power, you can add more tanks, which adds capacity to run off-grid for longer.

For those who are looking for an RV/Van Life/Off-Grid Camper solution, you can have this unit in the corner of your setup, or tucked away and have it plugged in with the Escape system to have an integrated screen and complete system, meaning you'll never even have to touch this unit, or if you don't want to do that, you can plug anything and everything you need into the front of this unit, have any solar input plugged into the back, and then you can run things that way.

If you do choose to add the Escape System, you can then add an integrated screen wherever you want in the vehicle or trailer to control all aspects of the Yeti Pro 4000 while the unit itself is tucked away. Add this to a system where you have outlets placed where you want them throughout your off-grid home on wheels, and it will feel like you're in a standard home when it comes to power convenience.

Some people don't need a semi-permanent setup, and they want something that can be brought out for job sites, one-off jobs, or similar projects. The Yeti Pro 4000 can be great for this, too, as long as you have a good way to transport it there. But, if you work at a job site and you want to be able to swap out the traditional generator for a portable power station to recharge tools, run a table saw, or similar tasks, this is a great solution.

Goal Zero Yeti Pro 4000: Final verdict

No matter your potential solution, this power station is a serious one worth considering. It could power you for days on the road if used reasonably, and it could back up essentials in your home in the case of a power outage. The Yeti Pro 4000 has a great set of offerings for expansion, and it is built to last. If you're looking for a high-powered, high-capacity, and highly reliable power station, the Yeti Pro 4000 is one worth considering - keep in mind that it's not easy to move.

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Hefty, robust.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ease of use

Easy to use

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Practicality

Practical for heavy users

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Price

Expensive

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

For more power solutions, we've tested and reviewed the best portable power stations.

I've been a happy iPhone owner since the 3GS way back in 2009, and yes, I have upgraded since then. Not once in those 16 years have I been genuinely tempted to switch to Android or a Pixel phone. But watching the Google Pixel 10 launch this week was the first time in a while that I've started to at least entertain a non-Apple future.

Google's new Pixels are far from perfect, and I'm still a long way from switching. But it was the overall tone of the event (from a tech perspective, rather than the celebrity cringe-fest) that left me sensing a momentum shift in smartphones. Pixels will continue to be niche compared to iPhones, but Google knows that AI is its era – and the Pixel 10 launch showed that its bullishness is well-founded.

The Pixels are the most iPhone-like phones on Android – rather than flashy specs and benchmark battles, they're all about features. And it's those features, plus Google's surprise push into repairability and fun accessories, that caught my eye as a long-time Apple fan.

Here are the five things that I think Apple needs to respond to at its iPhone 17 launch in September.

1. Genuinely useful AI features

The big asterisk here is we don't know exactly how well Google's new AI features, like Magic Cue, are going to work in practice. And I've also lost count of the number of times Google has promised us seamless AI wizardry, only for it to fall apart on contact with the real world.

But my impression from the Pixel 10 launch is that Google has some great ideas and, most importantly, is in the best position to pull them off. Take Magic Cue, for example – it's billed as the AI smartphone assistant we've all wanted for the past few years, popping up with relevant files or calendar entries when we're messaging or phoning friends.

(Image credit: Google)

Even as an iPhone user, I'm still very much in Google's world as a user of Calendar, Maps, and Gmail. I even use the Gmail app instead of Apple Mail on my iPhone. So the idea of an AI assistant that can make connections between all those services is an appealing one – and I don't really see Apple Intelligence doing that better than Gemini anytime soon.

Obviously, there are privacy concerns, and it'll likely be a slow-burn feature initially, but a lot of Google's AI features, like voice translation, work well on-device. It's long felt like Apple is playing catch-up in the AI spaces that appeal to me most, which aren't Genmojis and Image Playground. And the Pixel 10 launch really rammed that home.

2. Foldable first steps

Google knows it isn't a leader in foldables, but I like the fact that it's willing to at least throw its hat into the ring and iterate. As our hands-on Google Pixel 10 Fold review concludes, it isn't a reinvention and remains a few steps behind the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 due to its inferior weight, thickness, and cameras.

But the foldable's existence makes the Pixel 10 lineup feel more exciting. If I were on Team Pixel rather than Apple, I'd be comforted in knowing that while Google isn't a foldables champion, it's at least refining its craft and getting the real-world feedback it needs to make a great Pixel Fold one day. Maybe.

(Image credit: Google)

After so many years with Apple, I know that isn't how it rolls with new technology. It waits for others to publicly iron out the kinks before leapfrogging everyone with the polished version they've been stumbling towards. In theory, at least.

Am I confident it'll do this with foldables? Not particularly, if the Apple Vision Pro and Apple Intelligence are anything to go by. The iPhone Fold is rumored to be solving a lot of foldable issues (screen creases, weak hinges, and more), but by the time it launches, I might be more excited about screen-less AI gadgets that'll make foldables look like a Psion Organizer.

3. AI health coach

Health and fitness is the area where I'm most excited about AI's personalized potential. While I've long been a fan of open-water swimming and triathlons, I've never been a true data nerd with BPM and VO2 max – so that's why Google's new AI health coach really appeals.

Unfortunately, we didn't hear much in the way of specifics, but the concept is exciting – a personal AI health coach, trained on your exercise, sleep, and nutrition data, that can make little tweaks to your plans based on your metrics and how you're feeling.

I've always struggled with the tension between training plans and real life, with injuries, poor sleep, and other events often clothes-lining my good intentions, and leading to prolonged breaks. In theory, the new AI health coach for the redesigned Fitbit app could solve this – for example, letting me conversationally chat with the assistant about exercises for my stiff back or the best alternative workout for my sleep-deprived body.

Is Apple making something like this? Almost certainly, with rumors about Project Mulberry recently suggesting that an AI health coach will be part of a revamped Apple Health app. But I'm again not convinced that Apple is best-placed to win here – Google's AI coach is powered by Gemini, and so far Apple Intelligence features have been underwhelming.

4. Camera consistency

I've long been a buyer of Pro model iPhones, because cameras are important to me – but I don't see why telephoto cameras should be reserved for pricier models anymore. The Pixel 10 series has done away with this disparity, with even the base model now coming with a 5x telephoto camera.

This reflects well on the Pixel series as a whole. They're much friendlier to the average photographer than iPhones, which are rumored to again be keeping their telephoto cameras restricted to Pro models on the iPhone 17 range. Even as a Pro owner, that feels a bit mean.

(Image credit: Google)

This sense of making photography accessible to everyone is also behind Camera Coach, a new AI feature that tells you how best to compose and shoot photos. It isn't a feature I'd use, but I like the concept and I'm glad that it exists.

That said, I'm not a fan of all of Google's AI camera features. Its new 100x Pro Res Zoom feature (not to be confused with Super Res Zoom) sounds like it's overstepping the mark when it comes to how much AI-created detail is in our photos. It doesn't yet work on people, and Pro Res Zoom photos are tagged as 'edited with AI tools', but it still feels like a slippery slope for a default camera app to me.

5. The Pixel Watch 4's repairability

I'm a longtime Apple Watch owner, but the new Pixel Watch 4 has beaten it to a very cool feature. As long as you have a Torx screwdriver, you can replace its battery or display at home.

Impressively, this much-needed feature doesn't affect the smartwatch's waterproofing. The only downside is that Google has had to move the charging pins to the side of the device, which means yet another new charging dock. Still, that dock also looks pretty cool, and the repairability is overall a big net win.

(Image credit: Google)

While I'm expecting the Apple Watch to match the Pixel Watch 4's other big upgrade –phone-free satellite connectivity for emergencies – I'm less confident we'll see any major design changes to this year's Apple Watch 11.

The rumors are pointing to a major redesign for the Apple Watch 12, but there's still nothing in the speculation about repairability. It's another area where it again feels like Apple is lagging behind and happy to rest on its 'Carbon Neutral' laurels, but I hope I'm pleasantly surprised come September.

You might also like

• 13 things we saw at the wild Google Pixel 10 launch – including the best Pixel phones yet
• Google has ditched Battery Share on the Pixel 10 – but for a good reason
• The Google Pixel 10 Pro might be even worse for gaming than the Pixel 9 Pro

Dietitians share their advice on how to reduce all of those intrusive food thoughts.

Months after his explosive meeting at the White House, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy returned this week wearing a black blazer. His dress last time invited criticism from Trump supporters.

(Image credit: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

The rainbow crosswalk in front of Orlando's Pulse nightclub was removed by Florida transportation officials. The crosswalk was a memorial for those killed in a 2016 mass shooting at the gay bar.

International students from around the world are arriving on American college campuses after a very rocky summer.

Not all USB-C cables or ports are the same.

The Bees look to bounce back from their opening weekend defeat as they host Unai Emery's Villains.