Reviews

This review first appeared in issue 355 of PC Pro.

The Framework Laptop 16 defies categorization. It’s a gaming laptop, unless you decide not to choose discrete graphics, in which case it’s a productivity workhorse.

Even then you have decisions to make. Which keyboard? Should you choose a number pad? Perhaps an RGB macro pad? What about spacers, ports, storage? This is simply the most customizable laptop I’ve seen.

There are two drawbacks, starting with the price. But all the various input options, expansion choices and graphics swaps make specifying the Framework Laptop 16 a complicated matter. For PC Pro readers familiar with the inner workings of PCs this won’t be a problem, but Framework is hitting the point where you need a degree of expertise or you could make a costly mistake.

(Image credit: Future)

Start with the basics

As always with Framework, you can either build the laptop yourself – and bring your own OS – using its DIY Edition, or opt for a pre-built model. The former starts at £1,399, the latter at £1,699.

If you opt for pre-built, you have three options: Performance, Performance Pro (which, for an extra £50, includes Windows 11 Pro) or Overkill for £2,099. Both Performance models have the same core spec of an AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS, 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage. Overkill ups the ante with a Ryzen 9 79440HS, 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD.

Framework sent us its £1,749 Performance Pro configuration, but with the Graphics Module containing a discrete AMD Radeon RX 7700S chip, which adds £400 to the price.

So our test system costs £2,149, but that’s before adding any extras. As part of the price, you get six USB expansion cards to slot into the six bays built into the side of the chassis, and if you stick to USB-A or USB-C you won’t pay any extra. Want HDMI, a DisplayPort, microSD card or an audio jack? Those cost an extra £10 apiece. And if you want Ethernet you’ll pay £30 more. You can also order storage expansion cards, with 256GB (£45) or 1TB (£125) options available. In short, this is a smorgasbord of a laptop for you to kit out as you wish.

Choose carefully, though. You can only charge from the back four ports, while only three of the six ports support display output. And USB-C works in any port, but only the back two allow full USB 4 speeds.

It’s possible to replace and repair every part of this laptop yourself (Image credit: Future)

Key decisions

At this point, it won’t surprise you that the choice of keyboard and touchpad modules on the Framework Laptop 16 depend on you. Your choices, however, must include a keyboard module, touchpad module and spacers, with the possibility of a number pad, macro pad and LED Matrix spacer as extras.

Framework expects you to work out where to put the keyboard. It could be central, with two spacers on either side. Or perhaps you’re left-handed and would prefer to put the number pad there. Just as importantly, if one of these parts dies, it’s easy to replace.

There are a load of options to pick from, and Framework is happy to sell them to you. An RGB backlit keyboard – US English only, for now – costs £50. A number pad module is £39, while an RGB macro pad is an extra £79. This macro pad offers 24 programmable RGB backlit keys that you can configure how you like in software.

(Image credit: Future)

And there’s more. While black spacers for the keyboard come standard, you can switch to orange, grey or lavender for £5 a pop. Or go wild and buy the LED Matrix design for £39 each. The downside of this modularity is that there are seams; while everything is guided by magnets and fits snugly, you can see where the modules and spacers are separated.

The keyboard and macros are controlled by the open-source software VIA, and while Framework uses a simplified, browser-based version, there’s still a learning curve. Framework needs to work on this: it should be far easier to program the RGB macro pad, for instance.

My other gripe is about the keyboard. Framework says the keys offer 1.5mm of travel, but they were too mushy for my taste. If only Framework offered a ThinkPad-like keyboard option.

The choice of keyboard and touchpad modules is up to you (Image credit: Future)

Upgrade ability

While shuffling around the Framework’s modular input mechanisms is easy enough, actually getting into the device is harder than on the Framework Laptop 13. After removing all of the input modules, you have to pull a cable in the metal plate, helpfully labelled number 1. From there, you can use a T5 screwdriver (one comes with the laptop) to remove 16 captive screws labelled 2 to 17.

Our pre-built model came with a single 512GB M.2 2280 SSD installed. If you want to add another, there’s room for a smaller M.2 2230 SSD underneath. The DDR5 memory is upgradable, as is the battery and, in theory, the motherboard (this is also your route to future CPUs). The other upgrade is the GPU, but at the moment the Radeon RX 7700S is your only option. I’d like to see Nvidia get involved, but Framework is making no promises.

You can also buy the laptop with both the Graphics Module and the Expansion Bay Shell. The idea is that if you want to travel lighter, you can swap the shell with the graphics module. However, it’s a trickier process than it should be.

Frequent travelers will probably make the effort, though, as even without the Graphics Module the laptop weighs 2.1kg. With it, that goes up to 2.4kg, and the height at the back increases from 18mm to 21mm.

You can buy a pre-built Framework Laptop if you prefer (Image credit: Future)

Speed boost

Framework’s 16in anti-glare display comes with a 2,560 x 1,600 IPS panel, and it performed well in our technical tests. It covers 75% of the DCI-P3 gamut with a peak brightness of 485cd/m2and an average Delta E of 0.21. There’s also an anti-glare coating, which is better for work than for games or watching films.

Still, when I started testing with one of my favorite games, Control, it looked great. The game features a lot of red lighting, which looked bright and vibrant on the Framework Laptop. The pair of speakers sound good, too, only lacking in bass.

As for speed, I started at 1,920 x 1,200 on High settings with medium ray tracing presets, where the game ran between 40fps and 48fps but with several stutters. Cutting ray tracing and dropping to Medium settings kept me more reliably above 50fps, albeit again with a few hiccups. The fans were spinning loudly during gameplay, keeping the system cool.

Those aren’t great results, especially compared to laptops with an RTX 4070 – which now cost less than £1,500. For example, on Shadow of the Tomb Raider’s highest settings, the Framework reached 86fps at 1080p and 49fps at the panel’s native resolution of 2,560 x 1,600. An RTX 4070 system scored 104fps and 60fps respectively.

It’s a similar story for productivity performance. Although the Ryzen 7 7840HS is a fine processor, with eight high-performance cores and 16 threads, a glance through these pages will review cheaper laptops that outperform it. Bearing in mind this is a laptop with gaming skills, however, it was great to see battery life of 8hrs 49mins in our web-surfing test.

(Image credit: Future)

Final word

While I have my criticisms of the Framework Laptop 16, then, it’s obvious in so many ways that this is a company with ethics at its heart. That stretches to the 1080p webcam, which produces good detail and colours but also features a switch next to it that turns it off. There’s another switch for the microphone, too.

Then there’s its approach to materials: the cover is made from 75% post-industrial recycled (PIR) aluminum, the bottom cover is 90% PIR aluminum, shipping is fully carbon offset and the packaging is 100% recyclable. Framework is setting the standards for other to follow.

While the Framework Laptop 16 isn’t for everyone, it offers tech enthusiasts the chance to build their dream laptop – provided that the dream involves a 16in screen and all-AMD parts.

We've also rated the best monitors for gaming.

This review first appeared in issue 355 of PC Pro.

D-Link is aiming to take surveillance in new directions with its DSS-200G series of Layer 2 switches, which are designed to power the latest IP cameras and provide automated recovery services. This family of four switches is headed up by the 28-port DSS-200G-28MPP, which has a punchy power budget of 518W and offers support for 90W 802.3bt PoE services.

We reviewed the DSS-200G-28MP model, which sits on the rung below and offers a more modest 370W power budget with 30W 803.2at services available across all 24 gigabit ports. Both have four pairs of unpowered copper and fiber dual-personality gigabit ports for uplinks to a network video recorder (NVR) or server.

The switch can power any PoE-compliant device, but D-Link has focused primarily on surveillance usage. It incorporates 6kV surge protection circuitry to shield external cameras against lightning strikes.

One common feature of the DSS-200G series is the block of five DIP switches at the front, which are used to hard-set certain features. The first switch sets an ingress priority function so packets entering port 1 have the highest priority while those incoming on port 24 have the lowest.

The second switch enables a PoE extend mode on the first eight ports. This overcomes the 100-metre PoE cable length limitation by allowing powered devices (PDs) to be placed up to 250 meters away but, in common with all PoE extenders, it drops speed to 10Mbits/sec.

The third switch activates an isolation function so packets incoming on a “controlled” port will only be forwarded to a designated uplink port. This is a handy security feature; it means that if an IP camera is compromised, the intruder can’t gain access to any others attached to the switch.

The D-Link DSS-200G-28MP provides a power budget of 370W (Image credit: Future)

Next up is D-Link’s PD-Alive function, which pings the IP address of a device to check availability and, if it doesn’t respond for a specific time, will reset its PoE services and send out notifications, although for traps, only the less secure SNMPv2 is supported. Lastly, the fifth DIP switch enables STP, which uses redundant paths to restore connections due to a link failure.

Two management modes are available, and selecting the standard option from the quick start wizard presents a web interface with access to every switch feature. From here, you can configure all Layer 2 functions, create surveillance and voice VLANs, assign one of three PoE priorities to each port and enable the global ONVIF service so all compliant IP cameras are discovered and placed in a separate VLAN.

The surveillance mode presents a completely different interface with a smart graphical topology view showing all ports and attached devices. After we connected three D-Link PoE IP cameras, they were identified and automatically assigned icons with the correct model photo.

The two web consoles include a graphical view for monitoring functions (Image credit: Future)

Add non-D-Link cameras and, as long as they’re ONVIF-compliant, the switch assigns a generic camera icon but won’t identify their make or model. Devices such as our Netgear Wi-Fi 6 APs were simply classed as “other” but, in all cases, PoE services can be manually recycled to force a remote reboot.

The graphical theme continues with the console offering a filtered view showing only IP cameras along with their IP addresses and power consumption. You can keep a close eye on total power consumption and switch stats from the surveillance overview page, set schedules to control when power is provided to selected ports and configure the PD-Alive function on individual ports instead of using the fourth DIP switch.

The web console is mainly concerned with surveillance functions and offers greatly reduced access to switch settings. This isn’t a problem, though, as you can swap back to the standard mode if you need to tweak something and then return to surveillance mode.

The DSS-200G-28MP is a worthy contender for business surveillance duties as it offers plenty of smart IP camera management and monitoring features. Value looks good, too, as it includes a generous PoE budget, but you’ll need to focus on D-Link’s IP cameras to get the best from it.

We also rated the best secure smartphones.

This review first appeared in issue 355 of PC Pro.

SMBs that want a cloud file-sharing service that snaps neatly into their existing workflows will love Box, as it offers more app integrations than most of its rivals – over 1,500 in fact. Even better, admins can control which third-party apps are to be made available, and users can browse and install them directly from their personal web portal.

There’s a lot more to Box than that, however. It’s packed to the gills with collaboration tools: along with the obligatory cloud file-sharing and syncing services, it provides facilities for issuing file upload requests to external users, strong access controls for shared files, Box Preview for viewing and editing files in a browser without downloading them, Box Relay for automating repetitive tasks and Box Notes for taking real-time meeting minutes.

The new Box Canvas adds an extra sharing dimension that allows you to create secure virtual whiteboard sessions. Users can access this from their web portal, start sessions, invite other users and employ a selection of templates as well as drawing and editing tools to create interactive meetings, training sessions and more.

Box provides free iOS and Android mobile apps (Image credit: Future)

Box is available in five plans, with the Business Plus on review starting at three users and costing £20 each per month when billed annually. It enables a 15GB maximum file size, a 50-file version history, includes initial access to ten app integrations and gives value a big boost by offering unlimited cloud storage.

User onboarding is swift and they’ll find the web portal very easy to use. It opens with an overview of all their files and folders, and shows the most recent documents across the top. The left menu bar provides one-click access to all tools including Notes, Relay and Canvas.

When sharing content with team members, users can apply one of seven access permissions, ranging from viewing only to full editorial rights, and receive notifications when anyone accesses them. Box Collections is a smart feature that allows users to organize files, folders and web links in personal logical groups in their web portal without having to create new shared folders for them.

Install the local Box Drive app from the portal’s Sync page and you’ll receive a mapped drive with quick access to cloud files. You can mark any for offline access so they’re downloaded and stored locally and changes made are synced back to the cloud when internet access is restored.

Microsoft Teams users will find the Box app a worthy addition. We added it to our Teams desktop app and, after logging into a Box account, it presented an interface that’s a near-perfect replica of the web portal.

Box Insights keeps admins appraised on all file activity (Image credit: Future)

Business Plus supports unlimited external collaborators – people outside your organisation that are invited to work with you on shared files. They require a Box account to access them, but this isn’t a deal breaker as when we shared a file using an email address outside our account domain, the user was prompted to create a free Box Individual account, which provides 10GB of cloud storage and a 250MB file upload limit.

There are no such limitations on file upload requests, as external users don’t need a Box account for this. Users select a folder, create a file request, paste the web link into an email and send it to the recipient, who drags the required files into the web page to send them.

Box Business Plus delivers a superb range of cloud file-sharing and collaboration tools at a price that is sure to appeal to SMBs. It supports an incredible range of app integrations and tools, delivers strong access controls and neatly amalgamates everything into a well-designed web portal.

We've also ranked the best customer relationship management software for small businesses.

Anker Laptop Power Bank review

The Anker Laptop Power Bank is designed to charge large devices on the go, thanks to its high 165W output, large 25,000mAh capacity, and convenient extra features. For such a heavy-duty battery, the Anker Laptop Power Bank does a good job of remaining slender, although it’s as weighty as you might expect it to be. It’s also quite thick, so certainly better stored in your bag than in your pocket.

The Anker Laptop Power Bank is very well built, with every material and panel feeling solid. The screen has hardly any flex either, so I would be confident in it withstanding normal wear and tear.

This display provides various readouts, including those for temperature and wattages for each of the four outputs, which is more than some of the best power banks offer. It’s a shame, however, that it only covers a small area – smaller than the physical size of the screen would lead you to believe, which seems like a missed opportunity to me.

As a result, some figures can appear quite small. This can lead to misreadings when, for instance, charging the bank itself; since it gives the battery percentage to two decimal places, 10% can look like 100% when you glance at it from afar.

It features one USB-C and one USB-A port, both located on the side. This might seem like a strange placement, but the Anker Laptop Power Bank has an ace up its sleeve – two, in fact.

This is because it comes with two inbuilt cables. One loops round into its own clip, creating a makeshift carrying handle (which Anker condones; it can withstand over 20,000 bends), while the other is retractable, with the jack end connecting magnetically to the base to keep it tucked away. This keeps cable clutter to a minimum, as well as saving you the trouble of bringing your own.

Both cables feel very durable and thick, as do the strain reliefs at the base of the jacks themselves. However, they’re flat and rectangular rather than round, which means that they tend to twist themselves when you go to use them, but I only found this to be a minor inconvenience.

The charging performance of the Anker Laptop Power Bank is good. All three USB-C outputs can deliver up to 100W, and Anker claims an M3 MacBook Pro or an iPhone 16 can charge to 50% in about half an hour each. While charging, the display also usefully tracks the output wattage in real time.

I managed to charge a Lenovo IdeaPad 4G in about two hours, which is an admirable performance. More impressively, though, the battery only dipped to about 50% – which means you might just be able to get two full charges out of it – and replenishing its battery from 0% to 100% took just 90 minutes.

The Anker Laptop Power Bank can also charge four devices simultaneously, with the power output dipping to a maximum of 130W. There’s also a trickle charging mode for devices that only need low currents, such as smartwatches and earbuds.

For $99 / £89, the Anker Laptop Power Bank represents good value, considering its power, versatility, and convenience. If you’re a power user who travels with large devices, you likely won’t be disappointed with the Anker Laptop Power Bank as your companion.

(Image credit: Future) Anker Laptop Power Bank review: price & specs

(Image credit: Future) Should I buy the Anker Laptop Power Bank? Buy it if…

You have large devices
All three of the Anker Laptop Power Bank's USB-C outputs can charge at 100W, which is more than enough for many modern laptops and tablets.

You're forgetful
The two integrated USB-C cables, one of which doubles as a carrying handle, are handy additions if you regularly forget to bring your own.

Don't buy it if…

You want something light
At over half a kilo, the Anker Laptop Power Bank isn't exactly light. The thickness means you probably can't carry it in your pocket either.

You're not a power user
The 165W output and 25,000mAh capacity are probably overkill if you're only ever going to charge your phone and other small devices.

Anker Laptop Power Bank: also consider

Anker Prime 27,650mAh Power Bank (250W)
As the best power bank for power users, the Anker Prime has the output and capacity for serious demands, eclipsing the Anker Laptop Power Bank on both fronts. It also features similarly detailed readouts. However, it has three outputs rather than four, it’s marginally heavier, and doesn’t have any inbuilt cables. But if power is your primary concern, you can’t do much better than the Prime.

Amazfit Up: One-minute review

The Amazfit Up earbuds feature an open-ear design, making them a great choice for those who want to stay aware of their surroundings while listening to music. This makes them particularly popular for fitness enthusiasts, outdoor runners, and anyone who struggles with traditional in-ear or over-ear designs.

But these earbuds take a different approach. While many of the best open-ear headphones rely on ear hooks that go over the top of your ear or neckbands for stability, the Amazfit Up earbuds "clip" onto the edge of the ear instead. This isn’t unique to Amazfit – other brands, most notably the Bose Ultra Open earbuds, have used a similar design, along with various budget-friendly alternatives.

However, the Amazfit Up buds could be a game-changer for those who find ear-hook designs uncomfortable, especially if you have thick hair or wear glasses (I’ve personally had trouble with them for both of these reasons).

Another key selling point is price. Amazfit, owned by Zepp Health, is known for its budget-friendly fitness smartwatches, like the Amazfit Bip 3 Pro, which we praised for covering the basics at an affordable price – though not without its drawbacks. The Amazfit Up follow a similar pattern.

Open-ear earbuds can be pricey, with brands like Shokz and Bose offering premium options that require a serious investment. And since open-ear listening isn’t for everyone, spending that much can feel like a gamble. The Amazfit Up buds offer a more affordable entry point, though, as with most budget-friendly devices, compromises are inevitable.

Read on to find out what I thought after three weeks of testing the Amazfit Up – and whether budget-friendly buds can deliver without cutting too many corners.

Amazfit Up: Price and release date

(Image credit: Future)

• Priced at $49.99 / £44.99
• Released in late 2024
• Cheap compared to rivals – but competition is mounting

The Amazfit Up earbuds launched in late 2024 with a price tag of $49.99 / £44.99. At the time of writing, there’s no official pricing or release date for Australia.

This price makes them an incredibly budget-friendly option – not just among open-ear designs but among wireless earbuds in general, even compared to those in our best budget wireless earbuds guide.

For context, our current top pick for open-ear earbuds, the Shokz OpenFit, cost $179.95 / £179.99 / AU$289, making them significantly more expensive. While the Shokz model does have a more premium build and better sound quality, fit is subjective. Personally, I found the Amazfit Up more comfortable for my ears, making them an outstanding value prospect.

Some other earbuds with a similar clip-on design – where the buds attach to the edge of the ear rather than sitting in, over, or around it – are priced much higher. The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, which we rated highly in our review, are often considered the gold standard for clip-on earbuds but come at a steep $299 / £299 / AU$449.95. The Huawei Free Clip, another alternative, is also pricier at $212.37 / £169.99.

That said, the market for affordable clip-on earbuds is growing. Models like the JLab Flex Open and Anker Soundcore C30i are priced similarly to the Amazfit Up, offering more competition in the budget open-ear space.

So while the Amazfit Up is a strong contender at this price point, it’s not the only budget-friendly option. However, considering what it offers, it stands out as a great value – though it’s worth keeping an eye on the increasing competition in this space.

Amazfit Up: Specifications Amazfit Up: Design

(Image credit: Future)

• A clip-on design
• Incredibly comfortable and light
• Exterior looks a little cheap

The Amazfit Up earbuds feature an open-ear design often described as “clip-on.” While this term is becoming more common, I find it a little misleading since there’s no clamping or tight pressure involved.

Each earbud consists of a main housing that sits behind your ear, connected by a small curved band to a spherical speaker that rests lightly in your ear’s concha, just above – but not touching – your ear canal. While this design isn’t unique, it’s a clever take on open-ear audio, allowing sound to play close to your ears while keeping your ear canals free for situational awareness.

Unlike many earbuds that create pressure points over time, these distribute their lightweight 5g-per-bud so evenly that I barely noticed them, even after hours of wear. In fact, they’re some of the lightest, most comfortable earbuds I’ve tested – and I’ve tested a lot. That’s rare for me to say, as I usually experience some level of discomfort with most headphones. After wearing these for a while, everything else felt heavy in comparison.

For me, this design wasn’t just more comfortable – it was also far more practical. The area behind my ear, where many other open-ear buds sit, is already occupied. If I’m not wearing contacts, my glasses rest there. I also have thick, long hair and often wear hats, especially when running. This is why ear-hook designs tend to get in the way for me, and why the Amazfit Up felt like such a great fit.

(Image credit: Future)

For everyday use, they were ideal for walking and light jogging. While I wouldn’t trust them for intense activities like sprinting or inversions during yoga, they stayed more secure than I expected during running, especially compared to ear-hook designs.

Visually, they’re… fine. The textured design isn’t particularly sleek or premium-looking. A friend pointed out that they resemble a 1990s Star Trek: The Next Generation gadget, and I can’t unsee it now – especially with the small red light and ridged details adding to the sci-fi aesthetic. That said, once they’re on, all you really see is the sleek black band, which I actually loved.

The earbuds are IPX4-rated, meaning they can withstand light splashes, sweat, and rain. That’s fine for casual workouts, but some fitness-focused earbuds offer better water resistance, so it’s something to consider if you plan to use them in tougher conditions.

The charging case is compact and functional, but feels a bit flimsy. While it does the job, it doesn’t seem particularly durable, so it’s worth handling with care.

• Design score: 4 / 5

Amazfit Up: Features

(Image credit: Future)

• Multi-point connectivity
• Connects with the Amazfit line of smartwatches
• 24 hours battery in total: 6 from the buds, 18 from the case

The Amazfit Up earbuds come with a decent range of features, though there are some gaps. One of the most notable omissions is the lack of an app, which is frustrating for those who like customization options. However, they do support voice assistants, including Zepp Flow and other phone-based assistants.

For controls, Amazfit has opted for actual buttons positioned behind the ear. I really appreciated this, especially for fitness use. A tactile button makes a huge difference – especially when your hands are sweaty, cold, or tired. These buttons allow you to adjust volume, play and pause music, skip tracks, answer or reject calls, and wake up your voice assistant. There are multiple input methods – single, double, and triple-taps, as well as a press-and-hold gesture. While the positioning behind the ear isn’t the most intuitive at first, I found the controls to be responsive once I got used to them.

One standout feature is multipoint connectivity, which is rare for budget buds and something even the Shokz OpenFit (our top open-ear pick) doesn’t offer. I connected the buds to two devices simultaneously, my Macbook Air and my iPhone, and the connection was seamless between them both.

Amazfit claims that the Up earbuds integrate well with Amazfit smartwatches, though I wasn’t able to test this firsthand. If you already own an Amazfit watch, this could be a nice bonus.

For calls and noise reduction, Amazfit advertises an “advanced AI algorithm” designed to reduce background noise, particularly wind. While I could still make calls outdoors, and they performed better than expected in windy conditions, the call quality was just okay – my voice sounded slightly muffled and distant according to the person I was calling. For casual use, they do the job, but if you rely on earbuds for frequent calls, you’ll likely want something with stronger microphone performance.

Battery life is decent but not outstanding. You get 6 hours per charge and a full 24 hours in total with the case too, which is lower than some competitors. For comparison, the Bose Ultra Open buds offer 7.5 hours per charge, while the Shokz OpenFit buds deliver 7 hours per charge and 28 hours total. So while the Amazfit Up holds its own, it’s not leading the pack.

• Features score: 3.5 / 5

Amazfit Up: Sound quality

(Image credit: Future)

• Decent clarity and crispness
• Volume and bass okay considering the design
• Only a little noise leakage

Open-ear earbuds aren’t designed for premium, immersive audio, especially at the budget end of the market. But I was pleasantly surprised by the way the Amazfit Up sounded – design and price considered.

Since they play audio just outside of your ear canal rather than sealing sound in, they naturally lack some punch, particularly in the bass. That said, there’s still enough low-end presence here to keep workouts energized, and I found the overall sound to be really enjoyable. Vocals come through well, instruments in the higher range are crisp, and the treble is clear – though occasionally a little on the sharp side. The soundstage has an expansive feel, making tracks sound open rather than compressed.

Compared to pricier alternatives like the Shokz OpenFit Air, the clarity isn’t quite as refined, but the difference isn’t huge, especially considering the price gap. Volume levels are decent here, though not the loudest. Then again, the whole point is you’re meant to be able to hear your surroundings, so what could be a negative with other designs is a plus here.

One thing I noticed was a slight vibration at times, which is common with this style of earbuds. Noise leakage is also expected, but in my testing, it was minimal. At about three feet away, people could detect a faint sound but couldn’t make out what was playing. Only those standing very close could actually hear the music, but even then, it wasn’t intrusive. So in the past, I wouldn’t have recommended this design to take from say a run to the office, but unless you’re used to strict silence, these can multi-task.

Ultimately, you’re not getting top-tier audio or ANC here, but that was never the point. Instead, for casual listening, workouts, and walks, the Amazfit Up buds deliver a surprisingly solid, well-balanced sound for the price.

• Sound quality: 3.5 / 5

Amazfit Up: value

(Image credit: Future)

• Excellent value for money
• Cheap compared to rivals – though there is competition
• A good way to try this design

The Amazfit Up earbuds offer excellent value for money, delivering a surprising combination of decent sound quality, excellent comfort, and good features at a budget-friendly price.

While open-ear designs typically come with compromises, the fit is a standout feature, making them far more comfortable – especially for those who struggle with ear-hook designs, many of which are significantly more expensive. They also seriously undercut premium clip-on competitors like the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds while still offering a solid listening experience.

That said, the market for affordable clip-on earbuds is growing, with brands like JLab and Anker offering similar designs at comparable prices. While competition is likely to increase, the Amazfit Up still holds its own as one of the best budget-friendly open-ear options we've tested. If you’re looking for an alternative to ear hooks without spending a fortune, they’re well worth considering.

• Value: 4 / 5

Should I buy the Amazfit Up? Buy them if…

You want open-ear earbuds but dislike ear hooks
A great alternative if the more common ear hook design don’t work for you. Ideal for those with long or thick hair or who wear glasses.

You have a clear reason for open-ear buds
If you dislike the feeling of blocked ears, need to stay aware of your surroundings, or worry about external noise, these are worth considering. Otherwise, there are better options.

You’re on a budget
They’re not the cheapest buds we’ve ever tested, but they’re significantly more affordable than most open-ear rivals – perfect if you’re unsure about this style and don’t want to risk it.

Don’t buy them if…

You need ultra-secure buds
They’re more secure than expected, but they don’t match the stability of sports earbuds with fins or more robust ear hooks.

You’re unsure about the style
They offer good situational awareness and decent sound, but their unique design won’t be for everyone.

You want a premium look, feel, and sound
The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds may cost significantly more, but they offer better sound, a sleeker design, and an app for customization – something the Amazfit Up lacks entirely.

Amazfit Up: Also consider

Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are a good shout if you don’t have a budget to consider and you’re pretty convinced by the open ear form factor. They look sleek and deliver some excellent sound, all things considered. It does feel like a risk at this price though, so you’ve been warned.
Read our full Bose Ultra Open Earbuds review

Shokz OpenFit
If you like the idea of open-ear headphones but aren’t a fan of the clip-on style and want top-tier sound quality, the Shokz OpenFit are our top pick, featuring a comfortable ear-hook design. Alternatively, you might prefer the Shokz OpenFit Air, which we found to be even more comfortable during our testing due to their improved design.

Read our full Shoz OpenFit review

Sony LinkBuds Fit
If you’re here because you want sporty buds and don’t want to risk the design of these, then consider the Sony LinkBuds Fit. They sound good and are from a brand we trust to deliver, but we also recommend them as they’re incredibly comfortable – likely to appeal to those who haven’t liked in-ears in the past.

Read our full Sony LinkBuds Fit review

How I tested the Amazfit Up

(Image credit: Future)

• Tested for three weeks
• Tested at home, in a cafe, at the gym and outside in all sorts of weather conditions

I used the Amazfit Up open ear buds for three weeks before writing this review, and that involved listening to music and watching streamed movies. This gave me a good opportunity to trial them in a range of different environments and all sorts of situations.

Throughout the testing period, I used the Amazfit Up alongside my iPhone 14 Pro via Bluetooth. Streaming was done via Spotify and Mubi.

I listened at home, whilst travelling on a train, working in a cafe, working out at the gym, running along the beach and in the countryside and walking outside in all sorts of weather conditions.

I've spent the past 12 years testing a wide range of headphones and earbuds, particularly those designed for fitness. I have a keen interest in tech that emphasizes comfort and user-friendly design.

• First reviewed in February 2025.

• Read TechRadar's reviews guarantee

Roborock Saros 10R: two-minute review

The Roborock Saros 10R is one of Roborock's 2025 flagship models, and proof if we needed it that robot vacuum cleaner innovation is advancing at a truly blistering pace.

Yes, the Saros 10R is expensive ($1,599.99), but that's the price you'll pay for any premium robot vac, especially when it's from one of the best robot vacuum brands around; Roborock is well known for consistently pushing the envelope of robot vac design, innovation and reliability.

This new flagship model can be considered a direct successor to the popular S8 MaxV Ultra and is available in two variants, the Saros 10R I'm reviewing here, which is equipped with a new type of Solid-State LiDAR that doesn't require a turret, and the cheaper Saros 10 which uses a retractable turret.

All you really need to know is that the Saros 10R is squat enough to zip under furnishings just 8cm in height while sporting a gorgeous looking mirrored glass dock, oodles of suction power, revolutionary StarSight LiDAR navigation and mapping, plus a fully integrated mopping system with full self-cleaning facilities.

If you have a cluttered home with a complex layout, lots of furniture and a surfeit of messy kids and pets in tow, this is the model – this autonomous household helper does pretty much everything but make the tea. That's the short version; read on for my full Roborock Saros 10R review.

(Image credit: Future) Roborock Saros 10R review: price & availability

• List price: $1,599.99
• Launched: February 2025
• Available: US

Although robot vac prices have generally dropped in price while offering far more tech for your money, the very latest premium models will always cost in excess of a grand, at least for the first few months of their shelf lives. That's certainly true of the new Roborock Saros 10R which retails at an eye-watering $1,599.99.

Yes, there are other high-end bots out there that offer generally similar performance to the Saros 10R – the Dreame L40 Ultra for instance – but I haven't come across another model that does quite as much as this one, including its ability to negotiate the deeper recesses of the home.

The Saros 10R launched in February 2025 and is available in the US only. As of writing, it's not expected to make it to UK shores – it does, expect it to arrive around March 2025. Assuming it's roughly the same price in pounds as it is in dollars, it would be around £1,290.

If you live in the US, you can purchase the Saros 10R direct from Roborock, or via Amazon. Best Buy also sells Roborock robovacs, so it may also become available there.

• Value for money score: 4 out of 5

Roborock Saros 10R specs Roborock Saros 10R review: design

• Impressive vacuum and mopping features
• Extremely stylish mirrored dock
• Expert navigation, mapping and obstacle avoidance

Most robovacs these days are equipped with a LiDAR turret that protrudes about half-an-inch above the body of the bot. This not only makes the robot look a bit ugly but, more than that, it prevents the bot from passing under low-slung furniture like cabinets and some sofas and beds.

By stark contrast, this stunning, black-only hybrid model from Roborock eschews a turreted LiDAR in favour of a flush, newfangled solid-state LiDAR navigation system (as opposed to rotating LiDAR, where the laser beam rotated 360-degrees). This not only takes navigation performance to a whole new level, but also allows the robot to venture beneath furniture with just an 8cm gap to the floor.

In fact, at just 3.14" (7.98cm) in height, the Saros 10R is the first robot vacuum I've ever tested to make it under my TV cabinet with just one millimetre of clearance. What's more, having a robot vac with no LiDAR turret means no more issues of a spinning LiDAR module sticking on a loose strand of pet hair – it happens. And of course, it also gives the unit a much more sleek and stylish appearance.

Navigation features

Aside from raw suction power and overall cleaning performance, a robot vac is only as good as its navigation system. As alluded to above, the majority of modern robots use two-dimensional LDS (Laser Distance Sensor) LiDAR and it serves them well. However, Roborock has thrown that book out of the window and has equipped this model with StarSight Autonomous System 2.0, a Dual Transmitter Solid-State LiDAR system that offers '3D Time-of-Flight scanning of the home for expert navigation around and under low-lying furniture, and enhanced mapping by capturing detailed height and depth information'. I'll take that, whatever it means.

The Saros 10R also features front-mounted RGB and infrared cameras for high-resolution visual recognition, side-mounted VertiBeam Lateral Obstacle Avoidance for moving around irregular-shaped furniture, walls and unfurled cables, and a front-mounted LED headlight for improved navigation in dark spaces. There is also another infrared camera and transmitter on the rear, plus the usual array of downward-facing drop sensors to stop it from falling down a flight of stairs, no matter which way it's facing. (Here's more on how robot vacuums navigate.)

To give you some idea of how far ahead of the game this robot's LiDAR system is, Roborock says that its 3D StarSight LiDAR system produces over 21,600 sensor points as opposed to standard two-dimensional LDS LiDAR, which produces just one. Consequently, this potpourri of navigation systems makes the Saros 10R ideal for cluttered homes with irregular layouts, a surfeit of furnishings and a lot of obstructions like toys, shoes and other household items. As of writing, the Saros 10R's obstacle avoidance system can recognise up to 108 household objects.

Bot design

That's Roborock's pioneering navigation system out of the way, so let's take a look at the mechanical stuff starting with this model's suction power. According to Roborock, this model sports 20,000 Pascals of 'HyperForce' suction power and that's about as strong as it currently gets (the upcoming Eureka J15 Max Ultra will apparently offer 22,000Pa, but that's the highest we've seen). It means its suction will reach deep down into medium and deep-pile carpet, removing a lot of obstreperous dust particles in the process. This model also includes a feature called DirTec that automatically increases vacuum power whenever heavy soiling is detected.

I should point out that raw suction power alone isn't the be-all and end-all of a vacuum cleaner's performance, since much of the work is also performed by the brush roller. And I think Roborock has nailed it with its DuoDivide anti-tangle main brush – a rubber two-piece corkscrew design that shuffles pet hair towards the centre where it's instantly sucked into the robot's slightly larger-than-average 270ml internal bin. This brush head will also raise by a few centimeters when heading to and from the dock to avoid any unnecessary contact with the floor.

Along with the main brush bar, the Saros 10R is also fitted with an anti-tangle side sweeping brush that pops out of the side by a couple of inches so it can reach into corners and around furniture legs. This side brush also lifts when not required, like when on carpet.

(Image credit: Future)

Like the Roborock Qrevo Curv I reviewed a few weeks ago, the Saros 10R can negotiate thresholds, small steps and floor-mounted tubed furniture legs up to 0.39 inches (1cm) in height. However, the Qrevo Curv's chassis can raise much higher so consider that machine instead if you have tall thresholds.

I'm personally not a big fan of robot vacs that also wet mop the floor, but that seems to be the 'in' thing these days, especially when it comes to the mid-to-upper range of robot vacs. Sure enough, this one comes with a full bells-and-whistles mopping system.

Like most modern hybrid robot vacs, the Saros 10R uses twin spinning mop pads for cleaning hard floors and, like the Qrevo Curv and some Dreame bots, the right-hand side mop articulates outwards for edge cleaning along skirting boards and around furniture legs. Similarly, the mops lift by 10mm when traversing carpets. However, since the mops are attached magnetically, they can also be left in the dock whenever the robot is assigned to a vacuum-only task so that there is zero chance of a damp mop running over even the shaggiest of rugs and carpets.

You get three levels of water flow with this model's mopping system – low, medium and high – but I would suggest sticking to low if used on wooden flooring. Furthermore, I can't vouch for the safety of using this model – or any other hybrid bot for that matter – if your floors are made from delicate laminate since thin laminated flooring is easily warped if water seeps into the joins. (Here's more on how to clean hardwood floors.)

Like the vast majority of Roborock robot vacs, this one also offers its own built-in voice control, if that is your wont. What's more, the voice control continues to work even if your internet system is offline. Alternatively, you can program it to respond to Google Home and Amazon Alexa prompts. Likewise, the robot itself has a voice and it will often pipe up to let you know what it's doing before and after a task, including announcing when it's about to empty its bin into the dock's larger dust bag.

All robot vacs I've tested have either used Chinese or American-accented voices, which is fine. However, with this model – indeed all Roborock models – there's also the option to download British-accented voices (male or female) which makes ownership in the UK a little more personalized (if this model ever arrives in the UK…).

(Image credit: Future)

As if you haven't already absorbed enough details for one day, the Saros 10R also provides some cool tech for your pets. For instance, you can remotely drive the robot around like an RC car or select Pet Search and it will look for your dog, cat or gerbil and take a picture of it. You can also use its built-in microphone and speaker to chat with your furry friends, but I would practice this first while you're at home in case they freak out the first time you use it remotely.

Dock design

I recently wrote a feature on robot vac innovations I'd like to see and chief amongst these was a request for better looking robot docks that you wouldn't mind having in the sitting room if space elsewhere was limited. By bizarre coincidence, this model arrived a week later sporting a cleaning dock embellished with a tempered glass front fascia replete with a stunning black mirror finish that reflects its surroundings – especially wooden floors – so well that you hardly notice it sitting there. Thank you Roborock.

At 18.7" (47.5cm) in height, 15" (38cm) in width and 19" (48.8cm) in depth (if you include the ramp), the Saros 10R's charging and self-cleaning dock isn't especially small, so you will need to find an adequate spot to locate it with several inches of space on either side so the bot can dock without difficulty.

(Image credit: Future)

Like most modern hybrid robovacs, the Saros 10R's dock will automatically empty the contents of the robot's small 270ml bin into its much larger two-liter dust bag every vacuuming session and sometimes mid task if requested to do so in the app.

For the mopping system, it comes with two water containers – 3 liters for clean water and 3 litres for the dirty stuff – which you will have to attend to from time to time by simply emptying the dirty water into a sink or toilet and topping up the other tank with fresh water. This model also comes with a detergent dispenser that can be filled with your own choice of hard floor detergent, though Roborock, like any floor cleaning product manufacturer, will naturally advise against this so you're persuaded to buy their own brand.

(Image credit: Future)

There's no shortage of sci-fi tech in this dock when it comes to cleaning the mops. On returning to the dock after a mopping run, the dock's scrubbing mechanism washes both mops using hot water at a very effective 176F (80C). If its intelligent dirt detection system senses excessive dirt in its cleaning tray, it will rewash the mops to ensure near perfect cleanliness for the next session. It will then proceed to dry the mops using wafts of warm air at 131F (55C). When it's time for its next mopping mission, the dock will automatically fill the robot's small water reservoir with warm water for improved stain removal.

Some docks I've seen also come with a self-cleaning feature that injects water into the mop tray. However, in most instances you need to get down on your knees with a brush to help move the dirty water towards a suction tube. By contrast, the Saros 10R's self-cleaning system does it all for you by scrubbing the tray in hot 176F (80C) water before porting the dirty stuff up a small pipe positioned at the rear. To activate the self-cleaning function, simply go to Dock Settings in the Roborock app and select 'Self-Cleaning for Cleaning Tray'. I should add that it's worth checking the cleaning tray from time to time to remove any excessively large pieces of debris that are sometimes collected by the mops and the robot's brush rollers. The two-part tray is easily cleaned with a brush and some hot tap water.

If you have a smart modern kitchen and you like your appliances to be fully integrated, you can also request this model as a svelte plumbed-in version that automatically fills the fresh water tank while emptying the contents of the dirty water container into a drainage outlet.

• Design score: 5 out of 5

Roborock Saros 10R review: performance

• Industry-leading navigation
• Great vacuum performance
• Excellent dock functionality

There's a lot to get into on the performance front here, so I've broken this section up into sub-sections. I'll start with that pioneering navigation, then look at obstacle avoidance, vacuuming performance (including the results f our suction tests), mopping performance, and finally dock performance.

Navigation performance

As mentioned above, the Roborock Saros 10R uses StarSight to navigate, an innovative system comprising a turret-free LiDAR, front-facing RGB and infrared cameras, and all sorts of other sensors to help it maneuver through even the most complex of floorspace layouts.

I've had it running for the past few weeks and at no point has it failed to find its dock or simply stopped mid-task for no reason. Mind, that's been the case with most Roborock models I've reviewed. Its mapping is exemplary and you can watch it all unfold in real time on the app's map screen.

Like a whirling dervish, it trundles off on its mapping run – an advised process when using it for the first time – and completes the task with impressive speed. In fact it took just five minutes for it to map my open-plan living space comprising five different areas. Yes, it merged two areas together as one room but even that was easy to rectify, simply by going into the app and dividing them into two separate rooms.

One of the most common anomalies with LiDAR-equipped robot vacs is their refusal to punch through a bed or sofa valance. This is because LiDAR treats a fabric valance as a solid boundary. Well I'm pleased to say that the Saros 10R is the first LiDAR-equipped robot vac I've ever tested that's capable of penetrating the valance on my lounge sofa.

Rather confusingly, it doesn't do it every time it's vacuuming the lounge so perhaps it's something to do with its angle of approach at the time. That's the thing with robots; they sometimes behave in mysterious ways. Either way, I'm very happy with this discovery.

(Image credit: Future)

I also tried to replicate a threshold using books but the Saros 10R isn't designed for anything much higher than 0.39 inches (10mm). Unlike the Roborock Qrevo Curv, which scaled the same book experiment like an off-road tank, the Saros 10R made an attempt to ride over the books but then thought better of it and retreated. Hence, if you have tall thresholds up to 1.5" (4cm) in height, Roborock's Qrevo Curv model would be a better bet.

Obstacle avoidance

Most robot vacs I've tested haven't been that great at small obstacle avoidance, especially when the objects have been less than an inch and a half in height. Sure enough, the Saros 10R at first refused to recognize one specific obstacle – a one inch-high nylon dog bone that's been too low in height for most robot vac's cameras and obstacle sensors to detect. Like the majority of bots, it basically rode over the bone and then struggled to extricate itself by moving hither and thither while one of its wheels raised the whole unit up in the air at a cock-eyed angle.

(Image credit: Future)

I checked the Roborock app to see if I'd missed a setting and, lo and behold, I discovered that I hadn't activated the 'Pet' option that 'recognizes and avoids pets and their waste with precision'. I remember seeing this option when I first set it all up but the 'avoids pets' explanation sounded unnecessary to me, since most pets are larger in size than any small obstacle. So I originally left the option off. In hindsight, I think this function in the app needs to be amended to just say 'avoids pet waste' to circumvent any confusion, because once I'd activated it the Saros 10R became a different beast altogether.

(Image credit: Future)

In fact, it consistently avoided said bone every time I dropped it in its path. Sometimes it would avoid it by about six inches and other times come perilously close but deftly work its way around it. I should add, however, that it may not clean as closely to the object when the pet option is selected. Swings and roundabouts spring to mind. Would I rely on this model to reliably avoid all pet waste all the time? No way, José. I've been down that road already and don't wish to go there again.

Vacuum performance

The Saros 10R vacuums like a trooper and comes with five power bands – from Quiet to Max+. I have my test model set between Max and Max+ since I see no reason to select anything less, given that the bot has enough battery to complete an entire sweep of my home in either of these modes. And besides, even if it were to run out of juice it will simply return for a full recharge – which takes about two and a half hours – before heading out again to complete the task.

Unlike non-LiDAR robots like those from iRobot, this model vacuums in a systematic pattern that makes a lot of sense, especially when you're watching it work. I also like the way the side brush pops out of the casing whenever the robot approaches a corner. It does a fine job of flinging debris into the path of the roller brush. This brush also lifts off the ground when the robot is vacuuming rugs.

Aside from its generally excellent suction performance, a quick shout out to the developers for coming up with such an effective two-piece corkscrew-shaped brush roller because at no time has any pet tangled on it. Instead, any hair is cleverly coaxed towards a centre gap between the rollers and into the mouth of the suction area. In this regard, I can wholeheartedly recommend this model as one of the best robot vacuums for collecting pet hair.

For my hard floor vacuum test I scattered raw oats, flour and half a crushed Hobnob biscuit and set it to clean a small zone in the kitchen using the Max setting and two passes for good measure. As expected, the robot disengaged its mops in the dock and headed straight to the specific area I drew on the map. It duly sucked up all the larger pieces of detritus but did leave traces of flour in the floor seams.

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(Image credit: Future)

So I reprogrammed the test, this time using Max+ mode and it collected a bit more flour than before but still left some evidence in the cracks. I personally don't consider this a fail because no robot I've tested has ever completely removed flour from the joins in my wooden flooring. And anyway, in the real world one wouldn't rely on a robot vac to perform a one-off sweep of a specific area when you should, by rights, have a cordless stick vac to hand.

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Test two involved the same ingredients on the medium pile rug I have in front of the dogs' beds, with the Saros 10R set to Max+ mode and two passes. Aside from some light evidence of flour on the rug that was easily finished off by the Dreame R20 stick vac I recently reviewed, I still rate this test a success. I was especially impressed with the way it moved both vertically and laterally across the rug to ensure full coverage.

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(Image credit: Future) Mopping performance

As I've mentioned above, I'm not a fan of mopping robots, mostly because I'm lucky enough to have a cordless wet-and-dry hard floor cleaner which I find is more than enough for occasional mopping duties. Nevertheless, the industry seems to have decided that mopping is what people want so, along with observing its bi-weekly mopping runs, I also put this model through a specific mopping test in the kitchen.

Using a hotchpotch of wet ingredients – soy sauce, syrup and a teaspoon of milk – and a pre-set zone routine in the app using the low water setting, the Saros 10R's dock filled the unit's small onboard water container with a mix of warm water and detergent, and primed its two spinning mops. It then trundled off to its predetermined zone.

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(Image credit: Future)

Well blow me down with a feather if it didn't clear the floor of all evidence in a single sweep. This really impressed me because I at least expected to see a smear of syrup. That's a fine result in my book.

Dock performance

I've only had one minor issue with the dock and it occurred directly after a family Christmas with five dogs and three cats in attendance. Once everyone had gone home, I unboxed the Saros 10R and set it to work in the lounge. This room hadn't been swept for three days and the Christmas tree had dropped a lot of pine needles.

Cutting to the chase, the unit duly swept up as well as anyone could reasonably expect from a high-performance model of this nature but when it proceeded to dump the contents of the robot's bin into the dock's large 2-litre dust bag, the hair clogged up the works. A quick check of the robot's bin showed an enormous conglomeration of pet hair and pine needles protruding from the bin's outlet port and another clump that had blocked the inlet tube leading to the dock's dust bag.

I should add that every robot I've tested has had at least one issue like this – and even my Dyson Gen5detect has jammed up from time to time – so I put it down to rare circumstances and a combination of matted pet hair and pine needles. I'm personally not sure if the Saros 10R's dock suction is as strong as the Qrevo Curv's because it sounds quieter, which is a good thing. Nevertheless, I'm very pleased to report that the dock has experienced no further problems during the past four weeks I've been using it.

(Image credit: Future)

In terms of self cleaning the mops, it did them well enough in my opinion given the amount of muck on the floor. However, I would always advise removing them and giving them a good scrub under a hot tap with some washing-up liquid for good measure. By the way, I especially liked the way the dock cleaned the mops' tray using water and a revolving mechanism to sweep the dirty stuff towards a small rubber suction tube.

(Image credit: Future)

Although Roborock advertises up to seven week's worth of floor matter collection before its dust bag requires binning, I am having to change the bag every three weeks – but then I do have a large menagerie of furry creatures. Hence, I'd like to see some bigger dust bags going forward.

In conclusion, I have been really impressed with this robot vac's overall performance and I find it hard to give it anything less than five stars in this category. It's just so reliable and efficient at the tasks it was designed to do.

• Performance score: 5 out of 5

Roborock Saros 10R review: app

• User friendly
• Superb customization
• Impeccably clear maps

Judging by the Reddit forums, I'm not the only one to think that the Roborock app is the best on the market. This app is just so customizable, intuitive and informative to use. Firstly, it produces a highly detailed map of the home with evidence of every nook and cranny. And you can edit the map to your heart's content, whether that's dividing or merging rooms, or adding keep out zones and virtual barriers. Aside from being able to create an endless range of timed schedules, you can also assign specific zones you want cleaned on a frequent basis, and save them as routines that appear on the home screen for convenience.

(Image credit: Future)

The app also offers something called SmartPlan as an option when cleaning. This feature supposedly weighs up the tasks it's previously performed and adjusts its cleaning method accordingly. Hence, if, say, the robot mopped the kitchen yesterday it might avoid doing it today. I personally leave it off since I don't want it doing anything I don't want it to do.

This app also features a full smorgasbord of custom features, including settings for floor cleaning, the dock, the robot's reactive obstacle avoidance, maintenance, remote viewing, robot settings, the list goes on. Furthermore, each menu you select brings up a range of individual tweaks with explanations that you could spend many happy hours fiddling with.

• App score: 5 out of 5

Should you buy the Roborock Saros 10R? Buy it if...

You want unbridled efficiency

This bot performs all tasks with consummate skill.

You want hands-free operation

The Saros 10R's self-cleaning features are a key selling point – the dock will not only empty the dust cup and wash and dry the mop pads, but clean itself too.

You need versatility

This bot is designed for complex environments – layouts with a mix of floor types and lots of obstacles.

Don't buy it if...

You're on a budget

The Saros 10R is expensive with a capital E. And while the premium features and tech help justify that asking price, if you don't need the very latest tech then there are plenty of options that'll do a very good cleaning job for a lower price.

You have very tall room thresholds

While the Saros 10R is pretty good at getting over raised thresholds, it's not as good as the Roborock Qrevo Curv.

You don't require a mopping function

Mopping (and the related mop dock functions) bump up the cost of this model considerably, so if you're not fussed about that then look for a vacuum-only model and save some cash.

How I tested the Roborock Saros 10R

I received my test model of the Saros 10R just before Christmas and set it up before the New Year 2025. For the following month I ran different daily schedules in both vacuum and mopping modes. It has been one of those robot vacs that just gets on with the job without making a song and dance about it.

However, for purposes of this review, I also put it through three specific TechRadar tests involving both vacuuming and mopping just to make sure it was as efficient as it seemed. As you will have read, it sailed through everything without any major hiccups. I should add, however, that that was the least I expected from a brand which has a reputation for producing great gear that just works.

Read more about how we test robot vacuum cleaners.

• First reviewed February 2025

LaCie Rugged SSD Pro5 4TB: 30-second review Specs

Capacity: 2, 4TB
Transfer rate - Read: 6,700 MB/s
Transfer rate - write: 5,300 MB/s
Dimensions - 17× 65 x 98 mm
Weight - 150g
Rating - IP68

The LaCie Rugged drives have been the go-to for creatives for the past two decades and have often led the field when it comes to adopting the latest technologies. While the performance of the Rugged drives has lent itself to use by the creative sector, especially videographers, it's the design that has really made them stand out. I use the older iteration of the Rugged drive, in its unmissable bright orange rubber shell, on most shoots—they offer large capacities, they're easy to locate at dusk as well as in the bottom of a bag due to the contrasting colour, and best of all they'll survive a knock or two.

Ranked as some of the best rugged hard drives, the only issue I've had with them in recent years is that while the capacities have increased—I stack up the 5TB versions to cope with 4K RAW video files—the speeds haven't generally kept pace with the latest SSDs, even the excellent LaCie Rugged SSD. The existing SSD version is USB 3.2 Gen 2 and only offers 10Gbps, whereas now there's a true ultrafast option with this Pro5 and its native Thunderbolt 5.

Removing the Rugged SSD Pro5 from the box, and like the Rugged SSD, it takes the small form factor that has been made possible by the new storage technology, although this time it's blue rather than orange.

Aesthetics and design aside, I preferred the orange for use out on site, and while the blue looks great and aligns with the original LaCie brand colours, I'm not so keen—I'll go into why in the performance section, along with the IP68 certification, which I have to say is a great upgrade.

In use, the performance of the drive instantly impressed, and while I wasn't able to test the full Thunderbolt 5 speed, the transfer rates still surpassed most other drives I've tested.

The choice of Thunderbolt 5 has wide backward compatibility and will work with USB Type-C and Thunderbolt ports, in each case enabling the speeds that you need for use as a scratch disc for video editing and, therefore, anything else.

While I have reservations about the colour choice, there's no doubting the build quality—this is a drive that will stand up to far more than most, including being dropped into water or run over by a Ford Transit Custom. And then there's the speed. The speed of the transfer and the compact size make this a great choice for any creative looking for one of the best portable SSDs around; however, while you can see the influence of the iconic design, a little more of an evolution of the design would have been welcome.

LaCie Rugged SSD Pro5 4TB: Price & availability

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The LaCie Rugged SSD Pro5 is widely available and can be purchased from most photographic, video, and electronics retailers, including Adorama, CVP, and B&H Photo, as well as directly from LaCie.

• Score: 4/5

LaCie Rugged SSD Pro5 4TB: Design & build

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The LaCie Rugged SSD Pro5 is the latest iteration of the iconic portable hard drive and one that has been the go-to for creatives for the past 20 years. I have old LaCie Rugged drives that I've used over the years and had chosen for three distinct characteristics.

Firstly, the speed and capacity of the internal drives made them ideal for video and photographic work. Secondly, they're tough, with that rubberised outer offering plenty of protection. And finally, the colour made them easy to locate when working out in the field. There's no missing a bright orange hard drive when you pack up.

This latest iteration takes that design, if not the colour, and, like the small SSD version, downsizes the drive to 17 x 65 x 98 mm with a weight of 150 g, so it's extremely small and light. It keeps much of the aesthetics, so there's no mistaking the make or model of the drive from a glance. The only thing is, as mentioned, it's now blue rather than the iconic orange.

The design of the drive is simple, with just the single Thunderbolt 5 port on the side, which, like the SSD version, is placed on the long side of the drive rather than at the end.

The update to Thunderbolt 5 is welcome, as the SSD version for Mac compatibility remained at USB 3.2 Gen 2, which limited speeds to 10Gbps. While fast, this is starting to be challenged by the latest 4K and 8K video file formats. This new version will handle these large video data files without issue.

The other major point about the build, aside from the high quality, is the fact that this drive is now IP68, up from IP67 on the previous version. This essentially means that you can drop it into water up to 1.5 m in depth, and it will survive for up to 30 minutes. This is a big upgrade over the SSD version, which you could only submerge briefly. It will also withstand 3m drops and up to two tonnes of pressure, again reinforcing the build quality and its suitability to be a go-to for creatives.

• Design & build: 4.5/5

LaCie Rugged SSD Pro5 4TB: Features

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

When it comes to the features, the small SSD keeps things simple, with the headline being the ultra-fast transfer rates provided by the Thunderbolt connection. This connection type, when connected to a machine that supports Thunderbolt 5, will achieve read speeds of up to 6,700 MB/s and write speeds of up to 5,300 MB/s with a 50GB cache. To achieve these speeds, you'll need one of the latest Apple Mac machines, and at present, the availability of Thunderbolt 5 on PCs is almost non-existent.

This makes it an ideal option for videography as a scratch disc, meaning that after the cache, the performance will still enable up to 5,000 MB/s read and 1,800 MB/s write. The fact that it's available in both 2TB and 4TB versions also gives you plenty of flexibility and budget choices, and considering the capacity and speed, it's actually not that expensive.

At present, it's only the latest Mac computers that offer the full Thunderbolt 5 speeds, making it an ideal partner for anyone needing to edit 6K and 8K video. While these speeds are nice to have, outside of video editing, these transfer rates will be far in excess of the needs of most users.

One of the features that really interests me is the IP68 rating and resistance to water, dust, drops of up to 3 m, and 2-tonne pressure. While I never intend to drop a hard drive into a puddle, run over it in a car, or drop it from a height, these are all possible outcomes when you work in the field—so knowing that it can take this abuse in its stride is reassuring.

One other point about the build is that the Rugged SSD Pro5 is built with at least 45% recycled materials, giving the drive a small environmental tick when it comes to sustainability.

As with all LaCie drives, the new Rugged Pro5 comes with a 5-year limited warranty, Rescue Data Recovery Services, and Toolkit backup software, all of which I have found very useful in the past, especially the data recovery.

• Features: 4/5

LaCie Rugged SSD Pro5 4TB: Performance

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings) Benchmarks

These tests were carried out on a MacBook Pro M1 Max with Thunderbolt 4

Blackmagic Disk Speed Test read: 3518.7MB/s
Blackmagic Disk Speed Test write: 2968.1MB/s
AmorphousDiskMark Read: 3451.97MB/s
AmorphousDiskMark Write: 1795.47MB/s
AJA System Test Lite Read: 3024MB/s
AJA System Test Lite Write: 2015MB/s
ATTO Disk Benchmark Read: 3280MB/s
ATTO Disk Benchmark Write: 2830MB/s

Opening the box, the small drive is very reminiscent of the SSD version, the main difference being that the new drive is blue rather than orange. The difference in colour is a nice touch, although I do wish they had also launched an orange version. The orange is far more than an aesthetic choice—for the same reason that the insides of camera bags are often bright yellow, red, or grey, those colours are chosen to create contrast with kit so you can find things when Light is low.

Still, against the inside of the Vanguard and Manfrotto bags, the new blue drive contrasts well, although, at this size, it's now better practice to pop the drive into one of the small zipped inner pockets rather than leaving it loose inside the bag. I would also have liked to see a lanyard loop for a drive of this size just to secure it, as this is now a common feature elsewhere with drives of this type.

Another feature, and an issue that is universal with the new wave of tough drives, is that there's nowhere to stick a label. The rubber outer skin of this and other drives just doesn't allow labels to adhere with ease, and when you're dealing with a stack of these, some indicator is always useful. If LaCie included a 3M sticker or similar for that top section, it would definitely be welcome, and a flush rather than raised logo on this surface would enable the label to lay flat rather than have a bump in the middle. On the back, however, there is a nice flat section with the info label, making it a perfect surface to attach Velcro to secure it to the back of a laptop or other device.

The new smaller size of the drive, made possible by the small form factor of SSD technology, definitely makes this a huge upgrade in performance and usability over the previous generation.

When it comes to performance, there is little to fault. Used as a scratch disk for Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro X, the drive works seamlessly and at the same pace as the internal MacBook Pro M1 Max SSD when under load. Any worries about thermal throttling performance when editing RAW Light were quickly dismissed, and a 15-minute edit using 4K and some 8K footage from the Canon EOS R5 C showed the drive's potential, with the limitations coming from the MacBook Pro rather than the drive itself.

As the results from the benchmarking test highlight, the speed and ability of this drive as an external entity is one of the fastest available and the first to utilise the Thunderbolt 5 interface.

• Performance: 5/5

Should you buy the LaCie Rugged SSD Pro5 4TB?

As an all-around portable SSD, its small size and variety of capacity options make this a discreet and easy choice. The minimal size and weight will appeal broadly, as it takes up very little room in the pocket of a jacket or bag, making it an ideal partner for imaging professionals.

The cable's weight influences its position on a desktop, but with a little Velcro, this drive can be perfectly attached to the back of a monitor. This feature is particularly beneficial for those on the move, working in various locations like trains, coffee shops, or hotdesking around an office, as it ensures the safety of the driver's connection during movement.

Although small pen drives with large capacity options are available, this dedicated drive offers sustained performance, making it an ideal choice for activities that require fast transfer speeds and reliable access to data. It is particularly suited for those in the video sector who demand reliable file access and need storage that is safe, secure, and lightweight enough to be easily transported in a busy environment without excessive concern about cables disconnecting.

iPhone 15 Pro and Max users will also benefit from the connection to greater storage when shooting video in the Apple ProRes format. This is a superb, slightly unique feature. There's the issue of how to attach the drive comfortably, but ultimately, it pushes the function and features of the iPhone 15 Pro even further. In real terms, the video that you can store on an iPhone with around 70GB of storage goes from 18 minutes to 1,183 minutes with the 2TB drive attached.

Overall, considering the capacity, size, and speed, this is an outstanding SSD that will suit many uses but will find particular appeal with photographers and videographers.

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings) Buy it if...

You need data transfer speeds.

The Thunderbolt 5 interface ensures ultra-fast data transfer rates along with excellent backward compatibility.

You need durability

Few other portable SSDs are as rugged and durable as this compact option.

Don't buy it if...

You just need storage.

While this drive will supply you with plenty of storage, if you don't need the speed on offer here, then there are cheaper options.

You work in an office.

Even if you're video editing in a studio, there are desktop drives that will match this performance for the price. You'll pay a premium for the rugged design that you may not need.

For more durable devices, we've tested out a range of options including the best rugged tablet, the best rugged laptops, and best rugged phones.

Razer Barracuda X Chroma: two-minute review

The Razer Barracuda X Chroma is a wireless gaming headset that sits towards the budget end of the brand’s lineup, offering plenty of features in a more affordable package.

It adopts a rather conservative design, with its gaming stylings confined to the RGB lighting on the sides of each driver. The matte finish and elegant form help make this a smart-looking headset.

The fit and comfort levels are up there with the best wireless gaming headsets around. Even glasses wearers should find there’s enough clearance and cushioning to accommodate the arms of their frames comfortably.

The headband is wonderfully plush too, and the relative lightness of the overall headset means it remains comfortable over long sessions. The earpads aren’t the most cushioned, however, which did result in the insides of the drivers making contact with my ears, but not enough to cause an issue like other gaming headsets.

In addition to some useful on-board functionality courtesy of the buttons on the left driver, you can make further tweaks using Synapse, Razer’s peripheral software. These include altering EQ profiles via numerous draggable points across the frequency spectrum, as well as advanced customization options for the lighting via the Razer Chroma add-on. However, it’s inconvenient that this latter feature opens in a separate app window, rather than being contained within Synapse.

You’ll also get access to the Surround Sound 7.1 feature with your purchase of the Barracuda X Chroma, but this also requires a separate app, rather than being a Synapse module.

The Barracuda X Chroma offers a balanced and clear sound. The various preset sound profiles can be hit and miss, with music mode being the best in my opinion, as it rounds out the bass nicely. Oddly enough, while the Surround Sound 7.1 capability does impart a subtle sense of directionality, the overriding impression I got from it was an increased fullness and punchiness – but at the expense of adding an unwanted airiness to the higher frequencies.

The various connectivity modes on the Barracuda X Chroma work well, with Bluetooth and the HyperSpeed dongle functioning as intended. Using the SmartSwitch button to hot-swap between the two modes is quick and easy too, although there were some occasions when it wasn’t quite so sharp.

The battery life is also good, with the 70-hour claim appearing to hold water during my tests, as it didn’t even deplete halfway after several days of varied use. Charging it from about half to full took just under two and a half hours, which is a middling performance.

All things considered, however, the Barracuda X Chroma represents better value than some of Razer’s more expensive gaming headsets, such as the Kraken V4, offering much the same features and performance but for less. I also found it more comfortable than the Kraken.

If you’re after a headset with superior sound, though, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro is a better choice, and if you want to stick to the budget end of the market – and don’t mind missing out on wireless connectivity – you can’t do much better than the Epos H3.

(Image credit: Future) Razer Barracuda X Chroma review: price and availability

• $129.99 / £129.99 / AU$229.95
• Available now in black and white
• Well-priced and good value

The Razer Barracuda X Chroma costs $129.99 / £129.99 / AU$229.95 and is available now in two colorways: black and white. With a purchase of the headset, you’ll also get access to the Surround Sound 7.1 app, which is usually a paid-for addition.

At this price, it sits well within the gaming headset market. It’s cheaper than the Razer Kraken V4, and yet it performs just as well according to my tests, with similar sound quality – yet the Barracuda X Chroma has better comfort levels. It also has a claimed battery life of up to 70 hours, whereas the Kraken can only manage 50 hours. However, the Kraken does feature a retractable mic, whereas the mic on the Barracuda X Chroma is only removable.

If you’re after a headset with better sound quality, then the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro, the best PC gaming headset around in our view, may be a better option. It also has some useful features, such as ANC. However, it’s considerably more expensive than the Barracuda X Chroma. If you want something a lot cheaper but still worthy, the Epos H3 is the best gaming headset in this regard, although you’ll have to make do with a wired connection.

Razer Barracuda X Chroma review: specs

(Image credit: Future) Razer Barracuda X Chroma review: design and features

• Restrained looks
• Comfortable
• Volume wheel a little prone to misscrolls

The Barracuda X Chroma looks smart and rather understated for a gaming headset, with the RGB lighting on the sides of each driver being the only indicator in this regard. The smooth, matt finish adds a dash of elegance too. The whole headset is quite wide, but I wouldn’t describe it as bulky.

It’s also one of the most comfortable gaming headsets I’ve tried. The light weight means it’s hardly felt on the head, and the fit is snug but not too tight. The earcup padding isn’t the most plush, however, and I did feel the inside of the drivers making slight contact with my ears, but thankfully the pressure wasn’t great enough to cause aches, as I’ve experienced with other headsets. I also prefer their oval shape over circular designs, as they fit my ears completely without protruding behind me too much.

However, it has the same design flaw that I noted with the Kraken V4: namely that the volume wheel on the left driver has a tendency to spin unintentionally when leaning back in a chair or sofa, such is the ease with which it scrolls. It’s a small gripe, but one that may become irritating for those who like to lounge away when gaming.

The headband is more cushioned than the earcups, and I hardly felt it across my head. The headband adjustments are also easy to make while remaining secure. In fact, the entire headset is engineered to the high standards typical of Razer’s peripherals.

(Image credit: Future)

The mic on the Barracuda X Chroma is detachable, but since it employs a gooseneck design, it can be moved in and out of position with ease. It also feels durable, and the cloth tip is reasonably thick, so I don’t have many concerns about it deteriorating quickly.

There are various buttons adorning the left driver, including a power button that can also be used to perform various call and media-related functions, which is quite useful. There’s also a mic mute button and a SmartSwitch button, which quickly switches between Bluetooth and HyperSpeed Wireless modes, provided both are already connected to your devices.

The Barracuda X Chroma can be tweaked using Synapse, Razer’s peripheral software. Here you’ll find various settings for the sound, including an EQ graph where you can boost and cut numerous frequency bands, allowing for a lot more control than many other headsets offer. You can alter the existing sound profiles, or create a custom one. Synapse itself is well laid out and relatively stable, and I had hardly any issue with it, aside from the occasional slow-down.

As the Barracuda X Chroma name suggests, you can also customize the RGB lighting using the Razer Chroma add-on. This offers plenty of options to sink your teeth into, including audio-responsive effects and synchronization with other compatible peripherals. There’s also a Studio section where you can create layers of effects and segment the light bars with different colors, which is far more detailed than most.

It’s inconvenient, however, that Chroma isn’t integrated within Synapse; instead, it’s a separate app, which can be a hassle when hot-switching between windows.

(Image credit: Future) Razer Barracuda X Chroma review: Performance

• Good audio quality for gaming
• Surround sound adds fullness
• Long battery life

The sound of the Barracuda X Chroma is well-balanced, although the low-end lacks the same level of depth as some of the best headphones out there. As I found with Razer’s other headsets, the best preset profile for most situations is Music, as it offers the best all-round frequency response, whereas the others tend to cut the lows and mids too much.

With your purchase of the Barracuda X Chroma you’ll also get access to the Surround Sound 7.1 feature, which is usually paywalled. Like Chroma, this opens in another app window, adding to the inconvenience. The Surround Sound 7.1 effect is reasonably subtle but does give a better sense of where sound is coming from in-game. It also provides a noticeably fuller sound, with greater presence and low-end, but at the cost of making the upper mids and highs more airy, with a faint drone in these registers. This can be a little off-putting but not egregious enough to ruin the experience entirely.

Both wireless modes work well, with the HyperSpeed dongle – true to its name – offering slightly better response times, although there isn’t much in it. The sound quality appears much the same too.

The SmartSwitch feature also works well enough, moving quickly between devices connected via Bluetooth and HyperSpeed Wireless. It also connects easily to various devices besides PC: it’s as convenient as the best PS5 headsets to use with Sony’s console, while both Bluetooth and HyperSpeed modes work seamlessly with the Nintendo Switch, with a slight improvement in sound quality and lag when using the latter method.

The HyperClear cardioid microphone on the Barracuda X Chroma provides sufficient clarity, but it’s not quite as pristine as that on the Kraken V4, as it introduces more sibilance and muffling. But for gaming, it’s still perfectly usable.

The claimed battery life of the Barracuda X Chroma of up to 70 hours seems to ring true according to my tests. After several days of varied use between Bluetooth and HyperSpeed modes, it only depleted to 54%. Charging the headset took just under two and a half hours from this point, which isn’t spectacular but not terrible.

(Image credit: Future) Should I buy the Razer Barracuda X Chroma? Buy it if...

You want features
From the multiple connectivity options to the in-depth software and included Surround Sound 7.1 app, Razer has been rather generous with the extras.

You want comfort
Thanks to the oval drivers, plush headband, and overall lightness of the Barracuda X Chroma, many gamers should find these comfortable to wear – even the bespectacled.

Don't buy it if...

You want the best sound
Although it suffices for gaming, the audio quality isn’t the best for serious music listening, and the various modes can compromise the fidelity even more.

You want the best convenience
It’s not always plug-and-play with the Barracuda X Chroma, and the various apps for the settings can complicate matters.

Razer Barracuda X Chroma review: Also consider

Epos H3
If you’re on a budget, then the Epos H3 is hard to beat, as we think it’s one of the best wired gaming headsets for those looking to save. It offers superb sound, even when listening to music, as well as great comfort levels. It can be found for a mere fraction of its original price too, making it even better value. A wireless version is available in the form of the Epos H3Pro Hybrid, but naturally, this costs more.

Read our full Epos H3 review

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro is the best PC gaming headset overall in our view, thanks to the brilliant sound, comfort levels, and battery life. It also has ANC, but we didn’t think this was its strongest suit. You’ll also have to pay considerably more for it than the Barracuda X Chroma, but in the areas where it excels, it’s pretty much unbeatable.

Read our full SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro review

How I tested the Razer Barracuda X Chroma

• Tested for several days
• Used on multiple platforms
• Extensive gaming and headset experience

I tested the Razer Barracuda X Chroma for several days, during which time I used it while playing gamines, listening to music, watching video content, and attending virtual meetings. I made use of as many of its features and functions as possible, including the Surround Sound 7.1, Chroma, and Synapse apps.

I used the headset on a variety of devices, including PC, PS5, and Nintendo Switch, and played various titles ranging from Counter-Strike 2 to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. I connected to these platforms via Bluetooth and the HyperSpeed Wireless Dongle where I could.

I have been gaming for over 25 years, and during that time I have experienced a number of headsets and headphones, from over-ear to in-ear. I have also reviewed a myriad of gaming headsets, including other offerings from Razer: namely the Kraken V4 and the Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed.

• First reviewed December 2024
• Read more about how we test

Flashback ONE35: two-minute review

For the terminally—unfortunately—online, the ONE35 Camera's promise is an alluring one: a digital version of the disposable camera, offering the same sort of tech you would have got in the 90s with photos that feel like they were shot on film.

That means no screens, a xenon flash and no controls barring a pleasingly tactile winding wheel and a toggle to turn the flash on. It's a similar concept to the Camp Snap Camera, only Flashback goes one step further – it limits you to the number of photos much like a roll of film, and you have to 'send the photos' off to be developed one the roll is done.

That's right, when you've loaded in one of the three different types of film from the Flashback app, you've only got 27 snaps before you have to send the photos off to be developed, with a 24 hour wait time before you can see them.

This concept enough to give the Flashback ONE35 an incredibly successful Kickstarter campaign. I caught wind of it late last year and as someone who has been toting an Instax Wide around for every big social event for the last decade, I was tempted by a camera I could keep in my pocket that would still let me snap photos but wouldn't let me see them all at once.

(Image credit: Jake Tucker)

I'm old enough to remember taking disposable cameras out with me the first time around, and the illusion here is strong. The ONE35 looks like a cheap plastic camera but the construction is durable and sturdy and the camera is turned on by turning the clicky winder. The flash is bright and powerful: enough that the entire New Year's Eve party I was at turned to look at me after each photo.

The only part of the camera's design that gives me pause is the toggle for that flash, located on the front of the camera. This doesn't lock securely and there's no way to know whether the flash is engaged or not, and it's given me a scare a few times because the flash button has been slightly knocked off so it doesn't fire. This often means a ruined photo if it's not perfectly lit because you'll want that xenon flash on for pretty much every scenario except bright sunlight.

The ONE35's commitment to 90s film photography is awful low-light performance. Considering the point of the ONE35 is that I can spend less time thinking about the photos that I'm taking and more time enjoying the circumstances in which I'm snapping them, it's a little annoying when a photo doesn't work due to that misaligned flash toggle.

(Image credit: Jake Tucker)

There are some other quirks too: I'm fairly certain that the ONE35's viewfinder is out of focus, with images looking slightly blurry whenever I look through it, and when I hold the camera using its grip, my fingers end up popping up in the corner of photos. Neither of these are big issues though, just some things that you'll have to acclimatize to using the camera.

It's worth persevering though, because the images look great. You have three different films to choose between, but they all have that same disposable camera feel. Your choices are Flashback Classic, Flashback Mono and Flashback Beta.

Classic and Beta offer different color tones but feel similar, while Mono is your black and white option. These images look great but technically aren't brilliant: there's no EXIF data on the images and they come out around 4MP, but they look fine on a phone and the noise and grain from the processing through the app hide the fact this is probably the lowest quality sensor out of any camera in my collection.

(Image credit: Jake Tucker)

The real kicker for me is that to get these images you can't simply use a USB cable, but you must go through the Flashback app which sends them off for "developing" with a 24 hour wait, which is actually just some processing at Flashback's end.

As novel an idea as this is, it irks me a little bit because I don't enjoy the idea of sending a company my photos, but also because I worry about what happens if Flashback stops offering this service, as I don't pay for a subscription service. There will simply be no way to get the photos back.

Still, if the concept interests you more than it concerns you, then Flashback ONE35 is a breath of fresh air, and I can see it making an excellent gift – while its screen-free design lends itself as a camera for kids.

(Image credit: Jake Tucker) Flashback ONE35 camera photo samples Image 1 of 6

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(Image credit: Jake Tucker)

Across my photos, color depth is surprisingly good, particularly in the black and white Mono film. Otherwise, I'm a big fan of the Beta film which seems to deliver on that nostalgic 90s theme. However, I found around 30 percent of my images transpire out of focus or poorly lit, which can feel like a pain especially with the 24 hour wait time.

Flashback ONE35: Price and availability

The Flashback ONE35 Camera is available pretty much worldwide from JoinFlashback.co. Currently it comes in four colorways: Orange/Black, Yellow/Black, Red/White and Teal/White. In the UK this will set you back £78. In the US it's $97, while in Australia it's $150. The accompanying iOS / Android app is free.

Should I buy the Flashback ONE35 camera?

(Image credit: Jake Tucker) Buy it if...

You want to ditch the screens
Everyone just living in the moment? That's definitely the promise of the ONE35. You can snap a quick photo without carrying an expensive camera or getting your phone out. Wind the wheel, click, back in your pocket. Perfectly candid photos.

You want digital photos that look shot on film
The ONE35's biggest strength is the photos that look like they've fallen out of a party in the 90s. The development process, fictional that it is, adds noise and post-processing that makes it look like film. You can do this yourself with presets on your photo editing platform of choice, but for those who don't want that extra work, this is a great option.

Don't buy it if...

You want high-quality printable photos
I think you could print the photos taken with the ONE35, but your phone camera would take better photos. The ONE35 is more about style, but if you want a physical artifact, you would be better off with an Instax Wide or similar instant camera.

You want instant photos
The ONE35 is the opposite of instant gratification. With the slightly fiddly app and the 24-hour development time, it's unlikely you'll be able to get photos from a Friday or Saturday night until Sunday evening at the earliest. If you're looking to take photos of a specific trip, it could be days before you have wifi good enough to upload your reels to the developing center in the first place.

How I tested the Flashback ONE35 camera

I had the Flashback ONE35 camera always on me, in my pocket, for several weeks, during which time it has been used to grab snap shots at parties. I've used the flash, tested the three film types on offer, and sent my photos off through the app.

First reviewed February 2025

Logitech POP Mouse: Two-minute review

The Logitech POP Mouse is a small and simple wireless mouse for productivity and general browsing, with its versatile Bluetooth connectivity and customization options pitched at modern workers.

It sports a stylish design courtesy of its pebble-like shape, front slope and one-piece unit for the mouse buttons. This is extended further by the multiple colorways, which utilize a soft, light palette, with some two-tone schemes thrown in for good measure.

Although it’s quite small and thin compared to the best mouse options around, the POP Mouse fitted my hand and fingers well. The body is thick enough to get a good grip, and the rear weight bias means it’s easy to tilt backwards for lift-offs between swipes. The completely symmetrical design also makes it suitable for left and right handers alike.

There’s a distinct lack of buttons on the POP Mouse, with the only topside additions being a scroll wheel and a button below it. Underneath you’ll find the power slider and the Easy Switching button used for pairing and toggling between three different Bluetooth devices.

The aforementioned one-piece unit for the mouse buttons also doubles as the battery compartment cover. It’s attached magnetically to the mouse’s body, and the robust plastic achieves the ideal balance between easy removal and secure fastening.

(Image credit: Future)

Even better, though, are the switches for mouse buttons. They’re very tactile and heavily damped, so much so that they barely make a sound in use. This makes for a satisfyingly padded sensation, and more pleasurable to use than I was expecting for a mouse of this kind. Those who prefer the loud, sharp clicks of traditional switches may not find the POP Mouse provides enough feel or feedback, but personally, I enjoyed using them for general and productivity purposes.

The scroll wheel is also damped nicely, as well as being lightly notched. When you flick quickly, it enters into a free-wheeling state to some degree, which is a handy feature; I only wish this triggered more readily, as it didn’t make navigating long documents and web pages as easy as I was hoping.

However, it does feel well-made and the rubber material on top is smooth to the touch. The scroll click is secure and tactile as well, while the button below – which opens an Emoji menu by default – is more snappy but still premium-feeling.

Using Logitech’s Options Plus software, you can customize the POP Mouse, with a surprising amount of tweaks available. The right and left click can’t be altered, but the scroll button and Emoji menu button can be remapped to perform a variety of actions. These include keyboard shortcuts via the recording of your own combinations, and a variety of system-level functions, which include media playback controls, opening apps, taking screenshots, and opening the Windows Action Center. There’s even an option to open ChatGPT in a pop-up window.

(Image credit: Future)

You can also map these buttons to gestures: by holding them and making certain mouse movements, you can perform a variety of navigational and cycling actions, such as switching app windows or selecting the next or previous tracks.

Logitech also has a feature called Smart Actions, a more advanced form of macros. There are various presets already included in Options Plus, such as Meeting Mode, which opens Zoom (if already installed) and Notepad at the same time, and Social Media Break, which opens Instagram’s website in a new Chrome tab. These can be edited as you see fit.

You can also create your own Smart Actions from scratch, by adding certain conditions and layers of actions to automate any number of processes you can conceive of. You’re given some basic building blocks, which are: opening applications, performing keystrokes, writing blocks of text, and performing system functions. You can also set delay times between each action.

Options Plus also has a feature called Logi Flow, which is supposed to make device switching even more seamless by letting you simply drag the cursor from one device to another, although I was unable to get this working on numerous machines, as a connection failed to establish.

Additionally, Options Plus lets you invert the scroll wheel direction, and toggle something called Smart Scrolling, which is supposed to make scrolling web pages smoother. While I did find this to be the case, it was also slower, so I didn’t find it particularly useful.

Logitech claims a staggering 24-month battery life for the POP Mouse. Naturally, I wasn’t able to exhaust it, but I can say that after about a week’s worth of use across numerous devices, the battery remained at 100%, so it certainly seems to have plenty of endurance.

At this price, the POP Mouse represents good value thanks to its performance and in-depth customization options via the Options Plus software. However, the lack of side buttons and additional connectivity methods is a shame, omissions that could deter those who demand high productivity credentials.

The wireless mouse sector is a hotly contested one, and there are plenty of great value options to choose from. The Microsoft Modern Mobile Mouse is an equally capable performer, although it costs more than the POP Mouse and lacks customization software. If you’re prepared to spend a little bit more, you could go for the Logitech MX Anywhere 3, which has better scrolling capabilities as well as side buttons.

(Image credit: Future) Logitech POP Mouse review: Price & availability

• $29.99 / £24.99 / AU$59.95
• Available now in multiple colors

The Logitech POP Mouse costs $29.99 / £24.99 / AU$$59.95 and is available now in multiple and vibrant colorways, some with two-tone schemes. It comes with a AA battery preinstalled.

The best wireless mouse for those on a budget, as far as we’re concerned, is the Microsoft Modern Mobile Mouse. This similarly has a slim and light form factor, although it adopts a square shape rather than a round one. It also requires two AAA batteries rather than one AA battery. While we found its performance to be great for a mouse of this price, it doesn’t have many features, with no native software for customization. At 78g, it weighs slightly less than the POP Mouse, which sits at 82g.

If you’re willing to spend a bit more, you could get the Logitech MX Anywhere 3, which is the best portable mouse in our view, and a great mid-range buy thanks to its excellent scrolling abilities and overall accuracy – plus it can be customized using Options, Logitech’s last-gen peripheral tool.

Logitech POP Mouse review: Specs Should I buy the Logitech POP Mouse? Buy it if...

You want great clicks
I haven’t come across another budget-friendly productivity mouse with better clicks than this. The ultra-damped feel might not appeal to everyone, but I liked them.

You want plenty of customizations
Thanks to its integration with Options Plus, the scope of customizations is surprisingly large, considering only the scroll click and Emoji menu button are rebindable.

Don't buy it if...

You want more than Bluetooth
Even today Bluetooth can have its reliability issues, and although you can switch easily between three devices, the lack of a wireless dongle or even a USB port on the POP Mouse might be a problem for some.

You want lots of buttons
You don’t even get side buttons on the POP Mouse, which can be a real downer for those who do a lot of web browsing.

Logitech POP Mouse: Also consider

Microsoft Modern Mobile Mouse
Another basic mouse, the Microsoft Modern Mobile Mouse sports the same basic functionality as the POP Mouse, lacking side buttons and a rechargeable battery. It misses out on software for customizing it, but we think it performs very well, thanks to its solid clicks and lightweight form. Read our Microsoft Modern Mobile Mouse review.

Logitech MX Anywhere 3
The best portable mouse in our view, the Logitech MX Anywhere 3 packs in more features and functions, such as side buttons and a scroll wheel with two resistance levels. What also sets it apart from the POP Mouse is the rechargeable battery and USB-C port, and the added connectivity options, courtesy of the included 2.4GHz wireless dongle, so you won’t have to rely solely on Bluetooth. Even better is the fact that it’s still relatively cheap. Read our Logitech MX Anywhere 3 review.

How I tested the Logitech POP Mouse

• Used with multiple devices
• Used with Options Plus software
• Plentiful peripheral testing experience

I tested the POP Mouse for about a week, using it for working and general browsing. I used it with multiple devices, including Windows 10 laptop and desktop, a MacBook Pro, and a Chromebook.

I also made as many tweaks and customizations as possible using Logitech’s Options Plus software, rebinding the scroll click and Emoji button to the various functions available.

I have experience reviewing a myriad of peripherals, including mice and keyboards for both productivity and for gaming, across a range of price points.

• Read more about how we test
• First reviewed: December 2024

Asus Chromebook CM14: Two-minute review

The Asus Chromebook CM14 occupies the lower end of the market with its low price and spec, but it aspires to nail the basics.

It boasts a thin and light design that’s impressive for a 14-inch Chromebook. The steely black colorway is fairly austere but it looks smart. Build quality is also good, although the lid is a little flimsy – still, it does recline all the way back to 180 degrees, so it’s certainly flexible.

The partially recycled materials feel solid, and the keyboard is laid nicely, with plenty of space between keys whilst remaining compact, which is a combination I prefer. There’s also a good selection of ports on the Asus Chromebook CM14, with two USB-C ports, a SuperSpeed (SS) USB-A port, a microSD slot and a 3.5mm headphone port.

What isn’t so good, however, is the display. It lacks the clarity and sharpness of some of the best Chromebook devices around, and it’s too reflective when it strays even marginally beyond the optimal viewing angle, either washing out or blacking out entirely.

Things are worse when it comes to performance. Although it can handle light productivity, general browsing, 2K video playback and some light gaming, it can struggle with these on occasion. What’s worse, though, is that it's severely hamstrung by multitasking, with stutters, slow downs, and crashes a frequent occurrence, at least when equipped with 4GB of RAM, which is low by today’s standards.

The typing experience of the Asus Chromebook CM14 is pleasant enough, thanks to the tactile feel of the keys and their low profile. However, the touchpad is another drawback, as there’s too much friction; the surface is nowhere near as smooth as that on, say, the best MacBook models. And no matter what you do with the sensitivity settings, it either travels too much – continuing to move even once your finger stops – or too slowly, making it feel sluggish and imprecise.

One of the saving graces of the Asus Chromebook CM14, though, is the battery life. It lasted over nine hours during our battery test, which isn’t that far off its claimed 15 hour figure. It’s also quite quick to charge, taking about four hours to replenish completely from empty, again close to Asus’ claim.

The Asus Chromebook CM14 is also very cheap, and undercuts many other Chromebooks, even those that are considered good value. But performance is sacrificed, especially when multitasking. If you’re on the lookout for Chromebooks that won’t break the bank, then the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 Chromebook is the best in this regard, while the Acer Chromebook Plus 515 is great for students.

Asus Chromebook CM14: Price and availability

(Image credit: Future)

• $299 / £299 (about AU$473)
• Available now in black
• Cheaper than the competition

The Asus Chromebook CM14 costs $299 / £299 (about AU$473) and is available now in one color: black. It can be configured with 4GB or 8GB of RAM, but only one storage size: 64GB.

It’s cheaper than the best laptops in the budget-friendly realm, and even cheaper than the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 Chromebook, which is the best Chromebook for those on a budget in our view. However, the IdeaPad Flex 3 is a 2-in-1 device, so can be used like a tablet when the mood strikes. It also has an even better battery life than the Asus Chromebook CM14, and is built like a tank to boot.

For about the same price or cheaper than the Asus Chromebook CM14 in some territories, you could have the Acer Chromebook 314, which is one of the best student Chromebook picks for those on a budget. Like the Asus Chromebook CM14, it has a great battery life, but with the added benefits of a 2-in-1 design and an impressive display – aspects the Asus Chromebook CM14 lacks.

• Value: 3.5 / 5

Asus Chromebook CM14: Specs

The review unit of the Asus Chromebook CM14 I had was configured with 4GB of RAM.

Asus Chromebook CM14: Design

(Image credit: Future)

• Thin and light for its size
• 180-degree opening
• Not the sharpest display

The Asus Chromebook CM14 sports a smart, understated design. The dull black colorway does little to inject much interest, but it certainly fits in a professional environment. It’s also pleasantly light and thin given its 14-inch size, weighing just 1.45kg (3.20 lbs). Both these aspects make it easy to travel with.

The build quality seems quite good too, with the partially recycled materials appearing relatively robust for a Chromebook of this class. However, the hinge for the lid isn’t the tightest, causing the screen to feel a little flimsy, but I wouldn’t highlight this as a major concern.

The hinges also prop up the back of the chassis when the lid is open past 90 degrees, but thankfully the bottom remains stable enough to type on. The lid also reclines all the way to 180 degrees, which provides flexible usage options.

The two USB-C ports are a welcome addition considering their versatility, as they allow for power and data – including internet – to run through, as well as facilitating connections to a myriad of peripherals, including external displays. There’s also one USB-A port with SuperSpeed (SS) capability, a Micro SD slot, and a 3.5mm audio jack, useful for those using wired headphones or speakers.

The display, on the other hand, is a let down. The 1366 x 768 resolution looks outdated, with an ever-present blurriness plaguing the interface, no matter how you resize it in the system settings. It also looks a little washed out, lacking the vibrancy of other Chromebook displays. It’s quite reflective too, with certain angles causing the screen to turn almost completely white or black, depending on the ambient lighting.

• Design score: 3.5 / 5

Asus Chromebook CM14: Performance

(Image credit: Future)

• Handles light work and gaming
• Good for typing
• Terrible for multitasking

Benchmarks

These are the results of our benchmarking tests for the Asus Chromebook CM14:

TechRadar Battery Life Test: 9 hours and 26 minutes
Jetstream2 Benchmark: 86.506
Kraken Benchmark: 1769.0ms
Speedometer 3.0: 3.49 (±0.12)

The Asus Chromebook CM14 handles the kind of light productivity Chromebook users typically perform reasonably well. Word processing and spreadsheet creation are viable, as is video playback, even at 2K resolutions – but expect the occasional buffer and slowdown at this quality.

As for gaming, the Asus Chromebook CM14 can handle titles with low graphical demands smoothly. I was able to play Clash of Clans with no issue, and Asphalt Legends Unite was just about feasible on high settings; although it was prone to stutter and slowdowns, it wasn't enough to render it unplayable. At lower settings and 30fps, it ran much more smoothly. I was also able to connect a controller via Bluetooth with no issue. More demanding games would be out of the question, though, as the spec is certainly no match for the best gaming laptops out there.

Unfortunately, the Asus Chromebook CM14 falls flat when it comes to multitasking, with the 4GB of RAM installed in my test unit failing to handle even weak workloads. Lightweight applications, including Google’s own software, can create serious issues, with frequent slow-downs, freezes, and outright crashes.

If you hope to run even a couple of apps in tandem, then you’ll likely be disappointed with the performance. Even Chrome can struggle to run with a less-than-moderate amount of tabs open, and basic ChromeOS functions, such as entering task view, can result in freezes too.

(Image credit: Future)

One of the more positive aspects of the performance, though, is the lack of heat and noise produced by the Asus Chromebook CM14. During my time with it, I never heard the fans whirring up under heavy loads, and it never got too hot to touch.

Typing on the Asus Chromebook CM14 is mostly a pleasant experience as well, as the keys are well-spaced and provide enough tactility. Their profile is low too, which makes gliding around them easy. And despite the corner of my right palm making contact with the touchpad while typing, gestures, swipes and clicks never unintentionally registered.

However, that’s about the only positive aspect of the touchpad, as it’s one of the more frustrating aspects of the Asus Chromebook CM14. No matter what sensitivity settings I used, cursor movements were either too sluggish or too fast, with the cursor continuing to move after my finger had stopped, making accurate navigation difficult. What’s more, the surface isn’t smooth enough and generates too much friction, causing a nasty rubbing sensation on the fingers.

As for the webcam, the 720p resolution provides just enough clarity, but there is certainly an element of graininess to images. My camera footage did freeze when making a call in Google Meet, but this could’ve been more of a software glitch rather than a hardware one.

The speakers on the Asus Chromebook CM14 provide reasonable playback quality, with little in the way of distortion and tinniness, as other Chromebook and laptop speakers can suffer from. However, as they’re located on its underside, audio is somewhat muffled, so those after the utmost clarity won’t be best pleased. However, I found them sufficient for calls and other content where sound quality isn’t a top priority.

• Performance score: 2 / 5

Asus Chromebook CM14: Battery life

(Image credit: Future)

• Great battery life
• Better than rivals
• Quick charging too

The Asus Chromebook CM14 redeems itself somewhat with its battery life. Asus claims it will last up to 15 hours, and during our benchmark, it lasted close to nine and a half hours, which is an admirable performance. Charging it from flat to full took about four hours, which is in line with what Asus claims.

It beats the Acer Chromebook Plus 515, our current pick as the best student laptop, which only managed five hours according to our test and was one of the biggest drawbacks of that particular Chromebook. However, it is bested by the best Chromebook overall in our view, the Acer Chromebook Spin 314, which managed over ten hours.

• Battery life: 4 / 5

Should I buy the Asus Chromebook CM14? Buy it if...

You want a long battery life
One of the most impressive aspects of the Asus Chromebook CM14 is its long battery life, and charging times are also conveniently quick.

You’ll want something easy to carry around
Thanks to its light and thin design, the Asus Chromebook CM14 is easy to travel with. That 180-degree lid opening gives it greater flexibility, too.

Don't buy it if...

You want to do any kind of multitasking
Word processing, streaming content, and light gaming it can handle – but as soon as you start doing multiple things at once, it grinds to a halt.

You want the best display
The 14-inch display isn’t the clearest, and even when you scale the resolution, things don’t improve. It’s also too reflective if the angle isn’t just so.

Asus Chromebook CM14 review: Also consider

If you're in the market for a new Chromebook, here are some alternatives to the Asus Chromebook CM14...

Acer Chromebook Spin 314 (2023)
As our current pick as the best Chromebook overall, the Acer Chromebook Spin 314 (2023) gets most aspects right for this kind of device: it has a great display, is good for typing with and is easy to carry around. Battery life is also very good. Read our Acer Chromebook Spin 314 (2023) review.

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 Chromebook
If you’re looking for another budget-friendly offering, then you should consider the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3, as we think it’s the best Chromebook around in terms of value for money. It’s more expensive than the Asus Chromebook CM14, but we were impressed with its great build quality and battery life. The performance isn’t the best, but we still found it capable of running ChromeOS and Google apps reasonably well. Read our Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 Chromebook review.

How I tested the Asus Chromebook CM14

• Tested for about a week
• Used in a variety of scenarios
• Extensive laptop and Chromebook experience

I tested the Asus Chromebook CM14 for about a week, during which time I used it for working, browsing, watching video content and playing games. I also connected various peripherals to it via Bluetooth and USB, including a mouse and a gamepad.

I played games such as Clash of Clans and Asphalt Legends Unite. I used Google Docs and Google Sheets, and made use of third-party apps, including Steam and VLC. I also used other popular apps, including YouTube for watching video content in full-HD and ultra-HD. I also streamed video content via Twitch and made a video call to try out its webcam and inbuilt mic.

I have experience testing laptops and have owned a number of such devices, including other Chromebooks, Windows and Mac laptops.

• First reviewed December 2024
• Read more about how we test

Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra two-minute review

If you're going to call a smartphone ‘ultra’, it needs to embody that adjective. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra has a top-tier camera system. The Motorola Edge 50 Ultra has mind-boggling charging speeds and a chic textured look. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has a stylus (and lots more besides).

Throughout my testing of the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra, I couldn't quite put my finger on what made it worthy of the 'ultra' designation. It’s undoubtedly a highly capable premium Android phone, but in the competitive mobile market, ‘good’ just isn’t good enough.

The latest entry in Asus’ one-per-year line of flagship Zenfone mobiles, the Zenfone 12 Ultra is another top-spec handset that costs a blisteringly large amount of money. On paper, it's a stablemate of the best Android phones and best iPhones – and it certainly competes with those devices in some areas.

Indeed, if you look at the specs sheet below, you’ll see that the Zenfone 12 Ultra bears all the hallmarks of a premium smartphone. Its Snapdragon 8 Elite processor provides a huge amount of processing power, and its giant 6.78-inch display is great for gaming or streaming movies. The phone's three-lens rear camera array also gives shutterbugs much to delight in.

Certainly, from a specs perspective, there's nothing to dispute the Zenfone 12 Ultra's status as an 'ultra' phone. But that's no longer enough.

All of those aforementioned ‘ultra’ phones go that extra mile to justify the suffix, offering unique features or specs that make their hefty price tags seem almost reasonable. I don’t see any such selling point in the Zenfone 12 Ultra. It’s not ‘ultra’, it just is. Ironically, the lack of a non-ultra Zenfone 12 seems to underline this fact.

If you were to ask Asus, the company would likely say that the killer additions here are the phone's AI features. Most new phones nowadays tout a long list of ‘AI features’, a buzzword given to what we’d otherwise call ‘new software tools’ or, less forgivingly, ‘unnecessary software extras’ – but you need to call everything ‘AI’ in today's tech landscape.

Among the Zenfone 12 Ultra’s AI features are an article summary tool, call translation, a feature that creates AI-generated wallpapers, and plenty of AI-powered camera tools. Now, regardless of the usefulness of many of these features (how many people actually phone someone else who doesn't have a language in common?) and the unproven interest of normal tech buyers in AI features, they don’t allow the Zenfone 12 Ultra to collect the 'ultra' suffix for one simple reason – so few of them are actually new. Honestly, the Zenfone 11 Ultra had most of them.

Speaking of the Zenfone 11 Ultra, the 12 Ultra barely brings any upgrades over it to the table. A newer chipset and some minor tweaks to the camera lenses are the only improvements I could discern. I checked the price of the now-year-old Zenfone 11 Ultra one week prior to the 12 Ultra’s release, and it was going for over a third off from Asus itself. So, you’d be saving loads of money on a pretty similar mobile.

What's more, the Zenfone 12 Ultra has even more similarities to the recent Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro. Their appearances are near-identical, as are their specs, with the scant differences being the 12 Ultra's smaller battery and a refresh rate that doesn’t go quite as high, and the ROG Phone's trigger sensors and LED back panel.

Okay, let's take a breath. I may sound down on the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra in this review, but it's undoubtedly a good phone. It provides a top-tier experience across the board and I enjoyed using it throughout my testing process.

That said, Asus loaned me the device for review purposes, meaning I didn’t have to part with a scary amount of my salary to buy it. When you factor in the phone's high price, it’s hard to see why you should opt for the Zenfone 12 Ultra over its equally expensive rivals – or, for that matter, mid-range rivals that offer similar specs for a dramatically lower price.

Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra review: price and availability

(Image credit: Future)

• Released in February 2024
• Costs €1,099.99 in European markets
• US, UK, and Australian availability unconfirmed for now

The Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra was launched in early February 2024, a year on from its predecessor, and with nary a standard or Pro sibling to speak of.

At the time of writing, it's only available in European markets for a price of €1,099.99, which will net you 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. "As for pricing and availability in the US, UK, and Australia", Asus told TechRadar, "we have yet to get a clear date or price at this moment." That said, we expect the Zenfone 12 Ultra to launch in at least some of these regions soon.

For a little bit of context, the Zenfone 11 Ultra started at $899.99 / £869.99 (around AU$1,450) for its 12GB/256GB starter model. There was also a 16GB/512GB model, which offers a better price comparison to the Zenfone 12 Ultra, but it was only on sale in the UK (for £949.99). The Asus Rog Phone 9 Pro, meanwhile, is available globally for $1,199.99 / £1,099.99 / AU$1,999.99.

Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra review: specs Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra review: design

(Image credit: Future)

• Blocky phone that looks like predecessor
• Still has a 3.5mm jack
• IP68 protection

There’s no getting around it: the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra is a blocky phone. I won’t quite call it ‘ugly’, not when the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra lays claim to that term with such an iron rule, but it’s a little on the boring side.

It looks almost identical to the Zenfone 11 Ultra, and pretty similar to the ROG Phone 9 Pro, but without the lines pattern of the former and the ‘gamer chic’ of the latter.

It’s a big phone, measuring 183.8 x 77 x 8.9 mm and weighing 220g, so if you remember how Asus used to cater to the small-phone market with its Zenfones, you’ll be disappointed. It stretched my hands out and I’ve got fairly average-sized mitts, and it was a pretty big burden in the pocket too.

The right edge of the mobile has the power button – pretty easy to reach, despite the phone’s big size – and the volume rocker, which was a little harder to stretch to. There’s also an in-screen fingerprint sensor, positioned higher up than on other phones, which took a little getting used to.

Talking of acclimatizing, the USB-C charging port on the phone’s bottom edge isn’t right in the middle. Instead, it’s to the left – as far as I’m aware, Asus is the only company that uses this design quirk. There’s nothing wrong with it, once you get through the first few days of jamming your charger into the wrong place. There’s another novelty here too, in the form of a 3.5mm headphone jack. How many mobiles cater to wired headphone users these days?! Props to Asus for that.

I mostly used the Zenfone 12 Ultra in a protective case (provided) but even when I didn’t, it took drops and bumps like a champ. It has an IP68 rating, so it can withstand dust ingress, as well as brief drops in the tub or pool.

• Design score: 3.5 / 5

Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra review: display

(Image credit: Future)

• 6.78 inches, 1080 x 2400 resolution
• 144Hz refresh rate max, though usually at 120Hz
• A few display customization features

The Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra has a nice big display: it’s 6.78 inches diagonally, which explains how much of a hand-stretch the mobile itself is.

The screen’s resolution is FHD+ or 1080 x 2400 — that’s pretty standard for most smartphones, although you’d be forgiven for wanting a little more at this price range.

Mind you, the phone's refresh rate is super fast at 144Hz (good luck finding many games to utilize that spec, though) and the max brightness is nice and high at 2500 nits. In typical use, you can expect a buttery smooth 120Hz refresh rate.

There's another feature here I love to see in smartphones: a color temperature and balance mode for adjusting the way the screen looks. Max saturation with the warmest possible temperature? Don't mind if I do!

• Display score: 4 / 5

Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra review: software

(Image credit: Future)

• Android 15 with optional Asus overlay
• Only two years of OS updates
• AI features aren't very useful

In a pretty unusual move for an Android phone, you actually have your pick between two software systems when you first boot up the Zenfone 12 Ultra. Both are technically Android 15, but you can choose between stock Android and Asus’ reskinned version. The differences are minimal but it's nice to be given the choice.

Stock Android is, if you don’t know, the standard Google-made version of the Android operating system, and it’s popular for being quite clean-looking. However, it misses many custom features that certain other versions of Android have. Asus doesn’t add any of these features in its own version, mind; it’s just a redesign for how menus and icons look.

Whether you pick stock or Asus Android, you’re getting software that’s quite minimal, which is a good thing; there are few pre-installed apps (beyond lots of Google ones) and a smartly laid-out quick-settings menu with big icons that are easy to press.

Asus has only promised two years of software updates for the Zenfone 12 Ultra, which isn’t a particularly ‘ultra’ commitment given how many years of updates rivals offer. That doesn’t mean it’ll stop working after two years, but you won’t get new features added after that point.

As mentioned in the introduction to this review, a few AI features on the Zenfone 12 Ultra seem to be its main selling point, but I wasn’t hugely impressed by any of them. The option to use them is often buried in menus (to use the AI article summarizer, for instance, you need to go into the browser’s ‘share’ menu to share it with the summary tool) and they were often pretty slow to work. In fact, for summarizing articles online, I found it quicker to literally just read the article than to wait for the summary tool to work.

You have to download extra kits for most of the AI features, too, and they’re pretty big, often several GB each. I can see these tools eating up a fair amount of storage space.

I’m always a little cynical of AI features on phones, with most of them seemingly designed to fix problems that no one actually has, and offered in lieu of actual improvements to a given device. Suffice to say, I never used these AI features on the Zenfone 12 Ultra beyond my obligatory testing of them.

• Software score: 3.5 / 5

Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra review: cameras

(Image credit: Future)

• 50MP main, 13MP ultra-wide and 32MP telephoto lenses
• 32MP selfie snapper
• Scene optimization comes in clutch

The Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra may not offer the megapixel overload of its rivals, but it covers its bases.

On the back of the phone is a 50MP main camera, which is joined by a 13MP ultra-wide and a 32MP telephoto, the latter of which can reach 3x optical zoom.

All three combine to give you a decent level of versatility and control over the shots you take (as long as you don't want to go above the 30x digital zoom cap), and there's largely a consistency between image quality at these ranges

Coming in clutch is the image optimization and HDR, which was quick to punch up the contrast and saturation of pictures to improve their vibrancy without making them look unnatural. Look at the curry bowl or football field images below as cases in point; neither looked as bright in real life as they do on camera.

These improvements increase the Zenfone's camera grade from 'fine' to 'good', even if the phone misses the extra lenses, sensitive sensors, and super-high-res MP counts of its competitors. That said, the latter would have been preferable for situations in which the AI optimization didn't step in, like in the pizza pic below.

Another thing to note is that photos often took longer to capture than I'd expect; I'd often press the shutter button and assume the photo had been taken, only to move the phone and end up with a blurry end image. My advice to owners would be to hold the Zenfone 12 Ultra in place for a few seconds longer than you think you need to, or else you'll end up with a long list of camera reel mistakes.

(Image credit: Future)

The selfie camera hits 32MP, and its result is largely similar to the rear ones: it has the potential to make some bright and bold pictures, and succeeds most of the time, thanks to software.

The phone can record video in 8K/30fps, 4K/60fps, or down to HD/480fps in the slow-mo realm.

The Zenfone 12 Ultra also has a small selection of extra modes. Some, like Night and Portrait, work well; the latter was great at balancing contrast and exposure, as you can see in the photo below, and Portrait was fantastic at adding a natural-looking bokeh and also balancing the colors and tones of a shot.

There are a few modes being touted as 'AI' ones too, despite the fact that almost all camera software features use artificial intelligence in some way or another. These include AI Panning, which creates a "dynamic focus effect" on a moving object, and in effect, this is very similar to Portrait mode. The other is AI Tracking, which lets you record a video of something moving and it'll output a zoomed-in photo that keeps the moving subject framed center. I can see this being situationally very useful, although I only ever found myself using it for testing's sake.

• Camera score: 4 / 5

Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra camera samples Image 1 of 7

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(Image credit: Future) Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra: performance and audio

(Image credit: Future)

• Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset
• Fast for gaming and everyday use (mostly)
• Range of audio options

The Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra really embodies the ‘ultra’ in its name when it comes to performance: it’s a certifiable beast.

The processor at work here is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite, which is the chipset you'll find inside many of the current best Android phones (at the time of writing, at least) and it tells. It’s paired with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage.

Games were snappy to play, and could easily handle the highest graphical settings; they didn’t lag or stutter once and, in the most noticeable improvement (in my mind) over a lesser chipset, they were really quick to open too.

In a Geekbench 6 multi-core test, the Zenfone 12 Ultra returned a score of 9,818, putting it in the higher echelons of phones we’ve tested. For context, Geekbench’s own rankings mark the iPhone 16 Pro at a score of 8,528 (though no recent 8 Elite-toting phones are listed).

The speed is mostly noticeable in other parts of the phone, too, for example when you’re trying to edit a big photo. However, I noticed that the AI features could cause the phone to slow down noticeably. This isn't a deal-breaker, especially given that most of the features take only a second to use, but the minor slowdown was still noticeable.

The Zenfone 12 Ultra has stereo speakers and, in a surprisingly retro turn, a 3.5mm headphone jack. As a result, audio fans have a choice as to how they’d like to listen to content on this phone, which is a rarity in this day and age.

• Performance score: 5 / 5

Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra review: battery life

(Image credit: Future)

• Pretty big 5,500mAh battery
• Lasts for over a day of use
• 65W charging, 15W wireless

The Zenfone 12 Ultra packs a 5,500mAh battery — that's pretty big, but it’s also necessary for a phone of this size and power.

When I used the Zenfone as a normal mobile (i.e. not as a gaming phone) it could reliably coast through a single day of use and reach mid-way into the second day without trouble, but I wouldn’t go quite so far as to say it’s got two-day battery life.

When I did go heavier on the gaming side of things, I was happy with how well the Zenfone 12 Ultra could handle a few hours of gaming without losing too much battery — it’s hard to be scientific when talking about experiential battery use, but the phone lost charge slower than lots of other handsets I’ve tested recently.

Charging is a little slow. That feels silly to say for a phone with 'fast charging', but it’s at 65W, which is slower than lots of its rivals. There’s also 15W wireless charging.

• Battery score: 3.5 / 5

Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra review: value

(Image credit: Future)

The Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra is an undeniably pricey premium phone. While an argument could be made that no phones in this price range really offer value for money, it's doubly the case with the Asus.

I say this because it doesn't really offer any killer features, either over its predecessor or comparatively priced rivals, that make it a must-buy. When you cost this much, specs alone will only get you so far.

If you can find the Zenfone 12 Ultra at a meaty discount, it's potentially more deserving of your money, but I'm talking a 25% discount as a minimum for that to be the case.

• Value score: 2.5 / 5

Should you buy the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra? Buy it if...

You need lots of processing power
The Zenfone 12 Ultra is one of the most powerful phones on the market right now, and it'll stay a contender for years to come.

You're a wired audio fan
Few Android phones come with headphone jacks these days, especially towards the premium end of the market.

You play 144Hz games
Very select mobile games can play at 144 fps, but for the ones that do, it's hard to find mobiles that support this high refresh rate. The Zenfone 12 Ultra is one of them.

Don't buy it if...

You don't like big phones
The Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra will stretch smaller hands; don't buy it thinking it's one of the compact Zenfones of old.

You find the Zenfone 11 Ultra discounted
The Zenfone 12 Ultra doesn't offer that many upgrades over its predecessor, and that older phone is now poised for sizeable sales.

Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra review: Also consider

If you want other 'ultra' smartphones to compare the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra to, here are some other similar-priced picks.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
The natural rival, this Android powerhouse has a wider array of cameras, a bigger and higher-res display, and a stylus. However, its chipset is the same as the one in the Asus, its battery is smaller, and it charges slower.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra review

iPhone 16 Pro
The other natural rival, the iPhone 16 Pro, costs roughly the same as the Asus. It has a smaller screen, a weaker battery, and, if the benchmarks are anything to go by, a lesser chipset. But I'd be remiss not to mention the Apple rival at a phone this costly.

Read our full iPhone 16 Pro review

Xiaomi 14 Ultra
Another ultra-branded Android phone, this Xiaomi has an unbeatable camera array, a better display, and faster charging, but last year's chipset and software.

Read our full Xiaomi 14 Ultra review

How I tested the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra

• Review test period = 2 weeks
• Testing included = Everyday usage, including web browsing, social media, photography, video calling, gaming, streaming video, music playback
• Tools used = Geekbench 6, Geekbench ML, GFXBench, native Android stats

To properly test the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra, I used it daily for two weeks; this doesn't include a short period beforehand when I set it up, took the review photos, and played a few games on it.

The testing of the handset occurred in two parts. The first saw me run benchmark tests, take sample photos, and run down the battery. The other was more experiential; I used the handset for personal things like music and video streaming, social media scrolling, mobile game-playing, and other everyday tasks.

At the time of this review's publication, I've been writing reviews for TechRadar for exactly 6 years (happy anniversary, me!). I've reviewed countless smartphones in that time, including multiple Asus models as well as headphones, smartwatches, and tablets.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed February 2025

Nike Zegama 2: two-minute review

(Image credit: Future)

The Nike Zegama 2 is a high-mileage trail shoe designed to handle pretty much anything you can throw at it. Nike put nearly two years of testing into the model, which is designed to offer supreme comfort and support over uneven, changing terrain.

Launched alongside the Pegasus Trail 5, it stands out against the latter as a more dedicated trail shoe rather than a road-to-trail offering.

While the first Zegama was cool, it fell down because of its limited grip. The Zegama 2 offers more traction, plenty of cushioning, and a really responsive ride. After a few weeks with it I've been really impressed. I'm not a trail runner by trade and find most trail shoes look a little too much like walking shoes. The Zegama 2 got me out on the trail and looked brilliant in the process.

(Image credit: Future)

Out of the box, the Zegama Trail 2 features a really striking design. Its large heel stack complete with shelf gives the shoe an imposing silhouette reflective of its rugged durability and exceptional support.

This is the Khaki/Hyper Crimson/Burgundy Crush/White option, a special design inspired by the Donghai Yunding trail in China. In all honesty, I love the design. The lighter jade color is also a real head-turner, as is the special Two Bays Trail blue version. Essentially, it's impossible to find a dull or disappointing colorway.

Not that you'll be keeping these clean, the Zegama Trail 2 is one of the best running shoes for the great outdoors. At its heart, Nike has adopted the extremely responsive and cushioned ZoomX foam midsole. In trials across tarmac, concrete, grass, and dirt trails I found the Zegama 2 to be very comfortable.

You wouldn't buy the Zegama 2 for road running, but we all need to get to the trail before the fun begins. These trainers will deliver you to your trail in style and won't put paid to your feet on the way. The ZoomX midsole felt responsive and springy, combined with a pronounced rocker motion that really helps propel you along.

Once you get to the rugged stuff and the bumps, jumps, ridges, and roots, the Zegama 2 brushes them all off with ease as you navigate your way along uneven terrain. I've never been much of a trail runner but the Zegama 2 instills a real sense of confidence and almost challenges you to seek out more treacherous and adverse terrain. I've no doubt these would also easily double as a durable hiking shoe, thanks to their extremely forgiving underfoot experience.

(Image credit: Future)

Stability is another big plus here, and crucial to the trail shoe experience. With uneven terrain all around, the last thing you want is movement and rotation. The fit of the entire upper is very comfortable. I found there was plenty of room upfront in the toe box, although I've seen a couple of complaints about the vertical space being more limited in this year's model. The snug upper combines with the ankle gaiter to give a supremely secure fit that also limits ingress of the great outdoors into your shoe.

Across all manner of uneven ground that I tried, there was never any sense of rolling an ankle or losing my balance.

The original Zegamas lost out big time because of its poor traction. For the Zegama 2, Nike has added the Vibram Megagrip and the effect is obvious. Living in Scotland I do all my running in the wet, and I couldn't believe how much traction the Zegama 2 delivered on wet grass, mud, and slippery concrete. Of course, the Megagrip does cake up with mud pretty quickly, so there's a little bit of slip-and-slide when the going gets really soft, but that's to be expected of any shoe in the conditions. By and large, the traction is excellent, and generally, this is regarded as the biggest upgrade Nike has made to the Zegama 2.

(Image credit: Future)

The Zegama 2 displays extremely good build quality and exudes durability. I have absolutely no concerns that this is a shoe built to last, with its chunkier features and rugged design lending themselves to hundreds of miles getting battered by the great outdoors.

(Image credit: Future)

If you like a more neutral feel to your run, then this might not be the shoe for you. Generally the Zegama 2 is excellent, and gives you a sense of being nudged along as you travel, which I really appreciated.

While there are a couple of overlays on the toes for extra durability, these shoes aren't waterproof. If you land yourself in a large enough puddle, your feet will get wet. If you do want a waterproof trail shoe, options from the likes of Saucony available.

Across my testing and research, the other drawbacks I've come across are few. They are on the heavier side, so if you want a lighter trail shoe you might want to look elsewhere. There are some concerns about how hot the shoe runs given how substantial it is. Again, as a resident of Scotland I'd chalk this up as a bonus, but it's definitely true and something to watch out for if you run in warmer climes.

Nike Zegama 2: price & availability

• $180/£165/AU$250
• Men's and women's options, 11 total colors

The Nike Zegama 2 is available from Nike.com and the usual array of third-party resellers. Its hefty and rugged build means it's a little pricier than your average running shoe at $180/£165/$250 AUD, although we have seen it discounted, including on Nike's website.

There are versions for men and women, with five or six colors respectively.

(Image credit: Future) Nike Zegama 2: specifications Nike Zegama 2: scorecard Should I buy the Nike Zegama 2?

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

You're running primarily on trails

This sounds obvious, but the Zegama 2 is for trail running, so make sure you're primarily on the rugged stuff if you're buying.

You want a trail shoe for longer distances

With its heavier, softer feel, this is a shoe that excels over longer distances.

Don't buy it if...

You're on a budget

There are a couple of cheaper options out there including Nike's own Pegasus Trail 5.

You want a lighter shoe for speed or agility

If you're doing faster trail runs the Zegama 2 might not be for you, it's more a long-distance shoe with comfort, rather than pace in mind.

Also consider

(Image credit: Future)

Nike Pegasus Trail 5

Nike's cheaper, general purpose trail shoe.

Shop at Nike

Inov-8 Trailfly G270 V2

A brilliant neutral trail shoe that's lighter and grippy, with good spring and a firmer ride.

Read our full Inov-8 Trailfly G270 V2 review

How I tested

I used the Nike Zegama 2 across a multitude of terrain including concrete, grass, mud, as well as incline and declines during a series of runs.

First reviewed: February 2025

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus: Two minute review

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus is a solid soundbar at a decent, but not exceptional, price. While that’s a non-controversial and fairly vanilla statement, it’s a strange situation for Amazon since the company typically subsidizes its products, especially ones like Echo speakers and Fire TV branded TVs, to beat the market. It’s hard to ignore that there are plenty of cheaper options, whether you’re considering a basic all-in-one soundbar or a 5.1-channel soundbar system.

While I’m surprised that the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus is not as discounted as most Amazon products compared to the competition, it is one of the best soundbars I’ve experienced when it comes to ease of setup – everything is already paired and you just have to plug it all in.

The performance is, as expected at this price point, good but not great. The surround sound is immersive and the audio quality is what you’d expect at this price point. The sound doesn’t have quite the clarity of more premium options, but only fussy listeners will notice.

The only big issue I had with the audio quality is that the stereo image is not as wide as it should be from the soundbar, which I’ll get into below. And while the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus is advertised as having Dolby Atmos, it doesn’t actually have the physical speakers for spatial audio, so you won’t find it on any list for the best Dolby Atmos soundbars.

That said, you could do a lot worse for a soundbar system at its price point, whether you’re looking at the most basic configuration or the 5.1-channel one, especially if you see it discounted (as Amazon is wont to regularly do with its products).

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus comes with all the accessories you need, including an HDMI cable and wall-mount brackets (Image credit: Future) Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus review: Price & release date

• First available: December 2025
• Price: Starting at $249.99 / £249.99 (about AU$400)
• Available in the US and UK

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus is priced at $249.99 / £249.99 (about AU$400), and is just a standalone soundbar (along with a power cable, HDMI cable, remote, remote batteries, and mounting kit). The next level up comes with a wireless subwoofer and is priced at $374.99 (about £300 / AU$590). The maxed-out configuration (reviewed here) adds surround speakers along with the subwoofer for a 5.1-channel setup and costs $489.99 (about £390 / AU$770).

Surprisingly, this is more mid-range than budget pricing, bucking Amazon’s typical model of subsidizing its hardware for either market share or branding, especially when it comes to either smart home devices or Fire TV ones.

As far as availability goes, those in the US have access to all three configurations while only the most basic configuration is available in the UK. The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus is not sold in Australia.

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus review: Specs

A basic set of control buttons is located on the soundbar's top surface (Image credit: Future) Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus review: Features

• Surprisingly stripped down feature set
• Some EQ and audio modes available through the remote
• Virtual Dolby Atmos

Considering the branding, I was surprised to see how barebones the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus is. It doesn’t have built-in streaming the way Roku soundbars do, and it doesn’t have any Alexa-related functionality. There’s no app either, so you’re not going to be able to do any EQ fine-tuning (with an exception that I’ll mention below).

All EQ settings are available via the remote. There are four audio modes: Movie, Music, Sports, and Night. I preferred the Movie mode most since it seemed the least affected. However, Night mode is a nice addition as it keeps any peaks in the audio from getting too loud while simultaneously making everything easy to hear at low volume.

There are also individual bass and treble controls as well as surround sound volume on the remote. A dialogue function boosts the volume of dialogue to make it easier to hear – a great option for those with hearing loss, even if it’s a somewhat subtle effect.

There’s no physical Dolby Atmos on hand – the advertised Dolby Atmos is virtual, meaning you don’t get a true spatial audio experience. You get a full surround sound experience with the rear speakers at least, so there is a lateral 360-degree soundstage, just not the vertical one that spatial audio provides.

Besides the usual HDMI and optical digital connections, the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus also comes with Bluetooth, so streaming a Spotify playlist from a phone is straightforward.

The one area where the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus is unique is that, when paired with certain Amazon Fire TVs, you can fine-tune the audio on a deeper level in the TV’s settings.

• Features score: 3.5 / 5

Subwoofer level can be adjusted using the bass settings on the remote (Image credit: Future) Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus review: Performance

• Sounds good but not the best resolution
• Stereo image is a bit narrow
• Surround sound is immersive
  

The sound quality of the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus is pretty good. You might not be impressed if you’ve used hi-fi equipment or premium soundbars, but if you’re looking for your first home theater surround sound system, you should be pretty happy.

Specifically, the high-end is just a tiny bit lacking so the audio doesn’t quite have the best clarity and resolution. This was especially apparent when playing music I’m familiar with, which just didn’t quite have the same sparkle it usually does. However, this is a nitpick.

The mids are fairly well balanced so that they sound full without being compressed or distorted. And there’s lots of bass available from the subwoofer so you get that rumble when watching movies.

You can adjust the subwoofer via the bass settings on the remote to be less impactful (or more) if you want. The treble, as mentioned before, is also adjustable via the remote, though I found the various levels to be a little too subtle.

When it comes to the soundstage, the left and right channels are a little closer together than I would like. This is because, even though the soundbar has left, center, and right channel speakers, the drivers and tweeters for the left and right channels (each channel has a mid-bass driver and tweeter) both face straight ahead. Even though the soundbar is 37 inches wide, this is not enough separation when you’re sitting beyond a 1.5-meter distance from the TV.

Yes, everything that’s supposed to be on the left sounds like it’s on the left and everything that’s supposed to be on the right is there as well. But, the stereo image is still a bit too narrow.

The surround sound, on the other hand, is a pleasure to listen to. The surround speakers offer a 360-degree experience, even when it’s just the atmosphere of a video game like It Takes Two or random background characters talking such as I experienced when watching Fool’s Paradise. I also tested the surround speakers with 5.1-channel audio mixes on YouTube, and it was enlightening to experience the spaciousness these speakers deliver while also confirming that you don’t really need to listen to Bob Marley in anything other than stereo.

It’s worth noting again that, though this soundbar supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, this is purely virtual as there are no physical upward-firing speakers. And I didn’t notice anything resembling that vertical sense of space when watching movies and TV with Dolby Atmos soundtracks.

• Performance score: 4 / 5

A minimal set of inputs, including HDMI ARC, optical digital and USB-A, is located on the soundbar's back panel (Image credit: Future) Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus review: Design

• Basic aesthetics and design
• LED indicator lights instead of alphanumeric display
• Most fine tuning done through the remote

Aesthetically, the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus can best be described as utilitarian. All the units come in a matte black. The units are also all pretty boxy, and you would only know that they were made by Amazon because each piece has the Fire TV logo imprinted in shiny black somewhere on it. The various units don’t call too much attention themselves, other than the fact that the sound bar is 37 inches wide so you’ll need a wide enough surface to install it if you’re not wall-mounting.

The ports on the back are surprisingly limited to HDMI, optical digital, and USB. While the HDMI port is ARC-enabled, I would have appreciated a second HDMI passthrough port. This is an issue I frequently find with cheaper sound bars.

Another limitation is that there’s no alphanumeric display on the front, just five LED indicator lights that shine through the front grill cloth to reflect what the volume or various settings are up to.

The controls on top of the soundbar are a bit more limited than on the remote, but the necessary ones are here, namely: power, source, Bluetooth, volume up, and volume down.

All fine-tuning is done on the remote. Luckily, it’s easy to use and has separate bass and treble buttons to cycle through levels as well as a button to turn on/off surround sound, which has its own volume up and down. There are also EQ preset and dialogue buttons.

• Design score: 4 / 5

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus system's surround speakers make an instant wireless link to the soundbar when plugged in (Image credit: Future) Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus review: Setup & usability

• Already paired out of the box
• Easy to use
• No real display for current settings

Setting up the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus couldn’t be easier. Everything comes in one big box – all the packaging seems to be materials that can be recycled – and just needs to be removed and plugged in.

The soundbar, subwoofer, and rear speakers are already paired so that once everything is plugged in and powered on, the soundbar will register the other units. A wall-mounting kit is also included, though it’s just for the soundbar. The hardest part (unless you’re planning on mounting) is putting the batteries in the remote.

As far as using the soundbar, it’s also just as straightforward. The buttons on the sound bar itself are a bit basic so you need to keep track of the remote to get most of the functionality. But switching sources and adjusting the audio to taste within its limitations is fairly foolproof.

I do wish there was a front panel alphanumeric display for feedback when making changes. Instead, you have to rely on the indicator LEDs and listen to a voice prompt to know what setting you’ve changed. And if you’re not paying close attention, you have to adjust again to find out what it was on.

• Setup & usability score: 4.5 / 5

With no app or Alexa control, EQ and sound adjustments on the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus are all carried out using the included remote (Image credit: Future) Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus review: Value

• Good, but not great, deal for a surround sound soundbar system
• Can find cheaper, though lesser, 5.1-channel sound bar options
• Same money can get better-sounding options, but with fewer channels

I may sound a little confused when discussing the price of the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus by saying it’s at once affordable and overpriced. At $489.99 (about £390 / AU$770) for the surround sound configuration, it’s a good mid-tier system for the price that comes with a large soundbar, subwoofer, and two rear speakers. Yet, it’s priced higher than one would expect from the likes of Amazon, especially considering how light on features it is.

This is particularly highlighted when considering the Ultimea Poseidon D50, a 5.1-channel sound bar system that goes for a paltry $119.99 / £149.99 (about AU$180). Sure, the Ultimea comes with many more compromises with slightly worse audio and build quality, but it’s also much, much cheaper.

Of course, you can spend the same amount on something that’s not quite considered premium and get a much smaller package. Consider the Sony HT-S2000, a 3.1-channel system that counts virtual Dolby Atmos as a main attraction. It does have generally better audio quality. Still, you have to pay $499 / £449 / AU$695 for it.

• Value score: 4 / 5

(Image credit: Future) Should I buy the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus? Buy it if...

You want the easiest setup possible
All you have to do to set up the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus is to power up the various units. It doesn’t get easier than that.

You don’t want to spend too much for a surround sound system
While it’s not the cheapest out there, the price is pretty good, especially if you go for the configuration with the surround speakers and subwoofer.

You want a straightforward soundbar
Not only is this soundbar system easy to set up, but it’s easy to operate. If you find that too many bells and whistles get in the way, then this might be the one for you.

Don't buy it if...

sound-enabledYou want a lot of features
The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus is surprisingly stripped down, especially for a surround sound- enabled setup. Sure, there’s virtual Dolby Atmos, but it’s not the real deal.

You want crystal-clear audio
The sound quality is good, but if you’re fussy, you’re going to wish you spent a little more on something with better clarity and resolution.View Deal

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus review: Also consider

Ultimea Poseidon D50
The Ultimea Poseidon D50 is proof you can go really cheap and still get a 5.1-channel system. Yes, there are compromises, such as the lack of any kind of Dolby Atmos support, and it’s also a bit cheap-looking. But, it mostly sounds good, and is easy to set up.

Read our full Ultimea Poseidon D50 review

Sony HT-S2000
If surround sound is not a top priority, but you still want something beyond stereo and have $500 / £500 to burn, the all-in-one Sony HT-S2000’s overall sound quality is impressive and its virtual Dolby Atmos is actually spacious-sounding.

Read our full Sony HT-S2000 review

Hisense AX5125H
Hisense's soundbar system offers 5.1.2 channels in a compact package with wireless surround speakers and subwoofer. It also has an alphanumeric front panel LED display and costs less than Amazon's system.

Read our full Hisense AX5125H review

How I tested the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus

The Nakamichi Dragon with its two subs in my home. (Image credit: Future)

• I used the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus for a couple weeks
• Tested with both TV, movies, and music

I used the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus system regularly for a week. I used it with TV shows, movies, and music. I tested the various EQ options and audio modes as well as played around with all the other settings available, such as the dialogue mode.

After testing, the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus seems to be a decently priced 5.1-channel system that leans a bit on the Fire TV brand, offering mostly convenience and the surround sound experience, and not much else.

I’ve tested a lot of tech gear over the years from laptops to keyboards and speakers, and so have been able to use my expertise towards giving an honest and fair opinion, not to mention a critical eye, to any product I test.

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

Developer Allware makes no secret of its inspiration from Superhot with its aptly named VR game Cold VR. Flipping the script with the tagline “Move or Die,” this shooter introduces a reversed time mechanic: time slows down when you move and speeds up when you stand still. While Superhot used its time-bending feature to create strategic, puzzle-like combat, Cold VR pushes for a more fast-paced, aggressive style, demanding quick, on-the-fly adjustments.

(Image credit: Allware LLC) Review Info

Platform reviewed: PCVR via Meta Quest 3S
Available on: Meta Quest, PC (via Steam), PSVR 2
Release date: February 11, 2025 (PSVR 2 releasing in 2025)

Even the art style takes cues from Superhot by focusing more on simple low-poly visual design with various shades of white, blue, black, and pink. There is a visual switch-up during optional intermission horror-inspired levels called 'backrooms' that feature dark orange and black but we’ll touch on that later.

Neither Hot Or Cold

(Image credit: Allware LLC)

The core gameplay loop of Cold VR has players defeating a set amount of enemies until an area is clear. Dodging bullets and attacks is a must as one hit will send players back to the beginning of the level which can stretch pretty long compared to Superhot. So long that players may find themselves frustrated by making it far to have to start all over considering some segments take as long as 10 to 15 minutes to complete.

A diverse arsenal of melee weapons and firearms keeps the gameplay exciting and dynamic. Of course, players can wield those weapons in either hand for a nice variety of combat options. Like Superhot, one strategy involves having something like a sword in one hand and a pistol in another as guns have a finite amount of bullets. Various katanas, claws, straight swords, and even shields join pistols, shotguns, machine guns, assault rifles, and sniper rifles. Playing in a flat open arena firing away at gun-toting enemies in one hand and hacking approaching grunts in another in slow motion can be a euphoric experience at times.

While you can throw guns and swords at enemies, the awkward physics and clunky controls make it an unreliable combat option. Adding to the frustration, players can’t pick up weapons from defeated enemies. This eliminates the kind of cinematic moments seen in Superhot, where you could toss an empty gun at an enemy, watch them shatter into crystal-like fragments, snatch their weapon midair, and seamlessly continue the fight.

(Image credit: Allware LLC)

Some platforming portions within gameplay add some diversity to the combat though it doesn’t make good on the promise the opening tutorial brings. Similar to Doom, some battle scenarios beg players to run on jump pads and shoot enemies while in mid-air. Outside of learning core mechanics, players have to use the time mechanic to slow down lasers to pass alongside climbing moving stairs.

The optional backroom levels initially offer a refreshing break from the intense combat, challenging players to navigate a maze armed with nothing but their wits. These eerie corridors are patrolled by black, spiked creatures that kill on contact and the first level effectively builds tension with clever flashlight mechanics. However, the suspense quickly fades as these levels devolve into tedious fetch quests and button hunts. One variation has players searching for three orbs, which can be confusing without a map and frustrating if you're killed mid-search. For completionists, the backroom levels risk dragging down the game’s pacing and adding unnecessary frustration instead of serving as a pallette cleanser.

Shining bright despite bugs

(Image credit: Allware LLC)

Combat is also hurt by bugs that can lead to annoying moments. Sometimes levels can start with players pointing in the wrong direction which can lead to instant death. This happened several times in a level that starts with an elevator opening with an enemy already firing in your direction. This happened in other missions that start with enemies directly facing the player as well. Cold VR also has ammo counters on guns but a bug makes it inconsistent when players see them leading to an unnecessary guessing game.

Though Cold VR’s gameplay experience can be fairly inconsistent, its story and presentation shine. Players are a piece of software attempting to fight against a rogue artificial intelligence led by a menacing force. The mysterious protagonist is helped by a human hacker who appears via a large monitor in between levels. These live-action FMV (full-motion video) sequences ride a fine line between providing over-the-top camp and meaningful story beats. By the time Cold VR ends, players will even have a nuanced understanding of the main baddie’s motivations.

Best Bit

(Image credit: Allware LLC)

In one mission, players start perched on a rooftop with a sniper rifle, methodically taking out enemies one by one as they cock the hammer back between shots. Once the coast is clear, they leap onto the rooftop, unleashing a barrage of dual-pistol fire in epic slow-motion to finish the remaining foes.

The FMV sequences add to a respectable-looking game that blends solid cyberpunk art direction and great performance. Cold VR's minimalistic art design allows for some pretty neat special effects. This includes fantastic particle effects, lighting, shadows, and even reflections. All of that is done without a hint of slowdown during our playthrough. Adding to the experience is an awesome techno soundtrack that enhances the feel of combat in meaningful ways. If there’s one area where Cold VR overtakes its inspiration, it’s the presentation department through and through.

Cold VR offers a unique twist on the time-manipulation shooter formula, delivering a visually striking and fast-paced experience. With its 3.5-hour campaign, it’s a concise yet challenging ride that demands quick reflexes and strategic thinking. The reversed time mechanic - where time slows as you move - pushes players into more aggressive combat scenarios. While the gameplay occasionally stumbles with clunky physics, bugs, and some frustrating level design, Cold VR excels in its narrative and presentation.

The straightforward story, bolstered by engaging FMV sequences, adds depth, while its cyberpunk aesthetic and dynamic techno soundtrack elevate the overall immersion. Despite its flaws, Cold VR stands out for its cool mechanics and polished visuals, making it a worthwhile addition for VR enthusiasts seeking a fresh take on the genre. At this price point, it’s an intriguing, albeit imperfect, adventure that’s sure to challenge and entertain.

Should you play Cold VR? Play it if...

You’re a fan of Superhot
Cold VR proudly showcases its inspirations while adding some unique twists to make it stand out just enough.

You want a unique presentation within your VR experience
The game offers stunning visuals, immersive audio with dynamic sound effects, a high-intensity soundtrack, and a solid storyline.

Don't play it if...

You expect to do cool things like throw objects or throw enemy weapons
All players can do in Cold VR is shoot and swing a wide range of weapons. Don’t expect to grab enemy weapons or throw objects effectively.

You require a certain level of polish during your playthrough
Occasional bugs can disrupt an otherwise enjoyable experience, becoming especially frustrating when levels stretch to ten minutes and a single death forces players to restart from the very beginning.

Accessibility features

Cold VR offers smooth gameplay regardless of whether you're standing or sitting. Movement is handled with the left controller, while the right controller allows for both snap and smooth turning options. Players can adjust snap turn angles and smooth turn speed with dedicated sliders. Additionally, a vignette slider is available to darken the screen's edges, helping some visually impaired players focus on the center of the image.

(Image credit: Allware LLC) How I reviewed Cold VR

I reviewed Cold VR on a gaming PC using a Steam key provided by the developer, playing wirelessly on a Meta Quest 3s via Steam Link. The single-player campaign took about three hours to complete, but I spent more time with the game to explore it and test it more intensely.

First reviewed February 2025

ProCook Barista Bean to Cup Espresso Machine: two-minute review

The ProCook Barista Bean to Cup Espresso Machine is a semi-automatic coffee maker sporting a smart design, a beginner-friendly interface, and an impressive set of features that belie its entry-level price. At £399 (about $500 / AU$800), it's one of the most affordable bean-to-cup coffee makers I've tested, and also one of the best.

With its integrated burr grinder, manual steam wand, and centrally positioned display, it looks similar to premium semi-automatic machines such as the Breville Barista Touch Impress; but there are some key differences. For example, parts of the ProCook machine's chassis are made from plastic rather than metal, reducing both the weight and cost; its screen is crisp monochrome rather than color; and it has a manual steam wand rather than an automatic milk frothing system.

The ProCook Barista Bean to Cup is a good-looking semi-automatic espresso machine, with a case made from a combination of brushed stainless steel and silver-toned plastic (Image credit: Future)

None of those factors will be a problem if it will be your first espresso machine, and you're after something that will perform well and guide your hand while you get to grips with the process. Just select your preferred drink using the clear, high-contrast screen and set of four buttons, customize it if you like, and the ProCook Barista will guide you through (almost) ever step of the process.

There are a few quirks along the way. For example, the machine doesn't reveal that after pulling the lever for the steam wand, you'll have to wait half a minute for the steam to actually begin, even if the machine has already heated to temperature. neither does it tell you to tamp your ground coffee, instead directing you to transfer the portafilter straight from the grinder to the group head – a potentially messy mistake.

Those are small quibbles, though; overall, the ProCook Barista is a likeable, fun introduction to the world of espresso-making that demystifies what can sometimes be an intimidating craft.

The biggest drawback is that it's currently only available in the UK. If you live elsewhere, take a look at my list of alternative recommendations further down this guide.

There are six coffee drinks to choose from, each of which can be customized (Image credit: Future) ProCook Barista Bean to Cup Espresso Machine: price and availability

• Only available to buy direct from ProCook in the UK
• Currently priced at £399 (about $500 / AU$800)
• One of the most affordable bean-to-cup machines we've tested

The ProCook Barista Bean to Cup Espresso Machine is available to buy now direct from ProCook in the UK for £399 (although its usual price is £599). It isn't currently available in other countries. This is very good value, and cheaper than anything in our guide to the best bean-to-cup coffee machines.

If you're on a tighter budget, the ProCook Espresso Coffee Machine is an entry-level espresso maker in the same series priced at £199 (usual price £249). It has a similar LCD panel and manual steam wand, but lacks the built-in grinder of the Barista machine. It's available bundled with a standalone grinder for £269 (typical price £349).

There's also the premium ProCook Barista Elite Bean to Cup Espresso Coffee Machine, which has a full color display rather than monochrome, and an automatic steam wand with heat sensor. It's available for £599 (usual price £999).

• Value score: 5/5

ProCook Barista Bean to Cup Espresso Machine: specs ProCook Barista Bean to Cup Espresso Machine: design

• Chassis is made from a combination of plastic and brushed metal
• Controlled using high-contrast monochrome display and four buttons
• Excellent integrated conical burr grinder with easy adjustments

With its centrally positioned display and brushed metal finish, the ProCook Barista Bean to Cup Espresso Machine bears a passing resemblance to semi-automatic espresso machines from Breville, but there are some significant differences. Firstly, the ProCook machine's chassis isn't made entirely from stainless steel, but has strategically placed plastic panels that reduce both the weight and cost, without having a significant impact on aesthetics.

I certainly welcomed the lighter build when moving the ProCook Barista into position in my kitchen (at 21.38lbs / 9.7kg, it weighs a lot less than most similar espresso machines). The only downside is that plastic doesn't conduct heat well, which means you can't use the top of the ProCook Barista as a cup warmer (the circular depression I initially took for a cup holder is actually just a place to store the tamper).

Turning the bean hopper adjusts the grind size, and pressing it down while twisting lets you remove it to clean the burrs (Image credit: Future)

The tamper and portafilter handle are also light in the hand. They don't feel as sturdy as those you'd get with a pricier machine, and if you're particular about your accessories then you may prefer to invest in a heavier metal tamper that will help you apply more even pressure. However, the lightweight handle here could be a benefit for people with limited strength or mobility in their hands and wrists.

The bean hopper can be twisted to change the grind size, with markings on the side showing the difference your selection will make to the speed of extraction. It's a small but helpful touch for users grinding their own coffee for the first time.

You can remove the hopper by pressing down as you turn, then take the top off the grinder assembly to clean it using the stiff-bristled brush provided. The machine won't prompt you to do this, but it's a good idea to clean it regularly to avoid build-up of debris in the burrs.

The machine comes with a stiff-bristled brush that's ideal for cleaning the burr grinder (Image credit: Future)

The ProCook Barista's display is large and clear, with the decent contrast ratio making it easy to read, no matter the level of lighting in your kitchen. It doesn't offer touch controls; instead, you scroll through menus and select options using four buttons –two either side of the screen.

It's a system that works well and is extremely straightforward to use, although I was surprised to find that there's no simple way to exit a menu and go back to the previous screen. For example, if you selected "single espresso" but have changed your mind and actually want a double, you can't go back to the drinks menu – even if you haven't started grinding the beans yet. Instead, you have to restart the machine. It's a small quibble, but was unexpected considering how much thought has gone into designing the interface.

The generously sized reservoir is easy to lift off the back of the machine, and has an integrated handle for carrying (Image credit: Future)

The 95oz / 2.8-liter water reservoir is easy to lift off the rear of the machine for filling. Note that it doesn't have a filter, and ProCook doesn't sell any separately. As such, you may want to use pre-filtered water to avoid minerals changing the taste of your coffee and to slowdown the build-up of limescale.

• Design score: 4.5/5

ProCook Barista Bean to Cup Espresso Machine: performance

• Default brew settings produce consistently good results
• Experimentation is encouraged, even for new users
• Steam wand is particularly well designed

Some espresso machines come with an inch-thick instruction manual, but not the ProCook Barista. In fact, I found no manual in the box at all, because this machine simply doesn't need one. Just load up the bean hopper, fill the water tank, power it on, and you'll be guided through each step of the coffee-making process with clear on-screen instructions and diagrams.

There's no setup process to go through before you can start brewing; the machine takes you directly to a menu of drink options. There are six coffee drinks to choose from (single espresso, double espresso, cappuccino, latte, flat white, and americano), plus hot milk and hot water – the latter of which is dispensed via the steam wand.

You can stick with the default settings for each drink, or press and hold the "select" button to pick your own grind time (which correlates to dosage), water volume (to suit the size of your cup) and water temperature.

The on-screen instructions are clear, but don't attach the portafilter to the group head without tamping first (Image credit: Future)

Note, however, that the instructions do miss a couple of steps. For example, you're told to insert the portafilter directly into the group head, with no mention of tamping the grounds, so a little familiarity with making coffee will be helpful.

The machine also doesn't mention that after pulling the lever on the right-hand side, you need to wait a little while for it to actually start. This wait time is actually quite helpful, giving new users a window to get themselves and their milk jug in position; but if you're used to other espresso machines then you might mistakenly believe that the wand isn't working.

The cool-touch steam wand is a joy to use (Image credit: Future)

Like many manufacturers of coffee machines, ProCook advertises the pump's maximum pressure of 15 bars, but this isn't really relevant, and the machine will use the industry recommended nine bars when actually brewing. One thing I particularly like about the ProCook Barista is that it displays the exact pressure on-screen during the brewing process, so you can see the impact of your chosen beans, grind size, and tamping technique before you taste the finished drink.

During tests, the default settings provided consistently good results (although I did gravitate towards using my own metal tamper rather than the plastic one provided). The machine encourages experimentation, which is great for those new to espresso, who will find it interesting to see how tinkering with individual properties, such as water temperature, grind size, or bean type, can have a noticeable effect on flavor.

The steam wand is a pleasure to use. It has a cool-touch exterior, which I hadn't expected for an espresso machine at this price. It maintains good pressure, giving you plenty of time to stretch and heat your milk, and its angle makes it easy to achieve a good "whirlpool". It’s controlled using an arm on the right-hand side of the machine, which is pleasingly tactile; simply pull it forward to start the steam and push it back for hot water, as directed by the on-screen instructions. The only potential drawback is that there’s no control over the steam pressure, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing for a machine designed not to overwhelm beginners.

The steam arm on the right-hand side of the machine is pleasingly tactile (Image credit: Future)

Maintenance is refreshingly straightforward. The exterior of the machine can be wiped clean using a cloth, and the drip tray (easily pulled out), handle, and filters can be hand-washed in warm, soapy water. The ProCook machine arrives with a pair of cleaning brushes, plus a pin for clearing the nozzle of the steam wand if it becomes clogged.

As mentioned earlier, there's no water filter for the reservoir, and unlike pricier espresso machines from the likes of KitchenAid or Smeg, there are no settings for water hardness. You can use tap or filtered water, but whichever option you pick, you will be prompted to run the machine's descaling program once you've used it to brew 300 coffees. However, you can run it sooner if you notice that the water flow has become inconsistent, or it's making odd noises.

Speaking of noise, my decibel meter recorded a maximum volume of 75dB while the machine was grinding coffee, and 60dB while pumping water, which is about standard for a bean-to-cup coffee machine. If you want a quieter bean-to-cup machine, the KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine KF8 averaged just 44dB in our tests.

• Performance score: 5/5

Should you buy the ProCook Barista Bean to Cup Espresso Machine? Buy it if

You want your first espresso machine

As a semi-automatic machine, the ProCook Barista helps you with some of the trickier parts of making espresso, while letting you tackle the fun parts (such as steaming milk). It's easy to use and explains what's happening at each stage of the process, so you can see the effect of tinkering and experimenting on your finished drinks.

You don't want to spend a fortune

This is one of the most affordable bean-to-cup coffee machines we've tested, yet ProCook hasn't compromised on components where it really matters.

You're tired of using capsules

Its integrated grinder with automated dosing means fresh coffee beans are just as easy to use as foil-sealed coffee pods.View Deal

Don't buy it if

You don't live in the UK

At the time of writing, this machine is only available to buy in the UK directly from ProCook.

You already have a grinder

ProCook also sells a version of this machine without the built-in grinder, and it's even cheaper.

ProCook Barista Bean to Cup Espresso Machine: also consider

Not sure that the ProCook Barista Bean to Cup Espresso machine is right for you? Here are two other options to bear in mind.

Breville The Barista Touch Impress

We awarded the Barista Touch Impress a full five stars thanks to its excellent, consistently brewed espresso and auto milk frother that handles both dairy and plant-based alternatives with ease. However, it does cost well over twice what you'd pay for the ProCook Barista.

Read our full Breville The Barista Touch Impress review

De'Longhi Dedica Style

If you're looking for a manual espresso machine that won't break the bank or take up too much space in your kitchen, this stylish little number is the one for you. It has an impressive steam wand, and it's super affordable. It lacks a grinder, though.

Read our full De'Longhi Dedica Style review

How I tested the ProCook Barista Bean to Cup Espresso Machine

I used the ProCook Barista Bean to Cup Espresso Machine in place of my usual Gaggia Classic and Dualit burr grinder for two weeks. I prepared all drinks from the menu, customizing several of them to suit different-sized mugs and experimenting with heat and grind time settings.

I used coffee beans from Exhale Healthy Coffee, which were provided by ProCook, and freshly roasted beans from Clifton Coffee Roasters here in Bristol. I tested the machine using both full-fat dairy milk and almond milk, which were used cold from the fridge.

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

First reviewed January 2025

Turtle Beach Kone 2 Air: Two-minute review

The Turtle Beach Kone 2 Air is a large gaming mouse with some useful features aimed at improving the user experience for players. It stands out due to that size and its shape, with its concave sides, the left of which juts out at the bottom to accommodate the Easy Shift button. The body is very smooth with no texturing.

The white colorway features some subtle gray accents on the buttons and scroll wheel, and overall it looks relatively mature compared to other gaming peripherals, although it still isn’t exactly elegant.

Compared to the best gaming mouse out there, the RGB lighting on the Kone 2 Air is relatively large, with two stripes running along the top, as well as the usual LED on the scroll wheel.

The Kone 2 Air adopts a wide, squat stance and features a relatively flat top, so those with larger hands will likely find this fills their palms more substantially than other gaming mice do. With that large size, though, comes a heavy 110g weight.

(Image credit: Future)

By contrast, the clicks are light and snappy, yet well damped, and the same is true of the two side buttons and the DPI cycle button on top. The scroll wheel feels smooth to the touch and features 4D scrolling, allowing you to tilt it left and right for horizontal navigation. It also has a free spin function, activated by pressing the button above the DPI cycle. This allows you to disengage the notching to scroll much faster, yet it still feels reassuringly weighty and smooth.

However, without free spin activated, there’s a little too much play in the wheel, making it hard to get a feel for single flicks. The scroll click, however, is reassuringly solid and easy to press in the heat of the moment, as well as providing satisfying feedback and a clearly audible click.

The included USB cable is braided and light, so there’s next to no drag when using it. However, it doesn’t seem as thick or as durable as those on other gaming mice. It’s also quite short, so you’ll need your machine relatively close by if you want to play in wired mode.

Turtle Beach’s peripheral software, Swarm 2, allows for numerous adjustments and customizations. There are numerous rebinding options, such as keyboard keys (including in combination with modifiers) and media controls, but there’s only two system level shortcuts available: one for shutdown and one for sleep. There’s also a wholly separate layer for assigning secondary inputs courtesy of Easy Shift, and naturally, you can also customize the RGB lighting in Swarm 2.

Swarm 2 features some useful adjustments for gaming too, such as Motion Sync and Angle Snapping, as well as a debounce time slider between 0-10 (no unit is given here).

However, there’s no setting labeled lift-off distance; instead, there’s what Swarm 2 calls DCU Calibration. You have settings for low and very low, as well as a custom setting which takes you to a calibrator, asks you to make circular movements with the cursor, and automatically selects an appropriate lift-off distance for you – although it doesn’t tell you what this distance is.

There’s also the typical DPI settings, with five predefined points for you to adjust for cycling. There’s a DPI calibrator too, which asks you to hit a series of targets in order to automatically pick what it thinks is the best DPI setting for you.

Macro recording is possible, and Swarm 2 even includes a range of default macros for a number of popular games and productivity software, including Microsoft Office and Photoshop.

(Image credit: Future)

Gaming with the Kone 2 Air is a mixed experience. All buttons are responsive and satisfying to use, but the overall form isn’t the most ergonomic, as the sides don’t offer enough grip, even if you apply the included grip tape.

The indentation of each side only occurs towards the rear, and flattens out immediately, which meant my thumb and fingers couldn’t set in place for greater security. As a result, I had to squeeze tighter than I normally would for, which naturally compromises movement speed; I never truly felt comfortable holding the Kone 2 Air.

That hefty weight the Kone 2 Air is saddled with only adds to the problem. It prevents glides from being smooth and seamless. The weight is also concentrated towards the rear, which makes the mouse feel unbalanced as it has a tendency to tilt backwards when lifting off.

Thankfully, the Easy Shift button is easy to reach and hit with your thumb. The RGB lighting also changes color when held, which is a useful indicator that I was just able to make out in my peripheral vision, without it being distracting.

When it comes to connectivity, using the Kone 2 Air via Bluetooth or the 2.4GHz is as quick and easy as can be, and switching between two devices on the fly works pretty much flawlessly, merely requiring a flick of the switch underneath.

Turtle Beach states a very long battery life for the Kone 2 Air: 350 hours via Bluetooth and 150 via the 2.4GHz wireless dongle. Although I wasn’t able to test its limits during my time with it, I can say that after several days of varied use, it only dropped a few percentage points, so its claims would seem to hold water.

The Kone 2 Air is a divisive gaming mouse, then. Those with larger hands may prefer it more, thanks to its size and weight. However, those after speed and comfort will be better served by lighter, higher-performing mice, such as the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro – and, if saving money is a top priority, the Logitech G305 Lightspeed and Cooler Master MM311 are better alternatives.

(Image credit: Future) Turtle Beach Kone 2 Air: Price & availability

• $119 / £119 (about AU$182)
• Available now in black and white colorways
• Undercuts some popular brands

The Turtle Beach Kone 2 Air costs $119 / £119 (about AU$182) and comes in two colorways: black and white. A wired only version is also available for considerably less, at $59 / £59 (about AU$90).

Compared to the best wireless gaming mice, it sits towards the lower end of the market. It’s cheaper than popular offerings from Razer, including the DeathAdder V3 Pro. That mouse, though, is capable of polling at 8K (albeit requiring an additional adapter).

There are some that undercut it, including mice in Logitech’s Lightspeed range, such as the G305 Lightspeed and G309 Lightspeed. However, the former can only connect wirelessly via the Lightspeed USB dongle (there’s no Bluetooth), and both have no rechargeable battery, requiring a AA each instead.

Then there’s the Cooler Master MM311, our pick as the best gaming mouse for those on a budget. It massively undercuts the competition, and although this too has no rechargeable battery or Bluetooth connectivity, it still offers brilliant gaming performance with wireless capability.

Turtle Beach Kone 2 Air: Specs Should I buy the Turtle Beach Kone 2 Air? Buy it if...

You want multiple connectivity options
With Bluetooth, a 2.4GHz receiver and USB-C connectivity, the Kone 2 Air is ideal for multi-device setups, allowing you to switch between the different modes on the fly.

You have large hands
The size and weight of the Kone 2 Air lends itself to those with big palms, although even they may struggle to grip it securely.

Don't buy it if...

You want something small
The Kone 2 Air is about as full as they come, so if you don’t like your mouse filling your palm, this won’t be for you.

You want pro-level performance
The heavy weight and 1K polling rate likely won’t cut it for pro-level players, who require the utmost speed and smoothness in their movements.

Turtle Beach Kone 2 Air: Also consider

Cooler Master MM311
If you’re on a budget, then you can’t do much better than the MM311. It shares the same 1K polling rate as the Kone 2 Air, although it’s considerably lighter at 77g. However, it has no inbuilt battery, requiring a AA instead. There’s also no wired or Bluetooth modes available. However, if you can live without these, then the MM311 offers serious value for money. Read our full Cooler Master MM311 review.

Logitech G305 Lightspeed
Another pick as one of the best wireless gaming mouse for those on a budget, the G305 Lightspeed offers serious performance for the money. It’s only a little more expensive than the Cooler Master, and still a whole lot cheaper than the Kone 2 Air. However, it too has no rechargeable battery and no Bluetooth connectivity. Read our Logitech G305 Lightspeed review.

How I tested the Turtle Beach Kone 2 Air

• Tested for several days
• Played FPS titles
• 10+ years PC gaming experience

I tested the Kone 2 Air for several days, during which time I used it for playing games, productivity, and general use.

I played Counter-Strike 2, the litmus test for gaming mice, as well as Black Mesa. I made sure to try as many features and functions as possible on both the mouse and in the GG software.

I have been PC gaming for over 10 years, and during that time I have experienced a variety of mice. I have also reviewed numerous units, ranging in size, weight, performance and price.

• Read more about how we test
• First reviewed: November 2024

Cherry XTRFY M64 Wireless: Two-minute review

The Cherry XTRFY M64 Wireless is a lightweight wireless gaming mouse with a small size and a unique form factor for improved ergonomics and handling.

Aesthetically, the M64 Wireless keeps things rather simple. The black colorway with mint green accents that I tested looked sharp and understated. White and blue variants with green and orange accents respectively are also available. No model has any RGB lighting, though, which is something of a rarity in this sector.

The asymmetrical shape of the M64 Wireless fit my hand and grip style very well. It’s among the best gaming mouse in terms of ergonomics, with the long indentations of the side walls and downwards rake of the mouse buttons accommodating my thumb and fingers perfectly.

What may prove contentious, however, is the location of the USB-C port. It’s on the rear right side, which, depending on your particular gaming setup, may put play-and-charge beyond your reach – literally.

(Image credit: Future)

Thankfully, the included USB cable is very light and causes next to no drag at all. It’s also very long, so even if your PC is to your left, you still might be able to find some way to route it adequately. The recess of the port on the mouse body is also very deep, so I had no concern about accidentally knocking it out either.

The M64 Wireless has no accompanying software; rather, all adjustments are made via the power slider and selector buttons underneath, as well as a few combinations of the topside buttons. The power slider has three positions for selecting the CPI, polling rate, and debounce time. With one of these selected, the selector button cycles through the various settings for each of these parameters.

Despite not being able to fine-tune these settings via any software, I found the available presets to be sufficient. There are eight CPI settings, ranging from 400 to 26,000, four polling rates from 125Hz to 1000Hz, and four debounce times ranging from 2ms to 12ms. A small LED light flashes certain colors to indicate the setting selected, with the key detailed in the manual.

On paper, it’s a clever solution given the lack of software, but it can be quite fiddly, as it involves referring back to the manual to check what color indicates what setting, although it could be argued that after initial setup, you probably won’t be changing them regularly. Still, a software tool would’ve made on-the-fly adjustments simpler and quicker.

Various topside button combinations can be used to alter the lift-off distance between 1mm and 2mm, as well as toggle Motion Sync on or off. There’s also a combination for checking the battery level, with four different colors indicating the percentage range. Personally, I would’ve liked the more precise readout that software provides. Also, these button combinations are again quite fiddly and inconvenient to use quickly.

(Image credit: Future)

To game with, however, I found little fault with the M64 Wireless’ performance. The aforementioned form factor made it easy to grip and maneuver, further helped by the light 53g weight and ultrasmooth PTFE skates – although these are quite thin, so aren’t the best for unpadded surfaces. The precision and speed of the Pixart 3395 sensor is also great for a 1K mouse.

The Huano Transparent Blue Shell Pink Dot switches in the main mouse buttons are snappy yet controlled, and the same goes for the two side buttons. The scroll wheel is also notched just right, allowing for quick yet secure flicks. The scroll click strikes a similar balance, being responsive without causing accidental spins.

Cherry claims the M64 Wireless can last 75 hours on a single charge, and I’m inclined to believe this figure. After several days of use, I was still in the green, indicating a level between 76-100%.

Considering its price, the M64 Wireless sits a little too close to the M68 Pro, which offers a similar shape and performance, yet has an 8K polling rate for maximum pro-level performance, although only serious gamers will likely notice the difference.

It’s also about the same as the Razer DeathAdder V3 Hyperspeed, which has the benefit of integrating with Synapse, Razer’s in-depth peripheral software, offering numerous tweaks and customizations, including button rebinds and HyperShift functionality.

So while the M64 Wireless is a great feeling and excellent performing wireless gaming mouse, there are equally capable pointers at this price point, yet offer more in the way of features and functionality.

(Image credit: Future) Cherry XTRFY M64 Wireless: Price & availability

• $92 / £99 / AU$133
• Available now in various colors
• Same price as better-equipped rivals

The M64 Wireless costs $92 / £99 / AU$133 and is available now in black, white, and blue colorways. It comes with a USB-A-to-C cable for charging and wired play.

It sits a little too close to the M68 Pro Wireless, which is only about $30 more, yet has an upgraded polling rate of 8K. The ergonomic form is very similar too, although the mouse buttons slope even more, which might deter some.

The Cooler Master MM311 is one of the best wireless gaming mouse picks for those on a budget, thanks to its ultra-low price and great performance. It’s heavier than the M64 Wireless at 77g and requires a AA battery, but if you can live with these facts, it’s hard to beat for sheer value.

Cherry XTRFY M64 Wireless: Specs Should I buy the Cherry XTRFY M64 Wireless? Buy it if...

You want a lightweight mouse
At 53g, the M64 Wireless is on the light side of the spectrum, which makes it easy to maneuver.

You want great ergonomics
The unique shape of the M64 Wireless provided me with a comfortable grip, and the downwards slope of the mouse buttons was a natural fit for my fingers too.

Don't buy it if...

You want plenty of features
There’s no software for the M64 Wireless, which means no rebinding or macros options. There aren’t many on-board buttons either.

You want esport-grade performance
Since the polling rate only goes up to 1K, competitive players might need something even more precise.

Cherry XTRFY M64 Wireless: Also consider

Cherry XTRFY M68 Pro Wireless
For not much more, you could get the M68 Pro Wireless instead, which ups the polling rate to 8K for unparalleled cursor precision and smoothness. It also has a similar shape to the M64 Wireless, although the rake of the mouse buttons is even steeper, which might not sit so well with some gamers.

Cooler Master MM311
As one of the best value gaming mice out there, the MM311 is a bargain considering its performance and comfort levels. It’s heavier than the M64 Wireless at 77g, and there’s no rechargeable battery, but if those drawbacks don’t bother you, you can’t do much better at this price point than the MM311. Read our full Cooler Master MM311 review.

How I tested the Cherry XTRFY M64 Wireless

• Tested for several days
• Used for gaming, working, and browsing
• Over 10 years of PC gaming experience

I tested the M64 Wireless for several days, during which time I used it for gaming, working, and general browsing.

To assess its performance, I played Counter-Strike 2 - a stern test for the speed and accuracy of gaming mice, as well as featuring certain settings that can reveal a pointer’s true potential. I also played S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, another FPS title but one that involves more variation to the pace and range of mouse movements.

I have been PC gaming for over 10 years, and in that time I have experienced plenty of gaming mice. I have also reviewed a number of them, including another offering from Cherry XTRFY, the M68 Pro Wireless.

• Read more about how we test
• First reviewed: December 2024

Shot Scope V5: One minute review

(Image credit: Future / David Usher)

If money is no object and you want one of the best golf watches at any price, then there are technically better options out there than the Shot Scope V5. However, if you aren’t looking to spend upwards of $500/£500/AU$900 on a watch that you only plan on wearing for golf, the V5 is a great option as it offers some features that you wouldn’t usually get in the mid-price range it falls in.

As well as providing the basic front, middle, and back yardage numbers, the V5 offers some other useful functions too, such as accurate distances to hazards, layups, and doglegs. It comes with 36,000 preloaded courses worldwide and you also get full maps of each hole so you can see what lies ahead as you prepare your strategy on the tee.

The V5 is button-operated rather than touchscreen, rather like some of the best running watches, which might seem a little outdated but it’s arguably more practical and efficient during activities. Many golfers find touchscreens can be a little erratic, especially in the rain or while wearing gloves. The button system is simple to use once you become familiar with it, making it easy to scroll through the hazards and record your score on each hole.

Where the V5 really stands out though is in the post-round shot tracking and the analytics on offer. It comes with 16 individual club tags which attach to the butt of a club’s grip and record data from each shot. After the round, you have access to all manner of useful data that allows you to hone the areas you need to improve. Other brands offer this too, but usually, you have to pay for the tags and/or a yearly subscription to access the data. Shot Scope offers all of this at a very reasonable single price point.

Shot Scope V5: Specifications Shot Scope V5: Price and availability

(Image credit: Future / David Usher)

• £239.99/$249.99/AU$429.99
• One price and color
• Cheaper than many rivals

The Shot Scope V5 costs £239.99/$249.99/AU$429.99 and is widely available from numerous online retailers. There is only one color choice (black) and there are no alternative strap color options either.

If you do want alternative color options then the very similar Shot Scope X5 might fit the bill, as it does offer a slightly more premium look and has a choice of five straps, but in terms of features and functionality, there’s very little between the V5 and the X5. In fact, almost all of the features are the same – but the V5 is button-operated whereas the X5 uses a touchscreen.

The V5 is £40 cheaper as a result of that, but many people will actually prefer the buttons, which makes the price very attractive. It’s also worth mentioning that touchscreens can often suffer in rainy conditions and buttons are certainly more reliable in the wet. The V5 has a longer battery life too, so in our view, it’s the better option, especially at this lower price point.

• Value score: 5/5

Shot Scope V5: Design

(Image credit: Future / David Usher)

• Simple, clean design
• Comfortable and lightweight
• Doesn't intrude on swing

The V5 probably isn’t a watch that many will choose to wear away from the golf course but personally, I’d have no qualms about doing so. It’s a simple, black design and looks nice on the wrist. It’s very comfortable and lightweight too (weighing just 50g), so on the course it’s not intrusive or distracting during the swing. The dust-resistant silicone strap is nice and flexible and sits snugly on the wrist. In fact, it’s actually one of the more comfortable golf watches I’ve tested.

In terms of construction, the V5 has a 1.2” daylight-readable color display made from hardened mineral glass. While I’ve mentioned already that for the watch itself, there are no color options other than black, in terms of the display you have five colors to choose from. Four buttons (two on each side) are used to operate the watch, but the buttons are quite discreet and certainly don’t stand out too much or detract from the aesthetics.

• Design score: 4/5

Shot Scope V5: Features

(Image credit: Future / David Usher)

• 36,000 preloaded courses
• Shot tracking
• In depth stats

The V5 comes preloaded with 36,000 golf courses and you get the standard front, middle, and back yardages. However if you can see where the pin is on the green and want a more specific number, there is a function that allows you to move the pin around on the screen to the right location. This will provide more accurate yardage, but I had no interest in using this feature, to be honest; scrolling through the options to find the pin and then continually clicking the button to move the flag around to the desired spot can be irritating. Frankly, I don’t need a number to be that accurate, as I’m not that good of a player to know, to the exact yard, how far I’m likely to hit my approach shot. A ballpark figure is more than sufficient for me, but the option is there for those who want it.

You do have access to excellent shot tracking information if you use the tags that come with this watch. They attach to the grip of your club and will record each shot you hit which then gives you access to very detailed information on your performance. If you’re into that, then this is an excellent feature. It’s very similar to services provided by Garmin and Arccos, but the difference is that you have to pay a yearly subscription fee for those whereas Shot Scope provides this free of charge.

I could talk all day about how in-depth this is as there are statistics available for everything you can think of, as well as plenty that you probably can’t! As well as being able to get ‘shots gained’ data, there are other interesting things available, such as how well you historically play particular golf courses or even specific holes. If you’re a golf nerd, this is something that will really appeal to you, and given that you don’t have to pay for any of it once you have made the initial purchase of the watch, for me this is the main selling point of the Shot Scope V5.

• Features score: 4/5

Shot Scope V5: Performance

(Image credit: Future / David Usher)

• Unlock button can be annoying
• Shot tracking not automatic
• Very easy to use

Upon arrival at the course, I found that the V5 identified the course fairly quickly. It isn’t always the same speed though. The first time I used it I found it was very quick, probably less than 10 seconds. Other times it has taken a little longer and on one occasion it was around a full minute. I find that to be normal though, and I’ve tested premium Garmin watches that have taken longer to locate the course than the V5 does, so from that perspective, I was quite impressed.

The trickiest thing for me, to begin with, was getting used to pressing the unlock button before attempting to access any of the functions. Without pressing the unlock button (the bottom left button), nothing else works, and initially, it was quite frustrating simply because I normally use a watch where I don’t need to do that. By the time I got to the back nine, I was generally okay with it, although I would occasionally still forget. After that first round, though, it became second nature.

That being said, having to press the unlock button first does make it slightly more of a pain to access some of the functions I like to use, such as the hazard map and distances, but this isn’t a premium watch – so there will naturally be some compromises to be made.

The watch does not automatically track individual shots on the course, but you can activate the track option after hitting a shot. Again, this is not ideal for me personally, as I often forget to do it, especially if I’m chatting with playing partners or feeling rushed due to a group behind me.

Some more expensive watches, such as the Garmin Approach S62 (my current watch of choice) or the newer Garmin Approach S70, track shots automatically and you don’t have to do anything. You hit your shot, start walking and the watch will immediately begin counting the yards until you reach your ball. This is a feature I use all the time, not specifically so I can see how far I’ve hit it, but more because it makes finding a ball that has strayed from the fairway a lot easier. For instance, if like me you know you usually carry your drive 200 yards, then it really narrows your search area considerably if the watch is telling you where exactly 200 yards is and you’re having to just guess. Having used the Garmin Approach S62 for a few years I’ve come to completely rely on that feature, and because it does it automatically it is hard to then get into the habit of doing it manually.

So when testing the V5 I kept forgetting to activate it and it was very frustrating, but that’s more of a me problem than a failing of the watch. Automatic tracking would be nice, but at the price point the V5 comes in at, it would be unreasonable to expect it.

There’s a lot to like about the V5 though. The app is excellent and simple to use; it’s just a case of downloading to your smartphone, creating an account, and then adding your device (in this case the V5, but there are other Shot Scope products you can add too).

It was straightforward enough to set up the tags too. They are pre-marked so there’s very little to do other than screw them into the specific club. Then, in the app, you can make up your bag by adding in your specific clubs. There are 16 tags so you can have spare clubs, which is handy if, for example, you occasionally switch out a hybrid for an extra wedge or vice versa.

In terms of the charger, the cable is extremely secure. Perhaps too secure, as I had to be quite forceful to remove it and that makes me nervous. I’ve had enough iPhones over the years to know how easily charging ports can be damaged when you’re too heavy-handed with them.

• Performance score: 4/5

Shot Scope V5: Scorecard Shot Scope V5: Should I buy? Buy it if...

You’re looking for detailed analytics without extra cost

For the golf nerd who wants to soak in as much information about their own strengths and weaknesses, this is a fantastic option and the club trackers come free with the watch.

You prefer using buttons to a touchscreen

While many people prefer the functionality of a touchscreen, it can be more difficult to use in wet or cold conditions. The V5 utilizes four buttons for navigation and (once you get used to them) it’s very easy to operate.

You want something with nice features that doesn’t cost a fortune

There’s enough here for the golfer who wants more than just the basic front, middle, and back yardages, and the detailed data available through the Shot Scope app when using the tags is really next level.View Deal

Don't buy it if...

You want your golf watch to be a top smartwatch

If you're looking for your next golf watch to be a versatile, fully functioning smartwatch that you can wear all the time then this is absolutely not the watch for you. It isn’t going to allow you to read messages, track your heart rate, or do any of the other things you get from an actual smartwatch.

You want a watch with a touchscreen

As previously mentioned, the V5 operates using four buttons rather than a touchscreen. So if you’re used to a touchscreen and that’s your preference, you might want to look at something else.

Also consider

Garmin Approach S70

An ultra-premium, do-it-all golf watch.

Read our full review

Garmin Approach S62

The best golf watch we’ve tried for maps. A bit older, but it’s now also a bit cheaper.

Read our full review

How I tested the Shot Scope V5

I have played two full rounds and a further nine holes using the Shot Scope V5. Weather conditions were varied and on one occasion the rain was quite heavy for a time. To find out how accurate the GPS numbers were I compared the numbers to that of my Garmin Approach S62 and also used a laser for a more exact yardage. The Shot Scope V5 was always within two yards of the laser and was usually bringing up the same numbers as the Garmin.

First reviewed: February 2025

Sony LinkBuds Speaker: Two-minute review

Sony has released a fair few speakers in its day but the new LinkBuds Speaker is the first to be released under its LinkBuds branding; the original Sony LinkBuds were novel for having open-ring designs so you could hear your surroundings while also streaming music, but the name now just seems to be used for a range of lifestyle audio options instead of applying to that particular open design, so here we are.

I often having to get name whingeing out of the way early when I review products like the Sony LinkBuds Speaker, because I want to save the rest of the review to focus on compliments on the device (and because I love a good name-whinge).

Don’t make the mistake I did when I first started using the speaker – unlike many other entries into our annals of the best Bluetooth speakers, this creation isn’t designed for house parties or loud gatherings. Instead, it’s a svelte house-trained pet that does its best work when you keep it domestic.

That’s most evident from the charging cradle, which was my favorite aspect of the entire speaker. It charges the speaker when you’re not using it (or when you are), acting as a hub that you can easily whisk the speaker away from when you’re marching into another room.

But there’s more evidence as to the LinkBuds Speaker’s introverted state. Its understated design means it fits snugly into your home decor, but it's not as rugged as the best waterproof speakers. Its microphone means you can use it as an ersatz home assistant (via your phone, at least) and a range of other features such as a programmable musical alarm clock and hourly time alerts all indicate that this is a housebound gadget.

That doesn’t mean you’ll be left in the lurch if you take it outside, especially with a surprisingly big 25-hour battery, but you might not find the audio fits parties or summer cookouts. That’s doubly the case with audio which proves quite directional, and doesn’t quite equal some rivals on the market in terms of energy and vibrancy – if you’re looking for a party speaker, the Sony will disappoint.

I was pleasantly surprised with the feature set offered by Sony, with its Sound Connect app boasting quite a few handy features – some are ones I haven’t seen on rival devices, which is a neat touch. Admittedly some of these features are hidden deep in the app – I still have no idea how I enabled the aforementioned hourly notification – and not all of them work wonders.

But it’s another illustration of how the Sony offers brains over the raw brawn of some of its rivals. It’s no slouch in the audio department, but it’s found a different way to best the likes of the JBL Flip 6: the features.

I should cap this intro by saying one more thing if you like the ideas of these extra features: only buy this if you use Spotify, Amazon Music or Endel. Loads of the extra features require a subscription to one of these three streaming services so you're not going to be able to use all the features if you use Tidal, Apple Music or YouTube Music.

Sony LinkBuds Speaker review: Price and release date

• Released in October 2024
• Officially priced at $179.99 / £139 / AU$249

The Sony LinkBuds Speaker was announced in October 2024, alongside two new earbud additions to the brand: the LinkBuds Fit and LinkBuds Open.

You can buy the speaker for $179.99 / £139 / AU$249 so it costs a little more than rivals in the area such as the JBL Flip 6, Ultimate Ears Boom 4 or Bose SoundLink Flex, but it roughly matches the Sonos Roam 2 which we rate as the best Bluetooth speaker.

I should point out that at the time of testing, three months after the LinkBuds Speaker’s release, it’s already on offer from some retailers, so it’s worth hunting around to find a discount as they're easy to find.

(Image credit: Future) Sony LinkBuds Speaker review: Specs

(Image credit: Future) Sony LinkBuds Speaker: Features

• A 25-hour battery life
• Lots of features thanks to Sound Connect app
• Many tools require Spotify, Amazon Music or Endel

The Sony LinkBuds Speaker offers a surprisingly admirable 25 hours of battery life, which laps most of its close rivals – you can expect between 10 and 15 hours of listening time on its competitors.

Thanks to how the aforementioned charging cradle fits into my real-world experience, I never actually had to test this figure the hard way, but that’s not the end of the world – it just goes to prove that you’ll never have battery anxiety with the LinkBuds Speaker.

You can get many more features from the LinkBuds Speaker by using Sony’s Sound Connect app – until recently called Headphones Connect.

One useful feature is auto-play, so you can set your speaker to start auto-playing from Spotify, Amazon Music or Endel at certain times on certain days, basically like an alarm clock. In my testing, I was unable to choose which playlist Spotify auto-played from, and it default to carrying on whatever I last listened to, but the writing in the app suggests that I should be able to pick them. Hopefully a software update will change this.

As I'll discuss in the Design section of this review, the speaker has a quick access button. Using the app, you can map this to use two of: Spotify Tap, Amazon Music Play Now or Endel Quick Access (all three bring up a curated playlist from the app of choice). As you can tell, these are the only three apps supported by Sony’s app – sorry, Tidal fans – but you can use other streaming platforms for standard speaker playback. You just can’t use the extra features.

Audiophiles will also be pleased to hear that there’s an in-app equalizer. It’s a five-band one with an extra Clear Bass dial to increase or decrease bass prominence between -10 and 10. You can save two different custom EQs, and there are no presets. In my experience I didn’t find that the equalizer made much of a difference on the sound quality.

Sony’s auto-EQ mode is back, but I’ve not previously been impressed by this, and the LinkBuds Speaker didn’t change that. The way it works is that the app presents you with five different EQ mixes and you have to choose your favorite; you do this twice and the app creates a custom mix for you. The problem is that the mixes it suggests to you are often so indistinct that I can never tell the difference between them, so it’s not a good way of gauging my actual tastes.

I was impressed by a few of the quality-of-life features Sound Connect offers. You can choose the auto-power-off length, toggle on a battery-saving mode that stops you overcharging the speaker, connect two multiple devices (including LinkBuds earbuds, which can automatically switch your music from the buds to the speaker when you get near) and can enable a Sony-made audio decompression feature to improve the sound of music on lossy streaming services. They all just improve the way you use the speaker in small but meaningful ways.

A feature I got really close to liking is the ability to set hourly reminders. This was surprisingly convenient to help mark the passage of time through the day, reminding me that it was lunchtime or that my working hours were finished… except there's no way in the app to silence it for certain hours. I was woken several times by the speaker announcing that it was 2am or 3am and so turned this otherwise-handy feature off.

I’ll briefly touch on pairing: when I first started using the LinkBuds Speaker, I simply couldn’t connect to it via Bluetooth pairing. However as soon as I opened the Sound Connect app, it immediately recognized and paired. So if you’ve just bought this gadget and can’t get it to connect, download the app now!

• Features score: 4/5

(Image credit: Future) Sony LinkBuds Speaker review: Design

• Black or gray squoval
• Has a hook for hanging; charging pad in box
• A fair range of buttons

The Sony LinkBuds Speaker basically looks like a small furry squoval. (It's a real word! A portmanteau of square and oval!) Compared to lots of other portable speakers it’s a little plain looking, but I liked how it blended into the background of my home more than other speakers I test. Sometimes nondescript is good. The fabric cover also gives it a premium look that many other rivals lack.

It’s not a huge speaker, measuring 11cm tall and with body dimensions of 8.4 x 9cm, but it’s a little heavier than you’d think at first glance at 520g.

The ‘back’ of the speaker – a word I use because the sound is pretty directional, as I’ll get into in the sound quality section – has its power button as well as the USB-C charging port (which you can use instead of the included base plate, another feature I’ll explain later on). It also has a hook that you can use to hang the speaker on a hook in the bathroom, on the back of a chair or wherever works – but it’s not that big so it was hard to clip onto certain objects, plus the way the speaker hangs has problems with the directional sound (yet another tease about a future point to discuss).

On top of the speaker are buttons: volume up, volume down, play/pause/accept phone call, and the quick access button. There’s also a small light: white when the speaker is on and red when it’s off, and purple sometimes… for some reason? If there’s a way of turning the LED off, I couldn’t find it, which was a little annoying at night.

I’d be remiss not to include mention of the LinkBuds Speaker’s base plate, because it became an integral part of the experience during my testing. Included in the box is a charging cradle, which you plug into a USB-C charger, and it holds the speaker firm and slowly charges it up. Once I set this up in my office, it became a ‘home’ of sorts for the speaker – when I was listening during work, it would power up so that there was charge for when I was taking it out and about. Super convenient, two thumbs up from me.

You can buy the speaker in black or light gray, and your choice will affect the base plate as well as the speaker itself. It has an IPX4 rating so it’s protected against splashes of water but not solid jets or submersion, so it may not be at home at a pool party.

(Image credit: Future)

• Design score: 4/5

Sony LinkBuds Speaker review: Sound quality

• Good, not great audio quality
• Volume fine indoors but not loud enough for outdoors
• Directional audio poses a problem

The Sony LinkBuds Speaker combines a tweeter and woofer in a classic two-way system; I couldn’t find much information on either component from Sony's materials.

There’s no use beating about the bush; the LinkBuds Speaker doesn’t quite sound as great as rivals I’ve tested at this price point from Ultimate Ears and JBL. It offers a balanced audio mix, but lacks the 'oomph' that portable Bluetooth speakers generally need.

For example: there’s ample bass, but not as much as you’d get on an outdoor speaker; clear treble, but a distinct lack of shine to some instruments; the same lack of soundstage that you get on smaller speakers like this thanks to mono audio. The maximum volume is sufficient if you plan to use the speaker exclusively at home or in your garden, but in wider open spaces, it might prove hard to hear. Unlike its rivals, Sony hasn't turned any one element up to 11.

The mono audio problem can be fixed, according to the Sony website, by simply buying a second speaker and pairing them together to get stereo sound. That will, of course, double the amount you’re paying to listen.

My main concern when I started listening to the LinkBuds Speaker was simply that audio didn’t sound as energetic or exciting as on many other portable speakers I’ve tested; lots of rivals are designed as party devices and going in with the same expectations here will leave you disappointed.

This was underlined when I used the LinkBuds Speaker to play music at a gathering; after a few drinks, balanced audio isn't as important as vibrant bass. However once I figured out that the Sony is designed for a different use case – namely home listening – I could appreciate it a little more.

The LinkBuds Speaker’s sound depends a lot on the direction you are to it – that’s not uncommon in speakers, as 360-degree audio is a rare treat. But it makes a marked difference in the LinkBuds Speaker, and it’s doubly annoying for two reasons.

Firstly, due to its design, it’s pretty hard to glean which way the front is from a glance – close up, you can see the way the buttons are facing and where the hook is. If the speaker is in the corner of a room, you’ll have to guess if you’re getting the full experience. Secondly, when you use the hook to hang the speaker up, its positioning means that the tweeter and woofer point downwards – the only person getting optimal audio is the downstairs neighbor.

Sony boasts about its Sound Diffusion Processor in the LinkBuds’ web post, which is supposed to spread sound from the speaker out into a wide area, but I can only assume this listing was written on opposite day because my experience was that music sounded so much better when the speaker was facing you.

(Image credit: Future)

• Sound quality: 3.5/5

Sony LinkBuds Speaker review: Value

I can't go so far as to say that the Sony LinkBuds Speaker is outstanding value for money, but it ticks all the boxes that you want when you're paying this much.

The range of features, the audio quality, the design; I'm pretty sure I'd be able to accurately predict the LinkBuds' price because it's in line with expectations.

That changes a little if you can find the speaker discounted, though, and if you find it nearing the $100 / £100 / AU$180 mark, it may tip more into 'must-buy' territory.

• Value score: 3.5/5

(Image credit: Future) Should I buy the Sony LinkBuds Speaker? Buy it if…

You're a homebody
Looking for a Bluetooth speaker that you plan to use at home, rather than in outdoor events? Look no further.

Battery life is important
No-one likes that most gadgets take constant charging. You can put it off for 25 hours at a time with the LinkBuds Speaker, and top it up super-easily.

You want to be woken up by music
The LinkBuds Speaker's musical alarm clock feature has woken me up for the last week, and I'm all for it.

Don’t buy it if…

You're a party planner
The LinkBuds Speaker lacks the max volume, overwhelming bass or rugged design needed to make it a real party speaker.

You're not an app fan
Some people don't like having to use an app to control their speaker or headphones, and that's a fair stance, but you won't like the LinkBuds Speaker in that case.

Sony LinkBuds Speaker review: Also consider

JBL Flip 6
It's been around for years, but it remains a stalwart rival in the Bluetooth speaker space. It has a balanced sound and a hardy design, though it lacks some features (and the long battery life) that the Sony has – you can dig into it in our full JBL Flip 6 review.

Bose Soundlink Flex Gen 2
Another well-received rival from Bose, this gadget takes some party speaker DNA but not as much as some other rivals. It provide balanced audio, but perhaps doesn't quite have the charm of the Sony, but you can read more in our full Bose SoundLink Flex Gen 2 review.