Reviews

SteelSeries Rival Pro review

The SteelSeries Rival Pro feels as if it's really pushing the boundaries of what a gaming mouse can do. Even when I glanced at the specs sheet, I was mightily impressed with the features on offer: interference-free ‘true’ 8K polling, hot-swappable batteries for endless play, and 42,000 DPI sensitivity.

But it’s one thing having a good set of specs, and another performing well in practice. So just how good is the SteelSeries Rival Pro? And is it worth its asking price of $179.99 / £169.99 (about AU$250)? Here’s my verdict after hours of testing.

First of all, this mouse feels incredibly comfortable to use — in fact, it's up there with some of the best mice as far as ergonomics are concerned.

It strikes a happy medium in terms of size, and it fits perfectly in my hand — though it's worth noting that this model is for right-handers only, whereas the ambidextrous form of the SteelSeries Sensei Pro is suited to lefties and righties alike. I use a palm grip style, but the model is also designed to suit those who prefer claw or fingertip as well. I also love how lightweight the Rival Pro is. At 1.9oz / 53g, making sharp movements and adjustments feels supremely swift.

The mouse has a lightly textured matte finish that feels, and indeed looks, pretty nice too. Sure, the matte black finish makes it a little prone to picking up fingerprints, but this is more of a nitpick, and this is likely to be less of an issue if you opt for the alternate white colorway.

And when it comes to performance, the SteelSeries Rival Pro is equally dazzling. I used it to play Cyberpunk 2077 with the LG UltraGear 25G590B 1000Hz gaming monitor, and was astonished by the sheer responsiveness and precision on offer. Aiming felt incredibly stable and accurate, turning the camera felt super-sharp and reactive, and the high-quality optical switches enabled me to let shots fly snappily and reliably. The mechanical scroll wheel also felt very tactile, with ridges offering great grip.

Said optical switches feel great to use for gaming or general productivity, and their mechanical, satisfying sound never felt grating or overzealous to me. Yes, they’re not the quietest switches, so if you prefer a more subdued sound then maybe look elsewhere, but their quality is undeniable — SteelSeries even claims that it tested them for 100 million clicks, so you’ll get plenty of mileage out of this mouse.

(Image credit: Future)

Feature-wise, this mouse has just about everything you could want. The GG app and web app open up all sorts of customization for binds, sensitivity, polling rate, and power management. I mainly used the web app, and found it incredibly easy to use and make small tweaks here and there.

Perhaps the real standout feature, though, is the ‘infinite power system’. You get two batteries with the Rival Pro: one that pops into the mouse itself, and another that you place onto the Ultra Wideband base station. The batteries are hot-swappable, and when your mouse runs flat, you can swiftly substitute in the battery from the base station (which charges while plugged in). As a result, you’ll quite literally never run out of battery — ideal for competitive gamers.

While the Rival Pro mouse lacks a USB port for wired play, this infinite power system means you’ll honestly never need it — totally removing any additional weight or awkwardness that comes with a cable connection.

With an 8K polling rate, SuperSync — which enables you to independently control tracking and clicking polling rates, and aim tools to boot, it truly feels like the perfect gaming mouse. But are there any real downsides?

Well, one thing could prove to put some gamers off: the Rival Pro’s price. At $179.99 / £169.99 (about AU$250), this model is certainly a premium product. Is it worth it? If you want peak performance and essentially endless battery life, then yes. But there are plenty of strong options for less than $100 / £100 out there.

All in all, though, the SteelSeries Rival Pro is an innovative, ergonomic gaming mouse with exceptional performance. If you’re looking to take your game up a notch, look no further than this model.

(Image credit: Future)SteelSeries Rival Pro review: price & release date

• Priced at $179.99 / £169.99 (about AU$250)
• Released in October 2026

The SteelSeries Rival Pro was released in October 2026, alongside three other models: the SteelSeries Rival Pro Mini, as well as the SteelSeries Sensei Pro and Sensei Pro Mini. The Rival Pro is priced at $179.99 / £169.99 (about AU$250). That lands it firmly in the premium category, with rivals including the Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike and the Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro.

SteelSeries Rival Pro review: specs

Interface

Ultra Wideband Wireless (6GHz and above)

Battery life

Up to 60 hours 1K / 16 hours 8K

Sensor

TrueMove 42K Pro Sensor

Polling rate

8KHz (with 9KHz overpolling)

Buttons

6

DPI

42,000

Switches

Optical

Dimensions

4.95 x 2.69 x 1.66 inches / 125.7 x 68.2 x 42.2mm

Weight

1.9oz / 53g

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the SteelSeries Rival Pro?

Attribute

Notes

Score

Design

Excellent ergonomics, lightweight, great build quality, a little prone to fingerprints.

4.5/5

Performance

True 8K polling with SuperSync, 42K DPI sensitivity, essentially endless battery life.

5/5

Value

Undoubtedly pricey, but has the performance to back it up.

4/5

Buy it if…

You want unbeatable gaming features
If you’re a pro gamer or an enthusiast, then the features available on the Rival Pro are sure to appeal to you. True 8K polling, 42K DPI sensitivity, and detailed customization options are perfectly suited to competitive play.

You want unlimited battery life
The Rival Pro has hot-swappable batteries, with one always on charge in the UWB base station. Apart from the five seconds it takes to swap the two batteries, you’ll get unlimited playtime, which is great for gaming tournaments or everyday use.

Don’t buy it if…

You’re not playing particularly intensive games
For a lot of gamers, the features on board are slightly overkill, so if you’re not playing games that require snappy response times, then you’ll probably be better off with a cheaper option.

You’re on a budget
Leading off from that, the Rival Pro is certainly not a model I’d recommend to anyone on a budget. While its performance ensures its still solid value overall, it's hard to look past that steep asking price.

SteelSeries Rival Pro review: also consider

Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike
We were blown away by this Logitech mouse when we tested it earlier this year. Its ultra-low click and sensor latency, brilliant switches, and impressive build quality are hard to beat — even if it's pretty pricey. Read our full Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike review.

Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro
The Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro is a top-tier gaming mouse, boasting flawless performance, a great optical scroll wheel, and beautiful ergonomics. It's similarly priced to this SteelSeries rival, but we’ve seen it pop up on sale from time to time. Read our full Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro review.

(Image credit: Future)How I tested the SteelSeries Rival Pro

• Tested intensively for hours
• Used for gaming and general productivity
• Made use of all features in the GG web app

I spent many hours testing the SteelSeries Rival Pro, during which time I used it for gaming and general productivity.

When gaming, I paired the mouse with the LG UltraGear 25G590B 1000Hz gaming monitor to get the best performance possible. I made sure to play a range of games, but mainly tested the mouse with the PC version of Cyberpunk 2077. On top of this, I made sure to try out all of the mouse’s features and customization options via the GG web app.

More generally, I’ve spent years testing gadgets here at TechRadar, where I serve as a Senior Reviews Writer. I’ve reviewed everything from premium Dolby Atmos soundbars to gaming software, and have tested a number of mice, including the recently released Logitech Mobi Fold.

• Read TechRadar’s reviews guarantee
• First reviewed: October 2026

Hisense UR9 RGB MiniLED TV: Two-minute review

The Hisense UR9 is a great showcase for all that RGB LED TVs have to offer. The RGB LED tech in this TV means its able to hit a much wider range of colors than rival mini-LED TVs with more brightness.

Thanks to the fact this TV gets up to 180Hz refresh rate helps it compete with the best gaming TVs out there (as do features like AMD Freesync). And the color coverage and accuracy are as good as anything else you'll find on the market.

Of course, an RGB TV like this does suffer from some minor blooming, which the best TVs in the premium mid-range bracket have mostly solved. Add in the higher price tag and it’s clear that the Hisense UR9, as well as the other RGB LED TVs hitting the market, don’t offer up the same value as other QLED or mini-LED TVs in the same price range.

Like those other TVs though, it is filled to the gills with features, such as the conversational, AI-powered (albeit imperfect) Google Gemini voice assistant. Dolby Vision 2, Dolby Atmos, and other AI-powered features are also on offer.

The whole package is a bit pricey (unless you get one through Best Buy where the price has been slashed by a significant amount), but if you’re willing to throw in extra cash to be an early adopter, the Hisense UR9 is a great centerpiece to a home theater.

Hisense UR9 RGB MiniLED TV review: Price and release date

The Hisense UR9 showcasing its bright colors and smooth action during some Madden 26 PS5 gaming (Image credit: Future / James Holland)

• Release date? April 2026
• 65-inch: $3,499.99 ($1,999 through Best Buy), £1,699, AU$2,995
• 75-inch: $4,999.99 ($2,999 through Best Buy), £2,299, AU$3,995
• 85-inch: $5,999.99 ($3,999 through Best Buy), £2,999, AU$4,995
• 100-inch: $8,999.99 ($5,999.99 through Best Buy) (around £6,760 / AU$12,780)

Since RGB LED TVs are the newest technology on the block, the prices are going to be a little higher than if you compare to more standard mini- or micro-LED TVs. After all, these types of TVs have only been on our collective radar since they were first introduced at CES 2025.

The Hisense UR9, released in April of 2026, has an MSRP of $3,499.99 / £1,999 / $3,999 at its smallest 65-inch size with prices going up to $8,999.99 (around £6,760 / AU$12,780) for the 100-inch, the biggest in the product line — although this size is only available in the US. It’s also available in 75- and 85-inch sizes.

Of course, the price has dropped since its release at various retailers by a pretty significant amount, with prices of $1,699 / £1,699 / AU$2,995 for the 65-inch, $2,499 / £2,299 / AU$3,995 for the 75-inch, and $3,499 / £2,999 / AU$4,995 for the 85-inch. Finally, the 100-inch version has had a massive price drop in the US down to $4,999.99 (around £4,510 / AU$8,520).

Hisense UR9 RGB MiniLED TV review: Specs

Screen type

RGB mini-LED

Refresh rate

180Hz

HDR support

HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision

Smart TV

Google TV

HDMI ports

3x HDMI 2.1 (1x eArc), DisplayPort

Built-in tuner

ATSC 3.0 (NextGen TV), NTSC, Clear QAM

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} #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-footer-content { text-align: center !important; width: 100% !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-logo { display: block !important; margin: 0 auto !important; width: 120px !important; min-width: 120px !important; max-width: 120px !important; height: auto !important; object-fit: contain !important; flex-shrink: 0 !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-dropdown-wrapper { text-align: center !important; margin-bottom: 16px !important; margin-top: 0 !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-dropdown-title-container { position: relative !important; display: inline-block !important; max-width: 100% !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-dropdown-title { appearance: none !important; -webkit-appearance: none !important; -moz-appearance: none !important; background: transparent !important; border: none !important; font-size: 18px !important; font-weight: 600 !important; color: var(--riv-primary) !important; padding-right: 28px !important; padding-left: 10px !important; cursor: pointer !important; text-align: center !important; text-align-last: center !important; width: auto !important; max-width: 100% !important; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.3 !important; margin: 0 !important; text-overflow: ellipsis !important; overflow: hidden !important; white-space: nowrap !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-dropdown-title:focus { outline: none !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-dropdown-title::-ms-expand { display: none !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-dropdown-chevron { position: absolute !important; right: 0 !important; top: 50% !important; transform: translateY(-50%) !important; pointer-events: none !important; color: var(--riv-primary) !important; display: flex !important; align-items: center !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-carousel-title-controls { display: flex !important; justify-content: space-between !important; align-items: center !important; margin-bottom: 16px !important; width: 100% !important; gap: 12px !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-carousel-nav-btn { background: transparent !important; border: 1px solid #d1d5db !important; border-radius: 6px !important; padding: 6px 10px !important; cursor: pointer !important; font-size: 14px !important; color: #374151 !important; display: flex !important; align-items: center !important; gap: 4px !important; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-carousel-nav-btn:hover { border-color: #9ca3af !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-carousel-counter { font-size: 14px !important; color: #374151 !important; text-align: center !important; margin-top: 1rem !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-legend { display: flex !important; justify-content: center !important; flex-wrap: wrap !important; gap: 8px 16px !important; margin: 0 !important; padding: 0 !important; margin-top: 1rem !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-legend-item { display: flex !important; align-items: center !important; gap: 6px !important; font-size: 14px !important; color: #374151 !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-legend-color { width: 12px !important; height: 12px !important; border-radius: 3px !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-multi-value-legend { display: flex !important; justify-content: center !important; flex-wrap: wrap !important; gap: 12px 24px !important; margin-bottom: 1.5rem !important; padding: 0 !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-multi-legend-item { display: flex !important; align-items: center !important; gap: 8px !important; font-size: 14px !important; color: #374151 !important; font-weight: 500 !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-multi-legend-swatch { width: 16px !important; height: 16px !important; border-radius: 3px !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-benchmark-group { margin-bottom: 1rem !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-benchmark-title { font-size: 18px !important; font-weight: 600 !important; margin-bottom: 16px !important; margin-top: 0 !important; padding: 0 !important; text-align: center !important; color: var(--riv-primary) !important; flex: 1 !important; min-width: 0 !important; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.3 !important; text-transform: none !important; white-space: normal !important; overflow-wrap: break-word !important; word-wrap: break-word !important; max-width: 100% !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-bar-row, #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-stacked-product { display: flex !important; align-items: center !important; width: 100% !important; margin-bottom: 0.75rem !important; position: relative !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-bar-label { width: 150px !important; flex-shrink: 0 !important; font-size: 14px !important; color: #374151 !important; padding-right: 10px !important; text-align: right !important; font-weight: 500 !important; display: block !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-bar-container { flex-grow: 1 !important; background-color: #E5E7EB !important; border-radius: 4px !important; min-height: 25px !important; border: 1px solid #D1D5DB !important; position: relative !important; display: flex !important; align-items: center !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-bar-commentary-inline { display: none !important; position: absolute !important; left: 150px !important; top: 0 !important; bottom: 0 !important; right: 0 !important; width: calc(100% - 150px) !important; margin: 0 !important; padding: 0 8px !important; font-size: 13px !important; color: #fff !important; background: rgba(0,0,0,0.8) !important; border-radius: 4px !important; line-height: 1.4 !important; font-weight: normal !important; text-transform: none !important; word-wrap: break-word !important; z-index: 10 !important; align-items: center !important; overflow-y: auto !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.preview-wrapper .fv-bar-row:hover .fv-bar-commentary-inline, #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.preview-wrapper .fv-bar-commentary-inline:focus, #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.preview-wrapper .fv-bar-commentary-inline:focus-within, #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.mobile-view .fv-bar-row:hover .fv-bar-commentary-inline, #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.mobile-view .fv-bar-commentary-inline:focus, #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.mobile-view .fv-bar-commentary-inline:focus-within { display: flex !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-bar { height: 100% !important; border-radius: 3px !important; display: flex !important; align-items: center !important; transition: opacity 0.2s ease, width 0.8s ease-out !important; min-height: 23px !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-bar:hover { opacity: 0.8 !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-bar-inner-content { display: flex !important; justify-content: space-between !important; align-items: center !important; width: 100% !important; height: 100% !important; padding: 0 8px !important; font-size: 14px !important; font-weight: bold !important; overflow: hidden !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-bar-inner-label { white-space: nowrap !important; overflow: hidden !important; text-overflow: ellipsis !important; padding-right: 8px !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-bar-inner-value { flex-shrink: 0 !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-bar-value-outside { padding-left: 8px !important; font-size: 14px !important; font-weight: bold !important; color: #374151 !important; white-space: nowrap !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-bar-label.fv-primary-product { font-weight: bold !important; color: var(--riv-primary) !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-multi-bar-container { flex-direction: column !important; padding: 4px !important; align-items: stretch !important; gap: 4px !important; height: auto !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-multi-bar-item { display: flex !important; align-items: center !important; height: 25px !important; width: 100% !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-stacked-bar { display: flex !important; overflow: hidden !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-stacked-segment { height: 100% !important; display: flex !important; align-items: center !important; justify-content: flex-end !important; padding-right: 8px !important; border-right: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.3) !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-stacked-segment:last-child { border-right: none !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-segment-value { font-size: 14px !important; font-weight: bold !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-grouped-bar-product { display: flex !important; flex-direction: column !important; width: 100% !important; margin-bottom: 1.25rem !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-grouped-product-title-wrapper { padding-left: 150px !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-grouped-product-title { width: 100% !important; text-align: left !important; padding-right: 0 !important; margin-bottom: 0.5rem !important; font-weight: 700 !important; font-size: 14px !important; color: #374151 !important; text-transform: none !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-bar-cluster { width: 100% !important; flex-grow: 1 !important; display: flex !important; flex-direction: column !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-bar-cluster .fv-bar-row { margin-bottom: 3px !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-bar-cluster .fv-bar-container { height: 20px !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-dials-grid { display: grid !important; grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(145px, 1fr)) !important; gap: 1.5rem 1rem !important; width: 100% !important; margin: 0.75rem 0 1.25rem !important; align-items: start !important; justify-items: center !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-dial-card { display: flex !important; flex-direction: column !important; align-items: center !important; text-align: center !important; width: 100% !important; max-width: 220px !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-dial-title { font-family: 'Poppins', 'Open Sans', sans-serif !important; font-size: 18px !important; font-weight: 700 !important; color: #2b2b2b !important; line-height: 1.25 !important; margin-bottom: 0.35rem !important; text-align: center !important; width: 100% !important; overflow-wrap: break-word !important; text-transform: none !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-dial-svg-wrapper { width: 100% !important; max-width: 200px !important; display: flex !important; justify-content: center !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-dial-svg { width: 100% !important; height: auto !important; display: block !important; overflow: visible !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-dial-needle { transition: transform 0.9s cubic-bezier(0.22, 1, 0.36, 1) !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-dial-commentary { margin-top: 0.35rem !important; font-size: 13px !important; line-height: 1.45 !important; color: #4B5563 !important; text-align: center !important; width: 100% !important; padding: 0 4px !important; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif !important; word-wrap: break-word !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.preview-wrapper .fv-dial-commentary-input { min-height: 22px !important; border: 1px dashed transparent !important; border-radius: 4px !important; transition: border-color 0.15s ease, background-color 0.15s ease !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.preview-wrapper .fv-dial-card:hover .fv-dial-commentary-input, #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.preview-wrapper .fv-dial-commentary-input:focus { border-color: #CBD5E1 !important; background-color: rgba(241, 245, 249, 0.6) !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .riv-grid line { stroke: #D1D5DB !important; stroke-dasharray: 3 3 !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-x-axis-wrapper { display: flex !important; width: 100% !important; margin-top: 0.5rem !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-x-axis-label-space { width: 150px !important; padding-right: 10px !important; flex-shrink: 0 !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-x-axis-chart-space { flex-grow: 1 !important; padding-right: 8px !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-x-axis-wrapper.fv-grouped-x-axis { margin-left: 0 !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-x-axis-line { border-top: 1px solid #D1D5DB !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-x-axis-ticks { display: flex !important; justify-content: space-between !important; padding-top: 4px !important; font-size: 13px !important; color: #374151 !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-x-axis-ticks span { position: relative !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-x-axis-ticks span::before { content: '' !important; position: absolute !important; top: -6px !important; left: 50% !important; transform: translateX(-50%) !important; width: 2px !important; height: 4px !important; background-color: #D1D5DB !important; border-radius: 1px !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-x-axis-unit { text-align: center !important; font-size: 14px !important; color: #374151 !important; margin-top: 8px !important; display: block !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-x-axis-title { text-align: center !important; font-size: 15px !important; color: #374151 !important; margin-top: 8px !important; margin-bottom: 16px !important; line-height: 1.5 !important; padding: 0 1rem !important; display: block !important; font-weight: bold !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-y-axis-title { font-size: 15px !important; color: #374151 !important; line-height: 1.5 !important; text-align: left !important; padding-left: 5.83% !important; margin-bottom: 4px !important; display: block !important; font-weight: bold !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.mobile-view .fv-pie-container, #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.labels-on-top .fv-pie-container { flex-direction: column !important; gap: 1rem !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.mobile-view .fv-grouped-product-title-wrapper, #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.labels-on-top .fv-grouped-product-title-wrapper { padding-left: 0 !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.mobile-view .fv-bar-row, #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.mobile-view .fv-stacked-product, #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.mobile-view .fv-grouped-bar-product, #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.labels-on-top .fv-bar-row, #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.labels-on-top .fv-stacked-product, #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.labels-on-top .fv-grouped-bar-product { flex-direction: column !important; align-items: flex-start !important; margin-bottom: 1.25rem !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.mobile-view .fv-bar-label:not(.fv-grouped-product-title), #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.labels-on-top .fv-bar-label:not(.fv-grouped-product-title) { width: 100% !important; text-align: left !important; padding-right: 0 !important; margin-bottom: 0.25rem !important; font-size: 14px !important; font-weight: 700 !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.mobile-view .fv-bar-label, #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.mobile-view .fv-grouped-product-title, #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.labels-on-top .fv-bar-label, #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.labels-on-top .fv-grouped-product-title { width: 100% !important; text-align: left !important; padding-right: 0 !important; margin-bottom: 0.25rem !important; font-size: 14px !important; font-weight: 700 !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.mobile-view .fv-bar-container, #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.mobile-view .fv-bar-cluster, #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.labels-on-top .fv-bar-container, #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.labels-on-top .fv-bar-cluster { width: 100% !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.mobile-view .fv-bar-row .fv-bar-commentary-inline, #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.mobile-view .fv-bar-row:hover .fv-bar-commentary-inline, #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.mobile-view .fv-bar-row .fv-bar-commentary-inline:focus, #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.mobile-view .fv-bar-row .fv-bar-commentary-inline:focus-within, #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.labels-on-top .fv-bar-row .fv-bar-commentary-inline, #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.labels-on-top .fv-bar-row:hover .fv-bar-commentary-inline, #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.labels-on-top .fv-bar-row .fv-bar-commentary-inline:focus, #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.labels-on-top .fv-bar-row .fv-bar-commentary-inline:focus-within { position: static !important; display: block !important; width: 100% !important; margin: 4px 0 0 0 !important; padding: 0 !important; background: transparent !important; color: #6B7280 !important; font-size: 12px !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.mobile-view .fv-x-axis-wrapper, #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.labels-on-top .fv-x-axis-wrapper { margin-left: 0 !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.mobile-view .fv-x-axis-label-space, #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.labels-on-top .fv-x-axis-label-space { display: none !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.mobile-view .fv-x-axis-chart-space, #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.labels-on-top .fv-x-axis-chart-space { padding-right: 0 !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.mobile-view .fv-benchmark-title, #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.labels-on-top .fv-benchmark-title { font-size: 16px !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.mobile-view .fv-dropdown-title, #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.labels-on-top .fv-dropdown-title { font-size: 16px !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.mobile-view .fv-carousel-nav-btn, #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.labels-on-top .fv-carousel-nav-btn { padding: 8px 12px !important; font-size: 14px !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.mobile-view .fv-chart-title, #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.labels-on-top .fv-chart-title { padding: 0 8px !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.mobile-view .fv-chart-subhead, #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.labels-on-top .fv-chart-subhead { padding: 0 8px !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.mobile-view .fv-versus-header, #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.labels-on-top .fv-versus-header { flex-direction: column !important; align-items: center !important; padding: 0 !important; gap: 0.5rem !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.mobile-view .fv-versus-select-wrapper, #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.labels-on-top .fv-versus-select-wrapper { flex: 1 !important; min-width: 0 !important; width: 100% !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.mobile-view .fv-versus-select-wrapper.fv-left, #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.labels-on-top .fv-versus-select-wrapper.fv-left { text-align: center !important; padding-right: 0 !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.mobile-view .fv-versus-select-wrapper.fv-right, #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.labels-on-top .fv-versus-select-wrapper.fv-right { text-align: center !important; padding-left: 0 !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.mobile-view .fv-versus-select.fv-select-left, #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.labels-on-top .fv-versus-select.fv-select-left { text-align: center !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.mobile-view .fv-versus-select.fv-select-right, #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.labels-on-top .fv-versus-select.fv-select-right { text-align: center !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.mobile-view .fv-versus-vs, #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.labels-on-top .fv-versus-vs { text-align: center !important; padding: 0.25rem 0 !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.mobile-view .fv-versus-select-container, #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.labels-on-top .fv-versus-select-container { max-width: 100% !important; width: 100% !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.mobile-view .fv-versus-select, #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper.labels-on-top .fv-versus-select { font-size: 14px !important; width: 100% !important; 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margin-right: -1rem !important; } @media (max-width: 599px) { #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-pie-container { flex-direction: column !important; gap: 1rem !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-grouped-product-title-wrapper { padding-left: 0 !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-bar-row, #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-stacked-product, #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-grouped-bar-product { flex-direction: column !important; align-items: flex-start !important; margin-bottom: 1.25rem !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-bar-label:not(.fv-grouped-product-title) { width: 100% !important; text-align: left !important; padding-right: 0 !important; margin-bottom: 0.25rem !important; font-size: 14px !important; font-weight: 700 !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-bar-label, #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-grouped-product-title { width: 100% !important; text-align: left !important; padding-right: 0 !important; margin-bottom: 0.25rem !important; font-size: 14px !important; font-weight: 700 !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-bar-container, #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-bar-cluster { width: 100% !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-bar-row .fv-bar-commentary-inline, #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-bar-row:hover .fv-bar-commentary-inline, #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-bar-row .fv-bar-commentary-inline:focus, #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-bar-row .fv-bar-commentary-inline:focus-within { position: static !important; display: block !important; width: 100% !important; margin: 4px 0 0 0 !important; padding: 0 !important; background: transparent !important; color: #6B7280 !important; font-size: 12px !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-x-axis-wrapper { margin-left: 0 !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-x-axis-label-space { display: none !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-x-axis-chart-space { padding-right: 0 !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-benchmark-title { font-size: 16px !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-dropdown-title { font-size: 16px !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-carousel-nav-btn { padding: 8px 12px !important; font-size: 14px !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-chart-title { padding: 0 8px !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-chart-subhead { padding: 0 8px !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-versus-header { flex-direction: column !important; align-items: center !important; padding: 0 !important; gap: 0.5rem !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-versus-select-wrapper { flex: 1 !important; min-width: 0 !important; width: 100% !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-versus-select-wrapper.fv-left { text-align: center !important; padding-right: 0 !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-versus-select-wrapper.fv-right { text-align: center !important; padding-left: 0 !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-versus-select.fv-select-left { text-align: center !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-versus-select.fv-select-right { text-align: center !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-versus-vs { text-align: center !important; padding: 0.25rem 0 !important; } #fv-chart-1793621995295-o52s1xgav-slideshow .fv-chart-wrapper .fv-versus-select-container { max-width: 100% !important; 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Closer to 100% is better. Taken using a colorimeter and test pattern generator.

Hisense UR9UHDA-P399.8BT.202093.1TCL QM8LUHDA-P397.9BT.202090.3Hisense UR8UHDA-P3145BT.202095.1037.575112.5150HDR Filmmaker Mode DataProductUHDA-P3 ()BT.2020 ()Hisense UR999.893.1TCL QM8L97.990.3Hisense UR814595.1Picture accuracy

A lower score is better. Taken using a colorimeter and test pattern generator.

SDR Delta-EHisense UR92.7TCL QM8L3.7Hisense UR87.9012345678SDR Delta-E DataProductValueHisense UR92.7TCL QM8L3.7Hisense UR87.9Input lag

Lower is better. Taken using a Leo Bodnar 4K HDMI Video Signal Lag Tester.

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}); ro.observe(chartWrapper); } window.addEventListener('resize', checkMobileView); var labelsOnTop = chartWrapper.dataset.barLabelsOnTop === 'true'; if (labelsOnTop) { var charts = chartWrapper.querySelectorAll('.fv-chart-item'); var hasVisibleBarChart = false; charts.forEach(function(c) { if (window.getComputedStyle(c).display !== 'none') { var cType = c.dataset.chartType; if (cType === 'Bar' || cType === 'Diverging Bar' || cType === 'Stacked Bar' || cType === 'Versus') { hasVisibleBarChart = true; } } }); if (hasVisibleBarChart) { chartWrapper.classList.add('labels-on-top'); } else { chartWrapper.classList.remove('labels-on-top'); } } else { chartWrapper.classList.remove('labels-on-top'); } /* Legend interactions */ chartWrapper.querySelectorAll('.riv-line-legend').forEach(function(legend) { var chartId = legend.dataset.chart; var chart = chartWrapper.querySelector('[id="' + chartId + '"]'); if (!chart) return; var lines = chart.querySelectorAll('.riv-line-path'); var dots = chart.querySelectorAll('.riv-dot'); var legendItems = legend.querySelectorAll('.riv-legend-item'); legendItems.forEach(function(item) { var productName = item.dataset.product; var safeProductName = productName.replace(/"/g, '\\"'); var line = chart.querySelector('.riv-line-path[data-product="' + safeProductName + '"]'); var productDots = chart.querySelectorAll('.riv-dot[data-product="' + safeProductName + '"]'); if (line && !line.dataset.origStroke) { line.dataset.origStroke = line.getAttribute('stroke-width') || '2'; } var highlight = function() { if (legend.querySelector('.isolated')) return; lines.forEach(function(l) { l.style.opacity = '0.2'; l.setAttribute('stroke-width', l.dataset.origStroke); }); dots.forEach(function(d) { d.style.opacity = '0.2'; }); legendItems.forEach(function(i) { i.style.opacity = '0.3'; i.style.transition = 'opacity 0.2s'; }); if (line) { line.style.opacity = '1'; line.setAttribute('stroke-width', '4'); } productDots.forEach(function(d) { d.style.opacity = '1'; }); item.style.opacity = '1'; }; var clearHighlight = function() { if (legend.querySelector('.isolated')) return; lines.forEach(function(l) { l.style.opacity = '1'; l.setAttribute('stroke-width', l.dataset.origStroke); }); dots.forEach(function(d) { d.style.opacity = '1'; }); legendItems.forEach(function(i) { i.style.opacity = '1'; }); }; var toggleIsolate = function() { var isIsolated = item.classList.contains('isolated'); legendItems.forEach(function(i) { i.classList.remove('isolated'); }); if (isIsolated) { lines.forEach(function(l) { l.style.opacity = '1'; l.setAttribute('stroke-width', l.dataset.origStroke); }); dots.forEach(function(d) { d.style.opacity = '1'; }); legendItems.forEach(function(i) { i.style.opacity = '1'; }); } else { item.classList.add('isolated'); lines.forEach(function(l) { l.style.opacity = '0.2'; l.setAttribute('stroke-width', l.dataset.origStroke); }); dots.forEach(function(d) { d.style.opacity = '0.2'; }); legendItems.forEach(function(i) { i.style.opacity = '0.3'; i.style.transition = 'opacity 0.2s'; }); if (line) { line.style.opacity = '1'; line.setAttribute('stroke-width', '4'); } productDots.forEach(function(d) { d.style.opacity = '1'; }); item.style.opacity = '1'; } }; item.addEventListener('mouseenter', highlight); item.addEventListener('focus', highlight); item.addEventListener('mouseleave', clearHighlight); item.addEventListener('blur', clearHighlight); item.addEventListener('click', toggleIsolate); if (line) { line.style.cursor = 'pointer'; line.addEventListener('mouseenter', highlight); line.addEventListener('mouseleave', clearHighlight); line.addEventListener('click', toggleIsolate); } }); }); /* Versus Chart Logic */ var versusCharts = chartWrapper.querySelectorAll('.fv-versus-chart'); versusCharts.forEach(function(vc) { var dataJson = vc.getAttribute('data-versus-data'); var leftColor = vc.getAttribute('data-left-color') || '#E53935'; var rightColor = vc.getAttribute('data-right-color') || '#FFB300'; if (!dataJson) return; var versusData = JSON.parse(dataJson); var leftSelect = vc.querySelector('.fv-select-left'); var rightSelect = vc.querySelector('.fv-select-right'); var rows = vc.querySelectorAll('.fv-versus-row'); function updateVersusChart() { var leftProduct = leftSelect.value; var rightProduct = rightSelect.value; leftSelect.style.color = leftColor; leftSelect.style.borderColor = leftColor; rightSelect.style.color = rightColor; rightSelect.style.borderColor = rightColor; rows.forEach(function(row) { var index = parseInt(row.getAttribute('data-index')); var data = versusData[index]; if (!data) return; var leftVal = data.productData[leftProduct] ? data.productData[leftProduct].value : undefined; var rightVal = data.productData[rightProduct] ? data.productData[rightProduct].value : undefined; var leftIsNum = typeof leftVal === 'number'; var rightIsNum = typeof rightVal === 'number'; var leftNum = leftIsNum ? leftVal : 0; var rightNum = rightIsNum ? rightVal : 0; var maxVal = Math.max(leftNum, rightNum, 0.0001); var leftWidth = leftIsNum ? (leftNum / maxVal) * 95 : 0; var rightWidth = rightIsNum ? (rightNum / maxVal) * 85 : 0; var winner = null; var pctDiffStr = null; if (leftIsNum && rightIsNum) { if (leftNum > rightNum) { winner = 'left'; if (rightNum > 0) { var diff = Math.round(((leftNum - rightNum) / rightNum) * 100); pctDiffStr = '+' + diff.toLocaleString() + '%'; } } else if (rightNum > leftNum) { winner = 'right'; if (leftNum > 0) { var diff = Math.round(((rightNum - leftNum) / leftNum) * 100); pctDiffStr = '+' + diff.toLocaleString() + '%'; } } } var leftDisplay = data.productData[leftProduct] && data.productData[leftProduct].displayValue !== undefined ? data.productData[leftProduct].displayValue : (leftIsNum ? leftNum.toLocaleString() : (leftVal !== undefined ? leftVal : '-')); var rightDisplay = data.productData[rightProduct] && data.productData[rightProduct].displayValue !== undefined ? data.productData[rightProduct].displayValue : (rightIsNum ? rightNum.toLocaleString() : (rightVal !== undefined ? rightVal : '-')); var unit = (data.productData[leftProduct] && data.productData[leftProduct].unit) || (data.productData[rightProduct] && data.productData[rightProduct].unit) || ''; var leftTextStr = leftDisplay; var rightTextStr = rightDisplay; var leftBar = row.querySelector('.fv-versus-bar-left'); var rightBar = row.querySelector('.fv-versus-bar-right'); var leftText = row.querySelector('.fv-inside-left'); var rightText = row.querySelector('.fv-inside-right'); var labelText = row.querySelector('.fv-versus-label span'); var existingPctDiffs = row.querySelectorAll('.fv-versus-pct-diff'); existingPctDiffs.forEach(function(el) { el.remove(); }); if (winner === 'left' && pctDiffStr) { var pctSpan = document.createElement('span'); pctSpan.className = 'fv-versus-pct-diff'; pctSpan.style.color = 'rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9)'; pctSpan.textContent = pctDiffStr; if (leftBar) leftBar.insertBefore(pctSpan, leftBar.firstChild); } else if (winner === 'right' && pctDiffStr) { var pctSpan = document.createElement('span'); pctSpan.className = 'fv-versus-pct-diff'; pctSpan.style.color = 'rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9)'; pctSpan.textContent = pctDiffStr; if (rightBar) rightBar.appendChild(pctSpan); } if (leftBar) { leftBar.style.backgroundColor = leftColor; leftBar.dataset.targetWidth = leftWidth; leftBar.style.setProperty('--target-width', leftWidth + '%'); leftBar.style.width = leftWidth + '%'; } if (rightBar) { rightBar.style.backgroundColor = rightColor; rightBar.dataset.targetWidth = rightWidth; rightBar.style.setProperty('--target-width', rightWidth + '%'); rightBar.style.width = rightWidth + '%'; } if (leftText) { leftText.innerHTML = leftTextStr; } if (rightText) { rightText.innerHTML = rightTextStr; } if (labelText) { labelText.textContent = data.attribute + (unit ? ' (' + unit + ')' : ''); } }); } if (leftSelect) leftSelect.addEventListener('change', updateVersusChart); if (rightSelect) rightSelect.addEventListener('change', updateVersusChart); }); /* Bar Commentary Hover Logic */ var barRows = chartWrapper.querySelectorAll('.fv-bar-row'); var globalCaptionEl = chartWrapper.querySelector('.rv-chart-caption'); var fallbackCaptionHtml = globalCaptionEl ? globalCaptionEl.innerHTML : ''; barRows.forEach(function(row) { var commentaryEl = row.querySelector('[data-commentary-key]'); if (commentaryEl) { var commentaryText = commentaryEl.textContent; if (commentaryText && commentaryText.trim().length > 0) { row.addEventListener('mouseenter', function() { if (!chartWrapper.classList.contains('mobile-view') && globalCaptionEl) { globalCaptionEl.innerHTML = commentaryText; globalCaptionEl.classList.add('fv-bar-active-caption'); } }); row.addEventListener('mouseleave', function() { if (!chartWrapper.classList.contains('mobile-view') && globalCaptionEl) { globalCaptionEl.innerHTML = fallbackCaptionHtml; globalCaptionEl.classList.remove('fv-bar-active-caption'); } }); } } }); /* Carousel & Dropdown Logic */ var charts = chartWrapper.querySelectorAll('.fv-chart-item'); var dropdown = chartWrapper.querySelector('.fv-dropdown-title'); var prevBtn = chartWrapper.querySelector('.fv-carousel-nav-btn.prev'); var nextBtn = chartWrapper.querySelector('.fv-carousel-nav-btn.next'); var carouselTitle = chartWrapper.querySelector('.fv-carousel-title-controls .fv-benchmark-title'); var counter = chartWrapper.querySelector('.fv-carousel-counter'); var subheadEl = chartWrapper.querySelector('.fv-chart-subhead'); var captionEl = chartWrapper.querySelector('.rv-chart-caption'); var footerContentEl = chartWrapper.querySelector('.fv-footer-content'); var bottomBarEl = chartWrapper.querySelector('.fv-bottom-bar'); var logoEl = chartWrapper.querySelector('.fv-logo'); if (charts.length > 1 && (dropdown || prevBtn)) { var currentChartIndex = 0; var titles = []; if (dropdown) { titles = Array.from(dropdown.options).map(function(o) { return o.text; }); } else { charts.forEach(function(c) { titles.push(c.getAttribute('data-title') || ''); }); } function showInternalChart(index) { if (index < 0) index = charts.length - 1; if (index >= charts.length) index = 0; currentChartIndex = index; charts.forEach(function(c, i) { c.style.display = i === index ? 'block' : 'none'; if (i === index) { var cType = c.dataset.chartType; if (cType !== 'Pie') { fvLocalAnimate(chartWrapper); } var labelsOnTop = chartWrapper.dataset.barLabelsOnTop === 'true'; if (labelsOnTop && (cType === 'Bar' || cType === 'Diverging Bar' || cType === 'Stacked Bar' || cType === 'Versus')) { chartWrapper.classList.add('labels-on-top'); } else { chartWrapper.classList.remove('labels-on-top'); } } }); if (dropdown) dropdown.value = index; if (carouselTitle && titles[index]) carouselTitle.textContent = titles[index]; if (counter) counter.textContent = (index + 1) + ' of ' + charts.length; var activeChart = charts[index]; if (activeChart) { var newSubhead = activeChart.getAttribute('data-subhead'); var newCaption = activeChart.getAttribute('data-caption'); var currentChartType = activeChart.getAttribute('data-chart-type'); var hideGlobalCaption = currentChartType === 'Countdown' || currentChartType === 'Image Comparison' || currentChartType === 'Shop the Collection'; if (subheadEl) subheadEl.textContent = newSubhead || ''; if (captionEl) { captionEl.textContent = newCaption || ''; fallbackCaptionHtml = newCaption || ''; } if (footerContentEl) { if (newCaption && newCaption.trim().length > 0 && !hideGlobalCaption) { footerContentEl.style.display = 'block'; if (bottomBarEl) bottomBarEl.style.display = 'flex'; } else { footerContentEl.style.display = 'none'; if (bottomBarEl && !logoEl) { bottomBarEl.style.display = 'none'; } } } } } if (dropdown) dropdown.addEventListener('change', function(e) { showInternalChart(parseInt(e.target.value)); }); if (prevBtn) prevBtn.addEventListener('click', function() { showInternalChart(currentChartIndex - 1); }); if (nextBtn) nextBtn.addEventListener('click', function() { showInternalChart(currentChartIndex + 1); }); } /* Image Comparison Logic */ var imageCompareWrappers = chartWrapper.querySelectorAll('.fv-image-compare-wrapper'); imageCompareWrappers.forEach(function(wrapper) { var inner = wrapper.querySelector('.fv-image-compare-inner') || wrapper; var slider = wrapper.querySelector('.fv-image-compare-slider'); var fgImage = wrapper.querySelector('.fv-image-compare-fg'); var bgImage = wrapper.querySelector('.fv-image-compare-bg'); var labelLeft = wrapper.querySelector('.fv-image-compare-label-left'); var labelRight = wrapper.querySelector('.fv-image-compare-label-right'); var isDragging = false; var scale = 1; var panX = 0; var panY = 0; var isPanning = false; var hasPanned = false; var lastClientX = 0; var lastClientY = 0; var initialDistance = null; var lastCenterX = null; var lastCenterY = null; function updateTransform() { if (wrapper.classList.contains('fv-image-compare-fullscreen')) { inner.style.setProperty('transform', 'translate(' + panX + 'px, ' + panY + 'px) scale(' + scale + ')', 'important'); } else { inner.style.removeProperty('transform'); scale = 1; panX = 0; panY = 0; } } function constrainPan() { var rect = wrapper.getBoundingClientRect(); var maxPanX = Math.max(0, (rect.width * scale - rect.width) / 2); var maxPanY = Math.max(0, (rect.height * scale - rect.height) / 2); panX = Math.max(-maxPanX, Math.min(panX, maxPanX)); panY = Math.max(-maxPanY, Math.min(panY, maxPanY)); } wrapper.addEventListener('wheel', function(e) { if (!wrapper.classList.contains('fv-image-compare-fullscreen')) return; e.preventDefault(); var zoomSensitivity = 0.005; var zoomFactor = Math.exp(-e.deltaY * zoomSensitivity); var newScale = Math.max(1, Math.min(scale * zoomFactor, 5)); if (newScale === scale) return; var rect = wrapper.getBoundingClientRect(); var mouseX = e.clientX - rect.left - rect.width / 2; var mouseY = e.clientY - rect.top - rect.height / 2; var ratio = newScale / scale; panX = mouseX - (mouseX - panX) * ratio; panY = mouseY - (mouseY - panY) * ratio; scale = newScale; constrainPan(); updateTransform(); }, { passive: false }); wrapper.addEventListener('mousedown', function(e) { if (!wrapper.classList.contains('fv-image-compare-fullscreen') || scale <= 1) return; if (e.target.closest('.fv-image-compare-slider') || e.target.closest('button')) return; isPanning = true; hasPanned = false; lastClientX = e.clientX; lastClientY = e.clientY; }); window.addEventListener('mousemove', function(e) { if (!isPanning) return; var dx = e.clientX - lastClientX; var dy = e.clientY - lastClientY; if (Math.abs(dx) > 2 || Math.abs(dy) > 2) { hasPanned = true; } lastClientX = e.clientX; lastClientY = e.clientY; panX += dx; panY += dy; constrainPan(); updateTransform(); }); window.addEventListener('mouseup', function() { isPanning = false; }); wrapper.addEventListener('touchstart', function(e) { if (!wrapper.classList.contains('fv-image-compare-fullscreen')) return; if (e.touches.length === 2) { e.preventDefault(); var dx = e.touches[0].clientX - e.touches[1].clientX; var dy = e.touches[0].clientY - e.touches[1].clientY; initialDistance = Math.sqrt(dx * dx + dy * dy); var rect = wrapper.getBoundingClientRect(); lastCenterX = (e.touches[0].clientX + e.touches[1].clientX) / 2 - rect.left - rect.width / 2; lastCenterY = (e.touches[0].clientY + e.touches[1].clientY) / 2 - rect.top - rect.height / 2; hasPanned = true; } else if (e.touches.length === 1 && scale > 1) { if (e.target.closest('.fv-image-compare-slider') || e.target.closest('button')) return; isPanning = true; hasPanned = false; lastClientX = e.touches[0].clientX; lastClientY = e.touches[0].clientY; } }, { passive: false }); wrapper.addEventListener('touchmove', function(e) { if (!wrapper.classList.contains('fv-image-compare-fullscreen')) return; if (e.touches.length === 2 && initialDistance !== null) { e.preventDefault(); var dx = e.touches[0].clientX - e.touches[1].clientX; var dy = e.touches[0].clientY - e.touches[1].clientY; var distance = Math.sqrt(dx * dx + dy * dy); if (initialDistance > 0) { var zoomFactor = distance / initialDistance; var newScale = Math.max(1, Math.min(scale * zoomFactor, 5)); var rect = wrapper.getBoundingClientRect(); var centerX = (e.touches[0].clientX + e.touches[1].clientX) / 2 - rect.left - rect.width / 2; var centerY = (e.touches[0].clientY + e.touches[1].clientY) / 2 - rect.top - rect.height / 2; var ratio = newScale / scale; panX = centerX - (centerX - panX) * ratio; panY = centerY - (centerY - panY) * ratio; if (lastCenterX !== null && lastCenterY !== null) { panX += (centerX - lastCenterX); panY += (centerY - lastCenterY); } scale = newScale; lastCenterX = centerX; lastCenterY = centerY; constrainPan(); updateTransform(); } initialDistance = distance; } else if (e.touches.length === 1 && isPanning) { e.preventDefault(); var dx = e.touches[0].clientX - lastClientX; var dy = e.touches[0].clientY - lastClientY; if (Math.abs(dx) > 2 || Math.abs(dy) > 2) { hasPanned = true; } lastClientX = e.touches[0].clientX; lastClientY = e.touches[0].clientY; panX += dx; panY += dy; constrainPan(); updateTransform(); } }, { passive: false }); wrapper.addEventListener('touchend', function(e) { if (e.touches.length < 2) { initialDistance = null; } if (e.touches.length === 0) { isPanning = false; } }); function handleMove(clientX) { var rect = inner.getBoundingClientRect(); var x = Math.max(0, Math.min(clientX - rect.left, rect.width)); var percent = Math.max(0, Math.min((x / rect.width) * 100, 100)); if (slider) slider.style.setProperty('left', percent + '%', 'important'); if (fgImage) fgImage.style.setProperty('clip-path', 'polygon(0 0, ' + percent + '% 0, ' + percent + '% 100%, 0 100%)', 'important'); if (labelLeft) { if (percent < 10) { labelLeft.style.setProperty('opacity', '0', 'important'); } else { labelLeft.style.setProperty('opacity', '1', 'important'); } } if (labelRight) { if (percent > 90) { labelRight.style.setProperty('opacity', '0', 'important'); } else { labelRight.style.setProperty('opacity', '1', 'important'); } } } function onMouseMove(e) { if (!isDragging) return; handleMove(e.clientX); } function onTouchMove(e) { if (!isDragging) return; e.preventDefault(); handleMove(e.touches[0].clientX); } function stopDragging() { isDragging = false; window.removeEventListener('mousemove', onMouseMove); window.removeEventListener('mouseup', stopDragging); window.removeEventListener('touchmove', onTouchMove); window.removeEventListener('touchend', stopDragging); } if (slider) { var startDrag = function(clientX) { isDragging = true; handleMove(clientX); window.addEventListener('mousemove', onMouseMove); window.addEventListener('mouseup', stopDragging); }; var startTouchDrag = function(clientX) { isDragging = true; handleMove(clientX); window.addEventListener('touchmove', onTouchMove, { passive: false }); window.addEventListener('touchend', stopDragging); }; slider.addEventListener('mousedown', function(e) { e.preventDefault(); startDrag(e.clientX); }); slider.addEventListener('touchstart', function(e) { e.preventDefault(); startTouchDrag(e.touches[0].clientX); }, { passive: false }); } var expandBtn = wrapper.querySelector('.fv-image-compare-expand-btn'); var closeBtn = wrapper.querySelector('.fv-image-compare-close-btn'); if (expandBtn) { if (window !== window.parent) { expandBtn.style.display = 'none'; } else { expandBtn.addEventListener('click', function(e) { e.stopPropagation(); wrapper.classList.add('fv-image-compare-fullscreen'); document.body.style.overflow = 'hidden'; if (fgImage && fgImage.dataset.highresSrc) { fgImage.src = fgImage.dataset.highresSrc; fgImage.removeAttribute('srcset'); fgImage.removeAttribute('sizes'); } if (bgImage && bgImage.dataset.highresSrc) { bgImage.src = bgImage.dataset.highresSrc; bgImage.removeAttribute('srcset'); bgImage.removeAttribute('sizes'); } }); } } if (closeBtn) { closeBtn.addEventListener('click', function(e) { e.stopPropagation(); wrapper.classList.remove('fv-image-compare-fullscreen'); document.body.style.overflow = ''; updateTransform(); }); } document.addEventListener('keydown', function(e) { if (e.key === 'Escape' && wrapper.classList.contains('fv-image-compare-fullscreen')) { wrapper.classList.remove('fv-image-compare-fullscreen'); document.body.style.overflow = ''; updateTransform(); } }); }); /* Shop The Look Hotspots */ var hotspots = chartWrapper.querySelectorAll('.fv-stl-hotspot-btn'); var allProductsModal = chartWrapper.querySelector('.fv-stl-all-products-modal'); var shopAllBtn = chartWrapper.querySelector('.fv-stl-shop-all-btn'); var stlContainer = chartWrapper.querySelector('.fv-stl-container'); function closeAllModals() { if (allProductsModal) { allProductsModal.classList.remove('is-active'); var items = allProductsModal.querySelectorAll('.fv-stl-all-products-item'); items.forEach(function(item) { item.classList.remove('is-highlighted'); }); if (stlContainer) { setTimeout(function() { if (!allProductsModal.classList.contains('is-active')) { stlContainer.style.minHeight = ''; if ('parentIFrame' in window) { window.parentIFrame.size(); } } }, 300); } } hotspots.forEach(function(btn) { btn.setAttribute('aria-expanded', 'false'); }); if ('parentIFrame' in window) { window.parentIFrame.size(); } } hotspots.forEach(function(btn) { btn.addEventListener('click', function(e) { e.stopPropagation(); var hotspotId = btn.getAttribute('data-hotspot-id'); var isExpanded = btn.getAttribute('aria-expanded') === 'true'; closeAllModals(); if (!isExpanded && allProductsModal) { btn.setAttribute('aria-expanded', 'true'); allProductsModal.classList.add('is-active'); var container = btn.closest('.fv-stl-container'); if (container && container.offsetHeight < 450) { container.style.minHeight = '450px'; } var targetItem = allProductsModal.querySelector('.fv-stl-all-products-item[data-product-id="' + hotspotId + '"]'); if (targetItem) { targetItem.classList.add('is-highlighted'); setTimeout(function() { targetItem.scrollIntoView({ behavior: 'smooth', block: 'center' }); }, 100); } if ('parentIFrame' in window) { window.parentIFrame.size(); } } }); }); if (shopAllBtn && allProductsModal) { shopAllBtn.addEventListener('click', function(e) { e.stopPropagation(); closeAllModals(); allProductsModal.classList.add('is-active'); var container = shopAllBtn.closest('.fv-stl-container'); if (container && container.offsetHeight < 450) { container.style.minHeight = '450px'; } if ('parentIFrame' in window) { window.parentIFrame.size(); } }); } if (allProductsModal) { var closeAllBtn = allProductsModal.querySelector('.fv-stl-all-products-close'); if (closeAllBtn) { closeAllBtn.addEventListener('click', function(e) { e.stopPropagation(); closeAllModals(); }); } } chartWrapper.addEventListener('click', function(e) { if (!e.target.closest('.fv-stl-all-products-content')) { closeAllModals(); } }); if (allProductsModal) { allProductsModal.addEventListener('click', function(e) { if (!e.target.closest('.fv-stl-all-products-content')) { closeAllModals(); } }); } /* Image Annotation Logic */ var iaNodes = chartWrapper.querySelectorAll('.fv-ia-node-button'); var iaWrapper = chartWrapper.querySelector('.fv-ia-wrapper'); var originalCaption = chartWrapper.querySelector('.fv-original-caption') || captionEl; var dynamicCaption = chartWrapper.querySelector('.fv-ia-dynamic-caption'); var exploreBtn = chartWrapper.querySelector('.fv-ia-explore-btn'); var currentIaIndex = -1; function closeAllIANodes() { iaNodes.forEach(function(btn) { btn.classList.remove('is-active'); }); if (originalCaption) originalCaption.style.display = 'block'; if (dynamicCaption) dynamicCaption.style.display = 'none'; } function resetExploreBtn() { currentIaIndex = -1; if (exploreBtn) { var exploreSpan = exploreBtn.querySelector('span'); if (exploreSpan) exploreSpan.textContent = 'Explore'; } } iaNodes.forEach(function(btn, index) { btn.addEventListener('click', function(e) { e.stopPropagation(); var isActive = btn.classList.contains('is-active'); closeAllIANodes(); if (!isActive) { currentIaIndex = index; if (exploreBtn) { var exploreSpan = exploreBtn.querySelector('span'); if (exploreSpan) exploreSpan.textContent = 'Next'; } btn.classList.add('is-active'); if (dynamicCaption) { var title = btn.getAttribute('data-title') || ''; var desc = btn.getAttribute('data-desc') || ''; dynamicCaption.innerHTML = ''; var strongTag = document.createElement('strong'); strongTag.textContent = title; dynamicCaption.appendChild(strongTag); if (desc) { dynamicCaption.appendChild(document.createTextNode(' - ' + desc)); } if (originalCaption) originalCaption.style.display = 'none'; dynamicCaption.style.display = 'block'; if (footerContentEl) footerContentEl.style.display = 'block'; } } else { resetExploreBtn(); } }); }); if (exploreBtn) { exploreBtn.addEventListener('click', function(e) { e.stopPropagation(); if (iaNodes.length === 0) return; var nextIndex = currentIaIndex + 1; if (nextIndex >= iaNodes.length) { closeAllIANodes(); resetExploreBtn(); } else { currentIaIndex = nextIndex; var targetBtn = iaNodes[currentIaIndex]; if (targetBtn) { if (targetBtn.classList.contains('is-active')) { targetBtn.click(); } targetBtn.click(); } } }); } if (iaWrapper) { iaWrapper.addEventListener('click', function(e) { if (!e.target.closest('.fv-ia-node-button') && !e.target.closest('.fv-ia-explore-btn')) { closeAllIANodes(); resetExploreBtn(); } }); } /* Initial Animation */ chartWrapper._fvAnimate = fvLocalAnimate; fvLocalAnimate(chartWrapper); /* Countdown Logic */ var countdownContainer = chartWrapper.querySelector('.fv-countdown-container'); if (countdownContainer) { var targetDateAttr = countdownContainer.getAttribute('data-target-date'); if (targetDateAttr) { var targetDate = new Date(targetDateAttr); var pad = function(n) { return (n < 10 ? 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(Image credit: Future / James Holland)

• Comes with updated Dolby Vision 2
• Google Gemini is conversational if slightly inaccurate
• Comes with other AI-powered features including screensavers

Considering the price of the Hisense UR9, it’s no surprise that it has the smorgasbord of features one would expect. It comes with Dolby Vision IQ, which changes the picture based on ambient light. It also comes with Dolby Vision 2, the newly updated format that optimizes HDR content on a picture-by-picture basis using dynamic metadata. And, of course, the various HDR formats (HDR10, HDR10+ Adaptive, HLG) are all here as well. Internet connectivity is pretty fast too, thanks to Wi-Fi 6E.

This TV works with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and has Google Cast and Google Assistant built in. And since there’s also far-field voice control on offer, you can basically interact with the TV to a large degree without a remote.

This particular feature runs through Google Gemini, Google’s AI-powered voice assistant. There are quite a few things I like about this voice assistant. Its conversational style, not to mention the various timbres to choose from, make it a more familiar experience (unless the uncanny valley-ness of it all is something that tends to get to you). I can ask it all sorts of things outside of controlling the TV, which is nice as well.

However, like my other experiences with Google Gemini, it’s not as accurate as one would hope, making it an imperfect companion for hands-free control, whether that means giving incorrect information about where something is streaming, or just posting up a bunch of YouTube videos about my requests instead of following through on my requests, which tend to be along the lines of: “Hey Google, play [insert content] on [streaming platform].”

Like other 2026 (and late 2025) TVs that I’ve interacted with, AI is the predominant buzzword that ties them altogether. It’s part of Google Gemini. It’s part of the RGB chipset. And it’s part of various other behind-the-scenes settings on the TV. Besides Google Gemini, the other user-facing feature utilizing AI is the screensaver where you can use either a photo from your Google account, artwork, or create AI artwork — a fun if, in my opinion, somewhat inconsequential feature.

• Features score: 4.5/5

Hisense UR9 RGB MiniLED TV review: Picture quality

The colors are great, but there is some blooming as shown in this scene from the movie Soul (Image credit: Future / James Holland)

• Impressive BT.2020 coverage and color accuracy
• Plenty of brightness on tap
• Some slight blooming

On paper, RGB mini-LED TVs (or MicroRGB for certain brands) should be a game changer for picture quality. In practice, I wouldn't say it's quite that, but it is a vibrant and immersive screen that's mostly a pleasure to use.

Looking at benchmarks, it is impressive with an almost 100% UHDA-P3 and over 92% BT.2020 color coverage in filmmaker mode — the fantastic TCL QM8L I recently reviewed hit 87% BT.2020 (both TVs are advertised as hitting 100%, of course).

The color accuracy in filmmaker mode is also a fairly impressive Delta E > 2.2 (closer to 0 is better), though it shoots up to 9.9 in standard mode. Changing into filmmaker mode on any TV greatly affects the colors shown onscreen, but it's never been so noticeable as it is on this TV.

Just like other more premium 2026 options, the brightness is more than enough. In our benchmarks, we recorded 227 nits in filmmaker mode and almost 800 in standard. And in our luminance benchmarks, it reached 4370 nits for 10% window and almost 1,100 in full screen for filmmaker mode.

I actually found the screen almost too bright. One of the reasons I like using filmmaker mode, especially on TV is the much reduced brightness. Of course, it still retains all the detail, whether it's the individual floorboards on a basketball court or the individual stars in the vastness of afterlife space per the movie Soul.

The picture is also smooth without any judder when there’s a lot of action, whether I’m watching some sports, movies, or even video games. For instance, watching the Detroit Pistons attempt a playoff comeback was as engaging as could be. I could keep track of not only the ball, but all the players whether they're running a pick and roll or grabbing a rebound.

Funnily enough, that is without all the AI clarity-related features. AI Super Resolution does sharpen things up a little, though I could see the AI in the player's faces at the highest settings. The Motion Enhancement smooths out the action a bit, which I found unnecessary, while the Motion Clearness sacrifices some of the picture fidelity for keeping up with the action. Also unnecessary with this TV.

However, when using those features for older content — say old, forgotten videos from the early days of YouTube — they do a decent job upscaling grainier content into something a little more pleasant and updated looking. While I wouldn't say older content looks 4K, it does look cleaner, sharper, and with better color.

The lone issue I found with the image quality is that it’s not as good at controlling blooming (also known as the Halo effect) due to the way RGB LEDs work. Since the red, blue, and yellow LEDs sit right next to each other, there’s more opportunity for cross talk between pixels than other TVs of similar quality that use a single LED in the same place with a filter creating the color.

I pulled up the usual screen tests on YouTube and didn’t really notice this too much as the image was sharp and clean. However, when watching Disney’s Soul, I noticed that when the main character enters the afterlife for the first time and is now a glowing avatar instead of a human in a void, he has a glow around him. Now, that’s somewhat intentional but it’s more muted on the other TVs I have accessible to me for comparison (the TCL QM8L and the Roku Pro Series TVs, specifically). This is, unfortunately, just a current limitation of RGB LED technology.

Back on the positives, the Hisense UR9 offers a number of picture modes including Film Maker Mode and IMAX Enhanced to take advantage of different content, something you don’t find (or at least to the same degree) on cheaper televisions.

• Picture quality score: 4/5

Hisense UR9 RGB MiniLED TV review: Sound quality

The Hisense UR9 has visible woofers on the back of the TV (Image credit: Future / James Holland)

• 110W of power with 4.1.2 virtualized spatial audio system
• Sounds good except mids are bit forward
• Room calibration and Intelligent settings help TV sound better

If you’re a TV manufacturer wanting to upgrade the audio experience, having Devialet tune your TV as the company has done with the Hisense UR9 is a good move. And I can confirm that the Hisense UR9 sounds pretty decent on its own.

Without an additional soundbar, this TV has up to 110 watts of power and provides a 4.1.2 multi-channel surround experience (6.2.2 channel audio in 100-inch), though you won’t get a full surround sound experience as all the speakers are in the TV, either pointing down or back. And when using Dolby Atmos content, it only produces a virtualized version when just using the TV speakers.

Now, the actual sound quality is good for a TV if not quite amazing. There’s a bit of a peak in the mid-bass on standard mode that gives the audio a bit of a bloated feel. However, this is easily mitigated, either by using the seven-band equalizer hidden in the bowels of the audio settings and pulling the 500Hz slider down a few ticks to taste (I had it at -4). Or if you’re lazy like me, just turn on the Intelligent Sound feature in the Intelligent Settings and it will do it for you.

The bass is decent for a TV without an actual subwoofer, though you’ll want to add one if you want that theater experience. And the high-end is clear and present.

There’s also a room calibration feature that, like the Intelligent Sound feature, will right the audio ship of this TV with minimal effort.

Of course, if you want to really upgrade the audio experience, this TV does pair with the Hisense HT Saturn speakers, which not only provides a surround sound and spatial audio experience, but also has specific features such as Hi-Concerto (using both the speakers of the sound system and the TV in tandem) among others.

• Sound quality score: 4.5/5

Hisense UR9 RGB MiniLED TV review: Design

The USB-C port with DisplayPort support is separated out from the rest of the ports on the side of the TV. (Image credit: Future / James Holland)

• Semi-adjustable central stand
• A little bit on the thick side
• Three HDMI 2.1 and a USB-C port with DisplayPort support

I feel like a broken record sometimes, but I will always tout the benefits of a central stand. So when I unboxed the Hisense UR9 and saw that the base was one central stand instead of legs on the far corners of the panel, I was thankful. I was maybe a little less thankful screwing in the base into the accompanying stand and then the stand into the back of the TV (I did do this alone so it will be significantly easier if you enlist a second person). But I did at least appreciate that the stand can be screwed into four different heights, so you can adjust how high the panel sits off the TV stand.

The panel uses very thin bezels — I feel like that’s more standard than not these days — with the exception of the bottom one that also holds the sensor. A little more unusual is the thickness of this TV. Make no mistake: this is still a flat panel TV, but it is just under two inches thick. Of course, if you’re into mounting your TV, it will sit a little more flush than the typical TV, due to the lack of unsightly bulge on the back.

When I unboxed the Hisense UR9, I was surprised by the fact that it only came with three HDMI ports. However, not only are they of the 2.1 variety so they support 4K at up to 180Hz (great for next-gen consoles that get up to 120 fps), but there’s also a USB-C port with DisplayPort support. That's great for plugging in a PC for professionals that want to use a TV to work on — although, let’s be real, PC gamers are probably the ones who’ll take most advantage of this.

As far as controls go, there’s just a single button on the bottom of the TV so don’t lose that remote. Thankfully, the fully backlit remote is on the bigger side so it’s not easy to lose. Of course, you can always just talk to the Hisense UR9 using Google Gemini.

• Design score: 5/5

Hisense UR9 RGB MiniLED TV review: Smart TV and menus

The Google TV front page is easy to navigate, but does prioritize Google-related content (Image credit: Future / James Holland)

• Google TV interface is intuitive if a bit YouTube-biased
• Settings menus could be a little better organized
• Google Gemini can be used to adjust settings

If the Fire TV interface that Amazon TVs come with seem to focus too much on Prime-related content, then the Google TV interface used here is a little too YouTube happy. But, outside of that bias, the layout of the interface is pretty intuitive for getting to content.

Not only does it feature tailored suggestions in the banner that takes up half of the screen, but it follows it with a row of suggestions across different streaming services as well as a “Continue Watching” row. Of course, the apps are also lined up in a row if you prefer to dig deep that way.

There’s plenty of Google TV-specific content even if you don’t use YouTube, with a good number of free channels playing content in a similar fashion as live cable (or cable-like streaming platforms like YouTube TV).

My only real gripe with Google TV is navigating the settings menu. This is mainly because it does require some digging to get to certain features. For instance, the room correction or calibration feature for audio is not available under audio, but under intelligent settings. While this sort of makes sense, it should also be under the audio settings since any adjustments I make to audio should be available there.

For picture settings, I did appreciate the number of various parameters available for adjusting. I can change the Gamma, for instance, as well as multiple motion blur and smoothing options, to name just a few.

Lastly, I’ve already talked about Google Gemini earlier, but it is a valid way of navigating this TV and its settings. However, besides the other issues I mentioned earlier, for whatever reason it just won’t directly play content from a voice command.

• Smart TV & menus score: 4.5/5

Hisense UR9 RGB MiniLED TV review: Gaming

The Hisense UR9's vibrant screen and great contrast make it a great TV for gaming (Image credit: Future / James Holland)

• Supports 4K at up to 180Hz depending on input
• Plenty of gaming features on offer
• Game Bar requires some menu diving to access

To test the gaming capabilities of the Hisense UR9, I plugged in a PlayStation 5 and played a number of games. Besides getting that 4K at 144Hz (capped at 120 by the PS5) performance afforded by the HDMI 2.1, being able to take advantage of HDR is nice as well.

There are also a number of features on offer. For example, there’s a game bar accessible through the menu that allows one to change settings like picture mode, Game Booster 330 (which supports a higher variable refresh rate) and turn on AMD Freesync, as well as see max frames of a game as not all PS5 games can go above 60 FPS.

The one annoying thing about the game bar is that there’s no way to pull it up directly. If I press the settings button on the remote, I just get the regular box out of “quick settings” for the TV. I have to press the menu button instead, which brings up a different type of quick settings across the bottom of the screen where I can select the game bar. Then the game bar HUD pops up with the various options for adjusting at the bottom and some metrics at the top including the FPS counter.

It may be a minor annoyance, but I’ve dealt with TVs where a long press somewhere on the remote while in game mode (the TV will automatically switch to game mode if enabled) will bring up the game bar menu.

In terms of gaming experiences on the TV, it’s impeccable. I get a clean, smooth image with plenty of detail. The only time I really had any issue was when I somehow had the TV in filmmaker mode and couldn’t see anything in the shadows of Lies of P, which at the time was about 75% of the screen.

Lastly, if you plan on doing any PC gaming on this, that USB-C port with 180Hz refresh rate will do wonders for any fast-paced Call of Duty-type action.

• Gaming score: 4.5/5

Hisense UR9 RGB MiniLED TV review: Value

The Hisense UR9 showing a drone shot of a landscape (Image credit: Future / James Holland)

• Marginally cheaper than other RGB LED TVs
• Paying a premium for new tech
• Other non-RGB LED TVs offer better value currently

Let’s face it. New tech is expensive. Therefore, RGB LED TVs are going to be pricey and, as an upgrade for your living room, they’re really not that great of a value. If you go for an RGB LED TV now, you’re an early adopter. A few generations from now, that might change. But, for now, you’re paying to be one of the first to have this technology.

The Hisense UR9 is going to be priced similarly to other RGB LED TVs, although now we've started to see discounts hitting some of these models, the Hisense is inching out just in front in terms of value.

Starting with LG's MRGB95B, its smallest size is 75 inches, which goes for $3,599.99 / AU$7,995 (around £2,710), while the 86-inch is $5,299.99 / £4,799 / AU$9,995, and the 100-inch is $6,999.99 / £9,999.98 / AU$17,995. Conversely, the Hisense UR9 is $2,499 / £2,299 / AU$3,995 at the 75-inch size, while the 85-inch model is $3,499 / £2,999 / AU$4,995 and the 100-inch goes for $4,999.99 (£4,510 / AU$8,520). So, out of the two, the Hisense is definitely coming out cheapest as things stand.

Samsung, another early adopter of RGB LED, is charging (65-inch) $2,499.99 / £2,599 / AU$5,295, (75-inch) $3,499.99 / £3,599 / AU$7,995, and (85-inch) $4,999.99 / £5,299 / AU$9,995 for the R95H model. Given Samsung's TV is the priciest of the three, the Hisense UR9 works out the best value for RGB LED TVs.

However, if we look at non-RGB LED TVs, like the TCL QM8L I just tested, they tend to offer an almost identical experience in terms of picture quality and features, though with better sound. That TCL QM8L, which has 4,000 local dimming zones, starts at $1,799.99 for the 65-inch model and goes up to $4,999.99 for the 98-inch.

• Value score: 3.5/5

Should I buy the Hisense UR9 RGB MiniLED TV?

Hisense UR9 showcasing its upscaling with Magnet of Doom (L'aîné des Ferchaux) (Image credit: Future / James Holland)Hisense UR9 RGB MiniLED TV

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

Dolby Vision 2 and Google Gemini may be the most exciting features, but they’re just a few that are on offer.

4.5/5

Picture quality

This TV’s gorgeous picture quality provided by the RGB mini-LEDs is also somewhat held back by that tech, as there is some minor blooming.

4/5

Sound quality

The Hisense UR9 may have a bump in the mids, but that’s easily fixable either through the seven-band EQ, Intelligent Audio settings, or included AI room calibration.

4.5/5

Design

It might on the thick side, but there’s little to complain about here. The center base is solid and comes with some height adjustment. And the USB-C with DisplayPort support is a novel inclusion.

5/5

Smart TV and menus

Google TV is intuitive if a bit Google-content biased. Menu diving can be a little frustrating sometimes, however there are a lot of parameters available to finetune.

4.5/5

Gaming

From the picture quality to gaming specific features like AMD Freesync, this TV is made for gaming. Too bad, the gaming bar menu requires some menu diving.

4.5/5

Value

RGB LED TVs may be expensive, but the UR9's price drop makes it a good option. Of course, non-RGB LED TVs are still a bit better in terms of value.

3.5/5

Buy it if...

You want new tech
The concept and execution of RGB mini-LEDs is pretty cool, and if you want to be one of the first users with this kind of TV, the Hisense UR9 is a worthy option.

You’re a gamer
The fact that you can go up to 180Hz through the HDMI or USB-C (DisplayPort support) ports is fairly unique. Plus, plenty of the other features on offer like AMD Freesync make this a great TV for gamers.

You’re looking for color coverage and accuracy
Everyone is touting their 2026 TV as having 100% BT.2020 color coverage. This TV gets closer than plenty of the competition. And the color accuracy is pretty good too.

Don't buy it if…

You care about value or your choice of retailer
The Hisense UR9 is expensive (and not great value) like other RGB LED TVs.

You care about blooming
The one downside of RGB LEDs is blooming. While very minor, it’s more noticeable than on non-RGB LED TVs.

Hisense UR9 RGB MiniLED TV review: also consider

Hisense UR9 RGB MiniLED TV

TCL QM8L (C8L in other regions)

Hisense UR8

Hisense U65QF

LG C6

Price (65-inch)

$1,699.99 / £1,699 / AU$2,995

$1,799.99 / £1,499 / AU$2,695

$1,199.99 / £1,299.99 / AU$2,495

$999

$1,399 / £1,699 / AU$3,295

Screen type

RGB mini-LED

SQD mini-LED

RGB mini-LED

QLED w/ mini-LED

OLED

Refresh rate

180Hz

144Hz

144Hz

upt to 144Hz

144Hz

HDR support

HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision

HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision IQ

HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision

Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG

Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG

Smart TV

Google TV

Google TV

Google TV (US) / VIDAA (UK/Aus)

Fire TV

WebOS 25

HDMI ports

3 HDMI 2.1

4 HDMI 2.1

4 HDMI 2.1

4 (2x HDMI 2.1)

4x HDMI 2.1

TCL QM8L
The TCL QM8L, known as the TCL C8L in other regions like the UK and Australia, is as quality of a TV as the Hisense UR9 while being a bit cheaper in some regions, since it’s not using RGB LED. It does all the other things (though it does have a lower refresh rate) and has a similarly bright screen, though it isn’t quite as accurate. Read our full TCL QM8L review.

Hisense UR8
The step-down model from the UR9, the Hisense UR8 delivers good picture and sound quality in its own right, and is cheaper than the flagship UR9. It doesn't deliver the same brightness however and the UR9 is only slightly pricier for a better overall quality of TV. Read our full Hisense UR8 review.

Hisense U65QF
The Hisense U65QF is very affordable for a mini-LED TV. It’s packed with features like Dolby Atmos, a 144Hz refresh rate, and Dolby Vision IQ. It also has Alexa built in, though not Alexa+. Finding the video settings does take some deep menu diving, and the Prime-focused interface is a bit of an acquired taste. Read our full Hisense U65QF review.

LG C6
The LG C6 is a big upgrade over its predecessor the LG C5 and while its sound could be better, its brilliant picture quality, suite of gaming features, and AI-powered interface are just some of the reasons it's such a good TV. Despite it being a 2026 model, it's cheaper in the US and the same price in the UK for the 65-inch model than the Hisense UR9. Read our full LG C6 review.

How I tested the Hisense UR9 RGB MiniLED TV

• I used the Hisense UR9 for a couple weeks
• Tested with both TV, movies, music, and games
• Benchmark measurements conducted by Future US testing lab

I used the Hisense UR9 regularly for a couple weeks. I tested it using streaming shows, movies, music, and games (via PS5). I went through the various features, particularly the hands-free Google Gemini, to see if it worked as advertised. I also spent time listening to the audio as well as paying attention to the picture quality.

The objective data measurements were taken by Future Publishing's TV testing lab, which uses the Klein K-10A colorimeter and Jeti 15VA spectroradiometer, Murideo Six G 8K Metal test pattern generator, and Portrait Displays' Calman color calibration software to record the results.

I’ve tested a lot of tech gear over the years, from laptops to 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.

You can read an in-depth overview of how we test TVs at TechRadar at that link.

• First reviewed: October 2026
• Read TechRadar's reviews guarantee

Wharfedale Denton 1S: Two-minute review

Wharfedale has been having a lovely old time with its range of ‘Heritage’ loudspeakers lately — revisiting, remixing and reworking some of its Greatest Hits. The new Denton 1S, though, is slightly different. It’s an update of a 1974 design that went all-out to present as modern and forward-thinking. And so this reinterpretation has a ‘modern retro’ vibe rather than the ‘antique’ feel of other Wharfedale ‘Heritage’ models.

The curvy cabinet with its recessed front baffle, the mildly dramatic coaxial driver arrangement (which sees the tweeter positioned in throat of the mid/bass driver) and the handily compact dimensions are all attractive — and the option of a fairly deep blue as a finish doesn’t do any harm in this respect either. The numbers, both in terms of frequency response and of sensitivity, are encouraging too.

And when they’re doing their thing, it’s immediately apparent that the Wharfedale Denton 1S are no mere pastiche — they are a profoundly competitive pair of loudspeakers on their own terms and yes, it's a good enough performance to make them some of the best stereo speakers on the market, right now.

The sound is, ultimately, slightly small-scale — but it’s organised, confident, entertaining, loaded with detail and has real unity and singularity to the way it’s presented. Yes, $999 / £649 spent elsewhere on a small pair of passive standmount speakers will buy you something different in sonic terms, certainly, but it’s very debatable indeed as to whether it can buy you anything better.

Wharfedale Denton 1S Review: Price and release date

• Launched May 31, 2026
• List price of $999 / £649 / AU$1,699

The Wharfedale Denton 1S speakers are available now, and in the United Kingdom a pair will set you back £649. In the United States this solution costs $999, while in Australia the going rate is AU$1,699 or thereabouts.

At this money, the just about cheaper Dali Sonik 1 might be their chief competition, at $900 / £449.99 / AU$849. And just to throw it out there, while many pricier options obviously exist, Cambridge Audio's Award-winning active L/R S can be yours for a little less, at $549 / £399 / AU$949. Something to consider, anyway.

Wharfedale Denton 1S review: Features

• Coaxial tweeter / mid/bass driver
• ‘Brilliance’ switch
• Rear-facing bass reflex port

Passive loudspeakers have purity of purpose and are, unless someone’s being bloodyminded, relatively simple devices. Their list of features is seldom exhaustive. It’s a sign of just how straightforward passive loudspeakers tend to be that the Denton 1S stands apart simply because of a small rocker switch on the rear of each cabinet.

Unlike 1974’s original Denton 1, the Denton 1S features a truly coaxial driver arrangement. Here a 25mm soft-dome tweeter sits in the acoustic centre of a 165mm mid/bass driver made from polypropylene. Here, as with any coaxial driver, the idea is to offer superior time-alignment and driver integration.

(Image credit: Future)

With the forward-firing drivers bolstered by a rear-facing bass reflex port, Wharfedale is quoting a frequency response of 50Hz — 20kHz and sensitivity of 88dB — that second figure strongly suggests this speaker will be in no way tricky to drive. Of course, the orientation of the reflex port means that low frequency presence is likely to increase the closer to a rear surface the speaker is positioned — and that’s where the little rocker switches come in.

It’s described as a ‘brilliance’ control, and its two positions are labelled ‘norm’ and ‘max’. The idea is that setting the switch to ‘max’ will give a 1.5dB boost to the 2 - 4kHz area, which should allow the upper frequencies to hold their own against the emboldened low end in the event that the reflex port is delivering a little too much of a good thing. Of course, it will take the listener roughly no time at all to establish whether or not they think the ‘max’ setting is a good idea or not.

• Features score: 5 / 5

Wharfedale Denton 1S review: Sound quality

• Detailed, energetic and rhythmically coherent sound
• Great imaging and stereo focus
• Ultimately sound fractionally small-scale

Owners of loft apartments, aircraft hangars and the like, look away now. There’s a huge amount to enjoy about the way the Wharfedale Denton 1S perform, but when it comes to outright scale, the ability to fill an authentically large space with sound, there are better options around that cost a similar amount of money.

Everyone else, though, should read on.

No matter the source of music, no matter if it’s as straightforward as Looped by Kiasmos or as relatively complex as Re-make/Re-model by Roxy Music, the Denton 1S get an immediate handle on it. They’re a generously entertaining listen, vigorous in a nicely controlled manner, and carry enough detail along with them to make sure you’re as informed as you are stimulated.

(Image credit: Future)

That coaxial driver arrangement works a treat inasmuch as the imaging and stereo focus the speakers are capable of is completely convincing. There’s a unity and a togetherness about the way the Wharfedale present recordings that’s never less than enjoyable and periodically absorbing. In combination with their spirited and enthusiastic attitude, it makes for a genuine sense of performance — even if you’re listening to a recording that was never a performance in the first place. And while the soundstage isn’t the largest, it’s properly defined and rigorously organised.

The tonal balance is, fractionally, on the warmer side of neutral — but as long as the system that’s powering the speakers isn’t overtly toasty then it really shouldn’t be an issue. Frequency response, too, is just slightly titled. There’s a tiny suggestion of emphasis on the lowest frequencies, but again this is only likely to be a concern if the speakers are powered by a bass-centric set-up. Anyway, low-end control is confident and the Wharfedale express rhythms with real coherence as a result.

(Image credit: Future)

Midrange resolution is impressive too, and there’s real eloquence to the way the Denton 1S handle voices. Detail retrieval, which is impressive across the board, really comes to the fore here — the character and attitude imbued in a vocal performance, as well as information regarding timbre and technique, are made apparent. And at the top of the frequency range, the Wharfedale attack with determination — but there’s plenty of substance, as well as brilliance, to treble sounds, and never any suggestion of edginess or hardness.

The attention to detail extends as far as the dynamic of harmonic variation, and there’s a fair amount of capacity where the broader dynamics of volume or intensity are concerned. When the charge into the last chorus or the massed orchestral crescendo kicks in, the Denton 1S track it faithfully — and they do so without altering their sonic characteristics in the slightest.

And you don’t need a brute of an amplifier to enjoy all of these admirable attributes. The Wharfedale are in no way tricky to drive; even a modestly priced amplifier with unremarkable power numbers should have no problem getting the best from these speakers. And ‘the best’ is, on a pound-for-pound basis, at least on a par with the very best around.

• Sound quality score: 4.5 / 5

Wharfedale Denton 1S review: Design

• 330 x 236 x 229mm (HxWxD)
• Magnetically attached grilles
• Choice of three finishes

The coaxial driver means the Denton 1S should be just as happy (and effective) positioned on its side as it is standing upright. And the fact that Wharfedale has provided an integrated fitting for a wall bracket suggests the company thinks the speaker will perform successfully if it’s wall-mounted too. Cabinet depth of 229mm (which obviously increases with the pair of speaker cable binding posts at the rear) doesn’t automatically shout ‘wall-mount!’ to me, though, I have to admit.

Mind you, no matter where you position the Wharfedale they look good. The cabinet features the same curves and the same recessed front baffle as the original Denton 1 — in white, especially, there’s more than a hint of that late-60s / early-70s futurism that started years previously with the likes of Dieter Rams and Stanley Kubrick. Unlike the original model, though, which was made from moulded polyurethane that looked and felt super-modern but was a bit of a disaster in acoustic terms, the Denton 1S is made from bonded and braced fibreboard. Less modern, more effective.

(Image credit: Future)

That recessed front baffle allows the magnetically attached grilles to almost sit within the cabinet, and they’re flush with the top, bottom and side panels when they’re in position. Both the grille and the front baffle features a quite assertive stylised ‘W’ logo that lets you know you’re in the presence of a ‘Heritage’ Wharfedale design.

The compulsory options of black and white are joined by a third finish — the deep-ish blue of my review sample. Each of the available finishes looks good, no two ways about it, but the dimensions and the shape of the Denton 1S could quite easily lend themselves to quite a few other colours. It works for Dali and Cambridge, and I see no reason why Wharfedale shouldn’t produce the Denton 1S in some livelier finishes than are currently on offer.

• Design score: 4.5 / 5

Wharfedale Denton 1S review: Usability and setup

• Attach some speaker cable running from an amplifier
• Position the speakers to your satisfaction
• Experiment with grille and ‘brilliance’ switch

Just as with ‘features’, there’s really not too much to get your head around here. You’ll decide to position your speakers on dedicated stands, or on wall-brackets, or on a shelf… no matter where you want them, though, they’ll need to be connected to an amplifier via a couple of lengths of speaker cable.

After they’re positioned and running, you have just a couple of chances to have some input into the way they sound. The sonic difference between ‘grille on’ and ‘grille off’ is, quite honestly, less significant than the visual difference — but you will most definitely have a preference as to whether you prefer your ‘brilliance’ switch at ‘norm’ or ‘max’.

• Usability and setup score: 5 / 5

Wharfedale Denton 1S review: Value

It’s very hard indeed to argue against the notion that there’s great value for money on offer here. The Wharfedale Denton 1S are properly made, expertly finished, visually interesting (everything’s relative, after all), intriguing on a technological level and, most importantly of all, sound engaging and alert. Unless you crave absolutely as much sonic scale as this sort of money can buy, there’s an awful lot to enjoy and even admire here.

• Value score: 4.5 / 5

Should I buy the Wharfedale Denton 1S?Buy it if...

You like a bit of positional flexibility
Portrait or landscape, speaker stand or shelf… even the wall isn’t completely off limits.

‘Modern retro’ is your thing
Wharfedale has managed to take the spirit of the original design without turning it into a pastiche.

You enjoy lively and informative sound
There’s no shortage of finesse here, but the Wharfedale are predominantly interested in a good time.

Don't buy it if...

You want to fill a particularly big space with sound
The soundstage the speakers create doesn’t escape the confines of the cabinets quite as fully as it might

You enjoy vibrant interior decor
All three of the available finishes are nice enough, but none are a match for the vivacity of the Denton 1S sound

Wharfedale Denton 1S : Also consider

DALI Sonik 1
The DALI Sonik 1 are usefully smaller and usefully more affordable than the Wharfedale Denton 1S - and in their own way, they’re just as successful when it comes to performance. They can get overconfident at the top of the frequency range in a way the 1S simply don’t, though… Read our full DALI Sonik 1 review.

Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3
Spend a little more than Wharfedale is asking and the 606 S3 by Bowers & Wilkins come into range. They’re a brilliantly refined, detailed and punchy listen - but in visual terms they’re made to look a little pedestrian by the Denton 1S. Read our full Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 review.

How I tested the Wharfedale Denton 1S

With the Wharfedale Denton 1S on a pair of Blok Axis stands, I connect them to my reference system: Cambridge Edge W power amplifier, Eversolo DAC-Z10 pre-amplifier, Technics SL1300G turntable (with Goldring 1022 cartridge and preamplified by a Chord Huei), Arcam ST25 network streamer and Rega Apollo CD player — so I was able to listen to music from many storage formats and at a wide variety of resolutions. And then in an effort to up the ‘retro’ credentials just a little, I replaced the pre- and power amplifier with an A&R Cambridge A60 integrated amplifier from 1976.

• First reviewed: October 2026
• Read TechRadar's review guarantee

It was inevitable that there would be a successor to the Bambu Lab H2C, which was no small machine; however, the Bambu Lab H3C takes scale and ability to the next level, although the innovative Vortek Hotend Change System is no more.

Like the H2C, there’s the multi-tool functionality, but as you’ll see from the images, the system is all new, with dedicated tools in the Swaptek Tool Changer rather than the Vortek hotend-changing system, so something closer to the Bondtech INDX tool changers.

An interesting update is the ability to print with different-sized nozzles, so a fine 0.2 mm for fine detail, going to a 0.8 mm for infill and areas where speed is preferable to fine finishes. What I have discovered through the month that I’ve had the printer so far is that this is an evolution of the 3D printing process, refining the techniques and while this technology and its application are still being ironed out, the full potential is apparent.

Adding to the multi-diameter printing is the advanced TPU handling. This essentially enables you to print with thicker 2.85 mm filament using the PrintTool hotend. As the filament is thicker, it supports softer TPU, and again, there’s a learning process behind its use. It’s not quite as simple as popping it in and letting it go, but it is a step in the right direction.

Sitting on top of the machine is the new AMS 3H filament management system that holds up to nine filaments, with two slots enabling integrated drying and bypass feeds for specialist materials.

I’ll admit, as the boxes kept arriving and the H3C started to take shape on the workbench, the machine did seem to dominate the space. However, after squeezing in the H2C next to it, while the new AMS gives a visual impression of scale, the footprint of the two machines is much the same.

The big question for me at the start of this test was whether this new machine and design was a direct replacement for the H2C or something altogether new. It certainly initially looks far more complex, but then, as I became more familiar with the machine, the full tool changer design, once assembled, did seem, a little more simplistic and certainly more reliable as I pushed the print times and complexities.

One point to note is that throughout the test, while I had the machine and seemingly every accessory that I could need to go with it, the actual official machine specifications and final tweaking of the software were still to be released.

What Bambu did supply was a few test models and an extensive set of instructions about how to tackle each of the main new features. There was also a set of complex models that I used to start the test before deviating to some of my own, and then back to the supplied models to finish the test.

I’ll cover more of those tests in the performance section, but what interested me was using this printer for a real practical task. This is, after all, a business-class machine, although the price will put this just in range of the keen enthusiast as well.

The main project for this test was to print and build a set of speakers from Print Your Speakers, with the Supersonic MK3 kit fitting the bill for this test. Essentially, a solid PLA outer with TPU to add damping to the infill, and then a switch of nozzle sizes for the fine detail of the outer wall and a thicker nozzle for the inner walls.

This is where the learning curve of this machine and the Bambu Lab software really comes into play, and while that learning curve is steep.

As the test ran on, the potential of this machine started to grow. While multi-filament and tool changer machines now dominate and Bambu Lab’s lead in the field was quickly fading, especially with the Original Prusa CORE One INDX, of which the H3C’s new system bears more than a passing resemblance. But with support for 2.85 mm TPU and multiple other materials, it now pushes them back out in front and truly offers something unique, although there are still a few refinements needed.

Bambu Lab H3C: Price and availability

The H3C will be available to purchase from the Bambu Lab website from 3 November 2026, following the official launch. Unlike the H2C, there is just one configuration available at launch, with the AMS 3H and all nine PrintTools included.

• H3C AMS Combo: $2,499 / £2,199
• Combo + PLA Palette + TPU: $2,589 /£2,269
• Combo + PLA Palette + TPU + Bambu Station (Enclosed) + E1 Air Purifier:
• $3,049 / £2,699
• Combo + PLA Palette + TPU + Bambu Station (Open): $2,799 / £2,469

Bambu Lab H3C: Design

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)BambuLab H2C specifications

Print Technology: Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF)
Build Area: 330 × 320 × 325 mm
Minimum Layer Resolution: To be confirmed
Maximum Layer Resolution: To be confirmed
Dimensions: 493 × 571 × 587 mm
Weight: 36.28 kg (including AMS 3H)
Bed: Heated, up to 120°C
Print Surface: Textured PEI plate
Software: Bambu Studio
Materials: PLA, PETG, TPU, ABS, ASA, PA, PC, PPA, PPS and other supported materials
Print Speed: Maximum toolhead speed of 1,400 mm/s

The Bambu Lab H3C is a 3D printer on another scale, and whilst it doesn’t look that much larger than the H2C initially, once you start to work with it and try to move it around the workshop, you suddenly realise that its colossal 36.28 kg weight and physical dimensions of 493 × 571 × 587 mm make it more of a two-person lift than something you’re able to handle on your own.

That would explain why Bambu Lab also sent a special trolley along with the machine, so it’s easy to access and move around the workshop. The issue at the moment is that there are so many 3D printers coming out that my workshop doesn’t have any space, so this will be something that I will manoeuvre the printer onto once I can find a pathway through the workshop to get the two sections to meet.

As it was, I decided to set this machine up in the photo area, and I’ve already manoeuvred the H2C next to it so that I can do a side-by-side comparison on size and scale, however, again this left little room as the the scale of these machine is rapidly increasing.

As I first lifted the H3C into position, the two machines looked roughly the same size, but as I started to add the huge new AMS 3H on top, I realised that this was an altogether different proposition.

As I unpacked the machine, it was obvious that Bambu Lab had taken a completely different direction to multi tool head printing compared with the H2C, and the H3C has something more akin to the INDX tool changer. You can definitely see the similarities. As I went through the initial setup, what was surprising here was just how easy and straightforward it was, and whilst the machine was large, the actual placing of the AMS on top and positioning all of the nozzles wasn’t at all difficult.

The only thing that you do need to make sure of is that there are nine tools included: eight with 0.4 mm PrintTools for 1.75 mm filament and one dedicated 0.4 mm PrintTool for 2.85 mm filament. Careful reference to the instructions as you’re setting up is essential to make sure that this nozzle goes in the right place.

Before taking a closer look at this new system, it’s worth pointing out that the AMS 3H is quite an evolution on the AMS 2, sitting on top of the machine and really integrating more closely with the design compared with the add-on box of the AMS 2. This, I know, will please a lot of print farms, which, whilst generally fans of the Bambu Lab machines, find the AMS 2 is often a weak point and the part that they have to replace most often. One point here is that, of those nine slots, there’s a separate section within the rack which enables just two of those nine slots to be actively dried.

As we’ve seen before, you can also add more AMS units, enabling up to 24-colour printing, up from the nine possible out of the box.

Once I got everything set up and installed, which, to be honest, didn’t take too long, it was then time to connect the machine to the local network via Wi-Fi 6. As ever, this was as straightforward and simple as with all other Bambu Lab machines. One of the surprises is that a machine of this size and scale, especially aimed at the professional market, doesn’t feature an Ethernet port.

The other point here is that as soon as it connected, it ran through a series of updates before then going through the calibration process. So, while the machine itself is really well designed and easy to set up, the software updating and full calibration process can take up to an hour, which is slightly infuriating when I was quite excited to see what this machine was capable of doing.

After the Wi-Fi connection, calibration and everything else had been run through, it was time to connect through the Bambu Studio software, and again, a few clicks through the beta release that we were given, enabled me to connect quickly to the printer.

However, as always, before running through my own prints and some of those others that had been supplied to fully test out this new machine’s abilities, I ran through the standard test prints on the machine. These are the usual 3D Benchy and variants, alongside scrapers and a few other bits and bobs, as expected. It ran through all of those prints flawlessly, and then it was time to cross over to Bambu Studio.

Bambu Lab actually supplied some very interesting test models, which I go into in the performance section, but before I went into these multi-filament, multicolour designs, I decided to test out some of my more standard prints. This just enabled me to double-check the calibration and also try out a few different materials.

There are two built-in 1080p cameras, with an optional Bird’s Eye camera available as well. The chamber heats up to 65°C, with a 120°C heated bed and a 350°C maximum nozzle temperature.

Leaving the machine just to run through those few prints, I was able to step back and take a proper look at the machine, and it is an evolution of what we’ve seen with the other H series printers, just slightly larger. Again, this is a steel chassis, which gives it structural support and also makes it insanely heavy to lift around the workshop.

The outer is plastic, with a grey and black exterior that looks stylish, just in the same vein as we’ve seen with the other Bambu Lab hardware. On the front, you’ve got a big viewing window so that you can see what’s going on with the print, and whilst the top-mounted AMS 3H does stop you from looking down into the machine, it's integrated rather than being a separate unit, which I personally really like.

As we’ve seen before, there’s a really nice 5-inch colour touchscreen, with an 854 × 480 display resolution, and this is very responsive, giving me full access to all the functions and settings. However, it is getting more complex, especially with those nine toolheads. It does take a little bit of extra time just to orientate yourself with all of those different settings.

Across the front is the main feature of this new 3D printer, obviously the new nine-toolhead rack, and what’s interesting here is that the rack raises and lowers, so if you do want to see what’s going on on the print bed, it’s far easier than with some of the other multiple systems of this style out there. At all times, however, you can see where the influence of the Prusa CORE One INDX version has influenced Bambu Lab’s slight change of direction, although they’ve taken that style of design in a slightly different direction.

The rack features nine individual PrintTool docking positions, and these all automatically dock with tool alignment and offset compensation. What’s interesting here is that there are dedicated filament paths for each PrintTool, meaning that each works completely independently, and there are integrated filament cutters within the PrintTools, again just to help speed things up. When it comes to the extruder and internal mechanisms, they all use hardened steel, with hardened-steel extruder gears and nozzles rated at HRC 55+.

As ever, we see a flexible steel build plate, and this is a decent size, with a 330 × 320 × 325 mm build volume enabling you to tackle all sorts of projects, especially with the huge material support this new printer offers.

Bambu Lab H3C: Features

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

It’s difficult to do a quick run-through of the features because, over the H2C, things have really progressed, and the new Swaptek nine-tool changing system is a real evolution of design. You can’t help feeling it’s heavily influenced by the INDX system that we’ve seen from Bondtech and featured on the latest Prusa CORE One machines.

However, over that system, there are plenty of changes, and it’s obviously got the Bambu Lab spin, with automatic tool changes that happen in under six seconds. There’s also active preheating that essentially anticipates the upcoming tool changes and heats the next nozzle in advance, making complex models slightly faster to print than on some of those other systems.

One of the features that I noticed early on, and one of the issues with other systems of this style, is that quite often the tool rack gets in the way of being able to see the print area. However, once that new tool is selected, the tool rack actually retracts upwards so that you get a good clear view of the print area, and it also helps to keep the filament tubes out of the way.

Feeding all of those nine new toolheads is the redesign of the AMS system, known as the AMS 3H, that manages the filaments in an integrated box that sits on top of the machine. Like the AMS 2, it's a sealed storage option and helps protect the filaments inside from moisture.

Again, as we’ve seen in the past, it has automatic filament loading and routing that works exceptionally well, and with RFID built in, as long as you’re using Bambu Lab’s own materials, they’ll be automatically recognised and synced with the software, making the whole process that much easier.

One of the surprises is that only two of those nine slots are actively dried, so if you do have filaments that are more prone to moisture than others, then they should sit in those two. There’s a cover that sits over the top, so it’s pretty easy to see which two those are.

As ever, there are also expansion options, so if you have other AMS systems and you want to plug them in, the H3C supports additional AMS units for up to 24-colour printing.

One of the new additions is the FlexFeed extruder that supports both 1.75 mm and 2.85 mm filament, and there’s also a dedicated 2.85 mm filament path for flexible materials such as TPU. While TPU for AMS can just be used directly on the machine, as I discovered when I printed speakers with files from Print Your Speakers, when it came to printing other softer TPU, you have to use one of the bypass feed ports and quickly change part of the installation and feed to the toolheads.

The first time you do it, it takes a little bit of time and working out, but essentially, the soft TPU needs to go into one of the slots that enables active drying. TPU is hygroscopic and collects water like a sponge, so ensuring that it’s nice and dry before it goes through the system is just going to improve and help with the quality of the print.

You then feed that through into the 2.85 mm supporting toolhead, but rather than running through the filament feed tube, you bypass the tube, cutting just a small length that goes into the toolhead and then directly into the extruder. This just helps with the smooth movement of the TPU filament through the system. This means that it can actually cope with TPU all the way down to 75A, perfect for some of the projects that Bambu Lab supplied.

Using TPU in the system is not uncommon, but you still have to reconfigure the system slightly. Bambu Lab has made that slightly easier, and of course, you also have the ability to print with multiple materials and multiple colours.

But what impressed me the most is that with the Bambu Lab PLA palette, which is a new range of filaments, you can print with CMYKW to enable colour mixing using cyan, magenta, yellow, black and white filaments. The end results, as you’re seeing in some of the sample pictures, are quite amazing, enabling far more colourful and complex prints than has previously been possible.

But it’s not just about multiple colour-mixing filaments. You can also use a huge amount of engineering materials because of the hardened nozzles and the actively heated chamber, so utilising ABS, ASA, PA, PC and carbon-filled composites is all perfectly possible.

Further supporting the flexibility over the way you print is that there are multiple nozzle sizes, including 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8 mm. But what makes a difference here is that you can optimise it to work using those different nozzles in one print. That means you can speed up the printing of the interior support structure with, say, a 0.6 or 0.8 mm nozzle and get that fine-quality finish on the exterior with a 0.2 or 0.4 mm nozzle. This is something very new.

There’s also been a range of feature enhancements for speed, with a maximum toolhead speed of 1,400 mm/s and acceleration of 25,000 mm/s². To keep up with that high-speed printing, the hotend flow rate of 40 mm³/s is also impressive, although these run to Bambu Lab’s own test conditions rather than what you’re actually going to see in the real world.

Something which I haven’t really been able to look at in any depth is the CraftTool support, and we’re starting to see Bambu Lab not only promote their machines for 3D printing but for other craft uses. This is what really made the H2D such an interesting machine. Potentially, in the near future, the CraftTools will enable automatic switching between compatible printing and crafting tools, so there will be blade cutting, drawing and debossing, but I’ll bring you more on that when I’ve been able to look at it properly.

As I mentioned in the Design section, Bambu Lab and, actually, quite a few of the other manufacturers are starting to take filtration seriously, and here we’ve got the H11 HEPA filter, granulated coconut-shell activated-carbon filter and an integrated chamber exhaust and circulation system. Bambu Lab actually even provided an air filter with the machine, which has been very handy, especially in quite a crowded workshop.

When it comes to features, the H3C is one of the most feature-packed printers to have come onto the market yet, but with all of those features comes an added level of complexity that could cause issues in the long run, and the only way to discover those is to ensure that, over the month of having this machine, it has been running almost constantly.

Bambu Lab H3C: Performance

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

As these 3D printers get more complex and the models that they’re able to produce become increasingly more elaborate, mixing not only colours but materials, the time it takes to fully test one of these machines is rapidly increasing.

Thankfully, Bambu Lab recognises that whilst machines are speeding up, when it comes to fully testing some of those mixed-filament options, it doesn’t just take hours; it takes days for each print to be produced. In order for you to run through all of the test prints provided, including rerouting different filaments, that all takes a considerable amount of time.

But thankfully, I’ve had this printer for almost six weeks, and through that time, there have only been brief periods where it has remained dormant. Otherwise, filament after filament has gone through, producing everything from pinhole cameras out of carbon-filled filament through to some quite incredible desktop speakers, thanks to the guys at printyourspeakers.com, and of course, the extremely elaborate models that the guys at Bambu Lab provided to test out this printer.

Before I go into that, I’ll just quickly run through the setup process of the machine, as whilst this machine looks extremely complex, the actual setup process is typically Bambu. Essentially, with the machine arriving in two boxes, the machine and a separate box for the AMS, it only took about half an hour before the machine was sitting proudly on the workbench, looking ready to produce its first print.

The instructions are pretty clearly laid out, and as you’d expect, the large 5-inch touchscreen gives you all the information you need. Once everything is plugged in and connected, you then simply load the filament, and it’s pretty much set to go. However, as always, that complexity comes with a large extra step.

First, you download and install the firmware, which all ran through nice and quickly, but then it was on to the full setup calibration. Whilst it doesn’t actually take any involvement from yourself other than clicking a couple of buttons, it does take about an hour, and when you have a machine of this size and potential in front of you, that wait is slightly agonising but unfortunately essential.

Once the machine had run through its copious amount of checks and all the nozzles had been calibrated, it was time to run through the first set of prints, and here I had three different options. Firstly, those pre-installed on the machine in the 64 GB internal storage; the second was my usual test prints; and the third was the additional files that Bambu Lab had provided to fully test out the system.

I opted for the quick run of those prints in storage just to check whether the calibration had worked and everything was printing correctly, and sure enough, print after print came off the print bed without issue, mixing the colours beautifully into pretty good-quality standard prints. All of these that I started with initially were PLA and mainly ends of reels from previous reviews.

Then it was on to my own test prints, and again, the accuracy and precision of the printer really stood out, and I was also impressed with the relative speed. One of the big points here is that the tool-changing system, as I saw with the INDX, vastly increases print speeds when compared with the H2C, which is a machine that I actively always have set up and running.

The speeds with this new system are again slightly faster. A quick test of those print speeds on the H3C, printing the two-tone tree frog in large, took two hours and three minutes, with about eight minutes taken for the preparation time and the rest on the actual model printing. This compared with almost three hours on the H2C, and whilst it was far faster on the preparation and checks at just under six minutes, the print time was closer to two hours and 50 minutes. Finally, comparing it with the H2D, surprisingly, it put in a similar time to the H2C.

As I ran through the test, the speed of the machine was the first thing that really stood out, and with a relatively large print bed as well, I was able to print large projects with absolute ease. Support structures went in nice and easily, and I always use PLA support, although as I started to venture into Bambu Lab’s own models, I realised the standard PLA support was just not delicate enough for what was needed, and PVA support, which could be washed away, would have been a better option.

Through my own models, there were quite a few different projects that I wanted to really give a go. The first was a pinhole camera that I had designed for some lectures and was small. It's a good way to test out dimensional accuracy, as I had to drop in a brass-sheet pinhole lens that I had designed and make it tripod-mountable, with brass inserts used for the screw thread.

As the box also had to be lightproof, dimensional accuracy due to the fitting and removing of a lightproof back was also essential, and using a carbon-filled filament with solid infill just ensured that the whole box would stay lightproof. I also had to feature a sliding shutter mechanism that would cover the brass aperture, so again, quality of surface printing as well as dimensional accuracy was absolutely essential.

After running several iterations of the design, I came up with the final product and tested it in the studio with success, producing small prints onto photographic paper through a 0.3 mm aperture. The quality of the print and success of the project just highlighted the first bit of flexibility with this machine and its design.

The next was to call on somebody with a lot more experience with high-quality and precision engineering 3D design, and the guys at Print Your Speakers provided me with the Supersonic MK3 desktop speaker kit to give this new printer a go. There were several angles that I wanted to fully test that no other printer would be able to do.

The first was obviously to print speakers using PLA for the outer, but then rather than having PLA infill, I wanted it to be TPU in order to help absorb some of the sound. I also wanted to be able to swap between nozzle sizes, all of which took a little bit of experimentation, and at present this is an area of the systems use that I will have to come back to, as at the moment I haven't had any success. I then tested a straight PLA box against the PLA and TPU mixed box, and the difference in audio quality was apparent, with a far deeper sound from the more advanced material-mix option.

Having now tried a variety of different materials and options through the machine, I was pretty confident about setting off with some of Bambu Lab’s own models to fully test out its abilities. The first was the FROSTSPINE Dragon Bust 1015, which used a variety of materials and took a while to organise the different materials that were needed into the AMS and configure the system.

Printing this started to point out the big difference between the old Bambu Lab multi-filament AMS systems and this new iteration. It's far more complex, and along with the printing guides that helped guide you through the setup, there’s definitely a greater skill required to get the most out of this machine.

It took two or three initial attempts before that model rattled off the print bed, taking several days to complete. I then moved on to the hummingbird frame, which was a simple multi-filament PLA mix, and here I really started to see the full potential, being able to mix the colours to create colours that weren’t directly available from a single filament but only once they were blended together, and the results were spectacular.

The only thing was that I accidentally used PLA support rather than PVA support, so once the final model printed, which took several days, it was going to be a long process to break away all of that support. The intricacy and delicacy of many of the models that you’re now able to print on this machine far exceed what you’ve been able to do before.

Through this whole process, the one thing that became apparent was that this is a far more hands-on machine, and there is an obvious learning curve, especially working with all the different toolheads, nozzle sizes, bypass filament feeds and potentially additional CraftTools. This is a very feature-enhanced workshop machine at a price that will appeal to both enthusiasts and professionals.

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)Bambu Lab H3C: Final verdict

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

In those six weeks of testing, I feel like I’ve only just started to scrape the surface of what’s possible, but there are several key points that I’ve learnt through this test. The first is that if you just want to get straight into printing, then there are cheaper machines out there which will enable you to do that. So if you only print with up to four filaments, which most people do, then the complexity of this machine might be just a little bit above what you need.

But then, as you start to embrace all its options and capabilities, and if you’re willing to sit down and learn about how to mix materials, how to use those different nozzle sizes together and obviously all those different filament types, then you have a 3D printer that is really quite different from anything that’s come before and sets the tone for what’s coming up in the future.

Whilst there are more than passing similarities with the INDX system, what Bambu Lab has done here is to evolve what it had done with its previous multi-filament systems and, with this new option, create something that is far more advanced.

With that increasing complexity come its own issues, and through the process of this review, I did have occasions where I had to rerun the full calibration as one of the nozzles wasn’t quite sitting right. Then there’s the whole bypass reconfiguration of the filament feed, which does get quite complex, but once you’ve done it once, you basically allocate one toolhead to TPU, still leaving you with eight for all other filaments.

The options and possibilities for this machine are huge, and through this review, I’ve just been incredibly impressed with the overall quality. Each firmware update has fixed some of the issues that I was having early on, such as the RFID not recognising filament reels and, for some reason, the auto-feed system suddenly not auto-feeding. But after the update, those issues were fixed.

I also had, as you might be able to see on the speaker set, a slight issue with surface finish, but then that’s because I was experimenting with some of those more advanced features, and this was the first time that I had configured the whole process myself in the software. Later, small models printed with much better quality, but again, this is all part of that learning process. As it stands, this printer is a definite evolution of what’s possible and an exciting glimpse into the future of 3D printing.

Should I buy the Bambu Lab H3C 3D printer?Buy it if...

You want to print with multiple materials and nozzle sizes.

The H3C enables you to combine different materials and nozzle diameters in a single print, something that would be difficult or impossible to produce on more standard 3D printers.

You want faster, more efficient multicolour printing.

With nine PrintTools and material changes taking under six seconds, the H3C reduces the time swapping filaments.

Don't buy it if...

You just want a straightforward 3D printer.

The H3C has a steep learning curve, especially when mixing materials and nozzle sizes. For standard PLA printing, there are simpler, cheaper options.

You have limited space or a tight budget.

At £2,199 and over 36 kg, the H3C is a substantial investment unless you'll regularly use its advanced features.

For more models, I've tested the best 3D printers you can get right now.

Apple iPad mini 8.5-inch (2026) review: One-minute review

It's been a long time coming, but Apple has finally addressed more than a few people's wish lists with its latest-generation iPad mini. Yes, it's still the smallest iPad in terms of display size, not price, but this upgrade is really about the sum of its parts.

The jump to OLED is the headline upgrade, and paired with a thinner, lighter build and plenty of performance under the hood, it makes a big, big difference. The 8.5-inch Super Retina XDR display is an absolute joy to use; whether I'm watching a film, playing a game, editing photos, or just scrolling through iPadOS, everything looks fantastic.

If you've been holding out for an OLED iPad mini, this is the upgrade you've been waiting for. It's a major improvement, even without ProMotion, and the improved refresh responsiveness makes everyday scrolling and swiping feel that much more seamless.

The design is another big part of the story. At just 5.33mm thick and 254g, the iPad mini is deceptively slim and light. The mini was already the iPad I find easiest to take pretty much anywhere, but this new model is even more comfortable to hold and use for longer stretches. And while it might look familiar, there are some meaningful changes beyond the thinner build. The new IP67 rating adds welcome water and dust resistance, giving the mini more durability for everyday use, and giving you peace of mind if you're sharing it with family members.

It also packs plenty of power. The A20 Pro chip makes multitasking, photo editing, gaming, and even some of Apple's newer AI features, which demand a fair bit of power, feel effortless. Battery life has been solid in my testing, too, getting close to Apple's 10-hour claim, while the N1 chip brings Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread connectivity. If you opt for the Cellular model, you also get Apple's C2 modem.

Of course, all of this comes at a price. The iPad mini starts at $699, so it's certainly not the cheapest iPad in Apple's lineup. The model I've been testing is the 512GB Wi-Fi and Cellular version with the optional nano-texture display, which comes in at $1,099. That's a considerable investment for a tablet this size, but the mini has never really been about offering the lowest entry price. It's for people who want this particular screen size and the portability that comes with it, and Apple has now managed to squeeze a whole lot more value into this little package.

There are still a couple of things I'd like to see, most notably ProMotion and a more exciting selection of colors. But those small issues don't take away from how much I enjoy using this iPad. The OLED display makes a world of difference, the slimmer build is even better, and the combination of performance, battery life, and added durability makes this a seriously capable little tablet. If you're already a fan of the iPad mini, you'll love a lot about this generation.

Apple iPad mini 8.5-inch (2026) review: SpecsiPad mini 8.5-inch (2026) specs

iPad mini (2026)

Starting price

$699 / £699 / AU$1,099

Operating system

iPadOS 27

Chipset

A20 Pro

Storage

128GB / 256GB / 512GB

Display

8.5-inch Super Retina XDR display (OLED 2316 x 1512)

Cameras

12MP wide main, 12MP ultra-wide front

Battery

18.9Wh

Connectivity

Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread from Apple N1. 5G Sub-6Ghz and Gigabit LTE on Cellular models with Apple C2.

Weight

255g (Wi-Fi) / 263g (Cellular)

Dimensions

195.3mm x 132.6mm x 5.4mm

Apple iPad mini 8.5-inch (2026) review: Pricing and availability

Apple's new iPad mini starts at $699 / £699 / AU$1,099 for the Wi-Fi model, or $849 / £849 / AU$1,349 if you want Wi-Fi and Cellular. Apple began taking preorders on October 28, ahead of the tablet's official launch on November 6, 2026.

You can configure your iPad mini with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of storage. If you want Apple's nano-texture display, you'll need to choose either the 256GB or 512GB model, and that adds $100 / £100 / AU$200 to the price. Apple also includes a polishing cloth in the box with nano-texture models.

• Value score: 4 / 5

Apple iPad mini 8.5-inch (2026) review: Design

(Image credit: Jacob Krol/Future)

• Super light and thin
• This makes for more of an upgrade than you might expect from reading the specs
• Still the most portable iPad in the lineup

The new iPad mini is really, really thin — almost deceptively so — and won't weigh your hand down at all. At just 5.33mm thick and 254g, it's noticeably slimmer and lighter than the previous generation, which measured 6.35mm and weighed 295g.

The iPad mini has always been the most portable tablet in Apple's lineup, offering much of the full-size iPad experience in a much smaller package. That's still true here, but the latest model takes that portability even further. It's easy to hold in one hand while scrolling, throw into a bag for a trip to the cafe, and take pretty much anywhere. It's genuinely pocketable when you're wearing a jacket, and, interestingly, weighs less than an iPhone Duo.

The overall design hasn't changed dramatically, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. The slimmer build brings it even closer to offering that 'sheet-of-glass' look and feel, while also making it more comfortable to hold for longer viewing sessions. The display is larger, too, thanks to the slimmer bezels, so you're getting more screen without sacrificing that compact form factor.

On the front, Apple has moved the 12MP Center Stage camera so it's on the top edge when you're holding the mini in landscape orientation, aligning it with the rest of the iPad lineup. There's still no Face ID; Touch ID is built into the power button instead, and it works quickly to unlock the tablet and authorize purchases. The separate volume buttons sit nearby, with their orientation changing depending on how you're holding the iPad.

Flip it around and you'll find the centered Apple logo, rear camera, and Adaptive True Tone flash. The USB-C port is on the bottom when you're holding the mini in portrait mode, and a microphone sits near the Center Stage camera.

One thing you might notice is what's missing here: the speaker grilles. Apple has done away with those cutouts as part of its new Acoustic Audio system, which I'll get into more in the Audio section below. It makes for a much cleaner look, and the change also makes IP67 water and dust resistance possible — a first for the iPad mini, and a welcome addition. I've tested it with a little water, and the iPad stands up just fine; it's nice to know you can take it to the beach or use it in the rain. It's also some useful added durability for a tablet the whole family could easily use.

The one area where I'm a little less enthusiastic is the choice of colors. The A17 Pro iPad mini came in Blue and Purple, while here you can choose between Starlight and Midnight. I've been testing Midnight, which has a very dark blue look, but it does show fingerprints on the rear. Paired with Apple's new TechWoven Folio, though, it makes for a nice-looking setup.

• Design score: 4.5 / 5

Apple iPad mini 8.5-inch (2026) review: Display

(Image credit: Jacob Krol/Future)

• OLED display is a terrific addition
• Content looks exceptionally great here, with rich blacks and vibrant colors
• Nano-texture pairs really well with OLED and lets you use the iPad mini in any light

It feels like we've been asking Apple to bring an OLED display to the iPad mini for years — it's certainly been a wish of mine — and Apple finally delivered this year. Whether you're coming from the previous-generation iPad mini or older model, this is pretty close to a night-and-day experience.

The 8.5-inch Super Retina XDR display is an absolute joy to use. It's OLED, so blacks are properly inky, colors really pop, and everything looks fantastic. It's a great tablet for running through some tasks, drawing with the Apple Pencil, FaceTiming with family and friends, and especially for watching content.

Admittedly, it's only 0.2 inches larger than the previous display, so you're not getting much extra usable space. But the visuals are much more vibrant, everything looks crisper, and it's a more immersive view. At this size, it's made a real difference in my iPad mini experience.

I found myself editing photos in Pixelmator Pro and Apple's Photos app, drawing in Procreate, and playing games like Mini Metro and Mini Motorways to see how quickly visuals render and how much colors can pop. Watching films like Toy Story 5 or Moana on Disney+ was a blast, too, and the same goes for catching up on Ted Lasso on Apple TV. HDR content, in particular, benefits from the OLED panel, with more pronounced contrast and colors that really jump off the screen. This is a fantastic little movie-watching tablet.

The new mini also gets a brightness boost, with peak brightness reaching 1,200 nits for HDR and 600 nits in everyday use, up from 500 nits on the previous generation. You'll notice that difference indoors and outdoors, especially when watching HDR content. And when you're using the iPad mini outside, that extra brightness paired with NanoTexture makes a big difference.

Which brings us to the optional nano-texture upgrade. Available on the 256GB and 512GB models, it costs an extra $100 / £100 / AU$200, and adds Apple's proprietary, etched coating over the Super Retina XDR display. It's incredibly effective at reducing glare from both natural and artificial light sources, as well as reflections on the screen. Apple has brought this technology to several other products, including the iPad Pro, MacBooks, iMacs, and Studio Displays, and there's also a slightly different implementation on the iPhone Duo.

I've found nano-texture particularly useful in direct sunlight. It effectively mutes reflections and cuts down glare, making the display much easier to see when you're out and about. It also gives the screen a more paper-like feel, which makes using either the Apple Pencil Pro or Apple Pencil USB-C particularly nice. I've found myself bringing the iPad mini along to cafes and meetings to take notes, and its size makes it feel a little like carrying a classic Moleskine notebook.

(Image credit: Jacob Krol/Future)

It's not a cheap upgrade, and I haven't tested the standard glass and nano-texture versions side by side. But paired with a more portable iPad than the Air or Pro, and one that now has extra durability, it makes the mini even more enjoyable to use when you're out and about.

Another benefit of the move from LCD to OLED is better display responsiveness, even if the display here doesn't quite reach the 120Hz standard of ProMotion. Apple describes this as sub-pixel millisecond control, and in everyday use, scrolling and swiping feel a little more seamless than on the previous generation, and it does make the display feel that bit more fluid.

It's not, however, ProMotion. The iPad mini is still limited to a 60Hz refresh rate, rather than the super-smooth 120Hz you'll find on Apple's Pro models. As I've said in previous iPhone and iPad reviews, if you're not coming from a device with a higher refresh rate, you probably won't miss it. It's an odd omission here, especially at this starting price, but I've still found the iPad mini responsive in use, with no noticeable issues in everyday use.

All in all, the move to OLED makes a big difference. The new mini is a joy to watch content on, and even using iPadOS feels better on this display.

• Display score: 4.5 / 5

Apple iPad mini 8.5-inch (2026) review: Cameras

(Image credit: Jacob Krol/Future)

• A welcome move for the front-facing camera
• Still a 12MP main camera on the back

Like every other iPad in Apple's lineup, and most that came before it, the iPad mini has two cameras. Around the back is a 12MP wide camera paired with an Adaptive True Tone flash. It's nearly identical to the main camera on the previous-generation iPad mini, and if you do choose to take photos with the mini — and it's probably the most acceptable iPad for that — you'll get some good shots. I wouldn't expect it to rival an iPhone 18 Pro or even an iPhone Air, though.

The real upgrade is the camera built into the bezel around the front display. It's now a 12MP Center Stage camera, positioned centrally on the side of the iPad when you're using it in portrait mode, so that when you're holding it horizontally, it's in the right place for video calls. And when you pair the iPad mini with Apple's Folio Case or a third-party alternative, that's generally how you'll have it positioned when propped up.

Performance here is great for video calls, whether you're using Apple's own FaceTime or jumping into a Webex meeting, Slack huddle, or a Zoom or WhatsApp call. I looked clear and stayed in focus, but as someone who likes to walk and talk, I particularly appreciated Center Stage. As I moved around, the camera and onboard software worked together to keep me in the shot, using smart panning and zooming to follow my movements.

• Cameras score: 4 / 5

Apple iPad mini 8.5-inch (2026) review: Software

(Image credit: Jacob Krol/Future)

• Runs iPadOS 27 out of the box
• Full multitasking with windows is great on this form factor
• Support for two Apple Pencil models

The iPad mini is running iPadOS 27 out of the box, which certainly brings a lot more to the table than previous versions, particularly anything before iPadOS 26. For starters, the iPad mini supports the new Siri AI beta if you opt in and are in an eligible region. You also get the full windowed app experience that Apple introduced with iPadOS 26.

That means you can have several apps open at once, switch between them, and layer windows on top of each other. The mini's 8.5-inch display isn't the largest canvas for this kind of multitasking, but it feels surprisingly expansive, and can handle several apps at once.

Multitasking felt fast, and I often found myself using the iPad mini for more than just one thing at a time, ranging from streaming content or gaming to productivity tasks like emailing and web browsing. I also used it for creative pursuits, including journaling, drawing, and photo editing, as well as simply settling in with a good read.

(Image credit: Jacob Krol/Future)

What I really love about the size here is that, this iPad's name notwithstanding, this is not an especially small display. At 8.5 inches it's closer to the size of a classic notebook or book, so it actually feels pretty expansive, especially when you're working between different apps. Some days, though, I connected a keyboard and trackpad and plugged the iPad mini into an external display to give myself another window to work with.

That's a particularly welcome addition, because the mini is no longer limited to simply mirroring its display on an external monitor. You can also extend your workspace, which opens up even more possibilities for multitasking and getting things done.

I found myself pulling images and other assets from Photos, Files, and Messages, then dropping them straight into Pixelmator Pro. Moving between apps and juggling different windows felt effortless, and it's a good example of what the iPad mini can help you do beyond the usual browsing, streaming, and reading.

Of course, a lot of that comes down to the hardware under the hood. I'll touch on this more in the next section, but the iPad mini runs Apple's A20 Pro chip, from the same family of processors as those powering the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Duo. However, performance differs depending on which storage configuration you choose, so it's worth looking a little closer.

• Software score: 4 / 5

Apple iPad mini 8.5-inch (2026) review: Performance

(Image credit: Jacob Krol/Future)

• A20 Pro is very, very fast
• Plenty of a runway for demanding tasks
• You'll need to pay more for the best version of the chip

As I mentioned above, the iPad mini runs Apple's A20 Pro chip, but there's a tale of two chips here. I've been testing the 512GB model with Wi-Fi and Cellular, which gets the full-fat version of Apple's latest silicon.

If you opt for the 128GB or 256GB configurations, you get a five-core CPU (two super cores and three efficiency cores), a seven-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. The 512GB version, meanwhile, comes equipped with a six-core CPU (two super cores and four efficiency cores), the same seven-core GPU, and a Dual 16-core Neural Engine. That's the same chip configuration as in the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and iPhone Duo, while the lower-storage models get a slightly more binned-down version.

I don't suspect those extra CPU cores will make a night-and-day difference for most everyday tasks. You might see more of a benefit with particularly processor-intensive workloads or when running more AI locally on-device, but for the vast majority of people even the lower-storage iPad minis should feel plenty fast.

(Image credit: Jacob Krol/Future)

This is the second generation of iPad mini to get a Pro chip option, and it enables the tablet to tackle higher-performance tasks with ease. In Geekbench 7, my review unit scored 3,998 in single-core tests and 11,485 for multi-core. In Geekbench 6, it scored 4,720 and 12,697, respectively. Those are very impressive results, particularly compared with the scores for the previous-generation iPad mini, which scored 2,829 in single-core and 6,938 in multi-core in Geekbench 6.

Those are impressive numbers on paper, and in real-world testing over the past seven days, the iPad mini has been a champ. Apps open incredibly quickly, photo edits happen without a hitch, and even more demanding tasks, like using the Super Resolution option in Pixelmator Pro, and other power-hungry image upscaling tools, felt effortless. Everything feels very, very responsive, and I haven't found myself waiting around for the iPad mini to catch up.

I also put the Apple Intelligence features through their paces, including Clean Up and Expand Images in Photos, alongside multimodal requests with the new Siri AI beta. I tried a few third-party apps with AI-powered features, too. These are the kinds of tasks where having Apple's latest silicon and Neural Engine come into play, and the iPad mini handled my testing without any noticeable slowdown.

• Performance score: 4.5 / 5

Apple iPad mini 8.5-inch (2026) review: Battery & connectivity

(Image credit: Jacob Krol/Future)

• A lot of mileage for a mini iPad
• Impressive results in our battery test
• Apple's C2 modem serves up faster connectivity

Apple continues to promise all-day battery life with the iPad mini: up to 10 hours of web browsing over Wi-Fi or video, and up to nine hours of web browsing over a cellular data connection. Inside is an 18.9-watt-hour rechargeable lithium-polymer battery, and in my testing I've found it lasts close to 10 hours, depending on what I'm doing.

That's a pretty good result, especially considering the upgraded display. I suspect the OLED panel is more efficient, and paired with the A20 Pro, it makes for a nice combination. In Future PLC's lab battery test, the new iPad mini lasted an impressive 14 hours and 24 minutes. That's a substantial improvement over the previous generation, which managed 10 hours and 36 minutes in the same test.

Connectivity also gets a meaningful upgrade. The iPad mini features Apple's N1 chip, which supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. If you opt for the Cellular model you'll also get Apple's C2 modem, which the company says offers up to 50% faster speeds compared to its previous modem.

I've been testing the cellular connection on Verizon's network in the US, with access to 5G, and it's performed pretty well. Throughout New Jersey, I tracked download speeds ranging from 600 to 1,200Mbps, with upload speeds around 35 to 62Mbps. That's plenty for streaming, downloading files, browsing, and staying connected when I'm away from Wi-Fi.

• Battery and connectivity score: 4 / 5

Apple iPad mini 8.5-inch (2026) review: Should you buy it?Apple iPad mini 8.5-inch (2026) review scorecard

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Value

Even with the price increase, you're getting a lot of tablet for your money.

4 / 5

Design

Thinner and lighter, but keeps the classic, ultraportable design the iPad mini is known for.

4.5 / 5

Display

OLED finally arrives on an iPad mini, and the display is excellent, even without ProMotion.

4.5 / 5

Cameras

CenterStage is in the right spot for the front-facing camera, and makes the iPad mini even better for video calls.

4 / 5

Software

iPadOS 27 is still feature-packed, offering true multitasking support, and the iPad mini takes full advantage of this software.

4 / 5

Performance

The A20 Pro makes light work of pretty much every task.

4.5 / 5

Battery and connectivity

Plenty of battery life, with some welcome connectivity upgrades.

4 / 5

Buy it if...

You've been waiting for a better screen
The jump to OLED makes a significant difference for both viewing content and day-to-day use — combined with iPadOS, this display shines.View Deal

You want an ultraportable iPad that doesn't skimp on performance
With one of Apple's newest chips and a super-slim, premium build, the iPad mini feels responsive and comfortable to hold for long periods — this will remain a powerful iPad for years to come.View Deal

Don't buy it if...

You don't want to break the bank
The iPad mini starts at $699 / £699 / AU$1,099, and upgrades can quickly put that price over $1,000 / £1,000 / AU$1,450.View Deal

Apple iPad mini 8.5-inch (2026) review: How I testedWhy you can trust TechRadar

☑️ 100s of tablets reviewed
☑️ 15 years of product testing
☑️ Over 16,000 products reviewed in total
☑️ Nearly 200,000 hours testing tech

I've been using iPads since the original launched, so I've seen Apple's smallest tablet evolve quite a bit over the years. I've been testing the 512GB Wi-Fi and Cellular version of the iPad mini (8th Generation with A20 Pro) in Midnight, with the optional NanoTexture finish, for the past seven days.

During that time, I've put it through its paces with a range of apps across entertainment, creative, and productivity, while also exploring many of the features in iPadOS 27. I've also used it with Apple's new TechWoven Folio, alongside both the Apple Pencil USB-C and Apple Pencil Pro, to get a feel for how well the mini works for everyday use, creativity, and getting things done.

First reviewed: November 2026

Liquid Web has been operating since 1997. It focuses on infrastructure for businesses, agencies, developers, and high-traffic sites. Its range centers on cloud VPS, managed VPS, dedicated servers, managed WordPress, and WooCommerce rather than the cheap shared-hosting bundles sold by mainstream hosts. That specialization gives it more depth than most providers, but also makes plan selection and pricing more complicated.

• Interested in Liquid Web? Check out the website here

Liquid Web: Plans and pricing

Liquid Web offers a variety of premium hosting solutions though VPS is its specialty (Image credit: Liquid Web // Future)

The entry Cloud VPS configuration quoted by Liquid Web's sales team uses one CPU core, 2GB of RAM, 60GB of SSD storage, and 2TB of bandwidth for $11 a month.

It is self-managed, with no control panel or backups, and the Amsterdam location costs the same as the US option. That is a reasonable raw-server price, but customers are responsible for the operating system, security, updates, and applications.

Pricing requires care. Liquid Web's public VPS page was still advertising a $5 1GB plan when I checked, but a sales agent said that plan was no longer available and directed me to the current $11 configuration.

A separate promotion reduced a 4GB, two-vCPU server from $17 to $8.50 for its first two months. The discounts are clearly labeled once found, but the mismatch between the landing page and the live sales information is unnecessarily confusing.

The low base price changes dramatically when Liquid Web's signature services are added. Sales confirmed that the 2GB server with full management and cPanel Admin Cloud 5 costs $86 a month in total. The least expensive Acronis option adds another $22 for 100GB, bringing that setup to $108 a month. Its default retention is seven daily, four weekly, and one monthly backup, and the schedule can be adjusted. Liquid Web's public managed VPS range starts at $72 a month for two vCPUs, 4GB of RAM, 80GB of SSD storage, and 3TB of bandwidth, before any separately priced options.

Managed WordPress is much cheaper. Spark Launch starts at $5 a month when billed annually and supports one site, 15GB of storage, and 2TB of bandwidth, with unlimited visits, daily backups retained for seven days, staging, Cloudflare Enterprise, DDoS protection, and a web application firewall. This is the more approachable choice for one WordPress site; VPS makes sense when the workload or need for server-level control justifies the extra complexity.

There is no free Cloud VPS trial, and sales confirmed that monthly Cloud VPS purchases are generally non-refundable. That is a material disadvantage when the useful managed configurations cost far more than their headline server price. Customers should finalize the location, management tier, panel, and backup requirements before ordering.

Liquid Web: Ease of use

Liquid Web's configurator provides unusually granular choices. Depending on the product, customers can select the server size, data center, operating system, self-managed, core managed, or fully managed support, and a control panel such as InterWorx, Plesk, or cPanel. Self-managed customers retain root access and handle administration themselves. Fully managed support adds operating system and control panel updates, security patches, monitoring, server-side troubleshooting, firewall configuration, and help with common software.

There is no demo account for exploring the customer portal before purchase. Even so, our hands-on VPS testing found the management interface clear and intuitive. Installing WordPress was straightforward, the AI site-building tool made it easy to create a starting point, and importing a prepared WordPress and WooCommerce site worked without the credential and database confusion encountered with InMotion Hosting.

Liquid Web also offers a dedicated migration team. On managed services, it can move website content, email, databases, and control panel accounts while coordinating the process to minimize downtime. That hands-on assistance is one reason to pay for management, particularly for agencies or businesses moving a revenue-generating site. Domain registration is not bundled with the server, and Liquid Web is not the natural choice for someone who wants a domain, email, site builder, and hosting in one inexpensive package.

Liquid Web: Speed and experience

We used GTmetrix to test the uptime and response time of Liquid Web's main site (Image credit: GTmetrix)

Performance is where Liquid Web makes its strongest case. In our WordPress server benchmark, which measures CPU, memory, file operations, database performance, and network speed, Liquid Web produced an overall server score of 8.1 compared with InMotion Hosting's 6.1.

It scored 10 for small-file I/O, 9.66 for local file copying and access, 9.72 for simple database queries, 9.64 for complex database queries, and 9.53 in the network download test. Those are excellent results for a business-focused VPS and support its position as our best VPS host overall.

Our broader testing has been similarly positive. Liquid Web's main website earned an A and 100% performance score in GTmetrix, although its 6.8-second full load time showed why a single headline grade should not be read in isolation.

In a separate two-week UptimeRobot test of the same public site, we recorded no downtime and an average response time of around 107ms. These tests measure different aspects of performance, but both point to a fast and dependable platform.

Liquid Web backs its infrastructure with a 100% network uptime SLA. The wording matters: it guarantees that major routing devices in its network remain reachable from the global internet, rather than promising that every application will run without interruption. Even with that distinction, the guarantee is stronger than the 99.9% or 99.99% figures common among general-purpose hosts.

Liquid Web: Support

(Image credit: Liquid Web // Future)

Support is available 24/7/365, with the scope depending on the chosen management tier. Self-managed customers receive network and hardware support, while core managed and fully managed plans progressively add operating system maintenance, monitoring, troubleshooting, panel support, and software assistance. The documentation is extensive, and customers can use live chat or open a support case from the portal.

My pre-sales check produced a human acknowledgment in 20 seconds, comfortably inside Liquid Web's advertised 59-second initial response target. The first substantive answer arrived after about four minutes. The agent clearly confirmed that the old $5 plan was unavailable, that Amsterdam carried no location surcharge, and that the $11 server included neither management, a control panel, nor backups.

After correcting a price typo, the agent confirmed the $86 total for the 2GB VPS with full management and cPanel, the $22 Acronis option, its retention schedule, and the lack of a standard refund. The answers were detailed rather than evasive, and the agent supplied configuration and policy links.

Sales also confirmed that Liquid Web still promotes a 59-second response target, although its current SLA describes initial chat and help-desk response times as goals rather than guarantees. I liked the directness of the exchange, even if the four-minute wait for a full answer shows that a fast initial response is not the same as an immediate resolution.

Liquid Web: The competition

ScalaHosting is the more approachable managed VPS alternative. Its SPanel ecosystem bundles many hosting-management tasks into a lower-cost package and suits users who want to avoid cPanel licensing fees.

In our direct WordPress benchmark comparison, ScalaHosting scored 8.3 against Liquid Web's 8.1, so performance was closely matched rather than a clear Liquid Web victory. Liquid Web offers deeper infrastructure choices and a broader high-end range, but the price difference becomes substantial once equivalent management, panel, and backup options are selected.

Cloudways takes a different approach by managing servers from infrastructure providers such as DigitalOcean, Vultr, AWS, and Google Cloud. It is easier to enter at a moderate monthly cost and is especially attractive for WordPress, but it does not offer cPanel and does not provide the same conventional managed-server relationship. Liquid Web is the stronger fit when infrastructure control, migration help, and an experienced server support team matter more than the lowest monthly bill.

Liquid Web: Final verdict

Liquid Web remains one of the best choices for businesses that need a serious VPS rather than a cheap hosting account. Its benchmark results are excellent, its server configurations are flexible, and its support team gives specific, technically useful answers. Those strengths justify its position as our best VPS host overall for demanding sites, agencies, and customers who value managed infrastructure.

It is not the best-value option for everyone. The $11 entry server is a bare self-managed configuration, the website still shows a discontinued $5 offer, Cloud VPS purchases are generally non-refundable, and a representative managed configuration can exceed $100 once cPanel and backups are included. Beginners with one modest WordPress site should consider the managed WordPress range or a conventional shared host instead.

Choose Liquid Web when performance, configuration freedom, migration assistance, and capable support are worth paying for. Choose ScalaHosting or Cloudways when easier entry pricing matters more. Liquid Web earns four stars because its premium experience is convincing, but its pricing needs to be read all the way through the configurator rather than judged by the headline figure.

Back in 2000, Bandai Namco published the third game in the beloved Tales series, Tales of Eternia. It was received very well at launch, being praised for its high-octane action combat, charming cast, and humorous script — though the Western versions on the original PlayStation and PSP were held back by their omission of skits (character-driven dialogue scenes) and slightly subpar voice acting. But now, Tales of Eternia Remastered — developed by TOSE Co. — is here, aiming to remedy these issues and refine the game for a modern audience.

Review info

Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2
Available on: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X and Series S, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch
Release date: October 16, 2026

I’ve spent just north of 30 hours with Tales of Eternia Remastered, playing through the main story, completing side quests, and exploring the realms of Inferia and Celestia.

So, how effectively does this remaster bring a JRPG classic into the modern era? And is it truly worth playing? Here’s my verdict.

Gimme a Boost!

(Image credit: Bandai Namco)

I’ll speak about the core Tales of Eternia experience in good time, but it only seems right to discuss the new stuff that this remaster brings to the table first.

Arguably the main thing is the inclusion of Boost Function. This enables you to tailor your experience to your specific wants and needs, with highlights including a random encounter toggle, difficulty options, an increased item capacity setting, and an EXP gain adjuster.

My personal favorite feature was the option to restore TP (which you consume when using skills) when camping, which made grinding feel a lot more fluid and easier to manage.

The Boost Function suite is filled to the brim, and really helps to make the title more approachable for newcomers. My only real complaint here is that I would’ve loved the option to map a function — such as disabling enemy encounters — to one of the buttons on my Nintendo Switch 2. Having to open the main menu, go into the Customize Section, and then the Boost Function felt a touch clunky.

Best bit

(Image credit: Bandai Namco)

Defeating the Greater Craymel, Celsius, was by far one of the most rewarding moments for me. She was giving me a lot of trouble by evading my Artes and freezing my healers into submission, but after switching up my formation and strategy, I was able to best her in a true battle for the ages.

There’s a lot more to uncover, though. For instance, you can switch between remastered and original graphics and sound effects, which is sure to satisfy newcomers and long-time fans.

The visual enhancements are relatively light overall. This isn’t a transformative overhaul, and some environments still look a little rough around the edges. But still, the remaster does illuminate some previously obscured details. As you can see in the images below, detailing on the statues is far more intricate, and foliage looks sharper in the remastered graphics mode. And while some may prefer the original pixel sprites, I think the remaster does a good job of cleaning them up a bit while keeping them faithful to the original artwork.

Original graphics modeBandai NamcoRemastered graphics modeBandai Namco

While we’re on the topic of visuals, I unfortunately have a complaint to make: the cutscenes look pretty poor. They’ve been placed into widescreen, and it looks as if a filter has been applied; the results are underwhelming — characters and backgrounds lack clarity and definition, laying bare the limitations of the original material.

That’s a nitpick, of course, and most elements of this remaster still hit the spot. For example, the newly recorded English voice acting is great, and each character’s personality shines through perfectly. Skits are finally here in the West, too, providing plenty of humorous and emotional moments when camping or resting.

Objective icons are also introduced, which point you in the direction of the main story objective or side quests. I really appreciated this, especially as I didn’t want to miss out on side content, but if you want to figure everything out for yourself, you can swiftly switch it off in the Customize menu.

An underrated classic, reborn

(Image credit: Bandai Namco)

So, while it’s not flawless, the remaster of this title is solid overall and successfully makes this classic more palatable for modern audiences. But just how fun is the core game in the big 2026?

I’ll lay my cards on the table: I had a spectacular time with Tales of Eternia Remastered. This was actually my first time playing the game — after all, I wasn’t even born when it was initially released. In spite of that, there was something so nostalgic about it, the warm, charming world and excellent cast totally captured my attention, and I found myself pouring countless hours into the game every single day.

Something that stood out for me was the writing. Yes, the main narrative is nothing special — the world is in danger, and a group of young heroes needs to defy the odds to save everybody. But it’s the characters that make this experience so special.

For the most part, you'll spend your time with four key heroes. Reid is a reluctant protagonist who seems to be dragged into the chaos at every turn, Farah is a contemplative, complex young woman learning herself as the story unfolds, Keele is a stuck-up academic type who delivers some hilarious moments, and Meredy is a caring and curious foreign stranger who the crew slowly begins to understand in their quest to prevent disaster.

The cast isn’t weighed down by the tired tropes and lazy writing that a lot of JRPGs faced at the time, and each party member is highly memorable.

(Image credit: Bandai Namco)

But how about the actual gameplay? Well, the combat is pretty unique. It manifests in the form of a fighter-RPG hybrid, with a large focus on reactive action-based commands. While the combat certainly takes some getting used to and the movement can feel a little janky at times, battling your foes feels incredibly addictive. Chaining Artes together to deliver devastating combos and tinkering with formations or skills to get past tough boss battles is highly rewarding, and even random encounters gave me huge satisfaction.

The game is undoubtedly challenging, but delivering a finishing blow makes your struggle feel worth it. And if you do fall to your foes, a retry battle option is at hand to dive right back into the action.

There’s not too much grinding required, either. I kept random encounters on for the vast majority of my playthrough, and that gave me plenty of experience for big boss fights. If you do want to grab some extra experience, though, you can switch Auto mode on and have your team fight for you, helping you avoid same-y skirmishes.

Outside of battle, things are decent too. You can explore the world for items and treasure to bolster your stats, venture into shops to grab stronger gear, and even take on a few minigames. Exploration is highly gratifying as well, and you’ll often find weapons that come in handy for specific areas or recipes that restore your HP or TP when you’re running low.

A small complaint I have, though, is that movement feels clunky in the overworld. You need to be very precise if you want to move diagonally, and dragging items like statues could feel a bit awkward at times. This is still a relatively minor issue overall, but in tighter areas, the old-school movement did cause me some minor frustration.

I also have to say that the minigames, in general, are pretty bad. They typically control fine, but don’t feel very fun to play at all. Luckily, you can skip these if you’d prefer, which I often did. It was cool to see mouse mode integration for minigames on Nintendo Switch 2, though, which worked a treat in my experience.

Speaking of my experience on Switch 2, let’s take a moment to talk about performance. Tales of Eternia Remastered runs in 4K when playing docked and 1080p in handheld, with smooth 60fps across both modes — perhaps to be expected for a less demanding title like this. I didn’t notice any technical hiccups or frame drops during my whole playthrough, so Switch 2 is certainly a top-tier destination for this remaster.

(Image credit: Bandai Namco)

So let’s address those questions I posed in the intro. Is Tales of Eternia Remastered a worthy modern take on this classic entry? For me, the answer is yes.

Some things could’ve been better: the visual enhancements are relatively light, cutscenes look a bit underwhelming, and I would’ve liked a shortcut button for disabling enemy encounters. But the Boost Function provides so much flexibility, the new English dub is great, and the ability to retry battles in an instant keeps the game's pace feeling fast and fluid.

And at a core level, this is a great game with a lot to offer, in spite of a few dated elements. The combat, while very much of its time, remains fun and surprisingly strategic; the cast is highly memorable, with skits adding some welcome depth, and exploration is rewarding too.

All in all, I had a blast with Tales of Eternia Remastered, and JRPG fanatics are sure to find a lot to love here.

Should you play Tales of Eternia Remastered?

(Image credit: Bandai Namco)Play it if...

You appreciate a challenge
Tales of Eternia is a fairly challenging game, with some daunting boss fights scattered throughout the experience. I had to retry a fair few times when battling against the mightiest foes, but there’s even a hard and extreme mode if you truly want to test yourself.

You want to play a JRPG that doesn’t overstay its welcome
As a huge JRPG fan, I know that this genre has a tendency to demand an awful lot of your time. But Tales of Eternia hits a real sweet spot. It takes around 25-30 hours to finish (unless you’re a true completionist), and is well-paced throughout, making it a far more approachable title than a lot of other games in this space.

Don't play it if...

You’re expecting a modern Tales experience
Tales of Eternia Remastered remains very faithful to the original, and you’re still getting that 2D action-based combat of yesteryear. It’s not as fluid and free-flowing as modern Tales combat systems, so if that’s what you’re after, it may be worth looking elsewhere.

You want top-tier visuals
Of course, this is a remaster rather than a remake, so this entry isn't aiming to supply a striking visual overhaul. Even still, the visuals are a bit of a mixed bag; the cutscenes aren’t handled very well, and the in-game graphical enhancements, while decent, aren’t exactly transformative.

Accessibility features

There are a number of ways to customize your experience in Tales of Eternia Remastered. You can turn subtitles on or off, choose to auto-advance text, remap buttons to suit your preferences, and alter difficulty. While there’s no colorblind mode, in-game elements that previously required color-based identification have been redesigned around visual elements unrelated to color.

How I reviewed Tales of Eternia Remastered

(Image credit: Bandai Namco)

I spent just over 30 hours with Tales of Eternia Remastered, during which time I played through the main story, completed a handful of side quests, and tried out all of the various Boost Function features.

For the most part, I played the game in docked mode, with my Nintendo Switch 2 hooked up to the Sky Glass Gen 2 TV and Marshall Heston 120 soundbar. However, I did dip into handheld mode from time to time, and used the Sennheiser CX 80U wired earbuds to enjoy in-game audio.

More generally, I’ve covered a huge array of games here at TechRadar, where I serve as a Senior Reviews Writer. I’ve reviewed a number of JRPGs, including Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter and Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake, as well as Switch 2 exclusives such as Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave and Nintendo Switch Sports Resort.

First reviewed October 2026

Meaco Sefte Tower Fan 19-inch review

In 2026, we experienced a record-hot summer in the UK, as did a lot of other countries around the world. As a result, people were rushing online to pick up a new fan to prevent themselves from struggling with the intense heat. But for many, their efforts were in vain: mass shortages shocked the nation, leaving many struggling to cool down.

As a result, it may be well worth grabbing a fan sooner rather than later, in order to avoid potential shortages that could hit consumers in 2027. And I’ve just tested a new fan that I consider to be a top option for dealing with scorching temperatures, the Meaco Sefte Tower Fan 19-inch.

Like a lot of the best fans, this Meaco model offers a wide variety of power modes that can suit any situation. There are 12 power levels to be exact, with the lowest providing a subtle yet satisfying breeze, and the highest delivering a mighty, ultra-cool blast. I found performance to be consistently strong across all power levels, with strong coverage from the top to the base of the model.

What’s more, this tower fan is a fairly quiet operator. While not quite silent at lower levels, you’ll only hear a very light whirring noise, which is ideal if you like to keep the fan on while falling asleep. It has to be said, though, that as you ascend into the upper tiers of power, the fan does make a fair bit of noise. There’s a slight hissing sound, and the gust of wind naturally comes through with considerable impact. This is understandable, however, at the top level, and the fan is otherwise softly spoken.

(Image credit: Future)

Something that I really liked about the Meaco Sefte Tower Fan is its wide coverage. It can oscillate 180 degrees horizontally, making it a great choice if you want to cool everyone on your couch, for instance. It doesn’t oscillate up and down, but as a tower fan it already offers plenty of vertical coverage.

One more thing that makes this fan a hit is its excellent ease-of-use. It comes with a remote, but also has built-in touch controls that were perfectly responsive for me when testing. You can use the touch controls to turn the fan on or off, adjust power levels, control oscillation, and set a timer. There’s also a button that enables you to switch modes between Standard, Night (which mutes interface audio and gradually brings the fan’s speed down), and Eco (which automatically adjusts fan speed depending on room temperature).

The only thing that potentially holds the user experience back is the lack of a companion app. This fan has no Wi-Fi capabilities or companion software, meaning that you’ll have to stick with the remote or touch controls. Given this model’s relatively modest price, this sacrifice is understandable, but I would’ve liked the option to control the fan from my phone.

You won’t have to make too many sacrifices with this fan overall, though. Yes, its plasticky build doesn’t exactly scream premium, but it’s slim, meaning it won’t take up too much space on your table or desk, and feels relatively durable too. It’s also easy to take apart for cleaning or maintenance, and I liked the display on the fan that shows room temperature.

So, is the Meaco Sefte Tower Fan 19-inch worth the money? At £69.99 (about $90 / AU$130), I think the answer is yes. You’re not getting premium features like misting and app support but, for the price, you get adaptable and impressive performance, strong coverage, and tight touch controls, which make it ideal for using on a hot summer’s day. If you need misting, or just want to check out some strong alternatives, though, make sure to head down to the ‘also consider’ section.

(Image credit: Future)Meaco Sefte Tower Fan 19-inch review: price & release date

• Priced at £69.99 (about $90 / AU$130)
• Released in August 2026

The Meaco Sefte Tower Fan 19-inch was released in August 2026 alongside the larger Meaco Sefte Tower Fan 36-inch. It can be purchased in the UK and select European markets, but is not directly solid in the US or Australia. This tower fan will set you back £69.99 (about $90 / AU$130), making it a relatively budget-friendly option for its size, coverage, and quality.

Meaco Sefte Tower Fan 19-inch review: specs

Speeds

12

Oscillation

180 degrees horizontal

Weight

5.5lbs / 2.5kg

Dimensions

19.3 x 6.5 x 7.1 inches / 490 x 165 x 180mm

Control

Touch

Timer

Yes

Modes

Normal, Night, Eco

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the Meaco Sefte Tower Fan 19-inch?

Attribute

Notes

Score

Features

12 speeds, a handful of modes, no app control or fancy features like misting.

3.5/5

Performance

Powerful performance, wide oscillation, generally quiet outside of top speed levels.

4/5

Design

A bit plasticky, but slim, great controls and ease of use.

4/5

Value

A good quality fan that’s available at a tempting, modest price-point.

4.5/5

Buy it if…

You’re looking for a quiet operator
When using a fan at night, the last thing you want to be subjected to is a loud whirring noise. But luckily, this Meaco fan is a quiet operator, and will keep you chilled without making a racket — so long as you’re not using it at the top power levels.

You need wide coverage
If you want to keep the whole family cool, this fan is a top option. It can oscillate 180 degrees horizontally, meaning everyone on the couch will get some of that sweet cold air.

Don’t buy it if…

You need misting
This model doesn’t have any misting capabilities, so you won’t get that extra chill when using it. If you want mess-free misting, be sure to check out some of my recommendations in the ‘also consider’ section.

You’d like app controls
As one of the more budget-friendly options in its size-class, the Meaco Sefte Tower Fan cuts back in a few areas here and there. One of those is the lack of Wi-Fi and app support, so if you’re looking for smart-home integrations, it may be better to look elsewhere.

Meaco Sefte Tower Fan 19-inch review: also consider

Dreo Smart Misting Fan 516S
This is the fan I use at home and I absolutely love it. It produces fine, mess-free mist with ultra-cool winds, the water tank depletes fairly slowly, and it can be controlled via an easy-to-use app. It’s not quite as big as this Meaco fan, and doesn’t have quite as wide a range of horizontal oscillation, but it’s a great option for cooling yourself down in the warmer months. Read my full Dreo Smart Misting Fan 516S review.

Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo
This one also has misting capabilities, but can be used cordless, and is satisfyingly lightweight, making it a spectacular all-round option. It doesn’t oscillate and there’s no remote control included, but we’re big… ahem... fans of this personal cooling solution. Read our full Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo review.

How I tested the Meaco Sefte Tower Fan 19-inch

(Image credit: Future)

• Tested across a two-week period
• Made use of all settings and features
• Used in a controlled environment at Future Labs

I spent two weeks with the Meaco Sefte Tower Fan 19-inch, using it in a controlled environment here at Future Labs.

Across this period, I tested all of the fan’s features, and made sure to try the fan in Night and Eco mode, as well as its standard setting. In addition, I tested all 12 of the power settings in order to assess noise levels and overall performance.

More generally, I’ve tested tons of gadgets here at TechRadar, where I serve as a Senior Reviews Writer. I’ve covered home and lifestyle products including fans like the Dreo Smart Misting Fan 516S, as well as audio gear, video games, and more.

• Read TechRadar’s reviews guarantee
• First reviewed: October 2026

Dreame Ecceluxe Go: 30-second review

The Dreame Ecceluxe Go is a compact, cordless espresso machine that’s ideal for camping trips, hikes, and any excursions where you don’t have ready access to a stove or kettle. That’s because, unlike most portable coffee makers, the Ecceluxe Go heats the water itself, after which its small but powerful pump extracts your shot of espresso.

The brewer itself is smaller than most travel mugs, and comes in a smart carry case with a set of adapters that are compatible with three different types of coffee capsules, plus loose grounds. For the easiest brewing, just insert a Nespresso Original, Nestlé Dolce Gusto, or ESE (Easy Serve Espresso) pod into the appropriate adapter and you’re ready to begin.

Brewing with cold water takes about six minutes, and you can brew two or three times on a single charge. If you do have access to hot water, however, you can switch to direct brewing mode, which uses water directly from the water tank, and brews much faster.

It’s an excellent and very thoughtfully designed little brewer that’s much more versatile than other portable espresso machines I’ve tested. My only real complaint is that it’s easy to accidentally hit the touch-sensitive control button when handling and setting it up.

Dreame has yet to announce a price for the Ecceluxe Go, so I have rated the device based solely on design and performance. I will update this review with a value score when the price is published.

(Image credit: Future)Dreame Ecceluxe Go: price and availability

• Launching in Spain and Portugal first, followed by the US
• No UK launch planned at present
• Price to be announced

The Dreame Ecceluxe Go is expected to launch in Spain and Portugal by the end of 2026, although the exact date has yet to be confirmed. It should launch in the US shortly after, but there's no UK or Australian launch planned at the moment. No pricing details are available yet.

Dreame Ecceluxe Go: specifications

Name

Dreame Ecceluxe Go PX10

Type

Portable espresso maker

Coffee maker dimensions (height x diameter, without attachments)

2.7 x 2.4 inches / 7 x 6cm

Case dimensions (width x height x depth)

3.5 x 2.8 x 1.8 inches / 9 x 7 x 4.5cm

Coffee maker weight (without attachments)

19.9oz / 564g

Case weight (with all attachments)

3.55lbs / 1.61kg

Milk frother

No

Bars of pressure

Not stated

User profiles

None

Dreame Ecceluxe Go: design

• Super-compact design, with carry case for attachments
• Charged via USB-C
• One control button, which cannot be locked

The Dreame Ecceluxe Go is roughly the size of a soda can, and comes in a smart cushioned carry case together with a collection of attachments. These include three adapters that allow you to brew using Nespresso Original pods, Nestlé Dolce Gusto capsules, ESE (Easy Serve Espresso) pouches, or ground coffee. There’s also a ring to help reduce mess when adding a dose of ground coffee, and a cup for your brewed espresso.

The Ecceluxe Go is charged using a covered USB-C port on the front, and is controlled via a small touch-sensitive LED display that lets you power the machine on, and switch between programs. It’s responsive, and shows all the information you need: battery charge level, brewing program, and temperature.

My only criticism is that it’s easy to accidentally press this screen when holding the coffee maker, and there’s no way to lock it to prevent that happening accidentally. A physical power button, or a locking switch would make it perfect.

(Image credit: Future)

• Design score: 4.5/5

Performance

• Two brewing modes: self-heating and direct
• Accepts three types of coffee pods, or ground coffee
• Extremely simple to use

The Dreame Ecceluxe Go is refreshingly simple to use. First, choose the right adapter (they're color-coded, but each one also has a small illustration to make life easier), insert your coffee capsule or grounds, and screw it shut. Then just twist the adapter onto the base of the brewing unit, unfold its two support legs, place it on the plastic coffee cup, and you’re ready to begin.

The Ecceluxe Go has two brewing modes: P1, which heats water from room temperature before brewing your coffee, and P2 (direct extraction), which uses water already heated to the correct temperature.

FutureFuture

Brewing using P1 isn’t quick — it takes six minutes for the Ecceluxe Go to reach its brewing temperature of 203F / 95C, then extract a shot of espresso — but that’s understandable. A machine this compact has a tiny heating element and small battery, and since you’ll be using this mode on the move, you can carry on with other camping or work tasks while it’s working. A loud beep will let you know when your drink is ready, and the Ecceluxe Go will turn itself off automatically when it’s finished.

P1 also uses a lot of power, and the battery will be completely drained of charge after two or three brews. Thankfully, the USB-C connector means it’s easy to change indoors or in a car, so it will be ready the next time you need a pick-me-up.

(Image credit: Future)

If you have access to a kettle, P2 takes a fraction of the time and power, and still yields a nicely extracted shot with a respectable layer of crema. In fact, the Ecceluxe Go would make a great single-serve coffee maker for small apartment or van living. It’s much more compact and versatile than even the smallest Nespresso or Keurig coffee maker, and practically mess-free. The adapters and coffee cup can all be cleaned by hand using warm water, and will air-dry in only a few minutes.

I test a lot of coffee makers here at TechRadar, and I’ve become particularly fond of the Ecceluxe Go. It takes all the hassle out of brewing delicious espresso at camp, or even on a break mid-hike. The days of drinking lukewarm coffee from a flask at lunchtime are over.

• Performance score: 4.5/5

Should you buy the Dreame Ecceluxe Pro?Dreame Ecceluxe Pro score card

Attribute

Notes

Score

Design

Super compact and cleverly designed — I only wish the control button could be locked to avoid accidental presses.

4.5/5

Performance

Incredibly easy to use with fresh coffee or pods. Direct and self-heating brewing modes produce delicious coffee, although bear in mind that self-heating takes six minutes and uses a lot of charge.

4.5/5

Buy it if

You love camping or hiking

This is the perfect brewer for off-grid adventures. Charge it up, pack a couple of coffee pods, and you can brew up anywhere using water from your drinking bottle.

You have a tiny home

No space for an extra appliance on your counter? The Ecceluxe Go is ideal, particularly if you use its fast direct brewing mode.

Don’t buy it if

You’re making coffee for a group

The Dreame Ecceluxe Go can only hold enough charge to make two or three drinks at a time in its self-heating mode. If you want to prepare drinks for more than a couple of people, you’d be better off with a large camping kettle and an AeroPress XL.

Dreame Ecceluxe Go: also consider

AeroPress Go

The classic AeroPress in a super-portable format that all packs down into a travel cup. You'll need a way to heat your water, and it doesn't accept coffee capsules, but it's a great-quality, affordable way to brew on the move.

Wacaco Nanopresso

The Nanopresso is a hand-pumped espresso machine, so there's no need to worry about charging or batteries. There's even an adapter available for Nespresso Original pods, but it can't heat its own water.

How I tested the Dreame Ecceluxe Go

I used the Dreame Ecceluxe Go for two weeks instead of my usual espresso machine. I tested it with Nespresso Original style capsules (from a local coffee roaster), Nestlé Dolce Gusto pods, Illy ESE pods, and freshly ground coffee beans.

I tested the Ecceluxe Go's self-heating and direct extraction modes, timing how long it took to extract a shot of coffee, and monitoring how far the battery charge level dropped after each brew.

First reviewed October 2026

Jabra Evolve3 65 Flex: 30-second review

Business headsets have long had something of an image problem. The boom arm shouts “call centre” long before you have said a word. Jabra's answer, with the Evolve3 range, is to remove it entirely.

The Evolve3 65 Flex follows the same recipe as the Evolve3 85, but the emphasis shifts from luxury to portability. It is a foldable, on-ear design that Jabra says slips into the slimmest laptop bag.

The headline technology is Jabra ClearVoice, which uses a deep learning system trained on 60 million sentences. It separates your voice from background noise without any visible microphone. Jabra also claims over 95 per cent voice pickup accuracy outdoors, and over 99 per cent in open offices.

The adaptive ANC uses four microphones and adjusts to both your surroundings and your fit. Like the Evolve3 85, it keeps working while you are on a call, which remains rare in this class. A 360 degree busylight tells colleagues when to leave you alone.

Battery life is where the Flex gives ground. Jabra quotes up to 16.5 hours of call time and 80 hours of music with ANC off. Fast charging adds up to four hours of music from ten minutes on the cable.

The price is lower than the flagship models, but this is still business kit. If your employer is paying, it makes a good case. If you are, you will want to think carefully. [MP: adjust once testing is complete.]

The Evolve3 65 Flex makes a compelling case on every front except price. But even at this cost, these will most likely be considered for our best Bluetooth headset guide.

Jabra Evolve3 65 Flex: price and availability

• How much does it cost? From $285/£260/€299
• When is it out? Available now
• Where can you get it? Direct from Jabra and online retailers

Jabra announced the Evolve3 65 Flex alongside the Evolve3 65 and Evolve3 45 as a cheaper step-down from the Evolve3 85 and Evolve3 75. The recommended price is $389 in the US and €299 in Europe, but the USB-C model for Teams is now $285 directly from Jabra. For comparison, the Evolve3 65 is $300, and the Evolve3 45 is only $199.

My review model is part number 36699 999 899, a Microsoft Teams variant with a USB-C Bluetooth adapter. A Teams-certified button sits on the headset, and the box includes a USB-C cable and a carry case, but no Link 390 adapter. The packaging is a plain cardboard box, and the standard package includes no wireless charging pad.

Street pricing is already lower than the launch MSRP. Some US resellers list this exact model at the same price as Jabra, and that includes Amazon. European business resellers list the Teams USB-C variant at roughly €190 to €235 before VAT. The review model is £260 from Jabra in the UK, but you can find it on Amazon.co.uk for £219.99 with next-day delivery.

Jabra also offers UC variants for those who don’t use Teams, as well as models with USB-A adapters. Versions bundled with a wireless charging pad cost more.

One lure is that Jabra offers free trials to companies with 500 or more employees that are replacing existing devices. The Jabra Plus Management platform handles remote configuration and firmware updates for larger deployments.

Individual buyers are less well served. But this headset is aimed at the corporate ear, like the Evolve3 85 before it.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

• Value score: 3.5/5

Jabra Evolve3 65 Flex: Specs

Model

Jabra Evolve3 65 Flex

Weight

220g

Form factor

On ear, foldable headband

Microphone

Six in total, boomless (Jabra ClearVoice, deep learning)

ANC

Adaptive, four microphone, active during calls, with HearThrough

Battery life (calls)

Up to 16.5 hours with ANC and busylight off, 14.5 hours with both on

Battery life (music)

Up to 80 hours with ANC off, 35 hours with ANC on

Fast charging

Up to four hours of music from a ten minute charge

Wireless charging

Yes (flat exterior surface supports Qi pads)

Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio, Link 390 USB C adapter, USB C cable

Codecs

LC3, AAC, SBC

Dual connectivity

Two simultaneous connections, eight paired devices

Range

30m

UC certification

Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet

Software

Jabra Plus mobile app, Jabra Direct and Xpress, desktop Jabra Plus app in 2027

Replaceable parts

Battery, ear cushions

Sustainability

Leatherette cushions, recycled stainless steel headband, 37 per cent recycled or biocircular content

Warranty

2-years

Colours

Black

Jabra Evolve3 65 Flex: design

• No boom arm
• Elegant construction
• Easier to carry than the Evolve3 85

Like the Evolve3 85, this headset has no boom arm. Therefore, nothing sticks out towards your mouth, and nobody will assume you work on a helpdesk while wearing them.

Instead, you get a slim, minimal headset with angled oval ear cushions. They are covered in leatherette over soft acoustic foam. The headband is recycled stainless steel, wrapped in more foam and leatherette.

But where this design diverges from the previous Evolve3 concept is how lightweight these are, making them ideal for anyone travelling for business. At 143g, it is notably lighter than the over-ear Evolve3 85, which I measured at 220g in a previous review. Jabra calls its cushion design Air Comfort, which is corporate speak for being smaller.

The Flex part of the name refers to the folding design. The earcups rotate, and the headband collapses, so it sits in the supplied case without taking up much space.

But the supplied case is about 60% of the size of the Evolve3 85 case, and neither of these has a pocket, or the room, for even the charging cable. The case holds the headset and a Bluetooth dongle only.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

On a more positive note, Jabra has also kept the replaceable battery and ear cushions from its bigger models. That matters for longevity, and it sits well with current repair legislation across Europe. Finding it in a headset at this price is still less common than it should be, so keeping the hardware going longer matters.

The 360-degree busy light is here too, and it works from every angle, as it saves you from having to announce, loudly, that you are on a call.

My review sample was the Teams model, so there is also a specific Teams button on the headset. How headphones have ended up with these opposing standards is a rant for another day, but for those who still think Microsoft has something to offer business, Jabra has you covered.

As with the 85 model, these designs seem biased toward right-handed use, but I’m sure left-handers will cope with the four buttons on the right side.

The materials are also allegedly more planet-friendly. Jabra says 37 per cent of the headset by weight is recycled or biocircular, and the packaging is FSC certified.

It’s interesting how Jabra have managed to take its earlier Evolve3 designs and then make them smaller and lighter, without making them impractical to use.

From my perspective, the smaller cushions aren’t as comfortable for long sessions as the larger ones on the Evolve3 85, but they’re fine for shorter periods. That fits well with the smaller battery capacity and reduced running time.

Design score: 4.5/5

Jabra Evolve3 65 Flex: Hardware

• Bluetooth 5.2
• Microsoft Teams vs UNC
• ClearVoice

Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio forms the wireless backbone of this equipment. It supports the LC3 codec, along with AAC, SBC and Jabra also lists Auracast support. Not sure why it doesn’t use the 5.4 version of Bluetooth like its predecessors, but Bluetooth 5.2 is fine for this use case.

The Link 390 adapter in the box gives a secure, low-latency connection to a PC. Or, you can also connect directly over Bluetooth if you prefer. Critically, dual connectivity lets you stay attached to a computer and a phone simultaneously. Jabra says the range is 30m, so wandering off for a coffee mid-call is possible if you don’t hide behind too many walls.

Pairing is easy on most platforms. Microsoft Swift Pair and Google Fast Pair are both supported, and Apple Find My and Android Find Hub are also covered. I even used this headset with an old Parrot-branded Bluetooth adapter, and it connected easily.

UC certification covers Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Google Meet, which is the set most UK and European businesses rely on. Jabra also claims a Premium Microphone for Open Office certification, for those who like to be understood.

The Jabra Plus mobile app provides equaliser controls, firmware updates and settings. A desktop version is promised for 2027, which is odd. I say that because when I covered the Evolve3 85, the same app was promised then for 2026. Jabra needs to pull their finger out and build that app before someone sets an AI to reverse-engineer it in an afternoon and then releases it.

IT teams get Jabra Plus Management for fleet control, plus Xpress and Direct.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

What makes this design so useful in an office environment is the ClearVoice functionality. It replaces the boom arm with a multi-microphone array and a neural network trained on over 60 million sentences. I do wonder where they found all those sentences to train their model, but Jabra undoubtedly draws on the hearing expertise of its parent company GN here.

The end result of ClearVoice is that callers should not notice the missing boom. Jabra claims over 95 per cent voice pickup accuracy outdoors and over 99 per cent in open offices, as measured with AI assistants.

That is a very specific claim, and worth testing, but I got bored after twenty sentences. What I can say is that omitting a boom doesn’t seem to affect audio pickup much, and it also avoids those annoying crunch sounds that happen when the boom is touched.

Wind noise reduction is also a configurable option, which shows Jabra expects these to leave the office and jog to the nearest sandwich shop, presumably. The hearing protection features include Intellitone and PeakStop, if you like trademarked features.

The Evolve 65 Flex delivers most of the critical aspects of the Evolve3 85 without treading on that product’s toes, demonstrating the product agility Jabra is rightly known for.

(Image credit: Jabra GN)

• Hardware: 4/5

Jabra Evolve3 65 Flex: Performance

• Effective ANC
• Excellent charging options

The Flex works as a call headset first and a music headphone second, making it a flexible solution. Jabra supplies 28mm drivers, spatial sound, and an equaliser, which suggests it expects you to listen as well as talk.

Spatial Sound is intended to place voices in front of you rather than inside your head. That should make long calls less tiring, and less like a disturbing mental condition.

The adaptive ANC adjusts to the environment and to the quality of the seal around your ears, which, given the size of these cushions, is critical.

Most ANC systems apply a fixed profile, which either works or it doesn’t. This one recalibrates as the headset moves, making it more likely to be useful. This technology, termed HearThrough, also stays active during calls, where most business headsets switch it off.

The main caveat is reduced battery life, especially compared with the Evolve3 85.

Battery life is more modest than on the Evolve3 85. Jabra quotes up to 16.5 hours of calls with ANC and the busylight off, or 14.5 hours with both on. That is still two working days of calls, just about, but that’s a day less than the 85.

What seems slightly curious is the quoted music playback timescale, which is more heavily impacted by leaving ANC on. Without ANC, Jabra quotes 80 hours, but you can reduce that to only 35 hours if you leave the ANC on.

It was expected that it takes more power to run ANC than to drive the sound, since the Evolve3 85 was 120 hours with ANC off and 55 hours with it on. That is worth noting, since most people will leave ANC running.

(Image credit: Jabra GN)

Fast charging is generous and has your back if you leave work without remembering to put them on charge. Ten minutes on the cable gives up to four hours of music. Jabra quotes 35 per cent arrives in 30 minutes and 65 per cent in an hour. A full charge takes up to three hours, but you should be able to get through a working day with only 90 minutes total charging. You can use them while they charge; just don’t forget you are connected by the USB-C cable.

Wireless charging is supported, so the headset can sit on a Qi pad on your desk. My model did not include a charging pad, and it arrived in a simple cardboard box. Jabra has a SKU with the charger that’s another £45, which seems steep for such simple technology.

The battery is user-replaceable, which is a real benefit for long-term ownership. It beats binning a serviceable headset because the cell has faded.

I am not an audiophile, so I will not pretend to review the music quality in depth, but the smaller drivers on these seemed less inclined to bass than the Evolve3 85, and those weren’t strong on bass either.

Mid-range and higher frequencies are better represented, but these aren’t something that audiophiles would realistically use. Using the Jabra+ app, you can boost bass and treble, but these settings have limits with 28mm speakers.

• Performance: 4/5

Jabra Evolve3 65 Flex: Final verdict

The Evolve3 65 Flex does what the Evolve3 range does best, but in a more travel-friendly package. It is light, it looks sensible, and it keeps ANC running during calls.

The trade-offs are shorter battery life, a less isolating on-ear fit, and a price firmly aimed at budget holders rather than typical home users. The missing desktop app is a minor irritation, since most users will install the Jabra+ app on their phones. But missing a release by a year is poor effort on Jabra’s part, however you look at it.

If you split your time between desk, home and train carriage, these make perfect sense. If you only ever work at one desk, the Evolve3 85 is probably the better headset, if you can stretch to the cost of those.

Should I buy a Jabra Evolve3 85?Jabra Evolve3 65 Flex Score Card

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Value

Not cheap, but less than the flagship options

3.5/5

Design

Light, foldable and discreet

4/5

Hardware

Great for office use and fleet controls

4/5

Performance

ANC and ClearVoice, but limited by 28mm speakers

4/5

Overall

Lightweight business headset for those on the move

4/5

Buy it if...

You travel between workspaces
The folding design and 143g weight make it easy to carry, and the case protects it in a bag. If you need headphones away from the office, these are a solid choice.

Your business wants managed devices
UC certification and Jabra Plus Management will suit IT teams that need central control. And, you can choose between different SKUs if you need Teams or even USB-A connectivity.

Don't buy it if...

You are working within a budget
The price is hard to justify for personal use when consumer headphones offer more sound for less cash. But even for business use, there are cheaper options.

You want maximum battery life
The Evolve3 85 lasts much longer, 21 hours to be direct, and manages that with ANC running. Whereas the Evolve3 65 Flex delivers only 14.5 hours with the ANC/busylight on. And, when the battery gets low, Flex also doesn’t charge as quickly as its bigger brother.

For more business audio solutions, we've reviewed the best headsets for working from home.

Elegoo, known for its hobbyist 3D printers, is changing, and its more recent hardware shows big changes in both design and manufacturing quality. The M1 Ultra is one of the signs of this change yet, with a premium design and build that put it firmly in competition with established 3D scanning manufacturers such as Creality.

The M1 Ultra combines blue laser and infrared structured-light scanning, with five main scanning configurations that cover everything from small mechanical components and intricate objects to larger structures and even humans. The scanner offers a top accuracy of 0.02mm in the finest blue laser mode, and other standout features include full wireless operation, a 3-inch touchscreen and a swappable battery.

I’ve recently tested quite a few handheld 3D scanners, and there’s no doubt the market is getting competitive; however, whilst it’s a surprise to see Elegoo launch into the market, it’s even more surprising when I lifted the scanner from the hard case to discover the quality of the design and build.

The M1 Ultra is beautifully finished with a well-balanced design, with part rubberised grip that makes it comfortable to manoeuvre around objects. If anything, I would have liked the grip to be slightly longer, but otherwise the physical design is excellent.

The scanner connects through either wired USB or Wireless connection, with a slide switch enabling you to quickly switch between the two. This link connects you to the software, which initially guides you through the scanning process, and for first-generation software it’s all extremely well thought out.

The most important factor is scan quality, and while scanning a selection of household ornaments, mechanical components, and structural parts, it produced detailed, dimensionally accurate models that I could then export for direct 3D printing or import and edit within Blender.

One of the biggest surprises that I had during the scan process was firstly the speed and then the difference between the initial scanning preview that appeared in the software and the processed model. The preview scans looked OK, if a little rough, but after completing the scan and running the first processing stage, the detail suddenly appeared.

The Elegoo Scan software, being an early release, is surprisingly good and avoided any freezes or glitches through the testing. Scan processing typically took a couple of minutes, depending on complexity and the size, while editing and removing unwanted geometry was straightforward, partly due to my ever-increasing familiarity and use of these scanners. The usage and workflow of the software is very similar to other systems.

Wireless scanning on a scanner of this price is great to see, and I was quickly able to connect to the scanner over Wi-Fi. Once that connection was made, I found the live preview on the scanner’s touchscreen made moving around larger objects much easier.

Through the test, I did find many of the usual limits, such as scanning glossy black plastic and highly reflective surfaces still requiring scanning spray. In all cases, how easily something scans rests solely on careful preparation and marker placement. When using the scanner wirelessly, the scanner also takes over the computer’s Wi-Fi connection, preventing access to a normal workshop wireless network, which I also found was a little inconvenient.

Considering that this is Elegoo's first 3D scanner, the speed, quality and ease of use make it feel like a product that has already undergone several iterations. This is a great option for small businesses, makers, enthusiasts, and other 3D professionals looking for a decent 3D scanner at a reasonable price.

ELEGOO M1 Ultra: Price and Availability

The Elegoo M1 Ultra has a recommended retail price of $1,699 in the US, £1,399 in the UKand €1,699. The scanner is being sold through the official website here.

Elegoo M1 Ultra: Design

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

One of the first things that impressed me about the M1 Ultra was the physical design and quality of the build. In contrast to their range of hobbyist 3D printers, Elegoo has clearly aimed this at a more professional level, and it feels significantly more refined than many of their previous product lines.

Elegoo's hardware design improved dramatically, as I saw with its H1 HT filament dryer a few months back and again when it comes to finish and build quality; this feels premium and much like the quality that I’ve come to expect from companies like Bambu Lab.

Weighing in at just over half a kilogram, the M1 Ultra is relatively compact compared with several scanners I’ve used recently. The weight is well balanced for the size, and it's comfortable to hold while moving around objects, with the grip featuring a rubberised texture that provides excellent purchase.

Grip in the scanner is especially important when scanning smaller mechanical components, where controlled movements can affect tracking and the quality of the capture. If anything, I do feel that the grip could have been slightly longer, but overall it’s comfortable enough to handle.

The front of the scanner features the optical system, including the laser emitters, cameras and illumination; these all look like lenses. These are neatly integrated into the casing, while the controls on the large touch screen enable you to start, pause and access the hardware settings.

The 3-inch touchscreen is more than just a monitor for settings and enables less reliance, in some situations, on using a computer screen when scanning. An example is when using the scanner wirelessly, and the display provides a live scan preview; you can also use it to adjust the exposure and zoom.

Additional hardware settings can also be accessed through the touchscreen, including Wi-Fi hotspot information, display brightness, screen rotation, language, prompt sounds and sound alerts. I also liked the fact that I could access the onboard user guide.

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Not all aspects of the user interface are as polished as the hardware itself. The start and pause controls, exposure adjustment, and zoom interface use a slightly dated visual style, with gradient effects that feel more like enthusiast equipment than professional; still, the actual functionality is there.

As I’ve seen with many of these scanners, it arrives in a hard carrying case which is identical in design to the one that arrived with one of the Creality scanners recently; the only difference is the logo on the front and the equipment inside.

Inside, the scanner is neatly laid out, with the scanner, batteries, calibration board, USB cable, tripod, and reflective markers. In contrast to some other scanners, the cables are kept to a minimum, with power and data handled through the same USB connection when using wired.

• Design: 4/5

ELEGOO M1 Ultra: Features

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)Specs

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Dimensions: 191 × 50 × 76mm

Weight: 511g (including battery)

Scanning Accuracy: Up to 0.02mm (blue laser)

Scanning Modes: Five, including blue laser and infrared

Scanning Speed: Up to 100fps (USB), 60fps (Wi-Fi)

Scanning Resolution: 0.05–2mm (blue laser)

Scanning Volume: 5 × 5 × 5mm to 4,000 × 4,000 × 4,000mm

Display: 3-inch HD touchscreen

Connectivity: USB-C 3.1 and Wi-Fi 6

Battery: 4,800mAh removable

The M1 Ultra features five scanning modes designed to enable you to scan different materials, object sizes, and most importantly, levels of detail.

A quick run-through, and you have the 34-line crossed blue laser, which is designed for fast scanning of medium-to-large objects. The seven-line parallel mode is better suited to smaller parts and more detailed areas. The single-line configuration lets the scanner capture recessed features, deep holes, and narrow gaps.

Alongside these are infrared structured light mode, designed for larger objects, faces, and bodies, and the marker-free blue laser option for situations where reflective markers can't be applied, such as when scanning valuable museum artefacts.

Within each mode, there are a variety of options that you can configure through the Elegoo Scan software, which offers adjustments to tracking, field of view, capture resolution, as well as the main scan quality settings.

This does take some time to get your head around, and depending on the mode, you can select marker-assisted or marker-free tracking, standard or wide-angle fields of view, global marker workflows and different laser patterns. This sounds complex, but Elegoo have created guides for each type and practice is definitely needed in order to fully understand what type and size of object needs what type of scan and settings.

The software does go some way to make things easy, with an example being the infrared scanning mode that offers dedicated presets for normal objects, faces, and bodies, plus geometry-based and texture-based tracking options.

Although the number of settings is considerable, the software is generally well organised. If you are new to 3D scanning, there’s also plenty of guides and visual prompts in the software to explain how the different options work.

• Features: 4.5/5

ELEGOO M1 Ultra: Performance

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Getting started, the first step is the hardware setup. After installing Elegoo Scan on my MacBook Pro, connecting the scanner through USB and selecting the connection option, it was almost ready to go aside from a quick initial firmware update.

Before the scanning process could begin, I needed to run through the calibration process, and this was all surprisingly easy with the calibration chart sitting on the table and the software directing me through a series of manoeuvres with the on-screen guide. This style of calibration used to take me ages; however, here I found the process pretty quick and straightforward.

I started the test using the wired connection, but to switch to wireless there’s a small switch on top of the scanner that enables the change from USB to WLAN. As the switch is moved, the system restarts, and then you can select the scanner’s hotspot from the computer’s Wi-Fi connections, enter the on-screen password, and again it’s ready to go.

The process is easy enough, though wireless operation means the scanner creates its own Wi-Fi hotspot, which the computer must connect directly to. That meant disconnecting from the workshop Wi-Fi, and there was no option to keep both connections active at once.

This isn’t an issue during scanning, especially since the software works offline, but it becomes a bit annoying when switching between scanning and anything that I needed to do online.

When everything was set and ready, I was able to start the scanning process, starting with the 34-line cross blue laser options, which proved to scan objects at speed. Once a scan was captured, it was then possible to clean up the point cloud, as well as easily align multiple scans, and move through mesh wrapping and optimisation before exporting the finished model.

The M1 Ultra and the software effectively give you an easy scan-to-model process, and when finished, you just click export.

For testing, I scanned a variety of objects, ranging from household and office ornaments to mechanical components and structural parts that I needed to reproduce or work around when creating brackets and replacement pieces.

These included objects made from tarnished metal, matte ceramic, plastic, and wood, and the scanner performed exceptionally well across these materials. As with other 3D scanners I’ve tested, good results come down to preparation. While marker-free scanning sounds appealing, I have found that reflective markers remain the most reliable approach.

My usual setup includes a rotating platform, custom 3D-printed marker blocks positioned around the object, and adhesive reflective markers attached directly to the object wherever practical. I also use acrylic blocks to raise the object above the surface. This helps separate the subject from the surrounding environment, especially the platform it sits on, and makes the captured data easier to cut out and process.

The whole preparation process generally takes around five minutes, but it makes an enormous difference to the ease and reliability of scanning. Through the setup process, I aim to keep at least five reflective markers visible to the scanner at any one time, and this generally meant that tracking was straightforward. Scanning objects without markers proved less reliable, even with the scanner’s marker-free configuration.

Once I had properly prepared the subject, most objects took around five to ten minutes to scan from each orientation. Where possible, I tried to capture the object in just two orientations, as this made alignment quicker and generally produced better results.

The scanning process itself was fast, and it was good to see the preview build up the model. When scanning, I started off with the crossed blue laser pattern as this tended to provide the best overall coverage, and then switched to the seven-line mode when scanning more complex objects. For recessed features and deeper holes, switching to the single-line laser again helped to fill in some of the gaps.

After scanning, each model is previewed on the screen, and then you can go through the various processing modes. One point to make here is that the initial scanning is surprisingly fast and the initial point-cloud preview can look a little rough, giving little indication of the level of detail that has actually been captured. However, after you finish the scan and move through the first refinement stage, the model's detail suddenly snaps into place, and it’s impressive.

The M1 Ultra reproduced fine surface features and dimensional accuracy extremely well. One example of the accuracy came when I scanned the car's EV charger, with the model generated being imported into CAD software as a template for a wall-mounted holder. The finished product, while needing some refinement, fitted the EV charger perfectly.

The software is able to export OBJ files that can then be used in applications such as Blender for further editing. The range of available export formats also makes it relatively straightforward to move finished models into other design and manufacturing workflows, with 3MF and STL alongside OBJ.

Not every object's surface was easy to capture, and as ever, while tarnished metal, wood, ceramic and plastic surfaces generally scanned very well, glossy black plastic gained mixed results.

Essentially, any surface that reflects or absorbs the scanning light causes a bit of an issue, and you can get matte scanning sprays to help with the scanning of this type of object.

Infrared scanning also produced ok results, and making sure you work in a well-lit, soft-light environment definitely helps. Again, as with any scanning mode, practice and skill often play a large part in the scanning success.

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

One of the main skills when scanning is alignment, essentially when you take a couple of scans of an object from different angles and then align them into one. The alignment option worked well and was surprisingly fast to process between scans, provided the reflective markers' position was maintained. This works by completing the first scan; then the object could be repositioned to capture another side without moving any of the base markers, and the resulting scans could then be selected and aligned within Elegoo Scan.

The important point here is that the markers used as reference points must remain in the correct positions. If you move markers on the platform between scans, alignment will be much harder, and in most cases it's easier to start again.

Mesh processing generally took a couple of minutes per scan, though the time varied considerably with the model's size and complexity. There is still a need to remove unwanted surfaces and sections of the surrounding environment manually, but the software proved effective. Throughout testing, Elegoo Scan remained solid, with no crashes, freezes, or other problems that I have come across in the past with scan software.

For a first-generation Elegoo scanner, and with software at such an early stage of development, this level of reliability is excellent.

At the start of the test, I stuck to a wired connection, mainly due to having to check guides, etc., but over the weeks of the test I switched to the wireless option. There are some sacrifices that you make as you switch over to the wireless connection, most notably that the scanner has a lower quoted maximum frame rate; however, I didn’t notice much of a difference.

The real improvement going wireless was the ergonomic feel of scanning alongside the obvious effect of no longer having trailing wires. The main benefit is that instead of looking back at the laptop monitor to check scan progress, the wireless connection let me monitor the preview directly on the handheld scanner’s touchscreen. This made scanning far more natural, especially when moving around larger or awkwardly positioned objects.

Through the test, I found that the battery runtime was about 60 minutes, shorter than Elegoo's advertised maximum of 90 minutes, but still enough for several typical scans, and I also discovered I could hot-swap the battery with the second battery that was included. I experimented with swapping the battery while USB power was connected, which appeared to work, though this wasn't officially covered in the material I had.

• Performance: 4 / 5

ELEGOO M1 Ultra: Final verdict

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The Elegoo M1 Ultra shows the direction that the company is moving, and this is an impressive start for them in the 3D scanning market. The arrival in the hard case, with the premium build and design, is far removed from their hobbyist machines, and it all has a decidedly higher-quality feel.

The overall ergonomics and build are excellent, and this quality of design comes across in use, with it being easy to handle and with the ability to switch between wired and wireless scanning.

As ever, there are the usual issues with the time taken to prepare the scan, but this is part of the course for all 3D scanners and the more time you put in, the better the scan you get. However, the speed of the scans that the M1 enables is impressive, and more importantly, the quality of those scans was exceptionally detailed.

The Elegoo Scan software is also well thought out, although I do feel there needs to be a little more thought on the design of both the scanning software and the touchscreen interface. The old Elegoo is still apparent in both, giving that hobbyist rather than slick professional aesthetic.

Wireless scanning is another point, and while this works exceptionally well, it does lock your computer out of the normal Wi-Fi network. There are then the usual points about scanning highly reflective or glossy surfaces, which will require scanning spray.

While good results can be achieved with what's in the box, I would, as always, highly recommend the following: turntable, reflective markers, marker blocks, acrylic supports, and scanning spray; these are all relatively inexpensive but will save you hours.

Should you buy the Elegoo M1 Ultra?

Value:

Exceptional first-generation scanner at a very reasonable price considering the alternatives.

4.5

Design:

Premium build and ergonomics highlight Elegoos investment in design.

4

Features:

Packed with scanning modes and plenty of options to refine your scanning

4.5

Performance:

Fast and very capable with one of the easiest workflows yet

4

Total:

Excellent scanner for everyone from enthusiasts to professionals.

4.5

Buy it if...

You need detailed scans.

If you regularly design replacement components, custom brackets, or work with existing physical objects, the M1 Ultra delivers excellent scan quality that you can update in CAD.

You want wireless flexibility.

The integrated touchscreen, direct Wi-Fi connection, and removable batteries make the M1 Ultra much easier to manoeuvre around objects than scanners that rely on wired connections.

Don't buy it if...

You expect instant results.

Despite the ease of use, successful 3D scanning still requires preparation, reflective markers and practice. If you expect to point the scanner at an object and instantly produce a perfect model, you’ll be disappointed.

You scan difficult surfaces.

Highly reflective, transparent or glossy black objects remain difficult to scan. While the M1 Ultra is more versatile than some alternatives, you may will need additional scanning spray and lighting to get good results.

For more crafting essentials, I've also tested out the best 3D printers and best laser engravers

Apple AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging review

Apple's second-cheapest new AirPods are a fantastic little buy. But you'd be forgiven for overlooking them given Apple's curious naming strategy. After all, the last time Apple unveiled two sets of entry-level AirPods, one had ANC and the other didn't — easy to work out where the extra money went there. But with AirPods 5, both the base model and the step-up option tote ANC. So what's the deal?

It's not as simple as it first appears. As the name implies, AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging offer a better case that charges wirelessly. But what the name doesn't tell you is that here there are a few other perks the cheaper model lacks, which I think makes this set far worthier of the nominal extra fee.

Said case also includes a speaker for audible pairing status pings and Find My help, for instance, which you won't get with the cheaper set. Then, there's the force sensor with volume swipe functionality in both stems, for playback and call handling. To clarify, you can't change the volume on-ear with the cheaper model, which for me is a huge deal — as a woman who often commutes alone at night, I don't want to be digging my phone out if I don't have to, thank you very much.

Lastly, there's an extra hour's playback available to you in this model, with ANC deployed. Don't get overly excited; said figure is only upped to five hours from the buds (or up to 22 with the case) from four and, for me, this is AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging's biggest issue. Almost any price-competitive rival can beat that, in 2026.

But now that I'm done with my main criticism, let's get to the praise — there's plenty of it. Some of the best budget earbuds around? Oh definitely. For iPhone owners, there's nothing else that can cut through the noise for this money.

(Image credit: Future)

• More on differences between AirPods 5 and AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging

Kicking things off with their design, the case is tiny. I've put it next to my regular reference Technics EAH-AZ100 below, but even that doesn't really do its neatness justice. The magnets also snap shut reassuringly so you won't lose an earbud; I've slung this charging nest in my pocket for a few weeks now without issue.

The buds are Apple's open-fit option (think a much-tweaked update on the company's wired EarPods) so there are no ear tips to switch out. You either love this design or hate it. I love it since it means the buds sit slightly less intrusively in the ear, with no 'twist to lock' screwing them into my ear canals to contend with. However, I wouldn't recommend this slightly more relaxed fit for energetic sports use. AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging are secure in the ear, but only to a point. Why? Because you're not creating a seal between a silicone ear tip and the skin of your ear canal.

Also, I occasionally found switching between iOS devices, even using the same Apple account, wasn't as seamless as billed. I actually had to reset them once (it's simple, you just double-tap the front of the case a few times, 'til the light glows orange) and even then, the promised pop-up telling you, 'AirPods used on another device. Connect?' isn't always forthcoming. It's a small issue at this level but still, it's my job to notice.

(Image credit: Future)

Another note on the buds: I find that making a 'pinch' shape with my thumb and index finger to swipe up or down along the indent/force sensor of the stem is the best way to change the volume on these particular AirPods. Apple suggests keeping your thumb on the bottom of the stem to steady them, then swiping up using only your index or middle finger. What I'm trying to say is, there's a knack to this and you need to find your own path with it, but it'll be worth the rehearsal.

Said stems also can be squeezed in a more traditional way, to perform every action you'll want. To play or pause audio, you press a stem once; to skip forward (next track) you double-press a stem; skipping back (previous track) is a triple-press. You can also press a stem when a call comes in to answer it, press and hold to summon Siri (or not, in your settings), start a Live Translation by pressing and holding both stems, or scroll through Noise Cancellation profiles with a press and hold of one stem.

It's a comprehensive solution — and since I've just hit on Live Translation, let's send some more praise that way, shall we?

(Image credit: Future)

Thanks to the inclusion of Apple's H2 chip, not only do these buds offer Personalized Spatial Audio, you can also chat about the bus timetable in Northern Spain with a local Asturian. You'll need an iPhone 15 Pro or newer and you need to download certain language packs (one for the prep-and-packing stage of your trip, rather than when you're on vacation and without wi-fi) on iOS 26 or later with Apple Intelligence turned on. It's largely a case of opening the Settings app on your iPhone, tapping your AirPods, tapping 'Live Translation (Beta)' and going from there, but worth knowing you can't simply have it from the box.

Once up and running, though, it's a dream. I used it with ANC on and Conversation Awareness also toggled on (this, while not exclusive to AirPods 5, is an excellent feature that lowers your music's volume and pipes in external voices when you start speaking). I happen to have a partner who speaks fluent Spanish. Squeeze both stems of the AirPods 5 and behold! See some snippets of our conversation, which is also piped into the buds vocally with very little lag.

Apple Apple Apple Apple Apple Apple Apple Apple

I mention my conversation with my partner because, when I deployed ANC to try to talk to him (in either of its Adaptive or Regular variants) I simply couldn't hear his voice. It was quite astonishing. I cannot explain the wizardry Apple's invoked to make the ANC 50% better over the AirPods 4 any more than I can explain the driver size under the hood, because Apple hasn't said. But I can at least vouch for the truth in the company's statement. Most household noises, street life or hubbub of your everyday will melt away here at the tap of a finger, if you want them gone.

Call handling? Good and clear during my testing, both for callers and for me, the wearer. Head gestures regarding said calls? They're fine, but you need to be quite animated with your head nods and I tend to operate on a more subtle level — when AirPods can respond to an eyebrow raise over who's decided to pick up the phone after all this time, we'll be in business.

And sonically, they're a triumph for the level — yes, despite their lack of hifalutin codec support. Fontaines D.C.'s Six Shot Morning is as darkly vivacious as it is foreboding, with Grian Chatten's oddly angelic bass registers coming in centrally and conveying knowledge that belies his years. In Brandon Flowers' Tiger's Blood there's a delightful accuracy to the various guitars in my left and right ear. Sure, they're not for critical listening — if you wanted flat, untouched detail you won't look to these earbuds — but for expanse, impetus and good old-fashioned fun, AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging won't let you down. There's space around each musical instrument, underpinned by the kind of layering you'd normally find in much pricier options.

Yes, if I switch out to my much pricier Technics buds, there's an extra ounce of detail to the intake of Flowers' breath or the inflections at the end of his new-found (to us) country vocal, but that's hardly a fair test. For an energetic listen that has you living in your head and reveling in music, these unassuming little Apple buds have really surprised me. And given my 'good, not fantastic' take on AirPods 4, I hadn't expected to like them as much as I do. Bravo, Apple.

Apple AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging review: price & release date

• $149 / £139 / AU$249
• Announced on September 9, 2026 (released September 18, 2026)

This is 2026, I don't need to tell you that there's a lot of competition at the $149 / £139 / AU$249 level for a set of wireless earbuds.

And it's not just 'traditional' sets now, open earbuds such as the similarly priced Sennheiser Accentum Clip are taking up a significant chunk of the market too. And in the over-ear arena, the also-new Sony WH-CH730N can be yours for a little more or a little less, depending on where you live (at $179 / £99.99 / AU$229).

In all honesty, Apple's closest competition here is probably its own entry-level AirPods 5, at a slightly cheaper $129 / £129 / AU$219 or possibly even its AirPods Pro 3, which will set you back a little under $249 / £219 / AU$429 now and add a heart-rate monitor, Apple's extensive Hearing Health suite and, er, ear tips…

The bulk of this review should serve to explain why I think Apple's AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging outdo the former for sound-per-pound value. And unless you want to use them for workouts or for the excellent hearing-help tech, I'd even suggest you go for these over the Pro set.

(Image credit: Future)Apple AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging review: specs

Waterproof rating

IP57

Drivers

'Custom high-excursion Apple driver and high dynamic range amplifier, powered by the H2 chip'

Battery life

5 hours (buds, with ANC on, or 7 without ANC), up to 22 hours with charging case

Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.3

Weight

4.3g (per bud)

Frequency range

20Hz-20kHz

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the Apple AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging?

Attribute

Notes

Score

Features

At this level, there's nothing more you should reasonably expect — and ANC and Live Translation get special praise

5/5

Performance

Sonically and for ANC I cannot pick fault here — but the disappointing battery life means they lose a full mark

4/5

Design

Tiny case that makes sounds; gloriously fuss-free buds that fit well — unless you're doing more extreme sports

5/5

Value

In every area except stamina, these buds are class-leading for iPhone owners

4.5/5

(Image credit: Future)Buy them if…

You want the cheapest iPhone ANC around
I know, I know. Before you write in: the basic AirPods 5 also tote ANC. But here, you get it for an extra hour — and believe me, it's so good you want that extra 60 minutes for a $20 / £20 surcharge.

You think small is beautiful
The case is remarkably pocketable, but it's neither flimsy nor insignificant. There's a beauty to the simplistic, function-first design here.

You often start conversations while wearing your buds
In case I haven't emphasized the point enough, Apple's Conversation Awareness is beautifully implemented here. Pipe up and your music pipes down, while voices of others nearby are subtly amplified so you can hear them. View Deal

(Image credit: Future)Don’t buy them if…

You own an Android
I hope it goes without saying, but I feel the need to say it anyway: these Apple buds are designed to keep you ensconced in an iOS ecosystem. Outside it, you'll be better served by products such as the slightly older Nothing Ear (a) or Earfun Air Pro 4 Plus.

You want Apple's Hearing Health and heart-rate perks
No dice here, friend. If you're looking to get a handle on your heart-rate or would like to have your buds boost certain frequencies where you need them, you'll need to seek out Apple's AirPods Pro 3 instead.

You want your earbuds to outlast a long-haul flight
The ANC will certainly be good enough to drown out cabin noise, but if you're flying from LAX to London Heathrow, their five-hour stamina means you won't get to use them for the duration of the flight without popping them back in the case for a charge (and thus, enduring a jolt back to reality). View Deal

(Image credit: Future)Apple AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging review: also consider

Apple AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging

Apple AirPods 5

Nothing Ear (a)

Price

$149 / £139 / AU$249

$129 / £129 / AU$219

$99 / £99 / AU$169 (possibly even cheaper)

Drivers

Custom high excursion

Custom high-excursion

11mm custom driver

Waterproof rating

IP57

IP57

IP54 buds / IPX2 case

Battery life

5 hours (buds, with ANC; 7 hours without), 22 hours (with charging case)

4 hours (buds), 20 hours (with charging case)

Buds: 5.5hrs (9.5hrs without ANC)
Total with case: 24.5hrs (42.5hrs without ANC)

Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.3

Bluetooth 5.3

Bluetooth 5.3 with LDAC

Weight

4.3g (per bud)

4.3g (per bud)

4.8g per earbud

Frequency range

20Hz-20kHz

20Hz-20kHz

Not stated (other than 5000Hz range)

AirPods 5
Apple's even cheaper AirPods 5 launched at the same time as the set you came here to read about. They are also open-fit earbuds (rather than the Pro's design that seeks to create a seal betwixt its ear-tips and your ear canal), and there's still ANC to block out the outside world. They’re just as waterproof as the set with wireless charging, at IP57, and they are beautifully lightweight as well. Again, non Apple-users may find their functionality limited, and their battery life is even more disappointing at only four hours. But if volume swipes on the stems, a chirpier case and an hour of extra stamina don't seem worth an extra $20 / £20, they could be for you. Read more about the Apple AirPods 5.

Nothing Ear (a)
They're a little older, but this simply means you'll likely get them for even cheaper than their $99 / £99 original asking fee. They're also gloriously good-looking and offer better stamina, especially if you switch off the ANC. Android owners will be happy to note that you get LDAC support too (none of that with AirPods) and although the noise-nixing isn't quite as good as Apple's latest batch of AirPods and you're sacrificing a waterproof design for a water resistant one, they're very nearly as energetic and engaging, sonically speaking.
Read my full Nothing Ear (a) review View Deal

How I tested Apple AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging

(Image credit: Future)

• Tested using an iPhone 15 Pro (running iOS 27.2) and MacBook Pro
• Streamed Apple Music (with Spatial Audio and without) also Qobuz and Tidal
• Compared against AirPods 4, Nothing Ear (a), AirPods Pro 3 and Technics EAH-AZ100

I spent four weeks testing the AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging, using a wireless charger to recharge (they juice up very well on it, too, although of course at a slower rate compared with direct USB-C charging) and streaming Apple Music tracks, a music platform of which I was an early adopter.

As always, I used the TechRadar reference playlist, but I also listened to a lot of newer music — I don't know you, dear reader, but I know that human beings have vastly varied music tastes and all are valid here.

I've been testing audio products as my full-time job since 2019, alongside occasional freelance jobs as a performer and dancer/singer. My love of music means I will never tire of trying to find the best audio kit to suit fellow music lovers, whatever their budget. Believe me, I have been a starving artist, too. Music always helps us get through challenging times.

• Read TechRadar’s reviews guarantee
• First reviewed: October 2026

Fairphone Fairbuds 2: Two-minute review

I don’t like Fairphone’s products because they’re more environmentally-friendly and repairable than anything else on the market (though they’re all definitely perks). I like them because they always offer something a little different to make them recommendable as some of the best wireless headphones by their own merits.

Last year’s Fairbuds XL 2025 over-ears, for example, had the best controls I’ve used on a pair of headphones before or since (and remain the best-looking cans I’ve reviewed too). And now the Fairphone Fairbuds 2 are here, with a little design decision I didn’t know I wanted so much.

Fairphone is best known for its mobiles, like the recent Fairphone 6 Plus; its whole modus operandi is making green tech (eco-friendly, not colored, although they’re usually also colored green). The brand dabbles in audio too, though, alternating between releasing new earbuds or headphones every other year, and after the original Fairbuds launched in 2024, a new pair are here.

Like the last pair, these are relatively affordable earbuds — 'expensive budget' or 'cheap mid-range' might suffice as definitions — which are great for eco-friendly buyers. They let you enjoy your listening safe in the knowledge that your buying choice was made from renewable energy, using plentiful recycled parts, and won’t impose planet-unfriendly, water usurping AI features on your device.

And then there’s the unexpected bonus. Earlier this year, a fairly shocking study revealed that basically all headphones are coated in PFAS, or forever chemicals, which had people wondering whether they're rubbing toxins on their ears and head. As someone who uses these products for a living, I was a little alarmed to read this, and I’ve been pretty conscious of my listening since then, usually opting for speakers over headphones when I can help it.

It won’t surprise you to learn that the Fairbuds 2 have none of these ‘forever chemicals’, and I could listen for as long as I wanted without worrying about the effects of doing so. It’s hard to put a price on peace of mind, but for music listening, the Fairbuds 2 provide just that.

But I’ve beaten about the bush long enough: beyond health and eco concerns, just how good are these things? Well, the reason I’ve beaten about the bush so much is that “yeah, they’re just fine,” isn't engaging copy.

Design-wise, these are pretty simple buds, with a hardy and light carry case, and pretty feature-light design. There’s little to distinguish them from other buds however, beyond their lack of discernible features. Being pretty plain isn’t the end of the world, and they fit fine.

They’re not the best-sounding earbuds I’ve tested by any stretch of the imagination, but they’re fine for the price if you can look past some rough edges.

I found the ANC pretty good, though it takes its toll on a battery life which roughly matches their price-competitive AirPods rivals (that is to say, it’s not very long). An app brings some extra features, including some of the most effective audio EQ presets I’ve heard from earbuds — if you like customizing your music but aren’t familiar with equalizers, it’s a great option.

If it wasn’t for the Fairphone touch, these would just be middling wireless earbuds that’d disappear behind the competition. But the eco-friendly appeal, their repairability plus the absence of toxic chemicals, all make them far easier to recommend.

Fairphone Fairbuds 2 review: Price and release date

(Image credit: Future)

• Released in October in Europe, November US
• Sells for $119 / £99 (about AU$200)
• Cheaper than AirPods 5, which is all that matters

Fairphone unveiled the Fairbuds 2 on October 14, 2026, roughly two years after the release of the original pair and a year after the reimagined Fairbuds XL 2025 over-ears. They went on sale immediately in Europe, but US buyers had to wait until November 2.

You can buy the Fairbuds 2 for $119 / £99 (about AU$200) — Fairphone doesn’t sell its tech in Australia. The brand is increasing its presence in the US; while the original buds did sell there, it only began selling phones earlier this year with the Fairphone 6 Plus.

That phone makes the Fairbuds 2 slightly pricier than their predecessors in the US, but cheaper in the UK; the original Fairbuds went for $99 / £129. Despite this reshuffle, they’re still more affordable than the cheapest version of AirPods 5 (which will set you back $129 / £129 / AU$219), and the Fairphone option actually has ear tips.

Fairphone Fairbuds 2 review: Specs

Drivers

11mm

Active noise cancellation

Yes

Battery life

6 hours (ANC on), 8 hours (ANC off)

Weight

5.8g (buds) 64g (case)

Connectivity

Bluetooth 6.0

Frequency response

20-20kHz

Waterproofing

IP54

Fairphone Fairbuds 2 review: Features

(Image credit: Future)

• 6-hour battery life isn't amazing
• ANC is surprisingly solid
• App has EQ including useful presets

According to Fairphone, the earbuds last for 6 hours of listening with ANC on, or 8 hours off; that’s not a very competitive spec, all things considered. In my own testing, I’d say I got a little extra time on those figures, but not enough that I can call the battery life ‘good’. Apple's base model AirPods 5 only last for 4 hours with ANC; the step-up model with wireless charging support last 5 with ANC (or 7 without it) so it's a little better than that, but not by much.

The case provides up to 40 hours of battery life, which is a little better (Apple's step-up model only offers 22), but that spec is for ANC-off listening. An ANC-on figure isn’t provided, but I’d estimate it’s about 32 hours.

The ANC is more impressive — I’ll confess, I wasn’t expecting Fairphone to have created top-of-the-class noise cancellation. While this doesn’t match the likes of Soundcore or Bose, the Fairbuds 2 were surprisingly effective at stripping out noisy backgrounds or the kinds of sporadic sounds that other buds struggle with.

(Image credit: Future)

The Fairbuds app is pretty basic, but it’s not strictly necessary; I’d used the buds for two whole weeks before I decided to download it to my phone.

The app lets you toggle between ANC modes (on, off, or transparency), see the charge levels, play with an EQ and presets, and set up multipoint connectivity, although I couldn’t find the option to do so myself. There’s also a Find My Earbuds tool which lets you summon both the left or right bud, and this is a feature you don’t always see in earbuds.

The equalizer is a simple five-band one, but I was surprised how effective the five presets are: Balanced, Bass Boost, Treble Boost and Voice all had significant impacts on the sound profile, in a way that I see being really useful for those who like their audio a certain way and don’t want to play with the custom EQ mode. I found Voice useful for spoken-word content, as it did a great job at maintaining the reader’s voice while dampening other sounds.

• Features score: 4 / 5

(Image credit: Future)Fairphone Fairbuds 2 review: Design

• Small, hardy carry case
• Simplistic buds which fit well
• Eco-friendly, chemical-free design

In one way, the Fairphone Fairbuds 2 are some of the most basic-looking buds there can be, but modest looks hide the real selling point of these options. But we’ll get to that later.

Firstly, the case: it’s a small cylinder, weighing 64g (when the buds are inside) and opening in a clam-shell form. You get the basics: a pairing button, a USB-C port, plus a handy three-LED strip to show you how charged your buds are. Handy! The case is made of plastic that’s so solid that I initially thought it was metal, and it feels more robust than most at protecting your buds.

Next, the buds: unlike the first-gen models, these are stem-toting options, and they look far too simplistic to be confused with AirPods: there’s the in-ear bud, a straight and flat stem, and nothing much else (well, other than some lovely responsive touch controls). They weigh 5.8g each.

When I first started testing them, the Fairbuds 2 felt a little loose in the ear; I thought I had another Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro situation going on. But quite quickly they took to my ear, and after the second day they fit perfectly. So if you've just bought a pair, and are having problems, just give them time.

(Image credit: Future)

Now for the whole point of the Fairbuds: Fairphone’s eco credentials. The brand is at the forefront of eco-friendly tech, using eco-friendly materials and processes when possible, and in the buds that means the speaker magnets and solder is all recycled material, while the cobalt, copper, gold and silver are all fairly mined or sourced. The eco-friendly-ness doesn’t just keep your conscience clean, though, because it manifests in a few great ways.

Firstly, these things are completely repairable, so if they break you can buy and replace one part instead of needing new buds. There are seven parts in all, all of which can be replaced using a simple screwdriver. Also in the Fairbuds 2, the earbuds don’t use PFAS, or forever chemicals – you can listen for as long as you want without any fear of the chemicals and their as-yet-unknown effects on the human body.

You can buy the FairBuds 2 in green or black, but if you’re going for green tech, I don’t see why you shouldn’t also be buying green-colored tech. The buds themselves have an IP54 protection against dust and splashes, but the case doesn’t have an official rating.

• Design score: 4.5 / 5

(Image credit: Future)Fairphone Fairbuds 2 review: Sound quality

• 11mm driver per bud
• Prominent bass downs out treble
• Supports LDAC playback on supported phones

The Fairphone Fairbuds 2 come with 11mm dynamic drivers, working as jacks of all trades to cover the audio spectrum.

As fairly affordable earbuds go, the Fairbuds 2 are just fine — you’re not getting any obvious issues like tinny audio, overblown bass or a lackluster sound profile, and so I can’t give them a bad sound score. But there are a few audible issues which it’s worth flagging.

I’d call these buds bass-first, because low-end has more heft than high-end, and it does mean that sometimes vocals can lack the sparkle they deserve. In something like Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Factory of Faith or Dispatch’s May We All, the singers sound like they’ve lost an argument with their bassists and rhythm guitarists, and in Macklemore’s Hind’s Hall the drums and bass keep distracting you from the lyrics.

Bass, while prominent, is perhaps not especially refined; the lack of a bespoke low-end-focused driver here is noticeable. Low-end has power prominence but less direction or distinction than you’d hope. It results in a low-end that sometimes sounds just fine, other times a little rumbly.

(Image credit: Future)

In Tom Petty’s Supernatural Radio, for example, the bass riff sounds meaty until the other instruments come in, making it sound indistinct. However with the later guitar and piano solo, the bass drowns out the higher-pitched parts.

These are the first buds I’ve tested in about a month in which I can really hear a song’s mids, though, so props go to Fairphone for not leaning too hard into popular sound profiles. However I did notice peaking in certain songs around the high-end.

It’s easy to point out the issues in the Fairbuds 2, because some rivals at this price point are putting out frankly incredible options, but I should clarify that the buds are still pretty good, and most people will be perfectly happy with them.

For some technical specs, the buds support LDAC if you’re using a compatible Android phone, and use the Bluetooth 6.0 standard.

• Sound quality: 3.5 / 5

(Image credit: Future)Fairphone Fairbuds 2 review: Value

• You get what you pay for: solid, reasonably-priced earbuds
• However, there are some fantastic alternatives at the price

The Fairbuds 2 straddle the border between affordable and mid-range earbuds, but given that the brand's tech generally comes with a green premium, I'm happy to consider these a more affordable option.

If I were to close my eyes, and picture buds at this price, I'd basically envision the Fairphones; they audio quality, feature set and design all roughly match what you'd expect from the price. Fine value for money...

... if it wasn't for the fact that it's a really competitive market segment, with some stellar alternatives.

• Value: 4 / 5

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the Fairphone Fairbuds 2?Fairphone Fairbuds 2 score card

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

The ANC and app presets work well, though the battery life isn't great.

4/5

Design

The eco-friendly and chemical-free build wins all the points, though the simple carry case and buds are charming in their own way.

4.5/5

Sound quality

Audio is perfectly serviceable, though a few quirks will put off audiophiles.

3.5/5

Value

They're fine value for money, though not the best in their market segment.

4/5

Buy them if…

You want eco-friendly tech
Fairphone is second-to-none with its green materials, production and sourcing.

You'll repair your earbuds if they break
Repairable tech is all the rage, and if you think you'd be up to fix broken buds, these are the ones to buy.

You like svelte carry cases
The Fairbuds 2 have one of the smallest carry cases I've seen in ages, and it's pretty protective too.View Deal

Don’t buy them if…

You're a staunch audiophile
If all you care about is the sound, I think you'll find the Fairbuds 2 a little disappointing.

You'd like something long-lasting
The Fairbuds are long-lasting in terms of the product life span, but the actual battery life isn't that great.

Fairphone Fairbuds 2 review: Also consider

Looking for alternative in-ears? Here are a few alternatives at the same price point.

Fairphone Fairbuds 2

Soundpeats H3

Huawei FreeBuds Neo

Drivers

11mm

12mm + dual balanced armatures

11mm

Active noise cancellation

Yes

Yes

Yes

Battery life (ANC on)

6 hours (buds) 32 hours (case)

7 hours (buds) 37 hours (case)

6 hours (buds) / 22 hours (case)

Weight

5.8g (buds) 64g (case)

6g (buds) 53g (case)

4.8g (bud) 31.4g (case)

Connectivity

Bluetooth 6.0

Bluetooth 5.4

Bluetooth 6.0

Waterproofing

IP54

IPX5

IP55

Soundpeats H3
For a tiny amount more, you can buy arguably the best-sounding earbuds at this price point. The H3 look funky, fit well and sound incredibly, but don't have the eco appeal of the Fairbuds.
Read our full Soundpeats H3 review

Huawei FreeBuds Neo
A Fairbuds 2 contemporary with pretty similar specs, the Neo sound better and are lovely and small, but the app barely works and the ANC isn't as good.
Read our full Huawei FreeBuds Neo review

How I tested the Fairphone Faurbuds 2

• Tested for three weeks
• Paired with Android phone for Bluetooth playback
• Used on holiday as well as use at home and around neighborhood.

I used the Fairphone Fairbuds 2 for about three weeks before writing this review; I used them back-to-back with the Huawei FreeBuds Neo, generally bringing them both with me on trips.

In this testing time I went on holiday, so they got time on flights, train and coach trips, and I also used them at the gym, at home and on walks around my local area.

For the entirety of the testing time, the buds were connected to my Samsung phone. I listened to Spotify, played from my high-res collection, played games, conducted video calls and watched videos to test them out.

I've tested most of Fairphone's gadgets since I joined TechRadar in 2019, including the Fairbuds XL 2025 last year, and also have experience reviewing plenty of other earbuds from a range of brands (including almost every other pair mentioned in the review)>

• First reviewed in October 2026

• Read TechRadar's reviews guarantee

You run a company with employees across different regions—effective collaboration can get pretty hectic. You need a tool that bridges the distance between employees, enabling them to collaborate in real-time like they were in an office. Miro is one such tool.

Founded in 2011 as a simple whiteboard tool, Miro was built to enable remote workforces to collaborate seamlessly. Think of it as a digital whiteboard where employees can share ideas regardless of their location. They can add text, images, flowcharts, design prototypes, and other visual information to the whiteboard, and colleagues can leave comments, message each other directly, or add their own visual elements.

I conducted extensive testing to help you decide whether Miro is the best choice for your workplace. What are its features, and what sets it apart from other collaboration tools? This review dives deep into these questions and helps you make the best choice.

Miro: Plans and pricing

Miro offers a free plan, but with restricted features. This plan supports only 3 editable boards and 5 Talktracks (a feature for giving interactive walkthroughs of a dashboard). However, upgrading to a paid plan allows unlimited boards and Talktracks, along with other features.

The Starter plan costs $8 per month per user. It lets you export Miro boards in PDF or JPG format, restore previous board content with version history, share boards with unlimited visitors, and create private boards with restricted access.

The Business plan costs $20 per month per team member. It provides all the features of the Starter plan, and adds the option to invite unlimited guests to collaborate on a whiteboard, single sign-on (SSO) for security, and advanced visual processing.

(Image credit: Miro || Future)

There’s also an Enterprise plan with custom pricing, available for companies with at least 30 employees. You can contact Miro’s sales team to negotiate prices for this plan.

Miro: Features

Miro’s features center on a virtual whiteboard where employees can collaborate in real-time. On this whiteboard, users can share everything from checklists to product prototypes, images, articles, slides, and tables. Miro provides built-in templates for these visual elements, so you don’t have to create them from scratch. Instead, pick a template and quickly edit it to get what you want.

(Image credit: Miro)

Suppose your team is working on a new website development project; you can create separate whiteboards for ideas, prototypes, and code. On the idea board, team members can quickly share website ideas, and others can comment on them. On the prototype board, designers will share their website prototypes and brainstorm which to pick. On the code board, developers can share and leave comments on each other’s code.

If your team needs to invite outsiders to collaborate on the project, you can simply generate a link and share it with them. Outsiders don’t have to create an account to view your whiteboard, but they need an account to edit or add visual elements. Likewise, you can export a whiteboard in PDF or JPG format and share it with stakeholders, like the client the website is being developed for.

I like that Miro heavily incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) into its platform. Instead of creating every element from scratch, you can use AI to generate text, images, prototypes, charts, and tables for your project. This reduces the time your team spends on planning for each project. However, Miro’s AI tools shouldn’t be 100% relied on—always review the output for errors and unnatural patterns, more so when generating text.

Miro: Interface

If I were to highlight just one thing about Miro, I’d go with its user interface. It beats most competitors out of the water in this category. Miro has a modern, visually appealing interface that feels almost perfect. Features are neatly arranged on the left and top sides of the dashboard, and the rest of the space neatly displays what you’re working on. You can easily drag and drop elements from one position to another, or copy and paste them.

(Image credit: Miro)

The interface uses minimal colors, a light background, and generally adheres to a simple design. Think of it as entering a contemporary home with all furniture spaciously arranged. You wouldn’t have problems figuring out how to use Miro. First-time users have on-screen tutorials to guide them through the interface.

Miro: Support

If you need assistance with Miro, you can first check its official Help Center for user guides and answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs). The user guides are detailed and cover every feature available on Miro, so you’ll likely find a solution in them. From the basics to third-party integrations and advanced features like porting Miro boards to other apps, this Help Center provided great value during my test.

But if the Help Center isn’t sufficient, you can contact Miro’s support team via email, or by filling out an online form and waiting for an email response. I didn’t find live chat or telephone support, which I consider a disadvantage.

Miro: Competition

Out of many competitors, Figma’s FigJam is the top one I’d like to highlight. Figma is a collaborative design tool, and FigJam is its whiteboard platform. Like Miro, FigJam lets users share text, graphics, charts, and other interactive elements on the same board, then export this board or invite external users if needed.

FigJam has a stellar user interface like Miro. However, it doesn’t have as many third-party integrations and project management features. FigJam is best suited for design teams already using Figma, while Miro is suitable for a broader range of projects.

Miro: Final verdict

Miro is an effective whiteboard tool I recommend for all types of businesses. It makes collaboration seamless and keeps teams in sync when working on projects. It’s user-friendly, has rich templates, and also has a broader library of third-party integrations than most rivals.

Portable power stations are useful for everything from keeping your broadband running during a power cut to powering equipment away from a convenient socket. The Anker Solix S2000 fits both roles, combining a substantial battery with a relatively compact upright design.

What impressed me most, though, was how little fuss it involved. It handled repeated sessions with a 1,200W wet/dry vacuum straight out of the box, while the accompanying app was easy to set up and refreshingly clear about what its settings actually do.

Anker Solix S2000: specifications

(Image credit: Future)

Specification

Details

Battery capacity

2,000Wh

Battery chemistry

Lithium iron phosphate, also known as LFP or LiFePO₄

Continuous AC output

1,500W total

UK mains outlets

Four Type G sockets: two front, two rear

USB-A

One port, up to 12W

USB-C

Two ports: up to 15W and 100W

Shared USB limit

USB-A and 15W USB-C share an 18W maximum

Standard AC charging

Up to 1,150W

Solar charging

Up to 400W through the XT60i input

UPS transfer time

Approximately 10ms, manufacturer-rated

Dimensions

208 × 282 × 323.3mm

Weight

16.2kg

Warranty

Five years

Specifications are manufacturer figures; socket layout and port labels were also checked against the UK review unit.

Design and connections

The S2000 has an understated appearance: a dark grey enclosure, rounded edges and a glossy front panel. It looks perfectly at home beside a desk, although mine was soon earning its keep around DIY equipment.

Its upright shape gives it a reasonably small footprint. At 16.2kg, however, “portable” still involves a deliberate lift. Moving it between rooms or taking it out to the garden is one thing; carrying it a long distance is another.

The UK version has four proper Type G sockets, split evenly between the front and rear. That arrangement makes sense. You can keep regularly connected equipment plugged in behind the unit, leaving the front sockets available for things you connect occasionally.

There is a trade-off: you’ll need access to both sides if you want to use every socket. Bear that in mind before squeezing it into a tight space, and leave the ventilation clear.

The USB connections sit above the display. The 100W USB-C port is the one to choose for a compatible laptop, while the other USB-C connection is limited to 15W. They look similar, so it’s worth checking the labels.

The screen puts the remaining battery percentage front and centre, alongside input and output wattage and an estimated remaining time. That gives you the information you need without reaching for your phone.

Performance: a proper day’s work

My S2000 arrived with a 59% state of charge. Rather than charging it fully before doing anything useful, I put it straight to work powering a 1,200W wet/dry vacuum.

Between approximately 10am and 5pm, I used the vacuum repeatedly in sessions lasting around five to ten minutes. The Anker handled those sessions without any problems, and by the time I finished, it still showed 13% remaining.

To be clear, that was intermittent use across a seven-hour working day, rather than seven hours of continuous vacuuming. Even so, it was a useful practical test: repeated use of a fairly demanding appliance, starting with little more than half a battery.

The benefit was simple. I could get on with the job without running an extension lead back to a mains socket, and the power station had enough charge to cover the work I needed to do.

This wasn’t a controlled capacity test. I didn’t record the vacuum’s total running time or measure the energy delivered at the socket, so it wouldn’t be fair to calculate an efficiency figure from the percentage drop.

What I can say is that it coped comfortably with this particular vacuum and pattern of use.

The main limitation is the 1,500W continuous output. Battery capacity tells you how much energy is stored; output determines which appliances it can run. A large battery doesn’t automatically mean it can power a typical high-wattage UK kettle or several demanding tools together.

Check appliance ratings, allow for starting demands, and remember that the output limit is shared across the AC sockets.

Charging options

(Image credit: Future)

For everyday charging, the S2000 connects directly to the mains using the supplied AC cable. There’s no separate external power brick to find space for.

During one charging session, the front display showed approximately 1,068W going in. An app screenshot taken during charging showed around 1,077W, with UltraFast charging switched off. These are snapshots rather than a timed charging test, but they show a substantial charging rate in normal use.

There’s also an app-controlled UltraFast option when a quicker turnaround matters.

Away from home, the S2000 supports compatible solar panels and vehicle charging, provided you have the correct cables and accessories. Solar input is capped at 400W, with Anker specifying a maximum open-circuit voltage of 60V. Panel compatibility matters as well as the connector.

Those alternatives add flexibility, although a normal car accessory socket will be much slower than mains charging. Think of it as a way to replenish charge while travelling, rather than expecting a quick refill of a 2kWh battery.

The app: easy to set up, easy to understand

(Image credit: Future || Anker)

The app was one of the nicest surprises.

Finding it in the Google Play Store was straightforward, as were signing in and getting started. The S2000 was detected straight away, added without difficulty and ready to control. An iPhone version also appears to be available, although my experience here was with Android.

The main screen presents the battery percentage, temperature, charging estimate and power flow clearly. You can see what’s happening at a glance.

More useful still is the depth of control. There are multiple UPS and power-management modes, charging timers, adjustable AC charging power and battery charge limits. You also get AC output scheduling, a countdown to switch the sockets off, screen controls and power-usage history.

Crucially, the explanations are good. Rather than leaving you to decipher a vaguely named mode, the app helps you understand what a setting does and decide whether it suits your needs.

Some power-station apps make configuration feel like educated guesswork. Here, the guidance makes the extra features more approachable, particularly if this is your first battery system.

Backup power and everyday use

The UPS function adds another potential role: keeping suitable equipment powered when the mains fails. Anker quotes a transfer time of around 10ms, although I haven’t independently measured that or tested compatibility with individual computers.

For a home office, the combination of rear sockets, battery monitoring and configurable operating modes is appealing. You can leave equipment connected and manage the unit without constantly handling it.

FutureFutureFutureFutureFuture

For more off-grid essentials, we've tested the best portable power stations.

I’ve been playing Final Fantasy Resonance for the past few weeks, and it is a delightful love letter to the Final Fantasy series — a beautiful turn-based role-playing game (RPG) that blends new and old across its gameplay and aesthetics to create an adventure I have adored every second of.

While it might have its roots in a now defunct mobile gacha game — Brave Exvius — don’t hold that against it. The only holdover is the core story. Everything else, from the gameplay to the wide world map to explore to the visual style, has been overhauled — the pay-to-play elements are gone too; all unlocks are completely free

Review info

Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
Release date: October 26, 2026

The end result of this total rebuild is a classic-feeling RPG that is somehow just as at home among 2026’s gaming lineup as it would have been among one from decades ago.

There are some tweaks I’d make here and there: mostly to Visions, and to the story that’s a little predictable, but neither of these issues has sapped the joy from what is easily among the best Nintendo Switch 2 games I’ve played this year (it’s also releasing on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PS5 and PC).

(Image credit: Square Enix)Back to basics

After spending decades finding ways to mix up the turn-based action it popularized, Final Fantasy Resonance returns the series to a much more classic interpretation of it. When it’s their turn to act your party and enemies get to make a basic Attack, spend MP to perform some kind of special Skill action like casting a spell, Summon a powerful esper to fight by their side, or use an item from the party’s bag — with the order characters go determined by their speed.

It facilitates a slower and more tactical approach to engaging enemies than the action-focused gameplay of more modern Final Fantasy entries, which pairs nicely with Resonance’s less traditional combat mechanic: Stagger.

Dealing enough damage to your foes that’s a flavour they’re weak to will fill their meter and Stagger them — they’ll lose their go that turn if they haven’t acted yet, will take more damage until the next round, and whoever staggered them will get a second action.

(Image credit: Square Enix)

If you Stagger every enemy at once, you enter a Sweeping Stagger — your whole party will get a second action, and you’ll be able to deliver a powerful Resonance attack. This sees one of your equipped Visions rush forward to deliver a cinematic finishing blow — showcased by a 3D cinematic that briefly takes you out of the game’s HD-2D style.

Resonance isn't just Final Fantasy meets Octopath Traveler. It might seem that way based on my description so far — seeing as it borrows Octopath’s visual identity and a core aspect of the series’ Break and Boost system

Best bit

(Image credit: Square Enix)

Exploring the game world to find secret items or hidden bosses always feels so rewarding. Especially later on, when you unlock the airship. There are several secrets I found out of pure curiosity, and it felt so fulfilling to be rewarded for hunting around.

But besides the nuances of Resonance’s Stagger system, which make it different from what Octopath offers, you’ll also find this game’s plot is quintessential Final Fantasy — more on that in a moment — and it takes a different approach with its Job / Class system through Visions. They feel more like weapons you swap in and out than a Class you’ll want to perfect and stick with.

Visions are (mostly) manifestations of the core Final Fantasy games’ protagonists which aid your party in combat: performing the Resonance attacks I mentioned earlier, but also unlocking a separate list of actions and abilities for the party member they’re equipped to. Most skills you’ll only have access to while the Vision is actively deployed, but there are also permanent unlocks to earn by mastering a Vision — letting you mix and match aspects of Visions on a single party member to craft your ideal champion.

As I mentioned, this will feel a lot like Jobs from other Square Enix titles, but because so much of a Vision’s identity is lost from your character when you unequip it — most permanent Mastery unlocks are more generic, yet still useful, abilities like improving stats — I’ve found it better to see Visions as Equipment. Before entering a tough fight, you might want to swap out your loadout to best suit the challenge ahead — such as equipping your party with water attack dealers when facing off against a fiery foe.

(Image credit: Square Enix)A medley or overstuffed buffet?

Taking everything I’ve said so far, you might fear Final Fantasy Resonance would turn out to be a mess.

It combines aspects of several games (Octopath Traveler, Brave Exvius, and classic Final Fantasy). It jumps between 3D and HD-2D visuals across different cinematics. There’s just over two dozen Visions to master, each their own skills to augment the base abilities your party develops. You can call forth powerful Summons to deal even more damage to your foes. There’s a giant map to explore, bursting with secrets to discover in every corner. There are main quests and side missions to complete over tens of hours, as well as secret boss fights and a coliseum to become the champion of.

(Image credit: Square Enix)

It’s a lot, yet Final Fantasy Resonance never felt like a mess.

Square Enix shows a mastery of the HD-2D art style. The world's environments are stunning, character sprites are expressive, and there are some amazing 2D spectacle across the game’s cutscenes and attack animations. The animatics feel fan-made in a good way — full of expression, and getting as much as possible from the medium.

The flashes of 3D work surprisingly well to augment special moments. Rather than feeling incongruous, the 3D Vision Resonance attack and Esper Summon cinematics give these abilities an appropriately otherworldly aspect.

Games which let you throw everything and the kitchen sink at your enemies have a habit of feeling too easy. However, playing on Expert difficulty, I found fights (especially boss fights) were a challenge — one I could overcome, but not without playing tactically. Button mashing and praying won’t save you here.

These different abilities also built up gradually over time. This let me get to grips with systems before some new aspect was thrown into the mix.

(Image credit: Square Enix)

And when the gameplay is so engaging, and the visuals so beautiful, I had no problem adventuring back and forth to complete side quests and seek out every secret hiding in the world.

Close to perfection

If I must find fault with Final Fantasy Resonance, it would be in two areas.

The first is that while I love a lot of the Visions system, it struggles for much of the mid-game because it focuses too much on the main Final Fantasy protagonists who are (let’s face it) pretty samey. This is showcased by the fact that the majority of them are classified as Commando or Breaker types.

The precise builds and abilities do change, but for example there aren’t many supportive Healers amongst them — meaning building out a dedicated support character in your party is a little tough at times as you’ll either need to stick with a Vision you’ve mastered, or accept your party will be multi-classing early on.

(Image credit: Square Enix)

Given how useful some Mastery abilities are, you’ll want to multiclass to some extent (Tronn’s ability to halve MP costs is one you need to unlock for as many characters as possible as soon as possible), but given the game says the Vision system offers you the freedom to customize the party however you want, I was a little disappointed that the reality doesn’t quite match this.

Secondly, I’d say the plot is Final Fantasy in its purest form. There are crystals, war between ancient mystical powers and new age technology, sacrifice for the greater good, twists and turns that reveal secrets about the characters’ and the world’s past, and an awful lot else that is a little cliché.

The story is certainly good enough to keep me engaged; it's just nothing special.

Though as I’ve said, neither of these gripes kept me from adoring Final Fantasy Resonance. Every time I sat down to write this review I had to force myself to not reach over for my Nintendo Switch 2 to play another five minutes — and like any good game my attempts to set time limits on myself never succeeded in keeping my play sessions shorter than a few hours at a time.

(Image credit: Square Enix)

While it is available on several consoles and PC, my Nintendo Switch 2 has been superb. If you have a choice, this is where I’d recommend playing, as it runs so smoothly, it’s easy to chip away at quests while on the go, and you can still enjoy a beautiful big-picture experience when the handheld is docked.

Should you play Final Fantasy Resonance?Play it if…

You miss classic Final Fantasy
Resonance is the best Final Fantasy game I’ve played in years, in all the best ways. It feels both new and old and is sure to delight long-time fans of the series.

You love Octopath Traveller
There’s a lot of Octopath in this game, yet Resonance still feels unique enough to scratch the HD-2D itch without feeling samey.

You want a long, but not too long, RPG
Unlike some RPGs that can stretch into the hundreds of hours, most players will finish Resonance and its side quests somewhere between 30 and 50. Still long enough to sink your teeth into, but not have it take over your life.

Don’t play it if…

You hate turn-based combat
Not everyone enjoys the tactical ebb-and-flow of a turn-based RPG. If that’s you this game isn’t for you.

You hate exploration
While not as vast as an open-world game, Final Fantasy Resonance is full of hidden secrets to find across its overworld, and dungeons. If you prefer a more linear adventure you might not get as much out of this experience as you could.

You’re tired of cliché fantasy stories
The Final Fantasy Resonance story feels like an amalgamation of every FF game to come before. It’s not bad, but the twists and turns are frequently predictable which can disappoint gamers who love a good story.

Accessibility features

Besides the features built into your console of choice, Final Fantasy Resonance has no accessibility features baked into it.

However, as a turn-based RPG, gameplay can be as slow as you need. It doesn't matter if you take five seconds, five minutes, or five hours to lock in an action, and unlike games such as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, there are no active parry or dodge mechanics that require precise timing on the player's part.

(Image credit: Square Enix)How I reviewed Final Fantasy Resonance

I reviewed Final Fantasy Resonance for around 30 hours on my Nintendo Switch 2. Predominantly, this was with base system hardware in handheld mode — plugging away on trips, my commute, and while relaxing on the couch — but I did experience the big-screen docked mode for several hours on my 4K Fire TV (relying on an 8BitDo Ultimate 2 controller for inputs).

In all modes, the game ran smoothly, and I never regretted my decision to play the game on the least powerful system it’s launching on.

First reviewed October 2026

I review tech for a living, so asking AI for the “best website for tech reviews” came with a small risk of bruised pride. Would TechRadar get a mention, or would the answer send readers straight to the competition? That was one of the questions I put to HubSpot AEO.

HubSpot’s answer engine optimization tool tracks selected questions across ChatGPT, Gemini and Perplexity. It shows which brands appear, which pages the answers cite, and suggests content work based on those findings. What interested me was being able to read the answers behind the score, then check the sources for myself.

I used the free trial to set up TechRadar and track 11 of the 25 available prompts. My hands-on review covers setup and reporting, with product demonstrations and documentation filling in the workflows I didn’t try. One day of results can’t prove long-term gains, but it gave me enough to judge whether the tool helps make sense of AI search or simply adds another chart to the working day.

HubSpot AEO: Plans and pricing

(Image credit: HubSpot)

The standalone price for using HubSpot’s AEO tool is $50 a month, or $45 a month billed annually, which comes to $540 a year before tax. You also get a 28-day free trial that requires no credit card; there’s no need to buy another paid HubSpot product first.

Access

Starting price (USD)

Tracked prompts

Monthly answers

AEO trial

Free for 28 days

25

2,500

Standalone AEO

$50 monthly or $540 yearly

25

2,500

Marketing Hub Professional

$800/month, paid annually

25

2,500

Marketing Hub Enterprise

$3,600/month

50

5,000

HubSpot for Marketers Professional

$900/month, paid annually

25

2,500

HubSpot for Marketers Enterprise

From $3,800/month

50

5,000

The AEO features are also included in Marketing Hub Professional and Enterprise plans. And, the HubSpot for Marketers option bundles Marketing Hub with Content Hub and include AEO too. Those prices cover the wider software package, and not an AEO surcharge.

Now, if you’re just on the AEO plan and want more credits, it costs $20 a month for another 10 prompts and 1,000 monthly answers. A standalone account tracking 45 prompts therefore costs $90 a month on monthly billing. Not to forget, tracking another brand requires a separate AEO instance.

Content generation has a separate cost too. Generating a piece from an AEO recommendation requires Marketing Hub Professional or Enterprise and uses 1,000 HubSpot Credits. Standard Professional plans include 3,000 monthly credits, while Enterprise includes 5,000. Extra credits cost $10 per 1,000, and unused monthly credits expire. CRM-based prompt suggestions also require Marketing Hub Professional or Enterprise.

There’s one pricing wrinkle, though. Accounts enrolled in HubSpot’s flexible seats-and-credits program have separate terms, including two credits per AEO answer. That is a different model from the standard prompt allowances above. So, do check which model your account uses before budgeting.

HubSpot AEO: Setup

I signed up with my email and answered a question about my role. From there, HubSpot took me through the AEO setup one step at a time.

(Image credit: HubSpot)

Next, I entered TechRadar’s name and website address. That led to the competitor and audience settings, where I could narrow down what I wanted to track.

(Image credit: HubSpot)

I reviewed the suggested competitors and chose TechRadar Streaming, focusing on deal-seeking shoppers in the United States. I wasn’t convinced by every competitor suggestion, though. Some were publishing companies rather than the review sites readers might compare.

(Image credit: HubSpot)

HubSpot used those choices to suggest questions to track. I could edit or remove prompts before continuing. Several asked much the same thing, so I found the suggestions useful for getting started, but too narrow to cover different reader needs on their own.

(Image credit: HubSpot)

I then started the checks and followed HubSpot’s progress as it worked through the prompts. From there, I could open the dashboard and start exploring the answers, brand mentions and cited sources.

(Image credit: HubSpot)HubSpot AEO: Features and specsPrompt tracking

(Image credit: HubSpot)

The panel also separates Answers, Prompt Analysis and Recommendations. I like that structure because a weak score has somewhere to lead like you can inspect the answer, compare the sources, then consider a change. These are repeatable checks of chosen questions, not a log of what every buyer asks.

Brand visibility and competitor analysis

The earlier dashboard screenshot showed 6.67% brand visibility while the account held 10 prompts. Its date range ran from October 27 to October 27, with a single point on the trend chart. That was a baseline, not enough history to judge progress.

(Image credit: HubSpot)

The broader review-site question above comes from the later 11-prompt view. Comparing that single question with the earlier average would be misleading. The contrast shows how much the choice of questions matters, not that visibility suddenly improved.

Visibility measures how often the brand appears in the tracked answers. Share of voice compares its mentions with the selected competitors. Filters for engine, product, audience and buying stage help explain where a gap sits. And, Sentiment adds context about how the brand is described, rather than just whether it appears.

For TechRadar, I also need to separate being named as a recommended review site from having a guide cited in an answer. Both can be useful, but a mention score alone doesn’t capture that difference.

Citation analysis

This is the report I find most useful for planning content. A mention tells me the brand appeared. Citation analysis shows the pages and domains used as sources, including sources owned by other businesses.

My Citations screen splits the results by content type and channel. The first view concerns formats, such as blogs, comparisons, and documentation. The second concerns where the material comes from, with categories including owned, earned, peer, review-site, and user-generated sources.

(Image credit: HubSpot)

Earned and review-site sources occupied large parts of my channel chart, while owned content had a thin slice. I read that as a reason to inspect outside sources before assuming another page on our own site is the answer. These are sources across the tracked prompts, though. They don’t all necessarily mention TechRadar.

The wider report lets you inspect top domains and individual URLs, and compare owned-domain citations with citations whose source pages mention your brand. That helps distinguish if you should improve your own pages or earn coverage elsewhere. Neither count proves that someone clicked through or bought anything.

Content recommendations

HubSpot uses the prompts and cited sources to suggest workarounds for owned content, social amplification, and outreach. Each recommendation has a content type, channel, and priority. Opening it adds a suggested title, summary, audience, and keywords, with the prompts and citations behind the idea.

Suppose a tracked question keeps citing third-party comparisons. Here, updating a relevant comparison page or seeking inclusion in one could be more useful than publishing another broad guide. This is exactly where the source list helps make that choice.

The recommendation can then be marked complete. I see this as a useful brief for a writer or outreach lead, rather than a finished strategy. Someone still needs to check the cited pages, decide whether the suggestion fits the business, and do the work.

Content generation and impact tracking

For eligible Marketing Hub accounts, the Generate asset feature takes an owned-content or social recommendation into Content Agent. It uses the brief alongside brand voice, audience information, and cited pages. The draft appears in the recommendation’s Content tab, ready to open in the relevant editor.

I like the direct handoff because the source research and writing brief stay connected. It still needs an editor. That’s because a draft can follow a useful outline and still remain thin on facts, examples, or a reason to choose that business.

After publication, the Impact tab accepts the page URL and tracks whether it earns citations for the target prompts. This gives the recommendation a follow-up check instead of ending at “published”. It doesn’t prove that the tool caused an increase, and it isn’t sales attribution.

Is HubSpot AEO worth it?

I recommend starting with the trial for one clear product, audience, and set of questions. My setup exposed the main risk early: a tidy dashboard can still rest on repetitive prompts and a questionable competitor list. Fix those inputs before spending time on the score.

For a small team, the standalone plan is a reasonable way to replace repeated manual checks and find useful source pages. Existing Marketing Hub Professional and Enterprise users get more value from the connected content tools. That’s why I don’t see a case for buying the wider suite solely for AEO.

The buying decision comes down to what the reports change. Find a worthwhile page to improve, a source to approach, or a buyer question you’ve missed. Without that next step, more daily data won’t earn its monthly fee.

FAQsWhat is HubSpot AEO tool?

HubSpot AEO is an answer engine optimization tool that tracks how your brand appears in answers from different AI tools. It monitors selected questions, compares brand mentions with competitors, and shows which pages get cited. It also suggests content updates and outreach opportunities based on those findings.

Is HubSpot AEO free?

No, HubSpot AEO is not free, but it offers a 28-day free trial with 25 tracked prompts and no credit card required. Standalone access then costs $50 a month, or $45 a month billed annually. AEO is also included with paid Marketing Hub Professional and Enterprise plans. HubSpot’s free AI Search Grader is a separate snapshot tool.

Is AEO different from SEO?

Yes, AEO differs from SEO in its main goal, though the two overlap. SEO focuses on visibility in search results, whereas AEO focuses on getting your brand mentioned or your content cited in AI-generated answers. Both depend on helpful content and pages that search engines can access. I see AEO as an extension of SEO, not a reason to abandon it.

How to do AEO optimization?

AEO optimization starts with checking how your brand appears in answers to questions your customers ask. I recommend reviewing the brands and sources cited, then improving pages that leave those questions unanswered. Make your content accessible to crawlers and seek relevant coverage on trusted websites. Track the same questions over time to see whether mentions and citations change.

How to write content for AEO?

To write content for AEO, answer a specific question first, then add evidence, examples, and context. I keep each section focused on one topic, with clear headings and tables or lists where they help. Each passage should make sense on its own. Original research, expert insights, and useful FAQs give the page more substance than a rewrite of existing advice.

Astell & Kern PD5: Two-minute review

It’s been a long time since Astell & Kern has had a genuinely affordable digital audio player in its line-up, and the launch of the PD5 does nothing to change that.

It’s been a while since the company had anything as visually unremarkable as this in its catalog, too — but try not to get hung up on the perceived value and instead concentrate on the priceless nature of its sound quality.

And besides, a considerable amount of money put Astell & Kern’s way for a PD5 may not buy you much in the way of design or tactility but it gets you an extremely thoroughly specified device. Eight Cirrus Logic DACs? 20-point EQ adjustment? Balanced and unbalanced headphone outputs? The ability to work as a desktop DAC? Enough power to get a tune out even the most uncooperative headphones? The PD5 has all of this, and more — and it’s all in the service of audio performance that’s as good as any portable device at anything like this price point.

When it comes to clarity, to detail retrieval and to outright fidelity, the PD5 is extremely hard to criticise and yes, it fully emphatically deserves a place in our best MP3 players guide. And its talents don’t stop there, not even close — its sound is punchily robust, effortlessly dynamic, brilliantly controlled and organised, and thoroughly engaging. If you take your portable listening experience seriously (or your desktop listening experience for that matter — the PD5 is also an excellent USB DAC), this Astell & Kern absolutely demands your attention.

Away from audio quality the PD5 isn’t perfect; there are rare occasions on which it can be glitchy in operation, its on-screen menus are approaching ‘miniscule’, and it neither looks nor feels quite as expensive as it actually is. All of this, though, is made to seem fairly trivial by the way the PD5 performs its primary function.

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)Astell & Kern PD5 review: Price and release date

• Priced $1,049 / £899 / AU$1,349
• Announced in August 2026; released in September 2026

The Astell & Kern PD5 digital audio player is on sale now, and in the United Kingdom it costs £899. In the United States it will set you back $1,049, while in Australia it goes for AU$1,349.

Anyone familiar with such devices knows that for an A&K player, that's actually not so expensive — again, note my 'for an A&K player' wording there. This company's flagship DAPs go for $3,999 / £3,799 / AU$6,599 (Astell & Kern A&ultima SP4000 and its newer T-suffixed sibling, I'm looking at you), but you can also get a hi-res player from A&K's sub-brand — called the Activo P1 — for $430 / £399 (around AU$869).

There are crucial differences in the specifications which I'll go into, but it's good to have an idea of the market at least, when looking at such a fee and being told by its makers that it is "entry level".

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)Astell & Kern PD5 review: Features

• Eight (count ‘em!) Cirrus Logic CS43198 DACs
• Balanced and unbalanced headphone outputs
• Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX HD support

The PD5 isn’t the first Astell & Kern product that’s been so thoroughly specified that discussing every one of its features in any kind of depth might take up most of your day. So let’s say right from the off that no eventuality has been overlooked where the PD5 is concerned, and then let’s deal with the headlines and then try not to get too bogged down in all the rest of it…

Never knowingly understated, Astell & Kern has fitted eight Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC chipsets here. The user interface gives you the option of listening using four, or all eight — listening in octa-mode offers optimal sound quality, but eats into battery life quite badly (engage all eight DACs and you’re looking at 15 hours of playback as opposed to the 28 or so you should get when listening to ‘just’ four). Taking the battery from ‘flat’ to ‘full’ takes around two-and-a-half hours.

In terms of feeding digital audio content to that considerable digital-to-analog conversion line-up, you have a few options. The bare-bones Android user interface Astell & Kern has deployed here, along with dual-band wi-fi, allows you to download the app of your favourite music streaming service(s), and 64GB of internal memory allows you to store some content to the PD5’s local storage. There’s a microSD card slot on the bottom of the frame (next to the USB-C slot that’s used for data transfer and for battery charging) too — it can accept cards of up to 1.5TB, which should prove adequate for all the hi-res content you might desire.

The player can deal with resolutions of up to 32bit/384kHz PCM and DSD256, and is Roon Ready as well as featuring full-on Qobuz Connect integration. Or you might decide to bypass the fancy-pants D-to-A circuitry altogether and use Bluetooth to drive a pair of wireless headphones (although it does seem a bit of a weird idea to spend £899 on a player in order to use it like a smartphone).

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

The PD5 features Bluetooth 5.3 with codec support up to and including aptX HD. It also has two headphone outputs: an unbalanced 3.5mm socket and a balanced 4.4mm alternative that’s compatible with five-pole jacks. Use the 4.4mm output, select octa-DAC mode, and the Astell & Kern can summon a mammoth 8Vrms of power — so even the most demanding headphones will have to do as they are told. But there are quite a few ways in which the sound can be affected, both by the device and by the person using it, before it reaches these outputs.

The ‘EnviroTune’ feature uses a mic integrated into the top edge of the PD5 to analyse ambient noise in real time and correct those frequencies affected by it without just making everything louder. The ‘Teraton Alpha’ audio engine that’s familiar from some of Astell & Kern’s uber-pricey DAPs minimises noise from the power supply and creates amplification that’s as stable and distortion-free as possible. And ‘Enhanced Signal Alignment’ technology synchronises outgoing signals in an effort to negate phase distortion and deliver the most coherent sonic image possible.

The end user, meanwhile, gets a choice of digital filters and some quite in-depth EQ adjustment to look into. The default filter is ‘low latency fast’, and it is as distinct in its effect as ‘low latency slow’, ‘phase compensated fast’ and ‘phase compensated slow’ are from each other. A ten-band EQ offers fairly granular adjustment of the sound, and an ‘advanced’ EQ interface allows frequency response to be defined using a graph with 20 (!) plotting points.

The PD5 will function as a desktop too, thanks to its USB-C slot’s ability with data transfer. Simply make a hard connection to, say, your laptop, select ‘DAC input’ in the ‘USB Mode’ sub-menu, and the Astell & Kern automatically switches on octa-DAC mode in order to give your computer a proper go at sounding decent for once.

Features score: 5 / 5

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)Astell & Kern PD5 review: Sound quality

• Clarity, detail and dynamism in equal measure
• Organised and fully resolved sound
• Well-controlled punch and drive

The Astell & Kern PD5 is an admirably unpicky device, although obviously there are limits. Give it the sort of standard content available on a proper music streaming service (which means a CD-quality resolution of 16bit/44.1kHz) and it does an admirable job of maximising the information available to it. Step down from there, though, to the sort of squashed nonsense served up by Apple Music or Spotify, and the PD5 struggles to conceal its disdain. But you didn’t spend proper money to listen to compressed poverty-spec streams, did you?

So a 16bit/44.1kHz stream of Hood’s Western Housing Concerns is delivered in tremendous fashion. The presentation is open and spacious, with an expansive soundstage on which each element of the recording gets ample room in which to stretch out and express itself. The layout is rigorously observed, and the PD5’s powers or organisation mean the stage is locked in place and completely convincing.

Tonality is absolutely neutral, the player offering neither heat nor chill to the colour of the recording. There’s excellent clarity to the presentation, a really dark and quiet background in front of which the band perform — and at every stage of the frequency range, there’s absolutely fanatical attention to detail. No matter how minor an occurrence, how far back in the mix, or how fleeting, the Astell & Kern will seize upon it and give it precisely the amount of weight and emphasis it requires.

Frequency response is similarly even-handed, and similarly convincing as a result. A switch to a DSD64 file of Michael Jackson’s Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough reveals deep, textured, tremendously varied and thrillingly solid low-frequency response, and bass is controlled to the point that rhythmic expression is never less than positive and confident. Midrange resolution is no less accomplished, with the singer’s mic technique made every bit as apparent as his tone and timbre. The top of the frequency range strikes a lovely balance between substance and brilliance, and again there’s an absolutely stack of information available. The PD5 doesn’t over- or underemphasise any part of the frequency range, and as a result this glossy, audibly expensive recording sounds as natural and polished as it ever did.

Dynamic headroom is considerable when it’s time to describe big variations in volume or intensity or attack, and the more subtle dynamics of harmonic variation and transient response are never overlooked. The entire presentation hangs together seamlessly, the Astell & Kern offering a proper sense of unity and singularity to recordings of every type.

And perhaps best of all, there’s nothing show-y or even especially analytical about the way the PD5 goes about things. As far as insight into a recording goes it’s basically untouchable at the money, but that’s not what defines the Astell & Kern. It’s the energy of its sound, the engaged and engaging nature of its performance, that makes it as entertaining a listen as you’ll get from a portable device costing less than four figures.

Sound quality score: 5 / 5

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)Astell & Kern PD5 review: Design

• 120 x 70 x 16mm (HxWxD)
• 4.1in touchscreen display
• 198g

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with the Astell & Kern PD5 as a physical object, let me make that clear from the off. The dimensions are nicely palm-sized, the weight is sufficient to make it feel like a premium product without being a burden to a jacket pocket, and the standard of fit and finish is impeccable.

And I’m not about to pretend I miss the painfully pointy edges of some previous Astell & Kern models, either — the PD5 is a much friendlier proposition in this respect — nor the painfully self-conscious offset screen of the old SR35. But there’s nothing remarkable about the design of the PD5, nothing to set it apart from the pack of products competing with it for your hard-earned. Even the volume dial, previously a little Astell & Kern design flourish, is unremarkable here.

I realise I can’t have it all ways, and a calm and sensible aesthetic is preferable to something overwrought and wilful. But I find myself slightly concerned that for the PD5, Astell & Kern may have bypassed its industrial design team altogether…

Design score: 4.5 / 5

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)Astell & Kern PD5 review: Usability and setup

• Bright, rather reflective screen
• In-depth menus
• Occasional operational oddities

As mentioned, the PD5 uses a stripped-back version of Android as its user interface — and it’s all the better for it. Too many digital audio players pointlessly include a lot of your smartphone’s functionality for no reason, as far as I can tell, other than to eat into the machine’s local memory.

The 4.1in touchscreen is bright, although rather more reflective than is ideal, and it’s responsive without being on a hair trigger. The Astell & Kern’s menus are extensive, and as a result the font size is really very small — but squint and you should be able to make out what’s what (even if the occasional use of ‘red on black’ for text is a terrible idea).

Setting up the PD5 to your satisfaction isn’t the work of a moment. But when you finally get finished you can at least be sure you have a digital audio player that’s primed to do exactly what you want, and in the manner you want it.

There are occasional glitches in operation, though — or, at least, that’s my experience. I install the Tidal music streaming app, and also insert a microSD card full of hi-res content. But every now and then, both sources will play at the same time. Pressing ‘play’ on a Tidal file usually stops playback from the local storage and vice versa — but not always, which is a weird one and no mistake.

Usability and setup score: 3.5 / 5

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)Astell & Kern PD5 review: Value

Because the majority of the money you’ve spent on a PD5 has gone on the internals, it’s difficult to suggest its perceived value is especially high even if you accept that it’s beautifully constructed and even quite tactile. No, the value for money Astell & Kern is offering here doesn’t reveal itself until you start listening — and then it becomes quickly apparent that your money has been very well spent indeed.

Value score: 4.5 / 5

Should I buy the Astell & Kern PD5? Buy it if... 

You have needy headphones
The PD5 is equipped to make even the most difficult headphones bend to its will.

You’re after uncompromised sound quality
With the Astell & Kern you get what you pay for and then some.

You’re sharp-eyed as well as sharp-eared
Navigating those set-up menus is no job for anyone who’s misplaced their spectacles.

Don't buy it if... 

You want to see, as well as hear, where your money has gone
The PD5 is a perfectly pleasant little device, but its appearance doesn’t exactly shout “almost a grand!”

You don’t own decent wired headphones
The Astell & Kern sounds perfectly fine via Bluetooth, but really your smartphone will do a pretty similar job.

Astell & Kern PD5 review: Also consider

FiiO M23
The FiiO M23 has been around for a couple of years now, but really this only means it’s now competing almost directly with the PD5 on price. It remains a biggish, bulky-ish device, it’s true, but it also remains one of the most poised, direct and downright musical digital audio players around. Give it the right stuff to work with in terms of content and headphones, and the sound quality is enthralling. Read our full FiiO M23 review

How I tested the Astell & Kern PD5

• Listened using Tidal and Qobuz files
• Popped a 512GB microSD card loaded with extremely hi-res content into it
• Used Sennheiser IE900 and Meze Audio Strada for most of my testing

I installed the Tidal music streaming app and also deployed Qobuz Connect (it’s a slicker experience altogether than installing the app onto the player), and I inserted a 512GB microSD card loaded with extremely high-resolution content.

Then I connected a pair of Sennheiser IE900 IEMs using the 4.4mm balanced output, and also used a pair of Meze Audio Strada headphones connected the same way.

I also investigated the PD5’s desktop DAC credentials by plugging it into an Apple MacBook Pro and using the Qobuz and Tidal desktop apps to listen to hi-res using the same pairs of headphones.

• First reviewed in October 2026

• Read TechRadar's reviews guarantee

Protecting your personal information online is as challenging as ever. With many platforms requiring signups to access information, you’re inadvertently going to disclose personal information online, and this information is often made public. Whatever is made public on the internet stays there for a long time, and you’re likely not comfortable with this. What’s a possible solution? A data removal service like EasyOptOuts.

Data removal platforms scan people-finder/data broker sites for your data, then send automated deletion requests on your behalf. When processed, your information gets deleted from the people-finder sites, enhancing online privacy. Data removal platforms also send manual removal requests, but EasyOptOuts doesn’t– it sends only automated requests.

I extensively tested and reviewed EasyOptOuts to help you decide if it’s worth adopting as your personal data removal service. Read on to learn about its core features, pricing, setup, customer support, and other essential factors.

EasyOptOuts: Plans and pricing

EasyOptOuts has a simple pricing structure - you can check out the full details by clicking here. It costs $19.99 per year for personal use. There’s no monthly plan or tiered plans like most data removal platforms. It’s just one package that unlocks access to all features.

(Image credit: EasyOptOuts )

Businesses (with 10+ employees) can get a bulk subscription, but the price still amounts to $19.99 per year per user. The exception is for registered nonprofits, which get a 25% discount from EasyOptOuts.

At $19.99 per year, or barely $1.80 per month, EasyOptOuts is much more affordable than its rivals. But, does this affordability make it a better option? Let’s explore more to find out.

EasyOptOuts: Setup

I found EasyOptOuts’ setup process very straightforward, or shall I say, easy. Entering the homepage and hitting the Sign Up button kickstarts the process. When signing up, you’ll provide your email address and other personal information like date of birth, home address, and phone numbers.

You’re probably wondering, “I’m trying to guard my personal information online and yet need to provide all this information again to a data removal platform?” The answer is that whatever information you provide is what the data removal platform scans people-broker sites for.

EasyOptOuts scans 200+ broker sites, which isn’t that many compared to competitors. However, EasyOptOuts doesn’t aim to be a mass-market data removal service. Rather, it focuses on U.S.-centric people-finder sites. Non-U.S. residents are better off with broader-focused data removal platforms.

After inputting your personal information, EasyOptOuts runs a deep scan on its network of 200+ people-finder sites. The complete scan can take a long time, based on the volume of data found across the network. It could be a day, 2 days, 3 days, or even a week, so don’t fret if you don’t get the results within a short period.

Once the scan completes, users receive an email alert and can begin monitoring the progress of the removal requests. I don’t like that EasyOptOuts sends only automated requests. Sometimes, automated requests aren’t enough to delete your information from people-finder sites, so manually drafted requests are needed to complete the process.

However, I understand that automated-only requests are how EasyOptOuts can keep its price as low as $19.99 per year. If it had to employ experts to manually draft deletion requests, the price would be much higher.

EasyOptOuts doesn’t just run the initial scan. It rescans its people-finder site network every four months, then sends another set of deletion requests if your personal information is discovered again. This rescan is important because some people-finder sites have a habit of reuploading information they were asked to delete. It ensures that your information stays off public view as long as your EasyOptOuts subscription is valid.

Compared to most data removal platforms I’ve tested, setting up EasyOptOuts felt noticeably easier. Everything ran smoothly, from providing my personal information to the initial scan and monitoring the status of deletion requests from my dashboard.

EasyOptOuts: Ease of use

Above, I’ve hinted at EasyOptOuts’ simple setup process and generally intuitive user experience. Like most data removal platforms, EasyOptOuts doesn’t have a native smartphone app, so you’ll access it from your browser.

I think a PC is the best option over a mobile browser, given the volume of information you’ll have to input to get scanned. A mobile browser would be inconvenient for the initial setup, but suitable for monitoring the status of deletion requests.

(Image credit: EasyOptOuts )EasyOptOuts: Security and privacy

EasyOptOuts is a good addition to your online security toolkit, particularly for U.S. residents. It helps keep your information off those infamous people-finder sites like BeenVerified and PeopleLooker.

These sites have built a business model of aggregating personal information from public sources and then offering access for a fee. Tools like EasyOptOuts send deletion requests to scrub your data off people-finder sites.

However, on EasyOptOuts, you won’t find complementary security features like a VPN or password manager. It’s all about one thing – data removal – and does its job effectively. The drawback is the limited, U.S.-centric broker site coverage.

EasyOptOuts: Support

EasyOptOuts provides decent support, although I think it could be better. There’s an official support page filled with detailed answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs). For new users, this FAQs section helps answer important questions, so that you’ll not have to contact support directly for routine issues.

If you do need to contact the support team, there’s a dedicated email address for that. The support team is U.S.-based, so responses revolve around local working hours. I don’t like that there’s no telephone or live chat support, but given the low price charged by EasyOptOuts, it’s understandably difficult to maintain live support teams for users.

EasyOptOuts: Competition

EasyOptOuts has many competitors. Incogni and DeleteMe are the two notable names I’d like to highlight.

I chose Incogni because it feels like a more robust version of EasyOptOuts. It covers 420+ data broker sites, including non-U.S. ones, and offers both automated and manual deletion requests. This compares to EasyOptOuts, which covers 200+ sites and only supports automated requests. However, EasyOptOuts is much more budget-friendly, costing just $19.99 per year, whereas Incogni’s pricing starts from $7.99 per month.

DeleteMe provides much higher coverage, with 850+ sites, and supports manual deletion requests. I’ve tested it and can confidently say that you’ll get more data scrubbed with DeleteMe than EasyOptOuts. DeleteMe users also get complementary features like dark web monitoring and email masking.

However, DeleteMe is priced like a premium service. Its plans average $129 per year, multiples of EasyOptOuts’ $19.99 per year.

EasyOptOuts: Final verdict

If you’re a U.S. resident and need a budget-friendly tool for scrubbing your personal data off people-finder sites, EasyOptOuts is a good bet. For just $19.99 per year, much more affordable than competitors, you’ll get a reliable tool to scan people-finder sites and send deletion requests where your data is discovered.

Setting up your account, running the initial scan, and monitoring further scans are easy to handle, thanks to EasyOptOuts’ intuitive interface.

However, you should be aware of EasyOptOuts’ drawbacks, such as the limited people-finder site coverage, lack of manual deletion requests, and email-only support. Overall, it’s a reliable data removal platform.

The xTool X1 might initially look like another large, enclosed laser engraver, but it wasn't long into my months-long test of the X1, to realise it's something far more ambitious.

Essentially, xTool has brought years of laser engraving development together into a single, expandable manufacturing platform, making the X1 one of the most versatile machines I’ve ever reviewed. This is not the first machine that I’ve looked at recently to do the modular laser approach, with the superb Creality Falcon T1 doing something similar on a far smaller scale.

At the X1’s heart is a 55W CO₂ laser, similar to that seen in the excellent Bambu Lab R1 although now the larger X1 has arrived at the same price and with far more potential it will be interesting to see how the R1 fares.

Once again, the 55W CO₂ laser proves to be a powerful option for cutting and engraving wood, acrylic, and a wide variety of other materials. On its own, this one laser option would already make the X1 a superb option for anyone looking for a professional laser cutter.

But then again, xTool already has the xTool P2. To differentiate this as something new, xTool has thrown all their technologies at the design and added an optional 20W diode galvo module, which sits alongside the CO₂ head inside the machine, and this forms the foundation of what this machine then develops into.

One of the key features to the dual head system is that rather than relying on a conventional moving-head laser for every cut, engrave, and score, the X1 can use the galvo system for intricate, high-speed engraving before switching to the CO₂ laser for cutting. What I like is that both are controlled through xTool Studio, and switching between the installed lasers just takes a selection option in the software.

Throughout testing, this combination of laser options with backpack modules also highlighted the potential and the direction these laser machines are moving. Multiple laser options mean projects like wooden placemats and detailed pencil boxes, which would ordinarily take considerable time to engrave and cut, can be completed much faster, with the galvo speeding through the detail while the CO₂ handles the cutting. In one test, a placemat project that took the xTool S1 around two hours was completed on the X1 in approximately half an hour.

One of the X1's big features is its support for additional laser-source modules mounted on the rear of the machine. For this review, I used the 5W UV and 60W MOPA modules, which enabled me to engrave glass and emboss brass coins. I also used the MOPA for its accuracy to create precision apertures in thin metal for pinhole cameras.

Having previously used dedicated MOPA machines such as the xTool F2 Ultra, I was interested to see how a machine this size could perform similar metal engraving. The results were impressive, but as I found at every step of this review, there were a series of considerations due to the size, weight and complexity of the machine.

That first consideration is size. The X1 arrived in a substantial crate, and as it was dropped off in the driveway, I had to call on assistance from a neighbour to lift and manoeuvre it into position. Although the main machine can sit on a conventional workshop bench, the additional modules, extraction systems and accessories quickly highlighted that the space I had allocated was about half of what it should have been.

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The second point to make is the modular system. While the additional laser sources proved excellent, swapping them isn't quick, unlike some of the small multi-laser modular systems I have looked at recently.

With the X1 positioned against a wall, accessing the rear of the machine, changing the hardware, and recalibrating could take about an hour. Some of this was down to the restricted space in my workshop, but the swap of modules required the recalibration of the lasers, it’s worth considering if you intend to switch between different laser technologies regularly.

Price is another consideration although I'm actually surprised how cheap it is on balance. The base machine is listed at $3,699 / £2554, but adding the diode laser, specialist modules and accessories can take the complete system well beyond $10,000, depending on configuration.

Even so, there’s no getting away from how capable this machine is, and if you were looking for the equivalent in separate machines, say the P2 and F2 Ultra, you’d be looking at much the same costs. For general cutting, detailed engraving and small-batch production, the X1 is one of the most refined laser engravers I’ve used.

If you have an established workshop or small business handling a wide range of materials, the X1 offers huge potential. Just make sure you have the space, budget and patience to make the most of it.

xTool X1: Price & availability

The xTool X1 starts at $3,699 / £2,553 and includes the 55W CO₂ laser. The base price is in line with other machines that I have looked at recently. It's worth knowing that the costs rise quickly with optional modules.

The 20W diode galvo at $899 / approx. £674 is an optional, but essential upgrade, as it first enables faster engraving but is also needed to support the installation of the additional UV, fibre and MOPA lasers.

A fully equipped system comes in at just under $10,000 if you buy the components separately as upgrades, however, the bundle offer prices bring the cost right down. The X1’s integrated workflow, versatility and all-in-one design do keep things neat. You can find out more at xTool.

X1 Single CO2 (55W CO2): $3,399 / £2,554

X1 CO2 + Diode Galvo (55W CO2 + 20W Diode Galvo Module): $3,999 / £3,005

X1 CO2 + Diode Galvo + Fiber (Includes 30W Fiber Laser Source): $5,799 / £4,358

X1 CO2 + Diode Galvo + UV (Includes 5W UV Laser Source): $6,499 / £4,884

X1 CO2 + Diode Galvo + MOPA (Includes 60W MOPA Laser Source): $6,679 / £5,019

xTool X1: DesignSpecs

Machine type: Modular laser cutting and engraving platform
Primary laser: 55W CO₂, 10,600nm
Optional lasers: 20W diode galvo, 5W UV, 30W fibre, 60W MOPA
Laser technologies: Hybrid Motion and Laser Swap
Working area: 615 × 320 mm x 150 maximum
Dimensions:
Weight:
Camera and focusing: Dual cameras with image stitching, automatic focusing and height-adjustable bed
Connectivity: USB and Wi-Fi
Software: xTool Studio

There’s nothing particularly small or understated about the xTool X1. In fact, the first indication of what I was dealing with came when the machine arrived in a substantial wooden crate. I can usually handle these large machines with the help of a sack trolley and boxes.

However, this time I called on the help of a neighbor. It’s not quite the size of the P3, but you will still need two people to lift the X1 free of its packaging and to get it into position in the workshop. By the time we stripped away the protective materials and set it onto the work surface, it was obvious this wasn’t a typical desktop laser engraver.

The machine itself follows the same design direction as xTool’s recent P2S and P3 models, with a fully enclosed chassis and a level of refinement that feels far removed from the open-frame laser engravers that dominated the enthusiast market only a few years ago. When it comes to the size, it measures 1000×580×420 mm.

Having tested numerous xTool machines, I’ve consistently been impressed by the company’s build quality. While xTool and GlowForge used to be the two major players in this part of the market, rivals such as Bambu Lab, LaserPecker, and WeCreat have recently upped the game as well.

Everything from the large hinged lid to the internal processing bed feels solid and is exactly as I’d want in the workshop. The lid opens easily and is supported by pneumatic arms; on some machines of this size that I’ve looked at in the past, this can be a weak point, but here it all feels good and solid.

Compared with other machines of this type and size, the height of the machine is considerably taller; this is due to the adjustable bed inside that rises and lowers to position materials correctly beneath the laser. This is a far more sophisticated setup than the fixed-height beds on many smaller machines that require risers for larger objects. On the front of the machine, there are a couple of buttons that enable you to raise and lower the bed manually if needed.

Testing showed the bed adjustment was essentially fully automated, with the software handling most positioning. The work area is big, with a maximum of 615 × 320 mm, and offers plenty of room to lay out multiple parts, which is especially useful for small batches of products such as placemats.

What I quickly realised is that depending on the laser and type of work you’re doing, those work area dimensions change. For instance, with the CO2 laser the max height of anything placed into the machine is 150mm; however, with the other lasers that reduces to 140mm. Essentially, as you lay out your designs and select the lasers, the on-screen layout changes so visually that from the outset you know exactly where you are.

Inside, the materials are supported on the supplied slats, though as with other manufacturers, I would have liked a few more. I also had the optional honeycomb panel, which, as ever, became my preferred choice for almost everything I processed.

A honeycomb just provides a decent surface for supporting materials and makes it easier to remove completed work, and while small pieces of debris from the cuts will still fall through to the base, there’s less chance of scorching of cut pieces falling and accidentally getting re-lasered.

Unfortunately, one surprise was that there isn’t a simple removable waste tray at the base, so cleaning out smaller pieces requires a little more effort. I have a handheld Dyson for this exact job, and with the depth and space, it’s easy enough to get that into cleanup quickly after a few cuts.

In this review, alongside the 55W CO2, I have also installed the 20W diode galvo module. This sits alongside the CO₂ laser inside the main enclosure and takes a couple of minutes to fit; once installed, it can stay as a permanent part of the machine. After installation, the rest of the setup is completed in xTool Studio.

The software walks you through the calibration process, although some manual adjustment is needed to ensure that the laser paths are correctly aligned. I’ve encountered this with previous xTool machines, including the P2 and P3, and while it can take a little time to understand, the process is reasonably straightforward once you’ve done it a few times.

My first test didn’t produce the result I expected because the alignment wasn’t quite right, mainly due to me rushing part of the process. After repeating the calibration more carefully, the results vastly improved, and once everything was configured, the two installed laser systems are remarkably easy to use.

To switch between the two in the xTool Studio software, you simply assign the right laser to the right operation, and the machine handles the transition. There’s no need to remove one laser head and install another manually as you would have had to do with multi-laser machines in the past.

For everyday cutting and engraving, this combination of lasers works incredibly well and vastly speeds up the process of engraving and cutting, which is the bulk of what I personally do with these machines.

However, these two lasers are just the start of the story, and things do become a little more complicated when I started to install and use the rear-mounted laser-source modules.

xTool supplied the 5W UV and 60W MOPA modules; these are relatively compact, just larger than a shoebox and are solidly built. Before use, they need to be installed into the back of the X1, which takes time, especially when I needed two people to move the machine into the initial position. Essentially, I should have left a little more space to access the rear.

Installation of the modules involves removing covers, connecting power and communication cables, securing the module and checking the optical path. Depending on the configuration, you’ll also need to install the appropriate optics before calibrating the system.

I installed the combined UV/Fiber/MOPA field lens, which supports the different laser sources, and found that straightforward, it essentially just screwed in. The more involved part was mounting the modules and completing the optical alignment.

Initially, I was probably a little too enthusiastic with the manual adjustments, but thankfully xTool provide a small alignment target and tape which makes the entire process relatively easy. Once I realised that small adjustments were all that was needed, the process became much easier.

The software guides you through calibration using the supplied cards, and once the source has been registered, the machine recognises it automatically. My main issue here was the physical access to the back of the machine due to space.

My workshop already has several 3D printers, laser engravers, and other equipment, so I’d originally positioned the X1 against a wall on a fixed workbench. Every time I wanted to change the rear-mounted module, I needed to move other equipment, pull out the workbench and get behind the machine. Given the X1’s size and weight, I didn’t want to attempt this alone.

As a result, what might eventually become a 15 or 20-minute module change took me closer to an hour, including moving the machine, changing the source and checking calibration, the calibration is the part that takes the time. This issue would explain why xTool also provided the optional mobile work stand, which is where this machine will be moved to once I have had a bit of a reorganisation of the space.

Being able to wheel the machine away from the wall would make installation, maintenance and module changes substantially easier. I’d also recommend planning considerably more space than the official machine footprint suggests. In my workshop, allowing roughly half a machine depth more provided the clearance needed to work comfortably behind it, mainly due to the length of the tool you need to use to screw in the bolts through each of the modules.

As I got into using the machine, a few of the safety design features are also worth noting. First, as ever, the machine came with the Air extraction unit and, in addition, the fire safety 2 unit, which was attached, but again space was limited, so it sat on a lower shelf behind the machine.

The X1 is serious workshop equipment, though far nicer-looking than the machines from a few years ago. Its size and weight are balanced by its features, and after a month of use, I highly recommend the optional workbench, which, while not essential, it will ensure you can make full use of this machine's potential.

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)xTool X1: Features

The xTool X1 is unusual because many of its headline features aren’t immediately obvious. At its core, it’s a powerful 55w CO₂ laser cutter, but its modular design means that it has far more potential, and that potential can only be fully unlocked with the investment in the other modules and accessories, of which there are quite a few.

In total, the X1 supports five laser technologies, with the 55w CO2 being the only one that is provided wth the base machine. The 55W CO₂ laser can be used for cutting and engraving materials such as wood, acrylic, leather, cardboard and fabric.

Alongside the CO₂ laser, there’s the 20W diode galvo laser, which adds high-speed engraving and surface marking, particularly on wood and many other compatible materials. This module sits inside the machine alongside the CO₂ and is quick to fit; it’s also essential if you want to use any of the other three backpack laser modules.

These other models include the 5W UV laser, which can be used for engraving on glass, crystal and other delicate materials. Then there’s the 30W fibre and 60W MOPA options, which enable you to mark and engrave into metal. The MOPA adds the ability to use colour effects and deep engraving and is similar to the fibre option, but is more expensive. In this review, I’ve been supplied with four of the five available laser technologies: CO₂, diode, UV, and MOPA.

As I started the testing, the instant highlight of the features was the Hybrid Motion, as this is the one feature alongside the dual mount lasers that will make a noticeable difference to everyday project work.

Essentially, what this looks like with the lasers is that alongside the traditional gantry-based laser toolheads that move physically through the X and Y across the material, you also have the Galvo, which uses rapidly moving mirrors to direct the beam across the surface.

This means that for larger designs, Hybrid Motion moves the galvo system between regions, enabling detailed engraving over a much wider area than a conventional fixed galvo arrangement, as I tested in the F2 Ultra. When combined, you not only cover a far larger area, but the Glavo focuses on detailed engraving while the CO₂ does the cutting.

The dual tool head laser system inside is just the start of the multi-laser set, and a Laser Swap system is used to enable different styles of laser to be fitted for different projects and materials. These Laser Swap modules fit to the back with the UV, Fibre and MOPA options.

The idea here is that instead of buying additional machines, you just buy the module and fit it, cutting down on the space needed and ideally cost. Although looking at the cost of the modules, they’re almost as much as the dedicated machines.

The process of swapping the modules isn’t tool-free, and it requires access to the rear of the machine, alongside physical hardware changes and calibration checks. I personally think that this is a great feature.

However, I would have liked to see a faster change system. In this review, for instance, I swapped the modules multiple times, and it was a hassle. But then most people will inevitably settle on their laser selection rather than approaching the machine in the way that I have in this review.

Some of the other features that really impressed during use were the close-up cameras that just help position artwork against materials, with the image appearing in the XTool software. Compared with the laser outline that we used for the full image, this is such an improvement; however, you can still click the framing preview if you prefer that way of working.

The camera system is really quite advanced, and you have the option through the xTool Studio software to change from capturing one wide-angle image, to capturing multiple sections of the workspace which are then stitched together, which helps with the accuracy of the positioning.

Although the software documentation describes automatic image capture when closing the lid, I generally triggered the capture manually during testing. Image quality from the cameras was excellent overall, although some reflective materials and darker areas could still make positioning slightly more difficult; a boost in the workshop's lighting also helped with these previews.

Another of the big features that really stood out through the use of the machine was the automated bed adjustment. Rather than requiring constant manual focusing, the machine measures the material and adjusts the bed height as needed.

Through the test, I added a range of material thicknesses and found the process just worked; compared with the often convoluted focusing process of some other machines and the physical effort of adding a riser base, this system is just simple.

Even with slightly irregular or curved materials, the positioning system generally handled setup well, and I didn’t need to override the measurements manually.

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Alongside the core accessories and in line with the xTools other machines, the X1 supports a wide range of accessories, including an automatic conveyor feeder, RA3 rotary attachment, honeycomb panel, mobile work stand, filtration, and fire safety equipment.

Throughout testing, I used xTool’s extraction and filtration setup, which is a little on the noisy side but does the job. For jobs that produce more smoke, particularly when cutting wood, I increased the extraction setting to keep the working chamber clear.

The optional Fire Safety Set Pro adds another level of protection. Installation was more involved than I’d expected, requiring the CO₂ cylinder, tubing and communication connections to be fitted before enabling the system in the software. Once configured, however, it didn’t actually require me to do anything else other than find somewhere for it to sit.

As a final point on the features, and an essential for any professional workshop, is that the machine also has an emergency stop button for quickly shutting down if needed.

xTool X1: Performance

After a month testing the xTool X1, what I realised was, that the way that I work with laser engravers normally would change with this dual laser setup. The mix of laser technologies in one machine isn’t just convenient; it means that you can select the laser technology that is best suited for the job, and often two lasers will enable a better and faster result. Most notably for me, that was the combination of the 55W CO₂ and 20W diode galvo lasers.

For most of my work, producing models, wooden components, boxes, camera accessories, and other workshop projects, these two laser systems provide an ideal combination.

The X1’s 55W CO₂ laser is excellent for all-round cutting, while the 20 diode galvo is better for detail.

To start the test, I ran through the supplied test projects before moving on to my own designs, including wooden boxes, placemats and model-making components.

Most of my work involved 3mm basswood plywood, although I also tested thicker materials up to 10mm. Across these tests, the CO₂ laser produced exceptionally clean cuts, with minimal scorching and very little need for additional finishing. The air-assist system kept the cutting path clear, while the extraction system removed smoke.

One of the most useful tests involved creating a series of 3mm plywood boxes. The accuracy was excellent, with the individual pieces fitting together cleanly without sanding or manual adjustment to the size. I could simply assemble and glue the components.

This accuracy and repeatability is something that is so important when producing models or small-batch products, where even small dimensional errors create extra work; even sanding takes time when it comes to getting the right fit. As this is a pre-production model, the usually excellent xTool Studio seemed to take most laser options down to 1, so initial models showed some scorching, however

I also tested acrylic sheets up to 10mm thick, including cutting a 3D-scanning calibration cube in half. Again, the results were impressive, with clean cuts and accurate positioning.

The machine also handled lighter materials such as paper, card, fabric, and leather without difficulty, though these need careful securing to prevent movement from airflow of the air assist and extractor.

For general cutting work, along the lines of what I use laser cutters for, the X1 matched the abilities that I have seen from other recent releases; the one point that made this slightly more exciting is that added height, which gives out-of-the-box flexibility without the need for a riser base.

The CO₂ laser provides the X1’s cutting power; the addition of the 20W diode galvo by its side for detailed engraving and speed is definitely an interesting development in the technology.

Essentially, rather than watching a conventional laser head mechanically move across every section of an image, the galvo rapidly sweeps the beam over the surface, completing relatively intricate artwork in a fraction of the time.

I tested it on wood, plywood, bamboo, acrylic, and coated metal samples, essentially everything in the samples box. Fine lettering was sharp and well-defined, intricate designs retained plenty of detail, and scorching was generally minimal, unless the piece that I was working on fell through the slats.

Initially, I worried the edges of the engraving might lose definition, or designs wouldn't join up perfectly as the galvo system moved from one area to another, however the meeting of the design and the quality remained consistent.

This, however, wasn’t quite the case at the outset, and initial testing showed a few issues, but after software updates and far more accurate calibration on my part, the joins between engraving regions became almost seamless.

Photographic engraving onto wood was also impressive, although as with most laser engravers, image selection makes the biggest difference to the success.

High-contrast photographs generally produced better results than flat, low-contrast images, and I used xTool Studio’s editing tools to adjust backgrounds and improve the final output.

Personally, I still prefer the look of detailed illustrations, lettering and line-based graphics when engraved into wood rather than photo imagery.

Taking a look at one of the main test projects highlights the workflow and speed. Normally, when creating a wooden box or placemat with decorative engraving, I’ll use a single laser head that handles both engraving and cutting.

The problem is that detailed engraving can take considerably longer than cutting the outline. With the X1, I was able to assign the intricate engraving to the 20W galvo and the cutting operations to the 55W CO₂ laser.

Once configured, the software handled the transition between the installed lasers without requiring me to reposition the material or swap heads; this made a dramatic difference to processing time.

For example, I created a series of wooden placemats with detailed artwork. A comparable project on the xTool S1 took around two hours, while the X1 completed it in half an hour.

That’s an enormous improvement in speed, particularly for small businesses producing multiple products. The same was true when creating detailed pencil boxes.

Projects that would normally take 20 to 30 minutes could be completed in minutes, with the galvo handling the engraving before the CO₂ laser cut the components.

Having both lasers permanently installed makes everyday projects straightforward, and once you’ve experienced the speed of the combined workflow, returning to a conventional single-head engraver feels a little archaic.

Hybrid Motion also changes what’s practical for larger designs. In the past, I’ve avoided elaborate engraving projects at scale because the processing time was too long and I’m hopeless at lining up materials when sheets need to be matched.

With the X1, I was able to start thinking about this type of project, as the speed of the galvo would vastly reduce the time involved, especially when used alongside the conveyor accessory.

After carrying out the majority of the review using the 55W CO₂ and 20W diode galvo lasers, I then moved on to the 5w UV and 60W MOPA.

The 5W UV module opens up a very different range of possibilities, particularly for glass, crystal and delicate materials. I ran a few tests on the glass samples, along with experiments on plastic components produced on a 3D printer.

The ability to add fine surface texture to printed plastic objects is interesting, as it creates new opportunities for finishing functional parts and decorative products. I’ll admit I’m still on the experimental side of this, but will update in the near future.

The glass side of the engraving process is also something that I have struggled with in the past, and again, I wasn’t entirely successful in achieving the results I wanted.

Based on the partial results, I suspect this was more about my initial setup and approach than a fundamental limitation of the machine. Still, it’s an area that needs further investigation.

The UV module adds even more felxibility, although I’ll explore its more advanced functions in a separate addition to th ereview once I’ve reorganised my workshop to give the interchangeable modules better access.

Of the two rear-mounted laser modules, I found the 60W MOPA the most interesting. I’ve previously used MOPA machines, including the xTool F2 Ultra, so I’m familiar with their capabilities for metal engraving, embossing and colour marking.

What makes the X1 different is the ability to use similar technology within a much larger enclosed working area. I tested the MOPA on brass, stainless steel and aluminium, producing detailed markings and experimenting with relief engraving.

One of the most interesting applications involved creating apertures in thin brass sheet for pinhole cameras. I produced holes ranging from approximately 0.25mm to 0.5mm with exceptionally good results.

This is the sort of precision work I’ve previously done with dedicated MOPA systems, and it was great to see the X1 handle it so well, as it’s such a large machine I did wonder if it could handle the intricate work that I have used the F2 Ultra for.

I also experimented with engraving the aperture dimensions into the metal and cutting individual pieces from the sheet, although these more complicated processes still need further refinement.

Another highlight was engraving brass coins. While the F2 Ultra can do similar work, the X1’s larger processing area let me arrange several coins for engraving in one batch. Again, this is not a quick process; think days rather than hours.

Colour marking is another capability of the MOPA laser, though I’ve consistently found it requires considerable experimentation to get reliable results. The X1 was no exception.

I could create colour effects, but producing exactly the result I wanted across more complicated designs wasn’t always straightforward.

The take-home from the modules is that they expand the use of the machine, but those more specialist lasers require practice and experience to get the results that you would expect.

The other major part of the machine is the xTool Studio software. I’ve used the software across several generations of machines, and it's improved substantially over time and has really become the benchmark for all others to follow.

That said if you're new to the software then working out what type of cut and what laser is being used on what path can still be a little confusing, even with the colour coding. A text summery would be a nice quick reference before cutting.

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The latest workflow is much the same as I looked at with the superb xTool M2 recently, and once you’ve completed calibration and connected the machine, preparing a project is straightforward.

Import or create the design, select the material, assign the appropriate processing operation and laser source, then send the job to the machine; after that, you generally just press the start button and wait.

As ever, the xTool Studio software offers a huge range of material presets, and unusually the material presets for the CO2 and 20w diode were way off. Especially the power and air assist, which the software set to 1 for both, easy to rectify, but possibly something to do with the pre-release software as ususally the material presets from xTool are spot on.

Adding custom materials and modifying processing parameters is also relatively straightforward once you’re familiar with the interface.

USB and Wi-Fi connectivity were both simple to set up and reliable throughout testing. Despite using pre-release software, I didn’t experience any major crashes or application-caused job failures other than a little tweaking of presets, and it all seemed pretty final, really a reflection of what I have experienced before with the addition of being able to select the laser sources.

xTool X1: Final verdict

After a month of testing, the xTool X1 is one of the most versatile laser engravers I’ve ever used, but it isn’t without its faults, although those are mostly overcome by being organised and having plenty of space.

Essentially, the base machine is an impressive 55W CO₂ laser engraver and cutter, and once you invest in the 20W diode galvo laser, you have one of the most competent machines for any small to medium-sized business on the market. The point is that with these two lasers you have the base machine that you can then build on depending on what you need to do.

Through the test, I found that that simple combination was all I really needed, and the fact that I could then attach the UV and MOPA for more specialised work all added to the versatility. However, with the 55W CO₂ and 20W diode galvo lasers installed, the machine was able to sit on the workbench without issue; it’s large but containable.

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

As soon as I installed the MOPA, I not only needed the additional space to mount the laser module, but it also added to the depth of the machine and for me, having the F2 for the more intricate work still made sense. While I could do the work on the X1, it didn’t necessarily mean that I would.

That aside, the pure build quality, size of the work area and depth, along with all the upgrade options, all make this one of the most substantial and complete laser engravers on the market. It is expensive, but it’s been designed in such a way that you can upgrade as and when you need.

Should you buy the xTool X1?

Value:

The base 55W CO₂ machine is well priced, specialist laser modules and accessories raise the total cost

5

Design:

Exceptional build quality for a machine of this size. Rear-mounted module changes could be easier.

4.5

Features

Support for five laser technologies, the new Hybrid Motion system offer one of the most feature packed lasers on the market

5

Performance

The combination of galvo engraving and CO₂ cutting give it an edge even before adding the other laser options

5

Total

The X1 is the most capable laser platforms I’ve reviewed, even considering its size and modular upgrade costs it's exceptionally well balanced.

5

Buy it if...

You need versatility

The X1 combines cutting, engraving and specialist material processing within one platform, making it ideal for workshops handling varied projects.

You produce products

Its powerful CO₂ laser and fast galvo engraving system can dramatically reduce production times for personalised products and small-batch manufacturing.View Deal

Don't buy it if...

You lack space

The substantial machine, rear-mounted laser modules and optional accessories require significantly more workshop room than the main unit’s dimensions suggest.

You need affordability

Although the base machine offers good value, specialist laser modules and accessories can quickly push up the total.View Deal

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