Reviews

For good reason, Keeper Password Manager is considered one of the best password managers available. Keeper is one of the most respected names in the security business, and this app emphasizes helping companies keep sensitive data secure.

Thankfully, Keeper has impressive security credentials, including zero-knowledge design, high-end security auditing, market-leading encryption, and other features.

In addition, Keeper offers powerful admin tools, excellent sharing options, and remote access, making it a top-notch choice for any business needing a comprehensive password management system. Check out our roundup of the best business password managers for more information about business password protection.

With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated and frequent, securing sensitive information has never been more critical. That's where Keeper, a leading cybersecurity platform for password management and data protection, comes into play. This blog post explores the key benefits of integrating Keeper Security into your business operations.

Keeper Security provides robust tools to manage and secure passwords across your organization. Unlike traditional methods where passwords are reused across multiple sites or written down insecurely, Keeper encourages using strong, unique passwords for each account. The platform automatically generates high-strength passwords that are nearly impossible to crack, ensuring a foundational level of security against breaches.

By centralizing password management, Keeper significantly lowers the risk of data breaches. It encrypts passwords and sensitive information, storing them in a secure digital vault accessible only to authorized users. This encryption is critical, ensuring that even if data is intercepted, it remains unreadable and secure.

Compliance with legal standards is non-negotiable for businesses in industries regulated by GDPR, HIPAA, or SOC2. Keeper helps ensure that your business meets these standards by providing tools for compliance management. Features like role-based permissions, event logging, and secure sharing conform to the strictest regulatory requirements, protecting your business from costly legal penalties.

(Image credit: Keeper)

Keeper’s interface saves employees time and frustration. With features like autofill and auto-login, employees no longer need to remember or retrieve passwords manually. This leads to more time focused on productive tasks rather than administrative overhead. Additionally, Keeper allows you to securely share passwords and files to facilitate seamless collaboration among team members.

Beyond just managing passwords, Keeper Security offers secure storage for sensitive files, documents, and digital certificates. With high-level encryption, files remain protected at rest and in transit. This is particularly valuable for businesses that need to share proprietary or confidential information securely and regularly.

Keeper is designed to scale with your business, making it ideal for small startups or large enterprises. Its flexible architecture and customizable features mean that as your business grows and your security needs evolve, Keeper can adjust to meet them without shifting to a new platform.

In today's world, accessing information across smartphones, tablets, and desktops is essential. Keeper supports all major platforms, ensuring that your team can securely access necessary information from any permitted device, anywhere, at any time, enhancing security and productivity.

Keeper: Plans and pricing

Keeper Security offers several tiers to accommodate businesses of varying sizes and needs. Below is an overview of the primary packages:

1. Keeper Business Starter includes password management, and sharing, shared team folders, basic two-factor authentication, a family plan for all users, and more. It’s designed for small businesses with 5-10 users, and costs $2/user/month.
2. Keeper Business adds a few more administrative features on top of the Starter plan such as the ability to delegate admin responsibilities. It costs $3.75/user/month and requires a minimum purchase of five seats.
3. Keeper Enterprise offers all the benefits of the Business plan, plus advanced features like single sign-on, SCIM provisioning, active directory, and LDAP sync, command-line provisioning, and advanced two-factor authentication options (Duo, RSA, etc.). This plan too requires a minimum purchase of five seats, though it has custom pricing that is based on the needs and size of the organization.

Keeper Security primarily focuses on business solutions and offers packages for personal use and families. This can benefit small business owners who want comprehensive cybersecurity at home and work.

With Keeper Unlimited, you get unlimited password storage, identity and payments, secure record sharing, and more for about $2.92 monthly.

On the other hand, the Keeper Family Plan includes up to five private vaults, 10GB of secure file storage, and unlimited password storage. When billed annually, this plan is currently priced at $6.25 per month.

Keeper: Setup

Implementing Keeper Security within a business environment helps bridge the gap between complex cybersecurity needs and user-friendly functionality, making it a preferred choice for many.

The first step in the setup process involves choosing the right Keeper Security package that aligns with your business's specific needs and size. From the Keeper Business plan, which offers essential password management and secure file storage, to the Keeper Enterprise solution designed for larger businesses needing advanced features like SSO and delegated administration, there's a tailored approach waiting to fit into your corporate structure. For managed service providers, the MSP package offers customized solutions to manage multiple client organizations efficiently.

Once the appropriate package is selected, the implementation process moves to account setup. This phase usually starts with a centralized admin console that serves as the command center for your organization's cybersecurity management. Through this console, administrators can effortlessly add or remove users, configure permissions, and manage security policies across the board.

Keeper has several data centers around the world, powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS), including US, Canada, Japan, EU, and more, and you can choose which one to use to house your data.

(Image credit: Keeper)

When you log into the admin console, it brings up the Getting Started wizard that helps guide admins through the initial setup, such as adding users, and tweaking enforcement policies. The first order of business is to add users, and assign them roles. By default, the platform has a Keeper Administrator role, and recommends adding multiple admins to avoid single points of failure.

You should also take a moment to review Keeper's default enforcement policies. These policies control how users access their vault, utilize features, and manage their data within Keeper.

The policies are diverse and cover everything from login settings, and two-factor authentication, to disabling specific vault features, and restricting access based on platform, and IP addresses. These policies are applied based on user roles, which helps admins fine-tune access, and permissions for various groups of users within your business.

Training is a pivotal component of the setup process. Keeper Security’s intuitive user interface and straightforward functionality make the learning curve gentle for end users. However, it's imperative to conduct formal training sessions or provide resources to ensure all team members comprehend the features available to them, like generating strong passwords, securely sharing sensitive information, and using the KeeperFill for seamless autofill across apps and browsers.

Integration with existing tools is another cornerstone of setting up Keeper in a business environment. Keeper's versatility is evident in its ability to integrate with popular single sign-on (SSO) services, including Azure AD, Okta, Google Workspace, JumpCloud, Ping and others, and other business tools, streamlining login processes and enhancing security protocols without disrupting workflow. Assessing your current software infrastructure and leveraging Keeper's integration capabilities can significantly boost your cybersecurity posture and operational efficiency.

Security doesn’t end after deployment. Keeper recommends periodic reviews of user practices, shared records, and security policies to adapt to any emerging threats or business changes. Utilizing additional features like BreachWatch can further enhance your organization's defense by monitoring the dark web for compromised credentials, ensuring proactive threat management.

Finally, customer support stands as a pillar of Keeper Security's offering. Should any questions or issues arise during the setup process or thereafter, Keeper provides accessible and knowledgeable support to assist businesses in navigating any complexities.

(Image credit: Keeper)Keeper: Interface and performance

Each user has their own encrypted vault for storing passwords, credentials, and information, accessible through any number of desktop, mobile, and online apps. All the password management basics are here: a password generator or strong and unique passwords, identity management and payment information, and access to shared passwords. However, identity information for form filling is a bit limited, as you can’t create your own fields or add multiple addresses.

(Image credit: Keeper)

Administrators can easily manage multiple users, who can be assigned roles and divided into teams. Passwords, folders, and subfolders can be shared with individual users, teams, or roles, with the ability to disable password re-sharing, editing, or even viewing, while enforcement policies ensure everybody in your company is using or generating strong passwords. There is also an Admin Console for monitoring and managing Keeper across the organization. This can also help to enforce the use of best security practices like 2FA, and password security.

(Image credit: Keeper)

The desktop app interface is intuitive and easy to use, with tabs for passwords, identities, security audit, and BreachWatch. In-browser password autofill and form-filling are well executed with the KeeperFill browser extension, which offers tabs for entering a password, address, or card information. It’s also great to see a separate area dedicated to IDs like driver’s licenses and passports, in an era when identities are both in regular use and targeted by criminals. Being able to call on passport information to book a flight can be much easier digitally than having to retrieve the physical passport, especially when you’re away from home.

(Image credit: Keeper)

The admin interface is equally agreeable to use, with a Dashboard that gives you a quick overview of user activity and any security issues, and an Admin tab for managing users, roles, teams, two-factor authentication, and provisioning. If you’ve paid for additional modules, you’ll have access to the Security Audit, BreachWatch, and Reporting & Alerts to manage these features. Everything is also clean and well laid out.

Platform support is good, too. Keeper works on Windows, macOS, and the best Linux distros like Fedora, Red Hat, CentOS, Debian, Ubuntu, and Mint. There’s also iOS and Android support, and a password-filling extension that works in the best web browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, Brave, and Opera. The main app can also run directly in your browser. That command-line installation is a boon, and the only thing missing here is functionality on only the most obscure browsers.

Some mobile users will be pleased to see that Keeper also has an Apple Watch app for on-the-go monitoring and quick access to things like notes of combination lock codes. In fact, if you’re really bored, you can use Keeper’s lock-shaped emoji stickers in iMessage chat. While this is totally pointless and nothing more than a gimmick, it’s really enlightening to see a company that’s dedicated to as many platforms and services as Keeper - very few come anywhere near.

(Image credit: Keeper)Keeper: Security

Security is first and foremost at Keeper. First of all, it’s a zero-knowledge company that undergoes regular SOC 2 and ISO 27001 auditing. It also meets US and EU directives on data protection, and is GDPR-compliant. Encryption is done on the fly and at device level, with AES 256-bit and PBKDF2 encryption, so no readable information is ever kept on Keeper’s servers.

Keeper is also certified by the NIST Cryptographic Module Verification Program (CMVP) and meets the FIPS 140-3 standard, which ensures the platform can withstand various attack vectors. This is particularly important for businesses that operate in regulated industries like finance and healthcare.

Keeper also claims to perform pen testing against the platform every quarter with independent security researchers as well as third-party experts such as the NCC Group, and CyberTest.

As we’ve mentioned earlier, Keeper uses AWS data centers located in multiple geographic locations to securely host your encrypted data. Once you’ve made your choice, your data and access to the platform will be isolated to that specific region. It ensures the encrypted data is further encrypted during transit with TLS 1.3 with an additional layer of encryption.

Admins have full control over which users can access what information and for how long, so there’s no risk of an employee keeping any information after leaving your company, while BreachWatch continuously watches for leaked passwords, and a secure file storage system helps keep your most sensitive documents safe.

For additional security, whenever a user tries to log into an account from a new device, the platform forces them through a verification step, to protect against brute force attacks.

(Image credit: Keeper)Keeper: Support

Keeper comes with great support for businesses. Not only can you benefit from onboarding and training for the whole team, but the support center features a very rich knowledge base with plenty of videos and articles that balance depth and accessibility.

All business plans include Live Chat and email support (capped at 25 sessions each) between Monday and Friday, from 8AM-5PM CST. We were a little confused by the online chat, which didn’t tell us if we’d been connected to somebody or how long we might have to wait, although somebody did get back to us within two minutes.

If you want phone support, you’ll have to subscribe to the Silver or Platinum support packages. While the former offers 25 calls per year, the latter has no cap. If you are subscribed to any of these two paid support plans, you can avail the support services 24/7/365.

Personal users don’t get the same support as the business clientele. There is no direct phone number, nor an email, but rather they need to go through the support portal. They still have access to all the articles and videos on the self-support side, such as step-by-step guides for installing Keeper on each web browser and supported platform.

Keeper: The competition

There are a number of good password managers out there for businesses. Dashlane has a similar business offering, but includes dark web monitoring at a cheaper price than Keeper Business and its BreachWatch. This is a good solution if you don’t need Keeper’s advanced user management.

At $2/user/month Keeper’s Business Starter Password Manager plan is one of the cheapest options for business users. However, while it does have all the usual features you expect from a business password manager, it doesn’t get you SSO authentication. If that’s something that’s important for your business, you’ll find it bundled with the only slightly more expensive RoboForm Business plan. Even the NordPass Business Plan supports Google Workspace SSO.

Then, there are the do-it-alls. If you’re already using Zoho for its other online collaboration tools, then you may want to stick to having everything under the same roof and opt for Zoho Vault.

Keeper: Final verdict

Keeper provides top-of-the-line security measures through an intuitive interface that appeals to both end-users and IT managers. The pricing is competitive with industry standards, but it’s worth noting that additional features such as BreachWatch and enterprise-grade, customizable reporting and alerting functionality can lead to a notable increase in the annual cost. Nevertheless, when it comes to effectively managing passwords and sensitive data across different teams and roles, Keeper stands out as a reliable choice.

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What to look for in a password manager

One of the foundational elements of a solid cybersecurity plan is implementing an effective password manager. However, with many options on the market, identifying the most suitable password manager for your business can be daunting. Here are key features to consider when choosing a password manager to ensure your business's online security needs are comprehensively met.

Any password manager's heart is its ability to safeguard data with unassailable security practices. Look for a password manager that employs AES-256-bit encryption, the gold standard in the industry, ensuring that all stored passwords and data are practically impenetrable. Two-factor authentication (2FA) or multi-factor authentication (MFA) capabilities are also crucial, adding a layer of security upon login.

While robust security measures are non-negotiable, the user experience cannot be overlooked. A password manager should have an intuitive interface that simplifies password storage, retrieval, and management without requiring steep learning curves. This ensures that all staff members, regardless of their tech savviness, can adhere to cybersecurity protocols effectively.

Businesses evolve, and so do their digital security needs. A password manager must be scalable and capable of growing your business without compromising performance. This includes effortlessly adding or removing user accounts, adjusting permissions, and managing different levels of access as your organization expands or changes.

Businesses must be able to track user behavior and compliance to enforce and monitor cybersecurity policies. Opt for a password manager that offers detailed auditing and reporting tools, providing insights into password health, user activity, and security vulnerabilities. These metrics are invaluable for identifying potential risks and fortifying your cybersecurity posture over time.

The modern business ecosystem relies on various digital tools and platforms. A password manager should seamlessly integrate with your existing infrastructure, including single sign-on (SSO) services, directory services like Active Directory (AD), and other critical business applications. This integration streamlines workflows, enhances user experience, and reinforces security measures across all platforms.

In the complex digital security realm, access to prompt and reliable customer support is essential. A vendor that offers comprehensive support through various channels (live chat, email, phone) and possesses a proven track record of reliability ensures that any issue can be swiftly addressed, minimizing potential disruptions to your business operations.

Adhering to specific regulatory standards (such as GDPR, HIPAA, or SOC 2) is not optional for many businesses. A password manager should help your business maintain compliance with relevant laws and industry regulations, safeguarding not just your digital assets but also your reputation and legal standing.

Finally, the cost of implementation should be considered against the return on investment (ROI). While it's vital not to compromise on essential features for the sake of the economy, the chosen solution should offer a favorable balance of cost to features, demonstrating clear value to your business through enhanced security and efficiency.

In conclusion, choosing the right password manager is a critical decision that can significantly impact your business's cybersecurity stance. By prioritizing these essential features, your business can implement a password management solution that protects against current threats and is also equipped to adapt to the future of cybersecurity challenges, ensuring the safety of your digital environment in this relentless digital age.

RoboForm is one of the best password managers, first released in 2000. In 2009, it introduced a dedicated Enterprise version for business users. It offers a rich and complex set of features that compete well with other premium password managers. It was relaunched as a software-as-a-solution (SaaS) solution, named RoboForm for Business, in 2015.

Security is a top priority, with military-grade encryption, flawless security records, and other features enhancing its offering. After trying RoboForm, you may want to check our list of the best business password managers to explore alternatives.

RoboForm ensures that your passwords are always synced and accessible, regardless of whether you’re using Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android. This simple yet powerful tool makes managing passwords easy for both beginners and tech-savvy users. With industry-standard encryption protocols, RoboForm secures your data against unauthorized access, ensuring that only you can unlock your vault.

Roboform: Plans and pricing

RoboForm offers a range of options for individual, family, and business users, providing secure and easy-to-manage password protection for personal online activity.

The free version is ideal for new users and includes many features other companies usually charge for. These include unlimited logins, the ability to fill out web forms, a password audit, and two-factor authentication (2FA).

For personal use, the RoboForm Premium plan offers additional features at a competitive price point. It includes all the free version features plus cloud backup, sync across all devices, secure shared folder, web access, and priority 24/7 support. The RoboForm Premium plan is available for as little as $1.66 monthly.

RoboForm Family is designed for households with multiple users and includes all the features of RoboForm Premium for up to five members in a single package. The family plan is priced at $2.66 per month.

For businesses and teams, RoboForm offers plans that cater to the unique needs of companies, including centralized employee onboarding, secure group sharing, role-based permissions, Active Directory integration, advanced reporting, and dedicated technical support. RoboForm for Business operates on a per-user pricing model, with costs starting at $3.33/user/year.

For larger organizations, there’s also an Enterprise edition that offers customized, volume-based pricing, and a self-host option for installations that have over a thousand users.

Roboform: Setup

Setting up RoboForm for businesses is a straightforward process that ensures a smooth transition and minimal workflow disruption.

The journey to heightened security begins with setting up RoboForm on your company's workstations and devices. RoboForm’s installation process is user-friendly and straightforward, requiring RoboForm's time and technical knowledge. Administrators can quickly deploy the RoboForm business solution across multiple devices using standard deployment methods such as MSI installers or management platforms compatible with your IT infrastructure.

Once installed, RoboForm's administrative console becomes the command center for overseeing the use of RoboForms and permissions. Here, you'll initiate onboarding employees by creating new RoboForm accounts or integrating existing ones. The centralized control ensures all users adhere to the company's security policies, streamlining the management process and maintaining the board.

RoboForm enables administrators to enforce robust security policies, such as mandatory Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) and strict password generation rules. You can assign role-based permissions, ensuring that employees have access only to the credentials and passwords relevant to their role within the organization.

One of RoboForm's key benefits for businesses is the ability to securely share login credentials and other sensitive information within the company. Efficient sharing mechanisms, such as creating shared folders, allow teams to collaborate without compromising security, increasing productivity without risking data breaches.

To maximize RoboForm’s benefits, staff should be encouraged through organized training sessions to understand cyber hygiene and the practical usage of the password manager. User buy-in is crucial, and straightforward tutorials will help employees become comfortable and proficient in using RoboForm's features, leading to a smoother transition and better compliance.

With RoboForm for Business, you're backed by robust technical support tailored to handle any questions or issues arising during and after implementation. Continuous updates and a dedication to customer service mean your business can rely on uninterrupted service and state-of-the-art security features, ensuring your password management system remains at the cutting edge.

By following these steps, your business will implement a reliable and effective password management system that strengthens your cyber defenses and enhances operational efficiency. RoboForm’s commitment to security and user experience makes it a wise choice for RoboForm's aim to protect its digital assets and streamline password management processes.

(Image credit: Roboform)Roboform: Interface and performance

RoboForm includes features such as a password generator for creating strong and unique passwords of sufficient length and complexity, one-click login, cross-platform password syncing, and offline access. This feature has been further strengthened with the addition of a passphrase option that can add random words, not only a string of random characters. It can also auto-fill data fields for time savings on sites that need long web forms completed. As of January 2023, the company also added the much-anticipated 2FA generator into the experience so there’s no need for users to rely on third-party apps to generate codes.

We also love RoboForm’s integration of folders, enabling users to organize passwords in whatever way is most useful to them. For example, you can easily create separate folders for work-related passwords and personal passwords.

The app itself, in our experience, lacks the intuitiveness of some other offerings on the market but is more of a personal preference based on the numerous password managers tested. However, we did find ourselves digging around for options and trying to figure out how to best navigate the app. With time, the usage does get easier as you figure out where things that you use all the time are located.

We tested the RoboForm app on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, and were impressed by the speed of syncing. Although we had to conduct a manual sync, it took less than three seconds for data uploaded on the mobile app to appear on our desktop device. You can also enable automatic syncing.

Another strength of RoboForm is the high degree of account control. Users can make loads of customizations to security protocols and account settings when using the desktop or mobile apps. These advanced controls are one of the reasons RoboForm is one of our favorite password management solutions for businesses.

It’s worth mentioning that, unlike some of its rivals, this is purely a password manager. Other companies tend to bundle in some additional functionalities, or offer more services as a company, which makes RoboForm look a little bit expensive in comparison. For example, there’s no VPN service so you’ll either have to pay extra for one of those or go for a password manager that has one.

Companies that constantly evolve their offering are usually the ones that tend to be near and dear to users' hearts. RoboForm takes this seriously with another recent addition, where the app now supports passkeys, allowing users to store, autofill, and securely share passkeys in RoboForm. Passwordless logins have become increasingly popular, though the initial pick-up was slower than expected. With competitors also having the passkey option available, it is nice to see that RoboForm listens to the users and the market while adding new features to strengthen its offering.

(Image credit: Roboform)Roboform: Security

As with any password management solution, a top-notch security framework is integral. Luckily, RoboForm doesn’t disappoint. As a standard, all data stored on RoboForm’s platform is encrypted end-to-end with AES 256-bit encryption. 2FA is also available for all businesses, further enhances data security, and supports third-party authentication apps.

Moreover, there’s an entire page on the company’s site dedicated to exposing the security measures and features, which is a major green flag for us. Companies that are open about how they operate inspire confidence, and subject themselves to more scrutiny.

RoboForm Business: Team and Admin Features

RoboForm Business gives admins adequate control over password management. Like its peers, it offers a centralized admin console to help you with all tasks from user onboarding, and single sign-on (SSO) integration, to access control, and password policy enforcement. You can also use it to monitor user activity, track weak passwords, manage groups, and view reports.

One of RoboForm's key benefits for businesses is the ability to securely share login credentials and other sensitive information within the company. You can use the admin interface to organize users into teams, or departments, like Sales, Engineering, Finance, and such. You can also create shared folders that are accessible only to designated groups, which is ideal for sharing team/department-wide credentials.

RoboForm Business enables you to assign permissions at both the folder and individual credential level. You can assign role-based permissions, ensuring that employees have access only to the credentials and passwords relevant to their role within the organization. Employees can either have full access to view and edit the credentials, or just limited access to only use the credentials, and not view them.

RoboForm enables administrators to enforce robust security policies, such as mandatory 2FA and strict password generation rules. By default, RoboForm also doesn’t allow users to export their data. You can also further tighten the screws by restricting access based on device type.

For example, if you don’t have any Mac users in your organization, you can ensure no one can connect to the server from that OS even if they try logging in with the right credentials.

You can also log off users forcibly after a defined period of inactivity. Similarly, you can log them out when they switch to a different Windows user, or lock their computers.

The admin interface also has adequate monitoring and reporting options. You can use it to monitor password health, get breach alerts, and generate detailed activity reports that track events like login attempts, credential changes, password sharing activity, and more. These can also be exported for internal audits or for compliance checks in SOC 2, HIPAA, or GDPR-aligned environments.

RoboForm Business: Integrations and Compatibility

You can integrate RoboForm Business with various essential business platforms and tools.

In addition to SAML-based SSO, RoboForm also integrates with popular identity providers (IdPs) for SCIM provisioning. You can plug the platform with Okta, OneLogin, and Microsoft Entra ID to automate user account provisioning and management.

RoboForm also offers an Active Directory (AD) Connector that you install on a local on-premise Windows server. Once installed it enables you to sync your AD users and groups to your RoboForm Business account. This will help you provision, suspend, and remove user accounts based on their AD membership status.

While not essential for everyone, these integrations are essential for organizations that use IdPs and AD, as they help ease the onboarding process, and ensure employee access aligns with their organizational status.

As we’ve already mentioned, RoboForm offers clients and apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, with browser extensions for the best web browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, and Opera.

While there is no desktop app for Linux, RoboForm rather offers Chrome and Firefox extensions for Linux users. Even Chromebook users are offered a Chrome extension instead of a native client.

RoboForm Business: Ease of Use and Deployment

The RoboForm for Business admin console is well laid out and intuitive to navigate, which makes it fairly approachable even for first time users. It lists key functions on the left side of the screen, some of which, such as Users, Groups, and Data, display detailed information in sortable tables on the right.

(Image credit: Roboform)

On the dashboard you get a snapshot of the number of active users, and groups, shared folders, an overall company security score, and other useful information. The security score (higher the better), available for the entire company, individual groups, and individual users, is computed based on the strength of a user’s password.

The dashboard also offers buttons to add users, groups, data, such as logins, and folders, and more. As an admin you can either add users manually, in bulk via CSV, or through automated provisioning, via SCIM or AD.

(Image credit: Roboform)

Once invited, users receive email invites with easy to follow setup instructions that’ll help them setup a master password, import existing credentials, and install the browser extension.

As we’ve said, RoboForm offers clients, apps, and extensions for all popular desktop and mobile platforms, which makes it fairly simple to roll it out in diverse environments, while ensuring consistent use. RoboForm also offers MSI installers that can quickly deploy the client app to all users in an organization by creating a Group Policy Object (GPO) in AD.

The process for creating and managing user groups is intuitive as well. You can easily add users to groups, review its data, get an overview of its security score, tweak its settings, take a backup of its data, and more.

(Image credit: Roboform)

Defining security policies is just as straightforward. They are broken into three broad categories, namely Security & Access, RoboForm Data, and User Settings. Just scroll through the settings listed within each, and toggle the ones you want to enable. In addition to company-wide policies, you can also define separate policies for the different groups.

The Reports section gives useful insights about the users and groups. For instance, it helps break down users by their security score, helping you identify users that use weak passwords.

Roboform: Support

RoboForm has a detailed manual for its desktop users. You can also look for quick solutions to common issues in the Help Center, which also has a separate section for RoboForm Business. While that platform doesn’t offer a forum board to ask questions, you do get the option to raise a support ticket.

RoboForm provides superior customer support for its subscribers and business customers. IT administrators or employees can contact the RoboForm team either via their online support system or by phone during business hours, 9AM to 5 PM EST.

Roboform: The competition

Although RoboForm is close to best in class, it still faces competition from some of its competitors. LastPass, often considered the top provider, offers advanced administrator controls and centralized account management comparable to RoboForm’s platform.

Small and medium-sized businesses can also look at comparable options such as RememBear, Sticky Password, NordPass or Dashlane.

If security is of great important to you, you may want to consider the recently launched Proton Pass, or if you want to take it a step further, Bitwarden users can opt for self-hosting to keep their data in a location they know and trust, even behind a firewall or proxy, which is a really exciting option that isn’t typically seen in password management, and beyond.

Roboform: Final verdict

RoboForm is an exceptional password management app that offers top-notch security features and a user-friendly interface. It competes with the best in its class and is particularly cost-effective, with a range of plans to suit different needs. For individual users seeking a secure online experience without unnecessary complexities, the free version of RoboForm is a perfect fit.

In terms of security, RoboForm ensures data protection with 256-bit AES encryption, two-factor authentication (2FA), and secure vaults. The recent successful completion of a thorough security audit and penetration test by a third party demonstrates the company's commitment to maintaining high security standards. Additionally, RoboForm has a clean track record with no reported breaches, reaffirming its reliability in safeguarding sensitive data.

The company provides reliable customer support and consistently updates the app with new features, such as support for passkeys, an improved TOTP authenticator, and enhanced password change history. Regular communication through their blog and FAQs ensures users are well-informed about updates and improvements. While not the absolute best option available, RoboForm certainly offers competitive features that rival even premium offerings in the market.

What to look for in a password manager

In the era of increasing digital threats, the importance of robust cybersecurity practices cannot be overstated. Central to these practices is password management, which can significantly enhance a company's data security posture. However, with numerous options available, deciding on the right password manager for your business can be daunting. It requires careful consideration of several critical factors to ensure that the chosen solution protects your digital assets and aligns with your business processes.

Security Features: A password manager's primary purpose is to secure sensitive data. Look for advanced encryption standards, such as AES-256, which is the cornerstone of robust security. Two-factor authentication (2FA) or Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) capabilities are essential, adding an additional layer of security beyond just the master password. The ability to audit password health and enforce strong password policies across your organization is also vital, ensuring that all users adhere to best practices in password security.

User Management and Access Control: The ability to easily manage user access is crucial for businesses. The ideal password manager should offer granular access controls and user permissions, allowing administrators to define what employees can view or edit. Role-based access enhances operational efficiency by ensuring employees have the proper access for their roles, reducing the risk of internal data breaches.

Integration and Compatibility: Operational harmony requires seamless integration with your existing IT infrastructure and compatibility with a wide range of devices and platforms. The chosen password manager should work across different operating systems and integrate well with other tools your business uses, such as directory services for automating user provisioning and de-provisioning.

Ease of Use: Adopting across the company may be challenging if the password manager isn't user-friendly. The solution should offer an intuitive interface and straightforward functionalities that do not disrupt employees' workflows. Features like autofill and auto-login can significantly enhance productivity, reducing the friction of adopting new security measures.

Scalability: As your business grows, so do your password management needs. The selected password manager must be scalable, accommodating an increasing number of users and storing a growing volume of sensitive information without degradation in performance or security.

Cost Effectiveness: While cost should not be the primary factor in choosing a password manager, it's undeniably essential. Evaluate the password manager's pricing structure against the features and security it offers. Consider the return on investment, focusing on how much potential downtime and data breaches could cost your company in comparison to the password manager's subscription fee.

Customer Support and Training: Reliable customer support and access to extensive training materials are invaluable. Responsive technical support ensures that any issues can be promptly addressed, minimizing potential disruptions. Training resources like tutorials and webinars can facilitate smoother onboarding and ongoing use.

Selecting the right password manager is a critical decision that can significantly impact your company's security posture and operational efficiency. By carefully evaluating each password manager against these criteria, companies can make an informed choice that best fits their unique needs, ensuring the protection of their digital assets and the productivity of their teams.

We've listed the best password recovery software.

With a long track record and billions of credentials stored securely, Dashlane remains one of the best password managers, and a top choice for individuals and large companies like Wayfair and PepsiCo. Its popularity stems from essential features like 2FA encryption, customizable settings, and secure autofill. It also boasts support for an unlimited number of passwords.

Dashlane's size and experience enable it to stay ahead of the curve, as evidenced by its support for cutting-edge technologies like passkeys. The business plans also provide good bang for your buck with top-end security tools and features.

In our review, we explore the features that set Dashlane apart and examine whether this seasoned password manager can keep pace with newer, potentially more nimble competitors.

(Image credit: Dashlane)Dashlane: Plans and pricing

Dashlane is recognized as one of the most robust password managers available today. It integrates seamlessly across devices and platforms to provide convenience and enhanced security to its users. Whether you're an individual looking to safeguard your personal information or a business aiming to secure sensitive data, Dashlane offers tailored pricing plans that cater to a wide range of needs.

For individuals keen on upgrading their security, Dashlane's pricing structure is simple and accommodating, with a free version available for those wishing to test the waters. The free version allows you to store up to 50 passwords on a single device, which could be a great starting point for someone new to password management tools. For those requiring more comprehensive features such as unlimited passwords, secure VPN, and dark web monitoring, Dashlane Premium is available at approximately $59.99 per year, offering a significant uptick in capabilities and peace of mind.

Families looking to secure their collective digital footprint can opt for Dashlane Premium Family, which costs about $89.99 annually. This plan covers up to six separate accounts, making it an economical choice for households. Each member enjoys the full benefits of Dashlane Premium, including personalized security alerts and the convenience of securely sharing passwords.

Regardless of size, businesses can leverage Dashlane's comprehensive security solutions through its Business plan. Designed to bolster cyber resilience, this plan costs around $96 per user per year and has advanced features tailored to organizational needs. These include a dedicated Admin Console for user and policy management, secure password sharing among team members, and simplified onboarding, such as single sign-on (SSO) integration. For larger enterprises looking for customized solutions, Dashlane offers personalized plans and pricing upon request to meet specific security requirements and enterprise-scale demands.

As you can see, Dashlane provides various options for varying needs and budgets, from individual users to large organizations. With its user-friendly interface, advanced security measures, and flexible pricing plans, Dashlane stands out as a premium choice in the increasingly essential field of password management and online security. Whether you are taking your first steps towards better digital security or looking to fortify an entire organization, Dashlane offers a solution designed to provide peace of mind in the digital age.

Check out the latest Dashlane promo codes to see how to save further on certain plains.

Dashlane: Setup

Setting up Dashlane is straightforward. It can significantly improve your online security by managing and protecting your passwords and personal information. 

First, visit the Dashlane website or download the Dashlane app from your app store of choice. Once you have the software on your device, please open it and select the option to create a new account.

Enter a valid email address. This will serve as your Dashlane username, and you'll receive your account notifications there.

The most crucial step in setting up Dashlane is creating your Master Password. This password is the key to all your stored data and passwords, so it should be firm and unique—something you haven't seen anywhere. It should be a long combination of letters (both upper and lower case), numbers, and symbols. You must remember this password, as Dashlane doesn't do it, and thus cannot recover it if you forget it.

Follow the on-screen prompts to install the Dashlane extension for your preferred web browser. This extension allows Dashlane to auto-fill passwords, payment information, and personal details while you browse the internet.

We encourage you to add the Chrome extension. We were presented with a list of popular websites with links and logos and asked to select our first site. The software then guided us through choosing and storing passwords using the Chrome extension.

Beyond the Chrome extension, there are other popular browsers, such as Edge, Firefox, Brave, and Opera, as well as desktop clients for the major operating systems and mobile apps.

After installing the extension, Dashlane will offer to import your existing passwords from your browser or other password managers. This process will help consolidate your passwords into one secure location. The intuitive import feature will guide you through steps to ensure your passwords are transferred securely.

Enter your personal information, such as addresses and payment details, into your Dashlane account. This step allows Dashlane to auto-fill forms and payment methods when shopping online or signing up for services, saving you time and ensuring accuracy.

If you have Dashlane Premium, you can take advantage of its sync features by installing Dashlane on all your devices. This ensures that your passwords and personal information are accessible wherever you are. Download Dashlane to your other devices and log in with your account details.

Finally, explore the additional features that Dashlane provides, such as the Password Health Score, which assesses the strength of your passwords, or the Dark Web Monitoring, which alerts you if your information is found on the dark web. If you have Dashlane Premium, you can also use the Secure VPN to get alerts for potential security breaches.

Following these steps, you can set up Dashlane to manage your digital identity effectively. Always keep your master password in a safe place, and remember that regular updates to your password vault can further enhance your online security. Dashlane not only simplifies your browsing experience but also rigorously protects your data from the threats of the digital world.

Suppose your setup is because you're moving to another password manager. You can import credentials straight into Dashlane by exporting from 1Password, Bitwarden, LastPass, KeePass, Keeper, or RoboForm as a .csv file. You can do the same from Google Password Manager, Microsoft Edge Password Manager, iCloud Keychain, and the Firefox browser.

(Image credit: Dashlane)Dashlane: Interface and performance

I've been using Dashlane for a while now, which has revolutionized how I manage my passwords and sensitive information. The feature that automatically fills in login details for websites, credit and debit card numbers, and online forms has made my average working day far more efficient. I no longer have to spend time manually entering this information, which has been a game-changer for me.

One of the standout features for me is the bulk password-changing function. Changing multiple passwords at once is incredibly convenient, especially in a significant data breach. This feature lets me know I can easily update my passwords to enhance security.

What's moreMoreoverare offers a VPN for safe browsing on public Wi-Fi connections with its Premium plans. This goes beyond password management and adds an extra layer of security to my online activities. Even with the free version, I get personalized security alerts and a reliable password generator, which has been very useful.

Dashlane's business suite is comprehensive when it comes to business use. It handles every aspect of a company's password security, from password storage to security policy management. The Admin Console allows for detailed password hygiene analysis and provides insights into compromised passwords, which is crucial for maintaining a secure environment.

I appreciate that Dashlane works seamlessly across most operating systems and offers plugins for all the main browsers. The clean and intuitive interface makes managing and adding passwords, viewing account information, and accessing other features quickly. I also love the instant syncing across platforms, which ensures I can access my passwords and data on all my devices.

The password generator, accessible through the browser plugin, is a nice touch that allows me to create strong passwords while browsing. Overall, Dashlane has become an essential tool for maintaining high online security and efficiency.

Dashlane has a well-organized, dedicated support page. (Image credit: Dashlane)Dashlane: Passkeys

Dashlane has implemented Passkeys as a more secure alternative to traditional passwords, aligning with evolving internet security standards. Passkeys in Dashlane help protect logins stored within the service, preparing users to manage their online presence on platforms that support passkeys. Although only some websites and apps have adopted this technology, Dashlane provides a streamlined process for managing and using your passkeys for those who have. When logging in or creating an account on a site that uses passkeys, Dashlane will prompt you to generate a passkey for that site. Once set up, this passkey will be used for future logins on the website, identifying the correct passkey for easy access.

Passkeys work by generating two cryptographic keys for each account: one public key stored on the website where you create the account and a private key stored in your authenticator, like Dashlane. This method enhances security by ensuring that the key needed for access is never transmitted or stored on servers, reducing the risk of theft or interception.

To further illustrate how Dashlane employs passkeys, specific guides are provided for securing accounts such as Google and GitHub using passkeys. The process involves creating a passkey in the respective platform's account settings, which is then stored in Dashlane’s vault. Users can sign into these accounts using the stored passkey, streamlining the login process while bolstering security measures.

Dashlane: Security

Dashlane is the only US-patented password manager and uses military-grade AES 256-bit encryption alongside its patented technology.

Further security is enabled by two-factor authentication (2FA) compatible with common authenticator apps and U2F security keys. Like some other password managers, there is a master password that the user needs to enter to access the service, but only the user has it, and Dashlane has zero knowledge of it, and does not store it. What this means, though, is that if you forget your master password, you could be locked out for good.

(Image credit: Dashlane)

There's plenty of support for different SSO apps here, too – Dashlane integrates with Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Azure, Duo, Okta, and more. Businesses can also use customizable policies to create a tailored, secure environment, and automated employee management allows security to start immediately.

Dashlane even has a bug bounty program that offers rewards of up to $5,000 in return for the notification of vulnerabilities by eager security workers.

(Image credit: Dashlane)Dashlane: Customer support

Dashlane has a well-organized and easy-to-navigate support page that we could access through the web app and browser extension. It has a prominent search bar top and center to look for content and plenty of articles that guide users through key app features.

FAQs are comprehensive and arranged into categories such as Account & Security, Passwords & Data, and Platforms & Browsers.

Live chat support is available in English during working hours on weekdays, while out of hours, it's possible to consult the chatbot and contact the support team via email. We tested all options and were impressed with each of them, as there was no queue on the live chat and our request was dealt with quickly and professionally. Our email was answered quickly with information on contracting the live support staff, but the chatbot was a little underwhelming compared with other similar experiences across the web, especially during an era of generative AI. The responses and pre-determined inputs were somewhat limiting.

Remember, too, that certain product tiers also included phone support – ideal if you need help in a hurry.

Dashlane: The competition

Dashlane's biggest competitor is LastPass, which is consistently voted among the best password managers on the market.

Dashlane has a cleaner, more user-friendly interface, but LastPass wins on value for money. Its free version is only slightly different from its paid one, while Dashlane's free product misses out on features like dark web monitoring and VPN support.

KeePass is Dashlane's closest competitor in regard to security. The company sells its service on its security merits, but, unlike Dashlane, this advanced security comes at the expense of convenience. Another strong competitor is N-Able Passportal, which is well-suited to demanding businesses.

Dashlane: Final verdict

The simplicity of Dashlane's interface means even first-time users can benefit from the advanced password management services and security. The free product is a decent option for essential password protection. There's plenty of functionality available in all of Dashlane's products, especially if you upgrade to the paid versions. However, it's worth noting that some of Dashlane's business products are relatively expensive compared to other password manager tools.

Dashlane BusinessDashlane Business: Team and Admin Features

As an admin of Dashlane’s Business plans, you get a web-based admin console from where you can manage the users, groups, policies, and security settings of the password manager. It also offers an overview of your organization's password health, and flags potential risks.

As an admin you can add, and remove individual users, and organize them into groups based on teams, departments, or projects. Members of a group can share anything in their vaults including credentials, with other members of the group.

You can also delegate group management responsibilities to other users without granting them full admin privileges. This is especially useful for large organizations, or businesses that have a large number of groups. Group managers get access to the Groups tab of the admin console, and can add (and remove) users to a group.

By default, Dashlane wouldn’t let your users share credentials with anyone outside of your organization, but you can override this behavior.

As noted earlier, Dashlane encrypts data using AES-256, and provides different options for the key derivation function. Admins can also enforce a specific key derivation function for all the users, or give them the option to choose their own from the available options.

You can also require all users to mandatorily use 2FA when they log in to Dashlane. You can also generate 2FA recovery codes for your users if they lose the phone they use with 2FA. In the same vein, if a user forgets their master password, admins can also help them regain access to their account.

As a security measure, you can also set when members are automatically logged out of Dashlane after a period of inactivity. It is set to Never by default, but you can choose from 15, 30, or 60 minutes.

Dashlane’s business plans also include some security tools. It can help highlight weak, and compromised credentials across your organization, even when those users aren’t using Dashlane. It’ll also alert users of potential phishing attempts when the URL they visit differs from the saved URL of the related credential.

Some business plans also have support for Smart Spaces that helps your users separate credentials into Personal and Business spaces within the same account. You can list any work-related domains, and logins that contain the domain in the email, username, alternative username, or website, will be forced into the Business Space automatically.

This also comes in handy especially when a user leaves your company. Thanks to this feature, you can revoke their business credentials, without deleting the entire account.

You can also access detailed activity logs from the admin console that give a detailed history of user actions, and also note key events like policy changes, and security events. Any changes made by a group manager are also logged. The logs are searchable, and can also be filtered by credential, category, activity type, and date.

Dashlane Business: Integrations and Compatibility

As an admin of a Dashlane business plan, you can integrate the password manager with some of the best Identity Providers (IdPs) including Okta, Azure AD, Google Workspace, as well as with LDAP. This will help your employees log in to Dashlane using their existing corporate credentials.

You can also plug Dashlane with System for Cross-domain Identity Management (SCIM) to automate user provisioning and de-provisioning. Once connected, when new employees join or leave the organization, their Dashlane accounts will be created, or revoked, automatically, which streamlines user management, and improves security.

Dashlane also integrates with Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools so you can monitor suspicious activity, such as logins from unrecognized devices, unusual deletion of credentials, and more. Currently, it offers integration with Splunk, and is working to offer support for Microsoft Sentinel in the near future.

Dashlane Business plans also have a new feature called Nudges, which connects the password manager with the Slack messaging platform. Once integrated, Dashlane will send alerts to employees about their weak, reused, and compromised passwords via Slack.

(Image credit: Dashlane)

Dashlane also has a public API that provides read-only access to all kinds of data, and insights about your Dashlane business plan, its users, and the devices they use. You can use this API, for instance, feed these details to tools like compliance platforms, and help them audit and verify your organization’s security posture.

Dashlane Business: Ease of Use and Deployment

Navigating the web-based admin console is pretty straightforward, and it allows admins to manage their organization-wide Dashlane deployment remotely.

(Image credit: Dashlane)

From the Dashboard, you can view the Password Health score of the entire organization, along with the total number of compromised passwords. You can also track the number of licenses left before inviting new users, or purchasing more seats.

You can also track the individual user’s Password Health score from under the Users tab, along with the number of total, safe, weak, reused, and compromised credentials for each user. The panel also makes it fairly simple to change a user’s rights, remove them, create groups, and add users to groups.

(Image credit: Dashlane)

Dashlane offers several mechanisms to onboard users. You can invite users manually by mentioning their email address, which sends them an invitation to join. If you have to invite a lot of users, it’s best to upload a CSV, or TXT file that contains multiple email addresses. The admin console also lets you send reminders to all users who haven’t yet accepted the invitation.

You can also activate an invite link from the admin console, which you can then send to the employees via other means such as an instant message.

As we’ve mentioned earlier, you can also integrate Dashlane with your IdP from the admin console. If you’ve set up SSO for Dashlane, you can also enable Just in Time Provisioning, which further simplifies onboarding employees.

Installing the Dashlane browser extension is a critical part of using Dashlane. All members will be asked to install the extension when they get onboard, but you can also install it for them by mass deploying it for Windows users with Group Policy Object (GPO), and Microsoft Intune, or with Jamf for Mac users.

We've also featured the best password recovery software.

What to look for in a password manager

Your online identity has never been more crucial in today's digital age. With many login credentials to remember, the convenience of using a password manager can sometimes overshadow the importance of choosing one that offers top-notch security and reliability. When selecting a password manager to safeguard your digital life, here are key features and considerations to remember.

The primary objective of a password manager is to keep your passwords secure. Look for services offering robust encryption protocols, such as AES-256, which is the industry standard. Two-factor authentication (2FA) is another essential feature, adding an extra layer of security by requiring a secondary form of identification beyond just the master password. Additionally, please find out about the company's security company's breach history to gauge its commitment to security.

In our multi-device world, it is key to ensure your password manager works seamlessly across all your devices and operating systems. This compatibility allows you to access your passwords on your phone or computer, regardless of the operating system.

The best password manager is one that you will use consistently. It should have an intuitive interface, be easy to set up and offer simple tools for password generation, storage, and auto-fill capabilities. The less friction it adds to your daily routines, the more likely you will keep using it.

Password-sharing capability is necessary for those who need to share account access with family members or colleagues. However, this feature should not compromise security. Ensure that the password manager allows for secure sharing, enabling you to share access without revealing the passwords.

A top-tier password manager stores your passwords, helps you create strong, unique ones for every account, and evaluates your current pass. The strength of your current passwords is invaluable in maintaining a secure online presence, as it helps eliminate weak or reused passwords.

Data breach alerts are increasingly common, and they are a proactive security feature that notifies you if your information has been compromised in a data breach. This early warning system allows you to change your credentials before they can be misused.

Beyond passwords, many people need to securely store other types of sensitive information, such as bank account numbers, secure notes, or personal documents. Beyond password manager, a good password should also offer encrypted storage for these items.

Consider the cost of the password manager and what you get for your investment. Many offer a basic free version, which might suit your needs. However, premium features like advanced multi-factor authentication, secure file storage, or family plans usually require a subscription. Ensure that the price aligns with the benefits provided.

Finally, take the time to read user reviews and expert opinions on the password manager. A robust and positive reputation within the industry can be a good indication of reliability and user satisfaction.

Choosing a password manager is a crucial decision that can significantly affect your online security. Take the time to compare features, understand your security needs, and select a service that doesn't just remember your passwords but actively contributes to your online safety and convenience.

Are you still using insecure passwords that put your online accounts at risk? With so many data breaches, leveling up your password security game is time.

NordPass, from the makers of the popular NordVPN, is one of the best password managers that combines robust security features with a user-friendly interface. From its zero-knowledge encryption to multi-factor authentication and passkey support, NordPass ensures your passwords stay locked down tight.

But it's not just about security. NordPass makes password management a breeze with autofill, secure sharing, password health checks, and more. Whether you're an individual or a business, NordPass has flexible pricing plans to meet your needs, including a free tier.

The best part? NordPass strikes the perfect balance between robust security and convenience, making it a top choice for anyone looking to safeguard their online life. It also offers some excellent features that businesses can utilize to enhance their credential security, which you can read about at the bottom of this review.

Learn more about how NordPass can simplify your digital life while fortifying your defenses. Read on.

• Interested in NordPass? Check out the website here

NordPass: Plans and pricing

There is a free tier with NordPass, which isn't always a given with password managers. It gets you storage for an unlimited number of passwords, which you can access from anywhere, but you’ll only be allowed one signed-in session at a time, so if you alternate between your phone and your computer, you’ll be kicked out each time you change your device.

It won't detect weak or reused passwords, and it won't scan the web for data breaches, which some competitor companies do even at this free level. It also won't let you mask your email or securely store files within the app.

(Image credit: NordPass)

The Premium account turns all those features on and costs $1.99 per month for annual commitments, or $1.49 per month for a two year commitment. It also allows you to use trusted sharing, which grants access to trusted contacts in case of emergencies.

(Image credit: NordPass)

The top personal tier is the Family plan, which you can buy for as little as $3.69 per month on the one year plan, or $2.79 per month for the two year commitment. You'll get six accounts with this product alongside all of the features included with the Premium product. Both of these plans are also available with two-year commitments, which means you can save a bit more money if you’re willing to pay upfront.

It’s also worth mentioning that some countries, including major markets like Australia and Canada, will see pricing in USD. Despite this, billing will still occur in local currencies.

(Image credit: NordPass)

NordPass's standard Business product starts at $3.99 per user per month for the one year plan, or $3.59 per user per month for the two year plan, and can handle up to 150 users, so it's ideal for small and medium businesses. This time, it’s advertised in USD globally, but each country will pay in local currencies. You get all the features we've mentioned alongside a security dashboard, the option to deploy company-wide settings, and Google Workplace SSO. The business product also includes team management features, like company-wide settings deployment and real-time monitoring. If you need more than 150 users, NordPass prompts you to contact the sales department for a quote.

(Image credit: NordPass)

The conventional business product doesn’t require a dedicated account manager or face-to-face onboarding. If you'd like those features, more SSO options, and user provisioning via Active Directory, you'll need the Enterprise product, and you'll again have to contact NordPass directly to get a quote.

In all cases, you can get a more significant discount via the NordPass promo codes that always are available to new users.

Unfortunately, Nord Security doesn’t offer bundles with its VPN service, NordVPN, which is a missed opportunity because other companies like Dashlane do.

(Image credit: NordPass)NordPass: Setup

NordPass is a well-regarded password manager developed by the cybersecurity experts behind NordVPN. With a strong focus on security and a user-friendly interface, it offers a reliable way to manage passwords. If you've chosen NordPass as your digital vault, here's your step-by-step guide to setting it up.

To begin with, NordPass, head to the NordPass website and create an account. You can sign up with your email, and you'll need to create a master password. This master password is the key to unlocking your vault, so ensure it's strong and memorable. NordPass doesn't have access to this password, so remember it, or your vault will become inaccessible.

With your account ready, download the NordPass application for your device. NordPass supports various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. After downloading and installing the app, sign in with the NordPass credentials that you just created.

Once you're in, NordPass can import passwords from your previous password manager or browser. This step can save you a considerable amount of time, as manually adding each password can be tedious. NordPass typically provides a guide for importing data to help you through the process.

Now it's time to explore NordPass features. Familiarize yourself with the user interface and see how to add and manage passwords. Try out the auto-fill and auto-save functionalities by logging into a few of your accounts to see how smoothly NordPass operates.

If you have various types of data you want to keep secure, NordPass allows you to store not just passwords but also notes, credit card information, and even personal details for quickly filling out forms online. Each entry is encrypted, ensuring your sensitive information remains private.

To enhance security further, consider setting up two-factor authentication (2FA). NordPass supports several 2FA methods, adding an extra layer of protection to your account. With 2FA enabled, accessing your vault requires something you know (your master password) and something you have (such as a code from your phone).

NordPass also offers a secure password generator tool, which you should use to create new, complex passwords for your accounts. To boost online security, update any weak passwords, replacing them with intense, randomly generated ones from NordPass.

Finally, download and install the NordPass browser extensions for a seamless browsing experience. Whether you're using Chrome, Firefox, or Safari, the NordPass extension can help you auto-fill passwords, save new login credentials, and access your vault quickly.

By now, your NordPass account should be fully operational. As you continue using NordPass, it's essential to review your vault for outdated information regularly and also take advantage of any new features that NordPass may release. With the NordPass setup complete, you can know that managing your passwords is now secure and straightforward.

(Image credit: NordPass)NordPass: Interface and performance

Everything about the NordPass interface is smooth and elegant, from the initial sign-up page to the apps you'll install as you get the software set up – it's actually one of the most polished experiences we've seen, and the same its true of other Nord Security products. Everything is built to be user-friendly and accessible, so it's a password manager that will suit users at all levels of technical know-how.

The software does a really good job of hiding itself away in the background and only popping up discreetly when needed, and we had no complaints in terms of getting our passwords synced across multiple devices (it only takes a second or two usually).

The helpful touches spread throughout were much appreciated. You can customize generated passwords by length or by turning off characters that can be misread as something else, for example). Following this theme, you can even streamline online shopping by letting NordPass input your credit card details and shipping info for a smoother checkout. It’s even possible to switch between different Nordpass accounts without compromising your security, so if you need to manage work and personal life separately, it’s easily done.

When it comes to managing your account, logging in and accessing your settings, passwords, and other stored information is very straightforward. We appreciate the clean interface that is well laid out, and easy to use.

Previously, we mentioned that it would be nice to be able to tag or otherwise sort different types of credentials, but this has now been addressed. Folders allow you to separate categories, for example social media, online shopping, and banking.

There’s a separate area for payment details, but it would be a nice addition to see a dedicated area for IDs, such as driving licenses and passports. These are the sorts of documents that you don’t carry every day, but when booking a flight, you might unexpectedly need to call on them.

The app's extra features are just as easy to use. Look to the bottom-right of the app and you'll find a password generator, password health assessment module, and a data breach scanner, and they're all as straightforward as the app's main functions.

NordPass: Passkeys

As more and more websites begin to add passkeys as a login option, password managers are beginning to commit to their adoption, but NordPass has actually already integrated passkey support, making it one of the first.

The desktop application, NordPass Web Vault, and Firefox and Chrome-based browser extensions are already compatible with passkeys, but Safari users will have to wait for a future release to be included. Mobile support is also coming as soon as software makers open up passkeys to third parties.

Passkeys are saved in a separate location from regular passwords, and chances are you’ll still have a vault full of passwords for a long time to come because the few websites that are adopting passkeys are just using them as secondary login methods.

Passkey login and passwordless authentication for accessing NordPass is also in the works, but details are limited at the moment.

(Image credit: NordPass)NordPass: Security

As you would expect from a developer that also offers a VPN, NordPass has a tight security setup. For a start it deploys a zero-knowledge approach, with end-to-end encryption for your password backups and data syncing – that means not even the NordPass team can see the data that you've got saved.

The increasingly well-respected XChaCha20 encryption algorithm is used, which is also a favorite of companies like Google and Cloudflare: it goes up to 256-bit encryption and is seen (by some at least) as a more future-proof solution than the AES-256 encryption commonly used elsewhere.

Biometric security can be added where supported – FaceID or Touch ID on Apple hardware, Windows Hello on a Windows machine, or a fingerprint reader for other smartphones. Two-factor authentication is supported for your NordPass account and the accounts you're storing passwords for. You're also able to use OTP generators or USB sticks to activate multi-factor authentication for added security.

NordPass also operated a blog which it uses to publicize important security tips alongside product announcements. The most common passwords page is particularly revealing, and even some less obvious passwords are at risk of being guessed in a matter of seconds.

(Image credit: NordPass)NordPass: Support

NordPass has an extensive Help Center that covers a gamut of topics. From helping you start with NordPass, managing your passwords, or troubleshooting common issues, the Help Center is your first go-to resource. The articles are detailed, easy to understand, and provide step-by-step guidance, making them an invaluable self-service tool.

For more personalized support, NordPass users can reach out via email. Whether you're encountering a specific issue or have a question that needs to be covered in the Help Center, the NordPass support team is ready to assist. Users can expect thoughtful, precise, and prompt responses. This channel is beneficial for complex issues that require detailed explanations.

NordPass takes its user support significantly with its 24/7 live chat service. This option is perfect for users looking for instant assistance. Whether you're struggling with installing NordPass, facing syncing issues, or need guidance on setting up a family account, the live chat team is always at your disposal. The immediacy and efficiency of live chat support ensure that users can resolve their issues without significant downtime.

Recognizing the power of social media in today's communication landscape, NordPass also offers support through its social media platforms. Users can reach out to NordPass through channels like Twitter for quick questions or updates on service status. This not only makes support accessible but also allows users to stay connected and informed about any new features or updates.

The NordPass Community Forum is a platform where users can share tips solutions, and engage in discussions related to NordPass. While not directly managed by the NordPass support team, these forums are monitored, and staff occasionally chime in. It's a great place to learn from other users’ experiences and share your own, fostering a sense of community among NordPass users.

For users keen on understanding and navigating through potential security issues, NordPass provides security advisories. These advisories detail any discovered vulnerabilities and the company’s steps to address them. It's a testament to NordPass's commitment to transparency and security.

As you can see, NordPass goes above and beyond to ensure that their users receive the support they need when they need it. Through a multi-channel support approach, NordPass caters to the varied preferences and requirements of its user base, ensuring a smooth and secure user experience.

NordPass: The competition

NordPass is one of the most prominent password managers around and, as such, it faces loads of strong competition. Apps like LastPass are good alternatives with similar feature sets and pricing structures, and you'd be well-served by either of those tools.

If you'd like something more affordable but admittedly more basic, a product like mSecure will get the job done – it doesn't have the business options or the high-end features of NordPass, but it ticks mainstream boxes and it's cheaper.

If you’re after the security associated with a company that’s also made a name for itself in the VPN world, then Dashlane or Proton Pass would be good alternatives.

NordPass: Final verdict

We're impressed with what we've seen of NordPass during our testing, and we think it's a great choice for individuals and small-to-mid-sized companies. It balances an aesthetically pleasing design with some useful features and advanced security protection, and it holds up well when you compare it against anything else on the market.

Pricing is competitive, and it's nice to see a free tier available. Negatively, it doesn't have more advanced tools like Wi-Fi syncing and Dark Web scanning, but that shouldn't put you off unless you're looking for a password manager with every possible feature.

NordPass BusinessNordPass Business: Team and Admin features

Business users get a cloud-based admin console to control and regulate password management for their organizations.

As an admin, you can use this console to exercise comprehensive control over user access and permissions. You can also use it to manage and monitor user activities, and ensure that your business’ security policies are enforced consistently.

NordPass Business offers three distinct roles for users to help segregate duties, and control access within the organization.

The Owner has the most privileges, and can manage all aspects of the organization. Then there’s Admin who can access the admin panel, and most of its management functions, but cannot grant or revoke the owner’s rights. Finally, there’s the User whose access is restricted to the NordPass password manager app.

NordPass for Business lets you organize your users in groups, for instance, based on the departments, or projects in the company. You can then share an item with a group, which is automatically made available to all of the group’s members.

In addition to groups, users can also share anything they’ve saved in their vaults, including login credentials, passkeys, secure notes, and more, with other users as well. These shared items can be permission-limited, and there are multiple access levels a user can choose from. Users can hand out full edit permissions, or restrict access to just reshare, or view the shared details.

(Image credit: NordPass)

NordPass for Business also enables admins to define company-wide password policies to enforce strong password requirements. Admins can keep the length of the password between 8 and 60 characters, mandate the use of uppercase letters, digits, and special characters. They can also ensure users are made to change passwords either after 30, 60, 90,or 180 days.

To ensure adherence to the password policy, admins can monitor compliance from the admin panel as well. The panel also has an activity log that tracks actions, such as credential use, and admin panel activity, for every user. The log can be filtered for a particular time period, and/or user.

(Image credit: NordPass)NordPass Business: Integrations and Compatibility

NordPass for Business offers several integrations for organizations of all sizes.

The first and foremost of these is its support for several popular Single Sign-On (SSO) and the best identity providers, including Okta, Entra ID, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Active Directory Federation Service (ADFS).

These help NordPass for Business streamline the authentication process, and also enhance security by reducing the number of credentials your users need to manage. Once enabled, users in your organization can log in using their existing corporate credentials.

Remember though, the Business plan only includes support for Google Workspace SSO. If you need to plug in Okta, Entra ID, or ADFS, you’ll need to subscribe to the Enterprise plan.

To help ensure your company maintains compliance with industry standards, NordPass for Business integrates with platforms like Vanta, and Splunk. While Vanta helps fuse the password manager with your compliance workflows, the latter, which is only available as part of the Enterprise plan, feeds NordPass activity logs into the data analysis platform, for enhanced security monitoring and analysis.

The Enterprise plan also offers an Activity Logs API that enables organizations to integrate activity log data from the password manager with their own Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems and other tools. In addition to monitoring, and reporting for internal purposes, this also helps in compliance with standards like SOC 2, ISO 27001, and HIPAA. ​

NordPass Business: Ease of Use and Deployment

Just like its desktop apps and browser plugins for end users, the cloud-based admin panel of NordPass for Business has a clear, and intuitive user interface.

On first launch, the interface will list the most important tasks that must be completed, which is a wonderful way to help new admins take charge of their password management solution.

You’ll be asked to review your policies, both for passwords as we’ve described above, as well as for guest sharing. The latter must be explicitly enabled if you want to allow users in your organization to share passwords and other items with people outside your business, like partners, customers, or contractors.

You can also allow your users to export their passwords, and other items as a CSV file, from the policies section. One interesting option you should enable from under here is email masking. This feature allows your users to generate alternative email addresses to sign up for online services, concealing their true identity, and mitigating phishing attempts..

Next up, you should turn on SSO before you onboard and invite users from across your organization. All your users should also install the NordPass browser extension to import their passwords.

You can also choose to skip the process, and jump right into the Dashboard of the admin panel. From the dashboard you can review the number of users added or invited into the platform. For more control over the users, head to the Members section from where you can arrange users into groups, earmark their access levels, and even invite new ones, or remove existing ones.

Even without SSO, the process for onboarding users is rather straightforward. You can either invite users by specifically mentioning the email address of the users you want to invite, or uploading a CSV or text file with email addresses. Or, you can mention one or more domain names, and anyone with an email address from these domains will be able to join via an invite link.

In either case, the users will receive a link to create their NordPass for Business account, after which they’ll be added into the platform.

(Image credit: NordPass)

One of the most critical areas that you as admins must frequent is the Password Health dashboard. It helps identify weak, reused, or old passwords. There’s also the Data Breach Scanner that scans the dark web for compromised emails, or passwords linked to your company’s domain.

(Image credit: NordPass)

There’s also the Sharing Hub, currently under beta testing, that gives you details about all the shared items within your organization, whether they are shared internally, or externally.

All things considered, the admin panel is a logically laid out interface that gives a good overview of the use of the password management system by employees in your organization.

We've featured the best password recovery software.

What to look for in a password manager

The primary purpose of a password manager is to keep your passwords secure, so top-notch security features are non-negotiable. Look for a manager that offers strong encryption standards, such as AES-256, to ensure your data is safe from prying eyes. Two-factor authentication (2FA) can add an extra layer of security, requiring not just a password and username but also something only the user has on them, like a piece of information or a physical device.

A password manager should make your life easier, not harder. A user-friendly interface that allows you to easily store, retrieve, and organize your passwords can save you time and frustration. Whether it’s a desktop app, mobile app, or browser extension, ensure the user experience is smooth and intuitive.

In today’s interconnected world, we access our accounts from multiple devices like smartphones, tablets, and PCs. A good password manager should be compatible across various platforms and devices, allowing you to access your passwords, whether on an iPhone in the morning or a Windows PC in the evening.

One of the perks of using a password manager is that it can generate strong and unique passwords for you, bypassing the temptation to use easily guessable passwords. Look for a manager with a built-in password generator, which can create complex passwords that are tough for hackers to crack.

A password manager should streamline your browsing experience by automatically filling in your login information when you visit sites and apps. Additionally, look for an auto-save feature that prompts you to save new passwords as you create them, ensuring your password vault is always up-to-date.

While many free password managers offer basic features, investing in a paid version can provide enhanced security and additional features. Evaluate the pricing plans to find one that fits your budget and meets your security needs. Remember, the cost of a password manager is minuscule compared to the potential loss from a cyberattack.

Even with the most intuitive platforms, questions or issues can arise. Good customer support can be invaluable, offering help through resources like FAQs, forums, email support, or live chat. Before committing to a password manager, check out their support options.

Lastly, read the provider’s privacy policy to understand how your data will be used and protected. A trustworthy password manager should have a straightforward policy that ensures they do not misuse your data or provide it to third parties without consent.

Choosing the right password manager is a crucial step in securing your digital life. By considering these features, you can find a tool that not only keeps your passwords safe but also enhances your online experience. Remember, in cybersecurity, being proactive is always better than being reactive.

Ugreen M571 Vertical Ergonomic Mouse: two-minute review

(Image credit: TechRadar/Max Delaney)

The Ugreen M571 Vertical Ergonomic Mouse is an attractive, affordable alternative to more expensive options from brands like Logitech, making it a compelling option for those seeking ergonomic benefits without the price tag.

In contrast to traditional mice that often compel the wrist into a pronated (or palm-down) position, this model boasts a 57º near-vertical angle to it's 'sail'. This design encourages a neutral, handshake-like wrist position that I found significantly more comfortable when using a mouse for extended periods.

While the Logitech Lift is considered the best vertical mouse on the market, this Ugreen model offers a key point of differentiation – its size. Many vertical mice, including the Lift, have a small frame. I have bigger mitts, and my pinky finger is often sliding around on the desk with the mouse, rather than resting on it.

The Ugreen M571 offers a much wider base and larger frame overall, very reminiscent to the Logitech MX Vertical. This allows for stable movement across a wider range of hand sizes, as your entire hand, including your little finger, remains on the pointer. This Ugreen model's overall larger size doesn't make it unsuitable for smaller hands, though, as the main grip area is shaped to accommodate almost any hand size.

(Image credit: TechRadar / Max Delaney)

From unboxing (where you'll find little more than the mouse itself and a warranty booklet) to daily use, the experience with using this mouse is simple and straightforward. For me, that was a good thing. However, for those that do require more advanced functions, like the ability to customize their mouse for keyboard-free use, this will be a significant downside.

When I'm not tapping away on the keyboard, I generally only need my mouse for the most basic of uses and I found the M571 to be fantastic for my needs. Ugreen boasts that the mouse offers "99% silent click and scroll" and, while neither the clicks nor the scroller are truly silent, they are heavily subdued. It’s also incredibly easy to scroll and left or right click without changing the position of your hand or fingers, maintaining that ergonomic posture.

One key negative regarding its design is its cheap feel. Made entirely of hard plastic, this is most noticeable in its palm grip, which features only a rippled design instead of the rubberized grips found on some more expensive competitors. While it's not slippery, it's the same material as the rest of the mouse and I found this grip area could become greasy after long periods of use. I imagine this would become even more of an issue for those living in warmer climates.

Beyond its core ergonomic feel, the particular model of M571 I tested for this review (SKU number 55916) is a slightly cheaper option that only connects via the wireless USB dongle. Spending a bit more can get you a version with both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless, which could be a must-have for anyone planning on using it with a laptop – particularly MacBook owners, which no longer have the necessary USB-A port you’d need to use the included 2.4GHz wireless dongle.

(Image credit: TechRadar / Max Delaney)

Convenience aside, I found the 2.4GHz connection to be reliable and, even in a busy tech-focused office space filled with dozens of wireless devices, I didn’t experience any interference with connectivity.

The mouse is powered by a single AA battery and after using it for several hours a few days a week for two months, I've seen no signs of depletion. This suggests the mouse should last for months of daily use before the battery will need to be replaced.

A slightly confusing design choice with the Ugreen Vertical Mouse is that it offers a dedicated mode for both Windows and Mac systems. This is toggled via a switch on the bottom of the device, and the changes affect the two side buttons that sit above the thumb rest. In Windows mode, those buttons control your browser’s forward and backward functions, but on Mac they switch applications. I tested exclusively on a Mac and found this feature quite useful for quickly switching to Slack to reply to teammates, though it still seems like a potentially unnecessary addition.

When it comes to the feel of the buttons, I found the main left and right clicks were soft and quite sensitive, although I could still lift and move the mouse without accidentally clicking. I personally liked their feel, despite them not providing a lot of tactile feedback.

The two thumb-side buttons are similar; they offer a satisfyingly deep press without feeling mushy. The scroll wheel is also slightly notched, rather than completely smooth, making it both harder to slip off and easier to control when making shorter scrolls that require a touch more accuracy.

The M571’s optical sensor offers up to 4,000 DPI tracking, making it suitable for any regular application and even arguably providing high enough sensitivity for fast-twitch gaming. You can also reduce the DPI to three levels (1,000, 1,600 or 2,000) for times when different levels of accuracy are required. This is easily done with one press of the middle button that sits below the scroller.

(Image credit: TechRadar / Max Delaney)

While I had no issues during my review period, the M571’s all-plastic construction and light weight do suggest that heavy daily users might see wear and tear sooner than with a more robust, pricier alternative. Witnessing the minimal wear on my colleagues' more expensive Logitech Lift, it’s clear that high-quality materials can be more important for a mouse than one might think. The M571’s finish could also get grimy after intense work or play sessions that result in sweaty fingers.

However, given its affordable price, it's hard to complain too much about these shortcomings. The M571 is an excellent option for those looking to try a vertical mouse for the first time without spending three or four times its price on a top-tier option. Costing just a fraction of the Logitech Lift, it offers fantastic value for some small concessions.

Ugreen M571 Vertical Ergonomic Mouse review: Price & availability

(Image credit: TechRadar / Max Delaney)

• Cheapest model: AU$34.99 for the 2.4GHz wireless via USB dongle
• £22.99 / AU$39.99 for the more advanced dual-connectivity model
• Similar model available in the US for $29.99

The Ugreen M571 Vertical Ergonomic Mouse is an incredibly affordable option, making it an excellent entry-level choice for those new to vertical mice. I personally prefer its feel compared to a regular mouse, though it won't be for everyone.

Its affordability makes it an even more attractive prospect, allowing users to try a vertical mouse before committing to a more expensive alternative. And, it's available to users across the world thanks to its wide availability on Amazon.

However, do note that the $29.99 model available in the US differs slightly from the model I tested, the Bluetooth-enabled version of which is available in both the UK and Australia. While it boasts the same specs – with both Bluetooth 5.0 and 2.4GHz connectivity – it features ridges in the thumb area that the others lack.

Ugreen M571 Vertical Ergonomic Mouse review: Specs

(Image credit: TechRadar / Max Delaney)Specifications

Interface

2.4GHz wireless via included USB dongle (other versions offer Bluetooth, depending on your region)

Ergonomics

57° vertical angle, right-handed ergonomic design

Buttons

5 (two main, two thumb and DPI control + scroller)

DPI

Up to 4,000 (four levels)

Power

1 x AA battery

Weight

106g tested (130g with AA battery)

Should you buy the Ugreen M571 Wireless Vertical Mouse?

(Image credit: TechRadar / Max Delaney)

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Value

Whether you opt for this dongle-only model or its Bluetooth-enhanced sibling, the value is undeniable. Offering solid connection, quiet clicking and excellent speeds for the price of a few coffees.

5 / 5

Design

Ergonomically, the design of this mouse was excellent. However, its larger frame might make it better suited for medium to large-sized hands and it's made with cheap material.

4 / 5

Perfomance

Offering 4 different DPI levels up to 4,000, this mouse is able to handle some fast-paced gaming as well as day-to-day work.

3.5 / 5

Overall

The Ugreen M571 Vertical Ergonomic Mouse is very good for its price, but it lacks features like remappable buttons, and its inexpensive build means it likely won't stand the test of time. Still, it excels as an entry point to using vertical mice.

4 / 5

Buy it if...

You experience wrist strain

I found the 57º vertical angle of this mouse genuinely effective at promoting a natural hand and wrist position, significantly reducing discomfort during long hours of use. It's well worth a try if you struggle with normal mice.

You're on a tight budget

This mouse offers excellent ergonomic benefits and versatile connectivity at a fraction of the cost of premium alternatives. Even if you don't necessarily want a vertical mouse, its value is hard to ignore.

You have larger hands

While I've used the Logitech Lift and other vertical mice with little issue, this mouse is made for medium to large hands, and I found it very comfortable to hold and use.

Don't buy it if...

You want a more versatile mouse

This is a very simple device, offering only the bare minimum functions while better situating your wrist for long sessions of use. However, some people may prefer to spend more on a mouse with additional buttons and functionality.

You require high-end durability

The plastic build, while contributing to its low price, may not hold up to years of heavy daily use as well as some higher-priced alternatives. It could be worth spending more upfront if you're confident a vertical mouse is suitable for you.

You prefer a rechargeable mouse

This mouse uses a single AA battery, meaning you'll need to keep spares or factor in replacements. However, the alkaline battery we tested with did last fantastically well.

Also consider

(Image credit: Future)

Logitech Lift

If your budget allows, the Logitech Lift offers a similar ergonomic vertical design with a more premium feel, a rechargeable battery and potentially better software customization for advanced users. It's often lauded for its comfortable fit for smaller to medium hands.

Read our full Logitech Lift Ergonomic Vertical Mouse review

Logitech MX Vertical Wireless Mouse Ergonomic

Yes, Logitech boasts another vertical mouse in its arsenal. It's a little long in the tooth, but this 2018 model is still an ergonomic mouse worth considering thanks to its comfortable design, multiple connection options and built-in four-month battery.

Read our full Logitech MX Vertical review

Logitech MX Master 3S

While not a vertical mouse, the MX Master 3S is a top-tier ergonomic mouse for productivity, featuring a sculpted design that supports the hand, an exceptional MagSpeed scroll wheel and extensive customization options. It's a pricier mouse, but offers a more feature-rich experience for those prioritizing productivity and advanced functionality.

Read our full Logitech MX Master 3S wireless mouse

GameSir T7 Pro Floral: one-minute review

The GameSir T7 Pro Floral comes from a third-party controller brand I rate very highly, and one I put right up there with the likes of 8BitDo and Victrix. Many of GameSir’s controllers feature in our buying guides, too, including best Xbox controllers and best PC controllers.

But that doesn’t mean every single one of the brand’s controllers are out-and-out bangers. While I like the GameSir T7 Pro Floral, I certainly prefer and would be more likely to recommend other pads from the brand, including the GameSir Kaleid and GameSir Tarantula Pro. Not because the Pro Floral is bad, far from it. It’s more that GameSir has put out so many quality pieces of hardware that this gamepad comes across as just a little less impressive.

It certainly doesn’t disappoint when it comes to looks, though. I’m a child of the early noughties, so eye-catching gaming hardware designs that look good enough to eat are right up my alley. Case in point, the GameSir T7 Pro Floral’s translucent icy blue finish - emblazoned with flowery imagery - is utterly stunning.

It’s helped by reactive RGB lights, too, which move around the controller depending on the direction of the sticks or which face buttons you press. GameSir always finds a way to include nice little aesthetic flourishes like this, and that’s no different on the Pro Floral.

Otherwise, the Pro Floral plays all the GameSir hits. It packs Hall effect sticks, a pair of remappable buttons on the pack, as well as trigger locks that let you swap between analog and digital presses. Said trigger locks can be a bit inconsistent, as the digital trigger presses didn’t register in some games I tested, but when they do work, they’re a welcome inclusion.

(Image credit: Future)GameSir T7 Pro Floral review: price and availability

• $49.99 / £49.99 / AU$89
• Available on GameSir's website
• Cheaper than the Xbox Wireless Controller

The GameSir T7 Pro Floral is available now for $49.99 / £49.99 / AU$89, and can be purchased directly from GameSir’s website. It’s similarly priced to other GameSir controllers such as the GameSir Kaleid ($49.99 / £59.99) and cheaper than the official Xbox Wireless Controller ($64.99 / £59.99). If you’re after a cheaper Xbox alternative, then I can definitely recommend checking out the Pro Floral, so long as you don’t mind the lack of wireless connectivity.

GameSir T7 Pro Floral review: Specs

Price

$49.99 / £49.99 / AU$89

Weight

7.7oz / 217g

Dimensions

5.71 x 3.66 x 2.32in / 145 x 93 x 59mm

Compatibility

Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC

Connection type

Wired (USB Type-C)

Battery life

N/A

(Image credit: Future)GameSir T7 Pro Floral review: design and features

As I mentioned at the top, the standout design choice of the GameSir T7 Pro Floral is its aesthetics. I’m a huge fan of the semi-translucent shell, and the icy blue buttons, thumbsticks, triggers, and d-pad complement the white gradient really nicely. The RGB lighting here is another excellent, if subtle, touch; different sections of the controller light up depending on stick direction, or which buttons you’re pressing. Something you probably won’t notice while gaming, sure, but I love the detail here.

There are some neat design flourishes for the buttons, too. The triggers, d-pad, and rear remappable buttons are fully transparent, while the sticks and face buttons are a pleasing light blue hue. The overall look here is a lot more carefully considered than cheaper pads that might just splash some artwork across the front and call it a day.

Otherwise, there’s not a ton to report in terms of design and features. The Pro Floral’s silhouette is almost identical to that of the Xbox Wireless Controller, and also features a 3.5mm headphone jack at the bottom of the pad. Meanwhile, those aforementioned trigger locks are located on the back, just above the two remappable buttons.

The Pro Floral does feel a good bit lighter than the Xbox Wireless Controller, though this may be because it’s not housing a pair of AA batteries or the Xbox Play & Charge Kit. While lightweight, it’s thankfully not flimsy or listless in the hands, still offering firm placement thanks to its textured grips.

(Image credit: Future)GameSir T7 Pro Floral review: Performance

In terms of actually using the GameSir T7 Pro Floral for gaming, it doesn’t really put a foot wrong outside of one key area, but I’ll get to that soon. It’s otherwise a very capable gamepad that provides longevity thanks to its drift-resisting Hall effect thumbsticks. Plus, the addition of two remappable buttons and trigger locks grants you some customizability for button shortcuts or if, say, you prefer instant digital trigger presses over a more fulsome analog squeeze.

I played a wide variety of games over my two weeks of testing the controller, including some of the best fighting games like Street Fighter 6 and Tekken 8, racing games like Forza Horizon 5, and action titles like Lies of P, Nioh 2, and popular MMORPG Final Fantasy 14 Online.

Now, while the trigger locks are a nice addition, I did find them to be pretty inconsistent, even when compared to other GameSir pads like the Tarantula Pro. They worked where it mattered; I prefer digital presses for Final Fantasy 14 Online, for example, as it lets me access my secondary hotbar abilities faster. However, some titles did not register the presses while in digital mode at all, including Elden Ring Nightreign, and Hades 2. It’s worth noting that your mileage may vary here, but these are not the most reliable trigger locks out there.

Otherwise, the last thing you’ll have to contend with is the lack of wireless connectivity. This isn’t necessarily a complaint, as plenty of excellent GameSir controllers opt for a wired-only connection. It’s more a matter of preference; if you prefer going wireless, you might want to consider a controller that supports that, such as the GameSir Tarantula Pro or even the cheaper GameSir Nova Lite, which also works on PC.

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the GameSir T7 Pro Floral?Buy it if...

You want a gorgeous controller
The Pro Floral brings one of the nicest-looking controller chassis I’ve seen in a while. The blue-to-white gradient is lovely, and that titular floral pattern isn’t something you see much of among game controllers. Its looks are a real winner.

Don't buy it if...

You want more reliable digital triggers
The biggest weakness of the Pro Floral is its trigger locks. While analog presses work just fine across the board, digital trigger presses are inconsistent and didn’t work in some games for me.

GameSir T7 Pro Floral review: Also consider

You should consider the following two similarly priced GameSir alternatives if the T7 Pro Floral controller isn’t quite what you’re looking for.

GameSir T7 Pro Floral

GameSir Kaleid

GameSir Nova Lite

Price

$49.99 / £49.99 / AU$89

$49.99 / £59.99 / AU$109

$24.99 / £19.99 / AU$39

Weight

7.7oz / 217g

7.5oz / 213g

7.2oz / 205g

Dimensions

5.7 x 3.7 x 2.3in / 145 x 93 x 59mm

6.1 x 4.21 x 2.4in / 156 x 107 x 60mm

6.1 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 155 x 104 x 61mm

Compatibility

Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC

Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC

Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PC

Connection type

Wired (USB Type-C)

Wired (USB Type-C)

Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB Type-C)

Battery life

N/A

N/A

10-15 hours

GameSir Kaleid
One of the best, most affordable Xbox controllers on the market. I love the feeling of its microswitch face buttons, which provide tactile and instantaneous presses. A pair of RGB strips flanking the controller is also an eye-catching flourish. It’s one of my go-to Xbox controllers, and I would recommend it over the Pro Floral if you’re torn between the two.

Read our full GameSir Kaleid review

GameSir Nova Lite
Single-handedly the best budget controller out there, the Nova Lite isn’t compatible with Xbox, but can be used on Switch, Switch 2, and PC. Wireless connectivity is also supported here in both 2.4GHz dongle and Bluetooth formats. And yes, it still packs a pair of Hall effect sticks despite the low price.

Read our full GameSir Nova Lite review

How I tested the GameSir T7 Pro Floral

• Tested across a period of two weeks
• Played a wide range of games in that time, on both Xbox and PC
• Compared to the Xbox Wireless Controller and GameSir Kaleid

I tested the GameSir T7 Pro Floral over the course of around two weeks. In that time, I played a wide variety of my favorite games on both Xbox Series X Digital Edition and PC. These include Tekken 8, Final Fantasy 14 Online, and Lies of P.

I went back and forth testing the Pro Floral against some of its contemporaries, including the Xbox Wireless Controller and the brand’s own Kaleid. I ended up preferring the Kaleid overall, thanks to its more tactile-feeling buttons. But if you’re an aesthetically minded player, then the Pro Floral’s lovely design might just do it for you instead. I can wholeheartedly recommend both at the end of the day.

First reviewed July 2025

Read more about how we test

Zoner Studio is a WIndows-only take on both Photoshop and Lightroom - not as powerful as either (although a slew of regular updates is changing that), but a good entry-level/intermediate photo editor and organizer that comes in at a fair price.

After a recent name change from Zoner Photo Studio X to Zoner Studio, to better reflect the broader usage, the company says, I took the latest version out for a spin to see how it measures up against some of the best Adobe Photoshop alternatives.

Zoner Studio: Pricing & plans

Zoner Studio is available for a monthly subscription of $5.99, or $59 for the year. A family plan, letting two or more users in the same household use the app, is available for $9.98 a month or $98 a year.

For me, the pricing here is a big plus. There may not be a free version available (although there is a welcome free trial), but the cost is low, especially when compared to Adobe’s Creative Cloud suite of apps. The Photoshop and Lightroom Photography plan is currently priced at $22.99 a month. Your other option would be a tool like Affinity Photo, which has a one-off cost of $70.

The main differences between Zoner Studio and its rivals is that Zoner is only available on Windows machines, and it leans slightly more towards entry-level and intermediate users compared to Affinity Photo and Photoshop’s professional-grade photo editor.

You can check out Zoner Studio by clicking here.

Zoner Studio: First impressions

(Image credit: Zoner // Future)Minimum requirements

Operating system: Windows 10 or Windows 11 64-bit

Processor: Intel or AMD CPU 64-bit with SSE 4.2 support

RAM: 8GB

Storage space: 2GB

Screen resolution: 1280 × 800

If you’re familiar with photo editing software, you’ll have no problems navigating Zoner Studio. And, if you’re not, it’s not especially tricky to figure out - for me, that’s part of the appeal of the app, making it pretty welcoming to new users who want to do more with their photographs.

The main part of the screen is devoted to your selected image, with files and folders beneath, which can be scrolled through with your mouse. It’s a nice touch, making navigation that much easier.

Where new users may come unstuck are the five options to the right of the screen. Manager, Develop, Editor, Print, and Video (ok, those last two are self-explanatory). So, a little exploration wouldn’t go amiss - Zoner does at least feature non-destructive editing, letting you experiment with new tools without irretrievably modifying the original file.

Basically, Manager is for organizing and tagging photos. Develop is Zoner’s take on Lightroom, where you can edit RAW images, and Editor is for all other tweaks you want to make to your media, like adjusting the color temperature, or sharpening images. It’s all nicely laid out and generally easy to find what you’re looking for - and most options are also replicated in menus along the ribbon, which contextually change depending on which mode you’re in.

Zoner Studio: In use

(Image credit: Zoner // Future)

Using Zoner Studio isn’t especially tricky, but it may still feel a little overwhelming if you’re new to image editing given the sheer amount of options available here. I’d also advise beginners to hover over the side-panel icons - there are a lot here, and not all of them are especially intuitive, so hovering your mouse will serve up a name and brief description of each.

Your photos automatically appear in Zoner, since there’s a file explorer tab to the left of the screen (there is an import function along the ribbon, too, but I never found the need to use this). These will appear on a timeline at the foot of the main panel. When you’ve selected your image, it can then be edited and adjusted via the Editor tab.

All the familiar tools are here, from cropping and rotating to adding watermarks or directional blurring. As expected, then, there are heaps of tools for toying with the exposure (shadows, contrast, and so on), white balance (temperature and tint), and color (like saturation). I also like the addition of the tone curve, as you’d find in Lightroom, for lightening or darkening an image, or bringing specific color channels to the fore.

(Image credit: Zoner // Future)

There’s also a Quick Edit option, which populates the panel with the core tools most photographers and designers use without needing to fumble through the menus. The editing process can further be streamlined with the likes of Quick Fix and, ideal for social media, Quick Filters. All of these work instantly, just a press of the button.

The software includes some AI-powered tools, all of which deliver good results impressively quickly. This includes AI Masking, found in the Develop tab. Choosing this gives you the option to let Zoner automatically select the photo’s subject, background, objects, or sky for fine-tuning. For anyone looking to streamline the workflow, these are must-use tools, and I was pretty pleased with the speed and accuracy here.

One of the stand-outs for me is the AI Background Remover, which I found generally works very well. Once completed, I could then add a color background or create a transparent one for compositing into other images. Occasionally, the process removed elements of the image subject - typically when on darker or a similarly colored backgrounds - but on the whole, I had no serious complaints with this one-click background removal tool.

Perhaps the biggest issue, at least for those looking to make the switch away from Photoshop, is the lack of support for .PSD files. Instead, the software uses its own .ZPS files, which functionally work the same with layers and effects. But there’s no way to import or export Photoshop files into the app.

Overall, Zoner Studio packs in a wealth of tools for photo editing. It will take some getting used to if you’re new (and absolutely no time at all if you’re familiar with any of the best photo editors). But if you don’t need .PSD file support, there’s plenty to like here, especially for the price.

Should I buy Zoner Studio?

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

You’re new to photo editing: This is a great place to start if you’re new to editing images but want a good amount of powerful tools for bringing out the best in your photos.

You don’t want to spend too much: Zoner Studio is a lot cheaper than Adobe Photoshop or similar pro-grade packages.

Don't buy it if...

You want a basic app: If you’re just looking to crop or brighten images, you’ll find plenty of other options that won’t overwhelm.

You want a professional-level app: Similarly, if you want a pro-level software that delivers the very best results, you’ll get better results from the likes of Photoshop and Lightroom.

Review information

Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2
Available on: Nintendo Switch 2
Release date: June 5, 2025

Even though I didn’t love anti-grav racer Fast Fusion as much as I wanted to, I still think you should absolutely buy it. Its $14.99 / £13.49 price tag on the Nintendo eShop is quite frankly a steal, and a very fair price considering what you’re getting from this Switch 2 launch game. There’s not a metric ton of content here, and it is an experience you can get the most out of in around 10-12 hours, but that low cost of entry is worth it for the presentation alone.

Fast Fusion is arguably the best-looking Nintendo Switch 2 launch game. It might not have the artful whimsy of Mario Kart World, but in terms of sheer graphical fidelity, developer Shin’en Multimedia has delivered in spades. To me, that comes as no surprise; I maintain that 2019’s The Touryst (also by Shin’en) is one of the most visually impressive games on modern hardware, and that’s definitely the case with Fast Fusion, too.

Another reason to buy the game is that its performance is basically bulletproof. Its Quality graphical setting, which I used for the majority of my play time in docked mode, holds 4K resolution at 60 frames per second (fps) at all times, even with some light ray-traced reflections enabled.

But even though Fast Fusion is certainly a looker, it unfortunately falls short as a racing game. While tracks look beautiful, they don’t offer much in terms of variety, usually boiling down to a handful of obstacles and one or two alternate shortcuts. AI drivers also employ an absurd amount of rubber-banding, sticking to your tail like glue even after an extended period of boosting.

I’m also not a fan of how the game handles progression, as unlocking new cups can require huge sums of currency. This has improved since launch, with patches increasing the amount of money you can earn in a championship, but you’ll still find yourself having to grind out an extra run or two just to have enough to unlock the next set of races.

Overall, Fast Fusion is a beautiful, ‘fun while it lasts’ racing game. A lack of online play definitely hurts its longevity, but given how cheap the game is at retail price, I can’t fault it too much for a lack of content, and I did have a decent time with it regardless. It's certainly not one of the best Switch 2 games, but it's hard to argue with the value on offer.

Double or nothing

(Image credit: Shin'en)

Fast Fusion is a futuristic, anti-gravity racer, inspired by subgenre legends like F-Zero and Wipeout. The goal is simple: enter a championship, drive faster than your opponents, get money for more vehicles and events, rinse and repeat.

Your vehicle is capable of boosting and jumping - the latter to avoid obstacles and grab boost tokens floating in the air. Said tokens fill up your boost meter, so collecting them throughout a race is imperative - especially as they also increase the amount of in-game currency you have.

The swap mechanic from Fast RMX also returns, which lets you change between blue and orange forms in order to make use of the same-colored boost pads littered throughout each track. Finally, boosting into an opponent who isn’t boosting will cause them to spin out, hampering their race and netting you some more tokens.

While content in Fast Fusion is light overall, there’s still a decent amount of it to check out. The main championship mode features five cups of three races, split across three speed classes. Local multiplayer (including GameShare) and time attack modes are featured, too.

There’s also Super Hero Mode, which is an additional challenge mode that mimics the F-Zero series’ style of play. Here, your boost gauge is also your health bar, and crashing or running out of health retires you from the race. It’s a pretty thrilling side mode and quite challenging, adding some much-needed replayability to Fast Fusion.

Two become one

(Image credit: Shin'en)

Easily my favorite part of Fast Fusion is its titular fusion mechanic. By accessing the Fusion Shop from the main menu, you can not only unlock new vehicles with currency, but also choose two to fuse together into one super-powered machine.

Every combination is accounted for, leading to an extremely impressive array of vehicles. They all have unique looks, liveries, and name amalgamation depending on your chosen two. Not all are made equal, though; the game will let you know how powerful the fusion is on a grading system. For example, a lower rank ‘C’ fusion will have worse stats, but cost less to fuse. Meanwhile, an ‘A+’ beast can get close to maxing out in performance, but will naturally cost more.

Best bit

(Image credit: Shin'en)

I love the titular ‘fusion’ mechanic in Fast Fusion. Combining two vehicles into one for a more powerful craft, it’s always interesting to see the results. Especially when it’s an amalgamation of both crafts, complete with a livery change and a hybridized name. There’s loads to see here, and experimentation is practically necessary in order to beat the more challenging championship events.

You’ll need to rely on the fusion system when tackling the game’s hardest speed classes, too. Not only do AI drivers rarely make mistakes, but they have some of the most egregious rubber-banding I’ve seen in a racing game in quite some time. You can fully maximize a track, hit every shortcut, and spend most of your time boosting, and you’ll still get at least two AI drivers zooming past you on the final lap.

And as I mentioned earlier, racing in general, despite being a futuristic anti-grav racer, feels disappointingly grounded. Vehicles are extremely grippy, and hitting a wall has practically no negative impact. Track design also plays it rather safe - there’s very little in the way of demanding corners like hairpins, meaning braking and tilting rarely get used outside of the final speed class. It’s a far cry from Wipeout or F-Zero GX, where you often really have to wrestle your machine around corners and you are heavily punished for colliding with walls.

Should you play Fast Fusion?Play it if...

You want a real showcase of the Switch 2’s graphical chops
Fast Fusion is stunning to behold, sporting a high level of graphical fidelity, rock-solid performance, and convincing motion blur and incredible weather effects. The low price of admission is worth it for all those ‘wow’ moments, especially if you own a 4K display.

You want a cheap game that’s actually worth it
The Nintendo eShop’s relationship with cheap games is a sloppy one, but Fast Fusion proves you can still offer a very compelling experience at a budget price.

Don't play it if...

You were hoping for bags of content
Overall, Fast Fusion will probably last you around 10-12 hours if you’re planning on doing absolutely everything. While that’s expected for the price, it certainly doesn’t have the longevity of F-Zero GX or Mario Kart World.

You want a true anti-grav racer
The vehicles in Fast Fusion may as well have wheels, given how overtly grippy they are. The ships all look very cool, but their handling doesn’t exactly scream ‘anti-gravity’.

Accessibility

There isn't much in the way of accessibility settings in Fast Fusion. You can fully rebind controls in the options menu to suit your preferences, as well as enable tilt controls via gyro aiming should you prefer. However, don't expect anything in the way of colorblind settings or other visual options.

How I reviewed Fast Fusion

I played 10 hours of Fast Fusion on Nintendo Switch 2, clearing all Grand Prix and Super Hero Mode content across the three speed classes, while also unlocking most vehicles and playing around a good bit with the fusion system.

I primarily played the game in ‘Quality’ mode, which offers 4K 60fps performance while docked, as well as some basic ray-traced reflections. I also tried out the ‘Ultra Quality’ mode, which increases fidelity further at the cost of a 30fps frame rate. While this mode does look utterly stunning, I much preferred the smoother performances offered by other graphics modes.

For gameplay, my gamepad of choice was the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, while also using the Joy-Con 2 controllers while playing in handheld mode.

Released at the tail end of 2024 on Xbox Series X|S and Windows, action-adventure game Indiana Jones and the Great Circle quickly established itself as not only one of the year's best games, but an incredibly immersive, cinema-rivaling romp that perfectly captured the spirit of Spielberg's beloved trilogy. Surpassing expectations, the first-person game didn't deliver the Uncharted or Tomb Raider rip-off many assumed we'd get. Nor did it turn out to be a shooter similar to developer MachineGames' successful Wolfenstein games.

Review information

Platform reviewed: PS5 Pro
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Release date: April 17, 2025

While either of those approaches probably would have worked just fine, the Swedish studio and publisher Bethesda Softworks went off the beaten path – much like Dr. Henry Jones Jr. himself – to produce an ambitious, story-driven, sublimely satisfying experience that's on par with the archeologists' best big screen adventures. As a result, it's now one of the best PS5 games and best PS5 Pro games you can play.

A thrilling ride worthy of the films

(Image credit: Bethesda)

For those yet to don the fedora, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle spins an original canon yarn set in 1937, between the events of Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade (remember, Temple of Doom serves as a prequel to Raiders). The globe-trotting tale finds Indy exploring the likes of Vatican City, Thailand, Egypt, and beyond in his quest to uncover the secrets and mysteries behind the titular Great Circle.

For fans, this means participating in plenty of relic-hunting, puzzle-solving, and Nazi-pummeling antics across incredibly detailed, semi-open world maps. But it's the deft pacing and organic implementation of these various elements that make the game shine brighter than the Ark of the Covenant. Puzzles hit the sweet spot between being challenging but never to the point that frustration overshadows the fun, while the combat – which sees you fighting fascists with everything from fly swatters to frying pans – is a visceral blast.

Best bit

(Image credit: Bethesda)

It feels fantastic wielding Indy's signature whip and pistol, but beating up baddies with every random object – from spatulas and brooms to candlesticks and various musical instruments – is a surprisingly satisfying way to thin the Third Reich's ranks, especially with the DualSense's bells and whistles upping the immersion.

On the subject of putting Hitler's heavies in their place, the game, of course, arms you with Indy's trusty pistol and bullwhip. But rather than regularly relying on these items, you use them smartly and sparingly, supplementing them with lots of sneaking around, stealth takedowns, and improvisational melee combat. Seriously, breaking a mandolin over a baddie's head never gets old.

This sort of balanced, organic approach also translates to puzzle-decryption and environmental exploration, as you'll rarely find yourself simply mimicking on-screen prompts, chasing down shiny symbols, or following icons. Instead, you'll rely on Indy's intuitive camera and info-packed journal to naturally progress through objectives.

And while the critical path will keep you busy, the expansive sandboxes are brimming with optional collectibles, secrets, and surprises worth seeking out. On that note, expect to discover plenty of manuals that help you upgrade Indy's abilities, an especially cool feature that forgoes the usual, game-y skill trees in favor of a leveling system that more naturally suits the character.

Whether you're cracking ancient conundrums or Nazi skulls, the game offers an absorbing visual and audio experience that seamlessly blends its first and third-person perspectives. Most of the action unfolds from the former, while the latter perfectly frames some platforming sequences – like climbing and swinging – as well as cutscenes. Toss in some epic set pieces and Troy Baker's spot-on Harrison Ford performance, and the Great Circle puts the whip in your grip like never before.

PS5 fortune and glory

(Image credit: Bethesda)

All that said, the game's original release did suffer from some graphical and performance issues, especially on the Xbox Series S. With this PlayStation 5 version - particularly when played on a PS5 Pro - however, those problems have been squashed like a crypt-inhabiting creepy crawly beneath Indy's boot.

Where many titles on both the standard PS5 and Pro consoles offer a choice between Performance and Fidelity modes, the Great Circle ditches those options for a beefy default that delivers both native 4K resolution at 60fps. Supported by advanced ray tracing tech – putting some of the prettiest lighting and reflection effects I've ever seen on screen – the result is an absolutely stunning, incredibly sharp visual presentation complemented by performance that feels as smooth as a poison-dipped date.

Of course, the PS5 release also cranks the immersion through the DualSense controller's nuanced haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, LED lighting, and touchpad effects. Whether feeling the building rumble of Raiders' iconic boulder trap, splintering a guitar over a goose stepper's head, or pulling your whip as it wraps around a foe's limbs, you'll never experience the same tactile sensation. Smaller touches, like the LED light flashing green when you apply a life-saving bandage, further make you feel like you're actually under the hat.

More than a mere port, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on PS5 is easily the definitive version of the game, thanks to the various features, upgrades, and enhancements that this version built for Sony’s consoles brings to the adventure.

Should you play Indiana Jones and the Great Circle for PS5?Play it if...

You love the Indy films
Highly evocative of Indy's Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade era, The Great Circle offers an incredibly immersive action-adventure romp that's as close as you'll come to a playable Indiana Jones movie. A must-play for fans of the franchise.

You have a thirst for adventure
While the Great Circle puts you under the hat like never before, you needn't be an Indy nerd to enjoy it. The rewarding mix of deep exploration, puzzle-solving, collectible-gathering, and improvisational combat will satisfy any fan of the genre’s thirst for adventure.

You've been waiting for the best console version of the game
PlayStation owners may not have gotten Indy's latest interactive adventure when it arrived late last year, but the wait was worth it. While the Great Circle impressed on Xbox platforms, its PS5/PS5 Pro release is the prettiest, most immersive console version of the game.

Don't play it if...

The content didn't get you cracking the whip the first time
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle receives notable graphics and performance upgrades on the PS5/PS5 Pro, but its content is identical to that of the Xbox and PC versions released last year. If you're looking for different or new content – like the upcoming Order of Giants DLC – you won't find it here.

Accessibility

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle goes pretty deep in terms of accessibility features, offering a solid suite of options for those looking to tweak and tinker. Both the size and color of the user interface elements can be adjusted, while subtitles and closed captions can also be personalized to your preferences. Camera modes, like motion blur and screen shake, can also be turned on or off.

There are also protanopia, deuteranopia, and tritanopia color filter modes for color blind players, as well as various HUD adjustment settings. The game also offers a number of difficulty settings for both its action elements, which can tweak enemy quantity and behavior, as well as adventure aspects, which can adjust puzzle difficulty and toggle objective markers.

How I reviewed Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

I played Indiana Jones and the Great Circle for over 40 hours, with about a third of that time invested in optional activities and additional exploration. I reviewed the game on the PlayStation 5 Pro, but also put several hours into the Xbox Series X version to compare the visuals and performance. I also tested all the new DualSense-specific features. I played on my budget model TCL 4K display with HDR enabled. For audio, I used my television's onboard stereo speakers, but also tested with PlayStation's Pulse Explore earbuds.

First reviewed May-June 2025

TerraMaster F4: 30-second review

Terramaster has effectively carved out a niche in the NAS world with a combination of well-constructed hardware that supports a feature-rich environment and is aggressively priced.

As a result, it has attracted many home and small business customers who wouldn’t pay Synology, Asustor, or QNAP prices, but wanted solid equipment to manage and distribute data.

The F4 SSD isn’t the first SSD-based NAS that TerraMaster has produced, but it immediately stands out as something distinctly mainstream, significantly cheaper than the majority of products in this sector.

This small box can mount four PCIe Gen 3 NVMe drives, providing a total capacity of 32TB, and then distribute them over the network using a 5GbE LAN port.

The core of this solution is an Intel N85 processor, and it comes with 8GB of DDR5 memory, which is easily upgradable to 32GB by the user.

It utilises TerraMaster’s own TOS 6.0 operating system, although you don’t invalidate your hardware warranty if you use a third-party NAS OS, such as TrueNAS SCALE, Proxmox, etc.

With all this flexibility for a modest price, what’s the catch here?

The issue with this system is that the CPU’s power is on the low side, and therefore, it wouldn’t be ideal for running multiple simultaneous applications, Docker containers, or virtual machines.

At best, this hardware is best for primary tasks with perhaps a secondary role, but accept that file serving will take much of the power in this machine.

However, even with those limitations, this is a neat and helpful platform for those who want a tiny, silent and efficient NAS solution.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)TerraMaster F4: Price and availability

• How much does it cost? From $400/£380
• When is it out? Available now
• Where can you get it? Direct from the makers or through an online retailer

Unlike some brands, TerraMaster is widely available and also sells its hardware directly from its website.

The asking price for the only available SKU is $399.99 on Amazon in the United States and £379.99 on Amazon in the United Kingdom. That’s $200 less than the larger F8 model, and half the price of the F8 Plus.

That’s dramatically cheaper than the Ugreen NASync DXP480T, which costs about double this and still only takes four NVMe drives. However, that machine has a much more powerful i5 platform, a 10GbE LAN port and Thunderbolt.

The Asustor Flashstor 6 FS6706T is slightly more expensive, offering a six-drive option with increased processing power and dual 2.5GbE LAN ports, but it comes with only 4GB of memory.

Closer to the Ugreen option in price is the QNAP TBS-464-8G for $589.99 from Amazon, powered by the Intel Celeron N5105/N5095. The downside of that option is, other than the price, that the 8GB of RAM is not upgradable.

However, not all competitor devices are sold as NAS. One competitive alternative is the Minisforum MS-01-S1260 Mini Workstation, a mini PC that utilises the Core i5-12600H processor, supports three M.2 2280 drives, and features dual 2.5GbE LAN ports and USB4.

In a barebones configuration where the customer must provide an operating system, RAM, and storage, the MS-01-S1260 can be purchased for just $399.99 on Amazon, and there are SKUs that feature more powerful Core i9 CPUs.

Excluding mini-computers overlapping NAS territory, the TerraMaster F4 is the cheapest mainstream branded SSD NAS around, and represents excellent value for money.

But, only if the use case doesn’t require significant amounts of processing power.

• Value: 4 / 5

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)TerraMaster F4: Specs

Item

Spec

CPU:

Intel N95 (4 cores, 4 Threads)

GPU:

Intel Graphics (16EU)

RAM:

8GB DDR5 expandable to 32GB

SATA Storage:

N/A

M.2 Storage:

4x M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0

Ports:

2x USB3.2 Gen2 USB-A (10Gbps)

1x USB3.2 Gen2 USB-C (10Gbps)

1x HDMI 2.0b

Networking:

1x RJ45 5GbE LAN

OS:

TOS 6.0

Maximum Capacity:

4x 8TB M.2 NVMe (32TB)

RAID Modes:

TRAID, TRAID?, Single, JBOD, RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID5, RAID 6, RAID 10

PSU:

12V 4A 48W

Dimensions:

138 x 60 x 140 mm (LxWxH)

Weight:

600g

TerraMaster F4: Design

• Chimney layout
• Easy access
• Simple and silent

The design and layout of this machine seem vaguely familiar, as it employs a concept similar to that of the Beelink Me mini system I recently reviewed.

What they share is a cooling solution where the case acts as a chimney, drawing cool air from below, gathering heat as it rises over the motherboard and M.2 storage before being expelled out of the top.

In the F4, the air is propelled by two almost silent 50mm fans on the bottom, and the book-like form factor is arranged with the M.2 slots on one side and the processor and memory on the other.

What’s slightly different is that the front face of the unit, where it says TerraMaster F4, is clearly not the end that should be facing you. As all the ports and the power button are at the opposite end, which is the rear.

What’s great about this unit over some other NAS is how easy it is to get inside to add drives and upgrade memory. A single thumbscrew on the rear releases the outer skin, allowing it to slide off easily.

With this plastic shell removed, the M.2 slots and the memory are available, and this doesn’t require any tools. However, TerraMaster does include a screwdriver, which is useful for those easy-to-misplace M.2 screws, and thankfully, some spares are included in the box.

I’m surprised that the designers didn’t use a sprung plastic retainer, like those on the Asustor Flashstor 6 FS6706T, as it would have made this design entirely tool-free.

According to TerraMaster, the M.2 slots are designed for up to 8TB drives, and there is sufficient room for modules with integrated heatsinks to be used. What I recommend is that if you use any double-sided modules, you should add a heatsink to them, as there’s no thermal pad connecting them to the case, which is mostly made of plastic.

For those wondering what the best drives to use are, TerraMaster has a good selection of approved brands and models in stark contrast to the own-brand path that Synology has recently taken.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

Interestingly, I used an idiosyncratic mix of brands in my testing, some of which weren’t on this list, but I didn’t have any issues. The only ones the makers suggest to avoid are S500PRO modules by Fanxiang, and that’s across all their NAS boxes that can accept M.2 modules.

The only limitation on physical size for the F4 is that all drives must be NVMe and 2280, as there are no retainer positions for 2260, 2242, or 2230 drives.

If I were deploying one of these on a budget, I’d be considering using a drive like the Crucial P3, where the 4TB model can be found for under $220. Using these, a system with 16TB of storage can be constructed for close to $ 1,200, and as SSD NAS go, that’s cheap.

The strength of this design lies in its relatively low power consumption and vertical tube topology, which make for a simple-to-deploy and nearly silent NAS.

For those who would like a small NAS to sit on their desk, perhaps to keep a live backup of a running system, the F4 is ideal in many respects.

• Design: 4 / 5

TerraMaster F4: Features

• Intel N95 CPU
• No ECC memory
• Only 9 PCIe Lanes

When Intel first introduced the Atom series of processors, many wondered why customers would purchase such low-power systems. These days, platforms that are scaled back to run 24/7 or deliver just enough performance for the primary task are common.

The Intel N95 is where low-power computing took Intel, and it’s not anything you would ideally wish to use on a desktop computer.

While it does have an integrated GPU with sixteen execution units, this processor is more limited by its four-core CPU, which doesn’t support hyperthreading. Four cores on Windows 11 would be a nightmare, but for the custom Linux platform of TOS 6.0, it is sufficient. Additionally, with 8GB of RAM, expandable to 32GB, it is also more than enough for file-serving duties.

However, the wall and running into that barrier are never too far away with the N95, and this isn’t a system that would enjoy being pre-loaded with demanding applications. Those who put Plex on it don’t expect it to do that and also run a torrent client, a mail server and three Docker containers, because it won’t be smooth sailing.

Precisely where the N95 runs out of road entirely depends on how demanding the apps are, but if you want to run many applications, then there are alternatives that use more powerful Intel and AMD processors that will be better choices.

The other limitations of the N95 are that it can only address a single memory module and has limited PCIe Express lanes. There is only one memory channel, and thankfully, TerraMaster engineers used a DDR5 module on it to maximise bandwidth.

Intel claims it can address up to 16GB, while TerraMaster says 32GB, but whichever is correct, they both agree it doesn’t support ECC memory, unfortunately.

I believe, and this may be misinformation, that the standard memory model of the N95 allows only 16 GB. The additional 16GB of memory can be used for things like virtual machines.

If you don’t intend to use VMs, then putting more than 16GB in the F4 is probably pointless.

Even 16GB is a good amount of memory for a small server, especially when you consider that the drives in this unit don’t require much caching to perform well.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

A bigger issue is the PCIe lanes, since these dictate exactly how much data can flow through the system and to externally connected devices.

With only nine PCIe 3.0 lanes, there isn’t enough bandwidth for the SSDs to have the full X4 lanes that modern NVMe drives are designed for. Two of the slots have been downgraded to X2, while the other two remain at X1. Therefore, it’s a futile exercise to populate these slots with modules meant for PCIe 4.0, since they will be downgraded to PCIe 3.0 by the system.

Being pragmatic, achieving 1GB/s from two drives and possibly 2GB/s from two others is still well beyond the performance required to saturate the 5GB/s of the single LAN port fully.

As there were no PCIe lanes left to add a card slot, the only way to get more network bandwidth is by using USB adapters. There are relatively inexpensive 5GbE adapters that can utilise USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, but I cannot personally confirm whether they would work on this platform.

Again, if you want better than a single 5GbE LAN connection and more PCIe lanes for faster drives, then this probably isn’t the NAS for you.

Overall, the F4 makes the most of its hardware, but this machine won’t break any records for having excess performance on tap or for its responsiveness.

• Features: 3 / 5

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)TerraMaster F4: Software

• TOS 6.0
• Applications
• Yes to TrueNAS and UnRaid

For those who started with TerraMaster early on, and I’m happy to say that includes me, the evolution of the TerraMaster OS, or TOS, has been impressive.

Now in its sixth incarnation, this is a pretty mature platform that offers a wide range of functionality and applications.

While it doesn’t quite reach the levels of polish that Synology prides itself on, the feature set of TOS 6.0 ticks plenty of boxes.

One interesting change of direction that TerraMaster isn’t unique in taking is a shift away from first-party applications to those that are installed either as Docker-packaged containers or as virtual machines. Some compiled TOS apps, such as Qtorrent and Plex, are available on the TerraMaster application store. However, you can install later versions of these tools by finding the Docker container and using it instead.

While TerraMaster isn’t competing with the likes of QNAP and Synology for the number of available apps on its platform, there is more than enough for the majority of customers, and it isn’t a closed environment that requires approved tools.

TOS 6.0 isn’t for everyone, but TerraMaster is one of those NAS makers that is entirely customer-focused and is happy for their hardware to be used with TrueNAS Scale, UnRaid, Proxmox, or any other NAS OS the owner wishes. You won’t receive software support from TerraMaster if you opt for this approach, but hardware issues are still covered during the warranty period.

It’s interesting to see that TerraMaster and Ugreen are both pitching the ‘NAS-your-way’ approach, whereas other brands seem less confident about allowing alternatives into their playgrounds. This direction appears opposed to where Synology is heading, where the turnkey solution comes with much stricter limits on what you can and can’t do.

This is certainly more customer-friendly, but will it lead to a future where NAS makers no longer bother with a branded OS and instead offer a pre-loading service of a popular third-party OS? Only time will tell.

In short, TOS 6.0 offers a plethora of features that cover the majority of tasks that NAS commonly use, and if these don’t quite match your needs, the ability to run Docker containers and VMs is a viable answer.

• Software: 4 / 5

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)TerraMaster F4: Final verdict

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

There are good things about the F4, and some other things that aren’t wonderful.

Unless you kludge a NUC into a mini server, this is undoubtedly one of the most affordable SSD NAS options available. However, being realistic, the cost of the F4 is likely to be dwarfed by that of the M.2 modules unless you only install 1TB or smaller drives in it.

If you can afford to populate this with 8TB modules, or even 4TB, then you might get more performance in return by investing in an Asustor or Ugreen SSD NAS.

The other issue here is that the Intel N95 limits the system’s capabilities somewhat, as it lacks the performance to handle multiple apps or Docker containers. It also dictates that there is no USB4/Thunderbolt, which on other systems can be used to locally network to a host PC while the LAN ports support other users.

The natural space this device occupies is either as a network location for live synchronisation or as a directly connected external storage system. In both these scenarios, the 5GbE LAN port can deliver and retrieve data at over 500MB/s, making it as fast as a USB 3.2 Gen 1 attached SSD. The lure is that it can offer capacities much larger than even the biggest USB-connected SSDs, which typically only offer 8TB as their largest option.

Outside of this use, justifying the investment becomes tougher, since this doesn’t have the power to be an all-purpose NAS or the LAN connections to handle a 10GbE network.

Should I buy a TerraMaster F4?

Value

Inexpensive, if you ignore the M.2 modules

4 / 5

Design

Elegant chiney cooling and easy access

4 / 5

Features

5GbE LAN, 8GB of RAM, but only a four-core CPU

3 / 5

Software

TOS 6 has plenty to like

4 / 5

Overall

Some improvements, removed features at twice the price

4 / 5

Buy it if...

You need a live local backup
With a 5GbE LAN port and up to 32TB of local storage, this could be the perfect device for live synchronising files from a desktop or workstation PC. The only caveat is that the unit must be either directly connected or used with a 5GbE network infrastructure.

You need a flexible solution
The app selection on ADM 5.0 is extensive and covers all the possible requirements, and for specialist user there are always Docker containers or VMs.

Don't Buy it if...

You need massive capacity
Even using 8TB SSDs, the four slots limit the practical space this NAS can have. If you use redundancy, that could be 24TB or less. Since a single conventional hard drive can have that much, this isn’t ideal for those with large datasets.

You need a flexible solution
The app selection on ADM 6.0 is extensive and covers all the possible requirements, but with only four cores running, more than a couple of demanding tasks isn’t a realistic option. If you want a more flexible NAS, then there are more powerful systems.

Also Consider

Asustor Flashstor 12 Pro FS6712X
An older Asustor machine that can take twelve M.2 drives, giving a maximum potential of 96TB, should you have the funds for that many 8TB drives.

What this unit lacks is processing power, as it's powered by an Intel Celeron N5105. That chip also means it only offers USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports for connecting external storage.

Read our full Asustor Flashstor 12 Pro FS6712X review

Ugreen NASync DXP480T Plus
A beautifully engineered NVMe NAS that takes 2280 drives of all sizes in its four slots.
Twice the cost of the F4, it features an integrated heatsink design, a single 10GbE LAN and Thunderbolt 4.0 ports.
Given its feature set, this is a viable alternative, admittedly with the same potential capacity.

Read our full Ugreen NASync DXP480T Plus review

For more storage solutions, we've reviewed the best NAS hard drives and the best NAS devices.

Getax ZX10 G2: 30-second review

Getac is one of those companies that likes to keep the names of products the same while changing the underlying hardware. Thankfully, with the new ZX10 release, someone decided to add “G2” to differentiate it from the prior version, even if they are remarkably similar in many respects.

On one level, this is a standard 10.1-inch Android tablet designed for business users who require stock control or a shop floor with mobile computing needs.

What separates this from a typical Android tablet is that it is designed to handle a high level of abuse or a challenging environment without issue, and it features hot-swapable batteries to ensure it is always ready for the next shift.

Like the original ZX10, the focus of the hardware is to provide a powerful SoC, while being less interested in peripheral features, such as the cameras.

What it offers above the prior G1 is a more powerful platform with increased memory, storage, a brighter display, and WiFi 6E communications.

Oddly, it’s running Android 13, not a cutting-edge release, but an improvement over the Android 12 that its predecessor used.

The build quality and accessory selection are second to none, so it’s no surprise that the device’s cost is relatively high. However, even at this price, it might make it into our selection of the best rugged tablets.

A question that business users might reasonably ask about this hardware is how many cheap tablets could we go through for each one of these?

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)Getax ZX10 G2: price and availability

• How much does it cost? From $1200 / £1175 (plus tax)
• When is it out? Available now
• Where can you get it? From a Getac reseller

Unlike many of the tablets we typically discuss, the Getac ZX80 doesn’t come with a standard price tag, as each device is tailored to meet the specific needs of its owner. The review unit we assessed is likely to start at over $1200 in the USA, not factoring in any accessories, service agreements, or upgrades.

The UK price is a whopping £1175.00 plus VAT, making it one of the most expensive 10-inch tablets around.

Options such as different sensors, cradles, additional batteries, and external chargers can substantially raise the total cost. If your finance department is already wary of Apple equipment pricing, they might need to brace themselves for the investment in this equipment.

That said, the durability of this design, combined with a three-year bumper-to-bumper warranty, implies that most customers should expect good service from this device.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

• Value score: 3/5

Getax ZX10 G2: Specs

Item

Spec

Hardware:

Getac ZX10 G2

CPU:

Qualcomm Dragonwing QCS6490

GPU:

Adreno 643

NPU:

Qualcomm Hexagon Processor

RAM:

8GB

Storage:

128GB

Screen:

10.1-inch TFT LCD 1000 nits

Resolution:

1200 x 1920 WUXGA

SIM:

Dual Nano SIM 5G+ MicroSD option

Weight:

906g (1.99lbs)

Dimensions:

275 x 192 x 17.9mm (10.8" x 7.56" x 0.7")

Rugged Spec:

IP67 and MIL-STD-810H

Rear cameras:

16.3MP Samsung GN1 Sensor

Front camera:

8MP Samsung GD1

Networking:

WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2

OS:

Android 13

Battery:

4870mAh (extra slot for 2nd battery)

Getax ZX10 G2: Design

• Sturdy construction
• Unusual layout
• High brightness screen

Getac has extensive experience in making rugged equipment, and the ZX10 G2 is a prime example of how the lessons its engineers have learned are implemented in their recent designs.

The tablet is constructed with a metal chassis encased in a nearly impenetrable reinforced polycarbonate outer shell that has a subtle texture, making it easy to handle.

On paper, the new design is slightly lighter than its G1 predecessor, but that difference is likely due to the battery design, as the screen remains the same 10.1-inch-sized panel as before. This one is slightly brighter at 1000 nits over the 800 nits in the first ZX10.

Getac engineers prefer a form factor that is decidedly skewed towards right-handed users, with the five buttons, including power and volume controls, located on the right front face of the tablet.

The lanyard-connected stylus is also on the right, although you could rotate the tablet to bring that and the buttons to the left.

But if you do that, then you can’t use the harness accessory, as it uses two metal studs that project proud of the top left and right corners.

The bottom edge of the tablet features an edge connector for docking the unit when it is not in use, and pass-through antenna connections.

The physical connection points along this axis are significant enough that they will lock a hinged keyboard accessory to the ZX10, turning it into an Android laptop.

Another feature of Getac hardware that I appreciate is that the ports that could potentially be impacted by moisture are hidden behind a sealed door that clicks into position when shut.

I’ve seen way too many rugged tablets that use rubber plugs for water/dust proofing, and they will ultimately perish. These Getac covers will last much longer, if not for the working life of the machine.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

On our review hardware, the top edge featured a 1D/2D imager barcode reader, which was linked by default to one of the two custom buttons on the left. The other button takes a picture with the camera, but these can be altered to fit the specific use case.

Getac offers smartcard readers and NFC if you specifically need those technologies.

Like the ZX80 I previously reviewed, the screen has an anti-glare coating that makes it relatively easy to see the display even in bright sunlight. However, the filter that applies to the image softens it in a way that won’t attract drone pilots, as it tends to blur the finer details in the image, such as thin branches or wires.

This is a shame, because the 1000 nits of brightness this LumiBond display outputs ticks a lot of boxes for outdoor use in other respects.

On the rear is a slot for the stylus, two slots for batteries, and an access panel for mounting a smartcard reader. The SIM slot is inside the top battery slot, and the MicroSD card slot is in the lower battery bay. I’ll talk more about the batteries later, but the ability to charge them using an external charger and then swap over without rebooting the machine is extremely useful.

Overall, the ZX10 G2 has many positive aspects for industrial and military users who may be looking for a dedicated data capture device or a service support system.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

Design score: 4/5

Getax ZX10 G2: Hardware

• Powerhouse SoC
• Limited storage
• Dual battery options

When I reviewed the ZX80, it used a Qualcomm SM7325, aka the Snapdragon 778G 5G Mobile Platform, and again, with this machine, Getac engineers have gone with a Qualcomm SoC.

The Qualcomm Dragonwing QCS6490 is specifically designed for high-performance edge computing. It features up to 8-core Qualcomm Kryo CPUs, an integrated Qualcomm Adreno 643 GPU, and a robust AI engine (NPU + DSP), capable of achieving up to 12 TOPS.

In use, this makes the ZX10 remarkably responsive and reactive to user input, and the machine is capable of local data processing should the mission require it.

In the review machine, it came with 8GB of LPDDR5 memory and 128GB of storage, of which only about 80GB was available after a handful of test apps were loaded.

The amount of storage does seem low, and the Getac specifications do hint that a 256GB model is available for those who don’t want to expand storage using the MicroSD card slot.

Our review machine only had a single 4870mAh battery installed, enabling the total capacity to be doubled with the addition of a second. Getac also offers an enhanced high-capacity battery that can be installed in either slot, delivering a minimum of 9740mAh. While switching to those will offer considerably longer running times, it will also make the tablet more cumbersome to carry.

In the accessories, there is an external battery charger that can keep extra batteries ready for use. Having a policy where, at the start of each shift, the batteries are swapped and placed in the charger should help avoid dead tablets.

I prefer the dual battery arrangement over the external and internal battery model used in the ZX80, because, in theory, this machine never needs to be recharged directly if it isn’t convenient. And, because each battery can be changed independently, it makes it much easier to enhance the running time with either a single extended battery or two.

If the purchaser makes the right accessory purchases, the ZX10 should be able to operate almost indefinitely, and even if away from mains power, a small collection of extra batteries should keep it operating for days at a time.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

• Hardware score: 4/5

Getax ZX10 G2: Cameras

• 16.3MP sensor on the rear
• 8MP on the front
• Two cameras in total

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

The Getac ZX10 G2 has two cameras:

Rear camera: 16.3MP
Front camera: 8MP

As with other Getac hardware, the specification doesn’t detail what the sensors are for the front and rear cameras. However, even without that input, I can say with some certainty that these aren’t the best sensors I’ve seen on a tablet, and they’re a notch below what an entry-level phone was delivering in 2020.

While the Android distribution was compiled for several 16MP sensors, my prior experience suggests that the rear sensor is the Omnivision OV16a10, and the front sensor is the Omnivision OV8856.

Those assertions are based on the ZX80 cameras, as these seem identical.

The one positive feature of the rear Omnivision OV16A10 is that it records 4K video at 30 fps, although there are no frame rate controls available at this resolution. In fact, the camera application has relatively few controls, and it lacks special shooting modes.

Being simple isn’t a bad thing if the system takes care of things like exposure and focus, but the camera app here does practically nothing, even though it has an AI processor sitting idle that could easily identify the subject of an image and how best to capture it.

With still image control, you have a resolution selection and digital zoom, as well as the ability to turn the flash on or off.

To be direct, nobody using this equipment is likely to be distracted from work by the temptation to enhance their photography skills.

Like the ZX80 and its sensors, the images from these cameras are workable, but only if any image is acceptable. However, the camera doesn’t balance light or colour well, and the digital zoom is an abyss of graininess.

Evidently, no special attention was paid to the cameras on this hardware or the capture application, as it was lifted directly from a prior product without any changes.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)Getax ZX10 G2 Camera samplesImage 1 of 10

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(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

• Camera score: 2/5

Getax ZX10 G2: Performance

• Decent SoC
• GPU is game-friendly
• Slow charging battery

Tablet

Getac ZX10 G2

Getac ZX80

SoC

Qualcomm Dragonwing QCS6490

Snapdragon 778G 5G

Adreno 643

Adreno 643

Mem/Storage

8GB/128GB

8GB/180GB

Battery Capacity

mAh

4870

4060 + 4870

Geekbench

Single

1142

1137

Multi

3044

3056

OpenCL

2877

2891

Vulkan

3159

3159

GFX

Aztec Open Normal

47

44

Aztec Vulkan Normal

51

49

Car Chase

44

41

Manhattan 3.1

76

59

PCMark

3.0 Score

9360

9521

Battery Life

8h 27m

15h 24m

Charge 30

Battery 30 mins

31%

18%

Passmark

Score

14639

15029

CPU

6902

7097

3DMark

Slingshot OGL

7777

7781

Slingshot Ex. OGL

6761

Maxed

Slingshot Ex. Vulkan

Maxed

Maxed

Wildlife

3387

3411

Steel Nomad.L

312

310

The obvious comparison for me was to the smaller ZX80 model, which uses a similar platform and delivers nearly identical performance.

Even if you are uninterested in either of these two machines, these results demonstrate that the Dragonwing QCS6490 performs at the same level as the Snapdragon 778G 5G, also by Qualcomm. As they both feature the same memory architecture, core counts and GPU, this isn’t hugely surprising.

Where things get interesting is when we explore battery life, since the ZX10 had only a single 4870mAh battery, whereas the ZX80 had an internally integrated 4060mAh battery plus an external 4870mAh battery.

That extra internal capacity nearly doubles the operating time of the ZX80, although it can’t replace the internal battery, which must be recharged in situ. Had Getac provided the second battery for the ZX10, I’d be surprised if its inclusion would not exceed the run time of the ZX80 by at least an hour, and probably longer.

One result here is highly misleading, and that’s the recharge percentage after 30 minutes. Given the capacity of the ZX80, it recovered approximately 18% of its total 8930mAh, or 1607 mAh. Conversely, the recovered power on the ZX10 was 1,510mAh. Given that the ZX80 has two batteries, not one, it’s safe to conclude that there’s no charging improvement over the ZX80 in the ZX10.

This is a weakness of this design, since it takes more than 90 minutes to fully recharge a 4870mAh battery, and it would be safe to assume double that if you have the second battery. The draw on the power supply is only 20W, which is why it isn’t faster.

I’ve seen phones and tablets with 25000mAh batteries that can recharge much faster than this using 66W power supplies. Getac may have taken the view that slower charging will extend battery life, and therefore, is in the customer’s interest. However, I found it curious that the Chicony-branded PSU included with the machine is rated for 20V at 65W, even though it can only take a third of that power when recharging.

Overall, this is a powerful tablet that offers performance beyond what most tablet makers are currently providing, with the possible exception of the Unihertz Tank Pad 8849 and its Dimensity 8200 platform.

• Performance score: 4/5

(Image credit: Getac)Getax ZX10 G2: Final verdict

I liked this design substantially more than the Getac ZX80, as I think it better balances the user experience with the capabilities. However, it’s not without some issues, most noticeably that it’s launched with a three-year-old version of Android.

Also, Getac doesn’t see camera sensors as a selling point, as the ones in this tablet are below what you might expect in a budget phone.

The strengths here include a solid computing platform, interchangeable hot-swap batteries, and a fantastic selection of accessories for docking and carrying the tablet throughout the day. It also comes with a warranty where Getac won’t argue with you about accidental damage for three years.

However, the cost of well-made and engineered equipment, which can withstand being in a warehouse or garden centre, is disturbingly high.

It’s a matter of convincing those senior people who control budgets that devices like the Getac ZX10 G2 ultimately save money with fewer issues and downtime, since the investment is likely to be substantial when deploying these into any decent-sized business.

Should I buy a Getax ZX10 G2?Getax ZX10 G2 Score Card

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Value

Expensive for an Android tablet

3/5

Design

Built to take knocks and keep working

4/5

Hardware

Powerful SoC, dual hot-swap batteries, tons of accessories

4/5

Camera

Poor sensors and grainy results

2/5

Performance

Powerful platform but slow charging

4/5

Overall

Highly durable, but you pay for the privilege

4/5

Buy it if...

Your environment is harsh
Most brands claim IP68, IP69K dust/water resistance, and MIL-STD-810H Certification, but this equipment is built to withstand much more than these dubious endorsements.

It comes with a three-year warranty that includes coverage for accidental damage, which is a testament to the abuse these devices can withstand.

You need a powerful platform
The processor in this Android tablet is at the top end of what is available and delivers a stellar user experience. With this much power available, it’s possible to locally process data before sending it to the Cloud.

Don't buy it if...

You are working on a budget
The price of the tablet is high, and once you’ve included a keyboard, extra batteries, an off-line battery charger and other accessories, the total package might run to $2000 or more. There are more affordable options that offer you more for less.

You need decent photography
The camera sensors in this device are like going back to the past for most Android phone and even tablet users. The results aren’t good, and it’s a weakness in the Getac tablets that I’ve observed so far.

Also Consider

Unihertz Tank Pad 8849
Larger and slightly heavier than the Getac ZX10 G2, this is a powerful Android tablet featuring an impressive 21000 mAh battery and the latest 50MP Sony IMX766 camera sensor. Although it may not offer the accessory selection of the ZX10 G2, at around $600, it’s nearly half the price and a better all-around performer.

Read our full Unihertz Tank Pad 8849 review

Getac ZX80 Rugged Android Tablet
Another super-robust design from Getac aimed at tough environment use. It uses a different Qualcomm SoC, and has a wide selection of accessories, including replaceable batteries.

However, like its ZX10 G2 brother, it’s on the expensive side, so it’s not an impulse purchase.

Read our Getac ZX80 Rugged Android Tablet hands on

For more durable devices, we've reviewed all the best rugged phones, the best rugged laptops, and the best rugged hard drives

EVenture Limited subsidiary Hide.me is a Malaysia-based company that has been making waves in the VPN business since 2011.

Hide.me currently boasts around 2,600 servers in 91 different locations worldwide. That's a pretty decent spread that'll be more than enough for most users, but NordVPN blows it out of the water when it comes to coverage, with servers in a whopping 118 countries.

Several protocols are available to choose from, including the super-speedy WireGuard and battle-tested OpenVPN, and IKEv2, SoftEther, and SSTP are in the mix, too. It's also nice to see that Hide.me offers DNS, IP, and IPv6 leak protection, and that port forwarding is there for anyone who needs it (perhaps while doing a spot of torrenting).

Hide.me is compatible with most of today's biggest and best platforms. Apps are available for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. You'll also be able to use Hide.me on smart TVs, consoles, and routers, as well as enjoy 10 simultaneous connections. If you need help getting set up on any of these devices, or just want help picking out the best server, 24/7 live chat is happy to help.

MultiHop lets you connect from one location and exit from another to prevent tracking (Image credit: Hide.me)

Advanced features include MultiHop VPN, allowing you to connect to one location and exit from another. This makes it even more difficult for anyone to trace back and identify you.

Hide.me claims to support P2P on most servers. We verified this by connecting to five different locations and had hassle-free torrenting in each case.

We also like that Hide.me is clear about its unblocking capabilities, listing the platforms it's able to access on its site. This is great news for fans of Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Prime Video, and more, and sets Hide.me apart from other services that rely on vague promises that they're not always able to live up to.

While there have been some recent updates and improvements, they're more focused on enhanced the existing Hide.me service rather than adding new and innovative tools. It's why Hide.me can't quite keep up with innovators like NordVPN and ExpressVPN, but they're still worthwhile improvements. In particular, upgrading the servers from 1 Gbps to 10 Gbps is exciting, and Hide.me labels which servers have received the upgrade in its list. It's the kind of transparency we love to see.

Hide.me pricing

Hide.me's monthly plan is fairly priced at $9.95. Most providers charge somewhere in the $10-$13 range, although a few are significantly cheaper (Mullvad asks around $6).

The annual plan is available for an above-average $5.82 a month. Hide.me used to throw in 2TB of Internxt cloud storage, but no more. Now, it's the VPN only. Most providers are a little cheaper at around $4-5 for annual subscriptions, and a few cost even less (you'll pay a monthly $3.33 for Private Internet Access, $2.08 for FastestVPN).

The two-year plan offers the best value at $3.45, but even here, there's money to be saved elsewhere. Atlas VPN's three-year plan costs $2.08 a month, for instance. Looking at the totals, paying $89.95 to Hide.me gets you coverage for two years with two months free – but three years of protection (with three months free) at Atlas VPN costs $71.52.

You can pay for your plan by credit card, PayPal or even with cryptocurrency (Image credit: Hide.me)

Regardless of the plan length you go for, you'll find a number of ways to pay for your subscription. This includes the usual credit and debit cards, PayPal, Bitcoin, Google and Amazon Pay, and others – though the exact list varies from location to location.

If you fork out for a Hide.me plan and ultimately decide that it's not for you, don't panic! All plans are covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee that'll let you reclaim your cash without any quibble or questions. However, this only applies to users who haven't previously received a refund from Hide.me.

Plus, for folks who'd rather not part with a single penny, the free version of Hide.me is better than ever. It now boasts servers in 8 countries, which is pretty generous for a free VPN, and doesn't demand that you make an account and hand over your personal details. Most impressively, however, is the fact that Hide.me free doesn't impose any data limits or monthly caps on your usage - you can stay connected for as long as you like.

Of course, there are downsides to consider, including a lack of streaming support, port forwarding, and multihop functionality.

Hide.me keeps no logs on its users (Image credit: Hide.me)Privacy

Hide.me has a strict no logging policy. The company claims, "We do NOT keep logs of your VPN sessions, browsing behavior, websites you visit, or any activity related to your VPN connection. In addition, we NEVER store VPN connection logs and timestamps that match your incoming and outgoing IP address or session duration."

Hide.me does briefly record your randomly generated username and internally assigned (non-public) IP address when you connect, but this is only for troubleshooting purposes, and the company says even this troubleshooting log is securely wiped every few hours.

Hide.me says it will comply with court orders received by recognized legal authorities with jurisdiction over them. But again, that's to be expected, and if the logs don't show anything significant, that won't matter at all.

The company claims this is supported by a comprehensive audit, and that 'Hide.me has been certified as the most anonymous VPN service in the industry.'

It turns out that the audit dates from 2015, though. There's little information on the scope of the audit and no report you can read. Hide.me deserves real credit for realizing the importance of audits so long ago – some providers still don't get it, even today – but we think it's probably time to take another, something more thorough and transparent, where everyone can read the full results.

In the meantime, there's a simple metric we use to get a feel for how any provider is handling your privacy, and that’s how many trackers and third-party cookies are used on its website. The Blacklight privacy inspector gave us the answer; none at all. That's not unique - Mullvad, Proton VPN, Windscribe, and a handful of others are also tracker-free - but it's unusual, and suggests Hide.me is making a real effort to maintain your privacy.

This is the user interface of Hide.me's Windows app (Image credit: Hide.me)Apps

Hide.me's Windows app has a clear and straightforward interface. A large Enable button plugs you into the nearest server, the full location list (countries, expandable to cities in some cases) is just a click away, and a navigation bar has buttons for the streaming service, app settings, and more.

Hide.me displays its available servers in a list instead of on a map (Image credit: Hide.me)

The flexible location list can sort your options by name, or use ping time to show the fastest servers at the top. Begin typing a city or country name in the Search box and the list updates to display any matches (typing MIA cuts the list to just Miami, for instance.) A Favorites system enables grouping your most-used servers together for speedier access later.

A Streaming tab connects you to the best locations to unblock streaming platforms in a lengthy list of countries: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Croatia, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, and United States. That's nine countries added since our last review. Impressive!

We found Hide.me's connections times to be fair. Typically, we were able to connect to a server within 1 or 2 seconds, which meant we weren't waiting around. There doesn't appear to be a connection timeout, however, and we encountered a few instances where Hide.me was stuck on its "initializing service connection" animation for minutes at a time.

Digging into the details, it looked like Hide.me's Windows service had failed, and the app wasn't able to restart it. That can happen, but the top providers do a better job of handling it. ExpressVPN's Windows app recognizes a service failure immediately, for instance, without leaving you waiting for minutes. Then, it either fixes the problem all on its own or tells you what to do next.

Typically, though, connections ran smoothly, with the app making good use of notifications to keep you informed about what it's doing. Switch back to your other apps, and Hide.me will let you know when you’re protected, and when you’re not.

Hide.me's MultiHop feature gives you another option, good news when you need the best possible privacy. Choose an entry server of New York, say, and that's where you'll connect, but you'll be redirected through Hide.me's network to your pick of exit servers. Websites will think you're in the UK, and even if an attacker manages to compromise the London server, they won't be able to link the activity to your account as you've accessed it using the New York server, not your own IP.

You can tweak many aspects of Hide.me's VPN service in its settings menu (Image credit: Hide.me)Settings

There's real depth here. The app supports no less than five protocols (WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, SoftEther, SSTP), for instance, with a stack of configuration options including IKEv2 stealth mode, custom and random ports, tunnel via IPv4 or IPv6, and the option to enable Bolt (Hide.me's custom speedup technology). More on that later.

That's just the start. While most VPN apps ignore IPv6 entirely, or at best give you an option to disable it, Hide.me offers complete support and control. You can have the app connect via IPv4 only, IPv6 only, prefer IPv4 but use IPv6 as a fallback, or prefer IPv6 but use IPv4 as a fallback. That'll probably get you better speeds if you can use IPv6, and Hide.me's ability to handle both protocols reduces the chance of data leaks.

The advanced features continue everywhere you look. For example, split tunneling support enables defining which apps use the VPN, and which will use your regular connection. Plus, the client doesn't just have a single on/off kill switch setting to define what happens if the connection drops. It can run customs scripts, too. You get it to close apps, run others, whatever you like. You can also define whether scripts are run as the current user or an administrator.

Hide.me allows you to search for specific features in Settings, and will highlight them to point them out clearly (Image credit: Hide.me)

There's a lot to explore, and sometimes we couldn't remember where to find a particular setting. Fortunately, the app has a settings Search box. If you know you want to customize the Best Location feature, just type 'best' in the Search box, click the link, and the app will take you to the right page, and even highlight the option for you. A neat touch we've not seen with anyone else.

The Mac app looks pretty much identical to the Windows version, but doesn't have all its advanced features (Image credit: Hide.me)Mac app

We were glad to see that Hide.me's apps are similar across all platforms. The Mac app, in particular, is practically a clone of the Windows version, with the exception of a few small visual details.

Connection times were much faster than we saw on Windows, and we didn't have any connection failures. Real-world use was otherwise much the same. The app was easy to use, there were no unexpected drops, and everything worked more or less as we'd expect.

There's a decent set of advanced options, too. WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocol support, a kill switch, auto-connect when you access untrusted networks, and split tunneling. If any of this technology doesn't quite deliver, you can even raise a ticket from within the app.

There are a lot of advanced Windows features that haven't made it to the Mac. There's no VPN-wide custom DNS option, no custom MTU, no way to tweak how Best Location is chosen, no IPv6 tunnel option, no IKEv2 configuration tweaks, and no real kill switch configurability beyond on or off.

If you're not interested in VPN technicalities, then none of that is likely to matter very much, and this is still a quality Mac app. It's not difficult to use, performance is good, and it has far more features than most.

Hide.me provides some impressive mobile apps (Image credit: Hide.me)iOS app

Most VPNs focus their development time on desktop apps, and iOS users in particular are expected to be grateful for whatever scraps are left. Fortunately, no one told Hide.me that this is the way things are supposed to be. Its own iOS offering is surprisingly powerful.

This isn't visible initially, because the app has the same simple and appealing interface as the rest of the range. It has the blue and white color scheme, a big connect button, and not a whole lot else. Don’t let that fool you, we tapped a few buttons and quickly got a feel for just what the app can do.

The Location picker has all the features we saw on the desktop, including the Favorites, the Streaming and Multihop lists, the search box, sorting, and more. You probably won't need all of that, but just the ability to bring favorite servers to the top of the list can make your VPN life so much easier.

IOS apps typically have almost no settings, but this one outperforms some of the Windows competition. There's support for IKEv2, OpenVPN UDP, OpenVPN TCP and WireGuard, for instance. The app can automatically connect when you use Wi-Fi or mobile networks. There's a kill switch. You can choose a custom DNS server. You even get to control whether the tunnel uses IPv4 or IPv6, assuming you've a reason to care and if you don't, no problem, the app has sensibly chosen defaults.

The feature list is still a little shorter than the desktop apps (no split tunneling, for instance), but that's inevitable, iOS just doesn't allow anything like the same level of system control. Despite that, this is a top-notch iOS app. It's easy to use and way more configurable than most of the competition.

Hide.me's Android app is very similar to the iOS version, but also includes split tunneling (Image credit: Hide.me)Android app

Hide.me's Android app didn’t spoil the excellent record for cross-platform consistency. Hide.me has paid real attention to detail with app design, and essentially the Android edition has the same appealing interface and capable location list as the rest of the family.

A better-than-most feature list includes WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 support, auto-connect for unsecured networks, and a custom DNS option.

The Android app beats iOS with split tunneling, where you're able to define which apps use the VPN tunnel, and which don't. But it does lack some functionality. For example, it doesn't allow you to decide whether to use IPv4 or IPv6.

Overall, this is an impressive mix of power and ease of use. You don't have to register to use Hide.me's free plan, or hand over any personal details – just install it from your app store, explore the various screens, and see how it works.

And if you don't understand something, or there's some other problem? You can even raise a ticket from within the app. Now that's what we call convenient.

Hide.me provides a kill switch, and it's highly configurable, but not without issues (Image credit: Hide.me)Kill switch

We checked out the Windows app kill switch by manually closing WireGuard, OpenVPN and IKEv2 connections and everything worked as it should – our internet access was blocked right away, a notification warned us about the problem, and the app reconnected within seconds.

The kill switch didn’t always work when we switched locations, though. The app appears to close the first connection, then try to connect to the new server, and our device was sometimes able to use its regular internet connection until the tunnel was re-established.

This is unlikely to be a big issue for most users. If you’ve decided to switch locations, that’s a very strong indication that you’ve finished your torrenting, your online banking or whatever else you’re trying to protect, and a few seconds of unprotected internet access may not matter at all.

It is still a weakness, though, and one that could be a concern in the most privacy-critical situations.

Hide.me promises a lot on the unblocking front, but it delivers, too (Image credit: Hide.me)Privacy tests

Hide.me's Windows apps boast plenty of protocols, but are they set up for maximum security? We can't see every detail of what's going on, but checking app configuration files and logs provides some useful information.

The results were broadly positive, with OpenVPN using AES-256-CBC encryption and SHA256 authentication. IKEv2 connections provided the same reliable AES-256 shield, while SoftEther appeared to use its standard (and very acceptable) default settings.

The app's WireGuard and OpenVPN files were more than a year old, which means they're missing plenty of patches and bug fixes. This is unlikely to have any real practical impact on your privacy, but we'd like to see Hide.me update these more often, just to keep any risks to a minimum.

We spotted a slightly dubious design decision with the app's OpenVPN connections, as it saved our username and password to disk in plain text. This also isn't that big a deal (if you've got malware reading files, Hide.me's logins are the least of your worries), but it's unnecessary, and most apps do a better job of concealing your credentials.

Once we got connected, Hide.me excelled on the privacy front, with IPleak.net, DNSleak.com, and DNSleaktest.com confirming that it correctly shielded our IP, allocated us a new address from our chosen country, and blocked DNS leaks at all times.

Virtual locations

Most VPNs have very long location lists, but their servers aren't always where you expect. If they're in a country that maybe has poor internet connectivity, then a provider will often host them elsewhere.

This can often be a good idea. If a VPN offers a Monaco location, and allocates you a Monaco IP address when you connect, but the servers are really in a super-fast French data center just a few miles away, should you care very much? We'd say no.

But what if you're in Cambodia, and you connect to a Cambodia location, but the server is really located in New York? That's likely to deliver a big and very unexpected performance hit.

We tested ten Hide.me locations to get a feel for what the company is doing.

In most cases, Hide.me's servers turned out to be in the advertised locations and some appeared to be virtual locations but weren't far away. Still, we found a couple of notable exceptions. Hide.me's Mexico location appears to be hosted on the US east coast, and its Morocco servers are closer to Quebec or Ontario.

This may not be an issue for everyone. The servers correctly give you Mexican and Moroccan IP addresses, so they’ll work just as you expect, and if you're in North America, having servers closer by might improve performance.

Providers should be transparent about their use of virtual locations, though, in order that potential customers can make up their own minds. Hide.me doesn’t highlight which locations are virtual, or tell users where they really are (which ExpressVPN does), and we'd like to see that change.

Netflix and streaming

Most VPNs claim they can help you access geoblocked websites, and Hide.me is no exception, with the company promising that you'll 'avoid annoying censorship.'

And this turned out to be correct, as Hide.me got us access to Netflix in the US, UK, Australia, Canada and Japan.

It scored with our other test US platforms, too, working with both Amazon Prime Video and Disney Plus.

The good news kept coming, too. Not only did Hide.me unblock BBC iPlayer, ITV and Channel 4 in the UK, but it delivered with Australia’s 9Now and 10 play, too.

That’s a perfect 100% unblocking score, a great result. Hide.me did just as well in our last review, too, which suggests the company didn’t just get lucky – it’s working hard to unblock everything possible, and then make sure those services stay available long-term.

(If you plan on testing Hide.me for yourself, keep in mind that you only get this level of success from the paid product – the free plan doesn't support unblocking streaming sites.)

We used several different speed testing services to help determine Hide.me's performance (Image credit: Speedtest.net)Performance

We assess VPN speeds by running multiple automated speed tests using several platforms including SpeedTest's website and command line app, Measurement Lab, and Cloudflare.

Hide.me’s data center results were pleasantly unexpected. WireGuard speeds reached a decent mid-range of 580Mbps and switching to regular OpenVPN got us an above average 260Mbps. Using OpenVPN with Hide.me's Bolt got us an amazing 950Mbps.

That's a huge achievement, but there's an important point to keep in mind. Bolt is only available in the Windows app. If you're using Bolt on any other platform, performance is going to be more ordinary, though still very acceptable for most purposes. Would you really be upset if your VPN 'only' managed 580Mbps? Didn't think so.

Hide.me review: Final verdict

Hide.me boasts some seriously impressive speeds and works like a charm when it comes to unblocking services – narrowly missing out on a perfect score. However, other big-name providers have more intuitive apps and a better roster of features, meaning Hide.me remains a half-step behind the competition.

Windscribe is one of the best all-rounders in the VPN market. It's got some handy privacy-boosting tools, the speeds you need to enjoy HD streaming, and apps for pretty much every platform out there. So, even though it can't quite match up to today's best VPNs, it's still worth checking out if you're on the hunt for something new.

During our hands-on testing, we were impressed by Windscribe's core features and unblocking power, but we did run into issues with its UI. So, to help you figure out if Windscribe is your match made in heaven, we put its approach to privacy, server network, and overall value for money to the test. Keep reading, and let's dig in.

Features

Windscribe boasts a generous spread of servers across 69 countries, and 134 cities, all over the world. That's a decent spread that'll suit most people's geo-spoofing needs, but it's worth noting that NordVPN has it beat with coverage in 118 countries.

There's a Windscribe for every device out there, too, which is exactly what we like to see from today's most modern providers. Windscribe is compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux, with feature and UI parity remaining consistent across all of its apps. Plus, if you're looking for a more lightweight option that still packs a privacy-boosting punch, there are also browser extensions available for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.

In terms of VPN protocols, Windscribe ticks all the right boxes, offering a choice between IKEv2, OpenVPN, and WireGuard. Industry-standard AES-256 encryption also ensures that your web traffic is kept safe from cybercriminals and snoopers, while stealth technologies try to obfuscate your VPN usage, perhaps allowing you to get online even in countries that actively block VPN traffic.

ROBERT is Windscribe's DNS-backed tool to help users block ads, malware, trackers and more (Image credit: Windscribe)

The powerful apps look great and are easy to use for beginners but also include many advanced features including split tunneling (on the desktop as well as mobile devices), MAC address spoofing (a clever way to reduce the chance of being tracked), versatile auto-connect rules, full IPv6 support, and even a command line interface to automate the VPN from scripts.

ROBERT is Windscribe's DNS-based tool for blocking ads, malware, trackers, and various internet content types like gambling, porn, fake news, clickbait, and so on. How effective is it? We'll take a look later.

There's no 24/7 support but Windscribe does have a decent web knowledge base and a helpful support chatbot. You can raise a ticket if you need more advice, and in our experience, replies are detailed and helpful.

New features include Encrypted Client Hello (ECH) that can bypass SNI filtering so others can't try to view or maybe block the domains you're trying to access.

While many VPNs offer no control over DNS at all, Windscribe allows you to define which DNS to use when the VPN is connected or disconnected. The latest addition includes support for DNS-over-HTTPS, and as Windscribe also runs Control D (a very configurable DNS service, with a free plan) we expect to see more related features appear over time.

The Android app has a new ‘Decoy Mode’ which is an interesting privacy feature (Image credit: Windscribe)

In addition to paid plans, Windscribe also offers a very generous free plan (Image credit: Windscribe)Windscribe pricing

Windscribe's free plan offers a generous 10GB of data transfer a month if you register with your email address, and 2GB if you don't. You're limited to 11 countries – North America, across Europe, and Hong Kong – but that's still far better than some (Hotspot Shield and a few others don't give you any choice of locations at all).

Upgrading to a commercial plan gets you unlimited data and access to all 110 locations.

One of our favorite things about Windscribe is the fact that it gives users unlimited simultaneous connections to play with. So, if you have a lot of devices you need to protect, or want to share your account with friends and family, you only need to pick up a single subscription. It's great value for money that you don't see everywhere.

Prices are fair. Monthly billing is only $9 – many VPNs charge $10-$13. Pay for a year upfront and the price falls to an equivalent $5.75. That's not cheap but it's within the range we expect for a premium VPN, and it's still far lower than some. ExpressVPN and Hide.me both ask $8.32 a month on the annual plan, NordVPN charges $8.29 from the second year.

If low prices are top of your priority list, though, there's money to be saved elsewhere. As we write this, Private Internet Access has a three-year plan that's only $2.03 a month for the first term, while Ivacy's five-year offering is only $1 a month. Sure, we don't like long-term contracts either, but look at the totals. Hand over $69 to Windscribe and you get one year of protection. Give Ivacy $60 and you're covered for five.

Windscribe does offer a 'Build a Plan' scheme that cuts costs by allowing you to buy only the locations you need for $1 each. Each location adds 10GB to your free bandwidth allowance, and your plan must have a minimum of two locations.

For example, providing your email address gets you 10GB of data a month. Add the US and UK locations, and you'll get 30GB of data for $2 a month. You can upgrade to unlimited data for another $1, or a total of just $3 a month, and that's billed monthly. No need to sign up for years.

If you only use a VPN for occasional short trips, say, that looks like a great deal. Surfshark's monthly-billed plan is more than four times as expensive at $13, for instance – okay, that's the full service with all the locations, but if you don't need them, who cares?

Another option, ScribeForce, enables signing up a group of users (a business, a family) with the same account. There's a five-user minimum, but you'll pay just $3 each, billed monthly, for access to the full and unrestricted service.

Unusual add-ons include static IP addresses. Adding a US or Canadian residential IP costs $8 a month (data center IPs are $2) and could greatly improve your chances of accessing any blocked sites, and enable connecting to IP-restricted business and other networks. Once you have a static IP, you can also enable port forwarding in the Windscribe web console.

Whatever your preference, Windscribe supports payments via card, PayPal, Bitcoin, and other cryptocurrencies via CoinPayments.net, along with gift cards and assorted other options via Paymentwall.

Windscribe doesn't have the lowest headline prices, then, but it's fairly priced for the features on offer, and there are huge savings to be made if you're covering multiple users.

There is a small catch in Windscribe's money-back guarantee, which only covers you for three days and if you've used less than 10GB of traffic. So, if you think that might be an issue, download and try the free version before you buy to make sure it delivers what you need.

Windscribe protects your privacy with AES-256 encryption and doesn't keep logs (Image credit: Windscribe)Privacy and logging

Windscribe's privacy features include strong AES-256 encryption, SHA512 authentication, a 4096-bit RSA key, and support for perfect forward secrecy (keys aren't re-used, so even if a snooper gets hold of a private key, it will only allow them to view data within one session).

The apps use multiple techniques to reduce the chance of data leaks, including redirecting DNS requests through the tunnel to be handled by the VPN server, and optionally using a firewall to block all internet access if the connection drops.

We checked Windscribe's performance on a Windows 10 system using the websites IPLeak, DNSLeakTest, and DoILeak and found no DNS or other leaks.

Windscribe claims its ROBERT DNS filter can protect your privacy by blocking trackers, but how well does it work? We connected to our nearest server, then tried accessing 156 common trackers, and ROBERT blocked 147. That's one of the best results we've seen. ROBERT did even better at keeping us away from malicious sites, and the ad blocker scored an excellent 93% (most VPN ad blockers managed 40-90%.)

We enabled the Windows app's firewall (similar to a kill switch) and began using various tricks to forcibly close the VPN connection and see what happened.

We found the app didn't display a notification to warn that we'd been disconnected. If it wasn't able to reconnect immediately, that might leave the user with no internet, and no idea why.

This situation probably won't last long, though, as the app tries to reconnect as soon as it spots the problem, and we were typically online again within a few seconds. This may be a small usability issue, but in privacy terms, the client worked perfectly, handling every oddball situation we threw at it and always protecting our traffic.

Windscribe's stance on logging is covered in a clearly written and refreshingly short privacy policy which explains what the company does and doesn't collect.

There's a tiny amount of very minimal long-term logging, but it's limited to the total bandwidth you've used in a month (essential to manage usage on the free plan), and a timestamp of your last activity on the service to allow identifying inactive accounts.

The system collects some connection details – username, VPN server connected to, time of connection, bandwidth used during the session, number of devices connected – but these are held in the VPN server's RAM only, and are lost when the session closes.

Other than that, there is no logging of connections, IPs, timestamps or browsing history. Or as the privacy policy puts it, 'we do not store any logs on who used what IP address, so we cannot tie user activity to any single user.'

Here is some of the data from Windscribe's transparency report (Image credit: Windscribe)

As there is no data on your activities, Windscribe points out that there's nothing to share. This is backed up by a transparency report which covers the numbers of DMCA and Law Enforcement data requests over the year, and in both cases states that: 'Exactly zero requests were complied with due to lack of relevant data.'

This is all good, but we would like to see Windscribe go further. Many VPNs have had their systems publicly audited to check for logging or other privacy issues, and that gives far more reassurance to potential customers than comforting words on a website. We hope that Windscribe (and all other VPN providers for that matter) will soon do the same.

In June 2023, Windscribe's Co-Founder and CEO, Yegor Sak, was hit with a lawsuit in connection with alleged offences committed by an unknown user. Fast forward to April 2025, and the case was dismissed in court due to a lack of evidence, becoming a landmark victory for no-log VPNs as law enforcement bodies increasingly pressure VPNs to keep lawfully accessible records of user records.

In the meantime, it's worth remembering that Windscribe gives you 2GB of data per month, for free, without requiring an email address or any other personal data. If you're just looking to protect email and basic browsing, and can live with the data limit, this automatically gets you more guaranteed anonymity than you'll have with almost everyone else.

Speed testing is an important part of any VPN review (Image credit: Speedtest.net)Performance

Our performance tests involved connecting to the nearest Windscribe locations from both a UK data center and US location, each with 1Gbps test connections. We then measured download speeds using benchmarking services including SpeedTest (both the website and command line app), Cloudflare, Measurement Lab, and more. We ran each test using at least two protocols and in both morning and evening sessions.

Crunching the numbers revealed excellent OpenVPN speeds of 270-330Mbps, more than twice what we see with many providers.

Switching to WireGuard accelerated speeds to a blistering 950Mbps+, essentially maxing out our test connection. That puts Windscribe alongside NordVPN, Surfshark, and IPVanish at the top of our performance charts.

We can only measure the speeds for our test locations, of course, and you may see different results. If performance is a top priority for you, using the free version gives you the chance to check local speeds (from the 11 free locations) without as much as handing over your email address.

Alternatively, Windscribe's 'Build A Plan' option could give you a month of unlimited traffic to a couple of locations for only $3, a low-priced way to run all the intensive speed testing you need.

Windscribe was able to unblock Netflix for all but one of the regions we tried (Image credit: Netflix)Netflix and streaming

Connecting to a VPN server in another country may, in theory, allow you to access content you wouldn't otherwise be able to view.

Unfortunately, it's not always that simple, as many content providers now attempt to detect and block visitors they think are using a VPN.

To test a VPN's unblocking abilities, we log into at least three Windscribe servers in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and Japan, then try to access local Netflix content and other streaming services.

Windscribe scored full marks in our UK tests, getting us into BBC iPlayer, ITV, and Channel 4.

The perfect record continued in Australia, as we managed to stream TV from 9Now and 10 Play.

Windscribe followed up by unblocking US Disney Plus, and allowing us to stream whatever we liked. The good news finally ended with US Amazon Prime Video, which detected our VPN use and locked us out.

Windscribe still managed to end on the highest of high notes, though, by unblocking every Netflix library we tried: the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and Japan.

Failing only one of our test sites is a very impressive result. If only a 100% track record will do, though, ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Private Internet Access, ProtonVPN, PureVPN, and Surfshark all unblocked every one of our test services in their last review.

• Save yourself a packet with our exclusive Windscribe offer here

Windscribe fully supports P2P and torrenting (Image credit: BitTorrent)Torrents

VPN providers generally don't boast about their torrent support, and it can be a challenge to figure out what you're allowed to do. TunnelBear was so quiet about its P2P policy that we had to email tech support to ask.

Windscribe is much more open and transparent. Just point your browser at the company's Status page and you'll see its full list of locations, which of them support P2P (most) and which of them don't (India, Lithuania, Russia, and South Africa, at the time of writing).

Your options are just as clear in the Windscribe apps. Locations where torrents aren't allowed are marked with the same crossed-out 'P2P', but select anything else and you can download whatever and whenever you like.

We don't like to take a provider's website promises for granted, even when they're from a VPN we trust, so we tried downloading torrents from three P2P-approved servers. Everything ran smoothly, and our downloads completed with no connection or performance issues at all.

Factor in Windscribe's free plan and various anonymous payment options (cryptocurrencies, gift cards), along with its decent performance levels, and the company makes a great torrenting choice.

Windscribe offers clients for most major platforms (Image credit: Windscribe)Client setup

Tapping the 'Get Started' button on the Windscribe site took us to the Download page. The website detected and highlighted the best choice for our laptop – the Windows client and Chrome extension – but there were also links to downloads for Mac, Android, and iOS, extensions for Firefox and Edge. Plus guides to cover setup on routers, Linux, Kodi, Amazon Fire TV, and other devices.

Still not enough? No problem. Paying customers get tools to build custom configuration files for OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2. These can be used to manually set up connections with third-party apps, routers, and more.

Installing the Windows app is easy. You're able to create an account just by entering a username and password, which gets you 2GB of data a month. Hand over your email, too, and you get 10GB. Tweet about Windscribe, just once, and you get an excellent 15GB a month forever (not just a one-off.)

To put all that in perspective, TunnelBear's generosity stops with a 2GB monthly data allowance, and Avira Phantom VPN's free package gives you a tiny 500MB.

• Check out our exclusive Windscribe offer

Windscribe's Windows app features a smartly designed interface (Image credit: Windscribe)Windows app

Windscribe's Windows app has real visual panache, with rounded corners and classy flag backgrounds (check the screenshot above) to highlight your current location.

It's more cluttered than most, with plenty of text, icons, and buttons crammed into a very small space, but there's also been real thought put into the design and overall it works well. Hover your mouse over an icon, for instance, and a tooltip explains what it's about.

Windscribe's full location list shows you countries to begin with, which can be expanded to view available servers (Image credit: Windscribe)

The app displays your current protocol and port, always helpful, but it's not just a static label. Click it and you can change the protocol and settings to whatever you need. The app even offers to set the protocol as a default for that network. So, if you have to use one protocol to get online at the library and another at the coffee shop, you don't have to change them manually. Once you've connected, allow the app to save your settings for that network, and it'll automatically connect next time.

Tapping Locations displays the full location list. This opens with a list of countries and you can expand any of these to view its available servers. Each server has a latency indicator to help you find the fastest option. You can also mark countries as Favorites, displaying them at the top of the list for zero-scroll reconnections later.

The Windows client has lots of useful expert-level settings (Image credit: Windscribe)

The interface is very configurable. You can order locations by alphabet, latency, or location. You can even display latency as bars or figures, have the interface docked or a free-floating window, display notifications for events or hide them, and the list goes on.

There are many interesting connectivity features, and these are often as tweakable as the UI.

Windscribe gives you plenty of choices when it comes to VPN protocols (Image credit: Windscribe)

Supported protocols include WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, Stealth, and WStunnel, connection times were speedy at 1-2 seconds, and the app uses helpful notifications to tell you when you're connected, and when you're not.

OpenVPN is securely configured with AES-256-GCM encryption and SHA512 authentication. We couldn't find any issues with Windscribe's WireGuard setup, and it's good to see IKEv2 connections that don't store your credentials and are configured to use maximum-strength encryption so that they're not vulnerable to theft.

Split tunneling allows you to decide which traffic is routed through the VPN, and which bypasses it. Unlike most VPNs, this isn't just for apps, you can set up rules for specific IP addresses and host names, too.

Unusual extras include the ability to set up your device as a Wi-Fi hotspot (if your OS and network adapter supports it), or as a proxy gateway for use by TVs, gaming consoles, or anything else that can work with a proxy server.

One surprising feature is that Windscribe's desktop clients can import custom OpenVPN and WireGuard configuration files from other providers, and then display those servers alongside their own. If you use another VPN but its app is underpowered, you might be able to use Windscribe's instead. You don't need a subscription.

There's a lot to like here, especially for advanced users who like to tweak every aspect of their VPN. If you can find the settings you need, that is. We got lost several times scrolling up and down, clicking various icons, opening drop-down lists, and generally trying to figure out what's what.

If you're happy with the basics, the good news is you won't even see most of the complexities unless you go looking. As long as you can choose a country from a list and click a Connect button, Windscribe's apps will work just fine.

Windscribe's Mac app is an impressive piece of work (Image credit: Windscribe)Mac app

If you're a Mac user then you'll doubtless be very familiar with VPN providers largely ignoring all your needs, saving their best features for Windows and leaving you with the bare minimum. But here's some good news: Windscribe hates that approach just as much as you do, and its Mac app is as close a match to the Windows edition as anyone could expect.

Take the interface, for instance. There are no pointless variations, no 'do it this way on Windows, but that way on Mac' rules to remember. It's the same stylish look, the same icons, the same main menus, and almost the same options, all in the same order.

Mac VPN apps generally don't have as many advanced features as Windows, mostly because Apple's security model doesn't give them as much control over your device. Seems like no-one told Windscribe this, though, because its Mac app has all the key features we saw on Windows: WireGuard support, the firewall (kill switch), custom DNS settings, MAC spoofing, split tunneling, port and protocol options, network allow-listing, proxy support and more.

If your VPN needs are simple, or you're just not interested in the low-level tech, all this power might sound intimidating. No need to worry, though: unless you click the Menu icon and go exploring, you'll never even know these options are there.

Whether you fine-tune every setting or ignore them entirely, the Mac app is generally very easy to use. Tap the On/Off button and you're speedily connected to your nearest server, then tap again to disconnect, and there's a list of other locations if you need them.

The app still looks a little more complex than some of the competition, just because it has more icons, buttons and status information. But, generally, it's a well-designed mix of functionality and ease of use, and a must-see for any Mac user looking for a little extra power.

The mobile apps are good, too (Image credit: Windscribe)Mobile apps

Windscribe's Android app follows a similar design to the Windows version, with the same gorgeous background flags, the big On/Off button, and details on your new IP and preferred protocol.

A list of countries (expandable to city level) makes it easy to find the server you want. You can switch to list Favorites and specialist Streaming locations. There's also a Custom Config list that might enable using other VPN servers with Windscribe's interface and features.

A comprehensive Preferences screen comes absolutely stuffed with features. The Connection panel alone enables choosing between WireGuard, OpenVPN UDP, TCP, IKEv2 or Stealth, and selecting your preferred port, as well as choosing which apps use the VPN, and which don't (split tunneling). It also provides integration with Android's Always-On feature to let you set up a system-wide kill switch, or enable GPS spoofing, define a packet size, allow or block local network traffic, and more.

A Network Whitelisting tool enables automatically connecting to Windscribe whenever untrusted networks are accessed while ignoring others. So, for instance, you can configure the service to automatically connect when you access Wi-Fi on the train, but stay offline when you're at home or work.

Windscribe's iOS app earned bonus points immediately for an unusual privacy plus. The app detects your external IP and network but can blur them, ensuring you won't give away clues to your identity if you share a screenshot.

Although the app can't match the Windows edition for power, it still has wide protocol support, kill switch, and ad, malware, and content blocking. That's already outperforming most iOS apps, but it's Windscribe's more unusual options that really help it stand out from the crowd. Most VPN apps can't access servers from another provider, for instance, or allow you to set a preferred protocol depending on the network you connect to.

• Grab our exclusive Windscribe deal here

Windscribe even offers browser extensions for most popular web browsers (Image credit: Windscribe)Browser extensions

Windscribe's Chrome, Edge, and Firefox extensions provide a quick and easy way to connect to the VPN from your browser. This has its limitations – they're simple proxies and only protect your browser traffic – but if you only need the VPN for basic browsing tasks, they're your most convenient and straightforward option.

The extensions make an immediate positive impression, courtesy of a stylish interface along the lines of the desktop and mobile apps. The basic operations work much as you'd expect. Autopilot mode enables connecting to the best location with a click, you're able to choose countries or individual cities from a list, and set your most commonly used cities as Favorites.

There are some nifty privacy features with the extensions (Image credit: Windscribe)

Need more? The extension can block WebRTC leaks, fake your GPS location, time zone, and language to match your chosen Windscribe server, keep switching your browser user agent to make you more difficult to track, stop websites begging you to let them show notifications, and even delete first or third-party cookies when you close the tab.

The browser extensions support Windscribe's ad and malware-blocking tool ROBERT, even for free users. Known malicious and phishing sites, bandwidth-sapping ads, trackers, social media widgets, and other nasties can all be exterminated in a click or two.

The sheer volume of options can make the extensions look complicated but Windscribe does a lot to help. A small start-up tutorial explains which buttons do what, and a useful additional introduction is that the many settings each have a sentence or two describing what they're all about.

Put it all together and this is a very capable extension that delivers far more than you'll get with other VPN providers, and even many standalone Chrome privacy extensions. Don't just take our word for it – the excellent 4.7 rating on the Chrome store suggests most users agree.

Windscribe has a knowledgebase but it's rather lacking (Image credit: Windscribe)Support

If you have any technical troubles, Windscribe's support site is a good place to begin looking for answers. Resources start with collections of articles on common topics, including 'getting started' guides, technical troubleshooting, billing questions, and some general FAQs.

These tutorials don't always have the range and depth we'd like, but they more than cover the basics. The Android setup guide doesn't just say ‘go install the app at Google Play', for instance, as we often see with lesser providers. It quickly explains what a VPN is for, gives a link to the Play Store, an alternative direct APK download if you need it, and covers the setup and usage basics, complete with helpful screenshots.

If your problem isn't covered by the website, you can always contact support directly via a ticket system (there's no live chat). In our experience, replies can sometimes take around a day to arrive. When they do, they're friendly, accurate, and complete. We think they're generally well worth the wait.

Windscribe review: Final verdict

Windscribe is a likable VPN, with good-looking and powerful apps, expert-level features, and one of the most generous free VPN plans around. The array of advanced options and settings means this probably isn't the best choice for newcomers or anyone only looking for the VPN basics. If you're unsure about Winscribe, there's an easy and risk-free way to find out for sure. Just install the free version and see how it works for you.

• We've also highlighted the best VPN

Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE: one-minute review

Professional lenses typically offer the best image and build quality, but at a cost. Plus, when thinking about features on prime lenses, most are fairly straightforward despite the aforementioned characteristics. One of two lenses bucking this trend is the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE, the other being the Viltrox AF 135mm f/1.8 lens.

The latter is available for both Sony E and Nikon Z mount, with the 35mm soon to be available for Z mount, too. The thing I love about these lenses is that, despite being primes they're surprisingly feature-packed, and are available at extremely attractive prices.

The 35mm f/1.2 LAB costs just $999 / £959 at Amazon, which is an amazing price for what you get (if you're buying from Australia you can purchase the lens in USD.) This price is especially impressive when the slower Sony FE 35mm f/1.4GM is considerably more expensive. The Sony is, of course, a flagship G Master lens, which may suggest superiority, but the 35mm f/1.2 LAB holds up well by comparison.

That extra 1/3 stop of light-gathering capability makes a difference in two ways. First, it makes the lens better for astrophotography. Second, it produces a beautifully shallow depth of field. Detail is also impressively sharp wide open at f/1.2, so for portraiture and astrophotography this is a truly stunning lens.

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• Check out more of the best Sony lenses

Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE specsViltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE specs

Type:

Standard prime

Mount:

Sony E mount (Nikon Z coming soon)

Sensor:

Full-frame

Focal length:

35mm

Max aperture:

f/1.2

Minimum focus:

13.4 inches / 34cm

Filter size:

77mm

Dimensions:

3.51 x 8.80 inches / 89.2 x 121.8mm

Weight:

32.5oz / 920g

Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE: Design

• Digital color screen
• Large and heavy for a 35mm lens
• Excellent build with weather sealing

Most prime lenses are fairly simple in their design, relying on their fast maximum apertures and excellent image quality to act as the main selling points. The 35mm f/1.2 LAB certainly follows suit here, but it also has a few tricks up its sleeve that set it apart from other primes. It’s also a beast of a lens, at 3.51 x 8.80 inches / 89.2 x 121.8mm and weighing32.5oz / 920g.

It’s certainly nowhere near as large and heavy as the 135mm f/1.8 LAB lens, but it’s close to double the weight of the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4GM and is slightly larger. The fact that it's an f/1.2 lens is a contributing factor, but Viltrox LAB series lenses do seem to be pretty hefty, to say the least.

Both lenses are made of aerospace-grade magnesium-aluminum alloy with a die-coating, so they have a premium look and feel alongside being of an extremely high build quality. Plus, the lenses feature a dust and moisture-resistant construction, making them perfect for outdoor photographers.

The filter thread is 77mm, so not too large and ideal for both circular and square filters, while the 11-blade aperture produces smooth bokeh with circular highlights. The minimum focusing distance is 13.4 inches / 34cm, which isn’t the shortest you'll find but is still pretty good.

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As mentioned, despite being a prime lens, the 35mm f/1.2 LAB is fairly feature-packed. It has a customizable multi-function ring, which by default is set to control the aperture, with clicked and clickless operation selectable using a switch.

There are also two customizable Fn buttons and a small color digital screen that shows the focus distance, aperture, and the active Fn button. The screen can, alongside the Fn and multi-function ring, be customized by connecting the lens via Bluetooth to the Viltrox Lens app.

Since this is a third-party lens, firmware updates and customization can’t be applied in the same way as OEM lenses. But, with the lens unattached from a camera, it can be powered via a USB-C port on the lens mount and then connected to the app. This works incredibly well; a firmware update was required during testing and only took a few minutes to complete.

The ability to personalize the controls is extremely useful for tailoring the lens to the way you like to shoot. I was quite happy with the default configurations, so although I looked at the options available in the app, I left everything as it was.

Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE: Performance

• Excellent image quality overall
• Impressive sharpness at f/1.2
• Sharpest at f/8

The image quality produced by this lens is sensational, with incredible sharpness and detail wide open at f/1.2. Sure, with this lens you’ll need to stop down on some occasions, but most people want a lens like this for that fast maximum aperture, and the 35mm f/1.2 LAB is incredible when shooting wide open. It’s not perfect, but it’s seriously impressive.

The 35mm f/1.2 LAB produces exceptional center sharpness at f/1.2, and while extreme corner sharpness is quite soft, edge sharpness is excellent. Corner sharpness increases gradually as you get closer to the center of the frame and as you stop down the aperture, with f/4 showing greatly improved extreme corner sharpness.

Overall sharpness continues to improve up to f/8, which, like many lenses, is the sweet spot at which most detail is resolved and the overall image produced is sharpest. Beyond f/8, diffraction begins to come into play, with f/11 providing slightly less sharp images, and f/16 exhibiting the least sharp results.

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Vignetting is most visible at f/1.2 as you’d expect, and becomes less noticeable until f/2, where it almost disappears, and completely disappears at f/2.8. This is normal for a prime lens, and it’s not an issue at all because vignetting is easy to remove with software.

There isn’t a profile available in Adobe Lightroom yet since this lens is still relatively new after an April 2025 release, so any corrections currently have to be made manually. Chromatic aberration is minimal, with only the tiniest amount of fringing visible, and this was easily removed.

Autofocus performance is fast and precise, with the lens locking onto subjects quickly and silently. The AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB features Quad Viltrox HyperVCM motors, which Viltrox claims provide 150% faster AF than STM motors. I couldn’t perceive a difference in speed.

The lens also supports subject recognition, which I tested by using people/eye recognition to shoot portraits wide open. This worked exceptionally well, with perfectly sharp eyes and a dramatic fall-off in depth of field.

Should you buy the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE?Buy it if...

You’re on a budget

Considering the image quality, build quality and features alongside the amazing price, this lens is an absolute bargain.

You shoot astrophotography

35mm is a great focal length for astrophotography, and the fast f/1.2 maximum aperture enables lower ISO settings for improved image quality.

You shoot portraits

35mm is also a great focal length for environmental portraits, and the sharpness available at f/1.2 is outstanding.

Don't buy it if...

You’d like a compact and lightweight lens

The 35mm f/1.2 LAB is a chunky and fairly weighty lens. There are lighter and more compact alternatives available, although they're also slower.

You need versatility

Primes typically offer the best image quality and faster maximum apertures, but zoom lenses are, by their nature, more convenient and versatile.

You shoot APS-C

If you shoot with an APS-C camera, there are more appropriate Viltrox lenses available to you, including the Viltrox AF 27mm f/ 1.2 Pro, which is almost half the price.

How I tested the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE

• I tested it over several weeks
• I used it to capture multiple subjects
• I tested it with an unforgiving Sony A7R V

I tested the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE over several weeks attached to an unforgiving Sony A7R V, shooting a range of relevant subjects and using different aperture settings to test sharpness and distortion. I shot both static and moving subjects to test autofocus performance.

With 30 years of photographic experience and 17 years working as a photography journalist, I’ve used many of the cameras and lenses that have been released in that time. As a working photographer, I aim to test cameras and lenses from a photographer’s point of view.

• First reviewed July 2025

UGreen Nexode 500W 6-Port Charger: review

If you need a ton of power for a ton of devices, the UGreen Nexode 500W 6-Port Charger could be the ultimate solution for you. This multi-port desktop charging station is equipped with five USB-C ports and one USB-A alternative, GaN smart tech, and a premium build. But the question is: should you really spend more than $200 / £200 to get hold of it?

Well, if you don’t have a lot of power-hungry devices like modern laptops, tablets, handsets, and more, the 500W maximum power output may mean the answer to this question is “no”. But if you’ve got a high-demand setup, I think you’ll get great value from this model.

Yes, if peak performance is what you’re after, it won’t get much better than this. You can activate 240W single-port charging for devices like gaming laptops or e-bikes, and even charge 5 laptops with 100W of power at once. I tried juicing up my Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, LG Tone Free T90S, the Motorola Edge 50 Neo, and the Marshall Kilburn III – and every device bounced back to 100% in no time.

(Image credit: Future)

My 4,700 mAh Samsung phone charged in under 80 minutes with every port in simultaneous use, and something I picked up on was that the Nexode 500W never got too hot. That’s largely thanks to inbuilt sensors that execute real-time temperature monitoring for protection against overheating and support of secure, stable charging.

And there’s just so much tech rammed into this desktop charger. It harnesses the might of six GaN chips, helping it to offer maximum charging efficiency while also maintaining a compact build. There’s everything else you could want too, from short-circuit prevention through to electrostatic protection.

Still, given the high-spec nature of this charger, it’s quite hefty, weighing in at just under 5lbs (2.2kg). I’d argue it's compact, though, given its 500W of power, so unless you have a particularly small desk, it should fit your setup.

The only other aspects that could disappoint are the charger's lack of a display or companion app compatibility – something its main rival, Anker, has implemented into some of its desktop chargers. Additionally, there are no USB-C cables included – I would have really appreciated at least one, and I think many buyers would too.

Otherwise, I’ve got no complaints about this UGreen powerhouse. It has both a durable and premium feel, serving up excellent performance, and although the price tag is high, it has the capabilities to justify it.

(Image credit: Future)UGreen Nexode 500W 6-Port Charger review: price & specs

Price

$249.99 / £219.99

Total power output

500W

Number of ports

6

Port type(s)

5x USB-C; 1x USB-A

Dimensions

5.7 x 4.5 x 2.4 inches / 146 x 114.6 x 60.6mm

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the UGreen Nexode 500W 6-Port Charger?Buy it if…

You need a ton of power
If you want to charge multiple laptops simultaneously or simply juice up all the devices at your desk, the UGreen Nexode 500W 6-Port Charger is ideal. If you’re holding a meeting, say, and both you and your colleagues need to charge your devices, it’s a great solution thanks to its efficient, speedy multi-port performance.

You want access to 240W charging
A real draw of this model is its ability to deliver 240W of power through a single port. That means you can optimally charge some seriously power-hungry devices without compromise – think gaming laptops, e-bikes, or the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M4 Pro).

Don't buy it if…

You don’t have an especially high power demand
500W, simply put, would be overkill for most people. This product is designed for those with intensive power needs – businesses and pro gamers, for example. If you’re an individual user, you may want something like the Anker Prime Charger (200W, 6 ports, GaN), which has enough juice to recharge your laptop, phone, and a handful of smaller devices. I use this one myself, and absolutely love it!

You’re on a budget
As a result of its gigantic power and high-caliber tech, the UGreen Nexode 500W is pretty pricey. Yep, at over $200 / £200, this isn’t ideal for those on a budget. Having said that, you can sometimes find this model on sale, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled for a deal if you’re sold on it.

UGreen Nexode 500W 6-Port Charger review: also consider

Anker Prime Charger 6-Port Desktop Charging Station 250W
500W a little much? Looking for something a little cheaper, too? Then this multi-port desktop charger from Anker is an awesome option. You get 250W of power, six ports (4x USB-C; 2x USB-A), a useful display with power consumption info, and app compatibility. It’s also a fair bit smaller, making it ideal for smaller desks. Read our full Anker Prime Charger 6-Port Desktop Charging Station 250W review.

Beast Mighty 850 Plus: two-minute review

If you're tired of personal smoothie makers that struggle with ingredients tougher than milk and bananas, the Beast Mighty 850 Plus could be the best blender for you. Rather than running on a rechargeable battery like many of its rivals, the 850 Plus is mains-powered and has a considerably more powerful motor, paired with a tough blade unit.

That means you won't be able to blend a protein shake in the changing room after a gym session, but if you're interested in making green juices and fresh smoothies using tough fruits and vegetables, it'll produce much smoother and more palatable results.

During my tests, it turned kale, oat milk, and blueberries into a very drinkable beverage with no flecks of leaf to get stuck in my teeth. It also totally blitzed frozen blackcurrants, eliminating the gritty seeds that usually make them a troublesome ingredient.

The Beast Mighty 850 Plus can tackle ingredients that lesser blender leave in lumps (Image credit: Future)

The disadvantage of this power is that the 850 Plus is relatively noisy. However, a single blending cycle is enough to tackle just about anything you can throw at it, so you'll only have to endure the noise for one minute.

This is an attractive appliance that comes in a range of colors, so you can pick one to suit your kitchen. (I chose white, but black, muted blue, and sand are other options.) It comes with three different-sized blending vessels (the small one is particularly good for salad dressings), plus a choice of lids for carrying your creations on the move.

The vessels have ridges on the sides that look interesting, but can be an issue if you're using a sticky ingredient like peanut butter, which can get a bit stuck. Beast supplies a long-handled cleaning brush to remove this debris, but almost all the components are dishwasher-safe, and I found this a much easier way to get everything squeaky clean.

Beast Mighty 850 Plus: price and availability

• Available in the US and UK for $149 / £149.99
• Beast Health also offers a more affordable model and a premium one
• Costs more than most personal blenders, but is more powerful

The Beast Mighty 850 Plus is available direct from Beast, and from third-party retailers, including Amazon, for $149 / £149.99. At the time of writing, Beast Health blenders aren't available in Australia. You'll find today's best prices listed below.

The 850 Plus sits in the middle of Beast Health's range of personal blenders. If you want something a little more affordable and don't mind sacrificing some power and accessories, the Beast Mighty 650 costs £119.99 and is only available in the UK.

The company's top-end model is the Beast Mega 1200 Plus, which is priced at $199 / £199.99. Extra blender vessels in various sizes are available to buy separately.

The Beast Mighty 850 Plus is relatively pricey for a personal blender (for example, the Ninja Blast Max and Nutribullet Flip are both around $89.99/£89.99), but the price difference is understandable considering what you're getting for your money. The 850 Plus has a more powerful motor than those other two, and runs directly from the mains rather than a rechargeable battery. It also comes with a bigger set of accessories, including three different-sized blending vessels.

• Value score: 4.5/5

Beast Mighty 850 Plus: design

• Stylish blender with three vessels and a choice of lids
• Controls are very simple to use
• Ingredients can stick in ridges after blending
• Dishwasher-safe components

The Beast Mighty 850 Plus is a particularly stylish blender with a large base that houses its powerful motor and a set of three blending vessels with ridged sides. It comes in a variety of colors, including Cloud White (shown here), Mist (slate blue), Sand, and Carbon Black.

Its vessels have capacities of 415ml, 638ml, and 786ml; the larger two are ideal for smoothies and protein shakes, while the smaller one works well for portions of salad dressing or sauce. You also get a screw-on lid, a drinking lid with a carry cap and straw lid, two drinking straws, and a set of two cleaning brushes (a large one for the vessels and a small one for the straws).

The 850 Plus comes with three blending vessels and an assortment of lids (Image credit: Future)

The large brush is particularly useful if you plan to wash the blender vessels by hand because ingredients (especially sticky ones) have a tendency to accumulate in the grooves on the sides. Many personal blenders can be cleaned by adding water with a squirt of dish soap and running a blending cycle, but the Beast blender needs more thorough cleaning.

Thankfully, the blade unit, blending vessels, and caps are all safe to wash in the top drawer of a dishwasher. and came out perfectly clean during my tests. The only parts of the blender that aren't dishwasher-safe are the base unit and the straws.

Unlike some personal blenders we've tested here at TechRadar, the Beast 850 Plus doesn't have a rechargeable battery. This means you can't use it to blend ingredients on the move, but the fact that it runs directly from the mains means it can offer more blending power than portable smoothie makers.

Its controls are very simple to use, with a large yellow power button at the back and a 'blend' button on the front. Pressing this button once will pulse the blender, and holding it briefly will initiate a minute-long blending cycle.

• Design score: 4.5/5

Beast Mighty 850 Plus: performance

The Beast Mighty 850 Plus lives up to its name, with the best blending performance of any personal smoothie maker I've tested to date.

I started by testing the blender with a particularly tough ingredient: mixed frozen berries. These pose two challenges: first, frozen strawberries are essentially big chunks of dense ice that many blenders struggle to break through, and second, blackberries and blackcurrants are full of tiny seeds that can leave a smoothie feeling gritty in the mouth if not completely blended.

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Gritty blackcurrant seeds are no challenge for the powerful motor and tough blades of the 850 Plus (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

One of the lids has a hole for a drinking straw (two of which are provided with the blender) (Image credit: Future)

I added a good handful of the frozen fruit to the blender along with oat milk and a scoop of vanilla protein powder, and was pleasantly surprised when a single minute-long blending cycle obliterated even the largest strawberries to create an icy shake, while also obliterating the gritty seeds.

The 850 Plus crushes ice cubes equally well, and one blending cycle turned a double shot of espresso with ice and milk into a perfect iced coffee.

I also tried the 850 Plus with our standard testing smoothie – Nutribullet's Banana Kale Blueberry Freeze, which often poses a challenge for blenders due to its high content of fibrous green veg. I added the ingredients to the largest blending vessel, then ran a single blending cycle to see how well everything was combined.

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TechRadar's standard test smoothie includes generous amounts of raw kale (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

A single blending cycle produced a smooth and palatable drink, with no flakes of kale (Image credit: Future)

Some blenders (such as the Nutribullet Flip) require a second cycle to break up the kale, but the 850 Plus thoroughly blitzed all the ingredients first time, creating a very drinkable smoothie with no flecks of leaf to stick to my teeth.

The blender averaged around 80dB at the start of a blending cycle. dropping to 75dB once the ingredients started to break down. This makes it one of the loudest blenders I've tested to date, which can be explained by its more powerful motor, but is worth bearing in mind if you're particularly sensitive to noise.

• Performance score: 5/5

Beast Mighty 850 Plus: also consider

If you're not sure that the Beast Mighty 850 Plus is the right blender for you, here are two others to consider.

Nutribullet Flip

The Nutribullet Flip has its blades and motor in the lid, meaning you can easily carry the whole appliance wherever you go. Its smooth design makes it hard for ingredients to become stuck, and it generally works well, though it didn’t handle tough kale and frozen strawberries as well as the Beast Mighty 850 Plus.

Read our full Nutribullet Flip review

Ninja Blast Max

One of the most powerful portable blenders available right now, the Ninja Blast Max makes light work of most ingredients and can be carried around for blending on the move, making it ideal for post-workout protein shakes.

Read our full Ninja Blast Max review

Should you buy the Beast Mighty 850 PlusBeast Mighty 850 Plus score card

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

One of the more expensive personal blenders I've tested, but you're getting a lot for your money.

4.5/5

Design

Very stylish and supplied with three different sized vessels. Ingredients can get stuck on the ridged sides, but the cups are dishwasher-safe.

4.5/5

Performance

Makes light work of difficult ingredients like fibrous vegetables and frozen fruit with a single blending cycle. Quite loud, but very effective.

5/5

Buy it if

You want serious power

The Beast Mighty 850 Plus has a lot more blending power than the average smoothie maker, so it's a great pick if you want to use more challenging ingredients than protein powder and bananas. Frozen fruit and tough veggies are no match for its motor and blades.

You value versatility

This blender's different-sized vessels make it great for more than just drinks. The smallest one is particularly good for whipping up salad dressing and cold sauces.

Don't buy it if

You want to blend on the move

The 850 Plus doesn't run from a battery, so you'll be restricted to blending in the kitchen. If you want to whip up a shake at the gym after your workout, take a look at the offerings from Nutribullet and Ninja instead.

You're watching the pennies

This is a premium personal blender. You're getting a lot for your money, but if you're on a tight budget, then there are cheaper, though less powerful, alternatives available.

How I tested the Beast Mighty 850 Plus

I used the Beast Mighty 850 Plus for a week, making a variety of recipes, including TechRadar’s standard banana, blueberry, and kale smoothie, which we make with all the personal blenders we test.

I used the blender to tackle ingredients I knew to be particularly tough, including large frozen berries and ice, making sure to select the most appropriate blend setting each time.

I measured the volume of the blender during use with a decibel meter app on my phone.

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

First reviewed July 2025.

Graywind Smart Blinds: one-minute review

Graywind offers a wide variety of smart blinds, including zebra, panel track, vertical, Ventian, and wood blinds. They also have a variety of smart shades, including roller, Roman, cellular, dual, and more. They even have smart curtains. Within each category, you can choose from selection of sizes, fabrics, and colors.

Then you choose your motor from five options: Eve Apple HomeKit Motor, Rechargeable BLE RF Motor, Zigbee Alexa Motor, Matter Smart Motor, or Hardwired WiFi Motor. I selected the zebra blinds and the Eve Apple HomeKit motor, since I'd be using my iPhone and HomePod to control the blinds.

I can't say that getting the Graywind Smart Blinds up and running was easy. The screws that were included for installation were not great quality, which meant that they stripped easily. Setup was also a little tricky. Still, I managed to get everything up and running. Once completed, the blinds work exactly as expected. You can set up scenes or automations which allow you to set opening and closing to a schedule or situation of your choosing. You can also control the blinds using your smartphone, voice, or just your hands.

(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)Graywind Smart Blinds: price & availability

• Starting price is relatively inexpensive
• Can get pricey with upcharges
• Custom fit to many sizes

You can order Graywind Smart Shades, Curtains, and Blinds directly from the Graywind website or you can buy them from Amazon. Prices start at $109.99 (£82.04/169.88 AUD.) I selected the zebra blinds in the charcoal blackout fabric and the Eve Apple HomeKit motor. I also added a solar panel and an extra-long wall charging cable. Blinds in the size and style you see in my photos go for $276.99(£206.59/427.97 AUD) each. It's important to measure your windows carefully if you want the blinds to fit correctly. I chose the outside mount style and made my measurements accordingly.

• Value score: 4.5/5

Graywind Smart Blinds: design

• Tricky installation and setup
• Goes up and down smoothly and quietly
• Blinds can get caught in solar panel charging cable

You'll need to be pretty handy and have access to a drill in order to install the Graywind Smart Blinds. You'll also need to be patient and careful, since the included screws are soft and strip quite easily.

Note that if you're charging the blinds via the solar charger, the blinds can get tangled with the charging cord pretty easily. I've gotten around that issue by not opening the blinds 100%. But I shouldn't have to do that.

(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

Once you get the blinds installed and charged via solar panel or wall charger, you're ready to set them up with your smartphone. I ordered two sets of identical blinds for windows right next to each other; I was able to set up the first one using only the Home app on my iPhone.

(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

For some reason, I wasn't able to set up the second set that way. I had to download the Eve app on my iPhone and set it up there. Once that was done, I was able to control both sets of blinds via either the Home or Eve app.

(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

There is also a pull cord that you can use for manual operation, if you wish. One tug on on the pull cord gets the blinds moving in one direction, a second tug stops them, and a third tug gets them moving in the other direction.

Are these the most beautiful blinds I've ever seen? No, and the 'fabric' is plastic. But they look fine, and they do what they are supposed to do.

• Design score: 3.5/5

Graywind Smart Blinds: performance

• Can be controlled so many different ways
• Use with Google, Amazon, or Apple
• Opening and closing mechanism works beautifully

As mentioned above, there are five different types of motors, so you'll want to make your selection carefully. I chose the Eve Apple HomeKit motor, since I have both an iPhone and a HomePod. But you can also choose BLE RF Motor (works directly with the Graywind app via Bluetooth, no bridge needed), Hardwired WiFi Motor (no bridge needed), Zigbee Alexa Motor, or a Matter Smart Motor (which allows use of Alexa, Google, HomeKit or SmartThings). A detailed guide on the site can help you choose the right one for your home if you're not sure.

As mentioned above, I was only able to set up one of the blinds using the Apple Home app; to set up the other one I had to use the Eve app. Another little blip was that one of the blinds wanted to roll the wrong way initially, but I was able to fix that by troubleshooting with the owner's manual.

Once your blinds are all set up, it's easy to control them. You can use your smartphone and tap to select how far open you want them, down to an exact percentage. You can also use the cord to control them. If you don't like the look of the cord and you're not going to use it, you can easily remove it.

(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

You can also set up scenes and automations, so that your blinds open and close at specific times or in specific situations of your choosing. For example, you could have the blinds open at sunrise and close at sunset. Or, you can set your blinds to open when you say, "Good morning!" and close when you say, "Good night!" Or have them them close automatically when you leave the house and open when you arrive home. I just set mine to open and close to a specific percentage at a specific time. But there are endless ways you can set them up. I tried several different ways and they all worked great.

• Performance score: 4.5/5

Should you buy the Graywind Smart Blinds?Graywind Smart Blinds score card

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

They start pretty inexpensively for custom smart blinds

4.5/5

Design

Design is fine but there are some minor yet annoying flaws

3.5/5

Performance

Once you get everything set up, the blinds are simple to use and perform beautifully

4.5/5

Buy it if

You want to be able to control your window covering in a variety of ways

Graywind offers five different motors so you can use Bluetooth, Alexa, Apple, Matter, or connect directly to your home's Wi-Fi. You can also control them manually with a cord.

You want customization

Graywind has you covered with smart blinds, shades, and curtains in a huge variety of styles, sizes, fabrics, and colors.

Don't buy it if

It's not in the budget

Graywind's prices actually start quite reasonably, but can ramp up quickly for bigger windows and other customizations.

You want ultra-easy installation, setup, and removal

I found these a little tricky to install and set up. You need a drill and some patience to fiddle around. This might not be ideal for renters, since they do have to be screwed in to the window frame.

Graywind Smart Blinds: also consider

Want some other, similar options to check out? Here are a couple of TechRadar favorites to consider.

SmartWings Smart Blinds

These are pretty similar to Graywind's offerings but, but you may find a particular style more appealing. Read our SmartWings Smart Blinds review to learn more.View Deal

SwitchBot Blind Tilt

Looking to spend a lot less? You can use your existing blinds and just add this little guy. You don't even need a drill, which makes this a renter-friendly option. Check out our SwitchBot Blind Tilt review.View Deal

How I tested the Graywind Smart Blinds

I placed Graywind Smart Blinds in two bedroom windows. I tested out the blinds in a number of different ways. I tapped them open and closed using the Apple Home app, Eve app, and Control Center on my iPhone, both at home and away from home using a HomePod mini as a hub. I told Siri to open and close the blinds. I set up an automation to open the blinds a certain percentage 8:00 a.m. and close them at 9:00 p.m. each day. I also used the manual cord to open and close the blinds.

First reviewed July 2025

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Eaton SmartPro Tripp Lite UPS: 30-second review

I’ve noticed that lately, possibly since the introduction of SSDs, if the power is cut to a PC, a file might become corrupted, but the operating system is usually unaffected.

But would you take that chance with a server or network hardware on a customer-facing or point-of-business system?

If the answer is no, then the Eaton SmartPro Tripp Lite UPS I’m reviewing here might be worth including on the budget, as it’s built specifically for providing the time to shut a system down gracefully.

The catchily named Eaton SMX1500XLRT2UN is a 2U high industrial UPS that can be rack mounted or floor standing, has power outputs for up to eight mains-powered devices, and 1500VA of battery capacity on tap to keep those devices running should mains power fail.

That capacity can be increased either with one of the other SmartPro Tripp Lite models or with an expansion battery that connects to a 48V/50A connector on the rear.

This top-of-the-line model also supports WEBCARDLXE, USB, and even a DB9 serial cable for those who prefer to telnet into infrastructure.

It allows the Eaton SMX1500XLRT2UN to be part of a greater disaster management plan, giving IT professionals the ability to make the best strategic choices in the event of power loss.

This equipment isn’t easy to handle, and the price isn’t especially low, but it's built for the job and not a battery borrowed from an alternative purpose, making one of the best UPS around.

Eaton SmartPro Tripp Lite UPS: Price & availability

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

• How much does it cost? $1454 / £1460
• When is it out? Available now
• Where can you get it? Direct from Eaton or through online retailers like Amazon.

The cost of a UPS of this type is directly impacted by the size of the battery, and what features for managing that stored power are provided.

As the Eaton SMX1500XLRT2UN is a top-tier unit in its particular series, it comes at a slight premium due to the extra features like WEBCARDLXE.

That makes the basic price around £1460 Inc VAT in the UK, and $1454 in the USA. In the UK and Europe, Eaton sells mostly through retail partners, but in the USA, this hardware can be bought directly from Amazon.

It should be noted that although the same model number, the US version is designed for 120V equipment, whereas in the UK and throughout Europe it outputs 230V.

Personally, if you are unfamiliar with UPS technology and want to get the right one for your installation, it is best to talk to a partner, because they’ll provide you with all the options and additional information about replacement batteries and expansion.

If you don’t need their expertise, then Amazon will work if you live in a region where these devices are sold through them.

The immediate response to many seeing this price will be that a 1500VA battery can be found for $225, so why pay this much for this equipment?

The devil is in the details, as they say. However, the battery component of this equation is a relatively small part of the exercise, and a 1500VA battery with this type of management, configuration, and expansion potential is likely to cost much more than $1500.

The APC SRT1500RMXLA is similar, with an asking price of $ 1,473 for the 120V model, for example.

There are only a limited number of brands that make these types of devices, and therefore, the price variance is limited.

You can buy cheaper units with roughly the same battery capacity, but they won’t have the features of this hardware and generally aren’t intended to handle the power demands of an entire rack at a moment's notice.

• Value: 4 / 5

Eaton SmartPro Tripp Lite UPS: Specs

Hardware

Eaton Tripp Lite series SmartPro UPS

Part No.

SMX1500XLRT2UN

Rack Size

2U

Topology

Line-interactive

Phase

Single-phase

Nominal output

208V

Voltage options

200/208/220/230/240V

Max current

10A

Outlets

8x C14

Size

591.8 x 505.5 x 223.5 mm (W x D x H)

Weight

?19.5kg

Accessories

Mounting rails, legs, power cables, USB cable, D89 cable

Warranty

2-year warranty, 3-year with registration

Extended battery

Yes, 48V/50A

Eaton SmartPro Tripp Lite UPS: Design

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

• Heavy duty
• Floor or rack
• Excellent connectivity

The elephant in this room, or something almost as heavy, is the size and mass of this UPS. Its quoted weight is 43.1lb (19.5kg), but if you deploy it to a rack, then the mounting rails add even more weight.

My recommendation would be to never install one of these without the help of another person, because even removing it from the packaging isn’t easy.

Once this giant square metal box is extracted, it can be oriented in two different ways. It can be vertically mounted using two L-shaped feet, provided that they screw into the sides. Alternatively, it is sized to be installed in a 19-inch rack, being 2U high.

For those wanting to rack mount this UPS, I’d strongly suggest putting it in the lower section of the rack, because having this much mass high up is inadvisable. On the subject of stability, it comes with sliding rails that enable easier access to the rear once it's installed. But again, since this will move the centre of gravity, it's another reason not to put this high up in a rack. There are side brackets that securely attach it to the rack, but my concern is that if the rack isn’t securely bolted to the floor, it might overbalance.

On the front of the unit is a plastic facia panel that must be removed before installation; it simply pulls off. Behind it is the battery, and for safety reasons, it is shipped disconnected.

A notable feature of this design is that the entire battery pack can be replaced, extending the unit's life. Once the battery is connected, the facia can be replaced.

One significant feature of the front is a small display on the right side of the unit that features simple button controls. As the UPS can be floor-standing, this would put the display on its side; however, Eaton's approach to this problem made me chuckle.

The obvious solution would be a menu feature for orientation, but Eaton engineers made a cradle for the display that, with the help of a screwdriver, the panel and buttons can be popped out and then put back in after being rotated by 90 degrees.

Interestingly, the Eaton Tripp Lite logo on the other end can also be twisted to be readable in an upright position.

My only issue with the screen is that it isn’t especially bright, and the menu system it allows for navigation is remarkably basic. However, most IT professionals using this equipment are likely to utilise more feature-rich interfaces.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

Where this UPS becomes substantially more interesting is on the rear, where all the external connections are located.

Using standard IEC male-to-female cables, the SMX1500XLRT2UN features eight power outlets on its rear, and retaining clips are provided to prevent accidental disconnection. That’s great, but unless the server or other hardware has similar retainers on its power inputs, then it's only half the answer.

What the rear panel also offers is a wide range of potential connections, including two flavours of USB, Ethernet, and even DB9 serial.

Most engineers will probably be fine with LAN access, but the USB option adds the possibility of a server shutting down before the battery is exhausted, even with the use of a software tool.

There is also a substantial port for adding an additional battery, and these come in some large capacities that might keep a substantial server cluster up for more than a few minutes.

From a design perspective, the SMX1500XLRT2UN is built for purpose, possibly overbuilt, and it offers all the bells and whistles that server admins are looking for.

• Design: 4 / 5

Eaton SmartPro Tripp Lite UPS: User experience

• Command line
• WEBCARDLXE

Lots of things about this hardware made me laugh, but not in a bad way.

I’ve not been an IT Manager for twenty-five years, but there are features in the SMX1500XLRT2UN designed for exactly the type of thinking that was prominent when I was, and even before that.

What I’m referring to here is the PowerAlert Device Manager (PADM) Version 20 Command Line Interface, for its full title. Once you’ve established a network connection to the UPS, it’s possible to connect via SSH via a terminal tool and issue commands.

How many commands? A ridiculous number. The Eaton provided PDF that documents them and what they do runs to 230 pages, and some pages have multiple commands.

Since I left all this insanity behind me some considerable time ago, it’s a struggle to understand why anyone would want to do this. However, conversely, I could imagine a scenario where installing a large number of these and being able to create a script that runs through all the settings you might want to make for all of them could be useful.

Another approach to that problem is a software tool called the PowerAlert Mass Configuration Utility, which allows you to log in to each UPS by its IP number and then make global changes. To implement multiple changes, an XLM file containing a configuration can be saved and then executed on new hardware devices when they are added.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

The only issues I have with this software are that it looks like it was designed when Windows XP was supported, and it can’t cope with making changes to different UPS models.

While it doesn’t offer the granularity of the command line or mass-appeal of the app, there is a much more approachable web interface, WEBCARDLXE, that provides the monitoring and easy access that more modern IT professionals would probably gravitate.

What’s missing here is a Cloud service model, although Eaton does offer the PowerAlert Element Manager, which consolidates management utilities for Eaton LX Platform devices.

PowerAlert software offers a complete set of tools designed for overseeing and safeguarding power across different settings, whether from an individual computer or a whole network.

From an IT perspective, the user experience, with the exception of WEBCARDLXE, is somewhat dated. However, Eaton is selling into an ultra-conservative environment that is decidedly anti-change. And therefore, their support for older-thinking and methods is probably serving them well.

• User experience: 4 / 5

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)Eaton SmartPro Tripp Lite UPS: Final verdict

When I first received this item, I was slightly underwhelmed with it, because compared with a battery system like those offered by EcoFlow for home use, it seemed positively prehistoric.

However, I’ve come to appreciate this hardware more, even if I think there are some things to be learned from the likes of the EcoFlow Delta line and similar products.

What this hardware does exceptionally well is provide a decent window of opportunity to elegantly achieve the landing with servers and other network devices, rather than everything entirely faceplanting when the power suddenly disappears.

What it isn’t built for is to keep that equipment running for a sustained period, although Eaton has some alternative options directed more towards those objectives.

With all the connectivity, the servers should be aware of the power loss scenario and have a failsafe that can shut them down in a controlled manner before the SMX1500XLRT2UN is entirely exhausted. Additionally, it's possible to expand the unit to provide a larger time window before that becomes necessary.

What concerns me is that, should you shut a system down during a power loss and then power returns, you need to pray that the power doesn’t go out again within the next 4.5 hours. That seems an inordinate amount of time to restore 1,500VA of power, something the EcoFlow Delta 2 can achieve in under an hour.

That said, the SMX1500XLRT2UN is designed to remain on trickle charge for long periods, whereas the battery architecture of the EcoFlow equipment was designed to be fully exhausted daily. That might well be the reason it takes so long to restore, so I can’t make an apples-to-apples comparison. Faster recovery should be something that Eaton needs to consider, as it creates a significant period of vulnerability after a power loss.

Another point that surprised me about this hardware is that it lacks wireless networking or Bluetooth capabilities, which would enable remote monitoring without the need for physical wires.

I’m not sure why Eaton isn’t interested in wireless networks, but interference can’t be the issue, I’m sure.

An interactive phone application that alerts IT staff to a potential power loss would be ideal, but to achieve that with this equipment is somewhat convoluted. Additionally, it assumes that the computer running the Webcard application, along with its network hardware, including the Internet, is also protected from power loss.

The interconnected nature of this UPS and the hardware it maintains is part of the strategic thinking that needs to be established before it's deployed; otherwise, this is merely an expensive battery.

Eaton SmartPro Tripp Lite UPS: Report card

Value

For this hardware spec, this is the price

4 / 5

Design

Built to last and can have its battery replaced

4 / 5

User experience

CLI, global update app and Web UI

4 / 5

Overall

Lacks modern thinking, but does what it needs to

4 / 5

Should I buy a Eaton SmartPro Tripp Lite UPS?

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

You need a power loss strategy
This isn’t a cheap UPS that promises to keep the power on for a few minutes and your PC safe; it’s much more than that. If you want to have a complete power-loss plan, this is a building block for precisely that.

You like flexible solutions
The ability to bolt extra battery capacity to the basic UPS, and extend battery running time, enables the power support to expand with the hardware it's maintaining.

Don't buy it if...

You don’t use racks
While this UPS can be floor-standing, it’s designed for racking, and not just any cheap model. If it were accidentally knocked over and hit someone, it could easily break an ankle.

If you need to do graphic design, you need dedicated software, ideally installed on a powerful computer.

But CoreDRAW Go is turning that idea on its head, by offering you graphic design software, but from a web browser… so let’s check it out.

CoreDRAW Go: Pricing & plans

(Image credit: Corel // Future)

• This is an online service so you can only access it via an ongoing subscription, although the 15-day free trial is welcome, and so’s the 30-day money back guarantee

Being an online service, CorelDRAW is, you’ve guessed it, only available as a subscription, although you do have two options: you can choose to pay on a month by month basis, which would cost you $10 (or £9) each time, or select a yearly contract, which will set you back $100 (or £95).

There are often discounts on offer, like at the time of writing, Corel reduced the price of each of these by 30%. You’re also free to try CorelDRAW Go for 15 days without even having to hand out your credit card details, and Corel do offer a 30-day money back guarantee, should you decide the service isn’t for you.

You can check out CorelDRAW Go by clicking here.

• Score: 4/5

CoreDRAW Go: Getting started

(Image credit: Corel // Future)

• So many templates and presets are available to you to start a new project with ease. It’s just a shame this service is limited to only two browsers

Whether you grab yourself a subscription immediately or dip your toes in with the free trial, you need to also set up an account with Corel. It's free and can be done at the same time, and will allow you to save your projects to a dedicated personal space on Corel’s servers.

One potential issue is the limited number of browsers that CorelDRAW Go supports: it will only work with Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome. If you’re not a fan of either, and prefer one of the other many options, I’m afraid you’re out of luck: choose one of these two, or look for another service.

The first place you get to once logged in, is the Home page. From here, you have the option of starting with a handful of blank presets broken down by category, such as Social Media, Poster, and more, or choose to open a file stored on your computer (only .cdr and .svg files are supported).

The bulk of the Home page however is devoted to Templates, and there are more than just the few on display: click on ‘Explore More Templates’ at the bottom of the page, to reveal hundreds more, all organised by categories, with a handy search field to help find what you’re looking for quicker.

The same is true for those blank Presets. Click on ‘More’ to their right, and find a similar pop-up window with hundreds of options for you to choose from.

• Score: 3.5/5

CoreDRAW Go: Interface

(Image credit: Corel // Future)

• A nicely designed interface that offers nothing new to an experienced user, yet makes it easy to immerse yourself into this service

You’ll find the interface extremely simple and well organised. In fact if you’re familiar with other graphic design apps, you’ll feel right at home in no time, delving into CorelDRAW Go. Your tools are located in three sidebars, two of which are collapsable to increase the space devoted to your project.

On the left you have the various tools you’ll be using all the time, from Shapes, Brushes, and Text, to Stock Assets, the ability to import your own objects, as well as your project’s Settings.

Top right is your Properties panel, where you can change various parameters of a selected item. Lower right, that’s where you have control over your layers, where you can select one, create new ones, move them around, and delete them, lock them to prevent further changes, or hide them.

There’s also a menu at the top where you’ll find undo and redo commands (also accessible via keyboard shortcuts), as well as an export option.

All in all, there’s nothing new here, yet that’s a definite advantage, as the muscle memory you developed elsewhere will be of great value here as well.

• Score: 4.5/5

CoreDRAW Go: Tools

(Image credit: Corel // Future)

• A wide range of tools to help you create complex designs in next to no time

CorelDRAW Go has a wealth of tools to help you create projects, and caters to beginners and advanced users alike. Any creation tools you might need can be found in the sidebar on the left. From there, you have access to a myriad of shapes, brushes and text tools.

Clicking on one of these reveals a secondary menu, where you can choose exactly the one you’re after. The shapes for instance are vectors, so you can resize them, without any loss in quality, until they look perfect for your needs by dragging one of the outside handles, or clicking and dragging on a little dot inside the shape to alter its configuration further.

You can do the same with Stock Assets object. You’ll find thousands of ready-made vector images, and millions of photos to choose from and add to your project, and when it comes to fonts, there are thousands waiting for you, ensuring your designs are as unique as they can be.

Of course, the Properties panel is there to make sure you’re able to change an object's colour, or add a gradient, control its outline, transparency and shadow, easily covering the basics of what you need to do. However, CorelDRAW Go has a few fancy tools up its sleeve. It can, for instance, turn a shape into a ‘Mask Frame’, allowing you to drag an image into it, creating a complex masking effect in seconds.

• Score: 4.5/5

CoreDRAW Go: Exporting

(Image credit: Corel // Future)

• CorelDRAW Go has a surprisingly generous number of exporting options, from dpi to file formats

Once you’ve completed your project, it's time to share it with others. That’s where the Export menu comes into its own. You’re offered various choices, from its size (in pixels), to its resolution (from 72 to 600dpi). You also have a selection of formats, including JPEG, PNG, PDF, and SVG.

All in all, CorelDRAW Go is a well rounded graphic design application which has a wide range of tools to help you create unique projects, but perhaps what’s most impressive, is that you’re doing all of that inside a web page. It’s amazing how far web development has gone that you easily forget you’re not working in a dedicated app installed on your computer.

• Score: 4.5/5

Should I buy CorelDRAW Go?

(Image credit: Corel // Future)

Buy it if...

If you’re looking for a graphic design service you can access from anywhere, with a generous number of powerful tools and an interface that’s similar enough to other competing products to hit the ground running.

Don't buy it if...

You don’t fancy subscribing to yet another service, don't like the idea of working within a web browser, or you're using an incompatible browser.

Roborock Q7 M5: two-minute reviewProduct info

There are a few different M5 options – the robot is the same, but the dock is different:

Q7 M5: Charge-only dock
Q7 M5+: Auto-empty dock
Q7 M5 Max+: Auto empty and water refill dock

For this review, I tested the Q7 M5, with the charge-only dock.

The Roborock Q7 M5 is a relatively basic option from within the Roborock robot vacuum lineup, aimed at the more budget-conscious consumer. Despite the affordable pricing, it's still a capable bot, offering the kind of suction specs I'd expect from a much pricier model.

The design may lack the bells and whistles (and robotic arms) of the brand's newest offerings, but it's still effective in use. As well as sporting a robust build, it has a generously sized dust cup and water tank and bouncy suspension that enables it to clear relatively tall room thresholds with confidence. Navigation is also reliable and mapping accurate.

In my vacuuming tests, the Q7 M5 proved up to the task of clearing up debris, large and small, and sucked up an impressive volume of dog hair from my carpets, too. It did struggle a little with getting right into the edges of rooms, however – more advanced robot vacuums typically have a side brush that can extend outwards, whereas the one on the Q7 M5 is fixed.

The mop setup is rather basic, although the bot still managed to clean up a dried ketchup smear surprisingly effectively. Overall I felt mopping was rather wetter than expected, so it perhaps isn't the best choice if you have delicate wooden floors, for example. The Q7 M5 also lacks the capacity to lift its mop when traversing carpet (not surprising at this price point, though).

The model I tested comes with a compact, charge-only dock, and is perfect for those with small homes, or if you want a cleaner for a less-used floor of a multi-storey home. However, owners of larger homes and/or pets should seek out the "Plus" model where possible; it arrives with an auto-empty dock, which will save you from having to empty the onboard bin too frequently.

That's the short version; read on for my full Roborock Q7 M5 review.

The basic Q7 M5's compact dock means it can be tucked out of the way (Image credit: Future)Roborock Q7 M5 review: price & availability

• List price: $299.99 / £239.99
• Launched: April 2025
• Available: US and UK (AU alternatives available)

The Roborock Q7 M5 launched in April 2025, as an upgraded version of the previous Q7 Max. The brand has plenty of fancier, pricier bots (see the arm-equipped Saros Z70, for example) in its lineup, but the Q7 M5 is designed to appeal to a more budget-conscious consumer.

In the US, the Q7 M5 costs $299.99 direct from Roborock, but was discounted to £239.99 at time of writing. In the UK, the list price when purchased direct from Roborock is £239.99, but at time of writing it was reduced to £179.99. Even at full price, it falls into the budget bracket.

Having tested a few budget bots now, I'd say that even at full price this vacuum offers decent value for the features and performance it delivers, with the discounted prices making it more appealing still. My current favorite robot vacuum around this price level is the Dreame D9 Max Gen 2, which costs $299.99 / £219 at full price. However, the Roborock offers stronger suction specs and slightly more advanced mopping – in that you can switch off that functionality without having to remove the mop pad.

Upgrading to the Q7 M5+ with the auto-empty dock pushes the price up to $429.99, while the Q7 M5 Max+ – with a dock that not only empties dust but also refills the water tanks – is $599.99. Those upgraded options don't appear to be available in the UK, though. In both cases, the list prices are on the high side for what you're getting – although, at time of writing, both models were already available at generous discounts, bringing them more in line with the price I'd expect to pay.

The Q7 M5 doesn't seem to be available in Australia, but there is a Roborock Q7B for AU$399, which looks very similar but has slightly less suction. There's also a Q7T Plus for AU$799, which looks the same as the Q7 M5+ with its auto-empty dock.

• Value for money score: 4 out of 5

Roborock Q7 M5 specs

Max suction:

10,000Pa

Robot diameter:

12.8in / 35.3cm

Robot height:

3.9in / 9.9cm

Dock dimensions (W x D x H):

6.3 x 4 x 2.8in / 16 x 7 x 10.1cm

Dust bin volume (onboard):

Requested

Water tank volume:

Requested

Base type:

Charge only (more advanced docks available)

Roborock Q7 M5 review: design

• Robovac with raised LiDAR puck, chunky wheels and charge-only dock
• Fixed, D-shaped, removable mop
• Dust cup and water tank form one removable unit at side of bot

The Roborock Q7 M5 looks similar to other budget-friendly robot vacuums –except, perhaps, a little more robust. A chunky bumper encircles the perimeter, and there's a raised LiDAR turret for navigation (newer Roborock models such as the Saros 10R have done away with this, in favor of a different navigation method, thus offering a lower overall profile). The top surface is a mix of matte and very shiny black plastic, the latter of which attracts much dust – perhaps not the best choice for this type of gadget.

This shiny surface is a magnet for dust and fingerprints (Image credit: Future)

Flip the whole thing over and you'll find the brushroll, which has a "JawScrapers comb" to prevent hair from tangling around it – although it didn't prove very effective in practice. There's also a rotating side brush to catch dirt from around the edges of rooms. On more advanced bots this will kick out to the side as required, but the version on the Q7 M5 is fixed. Roborock has placed the brushes at an angle, so hair slips off rather than becoming tangled – and from my experience, it seems to work quite well in practice.

The wheels are thick with a deep tread, and sit on a spring-loaded hinge, presumably to allow the robot to bounce its way over tall thresholds. Other bots have more hi-tech solutions for this – the Dreame X50 Ultra Complete has little extending feet, for example – but Roborock's approach seems perfectly effective as a budget alternative.

The chunky wheels are set on a spring-loaded hinge, providing bouncy suspension (Image credit: Future)

Slotted into the side of the bot is a unit that holds the dust cup and water tank. The mop pad itself is a fixed, D-shaped style pad, and it can be clipped on and off the main robot. It doesn't feel enormously secure when clipped on, although it didn't fall off at any point in my tests. The pad part can be removed and popped into the washing machine for cleaning.

This unit houses a generous dust dup and water tank (Image credit: Future)

It's a very basic style of mop in that the pad is simply dragged along the floor, wiping as it goes. Fancier bots have mops that press on the floor or vibrate to dislodge dirt, or have dual-rotating discs.

With some budget bots, the mopping is automatically "on", whenever the mop pad is attached. That isn't the case here: you can switch the water off from within the app. However, the Q7 M5 isn't advanced enough to be able to lift up its mop pad when it encounters carpet, which means you might still end up with slightly damp carpets if the bot is making its way over them after a mopping session. (Some premium bots can even drop off their mop pads at their base station when they're not needed.)

Mopping is courtesy of a removable, D-shaped pad (Image credit: Future)

Speaking of the base station, the one included here is very basic and pleasingly compact. It simply charges the robot. In some territories there are sister models available with more advanced docks. If you're dealing with larger amounts of dust, or have a pet, I'd definitely recommend opting for a version with an auto-empty dock.

• Design score: 3.5 out of 5

Roborock Q7 M5 review: performance

• Navigation accurate, but object avoidance is patchy
• Vacuuming is very good; mopping is fine but not amazing
• Sucks up hair (pet and human) well, but it does wrap around the roller

As ever with Roborock, mapping was smooth and navigation reliable. Initial setup simply involved sending it on its way on a "Quick mapping" run, where the bot scoots around – not cleaning, just looking – and builds a map of the space as it goes. On this run, it approached the edge of the top of the stairs repeatedly (and at speed), but stopped itself every time. Good cliff sensors should be a given for any robot vacuum, regardless of price, but I felt reassured nonetheless.

With the map compiled, I could name the rooms and make necessary adjustments. Note that some parts here were slightly buggy, but I'll get into that in the App section.

The bot approached the step edge at speed, but never once took a tumble (Image credit: Future)

To kick things off, I sent the bot out on a whole-floor vacuum, just to get an initial feel for performance. There's a maximum of 10,000Pa of suction here, which is decent, and more in line with what I'd expect from a mid-range robovac. Having checked the dustbin after the run, I could see it had done a stellar job of pulling dust and pet hair from the carpet – the latter of the two being particularly challenging. I'd rate its performance among the best robot vacuums for pet hair, if you're on a budget.

The robot vacuum picked up pet and human hair impressively well (Image credit: Future)

Then it was time for some more formal suction tests. For these, I scattered a teabag's worth of dry tea leaves and a handful of oats onto the carpet, and performed a zone clean of the area. There are five suction modes to choose from: Quiet, Balance, Turbo, Max and MAX+ (I can't help thinking Roborock has gone too hard, too soon, with the naming choices here).

A single pass in Turbo mode cleared most of the oats, but only the top layer of tea. Two more passes in MAX+ and the oats were history, and only a fine scattering of tea remained. That's a super solid result – the tea is purposefully a very tricky test, and it's rare for even expensive robovacs to clear it all.

Image 1 of 3

Tea and oats on a carpeted floor ready for the carpet suction test (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 3

Results after a single pass in Turbo suction mode... (Image credit: Future)Image 3 of 3

... and after two more passes in MAX+ mode (Image credit: Future)

Hard floors are far less challenging to vacuum, so I used the Balanced mode when repeating the test on the tiled bathroom floor. This time, almost all the oats were sucked up on a single pass, and the vast majority of the tea, too. The only real issue was with debris being pinged about; but, thankfully, the robot vacuum would catch any wayward remnants on a later run.

Image 1 of 2

(Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

(Image credit: Future)

Moving on to the mopping tests. For this, I smeared a tiny amount of tomato ketchup on the tiled bathroom floor and left it to dry. I then set the bot on a mopping run to see if it could clear it.

There are three options for water level, or you can set the bot to mop and vacuum simultaneously (I prefer to vacuum first, then mop, to minimize the amount of gunk that ends up stuck to the damp mechanisms.)

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Dried ketchup smeared on the floor ready for the mopping test (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 4

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(Image credit: Future)

Despite having a relatively basic mopping setup, the Q7 M5 actually did a pretty good job here. One pass in medium wetness mode was enough for the robovac to begin to lift the smear, and a couple more in max mode saw only a tiny bit remaining.

This is one of the wetter mopping mechanisms I've used, so it wouldn't be a great choice if you wanted something for hard floor that can only stand a little bit of water. Beware, too, that the mop pad doesn't lift, so if the route back from your hard floor to your dock is carpeted, said carpet will end up a bit damp. Overall, the mopping is fine here, but if that's your priority then there are better choices out there.

The fixed side brush couldn't get right into the edges of rooms (Image credit: Future)

Like most robot vacuums, the Roborock Q7 M5 has a spinning side brush designed to flick debris from the edges of rooms into the path of the suction. Here, it worked fairly well but not amazingly – perhaps because it's fixed rather than being able to extend. The bot shifted some of the tea sprinkled along the edge of the bathroom floor, but left more behind.

Roborock says this bot has anti-hair wrap features built into the brushroll. However, on test I found my long hair tangled around the roller. However, the anti-tangle design of the side brush was more effective on this front.

The main brushroll quickly got tangled with hair (Image credit: Future)

Finally, I ran some object avoidance tests. These involved laying out a series of objects – charge cable, socks, dog bowl – on the floor and seeing if the bot would avoid them. Unfortunately, it confidently ploughed into everything I put in front of it, so a bit of a fail on this front. (One useful hack is to activate a "Pet" mode to increase sensitivity to objects, but there was no such option I could find here.

That said, in my real-life tests the bot performed much better. For instance, it skirted the perimeters of chair legs and the base of the toilet cistern, for example, rather than bumping into them. Nevertheless, I still wouldn't recommend this bot to those who have a lot of clutter in their homes.

• Performance score: 4 out of 5

Roborock Q7 M5 review: app

• Encountered a few bugs that I assume will be fixed
• Otherwise well-designed and intuitive

I've used plenty of Roborock robot vacuums and the app has always been great. So I was surprised that things weren't entirely smooth when testing it with the Q7 M5. While there weren't any glaring issues, I did run into several glitches: I was unable to resize a zone properly; the app would forget room names; plus it failed to save a customized cleaning routine, for example.

Click to enlarge (Image credit: Roborock)

There was also a strange bug where the text wasn't resizing properly, so the ends of words would routinely be cut off – do you want to "Mo" or "Vacuu"? I assume most of these are temporary glitches and should be fixed before long.

Otherwise, it's the same well-designed app I'm used to. It's pretty intuitive, well-laid out and easy to figure out from scratch.

• App score: 3.5 out of 5

Should you buy the Roborock Q7 M5?

Attribute

Notes

Rating

Value

Budget price bracket and deals are common. Not the most advanced, but performance is good for the price.

4 / 5

Design

Robust-looking robot with strong suction specs, raised LiDAR tower, bouncy wheels and a basic mop mechanism. Simple but solid design, lacking the advancements of pricier Roborock bots.

3.5 / 5

Performance

Accurate navigation and very good vacuuming, but mopping is a little wet and object avoidance patchy.

4 / 5

App

Unusually glitchy, but otherwise well designed and intuitive.

3.5 / 5

Buy it if...

You're on a budget
It's not the most advanced robovac on the market, but it's very affordable and deals are common – and performance is solid for the price.

You're short on space for a dock
The dock here is very compact – small enough to comfortably pop under a bed, for example. It's the charge-only type, but if you're okay emptying your own dust bin, it's an ideal space-saving solution.

You mainly want to vacuum
The vacuuming here is excellent. There's an impressive 10,000Pa of suction and it performed very well in my real-world vacuuming tests, too.

Don't buy it if...

You want a really capable mop
Mopping functionality is basic, and quite wet – it's fine for occasional cleanups, but if you're going to be using this function more regularly, I'd suggest opting for a model with more advanced mopping capabilities.

You have a large house or lots of dust
The model on test here has a charge-only dock – if you're dealing with lots of dust or pet hair, you should opt for a model with an auto-empty dock (in some territories you can pick up a M5+, which has an auto-empty dock).

How I tested the Roborock Q7 M5 robot vacuum

I used the Q7 M5 as my main robot vacuum for a week, stationing it on a higher level of my house, which includes a carpeted hall and master bedroom (where a hairy spaniel also sleeps) and a tiled en-suite bathroom. As well as getting a feel for how well it performed in general, I ran specific mopping and vacuuming tests, which included sucking up oats and/or dry tea, and using the mop to clear a smear of dried ketchup off a tiled floor. I also tested obstacle avoidance by laying out common objects to see if the bot would spot and avoid them. I compared the performance, general usability and value for money to other robot vacuums I've tested in the past.

Read more about how we test robot vacuum cleaners

• First reviewed July 2025