Reviews

The X-Chair X-Tech is a clean and professional ergonomic chair with a few tricks up its sleeve.

An executive-level seat from water-resistant mesh, vegan leather, it's built for medium- to larger-framed individuals, with a fairly deep seat and a 275 lb weight capacity. Overall I found it a highly functional, comfortable seat with dynamic lumbar support and mobile armrests as you'll typically find on the best office chairs at this price-point.

But if the chair's name - the X-Tech - didn't give it away, there's something more going on here. Where it diverges is that it features a heated, cooling, and massaging lumbar section.

X-Chair X-Tech: Price and availability

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

The X-Chair X-Tech has had its prices change a few times since I started testing it. As of January 2026, this chair is $1,568 (discounted from $1845) on the official X-Chair website.

Now, that's putting the chair into the same sort of price-tag territory as the Herman Miller Embody and Steelcase Leap (and then some). So the real question for buyers is, are the extra temperature control features worth the outlay?

Additional extras are good - it's available in a range of styles, colors, and configurations. For this review, I tested the Quicksilver Brisa / Black ATR ELEMAX Model, with FS 360 arms, and locking FS wheels.

What’s interesting is that the X-tech is a lot like another model I reviewed: the X-Chair X4. The X4 was a build-your-own kind of style, while this one comes fully loaded with everything you could want.. Now, I pretty much just specced the X4 model to about the same degree, but it’s still worth noting.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )X-Chair X-Tech: Design & Build Quality

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

Right off the bat, this chair looks very similar to the X4. Which, of course, makes sense as they are near the same item once you've built out the X4 with all the optional extras.

This really is just a curated version of the X4 Leather, combining the material choices, colorways, and upgrades into a single package for executives. No decision fatigue, no assistant taking their best guess, no time wasted deciding on exactly what choose.

What I appreciate about the design is that it could fit in a home office, a boardroom, an executive suite, or an apartment corner. Anywhere you place it, the X-Tech will fit in with the surroundings, especially with the option to choose materials that match your desired look.

I felt the materials had a quality look and feel (as you'd expect for the price), and the two-tone design language of the X-Tech creates a modern aesthetic.

Assembly was easy enough, the frame feels robust and well-built, not just patting myself on the back for assembly, but the joins, the bolts, and everything feel sturdy, like you’d expect from an expensive chair.

All in all, assembly took about 25 minutes solo, which is about average for most chairs, and it's straightforward enough that nothing required second pair of hands.

X-Chair X-Tech: In use

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

This chair has been in my fleet for a little over 90 days at the time of writing this. It's been used by myself, my team, and my extended family members over the recent holidays.

We all agree that this chair is spectacular; the only debate was who this chair was really for. Some executives at mid-sized or smaller organizations may not want to incur this kind of cost for a chair. Still, those at larger firms will probably go with even more expensive office chairs simply for the brand recognition.

My kids, on the other hand, think that this chair is for the boss, plain and simple. Or just any old guy, according to my brilliant 4-year-old daughter — hurtful, as I sit back in this chair writing out these sentences after a day of playing this New Year's Day, enjoying the massaging and heat function.

And that brings me to the real selling point of this chair.

Not only do the heating and massaging functions work well, but so does the cooling function. I’m someone who runs hot 99% of the time, so having a chair that can cool me down while working is great, especially in the summer months. And also ideal for those who work in an office where the climate is controlled by someone who thinks they should be able to feel like they are in the sun while at work.

I’ve sat in this chair for meetings, for several-hour lock-in sessions, and for all-nighter writing sessions. I’ve been in the zone, leaning forward, kicked back and relaxed, enjoying the massaging function, and I even pulled this chair up during the holidays for an extra seat, and had to fight my uncle with severe back pain to get it back.

This chair has been through it, and it still functions and looks just as good as it did on day one. No matter the position or person, the chair seems to adjust to what is needed, not locking you into what it wants, but adjusting to what you need.

For those really long working sessions, taking a few minutes to kick back and turn on the massager is a welcome treat.

My only real problem here is that I do wish that the controls for this were a bit easier to access. I memorized the button locations pretty quickly, but it’s not the easiest to get set up the first several times until you can learn them.

X-Chair X-Tech: Final verdict

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

While this may not be the biggest of names of chairs, and it may not be the massive leatherback executive chair we see in cheesy movies, the X-tech ticks a lot of boxes. It's comfortable and attractively design - the only issue being the button placement, which is easier to overcome after a few uses.

If you are a business professional who wants an excellent chair for their home office space, their cubicle, corner office, or conference room, and you have some coin to spend on something that will treat you right, the X-Chair X-Tech is absolutely worth considering, especially if you desire a heated, cooled, and massaging lumbar.

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For more office furniture, check out our round-up of the best standing desks we've ever tried.

There's a running joke in the TV and movies industry that January is when studios release their 'clangers' (i.e. projects that will undoubtedly flop) – but just nine days into 2026, new Netflix movie People We Meet on Vacation is busting the myth.

If you've heard the title before, that's because Netflix is adapting the smash-hit 2021 romance novel by Emily Henry. However, if you're a diehard 'Vacationer' (that's what I'm going to call the fan base), you'll notice some major changes... but I promise the sizzling and playful romantic chemistry between Poppy (Emily Bader) and Alex (Tom Blyth) hasn't gone anywhere.

Even the core storyline itself feels refreshing as a rom-com concept. Wild and bashful Emily is the polar opposite of reserved and anxious Alex, but after meeting at university, the pair spend years of their friendship having adventures while traveling the world. They always try to spend one week of their summer vacation together no matter where life takes them... but as they get old, life makes things a lot more complicated.

Personally, I love that we're starting a new year with the energy that platonic love is just as important (if not more) as romantic love. People We Meet on Vacation does eventually inject the rom into rom-com, but the most of the storyline, we're following two people learning to love each other for exactly who they are, and that isn't confined to romance.

Yes, the dreaded homogenous 'Netflix look' that the streamer molds all of its project into is back, and there's nothing note-worthy in its construction. But frankly, I don't think we need any additional razzle dazzle here.

People We Meet on Vacation relies solely on its cast – and you'll fall in love with them

I cannot sing the praises of Bader and Blyth highly enough – even their surnames put together sound like the perfect double act. For Bader, it's a chance to shine in a leading role that could have been easily given to the likes of Sofia Carson or Zoey Deutch. Instead of taking the lazy route, Netflix has been more inventive and daring in its casting, and that has a colossal payoff.

As for Blyth, I think he's more than earned the right to have a bit of fun on screen. After Plainclothes, Wasteman and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, it's almost as much of a holiday for us to watch him take on a light-hearted role. Blyth exquisitely toes the line between standoffish and fun-loving, letting his guard down enough to be open to what the world around him has to offer.

Together, they're dynamite. If I'd seen them filming a scene while walking down the street, I'd be fully convinced that the pair hadn't only known each other for years, but were truly head over heels. Chemistry isn't something that can be cast or manufactured, and that makes People We Meet on Vacation all the more special.

Everything comes together naturally, whether that's the budding relationship between our lead duo, the ease of following them around the globe or the ability to be fully invested in their fights and grievances. Combined with Henry's unique take on constructing a romance story, and you've got a mighty end product.

Book lovers, be warned of some changes

Cheers to a good rom-com, guys. (Image credit: Netflix)

Now for the slightly less brilliant news: there are noticeable changes to the original book. It should almost go without saying that a lot has been left on the cutting room floor – transforming a 400-page book into a movie under two hours means there's going to be some casualties. It's nothing that impedes the storytelling... just don't be too disappointed if your favorite travel scene didn't make the cut.

Without giving the game away, the changes are mostly location-based. To a degree, this is logical, given that it might simply be easier to film in certain places than others. However, there's also a big change surrounding how Poppy and Alex eventually end up at David's (Miles Heizer) wedding.

Really, this is only going to bother those who loved the book, as objectively, you'd never be able to tell that anything is out of place. Still, at least we've got a hilariously-placed cameo from Lucien Laviscount (Alfie, for Emily in Paris fans), to smooth over any issues.

People We Meet on Vacation doesn't have wow-factor, but it doesn't need to. In the Netflix romance canon, it stands alone just by doing the basics incredibly well, with an original twist. Binge it this weekend under a pile of blankets while pretending you're on holiday, and you've got the picture-perfect weekend.

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Altra Timp 5 Boa: Two-minute reviewGet Fit for '26

This article is part of our Get Fit for '26 series, in which our writers talk about the wellness and fitness challenges and experiences they've taken on, and the ones set to shape the year ahead. You can read all the articles in the series here.

It's safe to say that the Altra Timp 5 Boa trail running shoes stand out from all the other pairs I've used over the years, including from the likes of Nike, Asics and Inov-8 among others.

The Inov-8 Trailfly G270 V2's are typically a sweet spot for me as someone who lives in the countryside with trails on my doorstep who wants a lightweight but durable, mostly off-road shoe. So how do the Timp 5 Boa trail shoes compare, and could they be one of the best running shoes for my broad feet?

Well, they certainly are an altogether different shoe from those Inov-8's. Altra's hallmarks are a particularly wide toe box and zero drop – two features I appreciate and drew my attention to the brand in the first place.

However, it's the unique lacing system of the 'Boa' version of the Timp 5's that peaked my curiosity. Swapping out traditional laces, there's a dial which tightens and loosens the lace, enabling quick and precise adjustments. Kind of like ski boots.

I was concerned how effective this system would be, expecting the lace to regularly work its way loose, but those worries were unfounded following multiple 5 mile trails runs over several weeks, tackling hills and all manner of terrain.

Push in the dial, rotate, and the lace tightens. Pull out the dial and the whole lace loosens. The unique lacing system is super easy. (Image credit: Tim Coleman)

Quick and micro adjustments are a doddle with this lacing system, which was a godsend given that I broke two fingers during the review period (unrelated, I promise – I stacked it in a skate park when rolling back the years on my daughter's scooter), and had limited use of one hand.

I've consequently lived in the Timp 5 Boa's because traditional laces were particularly tricky, but this lacing dial is manageable with one hand.

I found the Altra Timp 5 Boa's a little slow for running, but they are supremely comfortable for long days on your feet. (Image credit: Tim Coleman)

I like the look of the Timp 5 Boas too, even if the upper mesh is hard to clean after muddy trail runs to smarten them up for use afterwards as a day shoe.

And at 10oz / 286g, they are heavier than the average running shoe – I found them slow going for running (compared to those light Inov-8 shoes), so my pace was a little slower than I would like.

I'm used to zero drop shoes, but I did get a small strain on my achilles after totting up the miles in those Altra shoes. You might not be affected in the same way.

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The stretch 'sock' fabric cut into the outside of my ankle on occasion, too, if I had the tightening set incorrectly to my feet. Again, that might not be an issue for you.

I don't think I've find my new fast trail shoes, sadly, but the Timp 5 Boa's have otherwise been supremely comfortable and are clearly durable. These are my new top pick for long days on my feet, and I will definitely get a lot of use from them.

The Altra Timp 5 Boa's cost $185 / £155 on the Altra website, but you can also find discounted prices at other leading retailers – I've seen as much as 40% off even at the time of writing, which feels more reasonable.

Altra Timp 5 Boa: Specifications

Component

Altra Timp 5 Boa

Weight:

10oz / 286g

Upper:

Quick-dry air mesh

Midsole

Altra EGO™ MAX

Outsole

Vibram® Megagrip

Heel-to-toe drop

0mm

Altra Timp 5 Boa: Scorecard

Category

Comment

Score

Value

No discount at the time of writing at Altra, and relatively pricey

4/5

Design

Wide toebox gives room for feet to breathe, zero heel drop might not suit all

4.5/5

Features

Unique lacing system works a charm for micro adjustments and snug support, Vibram midsole adds durability

4.5/5

Performance

Supremely comfortable, but not the quickest running shoe

4/5

(Image credit: Tim Coleman)Altra Timp 5 Boa: Should I buy?Buy it if...

You have wide feet

The wide toe box is designed for people with wide feet and is certainly spacious.

You want a comfortable every day shoe

Slighly heavy for running, the cushioned Timp 5 Boa's are arguably a better pick for long days on your feet.

Don't buy it if...

You want a high speed running shoe

At 10oz / 286g, these are heavier than average shoes, not PB-assisting ones.

You want a smart-looking running shoe

I love the lacing system and overall like the look, but the hard-to-clean mesh isn't ideal for a trail shoe.

Also consider

Inov-8 Trailfly G270 V2

If you want a faster trail running shoe, I recommend the Inov-8 Trailfly G270 V2 instead – it's lighter, extremely durable and likewise has a zero drop.

Read my full Inov-8 Trailfly G270 V2 review

(Image credit: Tim Coleman)Altra Timp 5 Boa: how I tested

• Used as my primary everyday shoe and running shoe for 1 month
• My typical running distance was around 25km per week
• I ran on mixed terrain; technical trails, footpaths and roads, flat and hilly, and used these as day to day shoes

I pretty much lived in the Altra Timp 5 Boa's for a month, using them as my every day shoe for walking, hiking and commuting. I also completed numerous trail runs – about three per week for a month, with a typical weekly distance of around 25kms.

I live in the hilly countryside and most of the running I do covers mixed terrain and run in all kinds of weather. I've run on trails, footpaths and roads; wet and dry; flat and hilly. Just about any scenario you can imagine.

First reviewed: December 2025

Tribit PocketGo: two-minute review

The Tribit PocketGo is an ultra-small Bluetooth speaker that comes with an equally small price tag. It’s lightweight, can be easily hooked up, and is ideal for on the go use thanks to its pocket-sized form.

But there are even more positives worth pointing to. For instance, this model has exceptional IP68 dust and waterproofing, meaning its fit for just about any environment, be that your shower, a pool, the beach… you name it. It's also fairly sturdy, so should survive the occasional drop.

One more positive is the model’s 20 hour battery life, which is right up there with the best Bluetooth speakers in its size class. Unfortunately, though, this is where much of my praise reaches its end.

See, the most important thing for any Bluetooth speaker is to sound good. And even when accounting for this speaker's limited size, I still think it falls flat in a few areas. Of course, you’re not going to expect much in the bass department, but I felt that audio could get muddied too easily on the PocketGo, with a generally one-note sound. Compression is also pretty prominent at higher volumes, and dynamics are pretty lacking.

Don’t get me wrong, the Tribit PocketGo isn’t the worst sounding speaker I’ve heard, not by some margin. Mids and highs still sound clear enough at mid-volumes, and less demanding tracks come through pretty well. But its obvious rival – the JBL Go 4 – sounds considerably better, and comes at a pretty similar cost.

Speaking of the JBL Go 4, it's clear that it was a huge source of inspiration for Tribit’s small-sized speaker. The two models look highly similar, but Tribit’s speaker doesn’t quite have the same level of refinement, and isn’t available in the same broad, exciting array of colors.

It’s not all doom and gloom, though. There’s an effective nine-band equalizer and a commendable selection of EQ presets. I was also interested to see microSD playback onboard – not something you’d see from a lot of rivals.

But in the end, it just feels as if the PocketGo fails to beat out its hero, the JBL Go 4. It doesn’t have the visual flair, the audio quality, or the sophisticated app required to assert supremacy. And as a result, I can’t recommend Tribit’s small speaker outright.

(Image credit: Future)Tribit PocketGo review: price and release date

• $34.99 / £29.99 / AU$49.99
• Launched in November 2025

The Tribit PocketGo released in November 2025, and can be purchased in a range of color options, including Black, Blue, and Green. It has a list price of $34.99 / £29.99 / AU$49.99, which is a fair bit cheaper than the typical cost of its main competitor, the JBL Go 4, which is $49.95 / £39.99 / AU$59.95.

It's worth noting that Tribit isn't alone in wanting to offer the Go 4 for less; another option we tested, the AO mini portable wireless speaker, tried (in the UK at least) to match JBL's option for a cheaper £29 (around $34). But sadly, neither has fully succeeded…

Tribit PocketGo review: specs

Weight

0.5lbs / 220g

Dimensions

4.3 x 3.2 x 1.7 inches / 108 x 81 x 42mm

Connectivity

Bluetooth 6.0

Battery life

20 hours

Speaker drivers

1x 7W full range

Waterproofing

IP68

Tribit PocketGo review: features

• Pleasing customizable EQ options
• Impressive 20-hour battery life
• Multi-speaker pairing, but no Auracast

The Tribit PocketGo has a decent set of features, with a few customization features available through the Tribit companion app. This opens up a bunch of EQ presets for different genres and listening environments, as well as a nine-band custom equalizer, which is a most welcome inclusion.

There’s not much more to explore in the app, though. You can control audio playback, alter the auto shutdown window, and toggle voice prompts on and off, but that’s about it. There are no battery preservation options, device management section, or anything out of the ordinary. I was also surprised to see Auracast left out, especially given the use of Bluetooth 6.0. You can pair two speakers together for stereo playback, though.

Another small thing worth noting is that the app isn’t the best I’ve used. It has a fairly rudimentary appearance, and I also experienced an issue where the app wouldn’t allow me to upgrade the speaker’s firmware. It believed that I wasn’t using the latest version of the companion software, but even after updating the app, I still couldn’t upgrade to the latest firmware, which was puzzling.

Anyway, your mileage may vary on that issue, and there are still plenty of good features to discuss. For instance, hands-free calling is available on the PocketGo thanks to its built-in mic. Quality-wise, the mic is just OK – a colleague said that I sounded pretty distant, but my words were still discernible. But one good thing is that the built-in mic enables you to use a voice assistant, which some users will appreciate.

One of the key benefits of the PocketGo is also its battery life. 20 hours is a very generous portion of playtime for a speaker of this size, though it’s worth noting that you can expect less if you’re listening at more than 50% volume. Still, 20 hours is almost three times the battery life of the JBL Go 4, which is the PocketGo’s nearest rival.

Finally, you’re able to play music from a microSD card thanks to a TF card input slot on the speaker. This isn’t something I’ve seen from a lot of rival models, and though it doesn’t seem to be the most practical way to enjoy your tunes, playback was stable when I tested it out.

• Features score: 3.5/5

(Image credit: Future)Tribit PocketGo review: sound quality

• Mid-range and treble perform decently at mid-volume
• Bass is lacking, largely due to restricted size
• Lacks the dynamism and expression of the JBL Go 4

I’ll put my cards on the table – the Tribit PocketGo isn’t the best-sounding speaker I’ve tested, but it does have some redeeming qualities.

When listening to Black Eye by Allie X, the rapid-fire drum machine never sounded lethargic or bloated, although it did lack quite a bit of depth. That’s largely down to the small size of the PocketGo, which is light on power and can’t reach down all too deeply.

Higher in the frequency range, sudden percussive hits didn’t quite have the bite I’d hoped for – and generally the speaker’s dynamics never blew me away – but treble sounds were never harsh or uncontrolled at 50% volume or less. Vocals were also clear in the mix, which made for a decent overall listen, although I will say that they started to get muddied when I pushed volume above that 60-70% mark.

Tracks that feature sub-bass or generally deeper bass won’t fare well at all on the PocketGo. As I mentioned, there are some limitations here, so it’s to be expected, but tracks like 12 O.C Riddim by M-High featured almost inaudible low-frequency elements, which stripped them of the energy and excitement bass heads will be seeking out.

With a less demanding track like I’ve Got Your Number by Ned Doheny, there was a notable improvement, though. Strumming acoustic guitars were clear even with soulful vocals at the fore, and mid-bass – though not particularly impactful – came through cleanly. Again, there was very noticeable compression as I edged towards top volumes, but this speaker can get pretty loud for its size, so you might not need to crank things all the way to the top.

When I compared the PocketGo against its rival, the JBL Go 4, the latter model typically performed better. The PocketGo could get louder, but it had a less expressive overall sound, with the Go 4 plating up superior instrument separation and dynamics. Both speakers suffer from similar restrictions due to their size – neither gave me amazing deep bass or beautifully layered, detailed sound. But I think the Go 4 is the better sounding model.

• Sound quality score: 3/5

(Image credit: Future)Tribit PocketGo review: design

• A less refined-looking JBL Go 4
• Small and lightweight
• Exceptional IP68 dust and waterproofing

Let’s address the elephant in the room here. To say that the Tribit PocketGo is inspired by the JBL Go 4 would be an understatement.

This is almost a one-for-one copy, featuring a fabric speaker grille, a rubber control pad, and small loop for hanging the speaker up. It’s not as refined or premium looking as JBL’s model, though, and its color options aren’t the most exciting, meaning it's not my favorite looks-wise.

But there are some definite positives to discuss in regard to this speaker’s design. First of all, it’s pleasingly compact and lightweight, coming in at just 0.5lbs / 220g. Its fabric loop also makes it easy to place on a hook – though I’d recommend laying it flat or on its base to listen to music, if you want the best audio quality.

What’s more, the Tribit PocketGo has an IP68 rating. That means it’s fully protected against dust, and highly waterproof too. More specifically, it can live through a 30 minute dunking under a meter and a half of water – it doesn’t get much better than that. In addition, it has a fairly solid construction, and should easily survive the occasional drop.

• Design score: 3/5

(Image credit: Future)Tribit PocketGo review: value

• Has a very modest price tag
• Although you can grab an on-sale JBL Go 4 for similar
• Fairly average overall quality

The Tribit PocketGo is a very budget friendly option, coming in with a list price of just $34.99 / £29.99 / AU$49.99.

Of course, this speaker is far from perfect. It produces average audio with solid mid-range and treble output at mid-volumes, but limited instrument separation and poor overall sound at louder levels. Its design is also a little unoriginal, and there are some missing features I would’ve liked to see.

But when you consider its impressive playtime, excellent waterproofing, and compact build, there is still plenty to like. Is it going to blow you away for the price? Perhaps not, but I still think you get what you pay for.

Still, would I recommend it outright? Not exactly. I think the JBL Go 4 is still the stronger pick if you’re seeking out a cheap, small-sized option. It may have a slightly higher list price, but it's on sale fairly regularly for around $40 / £35 / AU$49. Its superior sound quality and aesthetic makes it the better pick, for me.

• Value score: 3.5/5

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the Tribit PocketGo?

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

Great battery life, but lacks Auracast, and companion app is pretty rudimentary.

3.5/5

Sound quality

OK sounding at mid-volume, but struggles beyond that, generally one-note audio.

3/5

Design

A little too close to the JBL Go 4, but lightweight and highly waterproof.

3/5

Value

Overall, you get what you pay for, but no more than that.

3.5/5

Buy it if...

You want a compact speaker to take on the go
One of my favorite things about the PocketGo is its satisfyingly small size, which makes it easy to throw in a bag or, well you know, in your pocket. It’s also dust and waterproof, meaning it's fit for use in any environment.

You’re on a tight budget
The low list price of the Tribit PocketGo makes it an enticing option. Its audio isn’t going to blow you away, and it's not the prettiest looking speaker on the market, but its long battery life and lightweight build may tempt you.

Don't buy it if...

You want great sound quality
Of course, some of this speaker’s flaws are linked to the inherent restrictions of its size. For instance, you can’t expect deep bass or amazing loudness here. But even still, this model left a little to be desired sonically, with a fairly one-note sound, limited instrument separation, and harsh audio at higher volumes.

You’re looking for something with style
This model looks a little bit too similar to the JBL Go 4 for my liking, but doesn’t quite have the refinement and charm of that model. There are less color options to choose from too, so I’d suggest picking the Go 4 over it.

Tribit PocketGo review: also consider

Tribit PocketGo

JBL Go 4

Edifier ES20

Price

$34.99 / £29.99 / AU$49.99

$49.95 / £39.99 / AU$59.95

$89.99 / £50 / AU$99.99

Weight

0.5lbs / 220g

0.6lbs / 285g

0.7lbs / 0.3kg

Dimensions

4.3 x 3.2 x 1.7 inches / 108 x 81 x 42mm

3.7 x 3 x 1.7 inches / 94 x 78 x 42mm

3.6 x 3.7 x 2 inches / 90.4 x 93.7 x 49.7mm

Connectivity

Bluetooth 6.0

Bluetooth 5.3

Bluetooth 5.4

Battery life

20 hours

7 hours

15 hours

Speaker drivers

1x 45mm full range

1x 45mm full range

1x 43mm full range

Waterproofing

IP68

IP67

IP67

JBL Go 4
This is the speaker that the Tribit PocketGo wants to be. It’s not the best sounding speaker ever, but I appreciate the Go 4’s clear mids and controlled treble, and you can adjust EQ to your personal taste. It’s a colorful, well-built, and lightweight option that’s even in my guide to the best Bluetooth speakers. Read our full JBL Go 4 review.

Edifier ES20
The Edifier ES20 was one of my favorite Bluetooth speakers of 2025. It's a little larger than the PocketGo and Go 4, but it’s still nice and compact, and highly waterproof. Sonically, this is an excellent choice, with surprisingly detailed mids, punchy bass, and expressive treble. Read our full Edifier ES20 review.

Tribit PocketGo review: how I tested

(Image credit: Future)

• Tested within a one-week period
• Mainly used at home
• Predominantly tested using Tidal

I tested the Tribit PocketGo over a week-long period, mainly using it at home. During my time with the speaker, I spent hours listening to music, exhausted all of its features, and even compared it directly against the JBL Go 4.

When listening to tunes, I made sure to start with the TechRadar testing playlist, which features tracks from a range of genres. I also listened to songs from my personal library through both Tidal and Spotify.

And more generally, I’ve reviewed dozens of Bluetooth speakers here at TechRadar – more than 30 to be precise. As a result, I’m highly familiar with the PocketGo’s competition, and I know what it takes for a speaker to stand out in a highly convoluted market.

• First reviewed: January 2026
• Read more about how we test

My colleagues in the USA are busy covering CES, but HP didn’t want Australia to miss out – so the company shipped me a pre-release version of the new business-focused EliteBook X G2i running the newly released Intel Core Ultra X7 358H CPU.

Sadly, one of the conditions is that I can’t regale you with benchmarks (for now), but I can give you a sneak peek at a very impressive laptop.

While HP announced multiple EliteBook X G2i variants, the one I have is special – it’s the lightweight model that weighs under 1kg. Technically, it actually measured xxxxxx (redacted) grams on my scales, but that’s close enough in my book.

The EliteBook X G2i is impressively light in hand, and despite feeling almost hollow, it’s very sturdy, and has little flex in the 14-inch shell.

(Image credit: Future)

The full spec is below, but I got hands-on with the Intel Core Ultra X7 358H equipped variant, with 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. HP also announced the EliteBook X G2a with the latest CPUs from AMD, as well as the EliteBook X G2q that will use processors from Qualcomm.

HP also announced a 2-in-1 EliteBook X Flip that shares many of the same specs, but has a fold back screen. You can read more about the EliteBook X G2 Series directly from HP.

There are various display options, but I have the 14-inch 3K OLED (2880 x 1800), with a 120Hz (VRR) refresh rate, a 500 nit brightness and DCI-P3 100% color. In the non-lightweight model (only 100 grams more), you can get the same panel with (or without) a touchscreen, or a range of 1920 x 1200 OLED or IPS screens.

My favorite feature here is that the screen folds back through 180 degrees, which makes it easy to sit the laptop securely in a stand next to a monitor, and minimise the amount of desk space taken up. In use, the OLED is vibrant and bright, and the higher 3K resolution makes it easy to get the most out of the compact 14-inch screen.

USB-C connectivity is good, with dual Thunderbolt 4 on the left, and a 10Gbps port (that also supports charging and DisplayPort 2.1) on the right. You also get USB-A on the right, a Kensington lock port, and HDMI 2.1 and a 3.5mm headset jack on the left.

That’s pretty good for such a compact lightweight laptop, and my only tiny complaint is that I wish there was a little more space between the two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, to make it easier to plug in both a dock cable and a fast USB drive.

The laptop will run up to four monitors, or three if you want to stick with USB-C only. You also get Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE211 (2x2) and Bluetooth 6, plus a facial recognition webcam (with privacy shutter) – though a fingerprint sensor is an optional extra.

Image 1 of 2

(Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

(Image credit: Future)HP EliteBook X G2i: Price & availability

HP has not given any pricing or an exact date for when the EliteBook X G2i and X Flip G2i will be available, but you can expect them in February 2026.

The wider EliteBook X G2 family, including the EliteBook X G2a and EliteBook X G2q, is not expected until later in the year.

(Image credit: Future)HP EliteBook X G2i: SpecsHP EliteBook X G2i specifications (lightweight clamshell variant)

CPU

Intel Core Ultra X7 358H

GPU

Intel Arc B930

Display

14in 3K OLED (2880 x 1800), 120Hz (VRR), anti-glare, 500 nits, DCI-P3 100%

RAM

32GB LPDDR5x 8533MT/s

Storage

1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD (954GB usable)

Connectivity

Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6

Ports

Right: USB-C 10Gbps (USB PD, DP 2.1), USB-A 10Gbps (powered), security lock slot, optional nano-SIM. Left: 2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB PD, DP 2.1), HDMI 2.1, 3.5mm headset jack

Dimensions

312.7 x 219.9 x 9.15mm (front), 14.41mm (rear)

Weight

999g

Operating system

Windows 11 Pro

HP EliteBook X G2i: Design and build

(Image credit: Future)

The lightweight EliteBook X G2i feels very premium the moment you pick it up and while impressively light, it doesn’t feel flimsy, and the whole 14-inch shell is quite rigid. Even the hinge is nicely tuned and opens fairly effortlessly one-handed, but still holds its position once you’ve set the screen angle.

There’s also very little flex in the lid or keyboard deck, and it generally feels like a laptop that will handle being used on the go, day in and day out.

The laptop's look is understated in the way I personally love: the branding is subtle, it’s very professional looking, and the rounded edges make it nice to handle. The lightweight model only comes in “Atmospheric Blue”, but it suits the design.

It does pick up fingerprints easily, though the finish also wipes clean quite easily, so it’s quick to make it look a bit neater before an important meeting.

The trackpad is large, accurate in use and has a good solid haptic click. The keyboard matches the premium feel, and there’s very little bounce. The keys have reasonably deep travel and it’s comfortable for long typing sessions, even with larger hands. I didn’t see any annoying low-angle backlight glow bleeding out under the keys.

It’s also great to see HP putting real effort into materials, and the clamshell covers use up to 90% recycled magnesium, plus there’s recycled content used across parts like the bezel, speaker enclosure, keycaps and more.

HP EliteBook X G2i: Performance

(Image credit: Future)

Again, I can’t give any specific benchmarks at this stage, but I have run the EliteBook X G2i through the full range of TechRadar tests. While there were a few inconsistent results and teething issues (which are normal for a pre-product sample and a new CPU), overall performance is excellent.

You can read more about some of the expected numbers directly from Intel, but suffice to say, the new Core Ultra Series 3 CPUs are very impressive, and thanks to a very powerful iGPU, make Intel powered laptops more competitive against the best from AMD and Qualcomm.

The Core Ultra X7 358H in the EliteBook X G2i isn’t hugely faster than last gen CPUs like the last gen Core Ultra 7 265H in single core tasks, but multicore performance is significantly better. But it’s the Intel Arc B930 that is most impressive, and it runs rings around last gen iGPUs like the Intel Arc 140V and even Radeon 890M.

In fact, it’s good enough to compete directly with low end dedicated GPUs in creator laptops (with more limited power profiles), and will happily handle casual gaming.

(Image credit: Future)

Based on Intel’s numbers, the Core Ultra X7 358H happily bests the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 and is much closer to the higher wattage AMD Ryzen AI Max Pro 390 – though the Arc B390 iGPU still falls short of the Radeon 8050S.

In normal everyday use, the EliteBook X G2i is cool and quiet, but when pushed, it is noticeably noisy. That’s to be expected in such a thin and lightweight laptop, and in fact HP has done a great job of getting impressive sustained performance from the CPU, and the sound level is a perfectly acceptable tradeoff.

The lightweight variant of the laptop I have uses a 56Wh battery, while the normal G2i can also be equipped with a bigger 68Wh battery. While I can't share exact runtimes, battery life is very impressive, and it’s on par with (or better than) the best results from similar spec laptops using older Intel CPUs, or the best from AMD and Qualcomm. While battery life drops under sustained heavier workloads, the EliteBook X G2i is more than capable of lasting through an entire day of work.

AI performance is not a major drawcard for most people yet, but the Ultra X7 358H has a 50 TOPS NPU that will help with many workloads, and be increasingly useful as time goes on.

The EliteBook X G2i comes with a compact 65W USB-C charger, and tops up quite quickly, but we found it a little finicky and it didn’t always charge at the full rate from some 65W (or higher) chargers and power banks. Considering it uses USB PD spec for charging, these are likely just early quibbles with the laptop being more conservative about it making sure it is connected to a suitable performance charger.

HP EliteBook X G2i: Final thoughts

(Image credit: Future)

While we'll reserve final judgment until we get hands-on with a production version of the laptop, based on my time with the G2i, it's absolutely one worth putting on your shortlist for a 2026 upgrade.

Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10: Two-minute review

The Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10 is an elegantly designed laptop, marketed for gamers and other power users requiring its high-end specs.

With its brilliant white finish, the Legion 7i stands out from the drubness of the gaming laptop crowd. The minimal branding and bright RGB keyboard backlighting impart a combination of elegance and vibrancy as well.

The Legion 7i has one of the best gaming laptop designs I’ve seen. It's remarkably thin and has some interesting touches, such as the brushed metal sides with their supremely flat surface and rounded corners.

More importantly, it’s supremely well built, with those aforementioned sides being a particular highlight thanks to their solid feel. However, the top panel can flex a little, and the lid even more so. Thankfully, the hinge offers more than enough stability, and pivots very smoothly.

There are a sufficient number of ports on the Legion 7i, but given the amount of empty space on the sides, it’s a shame there aren’t more. Still, you get two USB-C and two USB-A ports, handy for peripheral connections, while the power jack and HDMI interface are sensibly placed at the rear.

There’s also an SD card reader, an uncommon addition for a gaming laptop. More peculiar is a switch for toggling the webcam, placed on the left behind the aforementioned reader. Why there isn’t a physical slider for covering the camera is beyond me, and doubtless many would prefer this failsafe method instead.

The Intel Core Ultra 7 and RTX 5060 proved capable enough to run AAA titles at high settings. You might need Frame Generation and DLSS upscaling set to Balanced to get the highest fps, but this is pretty much par for the course in the current landscape.

As I expected, the fans whirred constantly during my sessions. The noise they generate can be quite loud, but the best PC gaming headsets should be able to drown this out.

(Image credit: Future)

Less expectedly — and more worryingly — the portion above the keyboard became incredibly hot, to the point of being untouchable. However, this spike only lasted a few moments, before returning to a comfortable temperature. Nonetheless, this was still something I found concerning, and haven’t experienced with other gaming laptops to the same extreme degree.

The display of the Legion 7i lives up to its impressive specification. The high 2560 x 1600 resolution is as crisp as you would imagine, while the OLED technology offers fantastic contrast and color representation. I did notice some prominent reflections, but in the main these weren’t too bothersome.

Despite the keyboard looking rather typical for a laptop, the depth and dampening of the keys exceeded my expectations. This imbues presses with a reassuring thud, while their snappy response should see you perform at your best.

These same qualities, coupled with the spacious layout, make the Legion 7i’s board great for typing, too. The touchpad also feels delightful, thanks to its silky finish. However, its small size and alacrity to trigger at inopportune moments make it impractical.

The battery life of the Legion 7i is quite impressive by gaming laptop standards, lasting close to eight hours in our movie playback test. It’s also quick to charge, taking just just under two hours to do so from empty to full.

The starting price of the Legion 7i is fairly reasonable: it undercuts some of its rivals, but there are cheaper alternatives with more powerful componentry. However, these often fail to match the superlative design and build quality of the Legion 7i, so if these are priorities for you, the Legion 7i is one of the best gaming laptops around.

Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10 review: Price & Availability

(Image credit: Future)

• Starts from $1,779.99 / £2,069.99 / AU$3,759
• Available now
• Some cheaper rivals with stronger specs

The Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10 starts from $1,779.99 / £2,069.99 / AU$3,759. For this, you get a unit with an Intel Core Ultra 7, an RTX 5060, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage. In the UK, the base (and only) RAM capacity is 32GB. The highest spec of the Legion 7i features an Ultra 9, an RTX 5070, and 32GB of RAM. There are also two display options to choose from, varying only in their refresh rate (165Hz or 240Hz).

This is undeniably a lot of money, although it’s worth mentioning that we’ve seen both low- and high-spec models with considerable discounts on Lenovo's website. But while there are certainly more expensive 16-inch gaming laptops out there (the Razer Blade 16 comes to mind), there are also some considerably cheaper rivals.

One such model is the Asus TUF Gaming A16 (2025). This is one of the best budget gaming laptop options around right now: it impressed me with its performance and surprisingly elegant design when I reviewed it. However, it can’t match the premium construction, slender form, or visual fidelity of the Legion 7i.

• Value: 3.5 / 5

Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10 review: Specs

Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10 base config

Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10 max config

Price

$1,779.99 / £2,069.99 / AU$3,759

$2,179.99 / £2,600 / AU$4,159

CPU

Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX (up to 5.2GHz)

Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX (up to 5.4GHz)

GPU

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop, 8GB

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop, 8GB

RAM

16GB DDR5 (US); 32GB DDR5 (UK)

32GB DDR5

Storage

1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD

1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD

Display

16-inch WQXGA (2560 x 1600), OLED, Glare, Non-Touch, HDR 1000 True Black, 100% DCI-P3, 500 nits, 165Hz, Low Blue Light

16-inch WQXGA (2560 x 1600), OLED, Glare, Non-Touch, HDR 1000 True Black, 100% DCI-P3, 500 nits, 240Hz, Low Blue Light

Ports and Connectivity

2x USB-C (1x Thunderbolt 4 (40Gb/s, DisplayPort 2.1, power delivery 65W-100W), 1x 10Gb/s, power delivery 65-100W, DisplayPort 2.1), 2x USB-A (5Gb/s), 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x Combo audio; Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4

2x USB-C (1x Thunderbolt 4 (40Gb/s, DisplayPort 2.1, power delivery 65W-100W), 1x 10Gb/s, power delivery 65-100W, DisplayPort 2.1), 2x USB-A (5Gb/s), 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x Combo audio; Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4

Battery

84Wh

84Wh

Dimensions

0.7 x 14.2 x 10.4in (17.9 x 361.7 x 263.4mm)

0.7 x 14.2 x 10.4in (17.9 x 361.7 x 263.4mm)

Weight

4.39lbs / 1.99kg

4.39lbs / 1.99kg

Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10 review: Design

(Image credit: Future)

• Light, thin, and elegant
• Great build quality
• Missed opportunity for more ports

You won’t see too many gaming laptops as elegant as the Legion 7i. The fetching white finish marks it out from the usual bland shades of black seen in this sector, and puts me in mind of MacBooks of yore. The subtle branding and RGB backlighting also help to liven up appearances.

Strange as it is to say, the edges of the Legion 7i are a real highlight. The completely flat surfaces and rounded corners are reminiscent of the best iPad and best MacBook designs, while the brushed metal finish only adds to the appeal.

What’s more, their aluminum construction feels incredibly dense, so there’s little chance of denting them. The top panel that houses the keyboard has more give, but it’s still more solid than many others in this price range. This is all the more impressive given how thin and light the base is. There are no extraneous protrusions either; even the rear ventilation bulge is much smaller than its rivals’.

Even thinner than the 7i’s base is the lid. It’s equally impressive in its resistance to flexing, and its hinge offers a remarkable amount of sturdiness while operating with the utmost smoothness. I also appreciated the slight jut at the top of the lid, which allows you to open the Legion 7i easily with one hand, which isn’t the case with many other gaming laptops.

(Image credit: Future)

The rear features two ports: one for the power adapter and one for HDMI cables. On the left are three USB ports — two Type-C and one Type-A — and a combo audio jack. On the right, you’ll find another USB-A port and, unusually for a gaming laptop, an SD card reader.

Also on the right is a switch for disabling the webcam. This doesn't work as well as a mechanical cover, and its small size and stiff operation meant I wasn't a huge fan, though it's still nice to have this additional privacy feature.

Overall, though, the port selection on the Legion 7i should prove sufficient for most users’ needs. However, given the large gaps present on both sides, I can’t help feeling that more could’ve been squeezed in.

Lenovo’s main utility software, LegionSpace, is simple to use and functions well. It ran without issue during my time with it, and it was quick and easy to view system information and change performance modes.

• Design: 5 / 5

Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10 review: Performance

(Image credit: Future)

• Good gaming performance
• Some general performance issues
• Odd temperature spikes

Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10 Benchmarks

Here are the results for the benchmarks I ran on the Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10:

Geekbench 6 (Multi Core): 18,459; (Single Core): 3,008
Cinebench R23 (Multi Core): 28,264
Cinebench R24 (Multi Core): 1,664; (Single Core): 132
Crossmark Overall: 2,120
3DMark
Night Raid: 79,720; Fire Strike: 27,345; Steel Nomad: 2,730; Solar Bay: 56,673; Solar Bay Unlimited: 57,277; Solar Bay Extreme: 11,267; Solar Bay Extreme Unlimited: 11,429
BlackMagicDisk Read: 5,208MB/s; Write: 4,343MB/s
Civilization VII (Max resolution, AMD FSR 3, High): 92fps; (1080p, High): 178fps
Shadow of the Tomb Raider (Max resolution, Highest, Balanced upscaling): 162fps; (1080p, Highest, SMAA x4): 132fps
Total War: Warhammer III: Mirrors of Madness (1080p, Ultra)66fps; (Max Resolution, Ultra): 43fps
Cyberpunk 2077 (Max resolution, Ultra, Balanced upscaling)74fps; (1440p, Ray Tracing: Ultra, Balanced upscaling): 48fps; (1080p, Ultra): 93fps
Marvel Rivals (Max resolution, Balanced upscaling, Ultra): 61fps; (1200p, Low): 106fps

When it came to gaming, the Legion 7i conducted itself well. While playing Cyberpunk 2077, I was getting fps figures in the mid 60s with the Ray Tracing: Low preset selected and DLSS upscaling set to Balanced. Turning on Frame Generation resulted in significant improvements, boosting the rate to about 100fps.

Some general performance issues did blight my time with the Legion 7i somewhat. I experienced occasional lock-ups when navigating Windows 11, with clicks on icons and app windows failing to register. I also encountered stuck loading wheels.

Under load, the Legion 7i’s fans are certainly noticeable, but given many gaming laptops sound like jet engines when running demanding tasks, the sound isn’t too disruptive.

Despite the noise, however, the fans failed to provide consistent cooling. It didn’t take long for the section just above the keyboard to reach worrying high temperatures.

Thankfully, it cooled down to touchable temperatures in the midst of gameplay. The rear of the Legion 7i also became very hot, although thankfully not to the same extent, while the keyboard at least only became lukewarm.

(Image credit: Future)

On a more positive note, the display of the Legion 7i is exquisite. The 2560 x 1600 resolution is as pinpoint-sharp as you would expect, while the OLED technology allows for superb contrast. Color reproduction and brightness levels are also hard to fault. The only minor gripe I had was the reflectiveness of the screen, but this wasn’t bad enough to ruin the visual splendor of the Legion 7i.

The keys are solid and very well damped. They have a greater travel and a more emphatic thud compared to other gaming laptop keyboards I’ve experienced, which makes them very satisfying to game with. The space bar was a particular highlight in this regard, putting it on a level with those fitted in the best gaming keyboards.

What’s more, the keys rebound superbly, which further improves their performance. This applies whether you’re gaming or typing, while the latter activity additionally benefits from the comfortable layout, which, despite the main keys being pushed to the left by the number pad, doesn’t feel cramped.

The touchpad is also a joy to use, thanks to its super-smooth surface and solid clicks. However, it’s relatively small given the overall size of the Legion 7i, which hampers navigation somewhat.

It’s also overly-sensitive. Unintentional swipes and taps frequently registered when I used the keyboard — especially the common Alt and Tab combination, resulting in a very frustrating productivity experience. However, all this might be a moot point if, like many gamers, you plan on using a mouse exclusively.

• Performance: 3.5 / 5

Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10 review: Battery Life

(Image credit: Future)

• Decent longevity
• Some rivals more enduring
• Quick to charge

By gaming laptop standards, the Legion 7i has a respectable battery life. It managed to last just shy of eight hours when I ran a movie on a continuous loop, which means it can outlast many of its rivals, although both the Asus V16 and TUF Gaming A16 (2025) beat it comfortably, with each lasting over 10 hours in the same test.

Fortunately, the Legion 7i is very quick to charge, taking just two hours to fully replenish.

• Battery Life: 4 / 5

Should I buy the Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10?Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10 Scorecard

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Value

The price is good considering its upmarket design, but there are cheaper rivals with better performance.

3.5 / 5

Design

This is one of the lightest, thinnest, and sleekest 16-inch gaming laptops around, not to mention the build quality is excellent.

5 / 5

Performance

Gaming performance is pretty good, but there are some issues with general performance. Some temperature spikes also sully the experience somewhat.

3.5 / 5

Battery Life

Pretty good for this class of laptop, and it’s very quick to charge. Some rivals can outlast it, though.

4 / 5

Total

You’re mainly paying for the superb design of the Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10 rather than its outright performance, but this is still sufficient for high-end gaming.

4 / 5

Buy the Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10 if...

You want a sleek, elegant design
You’ll struggle to find a thinner, lighter, and better-made 16-inch gaming laptop than the Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10.

You want a fantastic display
Super sharp, bright, and vivid, the WQXGA OLED display in the Legion 7i is excellent all-round.

Don't buy it if...

You want the best performance
Gaming performance is great, but don’t expect to run AAA titles smoothly with the highest settings applied. Some hiccups occur with general tasking, too.

You want the best cooling
I experienced some odd temperature spikes during my time with the Legion 7i, with some parts (thankfully, not those you’d often touch) becoming blistering hot.

Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10 review: Also Consider

Asus V16
The Asus V16 is another thin and light 16-inch gaming laptop, but at a much cheaper price. Granted, with its RTX 40-series GPU, it isn’t as powerful but I still found the V16’s performance to be capable. It can’t, however, match the build or display quality of the Legion 7i, and it’s prone to getting hot, too.

Asus TUF Gaming A16 (2025)
Another budget-friendly offering, the TUF Gaming A16 can be optioned with an RTX 5070 and an AMD Ryzen 9 and still undercut the base Legion 7i. Again, though, its display isn’t nearly as impressive, and it can get very loud under load.

Read our full Asus TUF Gaming A16 (2025) review.

How I tested the Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10

(Image credit: Future)

• Tested for several days
• Used for gaming and other tasks
• Plentiful gaming laptop experience

I tested the Legion 7i for several days, during which time I used it for gaming, working, and light entertainment.

I played AAA titles such as Cyberpunk 2077 and ran our series of comprehensive benchmark tests, including those for the battery life.

I’ve been PC gaming for over a decade, and have used many systems in that time. I’ve reviewed a large number of gaming laptops professionally, varying greatly in their specs and price points.

• First reviewed January 2025
• Read more about how we test

As CES 2026 kicks off, right out of the gate, we have one of the biggest surprises of the show as far as laptops go, and that is the return of the Dell XPS 14 and XPS 16.

Last year, Dell underwent a major overhaul of its laptop lines, consolidating them under a kind of grid scheme of Dell, Dell Pro, and Dell Pro Max laptops, each with a base model, a Plus model, and a Premium version for different sizes.

It was controversial, for sure, and whether that controversy prompted Dell to change course or there was something in the sales performance of the rebranded laptops that gave Dell pause, whatever it was has given us back the iconic Dell XPS laptops, and it’s more than just a return to the old name.

The new Dell XPS lineup has had a solid redesign that at first sight goes a long way towards fixing the complaints I had with the last few generations of XPS laptops. It’s also powered by the new Intel Core Ultra 300 series processors, and by powered by Intel, I mean entirely.

With the new redesign, the XPS laptop is losing a discrete graphics option for the foreseeable future, which is putting a lot of trust in Intel’s new chips to deliver the mix of creative and productivity performance users expect from the XPS brand.

Whether the new Dell XPS 14 and Dell XPS 16 achieve that balance remains to be seen, but for right now, these two laptops are a fantastic return for the beloved laptop line.

Dell XPS 14 & Dell XPS 16: Price & availability

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

• When is it out? The XPS 14 and XPS 16 go on sale January 6, 2026
• How much is it? Starting at $1,649.99 for the XPS 14 and $1,849.99 for the XPS 16
• Where can you get it? Only available in the US at launch, with global availability to follow

The Dell XPS 14 and Dell XPS 16 will go on sale in the US on January 6, 2026, with a limited number of configurations, starting at $1,649.99 for the XPS 14 and $1,849.99 for the XPS 16. Lower-priced configurations will be launching soon, as will wider availability in the UK and Australia, though no dates or pricing for those regions have been given yet.

Without knowing what the specific specs of the initial configurations are, it’s hard to tell how much the price of the new XPS laptops will vary from earlier models. With RAM prices being what they are, I would not be surprised if they come in somewhat higher, but Dell is also better able to absorb those price hikes or negotiate volume pricing down, thanks to its size, so we’ll just have to keep an eye on it over the next few weeks and months before I can give it a proper value assessment.

Dell XPS 14 & Dell XPS 16: Specs

• Powered by Intel Core Ultra 300 series
• No discrete graphics option

Dell XPS 14 2026 & Dell XPS 16 2026 specs

Dell XPS 14

Dell XPS 16

Processor

Up to Intel Core Ultra X9 388H

Up to Intel Core Ultra X9 388H

Graphics

Intel Arc Graphics, Intel Graphics

Intel Arc Graphics, Intel Graphics

NPU

Up to 50 TOPS

Up to 50 TOPS

Memory

Up to 64GB LPDDR5x-9600

Up to 64GB LPDDR5x-9600

Storage

Up to 4TB PCIe 5.0

Up to 4TB PCIe 5.0

Display

Up to 14-inch 2.8K (2880 x 1800) OLED InfinityEdge touch display, 400-nits typical, 500-nits peak brightness, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500

Up to 16-inch 3.2K (3200 x 2000) OLED InfinityEdge touch, 400-nits typical, 500-nits peak brightness, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500

Wireless

Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0

Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0

Ports

3x Thunderbolt 4, 1x 3.5mm Universal Audio jack

3x Thunderbolt 4, 1x 3.5mm Universal Audio jack

Battery

70WHr

70WHr

Webcam

8MP / 4K HDR w/ Windows Hello

8MP / 4K HDR w/ Windows Hello

Dimensions (W x D x H)

12.19 x 8.26 x 0.58 ins | 309.5 x 209.7 x 14.6mm

13.88 x 9.35 x 0.58 ins | 352.6 x 237.47 x 14.6mm

Weight

3.0 lbs | 1.36kg

3.65 lbs | 1.65kg

Dell XPS 14 & Dell XPS 16: Design

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

• New, thinner, and more modern design
• Fixes most of the accessibility issues with previous gen XPS models

The biggest change here for the Dell XPS 14and XPS 16 is the design of the two laptops, which significantly improves things over earlier generations.

First, the laptop feels lighter and sturdier than its predecessors, and it definitely looks more modern. The move from the Dell logo to the XPS logo on the lid also makes the laptop feel less like an office product and more like a proper ultrabook.

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

From my limited time with the two laptops, the keys had good travel and felt comfortable enough in my testing, but having not typed on them extensively, I can’t say how they’ll feel after a few hours of work.

The three Thunderbolt ports along the sides and the headphone/mic jack are sufficient for most people, and while the lack of USB-A ports might annoy some, at this point, I can’t fault Dell for sticking with the faster, more intuitive USB-C interface.

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

The webcam is an 8MP 4K HDR webcam, which is what I would expect for a laptop in this class, and the 10W audio is spread out between a number of hidden speakers along both sides of the laptop. Given the noise in the testing area, the audio was audible, but it was also really loud. I’ll reserve judgment on that until I can do more extensive testing with it.

The OLED displays looked great on the two laptops, with the XPS 16-inch feeling much more roomy as you’d expect, but the 14-inch display is also more than enough for most. The lighting in the testing space wasn’t the greatest, so I wouldn’t trust my eyes to judge the color accuracy without a longer look in better conditions, but I honestly can’t think of anything I’d fault them for.

The biggest changes, for me at least, are the return of physical Function keys and a more visible border for the trackpads. The old virtual Function key bar along the previous gen devices and the complete lack of a visibly defined trackpad on a smooth, glassy surface were accessibility headaches that simply weren’t necessary. The trackpad could be better defined, I’ll say, but I’m just happy that you can at least see it more clearly.

Dell XPS 14 & Dell XPS 16: Performance

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

I didn’t have a chance to benchmark either the XPS 14 or XPS 16, so I can’t tell you how either will perform versus their predecessors. I will say that the lack of discrete graphics will not work in the new XPS models' favor if you are comparing them to a Dell Premium with an Nvidia RTX 4050, like the Dell 14 Premium I tested last year.

That said, I haven’t fully tested the new Intel Panther Lake chips yet, so the new XPS’s performance might end up surprising me. We’ll know soon enough.

Dell XPS 14 & Dell XPS 16: Final thoughts

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

I personally didn’t lose much sleep over the XPS rebranding last year, the way many of my colleagues did, but I’m sure the XPS’s triumphant return from exile will make plenty of people happy.

What I care far more about, though, is the redesign of these two laptops, particularly the Function keys and the trackpad. Those fixes alone make this the one laptop I’m most excited to test out in the next few weeks, and if Intel Panther Lake can live up to its hype, these two models just might be the laptops to buy in 2026.

TechRadar will be extensively covering this year's CES, and will bring you all of the big announcements as they happen. Head over to our CES 2026 news page for the latest stories and our hands-on verdicts on everything from wireless TVs and foldable displays to new phones, laptops, smart home gadgets, and the latest in AI.

And don’t forget to follow us on TikTok and WhatsApp for the latest from the CES show floor!

Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold: One-minute preview

If you leave aside the why, the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold is unquestionably a remarkable design achievement, even more so when you consider the state of folding phone art just seven short years ago.

The Galaxy Z TriFold is, after all, the great-grandchild of Samsung's original Fold, a woe-begotten device that almost single-handedly ended the category. Samsung, however, swiftly iterated, rapidly making its folding devices thinner, lighter, sturdier, and infinitely more attractive.

Virtually everything Samsung learned from that journey is on display in the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold, a powerful, thin, relatively light, and somewhat amazing device that forces you to ask yourself why you might want to keep a 10-inch tablet in your pocket.

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

I finally got to hold and briefly play with the TriFold at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, where the phone made its US debut, and I came away impressed at its thinness when unfolded, its compactness when folded twice, its relatively lightweight nature, and the hints of power and even camera performance.

There's much we still need to learn, such as when it will start shipping outside Korea, and what it will cost (most estimate that $2,400 is a good starting point), and how well it will hold up to real-world use.

Even so, my overall impression is of a well-built, high-quality device that effectively answers the question of whether it's possible to have both a 6.5-inch phone and a 10-inch tablet in one compact device.

Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold: price and specs

In Korea the Galaxy Z TriFold starts at 3.59 million KRW, which equates to roughly $2,500 but it's hard to know if that will have any bearing on the final price, which could be significantly higher than that conversion or a bit lower. We'll have to wait until Samsung starts shipping the device outside its home market to find out.

The base model comes with 512GB of storage and 16GB of RAM, and there's no option for more storage, which is a bit of a shame. It's possible Samsung may revisit storage options at a later date, once it sees how the Korean market responds to the singular option (early reports are that the small initial run of Z Trifold stock quickly sold out).

Ultimately, while the Galaxy Z TriFold might cost as much as a well-appointed laptop, it's difficult to compare it to other foldables since this is a tri-folding device, unlike the Pixel 10 Pro Fold or even its own cousin, the Galaxy Z Fold 7. You get a lot more screen, and arguably a lot more engineering, for your money.

Samsung Galaxy TriFold specs

Samsung Galaxy Z Trifold

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

Dimensions (folded):

75.0 x 159.2 x 12.9mm

72.8 x 158.4 x 8.9mm

Dimensions (unfolded):

214.1 x 159.2 x 3.9mm (center screen only)
Button side: 4.0mm
SIM tray side: 4.2mm

143.2 x 158.4 x 4.2mm

Weight:

309g

215g

Main display:

10-inch QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X

(2160 x 1584 - 269ppi), adaptive refresh rate (1-120Hz)

8-inch QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED

(2184 x 1968), adaptive refresh rate (1~120Hz)

Cover display::

6.5-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X

(2520 x 1080 422ppi), adaptive refresh rate (1-120Hz)

6.5-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED

2x display (2520 x 1080, 21:9), adaptive refresh rate (1~120Hz)

Chipset:

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Mobile Platform for Galaxy

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Mobile Platform for Galaxy

RAM:

16GB

12GB / 16GB (1TB model only)

Storage:

512GB

256GB / 512GB / 1TB

OS:

Android 16 / One UI 8

Android 16 / One UI 8

Primary camera:

200MP f1.7

200MP f1.7

Ultrawide camera:

12MP f2.2

12MP f2.2

Telephoto

3x 10MP f2.4

3x 10MP f2.4

Cover Camera:

10MP f2.2

10MP f2.2

Inner Camera:

10MP f2.2

10MP f2.2

Battery:

5,600mAh

4,400mAh

Charging:

50% in 30 mins with 45W fast charger (wired)

30 mins with 25W adapter (wired)

Colors:

Crafted Black

Blue Shadow, Silver Shadow and Jetblack [Samsung.com Exclusive] Mint

Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold preview: design

• Thin and elegant when unfolded
• Folded, it's compact, a little thick, and heavier than your average flagship
• Premium materials

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The Galaxy Z TriFold is another design triumph for Samsung in the foldable phone space. Yes, there are two hinges in this tightly wound product rather than one, but nothing about the execution feels incomplete or half-realized.

First of all, Samsung made the smart choice of designing the TriFold so that you fold in one side, then the other to fully protect the flexible 10-inch main screen when it's not in use. This is in contrast to Honor's Magic Triple foldable, which is designed so that one portion of its flexible display wraps over one of the hinges.

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

Samsung knows better. It's put so much thought and effort into how this device folds that the TriFold throws up a full-screen warning (and vibrates the device) if you're in danger of folding it incorrectly,

Yes, you heard that right: there is a right way and a very wrong way to fold the Z TriFold. It's always the left side first and then the right side on top of that. The three-segment stack then holds together tightly, so much so that it feels like one solid 12.9mm-thick unit.

Unfolded, each of the TriFold's three segments has a slightly different thickness, with the center section, at 3.9mm, being the thinnest. The other two are closer in thickness to the unfolded Z Fold 7: roughly 4.2mm.

In tablet mode, the TriFold lies almost perfectly flat, save for the camera bump. In general, the TriFold resists any attempt to keep it partially folded or unfolded; you either use it fully folded and focus on the cover screen, or unfold it as a tablet.

Folded, the TriFold resembles its cousin, the Z Fold 7, though at 309g it's substantially heavier. Unfolded, it's like the world's thinnest 10-inch tablet. Samsung, by the way, has done a remarkable job of hiding the flexible screen creases. Not only are they barely visible, but I could scarcely feel them.

The Galaxy Z TriFold is only available in one color for now: Crafted Black, which I liked, even if every surface of the TriFold appeared to be a fingerprint magnet.

Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold: displays

• Relatively roomy and bright cover display
• Expansive 10-inch tablet main display
• Both screens offer high resolutions and snappy, variable refresh rates

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

While I didn't get a lot of time with the Galaxy Z TriFold, I can tell you that both screens are beautiful and responsive. I like that the 6.5-inch cover display doesn't feel cramped, and I don't mind the 10MP selfie camera cutout.

The flexible main display is huge, and qualifies as the first truly foldable, pocketable 10-inch tablet (it also has a small punch-out for a 10MP selfie camera, but that all but disappears on the huge screen). The display is not only fast, it's the perfect place to try out all sorts of multi-tasking and multi-desktop tricks. It's also a capable second screen for a Windows desktop, much more exciting to use than a mere Android smartphone.

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

Galaxy AI works especially well on the larger screen, where we used it to remove some people from a complex image during our demo session. What's notable is that the big screen can show you both the original and the AI-edited images at once in a perfectly-synced side-by-side view.

I'm sure people will be blown away when you pull this phone out, unfold it, and get to work. As for me, I did a little drawing on it with my finger, but I did long for S Pen support. However, like the Z Fold 7, the Z TriFold lacks a digitizing layer (there's no room for it at this thickness), so I'll have to be satisfied with finger or analog stylus input, at least on this first model.

Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold: cameras

• 200MP sensor is now the benchmark for Samsung foldables
• Zoom is a little underpowered
• Decent selfie cameras

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

With the Z Trifiold, Samsung has essentially matched the camera system found on its other big-screen foldable, the Z Fold 7. Here's what you get:

• 200MP wide
• 12MP ultra-wide
• 10MP 3x telephoto
• 10MP cover-screen
• 10MP main-screen

It's a good system. The 200MP camera takes great photos, and I doubt anyone will be disappointed with the 12MP ultrawide and pair of 10MP selfie cameras. I do wish the 10x telephoto offered more than 3x optical zoom, but it's still, even in my limited experience with the device, a decent shooter.

I can't say much more about the cameras because I only shot with them in a small, controlled space, but I would not be surprised if they all perform similarly to their equivalents on on the Z Fold 7.

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold: Software and AI

• The phone will ship with Android 16
• All the expected Google Gemini integration is here

This is another Android 16 system running One UI 8 or above. It's a really good platform with useful widgets and daily digests.

The two AI platforms – Samsung Galaxy AI and Google Gemini – are as deeply integrated here as they are in all other recent Galaxy-grade smartphones.

However, other than trying the Galaxy AI image editing, I didn't get to try any other AI features. I don't expect any surprises here, though, and I'm pretty certain that virtually all the AI features will look better, and in some cases work better, on the 10-inch display.

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Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold: Performance and battery

• Custom Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor
• Even more base RAM than the Z Fold 7
• Battery is split into three modules and, at 5,600mAh, it's huge

As with the Galaxy S25 line and the Z Fold 7, the new Z TriFold is packing the top-of-the-line Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy. That means it's a customized CPU build that ups the GHz just a bit, which may result in better performance than you'd get from an Android phone running the standard mobile CPU.

Backing it with 16GB was a pretty smart move, too, since it'll help support all those onboard AI operations.

The system starts and ends with 512GB of storage. There's no option for a terabyte, which is surprising since this handset is so obviously aimed at business and enterprise users.

As for how well it performs, in my brief hands-on time every operation was smooth and fast – but then I didn't have the chance to really put the Galaxy Z TriFold through its paces.

The TriFold splits its large 5,600mAh battery across the device's three segments. As for what that means for battery life in daily use, we'll have to wait for our full review.

Overall, though, the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold impresses with expert design and engineering, big-screen productivity, and a flagship-level cover screen, all at a still truly pocketable size. Let's just hope it's not widely expensive.

First previewed January 2026

Let's be honest – there was every chance that the surprise HBO Max smash hit The Pitt was a one-off. Following the singular shift in a Pittsburgh emergency room across an entire series, season 1 was a breath of fresh air, and an incredibly urgent one at that. But by blending its winning formula with new dynamic elements, The Pitt season 2 is just as strong... and perhaps even better.

We're picking up 10 months after the events of season 1, with our unhinged day shift staff taking over for the Fourth of July weekend. Lead Dr. Robby (Noah Wyle) is a lot more grounded than his emotional breakdown in season 1, planning to leave for a three-month sabbatical after the holiday shift is over.

Unluckily for him, his substitute attending doctor has turned up early, intent on following him on his rounds and implementing her own changes along the way. Without giving anything away, Dr. Baran Al-Hashimi (Sepideh Moafi) is one to watch, assimilating into the main cast as a devilish A-type yin to Robby's laid-back and approachable yang.

We've also got the return of Langdon (Patrick Ball), who was put on temporary suspension in season 1 after stealing patient drugs to satiate his hidden addiction. As for everyone else... well, they're being thrown from the fire into the metaphorical frying pan.

In essence, The Pitt season 2 is following exactly the same structure as season 1, and without context, that should be a lazy and monotonous decision. But the ER is an abyss of unknown complications, and that's exactly why the HBO show only gets bigger and better.

The Pitt season 2 will be the jewel in the crown of 2026 television

As we learned in season 1, The Pitt has its narrative basics nailed down pat. Our ensemble cast is a smorgasbord of chaos, scattered across wards like worker ants bowing down to their Queen (or in this case, King). Dr. Al-Hashimi's presence immediately has them all on edge, proving that the minute you think you're comfortable, you really have no idea what's going on.

The core concept of each episode covering an hour of the same shift still feels fresh, and with so much going on at any given time, you'd be hard-pressed not to be completely absorbed. What I particularly admire is how much our day players – and by that, I'm referring to the characters we see wheeled in and out of the ER in a single episode – feel just as integral and important as the main cast. It's a testament to the exceptional craft that nobody feels like a spare part, with the overall editorial feel a world away from the sensationalized storylines of Grey's Anatomy.

Where the latter has strayed into engineered shock factor over the years (we've all seen the TikTok clips of patients with something weird stuck up their butts or manipulative parents holding their child hostage), The Pitt's core focus is its staff. The ever-changing dynamics between the characters is of the utmost importance, and whenever a new patient is introduced, we're seeing them through their doctors' eyes (and their personal struggles).

Langdon is a great example of this. His first day back at work is met with quiet hostility, taking it upon himself to apologies to the patient he stole medicine from. In that moment, the two are equal, though the patient is framed through Langdon's lack of responsibility. We feel we know them both on an intimately deep level, and neither is merely defined by their relationship roles.

In truth, there isn't a single individual storyline that doesn't feel intriguing. Dana (Katherine LaNasa) has returned to work after threatening to quit at the end of season 1, Mel (Taylor Dearden) faces a deposition and Whitaker (Gerran Howell) has quietly worked up the ranks and now assumes more of the shared workload. Season 1 laid the groundwork for us to fully invest in them, and season 2 is letting them freely flourish or fail.

Life-or-death challenges are on par with the first season

It's all just another day in the life. (Image credit: HBO)

While watching season 1, I didn't think anything could top the sudden introduction of a school shooting in episode 12. But once again, The Pitt season has kept me on my toes. There's no spoilers here, but the new series takes the same energy and splits it into two separate strands, providing shrewd social commentary from multiple perspectives.

The tension never drops, and the level of concentration needed to keep up with all the moving parts means minimal distractions (so no scrolling on your phone at the same time). I've never once been interested in working as a doctor, but week-after-week, I know the jargon and could put voluntary hospital work on my CV.

Here's the one and only kicker: as lucky as I've been to access The Pitt season 2 early, I (and my fellow press) have only seen nine out of 15 episodes. We're left on a life-threatening cliffhanger, and in full transparency, we've got no idea if the new season sticks the ending.

The Fourth of July weekend was a genius choice to naturally up the stakes, and that means dramatic intensity is a given. The first nine episodes throw both us and its cast into the deep end, but as the day draws on, who knows what abhorrent disasters we'll all have to deal with.

Logically, I know from experience that our next season finale is likely to be a slam dunk. Episodes 12-15 of season 1 were my favorite part of the viewing experience, beautifully weaving together the show's intersecting storylines while still giving us enough peril and mystery to last for another season. Can HBO Max do it again? You bet.

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Hori USB Camera for Nintendo Switch 2: review

Looking to grab a camera for your Nintendo Switch 2? Well, the Hori USB Camera for Nintendo Switch 2 is a cheaper option that provides video functionality for both GameChat and certain in-game features.

This model comes from video game accessory player Hori, but is actually licensed by Nintendo itself. It’s a pretty interesting model, offering a flexible design that works for both docked and handheld modes. You can insert it directly into your Nintendo Switch 2 via its USB-C connector, or you can instead plug it into a base, which can be connected to your Switch 2 console with an included cable.

In fact, there’s even a clip on the underside of the base that can be used as a mount. I found this to be stable and easy to use, although it’s worth noting that it won’t fit on chunkier displays – my TV, for example, proved to be too thick. Still, the overall versatility of the camera’s design is something that I look for when testing the best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories, and it is highly practical.

(Image credit: Future)

Just generally, this camera is well designed. It’s phenomenally compact and lightweight, making it easy to fit into a top-class case, like the Nintendo Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case, for example. The camera can also be angled to your liking, there’s an effective privacy shutter on board, and it’s got a classy, albeit basic, black finish.

Sure, it doesn’t have the pizzazz of the Hori Piranha Plant Camera for Nintendo Switch 2 – that model’s main selling point – but if you’re looking for something understated, then it isn’t half bad.

(Image credit: Future)

But with regret, this is where my praise starts to run dry for Hori’s Nintendo Switch 2 accessory. Why? Well, if you’re looking for strong performance, then Hori’s USB Camera is not for you. It has the same specs as the Piranha Plant camera, meaning it offers a 480p resolution. Yes, that’s the same quality we saw on the Nintendo DSi, which was released in… 2008. Ouch.

That low resolution means that you’re getting pretty dismal picture quality overall. The camera made my face look blurry, with finer details like lines on my face and individual hairs looking blocky and poorly defined. If you’re using the camera in TV mode and sitting at a distance, the restrictions of 480p are even more prominent. A logo on my clothing melded into a blob, and everything in my room lacked clarity.

Even colors look washed out, lacking saturation and that true-to-life tone you’d hope for. When I switched over to the 1080p official Nintendo Switch 2 Camera, these issues were thrown into even sharper relief. With that model, I was instantly struck by more eye-popping colors, with the striking red of a Switch 2 game box and the delicate pink of flowers in my living room a joy to behold. Sure, my face still wasn’t incredibly clear at a distance, but it appeared far less blurry than it did with the Hori USB Camera.

One more small thing. The field of view on the Hori USB Camera isn’t fantastic. At 85 degrees, it can cram a decent amount into the picture, but again, the 110 degrees you get from the official Switch 2 camera is optimized far better for those who want to get four or more players in view, say.

(Image credit: Future)

I want to make one thing clear, though. Despite its low resolution and fairly limited field of view, the Hori USB Camera is, at least, functional. I didn’t experience any bugs or compatibility issues, 30fps performance was pretty consistent, and it tracked my face pretty well when playing Mario Kart World.

Another thing worth considering is that Hori’s USB Camera is usually a fair bit cheaper than the official Switch 2 camera. Although this model has a list price of $59.99 / £29.99 / AU$64.95, I’m already seeing it go for less, with some online retailers selling it for under $35 / £20 / AU$45. Meanwhile, the official camera launched at $54.99 / £49.99 / AU$69.95, and is usually full price in the US – though I’ve spotted it going for less than £30 in the UK and AU$60 in Australia.

Is this model worth buying, then? Well, for the majority of people, I’m tempted to say no. There are the obvious issues, like poor picture quality and color replication, but it’s also worth flagging that there aren’t tons of games that support camera functionality. A few titles – like Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV and Mario Kart World – have segments that use video, but the list of supported software is slim at the moment.

If you simply need a camera that functions and is easy to use, then this model works. It’s a little cheaper than the official model, and is pleasingly flexible too. But the Piranha Plant alternative is similarly priced and has a fun factor that the USB Camera lacks, meaning it ends up being a fairly hard sell.

(Image credit: Future)Hori USB Camera for Nintendo Switch 2 review: price & specs

Price

$59.99 / £29.99 / AU$64.95

Resolution

480p at 30fps

Field of view

85 degrees

Dimensions

1.2 x 1.2 x 2.3in / 30 x 30 x 58mm (camera); 1.5 x 1.5 x 1.6in / 39 x 37 x 40mm (base)

Weight

0.2lbs / 80g

Compatibility

Nintendo Switch 2, Windows, MacOS

Should I buy the Hori USB Camera for Nintendo Switch 2?

(Image credit: Future)

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Flexible build, dual TV / handheld mode, but clip won’t fit all screens and a tad basic-looking.

4/5

Performance

Poor 480p resolution results in blurry picture quality, but framing works well.

2/5

Value

A bit cheaper than the official Switch 2 camera, but performs poorly.

2.5/5

Buy it if...

You want a cheaper way to access video functionality on Switch 2
If you don’t want to pay the higher asking price of the official Switch 2 camera, then this option from Hori will likely suit you better. It regularly sells for less than $35 / £20 / AU$45, making it a fairly affordable option.

You’re looking for a compact option
Something I appreciate about this model is just how small it is, which makes it incredibly easy to tuck away inside a Switch 2 case, or even place in a small-sized bag when you’re on the go.

Don't buy it if...

You’re expecting good performance
With a 480p resolution, you’re getting underwhelming performance from Hori’s USB camera. Picture quality is pretty blurry, and colors don’t pop in the way they do on pricier alternatives like the official Switch 2 camera.

You want a camera with character
Although the Piranha Plant camera shares the same low resolution and more restrictive field of view, it’s got a lot more character. Its colorful and character-filled design is a feast for the eyes, whereas this rival is on the plain side of things.

Hori USB Camera for Nintendo Switch 2 review: also consider

Nintendo Switch 2 Camera
You’ll get far better picture quality from the official Nintendo Switch 2 Camera, which boasts a 1080p resolution. It’s solidly made and has a more luxurious feel than Hori’s USB model, though it's lacking in terms of flexibility, and costs a fair bit more.

Read our full Nintendo Switch 2 Camera review.

Hori Piranha Plant Camera for Nintendo Switch 2
This lil’ camera is packed full of charisma, and is based on the classic Super Mario baddie. It can be used while docked or plugged into your Switch 2 for handheld play, and has a mount too. However, it suffers from the same problems as the Hori USB Camera, with a poor 480p resolution and a lower field of view than the official cam.

Read our full Hori Piranha Plant Camera for Nintendo Switch 2 review.View Deal

How I tested the Hori USB Camera for Nintendo Switch 2

(Image credit: Future)

• Tested across the course of one week
• Used at home in handheld and TV mode
• Compared directly against rival models

I used the Hori USB Camera for Nintendo Switch 2 within a one-week testing period, assessing every aspect of its performance and design. For the most part, I had it set up with my Nintendo Switch 2 docked and connected to the Sky Glass Gen 2 TV.

For the testing itself, I made use of the Switch 2’s USB Camera testing function in the settings menu, but also used it while playing Mario Kart World online. I also compared it against the official Switch 2 camera to judge picture quality, color accuracy, and motion.

I’ve tested a whole lot of Nintendo Switch 2 accessories here at TechRadar – everything from rival camera models through to the Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case & Screen Protector and PowerA Wired Earbuds for Nintendo Switch 2. I’ve also owned a Nintendo Switch 2 from launch, and have reviewed a range of games for the console, like Kirby Air Riders and Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake.

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

AndaSeat's Kaiser 3E XL: One-minute review

AndaSeat has built something quite remarkable here. With the Kaiser 3E XL, it's balanced the books near perfectly, selecting just the right complement of modern features, and discarding those often gimmicky marketing additions some of us have come to loathe from most modern gaming chairs.

There's no intra-dimensional armrests, or super form-fitting ergonomic wire weave mesh cushions capable of stopping a bullet, nor any RGB lighting that'll sync with your Philips Hue bulbs, or built-in seat warmers.

It's just a simple, clean design that does exactly what it says on the tin, and that's nothing if not to be praised. The Kaiser 3E XL blends budget with comfort, providing outstanding build quality, plenty of ergonomic clout, and a comfy seat base to place your posterior on, either during, or after a hard day's work.

Is this the best gaming chair out there? Well, not quite. There are a few things it misses out on, namely, there are no included pillows of any kind (you need to buy them separately), and you can't adjust the lumbar support in any way, but if you're a fire and forget, taller kind of person, it's a real nice place to be.

(Image credit: Future)AndaSeat's Kaiser 3E XL: Price and Availability

• Costs $389 (around £290 / AU$580)
• Only available via AndaSeat directly
• Six colors across two finishes

Ahh, the old Achilles heel of AndaSeat chairs rears its ugly head once again. Unfortunately, as the Kaiser 3E XL is still so new that it's only available via AndaSeat's webstore, and only in the US. At least for the time being.

The good news is that these do make their way to traditional e-sellers and retailers across the regions (including Amazon) after a period of time, once the shipping containers finally land in their designated countries, but that's usually three to six months after the initial debut.

To be fair, the webstore does a fine job selling it too. Not only do you get access to additional colorways with the Kaiser 3E available in black, brown, orange, maroon, white, or this lovely fabric, ash gray (the others mentioned are all PVC leather), but there's also free shipping too, along with some extended warranties here as well.

AndaSeat will also kindly lop off $20 off its $69 magnetic memory foam pillow with cooling layer, which doesn't come included as standard unfortunately. Still there's a reason the 3E XL and its subsequent standard L model are so cheap, and that is part of it.

AndaSeat Kaiser 3E XL: Specs

Price

$389 (around £290 / AU$580)

Dimensions

54.3 x 29.1 x 29.1 in / 138.0 x 74.0 x 74.0 cm

Max. user weight

395 lbs / 180 kg

Min. seat height

18.1 in / 46.0 cm

Seat width

21.1 in / 53.5 cm

Recline angle

90-155°

Warranty

3-years

Material

PVC Leather / Linen Fabric

AndaSeat Kaiser 3E XL: Design and Aesthetics

• Simple clean design
• Soft cloth finish is exceptional
• Could use a pillow or two

I've always been a big fan of the Kaiser series for its design philosophy. Aside from the dubious 6D armrests found on the pro line, the overall aesthetic is top-tier, competing with chairs two to three times the cost. The Novis in particular is a fine example of that, you wouldn't guess that that chair costs just $250 on average, and the same can be said for the Kaiser 3E as well at $390.

The soft cloth finish that I have on review here is exceptionally clean. It comes complete with a sleek black leather back, black detailing and trim throughout, and satin black plastic componentry too.

The armrests are impressively comfortable as well. If I were to be hypercritical, I could moan about the fact that they are a little square, but once you've sat in it for all of 20-seconds, you forget about that quite quickly, as they're perfectly comfortable, and adjust nicely, certainly compared to the cheaper Novis, and the ridiculously expensive 5D and 6D ones found on the pro-lines.

There are a lot of colorways, too, and although admittedly most are only available from AndaSeat's webstore directly, it's good to see a brand offer so many choices at such a low entry-point. In short, this is a chair that looks a lot more expensive than it actually is.

Where it falls short, and I'll touch on this a bit more in just a second, is that lack of lumbar adjustment and included pillows. That does hold it back somewhat, particularly if you don't get along with the default settings AndaSeat's implemented here. Still, for the money, it's overall seriously good.

(Image credit: Future)AndaSeat Kaiser 3E XL: Comfort and adjustability

• Armrests are excellent
• Seat base isn't squishy
• No Lumbar adjustment

Getting into the nitty-gritty, the good news is that, overall, the Kaiser 3E does impress on the comfort front. The cloth is incredibly soft to the touch, wicking away moisture well, and it's not abrasive in the slightest.

The armrests, too, are excellent here. They're your standard "4D" affair, with 2.7in / 7cm of up-down motion, 0.78in / 2cm left-right adjustment, 1.2in / 3cm forward and back, and 36 degrees of rotation available to you. They don't fold in half or have some periscope pivoting design like those found on the 5D and 6D variants, and it's honestly leagues ahead as a result. Sometimes simpler designs are industry standard for a reason. They're also slightly padded, too, and although not super squishy, it does give your elbows and forearms a bit of give

The seat, though, is another matter. Compared to something like the Novis or the standard Kaiser 3, it doesn't feel quite as comfortable. If you've ever used something like a Noblechairs Icon, you'll understand fully what I'm talking about here.

Effectively, it's more of an ergonomic padded firm base, rather than a soft plush squishy affair you'd find from other models. That might be preferable for some, and arguably it's much better for your backside and spine long-term, but if all you want to do is sit back and relax after a hard day, it's not quite up to the same standard as the alternatives out there.

(Image credit: Future)

Then there's the lumbar support, and like the Novis, the Kaiser 3E has no adjustability built in as standard. That keeps the cost down, but takes away choice from the user.

That lumbar support is not entirely absent; there's a 1.9in / 4.8cm "outward curve" present at the base that does follow the curvature of your spine (even comfortable for a short 5ft 8in / 174cm fellow like myself), but if you're not a fan of the protruding ergonomics, you're stuck with it and there's little you can do.

Still, overall, it's a solid four out of five on comfort; you've just got to be prepared to deal with the lumbar support being what it is.

AndaSeat Kaiser 3 Pro: Assembly

• Easy to build
• Traditional setup
• Pre-attached arms

It took me around 15 minutes to build the Kaiser 3E XL. I'm a bit of a pro with gaming chairs at this point, but to be clear, there's a total of six screws for you to fandangle with here, and that's about it. You're not likely to have any major issues, and AndaSeat includes an incredibly detailed instruction manual with it as well.

Intriguingly, my guide did ask me to install and secure the armrests to the base; however, mine came with those pre-installed. That could be a regional thing as a heads-up, but even so, you're talking an additional four bolts, so not a lot of work by any stretch.

Usually, the biggest bugbear I have when it comes to building chairs like this is attaching the backrest to the seatbase. It can be a challenge with other chair brands to align the threads with the brackets that connect the two. Fortunately, AndaSeat has included a slot mechanism design on the tilt arm side that allows you to slide the backrest directly down and onto it, keeping the two roughly in position for you to thread the two screws back into.

I would recommend (for all chairs, as a matter of fact) that you don't tighten the four backrest screws up all the way one at a time, but rather do all four a little at a time, until they're all nicely secure.

(Image credit: Future)Should You Buy The AndaSeat Kaiser 3E XL?Buy it if...

You're a well-built human
The Kaiser 3E XL is astonishingly sturdy, and has some impressive support stats at that, capable of supporting 395lbs / 180kg, and folks up to 6ft 11in / 210 cm in height.

You want quality, not gimmicks
There's nothing here outside of the ordinary, and that's a good thing because it seriously shaves down the cost. This is one of the best budget gaming chairs out there, with only a few minor caveats.

Don't buy it if...

You have specific ergonomic needs
With no adjustment available, that protruding 4.8cm curve is all you get at the base. If you need more comfort from your chair, you might need to plump for the Kaiser 4, or look elsewhere.

You're not into bucket seats
It does still have that slight old-school "gamer" styling, with the full-on racing bucket-seat design, complete with side bolsters and seat-belt gaps.

Also consider...

AndaSeat Kaiser 3E XL

Noblechairs Legend

AndaSeat Kaiser 3 Pro XL

Price

$389 (around £290 / AU$580)

$630 / £400

$550

Dimensions

54.3 x 29.1 x 29.1in / 138.0 x 74.0 x 74.0 cm

55.9 x 20.5 x 20.5in / 142 x 52 x 52cm

53.0 x 29.1 x 22.6in / 134.5 x 74 x 57.5cm

Max User Weight

395lb / 180kg

331lb / 150 KG

395lb / 180kg

Min Seat Height

18.1in / 46.0cm

18.9in / 48.0cm

17.5in / 44.5cm

Seat Width

21.1in / 53.5cm

20.5in / 52.0cm

21.0in / 53.5cm

Recline Angle

90-155°

90-125°

90-165°

Warranty

3-years

2-years

3-years

Material

PVC leather or linen fabric

High-tech faux leather, or Fabric

PVC leather or linen fabric

Not your style? Just want something without fancy frills, or looking for something that's refined the design beyond all expectations? Then try out these alternatives.

Noblechairs Legend
The legend forgoes traditional bucket seat design language to instead opt for a more corporate office chic that really looks the part in any modern gaming setup. Although it lacks the overall "XL" status, it does support folk up to 150 KG in weight.

For more information, check out our full Noblechairs Legend review.

AndaSeat Kaiser 3 Pro XL
Big, bold, and beautiful, the Kaiser 3 Pro XL is a complicated creature, with 5D foldable armrests. What it lacks in odd features, it makes up for in impressive ergonomics, insane comfort, and solid adjustability.

For more information, check out our full AndaSeat Kaiser 3 Pro XL review.

How I tested the AndaSeat Kaiser 3E XL

• Used for two weeks before writing the review
• Notes taken throughout the process, including building
• Asked many people to sit in it for external feedback

I spent a grand total of two weeks testing the Kaiser 3E XL after it arrived on my doorstep. I took notes and detailed the gripes, bugbears, and pleasantries that I experienced while using it throughout that period.

Additionally, I also received a second unit, which was then tested externally at a place of work, giving me a good idea as to how it functioned in both professional and relaxed settings.

Read more about how we test.

Xreal 1S: One-Minute Review

In a world of smart glasses that can listen and speak to you, show you new worlds, and provide information on top of your world, Xreal's brand of display glasses is almost quaint. They're not smart. There's no effort to bring in information from the outside world or redefine how you see the real world. Put simply, this is a virtual 200-inch screen in your backpack, bag, or pocket that you can put on at any moment to enjoy a movie, gaming, or even a much larger laptop work screen.

Xreal, in fact, delivers this niche capability better than most and, with the new Xreal 1S, offers greater clarity, a wider view, and a better price than ever before.

From a practical perspective, Xreal 1S is a wearable display that uses impressive passthrough technology to take the display feed from almost any display-laden device that offers USB-C output and project it in front of your eyes on a pair of prisms backed by high-resolution Sony Micro-OLED displays.

There's no power source; inside the lightweight frames are powered by the connected device. There is virtually no setup beyond donning the frames and connecting your device.

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

Instead of fancy gesture and gaze control, you still control your external device as you would without the Xreal 1S. You use the touchscreen on your phone, the keyboard and mouse on your laptop, and joysticks on your gaming devices.

The Xreal 1S brings a handful of important upgrades, including brighter screens (now 700 nits, up from 600 nits on the Xreal One), higher resolution (was 1080, now 1200), and a slightly wider field of view (was 50-degree, now 52-degree FoV).

Nestled under some settings in the new eyewear is a new Real 3D capability that can turn virtually everything on-screen, including 2D photos and videos, even an interface, into a 3D landscape. It's a work in progress that, as of this writing, provides decidedly mixed results (I suspect slipstream software updates will improve it over time).

As for how the eyewear works, the Xreal 1S headset is an excellent companion at home, work, or on the road (think a long flight or commute). It's quite easy to lose yourself in the immersive screen, and now, with a somewhat cheaper device, this might be the antidote to all those more expensive, immersive, and intelligent wearables. It qualifies as one of the best AR glasses I've used to date.

Xreal 1S: Price and availability

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

The Xreal 1S was unveiled on January 4, 2025, and is now available to order in the US and UK from Xreal.com for $449 / £449. [CHECK]

This is notably a $50 price reduction from the Xreal One, while enhancing several features. The Xreal 1S frames are still more expensive than the Meta AI-sporting Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer Gen 2 ($329), but, despite their intelligence, the Meta frames do not include a pair of displays (See the Meta Ray-Ban Display for that).

Throughout this review, I also test-drove a couple of optional accessories, including the $99 Xreal Eye, a 12MP modular camera, and the Xreal Neo ($99), a battery pack and video passthrough device necessary for using the Xreal with your Nintendo Switch. While the camera is a nice-to-have and nudges the Xreal 1S toward Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses territory (it takes passable photos and fun POV videos), the Neo is a must-have if you want the Nintendo Switch virtual big-screen experience.

• Value: 4/5

Xreal 1S: Design

• Wired USB-C connection
• Lightweight – just 84 grams
• Auto-dimming shades

The benefit of the Xreal 1S not being stuffed with technology and battery power is immediately obvious. It's a light, almost stylish piece of eyewear that doesn't weigh heavily on the face.

At a glance, it might be easy to mistake them for a large-ish pair of sunglasses. The flexible stem does get a bit bigger than your standard ones to house microphones, Bose speakers, and, on one side, control and volume buttons.

The frames rest comfortably on your nose with a sort of floating bridge. Xreal provides three sizes of nose pads. I was able to stick with the mid-sized.

Behind the dimmable lenses are a pair of thick prisms that aim the Sony Micro OLED displays, which sit horizontally at the top of each lens, at each eye.

I wear glasses, and since I can't put contacts in my eyes, I needed the optional $99 prescription insert from Honsvr. It's pretty easy to attach the prescription lens's lightweight frame to the main Xreal 1S housing: you just have to pop out a pair of tiny rubber stoppers (I used a SIM car remover) and then stick the tiny matching stems into the newly exposed holes. Once my prescription was firmly in there, it never shifted or fell out.

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The good news is that the inserts do not push the frames any further from your face (they're already further away than your standard eyewear). If there's one downside to my inserts, it's that the Xreal 1S already looks a little odd when viewed from the side. Now I have another set of lenses in front of my eyes.

Without a companion system, the Xreal 1S is just an inert pair of awkward-looking glasses.

On the back end of one stem is a USB-C port that accepts one side of the roughly, included 4 ft woven cable (the Xreal 1S also ships with a case and cloth for cleaning). The other end plugs into your device of choice. As I mentioned earlier, there's no external battery. Plugging the Xreal 1S into, say, your laptop automatically powers up the glasses.

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

I also added the optional Xreal Eye modular 12MP camera. Like the subscription lenses, I had to remove a rubber plug before inserting the camera at the peak of the bridge. The camera is useful for capturing decent photos and videos (stored locally, you offload them by plugging the frames into a device and switching to transfer mode). The placement of the camera dead-center on the frames may make them less than welcome in some social situations.

Overall, these are relatively low-key digital frames that won't draw much attention at the office, on a plane, in a train, or at home. They are not for deep immersion of walking about and will draw the occasional stare, but are otherwise well-built for their purpose, and even with a cable running out of the back of one stem, they never feel heavy or uncomfortable to wear.

• Design score: 4/5

Xreal 1S: Performance

• 1200p, 120Hz image at 700-nit brightness
• Works with almost any USB-C device with a screen
• Good Bose audio

As I mentioned, there's minimal setup to use these display glasses. All you need is a device with a screen and a USB-C port that supports video output.

After donning the Xreal 1S, I plugged the other end of the cable into my MacBook Pro 14-inch running an M5 chip.

Inside the Xreal 1S is the X1 chip that handles its video processing duties as well as spatial awareness that allows me to either fix the virtual screen in place or let it follow my gaze.

As soon as I plugged into the frames, they powered up (yes, they draw power from the host system), and within seconds, I saw an extended screen; the system does not instantly present you with the Mac's main desktop. Instead, my MacBook Pro saw the Xreal 1S as another display. I was then able to use the Mac to arrange my displays so that the Xreal 1S virtual display was stacked above my laptop display.

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

After that, I could use the mouse to move windows onto that screen. Because the Honsver prescription inserts only had my near-vision prescription and not the far-vision one to match my progressive eyeglasses, I could not effectively see and use the laptop keyboard while wearing the Xreal 1S.

That's okay, though, it's with entertainment and social content where the Xreal 1S's virtual display really shines.

I started my entertainment journey by plugging the lenses into the new Lenovo Legion Go S, where I played Spider-Man Remastered.

As I held the portable game platform in my hand and used the Legion's joysticks to play, I marveled at the large, clear, and colorful virtual display. Not only is the 1200p screen sharp, but the motion is perfectly smooth thanks, in part, to the 120Hz refresh rate, and there is effectively zero lag time (it's been measured at 3ms latency). Even in bright spaces, the now 700nit displays held fast, looking just as bright and solid, almost as if I were in a darkened theater. The Bose speakers delivered clear, crisp, and relatively loud sound to my ears, and I quickly lost myself in the gameplay. If you plan on wearing these while, say, on a flight, I would suggest you use earbuds (they'll still pull audio from the host system) so you don't disturb your seatmates.

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

The Xreal 1S offers two view styles: one fixes the big, virtual screen in place, and if you look away, the display remains anchored in space (this is the extent of the system's spatial capabilities). The other option is to let the screen follow you. Xreal smartly made sure that the screen follows with a smooth lag so that you never feel even a hint of motion sickness.

Switching between these screen modes is easy. You just single-press the control button to anchor the screen or let it move with your gaze. I generally found that I like fixing the screen in place. If you choose the anchored view and you can't see all of the screen, you can long-press the button to realign the view.

There's also the ability to move the screen further away or closer to you, or enlarge os shrink the virtual screen by inch increments. Doing so, though, means accessing the Xreal 1S's slightly confusing menu system. To access the menu, you double-press the control button under the left-hand stem and then press one side of the volume, which also doubles as menu navigation. You can choose to make the screen quite large, but then you're looking all around the 52-degree FoV to see everything. I'd suggest always keeping the four screen corners in full view.

It's through the volume button that you access the lens darkness control. I made it full darkness for a more immersive feel, which is especially useful when watching video.

I next connected the Xreal to my iPhone. As soon as I unlocked the iPhone 17 Pro Max, my virtual screen appeared. I opened social media, including Instagram Reels and TikTok, and had a ball leaning back and flicking through posts on my phone, as the big screen floated in front of my eyes. It's worth noting here that the video feed from the phone to the Xreal 1S does not turn off your iPhone screen. So, yes, someone next to you could still see what you're viewing. You might want to lower the brightness on your iPhone screen for some degree of privacy.

I particularly enjoyed watching Netflix videos in full-screen mode and can honestly imagine myself enjoying a full, big-screen movie on my next cross-country flight.

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

Xreal's new Real 3D mode was in beta when I tested the glasses. It can convert any image or video (even interfaces) into 3D. Some of it looks good, but most of my early experiences with it on the iPhone 17 Pro Max were not great. Some images developed duplicate images behind them (there was me and an outline of me behind me), and others looked jagged. I'll withhold judgment on this feature until I get the final version.

Xreal 1S also works with the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, but not without a special $99 adapter, the Neo. Nintendo has blocked some third-party video adapters, but Xreal quickly updated the Neo to get around the latest block.

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Neo is not just an adapter. It's also a 10,000mAh battery backup and can power the Nintendo Switch or any other device you plug into it. It even has an integrated MagSafe-style magnet if you want to attach it to the back of your iPhone.

It took me a minute to realize I needed to remove the Joy-Cons from the console to make this work. (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

To use the Neo, you connect it to the Nintendo Switch or Switch 2 and then plug the Xreal 1S into the Neo. The Nintendo Switch only works with the adapter in docked mode, which means you need to remove the Joy-Cons. After that, it's another great experience. I played Super Mario Kart on both the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. It was easy to get lost in the big-screen gameplay, and, in a way, not having to hold the entire Nintendo Switch was a side benefit. To play, I just gripped the two Joy-Cons.

The Neo will work with almost any device, delivering power while also passing the video signal through. You can even plug an external power source into it, which will then let you keep using your third-party device even if it's run out of power (and the Neo is tapped, too). Just remember, the Neo will run you another $99.

• Performance score: 4.5/5

Should you buy the Xreal 1S glasses?Xreal One Scorecard

Attribute

Comment

Score

Value

The Xreal 1S are more affordable than the last model but with even better visual clarity and a larger viewport. Does that make then fully-worth nearly $500. That deopends on how much you value a lean-back big, virtual screen experience.

4/5

Design

Sticking to one core feature makes these frames lither and more comfortable than most AR glasses. They still have some awkwardness, but are generally attractive and rugged enough to wear whenever yo want a big virtual screen experience.

4/5

Performance

This is an excellent virtual screen experience that enhances social media, gaming and video watching. I do wish the menu system was easier to navigate.

4.5/5

Buy it if…

You want a big screen wherever you go
The Xreal 1S is a no-fuss virtual big screen for all your devices.

You want a lean-back experience
Stop leaning over your phone. The Xreal 1S's virtual screen lets you lean back and enjoy.

You don’t need AI and connectivity on your face
Xreal 1S do one thing and do it well: deliver a big-screen experience in a wearable, but don't weigh it down with extra AI and notifications.

Don’t buy it if…

You were expecting augmented reality
Xreal 1S puts a floating screen in front of you but that image does not interact with the real world in any meaningful way.

You don’t want to spend more than $250
The Xreal 1S are excellent but they do cost almost $450, If you have a Nintendo Switch, you'll be shellign otu another $99 for the Neo.

You want full immersion
These glasses can dim to cut out some of the outside world, but the sound is open-eared, and the glasses do not wrap around your face to form a light seal.

Also consider

Xreal Air 2
If you want to stick with Xreal, the Xreal Air 2 or its electrochromic dimming-enhanced Xreal Air 2 Pro are both solid options that cost a little less – though expect a slightly less good image and noticeable inferior audio.
Read our Xreal Air 2 reviewView Deal

Meta Quest 3
While not a direct competitor to Xreal’s glasses, the Quest 3 is an XR product that you should consider if you want to experience what VR and MR have to offer – it’s simply superb.
Read our Meta Quest 3 reviewView Deal

How I tested the Xreal 1S glasses

I spent a couple of weeks with the Xreal 1S using them to play games. view movies, and pursue social media. I tried them with the Neo adapter on a Nintendo Switch (1 and 2) and also connected that accessory to my iPhone.

Read more about how we test.

• First reviewed January 2026

Kiryu is back on Nintendo Switch 2, with Yakuza Kiwami 2 – a remake of the second installment in Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio’s famed and celebrated series. This is a port, and arrives eight years after Kiwami 2 first launched in Japan on the PS4.

Review info

Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2
Available on: PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, PC
Release date: November 13, 2025 (Switch 2)

This game is a direct follow-up to the events of Yakuza Kiwami, and continues the story of ex-Yakuza Kazuma Kiryu. Without spoiling too much, the game follows Kiryu’s journey to find a new chairman for his former employer, the Tojo Clan, and prevent an all-out war between the Clan and its rival, the Omi Alliance. It’s a very strong follow-up, and the tension running throughout the narrative really sucked me in – I could barely put Kiwami 2 down.

But how does the Nintendo Switch 2 port hold up? Is this a good way to play the game? After spending hours brawling through Kiwami 2 on Nintendo’s latest hardware, I’ve got a few thoughts, so let’s dive in.

A visual upgrade that comes at a cost

(Image credit: Sega)

Before I talk about the game itself, I want to discuss the quality and performance of Kiwami 2’s Switch 2 port.

Visually, this hits the sort of levels you’d expect. It runs at 1080p, as I also experienced when playing it on PS4. Character models and environments are replicated well on Switch 2, although of course, they do show their age. Still, this is a flashier looking game than Yakuza Kiwami, largely due to its development on the more advanced Dragon Engine. The intricacies of clothing, character expressions, and lighting of shops look more detailed and shiny in this entry.

But with the more advanced visuals and effects comes a price. Yes, Yakuza Kiwami 2 only runs at 30fps. And given that I’d played Yakuza Kiwami right before this – a game that runs comfortably at 60fps on Switch 2 – that drop down was all too obvious.

As understandable as it is, this does mean that movement and navigation lacks the fluidity you’d experience with Kiwami or even Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut.

Best bit

(Image credit: Sega)

Fairly early on you get to battle it out against The Dragon of Kansai, and it's truly epic. He's got a ton of health, so you have to carefully block and dodge, then strike when there's an opening. There are also weapons hidden in the bushes which you can use to really batter him. It's a face-off that prepares you for the tougher one-on-ones that lie ahead, and was super satisfying when I landed the finishing blow.

Also, there are unfortunately a few frame drops to contest with, as was the case on PS4. When walking through busy parts of Kamurocho or entering into high-octane sequences, I noticed a few dips, which could be pretty frustrating. This is the case in docked or handheld mode.

Is performance bad? No – it’s about on-par with what the PS4 could plate up, and frame drops never made combat feel more challenging than it should do, crucially. But if you’re expecting the smooth 60fps gameplay of the recently released PS5 version, you’re going to be disappointed.

All in all, this port is decent. You get to enjoy Kiwami 2 on the go, and that in itself is a major positive. Sure, it’s not the definitive way to play, but if you’re looking for portability over top-tier performance, this is still a worthwhile way to play. Oh, and for those wondering, the green filter is still alive and kicking on Switch 2.

Two Dragons

(Image credit: Sega)

So, the Switch 2 edition of Yakuza Kiwami 2 is solid overall, but how about the game itself?

I’ll put my cards on the table – I had an absolute blast with Kiwami 2. First of all, the story is kept tight and is gripping from start to finish. The narrative is paced fantastically well, and the cast of characters is excellent once more. This time around, there’s a ‘big bad’ who you’re introduced to right from the off, Ryuji Goda. He refers to himself as The Dragon of Kansai, and serves as the ultimate rival to Kiryu – himself known as The Dragon of Dojima.

There are plenty of twists and turns to navigate, and there’s a brief set of chapters where you can play as the sadomasochistic Goro Majima, which are pretty entertaining. Of course, there are plenty of whacky substories to complete too, running from claw machine antics through to defeating a band of men dressed up in diapers.

Anyway…something I really appreciated about Kiwami 2 – coming straight off playing the first Kiwami game – was the streamlined nature of its gameplay. There’s a technical side to that, like the lack of loading screens when Kiryu walks into restaurants or other buildings, for example. But also, I liked how the multitude of combat styles were substituted for a more singular approach to battle.

In Kiwami, you had to learn skills for specific styles, whereas now, every ability you learn is available to you through a unified Dragon style. Personally, I prefer this more centralised approach – being able to use all of my flashy new moves without having to change into a different mode is a significant upgrade. Some may miss the variety of unique styles, but luckily, I’m not ‘some’!

More generally, combat is awesome. It’s simplistic yet rewarding, and piecing together killer combos on seriously beefy bosses feels exhilarating. Heat actions also let you crush your foes in style, and you’ll unlock more of these as you progress, making it genuinely feel as if Kiryu grows in strength as the story unfolds.

Before I wrap up, I also want to pay kudos to the excellent, electrifying soundtrack that runs throughout this game. I love the music in Yakuza games, and it sounds as good as ever in Kiwami 2. Japanese voice acting is also superb, and the mid-2000s setting is captured beautifully, with background music, murmuring passers-by, and the sound of pouring rain creating an incredibly immersive atmosphere.

All in all, Yakuza Kiwami 2 is a great game, and a must-play for any fans of the Yakuza series on Switch 2. Sure, its drop down to a targeted 30fps can feel jarring at times, and I did pick up on a few frame drops, but visually it’s still enticing, and when you combine that with addictive combat and a top-notch story, there’s just so much to like.

Should you play Yakuza Kiwami 2 on Nintendo Switch 2?

(Image credit: Sega)Play it if...

You want to play Yakuza on the move
It may seem obvious, but the real beauty of this port is that it lets you take Yakuza on the go, and enjoy the whacky world and engaging story no matter where you are. The game runs admirably in handheld mode too, so it’s a tempting way to play.

You’re a fan of high-octane combat
The action-packed combat of Yakuza Kiwami 2 is incredibly addictive. There are some seriously epic boss fights where perfectly timed dodges and finishing blows feel oh-so satisfying, and even getting into street brawls never gets old.

Don't play it if...

You’ve got a PS5
Kiwami 2 targets 30fps on the Switch 2, and some occasional frame drops can cause frustration when exploring busier areas. However, the recently released PS5 version of the game runs at 60fps, making for a smoother and more seamless way to experience the game.

You’ve not played other games in the series
Although there’s a recap sequence at the beginning of the game, I would strongly recommend playing Yakuza Kiwami before you get into this one. And although some may disagree, I think playing Yakuza 0 before both of these is the optimal way to go – you’ll get the full backstory of Kiryu and Majima, which adds considerable depth.

Accessibility features

As was the case on Yakuza Kiwami, there are a few useful customization options available in the settings menu. For instance, you can change camera controls, enable subtitles in a wide range of languages, and alter difficulty as well as blood levels. There’s also an option to toggle display tips on or off. Unfortunately, there are no colorblind modes, though.

How I reviewed Yakuza Kiwami 2 on Nintendo Switch 2

(Image credit: Sega)

I clocked more than 15 hours of playtime on Yakuza Kiwami 2. During this time, I completed a handful of substories and minigames, but mainly focused on the main story. I spent most of my time playing in handheld mode on Nintendo Switch 2, sometimes enjoying game audio with my Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones. However, I also tried the game out in docked mode, with my console connected to the Sky Glass Gen 2 TV and Marshall Heston 120 soundbar.

Before taking on this title, I played through Yakuza Kiwami on Nintendo Switch 2, but I’m generally a big fan of the Yakuza series, with 0 standing as my favorite entry in the franchise.

More generally, I’ve been a Nintendo Switch 2 owner from launch, and have reviewed a wide range of games for the console. This includes other RPGs like Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake and Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army, but also titles from other genres, like Kirby Air Riders and Drag x Drive.

First reviewed December 2025

As a retro console, the Atari 2600+ is a strong example of how to do things right. The fact that it allows you to use cartridges rather than pre-loaded ROMs not only allows you to pick up rereleased games for it but also gives your classic Atari 2600 cartridges a new lease of life. And despite its few missteps, the Atari 2600+ Pac-Man Edition builds from this strong base.

In our original Atari 2600+ review, we described how the retro console was a ‘loving recreation of the original hardware’ and that’s very much the case with the Pac-Man Edition. The main differences? It now comes with a wireless CX40+ joystick, rather than the awkward wired one we criticised in our original review. Oh yeah, and every inch of it is covered in Pac-Man styling.

Honestly, if you’re of a certain age – which I am – and prone to nostalgia – no doy – you’ll likely be charmed by this console. From the yellow color that references the puck-shaped protagonist’s hue to the light-up image of him being chased by his ghostly foes on its front, this edition wears its affiliations on its sleeve. And, as a game, Pac-Man is every bit the classic you remember – even if the original 2600 port that’s also included is a bit of a bust.

Atari 2600+ Pac-Man Edition review: price & availability

(Image credit: Future)

Given the game's ghostly antagonists, it’s pretty apt that the Atari 2600+ Pac-Man Edition was released on October 31, 2025. You can buy it for a list price of $169.99 / £129.99 / AU$260.99, which feels pretty decent value to me.

Yes, retro consoles like the SNES Mini or PlayStation Classic were cheaper at $79.99 / £69.99 / AU$119.95 and $99.99 / £89.99 / AU$149.99, respectively, but they were glorified emulators in an attractive package. Although it’s technically still using emulation, the Atari 2600+ runs off cartridges rather than ROMs and is backwards compatible with the original cartridges, making it far more flexible than these consoles.

I’m less convinced by the pricing of its games, though. New cartridges retail for $29.99 / £24.99 / around AU$50.48 each. This feels like a fair price for some original retro game cartridges perhaps – after all, they have an innate collector’s value that re-released games don’t.

But I’ve bought recent AAA games like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 for this kind of money, which does force me to ask whether they’re really equivalent in terms of the new labour that’s gone into them. Charging modern market prices for ports of decades-old games feels like it's becoming a bit of a trend these days, and it's not one I'm totally comfortable with.

Atari 2600+ Pac-Man Edition review: design

(Image credit: Future)

I’ve gotta hand it to Atari: it knows how to pull all of the little levers and buttons in my soul to get my nostalgia flowing. The look of the Atari 2600+ is delightfully retro – it's redolent of those 6am Saturday mornings where my brothers and I would sneak downstairs early to play luridly colored, blocky pixel worlds like Pitfall! and Frogger.

The Atari 2600+ maintains so many of the details that made the original iconic. Toggles still run along its top edge, triggering everything from power and reset functions to switching between color and black & white and setting player difficulty on either side. Atari has resisted the temptation to tidy up – even little details like the way the cartridge awkwardly juts out have been kept exactly as you remember them, which is definitely to Atari’s credit.

But, naturally, given this is a Pac-Man special edition, not quite everything is as you remember it. First off, there’s that bright yellow colorway, which is 100% on-brand for anything involving the pill-necking ghost chomper. Additionally, the 2600’s usual front wood veneer has been replaced with a light-up panel showing Pac-Man in flight from the game’s spectral antagonists – I love these little details, and they show a real thoughtfulness to Atari’s design process here.

(Image credit: Future)

Rather than the CX40 joystick that was packaged up with the standard Atari 2600+, the CX40+ included here comes with a few upgrades. Most materially, the wired connection we criticized in our original review because of its awkward connection to the back of the console has been exorcized here, replaced with much superior wireless dongle connectivity.

Aesthetically, it has also had a glow-up, adorned with the same banana yellow colorway and a cute Pac-Man symbol on top of the stick. My only grumble here is that Atari didn’t send me any of the Ghost Edition CX40+ optional accessories they sell, which are similarly branded with the colors and likeness of Blinky, Inky, Pinky, and Clyde and are objectively adorable. Come on, guys: it’s like you’re actively trying to trigger my FOMO.

Sadly, one thing hasn’t changed about the CX40+, though: it’s still as uncomfortably stiff to use as when we reviewed the standard 2600+. Trying to be as charitable as possible to Atari – and looking back on my vague childhood memories through the increasingly frosted windows of middle age – I do actually think this is an accurate recreation of how the original joysticks used to handle. I suspect, though, that this faithfulness won’t make its turgid handling more forgiving in the eyes of modern gamers.

Atari 2600+ Pac-Man Edition review: performance

(Image credit: Future)

Firing up Pac-Man 7800 triggered almost primal memories in me. Playing the game takes me right back to my childhood, feeding coin after coin into an arcade slot to spend a little longer running round its dark mazes and gobbling up pixelated fruit. It’s a heady nostalgic hit.

However, I will admit that this joy is slightly undermined by how much duller my reflexes are some 35 years hence. Coupled with the stiffness of the CX40+’s stick, I found myself dying with an almost lemming-like alacrity. I’ve improved somewhat over my time testing it, partly as a result of learning to anticipate upcoming turns and move the stick way before I hit the bend, but I’m still bad at it. Honestly, Pac-Man and I have a slightly toxic relationship: I love it, and it clearly hates me.

Even when you take away the nostalgia, though, the gameplay is still as addictive and frustrating to a newcomer. My partner is hardly a committed gamer, but she quickly found herself hooked by the addictive ‘just one more turn’ gameplay loop. There were points she’d be enraged at how pointlessly she’d died – and then she’d fire it up again regardless, which is about as firm an endorsement as she can offer.

(Image credit: Future)

Unfortunately, while this is nominally a twin-game pack, I can’t really say the same for Pac-Man 2600. Within seconds of booting it up, I could see why it’s always been such a controversial port. In almost every regard, it sits in the original Pac-Man’s shadow

To adapt the arcade hit to the more modest hardware of the Atari 2600, the graphics were devolved considerably. Power pills are now squares, and Pac-Man looks like he’s lost all enthusiasm for his work. Worse, the ghosts flicker and regularly overlap, making it hard to know when some of them might decide to peel off, while I could honestly never tell when a power pill had worn off, as their appearance was almost indistinguishable either way.

Fundamentally, Pac-Man 2600 might be a nice game to have in your collection. But it’s more of a curiosity, fun to revisit in the same way that archive footage of the Nintendo Virtual Boy or Sinclair C5 is amusing. I recommend you play it, even if I think 95% of the time you’ll go straight to the more loyal port of Pac-Man 7800.

Fortunately, you’re not limited to playing either – as the console is fully backward compatible, you can play any old Atari games you still have or start building your own retro collection from scratch. This is the real strength of the Atari 2600+ for me: so many retro gaming devices force you to make do with a limited catalogue or skirt into ethically murky territory. The Atari 2600+ makes it far easier to start getting into retro gaming, without having to fuss about buying 30-year-old CRTs from eBay.

Should I buy the Atari 2600+ Pac-Man Edition?

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

You’ve got serious Atari nostalgia
If you’re wanting to get into Atari retro gaming, this is one of the best ways to do it. Not only can you pick up re-released games, but it’ll run any of those old Atari cartridges you have in the attic.

You love Pac-Man
Alright… this one’s pretty obvious. But if you loved Pac-Man back in the day and are charmed by this console’s styling, then you’ll want to opt for this over the 2600+ standard edition.

Don't buy it if...

You want cheap retro games
Atari’s rereleased games are not cheap, costing $29.99 / £24.99 per cartridge. Second-hand OG cartridges can be more affordable, although this naturally varies with rarity – typical prices may range from $5 / £5 to $70 / £30.

You don’t like a stiff joystick
Compared to modern, responsive Hall-effect thumbsticks, the CX40+ is stiffer than an 18-year single malt. That’s probably true to the original design, but you might find it requires more force than you’re used to.

How I tested the Atari 2600+ Pac-Man Edition

(Image credit: Future)

I tested the Atari 2600+ over the course of several days, both hooking it up to my 65-inch TCL C8K and a 24-inch LG TQ520S-P monitor.

I played both Pac-Man 7800 and Pac-Man 2600, trying out as many of the different game settings as possible, including different difficulty levels and speed modes.

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

Final Audio DX3000CL: Two-minute review

The DX3000CL are, in the least pejorative way, a very Final Audio product. There’s nothing flashy about the way they’re designed, there’s nothing remarkable about the way they’re specified (although the provision for both balanced and unbalanced cable terminations is something some alternative brands might want to take notice of), and there’s nothing unusual about the way they look (apart from the fact they’re a little wider on the head than most alternatives).

All of the effort that’s gone into them seems to have been concentrated on the way they perform, and that can only be a good thing as a means to enter our best wired headphones guide.

The quality of build and finish is well up to standard, don’t get me wrong, and they’re as comfortable to wear as any price-comparable rival and quite a lot more comfortable than some. But it’s the 40mm free-edge dynamic driver, and its paper/carbon composite diaphragm, that’s the real star of the show here.

All the relevant numbers (frequency response, sensitivity, impedance) are very promising – but that’s nothing when you consider the way the DX3000CL actually sound. At this money they’re up against some extremely credible competition – the open-backed Sennheiser HD 660 S2 are an obvious alternative, and the planar magnetic FiiO FT5 are no slouches either, but the Final Audio have some very specific tricks up their sleeve.

They’re not the most dynamic or engaging listen, it’s true – but if you value insight, eloquence and a soundstage so large you feel you could walk around it, the DX3000CL will keep you listening for the foreseeable future.

Yes, the case is huge (Image credit: Future)Final Audio DX3000CL review: Price & release date

• 13th November 2025
• Priced $599 / £549 / AU$1099

As briefly mentioned above, at $599 / £549 / AU$1099, these Final cans are up against some serious competition – I might mention the open-backed Sennheiser HD-660 S2 as a go-to alternative, or the planar magnetic FiiO FT5, but again, the Final Audio headphones do have some (very specific) aces up their sleeve.

(Image credit: Future)Final Audio DX3000CL review: Specs

Type

Wired closed-back over-ear

Drivers

40mm paper/carbon composite

Weight

410g

Cable length

2m

Sensitivity

96dB/wm

Impedance

37Ω

Termination

4.4mm (with 6.3mm adapter)

Housing: glass fibre-reinforced resin

Glass fibre-reinforced resin

(Image credit: Future)Final Audio DX3000CL review: Features

• 40mm paper/carbon composite dynamic drivers
• 96dB/wm sensitivity / 37Ω impedance
• 3: 2m OFC cable with 4.4mm termination

To be honest, I’m not quite sure how any pair of passive wired over-ear headphones could score less than ‘5’ for ‘features’. After all, products like this require very few features – and if the necessary features are present and correct, then ‘5’ is basically mandatory. And there’s no denying the Final Audio DX3000CL have the necessary features.

The headphones are supplied with a two-metre length of relatively hefty oxygen-free copper cable in a nicely flexible polymer sheath. At one end it splits into two 3.5mm terminations, as each ear cup must be wired. At the other there’s a 4.4mm balanced connection, and there’s also a rather over-engineered 6.3mm adapter included too.

The cable supplies audio information to a pair of 40mm dynamic drivers. They’re a free-edge design, made from a paper-and-carbon composite – they’re good for a claimed frequency response of 10Hz - 40kHz, and are fully designed and assembled in-house by Final Audio in Japan.

Sensitivity of 96dB/wm and 37Ω impedance means the DX3000CL aren’t especially tricky to drive, and no reasonably powered headphone amplifier will have to break a sweat in order to get worthwhile volume out of them.

• Features score: 5/5

(Image credit: Future)Final Audio DX3000CL review: Sound quality

• Remarkable powers of insight and detail retrieval
• Big, organised and explicit soundstaging
• Could conceivably sound more engaged and engaging

If you’re prepared to concede that you can’t have everything, even from an expensive pair of headphones, then the Final Audio DX3000CL are in many ways a deeply accomplished listen. As long as you don’t want to be grabbed by the lapels, the sound they make has plenty to recommend it.

Where they score very heavily is in the level of insight they summon, their ability to retrieve, reveal and contextualise even the most minor, most fleeting, most transient details in a recording and give them precisely the right amount of weighting. If it’s there in a mix, no matter how far back or how far down, the Final Audio will seize on it and let you know all about it. And the fact that they can generate a large, spacious and carefully organised soundstage doesn’t do any harm in this respect, either.

Do you remember when Scarlett Johansson collaborated with David Bowie on her album of Tom Waits cover versions? That was a weird old time, wasn’t it? Their version of Falling Down can sound quite foggy and indistinct, but when the Final Audio get hold of it all is revealed. The recording is opened up, with every element individualised and distinct in its own little pocket of space – but without sounding remote or dislocated. There’s still unity to the way the song is presented, but it’s a bit like the view from a freshly washed window – everything comes more fully into focus.

(Image credit: Future)

It doesn’t do any harm that the tonality of the DX3000CL is so neutral and naturalistic, and the fact that the journey from the (deep and solid) low frequencies to the (crisply substantial) top end is so smooth and uneventful. They’re deftly punchy without ever threatening to get out of hand, and the balance they strike in these respects is judicious in the extreme.

Where the Final Audio disappoint just a little centers around dynamics and overall engagement. There’s a suggestion of self-conscious good taste about the way these headphones are voiced that means they don’t always attack a recording with as much determination as might be appropriate, and they’re reluctant to properly let loose when the levels of intensity or simple volume in a recording begin to ramp up.

In the case of the Scarlett Johansson tune it’s not that much of an issue, but when you switch to something like Fanfare for the Warriors by The Art Ensemble of Chicago it becomes all too apparent that the DX3000CL are capable of being altogether too polite. ‘Wild abandon’ isn’t the be-all and end-all when it comes to reproducing music, of course, but a pair of headphones needs to be able to cut loose every now and then…

• Sound quality score: 4/5

(Image credit: Future)Final Audio DX3000CL review: Design

• Glass fibre-reinforced resin housing
• Screws and ‘O’ rings allow for easy servicing
• 410g (without cable)

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, of course, but for my money there’s an elegant simplicity about the design of the DX3000CL that isn’t always easy to come by. Final Audio has resisted the temptation to try to fancify these headphones, and the result is a clean and understated look.

This relative sophistication is thanks, in large part, to judicious choice of and use of materials. The single slender length of steel that adjusts the position of the headband relative to the ear cups looks and feels good – and unusually, it allows the ear cups to move in order to achieve adjustment rather than the other way around. The ear cups themselves are made of resin reinforced with glass fibre, and the hint of capillary waves in the housing constitutes perhaps the only design flourish here.

The ear pads and the headband feature memory foam covered with synthetic leather. There’s plenty of it for the ear pads, too, which makes the DX3000CL rather wider than most of their nominal rivals – you’ll have to be OK with looking a bit like a Cyberman when wearing these headphones. They’re comfortable, though, and are not as keen to retain and return your body heat than some alternatives I could mention. 410g is a fairly considerable weight, especially when you consider that’s without the cable being attached – but the clamping force and the hanger arrangement are both so carefully judged that the Final Audio don’t feel in any way burdensome, even if you’ve been wearing them for hours.

The fact the cable clicks into the front of the lower portion of each ear cup is slightly disconcerting (although it makes no practical difference). I’m so used to wired headphones connecting at the very bottom, or at the rear of the lower portion of the ear cup, I find myself checking that I haven’t got the headphones on backwards. That might just be me, though…

Final Audio is very keen on the fact that it’s entirely avoided the use of adhesives in the construction of the DX3000CSL. The use of precision screws and ‘O’-rings to ensure everything fits together nicely means the headphones can quite easily be dismantled, serviced and put back together again – and ‘no adhesives’ also means ‘greater sustainability’ and ‘reduced use of chemicals’ too, of course.

• Design score: 5/5

(Image credit: Future)Final Audio DX3000CL review: Value

• Good standard of construction and finish
• Quite extensive specification
• Some sonic blind spots

Big, well-made and great-sounding headphones that use premium materials and stay comfortable for hours at a time seldom come cheap – and in all of these respects the Final Audio are right on the money.

If they could muster a little more sonic vigour in those instances when it’s essential their case would be watertight…

• Value score: 4/5

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy theFinal Audio DX3000CL?

Section

Notes

Score

Features

All necessary features present and correct – and painstaking trouble has been taken over them too

5/5

Sound quality

Fantastic insight, detail and organisation, but could sound a touch more dynamically engaged and engaging

4/5

Design

Elegant, simplistic, clean and understated

5/5

Value

Excellent in most aspects, just a shade off the best-in-class for sonic vigour

4/5

Buy them if...

You value sonic insight
There isn’t a detail in a recording, no matter how tiny, that seems capable of eluding the DX3000CL

You like mildly unusual things
For all that it’s a fully credible brand, it seems that Final Audio is not all that many people’s default choice

You have some premium source equipment
The appearance of a 4.4mm balanced cable termination lets you know these headphones were designed to work with your more upmarket sources of music

Don't buy them if...

Your head is on the wide side
The last thing you need is for your head to seem wider still, but the DX3000CL are among the widest designs around

You particularly value dynamism and drive
The Final Audio do lots of things very well indeed, but they are neither the most dynamic nor the most attack headphones you can buy

You’re a frequency flyer
These headphones don’t come supplied with a case or even a bag - which is a bit of an oversight to be honest

Final Audio DX3000CL review: Also consider

Final DX3000CL

FiiO FT5

Sennheiser HD-660 S2

Price

$599 / £549 / AU$1099

$449 / £429 / AU$799

$599 / £499 / AU$949

Drivers

40mm paper/carbon composite dynamic

90mm planar magnetic (open-back)

38mm (open-back)

Weight

410g

456g

260g

Cable length

2m

1.5m

1.8m

Impedance

37Ω

36Ω nominal

300Ω

Sensitivity

96dB/wm

96dB/mW @1kHz

104dB

Sennheiser HD-660 S2
Want something super-light on your head? These open-backed Sennheisers might be just the ticket. They're a little older, having been unveiled in March 2023, but in the realms of wired audio and your mixing suite that's hardly an issue…
Read our full Sennheiser HD-660S2 review

FiiO FT5
The cable's a half meter shorter than the Final, at 1.5m rather than 2m, but the 90mm planar magnetic drivers are the star of the show – and do note the this is also an open-backed option. If you want faithful neutrality, do go for the Final, but if you want a bit more excitement and oomph, give these an immediate spot on your shortlist.
See our FiiO FT5 review for more

How I tested the Final Audio DX3000CL

• Connected to a number of sources using both terminations
• With many different music storage formats
• With many different genres and styles of music

I connect the Final Audio DX3000CL to my iFi iDSD Diablo 2 headphone amp/DAC using the 4.4mm input – the iFi is connected to an Apple MacBook Pro and to an iPhone 14 Pro. I also connect them to a FiiO M15S digital audio player using the machine’s 4.4mm socket.

To listen to vinyl I connect the headphones to a Naim Uniti Star connected to a Technics SL-1300G – but it only has a 3.5mm headphone socket, so an ugly combination of the 4.4mm jack fitted with its 6.3mm adapter, in turn fitted to a 6.3mm-to-3.5mm adapter, is required.

• First reviewed: January 2026
• Read more about how we test

One-minute review

The Asus ROG Destrier Core is a compelling option if you’re searching for a mesh gaming chair and don’t mind paying a little bit more for a refreshingly stylish overall design.

The brand claims that the striking look was inspired by a ‘futuristic cyborg aesthetic’ and, while I personally don’t see the resemblance, the abundance of sharp angles helps it stand out in a sea of generic racing seats. It’s still sleek enough to blend into an office environment, with little details like the attached ROG fabric strap and subtle ‘Republic of Gamers’ engraving that mean it will look just as at home in a high-end gaming setup like any of the best gaming chairs.

It’s very comfortable to sit on too, with its breathable nylon mesh ensuring that heat won’t build up over even the longest gaming sessions. I’ve been using this chair at my desk at TechRadar Gaming HQ for months, and it’s helped me keep cool both during the stuffy summer months and throughout winter when the heating is mercilessly cranked up to uncomfortable levels.

Despite its thin overall profile, it still provides a good level of lumbar support thanks to an adjustable system in its backrest and the ability to tweak seat height and depth to find the perfect sitting position. The included headrest is also a nice touch, offering substantially more comfort and adjustability than the much more static magnetic cushion found on the competing Secretlab Titan Evo 2022.

My only major complaint with the Asus ROG Destrier Core relates to the setup process out of the box. I assemble gaming chairs every other week, and this is one of the few models that I’ve struggled with. The included instructions are perfectly clear, but getting the heavy backrest into position so that you can screw everything together is tricky to do alone, and had me drafting a colleague in to help hold it in position.

Luckily, you’ll only have to do this once - but it is worth bearing in mind that you might need a friend on hand.

(Image credit: Future)Price and availability

• Costs $629.99 / £499.99 / around AU$600
• Available via Asus and online retailers
• Strong competition at this price

The Asus ROG Destrier Core Gaming Chair costs $629.99 / £499.99 / around AU$600. It’s readily available direct from Asus or at online retailers such as Amazon.

This price tag puts the chair towards the upper bracket of the mid-range market, coming in above supremely popular alternatives like the $519 / £414 / AU$724 Secretlab Titan Evo 2022.

What makes the Asus ROG Destrier Core Gaming Chair worth picking in the face of such strong competition? The mesh material and the unique design, namely. Quality mesh gaming chairs are generally expensive, with the likes of the Razer Fujin Pro at an eye-watering $1,049 / £999, so this price tag is not too unreasonable.

Specs

Price

$629.99 / £499.99 / around AU$600

Dimensions

27.8 x 24.1 x 45.2-53.1 inches / 707 x 613 x 1150-1350mm

Max user weight

299.8lbs / 136kg

Min seat height

18.5in / 470mm

Seat width

20in / 510mm

Warranty

2 years

Design and aesthetics

• Unique look
• Quality materials
• Subtle branding

With its distinctly angular look, the Asus ROG Destrier Core is pretty stylish as far as gaming chairs go. Asus has kept the aesthetic very minimalist, with most of the branding confined to subtle details.

This includes a neat fabric strap on the back of the headrest, which doubles as a convenient way to yank the chair around if you want to move it. There’s also a small ‘Republic of Gamers’ engraving on its spine, and a subtle ROG logo on the back of the headrest’s mesh.

Looking at the chair head-on, the only real indication that this is indeed a gaming product is the red ROG emblem emblazoned on the headrest. If this isn’t to your liking, though, Asus also offers a white version of the chair that swaps the red out for a much more subtle silver color.

As you would expect, given the price tag, the materials here are flawless across the board. The nylon mesh is impressively strong, and the armrests benefit from a soft layer of foam padding. The casters are smooth, gliding across surfaces with ease and minimal noise.

This chair has been used heavily throughout its time at our office so far, with someone sitting in it every weekday for months, and in that time, it's sustained very few visible marks or scuffs, which is particularly impressive.

(Image credit: Future)Comfort and adjustability

• Adjustable lumbar support and 3D armrests
• “Mobile gaming mode”
• Highly comfortable to use

There is no shortage of adjustment options with the Asus ROG Destrier Core Gaming Chair. It offers the standard height adjustment via a gas mechanism and the ability to alternate the backrest recline between three levels via a lever on the right-hand side of your seated position. You can also easily reposition the bottom of the seat to increase or decrease its depth with a lever located on the other side.

The armrests can be raised by up to 5.5 inches / 14cm and can rotate a full 360 degrees. They’re a decent size and have a layer of soft foam at the top to make them a bit more comfortable on your elbows.

Raise the armrests as far as possible to enter what Asus calls “mobile gaming mode” - designed to keep your arms elevated so you can hold a phone in front of your face without strain. It feels a little weird at first, but it does a surprisingly good job of improving mobile play if you’re at your desk.

Underneath the backrest is a basic lumbar support mechanism which can be raised and lowered freely, clicking into place. You can also tweak its depth slightly by twisting the two rotating dials on the back.

(Image credit: Future)

The final points of adjustment are in the headrest, which can be raised or lowered in a range of 4.7 inches / 12cm or moved forward and backwards to ensure that it’s snugly against the back of your head. I’m quite tall and can struggle with headrests built into gaming chairs, but the range of adjustment here made it easy to get it into the perfect spot.

Add in the breathability of the mesh material, and you have a chair that remains comfortable even over extended periods of use. I’ve sat in it for hours at a time and haven’t experienced any soreness or fatigue.

(Image credit: Future)Assembly

• All necessary tools included
• Backrest is difficult to align
• I’d recommend having a friend help

Assembling the Asus ROG Destrier Core Gaming Chair is a bit of a chore as the components are quite heavy, which makes them difficult to maneuver on your own.

Due to the shape of the backrest, it’s hard to keep it in place when it needs to be screwed in - so I’d highly recommend making sure that you have a friend on hand to lend a hand.

The instructions are thankfully very clear, and all necessary tools are included in the box, so Asus gains some marks back there.

Should I buy the Asus ROG Destrier Core Gaming Chair?Buy it if...

You’re after a stylish gaming seat
The overall design and aesthetic is one of the highlights of the Asus ROG Destrier Core Gaming Chair. It’s attractive and unique, and wouldn’t look out of place in either an office or a gaming den.

You want a breathable mesh
The Asus ROG Destrier Core Gaming Chair boasts a quality nylon mesh that provides a good level of breathability to stop heat building over as you sit.

Don't buy it if...

You want to save some cash
The Asus ROG Destrier Core Gaming Chair is a compelling package, but there’s plenty of strong competition around this price. The Secretlab Titan Evo 2022, for example, is another comfortable chair that comes in a little cheaper.

Also consider...

If you’re not sold on the Asus ROG Destrier Core Gaming Chair, then these two alternatives are worth weighing up.

Asus ROG Destrier Core Gaming Chair

Secretlab Titan Evo 2022

Razer Fujin Pro

Price

$629.99 / £499.99 / around AU$600

$549 / £469 / AU$799

$1,049 / £‎1,315 / around AU$ 2,600

Dimensions

27.8 x 24.1 x 45.2-53.1 inches / 707 x 613 x 1150-1350mm

51.2 x 27.6 x 19.3in / 130 x 70 x 49cm

28.57 x 16.94 x 36.05in / 725 x 430 x 915mm

Max user weight

299.8lbs / 136kg

285lbs / 130kg

136kg / 300lbs

Min seat height

18.5 inches / 470mm

17.7in / 45cm

18.5 inches

Seat width

20 inches / 510mm

18.5in / 470mm

20.9 inches / 530mm

Warranty

2 years

3 years

5 years

Secretlab Titan Evo 2022
This popular gaming chair is a strong alternative. It’s not a mesh model, but it’s still highly comfortable with plenty of adjustment options. It’s even a little cheaper than the Asus ROG Destrier Core Gaming Chair - and comes in more color options to boot.

For more information, check out our full Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 review

Razer Fujin Pro
If you want another mesh option, then this high-end competitor from hardware giant Razer is worth a look. It’s much more expensive than the Asus ROG Destrier Core Gaming Chair, but delivers a supreme level of comfort.

For more information, check out our full Razer Fujin Pro review

How I tested the Asus ROG Destrier Core Gaming Chair

• Tested for multiple months
• Sat in for hours at a time
• Compared to other gaming chairs

I tested the Asus ROG Destrier Core Gaming Chair over multiple months at the TechRadar Gaming office.

Throughout that time, I used the chair every time I was working from the office, sitting in it for multiple hours at a time. In addition to office work, I tested gaming products like the Nintendo Switch 2 from the seat and was careful to evaluate its mobile gaming mode.

I compared my experience to my hands-on testing of many other gaming chairs, including the likes of the Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 and my go-to at-home pick: the Herman Miller Sayl.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed September-December 2025.

TP-Link AXE5400: One minute reviewAsus RP-AX58: Specifications

Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E
Wi-Fi Speed: 5.4Gbps
Ports: 1x Gigabit Ethernet
Antennae: 4
Dimensions: 348 x 106 x 80mm

Wi-Fi 6E, which the Asus RP-AX58 features, is a bit like the missing link of the Wi-Fi family. It was the first version of Wi-Fi technology to introduce the high-speed 6.0GHz frequency band – in addition to the existing 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz bands used by previous generations of Wi-Fi. However, it never really took off as many people had only just upgraded to Wi-Fi 6, and it wasn’t long before the absurdly fast Wi-Fi 7 came along and made poor old 6E look a bit irrelevant.

The advantage of that, though, is that you can now pick up a high-performance range extender that uses Wi-Fi 6E at a pretty competitive price.

We liked TP-Link’s BE3600 range extender thanks to its ease of use and installation, but its dual-band Wi-Fi 7 performance was actually fairly modest, with a top speed of 3.6Gbps. The AXE5400 (model number RE815XE) is around the same price as the BE3600, but the use of Wi-Fi 6E means that it can provide tri-band Wi-Fi performance and a speed of 5.4Gbps that should be more than adequate for use with most home broadband services.

TP-Link AXE5400: Price And Availability

• How much does it cost? $139.99/£119.14
• When is it available: Now
• Where can you get it: US, UK

The AXE5400 costs $139.99/£119.14, which is slightly less expensive than the TP-Link BE3600 with Wi-Fi 7, even though the tri-band Wi-Fi 6E used by the AXE5400 actually provides stronger performance with a top speed of 5.4Gbps.

It’s not currently on sale in Australia, though, where it looks like TP-Link is skipping a generation and going from an older Wi-Fi 6 model to the new BE3600 with Wi-Fi 7 instead.

• Value: 4.5/5

(Image credit: Future)TP-Link AXE5400: Design

• Big, bulky design
• Four external antennae
• Easy-to-use app

It’s safe to say that the AXE5400 is not going to quietly and unobtrusively blend into your home décor.

Its four large external antennae make it one of the biggest and bulkiest range extenders we’ve come across, and with the antennae fully extended the AXE5400 measures a full 348mm high, 106mm wide and 80mm deep (including the plug section that is inserted straight into a mains power socket).

In fact, it’s so large that it actually blocked an adjacent power socket when we set it up in our offices. There’s also a series of status indicator lights on the front panel, which are useful when setting up the AXE5400, but also mean that it may take up even more space in order to keep the front of the unit clear and visible.

The bulky design does serve a purpose though, as the large antennae help to beam the range extender’s tri-band Wi-Fi signal far and wide, and ensure that it obliterates any annoying deadspots in your home. There’s an Ethernet port on the right-hand side of the unit to provide a wired connection too – although, of course, the AXE5400 still relies on Wi-Fi to connect to your main broadband router.

• Design: 3.5/5

(Image credit: Future)TP-Link AXE5400: Features

• Simple installation
• Helpful status indicators
• Plugs directly into mains power socket

It may not support the latest Wi-Fi 7, but the AXE5400 includes plenty of features that enable it to provide strong Wi-Fi performance, and also to help people who may not have used a range extender before.

The use of tri-band Wi-Fi 6E allows the AXE5400 to broadcast a Wi-Fi signal on three separate frequency bands. The 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz bands provide compatibility with older PCs and mobile devices, while the high-speed 6.0GHz band boosts the Wi-Fi performance to a healthy 5.4Gbps – which is significantly faster than dual-band range extenders that use Wi-Fi 7, such as TP-Link’s BE3600, or the Asus RP-BE58.

And, as mentioned, there’s a Gigabit Ethernet port on the AXE5400 to provide a wired connection as well. It also provides a feature called ‘adaptive path selection’ – often just called ‘roaming’ by most other manufacturers – which can monitor a laptop or mobile device as you move from room to room, and decide when to hand the Wi-Fi connection back to your main router in order to maintain the best performance.

Like most range extenders, the AXE5400 will work with routers from any manufacturer, but it also supports TP-Link’s OneMesh system, which allows it to be used as part of a wider mesh networking system if you already own a TP-Link router with OneMesh.

It’s easy to use too (although the annoying Christmas ads that seemed to pop up every now and then within the app were pretty shameless). The TP-Link Tether app can automatically detect the Wi-Fi signal from the AXE5400 and guide you through the process of connecting to the three different frequency bands.

You can use the same name and password as your main network from your broadband router, or create a new name and password just for the AXE5400. There’s even a signal test within the app to help you find the best spot to place the AXE5400 in order to deal with any deadspots in particular rooms within your home. And, for more advanced users, there’s a web browser interface that provides more detailed control over your network settings.

• Features: 4/5

(Image credit: Future)TP-Link AXE5400: Performance

• Tri-band Wi-Fi 6E
• 5.4Gbps Wi-Fi
• 1x Gigabit Ethernet

Our offices are a good place to test range extenders, as we have one office towards the back of the building that does suffer from a very noticeable Wi-Fi deadspot – which is usually managed with the use of some PowerLine adaptors to provide a wired network connection instead.

TP-Link AXE5400 benchmarks

Ookla Speed Test – 2.4GHz (download/upload)

Within 30ft, three partition walls: 140Mbps / 140Mbps

20GB Steam Download - 2.4GHz

Within 30ft, three partition walls: 110Mbps

Ookla Speed Test – 5.0GHz (download/upload)

Within 30ft, three partition walls: 150Mbps / 150Mbps

20GB Steam Download - 5.0GHz

Within 30ft, three partition walls: 150Mbps

Ookla Speed Test - 6.0GHz (upload/download)

Within 30ft, three partition walls: 150Mbps/150Mbps

20GB Steam Download - 6.0GHz

Within 30ft, three partition walls: 150Mbps

Thankfully, though, the AXE5400 dealt with that problem in no time at all, providing a strong Wi-Fi signal on all three frequency bands as soon as I set it up in a hallway just outside that back office.

The office broadband runs at 150Mbps, and even the slower 2.4GHz band on the AXE5400 managed to hit 140Mbps with the Ookla Speed Test. Steam downloads were a little slower at 110Mbps, but that speed is still in line with the 2.4GHz performance of other range extenders that we’ve tested.

Switching to the 5.0GHz band immediately boosted performance, hitting the full 150Mbps with both the Ookla and Steam tests. And, of course, the fastest 6.0GHz band had no trouble maintaining those speeds as well.

If you only have older PCs or mobile devices that use Wi-Fi 5 or 6 on the 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz bands then you may not need a tri-band range extender such the AXE5400.

But, if you’re able to make use of that 6.0GHz band, then the AXE5400 is a fast, reliable way of getting rid of Wi-Fi deadspots at a more competitive price than newer Wi-Fi 7 models.

• Performance: 4/5

Should You Buy The TP-Link AXE5400?TP-Link AXE5400 Scorecard

Attributes

Notes

Score

Value

Wi-Fi 6E may be the forgotten member of the Wi-Fi family, but that means you can pick up this tri-band range extender at a very competitive price.

4.5 / 5

Design

The sheer size of the AXE5400 and its four large antenna means that it’s a bit of an eyesore, and may even block an adjacent power socket.

3.5 / 5

Features

The four antennae do earn their keep though, providing tri-band Wi-Fi for maximum compatibility with both older and newer PCs and mobile devices.

4 / 5

Performance

Tri-band Wi-Fi and a top speed of 5.4Gbps means that the AXE5400 can even outperform some of its dual-band Wi-Fi 7 rivals.

4 / 5

Final Score

Good performance, maximum compatibility, and an easy-to-use app make this a great option for anyone that needs to fix a Wi-Fi deadspot.

4 / 5

Buy it if...

You need speed
Tri-band Wi-Fi 6E with a top speed of 5.4Gbps is more than enough for streaming video and online gaming.

You have a new laptop
It may not support Wi-Fi 7, but the Wi-Fi 6E used by the AXE5400 still lets you use the speed 6.0GHz frequency band.

Don’t buy it if...

You’re on a budget
The AXE5400 is a fairly high-end range extender, and there are less expensive options available for under $100/£100.

You don't need super-speed
Many of us don’t really need Wi-Fi 6E, as we’re still using older PCs, consoles, and mobile devices that only support the 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz frequencies.

Also Consider

If you're undecided about the TP-Link AXE5400, I've compared its specs with two other options that might be a better fit.

TP-Link AXE5400

Asus RP-BE58

TP-Link RE700X

Price

$139.99/£119.14

$99.99/79.99/AU$150

$119.99/£56.99/AU$123.90

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi 6E

Wi-Fi 7

Wi-Fi 6

Wi-Fi Speed

5.4Gbps

3.6Gbps

3.0Gbps

Antennae

4 (external)

2 (internal)

2 (internal)

Ethernet ports

1x Gigabit Ethernet

1x Gigabit Ethernet

1x Gigabit Ethernet

Dimensions

348 x 106 x 80mm

150 x 72 x 87mm

149 x 78 x 36mm

If you do want a range extender that supports Wi-Fi 7 then the RP-BE58 from Asus is a good affordable option. It offers dual-band Wi-Fi running at 3.6Gbps, and can easily handle gaming and streaming video.

This previous-generation range extender from TP-Link is a good budget option for many people. It supports dual-band Wi-Fi 6 with a top speed of 3.0Gbps, which is fine for most domestic broadband services. Read our full review

Asus RP-AX58: One minute reviewAsus RP-AX58: Specifications

Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6
Wi-Fi Speed: 3.0Gbps
Ports: 1x Gigabit Ethernet
Antennae: 2 (internal)
Dimensions: 150 x72 x 87mm

We liked the RP-BE58 range extender from Asus, which provides dual-band Wi-Fi 7 with good performance at a competitive price. However, most people are still using older PCs and mobile devices that don’t support Wi-Fi 7 yet.

There are also many brand-new PCs and laptops now available that don’t have Wi-Fi 7 either (yes, Apple, we’re looking at you). And, of course, there’s no need to buy a range extender with Wi-Fi 7 if you’re still using an old router that only has Wi-Fi 5 or 6. In that case you might want to look at the Asus RP-AX58 range extender instead, which sticks with Wi-Fi 6 and an even more affordable price.

Admittedly, its dual-band Wi-Fi does run at a relatively modest 3.0Gbps, but that should still be more than adequate for streaming video or gaming in most homes, and the RP-AX58 will be a good, affordable option if you just need to boost your Wi-Fi into an upstairs bedroom or other area that suffers from a Wi-Fi deadspot.

Asus RP-AX58: Price And Availability

• How much does it cost? $79.99/£64.99/AU $103.62
• When is it available: Now
• Where can you get it: US, UK, Australia

Sticking with Wi-Fi 6 means that the RP-AX58 is currently available for a very competitive $79.99/£64.99/AU $103.62.

That makes it one of the most affordable range extenders we’ve seen recently, and it’s considerably cheaper than Asus’ RP-BE58 with Wi-Fi 7, as well as rivals such as TP-Link’s BE3600. It’s available in most regions and, as Wi-Fi 6 is a few years old now, you can find it discounted online quite often if you want to shop around.

• Value: 4/5

(Image credit: Future)Asus RP-AX58: Design

• Compact, slimline design
• No cables, plugs directly into mains socket
• 2x internal antennae

The RP-AX58 looks virtually identical to its Wi-Fi 7 stablemate from Asus, with a similar slimline design that hides its two Wi-Fi antennae inside the body of the range extender.

It measures just 150mm high, 72mm wide and 87mm deep and, like most range extenders it’s designed to plug directly into a mains power socket, so its compact design ensures that you can simply plug it into any convenient socket in any room around your home or office.

There’s a Gigabit Ethernet port on the right-hand side of the range extender that can provide a wired connection as well (although the RP-AX58 will still connect to your main broadband router via Wi-Fi).

• Design: 4

(Image credit: Future)Asus RP-AX58: Features

• Supports Asus AiMesh technology
• Compatible with most routers
• App feels a little clumsy

The Asus RP-AX58 provides dual-band Wi-Fi 6, running on the 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz frequency bands, which ensures compatibility with most PCs, consoles, and mobile devices.

Its 3.0Gbps performance isn’t going to break any speed records, but it should be more than adequate for use with most home broadband services, and fast enough to eliminate any Wi-Fi deadspots in rooms or other areas that suffer from poor Wi-Fi. The RP-AX58 will work with broadband routers from most manufacturers, but it also supports Asus’ AiMesh technology, which allows it to act as part of a mesh Wi-Fi network in conjunction with Asus’ own routers or mesh systems.

The Asus Extender app has a few rough edges, though. As I’ve seen before, the opening screen of the app displays some jumbled text on the screen of my iPhone (although that’s not a problem on the larger screen of an iPad).

However, even when the text is clear it’s... well... still a bit unclear. The app tells you to enter the ‘default password’ for the Wi-Fi network created by the range extender, when in fact the network doesn’t initially require a password.

It’s only after connecting the RP-AX58 to your existing Wi-Fi network that the app gives you the opportunity to set a password. You can create an entirely new network name and password just for connecting to the RP-AX58, or if you want to keep things simple you can just tell the app to use the same name and password as your existing Wi-Fi network.

The low price of the RP-AX58 means that there’s not much in the way of additional features, but that’s not a problem as long as it delivers the goods when tackling your Wi-Fi deadspots.

• Features: 3/5

(Image credit: Future)Asus RP-AX58: Performance

• Dual-band Wi-Fi 6
• 3.0Gbps speed
• 1x Gigabit Ethernet port

The use of Wi-Fi 6 and a top speed of 3.0Gbps seems almost quaint when compared to the blazing speeds of the latest Wi-Fi 7 devices. Yet few people really need multi-gig speeds for their home or office Wi-Fi, so the RP-AX58 should still provide all the speed you need for most home broadband services.

Asus RP-AX58 benchmarks

Ookla Speed Test – 2.4GHz (download/upload)

Within 30ft, three partition walls: 120Mbps / 120Mbps

20GB Steam Download - 2.4GHz

Within 30ft, three partition walls: 120Mbps

Ookla Speed Test – 5.0GHz (download/upload)

Within 30ft, three partition walls: 150Mbps / 150Mbps

20GB Steam Download - 5.0GHz

Within 30ft, three partition walls: 150Mbps

It worked well with my own Wi-Fi deadspot, located in an office towards the back of a building that my normal office router struggles to reach. I installed the RP-AX58 in a hallway just outside that office and immediately said goodbye to the dead zone – and to the PowerLine adaptors that I normally use to provide a wired connection in that room.

My office broadband runs at 150Mbps, and the slower 2.4GHz band provided by the RP-AX58 was able to provide a perfectly reliable speed of 120Mbps in the back office for Steam downloads and the Ookla Speed Test.

Admittedly, the RP-BE58 range extender from Asus ran slightly faster on that frequency band, hitting 135Mps, but the RP-BE58 is more expensive because of its up-to-date support for Wi-Fi 7, and 120Mbps will still be enough to handle web browsing and streaming video with no trouble.

And, as expected, the faster 5.0GHz band delivered the full 150Mbps available with our office broadband for both Ookla and Steam. Owners of newer devices that support Wi-Fi 7 might prefer a more up-to-date router or range extender that can deliver the higher performance of Wi-Fi 7, but if you just need to boost the Wi-Fi in one or two rooms around your home then the RP-AX58 will do the trick without breaking the bank.

• Performance: 3/5

Should You Buy The Asus RP-AX58?Asus RP-AX58 Scorecard

Attributes

Notes

Score

Value

It’s very much an entry-level option, but the RP-AX58 is an affordable option for dealing with Wi-Fi deadspots.

4 / 5

Design

A slimline design that plugs directly into a mains power socket and doesn’t take up too much space.

4 / 5

Features

Entry-level price means entry-level features, but the RP-AX58 does the job of boosting your home Wi-Fi.

3 / 5

Performance

Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 running at 3.0Gbps is far from breath-taking, but it should still be able to handle most online tasks with ease.

3 / 5

Final Score

It’s last-gen Wi-Fi, but still a perfectly good option for those of us that haven’t upgraded to the latest Wi-Fi 7.

3.5 / 5

Buy it if...

You’ve got a deadspot
It does what it says on the tin – extending the range of your existing Wi-Fi network to reach into a room that struggles with poor Wi-Fi.

You're on a budget
It’s very much a no-frills option, but the RP-AX58 is very good value for money and suitable for use with most home broadband services.

Don’t buy it if...

You’re an early adopter
If you own a PC or any mobile devices that already have Wi-Fi 7, then you should probably spend a little extra for a more modern range extender.

You need 'whole home' Wi-Fi
Range extenders are great for reaching just one or two rooms, but larger homes with several bedrooms may need a mesh Wi-Fi system with greater range.

Also Consider

If you're undecided about the Asus RP-AX58, I've compared its specs with two other options that might be a better fit.

Asus RP-AX58

TP-Link AXE5400

Asus RP-BE58

Price

$79.99/£64.99/AU $103.62

$139.99/£119.14

$99.99/79.99/AU$150

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi 6

Wi-Fi 6E

Wi-Fi 7

Wi-Fi Speed

3.0Gbps

5.4Gbps

3.6Gbps

Antennae

2 (internal)

4 (external)

2 (internal)

Ethernet ports

1x Gigabit Ethernet

1x Gigabit Ethernet

1x Gigabit Ethernet

Dimensions

150 x72 x 87mm

348 x 106 x 80mm

150 x 72 x 87mm

It’s one of the biggest range extenders we’ve ever seen, but the four antennae used by the AXE5400 provide tri-band Wi-Fi 6E running at a healthy 5.4Gbps.

The Wi-Fi 7 version of the RP-AX58 is a little more expensive, but also a little faster at 3.6Gbps. It also includes Wi-Fi 7 features such as MLO that further help to boost performance.

January 2026 is going to be the Tom Hiddleston takeover month, with the much-anticipated The Night Manager season 2 hitting BBC from January 1 and Prime Video from January 11. After 10 years, shrewd and aloof spy Johnathan Pine returns... or does he?

Technically speaking, Hiddleston assumes a myriad of identities in the new season, but for the sake of UK security, I won't be revealing what they are. When we pick up with him a decade later, he's still working with the Night Owls. But when he spots a henchman of deceased villain Richard Roper (Hugh Laurie), all hell breaks loose.

The fact there's been a ten-year wait probably plays to The Night Manager season 2's advantage, but these new episodes blow season 1 straight out of the water. They feel sharper, more self-assured yet dares to creatively play in ways that more stringent, straight-up crime dramas in the 2010s didn't dare to.

Hiddleston is just as in control too. In the time that The Night Manager has been away, he's shot to international fame in the MCU. There's something cathartic about bringing him back to his roots, able to play with an outrageous situation (being an MI6 spy) with a sense of grounding (i.e., he's not a superhero).

The drama takes to the global stage in an entirely new way this time around, and it's a refreshing change. Instead of the war zones of the 2011 Egypt revolution, we're heading to the hushed-up drug trades of Colombia. But if you think the two scenarios aren't directly linked, think again.

Tom Hiddleston breathes fresh air into a creatively liberated The Night Manager season 2

If you've ever watched a John le Carré adaptation before, you'll know that second seasons aren't really a thing. However, with Carré's approval before he died in 2020 (according to son and producer Simon Cornwell), a new creative concept has been born. Therefore, The Night Manager season 2 finds itself in an unusual sweet spot – stick to a pre-constructed foundation while taking as many dramatic liberties as it wants to.

Luckily for us, this works incredibly well. The BBC is well-known for its high-stakes, high-quality crime dramas, but in the last few years, the pedal has well and truly been put to the metal. Their output is confident, daring, inviting you to be challenged in a way that you didn't think you would be. When it comes to Jonathan Pine's ever-shifting identity, the challenge remains heightened at all times.

I don't need to spell out the fact the Hiddleston is bloody good as his job, and no matter how difficult or complex the action gets, we're being steered along with safe hands (even if Pine himself isn't making the smartest decisions). He's joined by a smorgasbord of new faces in season 2, with the irresistibly sexy Diego Calva playing opposite as calculated and cool-headed antagonist Teddy dos Santos.

Plop a romantic entanglement between the pair – in the form of smart yet seductive Roxana, played by Camila Morrone – and things only get spicier by the second. I can't quite believe that the BBC has essentially recreated the viral Challengers scene at a pool party in Medellín (you can see a sneak preview in the above trailer), but hey, everyone's throwing caution to the wind these days... and it's hot.

For all the flourish, the basics haven't been lost

See? Challengers, eat your heart out. (Image credit: BBC)

We don't get much in the way of frivolous fun when it comes to The Night Manager – you'll need to tune into Death in Paradise or Black Ops in iPlayer for that. But playing it straight is exactly what's needed, and in a way plays against the genre stereotype all the best streaming services have come to cultivate. For Pine, his business never rests.

Frankly, that's great news. Sure, he might risk his life in the name of fictional entertainment every two seconds, but the payoff is colossal. Not only is Olivia Colman back for more scenes in season 2 (and not just in a half-hearted cameo way, either), but the MI6 is now under the control of Indira Varma's head of operations. She's a slippery one, so watch out for her... that's all I'll say for now.

It's Hayley Squires I want to give the biggest kudos to, though. Ever since her breakout performance in I, Daniel Blake, she's somehow fallen off the radar when it comes to exceptional British acting talent. If Pine is the show-stopper, Squires' character Sally is a true glue that holds the operation together. Without her, nothing would be effectively achieved, and I think that's just as true of The Night Manager season 2 itself.

Basically, we're kicking 2026 off in the most alluring, intricate, and devilishly thrilling way possible. Good things come to those who wait, and we're certainly being rewarded.

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Hisense L9Q: two-minute review

The Hisense L9Q represents the pinnacle of what Hisense can do for home theater projection. It’s a sizzlingly bright 4K ultra short throw (UST) projector that boasts the wide color gamut of triple-laser projectors alongside the accurate color of Pantone Validated hardware.

The Hisense L9Q is a capable streamer on its own thanks to integrated Google TV, and it has fast-enough hardware to run the operating system smoothly. It can also serve as a hub for various video sources with its multiple HDMI ports and an ATSC 3.0 tuner input – a rare feature on the best projectors. And though it doesn’t include a screen like some earlier Hisense L9 models, this version has a variable focus to let it adapt to different setups.

Where most other projectors settle for two or maybe four speakers, the L9Q packs in a whopping ten Devialet-designed speakers in a 6.2.2 configuration for the most impressive sound I’ve heard from a projector. It may not beat actual surround sound speaker systems, but it’s enough to put even the best soundbars to shame.

The L9Q is even a solid gaming projector with its ability to display 4K 60Hz gameplay with low input lag or switch over to 1080p 240Hz for extra smooth visuals and responsive gaming.

It’s a serious package, but it comes with a seriously high-end price at $5,999 / £3,999. That may seem steep, but considering how quickly the prices of TVs ramp up when you go past 75 inches, the math starts to work in Hisense’s favor. The L9Q can put out a 150-inch picture just as easily as it can do 100 inches, and has flexible setup features to get up and running.

For most people who don’t need the added brightness and already have a good sound system, the $3,499 / £2,499 Hisense PX3-Pro will be a more reasonable option. But if you demand the best, the L9Q delivers.

Hisense L9Q Review: price and release date

• First available: September 2025
• MSRP: $5,999 / £3,999 / AU$9,999 (includes 120-inch screen)
  

The Hisense L9Q is available for $5,999 / £3,999. In Australia, the projector comes bundled with a 120-inch screen and sells for AU$9,999. Given that it launched towards the end of 2025, the L9Q is unlikely to see any major discounts until sometime in late 2026.

The Hisense L9Q comes with a full-size remote control and uses the Google TV platform for streaming (Image credit: Future)Hisense L9Q Review: Specs

Screen sizes supported:

80-200 inches

Brightness (specified):

5,000 Lumens

HDR support:

Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG

Optical technology:

3-laser DLP

Smart TV:

Google TV

Connections:

2x HDMI 2.1, 2x HDMI 2.0 (1x eARC), optical audio out, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB-C 3.0 (data only), Ethernet, RF antenna

Dimensions:

24.6 x 12.5 x 6.5 inches (623 x 31.7 x 165cm)

Weight:

28.4 pounds (12.8 kg)

TheL9Q has four HDMI ports (1 with eARC and two HDMI 2.1) and supports gaming at 1080p/240Hz (Image credit: Future)Hisense L9Q Review: design and features

• Stunning design
• Projector, sound system, and streamer all in one
• Plentiful connection options

Hisense here has created what I think is its best-looking UST projector yet. The L9Q borrows some of the ideas from the retro-futuristic PX line to deliver a bronze-kissed work of art. Most of the frame of the L9Q is a little boxy, keeping it simple with clean lines, but the front has small channels with power indicator lights and the top bears a curved sort of wave meant to evoke Roman amphitheaters. That’s not just for style either, as the top integrates several speakers. The front is emblazoned with concentric rings and a grille on the front hides even more speakers. Around the side, there are two discs housing yet another pair of speakers.

While the design is very appealing, it’s also functional. The projector sits on four height-adjustable feet to help you level the projector and get a perfectly square image. Where its Hisense L9G predecessor was designed with specific screen sizes in mind (and included those screens), the L9Q is more flexible, offering adjustable keystone and focus to let you adapt it to your needs. The flip side is that the L9Q does not include any screen, which was an addition worth easily $1,000 on earlier models. Whatever screen you do set it up with, the projector can automatically fit the picture to it, though it's a software solution and will reduce the actual image resolution.

Another set of sensors at the top of the projector helps protect your eyes. When these detect someone is close to the projection, they'll dim the display, and after 5 seconds, turn it off entirely. That's good to have since this projector uses bright lasers, and in my testing, the sensors have been fairly responsive.

Another update with the L9Q is that the throw ratio has been reduced to 0.18:1. This lets you get a big image while getting the projector closer to the wall.

Around back, the L9Q has a good selection of connections. You get four HDMI ports, two of which meet the version 2.1 spec. A separate HDMI offers eARC, so you don't have to use up an HDMI 2.1 port for audio output. There's also an optical digital audio output, an Ethernet input, and an RF input for the L9Q’s ATSC 3.0 receiver. The projector even supports a PVR recording system for broadcast TV using an attached storage device. Three USB ports round out the options, with two offering USB 3.0 speeds, and one of those using a Type-C connection.

Even if you don't connect the projector to an external source, you can stream content on the built-in Google TV operating system. While many projectors include built-in operating systems like this, the L9Q actually has the hardware to run it smoothly. In my time testing, the system remained responsive even as I launched and navigated apps, and I could reliably control the projector at all times. The Wi-Fi 6E connection used by the streaming platform is also robust.

Hisense’s included remote is almost the same as what came with the PX3-Pro. It's a long silver handset made out of plastic with the typical Google TV navigation ring. At the top, it features a handful of shortcuts to streaming apps, including one customizable shortcut. There's also a dedicated input select button, which is always handy to have.

One difference between the remotes is that instead of having a control for brightness, the L9Q remote has a channel select button. This and the volume controls are on tall, pill-shaped buttons that are easy to feel out. One great feature of the remote is that it reacts to movement and will light up many of the controls if you simply move it. This is very helpful in the typically dark home theater environment.

• Design and features score: 5/5

Powered by 5,000 lumens, the Hisense L9Q's picture stands out even in bright lighting conditions (Image credit: Future)Hisense L9Q Review: performance

• Wonderfully bright picture with rich color
• Support for 1080p/240Hz gaming
• Potent 10-speaker Dolby Atmos sound

The Hisense L9Q brings UST projector picture quality to new heights. Hisense already impressed me with earlier models such as the L9G and PX3-Pro, but the L9Q carries the torch even further. It’s their brightest projector yet while still providing the stunning color of Hisense’s RGB laser light engine.

Ultimately, its specified 5,000 lumen brightness may be overstated, as maximum brightness comes via a high-brightness mode that results in some horrible color shift. But even without that, the projector beams a brilliant picture. The vivid colors it is capable of don’t mean a sacrifice in accuracy either, as the L9Q is both Pantone Validated and Pantone SkinTone certified.

All of that is delivered with strong contrast. The black levels aren’t so low that letterbox bars disappear completely, especially in darker movie scenes, but when the projector is beaming bright, the bars become hard to see thanks to the projector’s contrast.

The L9Q’s black levels and contrast aren’t quite on the level of the Sony Bravia Projector 7, but it gets closer than most projectors I’ve seen, and it manages it with more vivid color and higher brightness. Not to mention that the L9Q is almost half the price of Sony’s projector.

With most picture presets, you’ll be facing some unfortunate motion smoothing, though, since the projector’s SDR and HDR picture profiles default to using motion smoothing. This has its benefits for some content by smoothing out camera pans and moving objects, but it adds a soap opera effect to movies. The “Film” setting avoids these unsightly artifacts while still keeping judder subdued, however.

The L9Q delivers good focus from corner to corner with manual setup, making the most of its 4K resolution. And the amount of detail you can see with the picture stretching up to 100 inches or larger is exceptional.

Gamers can get plenty from the L9Q as well. Even when it’s beaming a 4K 60Hz picture, it’s able to keep the input latency low enough to make for a fairly responsive experience. Like the Hisense PX3-Pro, the L9Q can drop down to 1080p and crank its refresh rate to 240Hz for super smooth gaming (just make sure to set the HDMI input source to Enhanced Pro or it will top out at 120Hz). I took it for a few runs in Hades, and it was stunningly smooth with virtually no detectable lag.

Though the L9Q did a good job of hiding the rainbow effect most of the time, it is susceptible to it like many other DLP projectors. I didn’t notice it much when watching 4K content, where it only occasionally cropped up and was most visible on white areas of the image. It was also more noticeable while running the projector at 1080p/240Hz.

The projector’s very robust speaker system was an extra pleasant surprise. It uses a total of 10 speakers in a 6.2.2-channel configuration. Four of those speakers are in the front, two on the sides, with four more positioned along the curved top. It’s not as engrossing as a proper surround system or as booming as a double-sub setup (nor is it hitting deep sub-bass), but the sound is weighty, loud, and presents a surprisingly wide soundstage for such a small unit.

With Dolby Atmos audio piping out of the speakers during Star Wars: The Force Awakens, blaster shots seemed to come out from different points in space, there was some height to the TIE fighters flying over, and explosions were properly booming. Ultimately, it’s worth pairing a projector of this quality with an external sound system, but if you don’t, there’s a lot to get from the built-in speakers.

• Performance score: 4.5/5

The L9Q has a very appealing, yet functional design (Image credit: Future)Hisense L9Q Review: value

• High price
• Extra value as an all-in-one system
• No projector screen included in US and UK

The Hisense L9Q is a serious piece of kit, and it has the price to match. At $5,999 / £3,999, you have to expect a lot from this home theater projector, and for the most part, it delivers. Its picture is bright and color-rich, it has powerful built-in sound, and it has Google TV for streaming. But for most people, the $3,499 Hisense PX3-Pro is going to be the more sensible option, since it offers much the same experience but without quite the same brightness, audio power, or extensive connectivity options.

It's kind of a shame that the L9Q doesn't come bundled with a projector screen in the US and the UK, but its flexible lens control means you can pair it with whatever screen you want for the most part. Hisense had offered pre-order customers the option of either a free screen or its HT-Saturn sound wireless speaker system, both of which would have made this an astounding value, but that deal appears to have since expired.

• Value score: 4/5

French speaker and amplifier manufacturer Devialet designed the L9Q's built-in audio system (Image credit: Future)Hisense L9Q

Notes

Rating

Design and features

The Hisense L9Q is gorgeously designed and feature-packed. It has the most robust sound system I’ve heard built into a projector, it offers bright and flexible projection, and it has Google TV and plenty of ports for other video sources.

5/5

Performance

The L9Q’s picture is gorgeous. This projector beams bright, has a wide color gamut, strong contrast, and great clarity. It works well for movies and games alike. And that picture is paired with impressive speakers. Even the operating system runs smoothly, which is not always the case with projectors running Google TV.

5/5

Value

The Hisense L9Q packs a lot into one package. Its price isn’t surprising for even just its projection, but the speaker system makes it even more reasonable. It’s just too bad Hisense isn’t throwing in a screen as well.

4.5/5

Should I buy the Hisense L9Q?

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

You want the ultimate UST projector

The Hisense L9Q beams bright pictures and has powerful audio. It plays twitchy video games just as well as it can play cinema masterpieces. And it’s got all the ports you need plus Google TV built-in.

You want powerful built-in audio

The L9Q's speaker system is far more robust than what you’d get from its competition. If you’re looking for a projector that can stand on its own without needing to be connected to an external sound system, this is your best bet.

You need a projector for brighter rooms

Almost no projector is going to look great in a bright room, but there’s a big difference between a 1,000-lumen and a 5,000-lumen projector where viewability is concerned. The L9Q’s high brightness is a big advantage it has over the competition.

Don’t buy it if… 

You plan to always watch in the dark

A huge part of the package here is the brightness. If you’re always going to be watching in a dark home theater, the L9Q’s 5,000-lumen brightness is likely going to be over the top. Better to instead buy the PX3-Pro and apply those savings to a quality screen and sound system.

You want a sub-100-inch picture.

The L9Q can support a smaller picture, but it’s almost unfeasible to get one. With a 5.4-inch gap between the projector and your wall, you’ll get a 100-inch picture. At 2.2 inches, the picture size will be 80 inches.

You won’t use a screen and have imperfect walls

As great as the L9Q itself is, its picture is dependent on other factors. It will look best with a screen, though it can still look great on a bare wall. But due to the extreme angle of UST projection, any imperfections in your wall — warping, pits, texture — will have an easier time showing up in the picture.

Also consider...Comparison: 4K UST projectors

Hisense L9Q

Epson LS800

Xgimi Aura 2

Hisense PX3-Pro

Price:

$5,999

$3,499

$3,499

$3,499

Screen sizes supported:

80 to 200 inches

Up to 150 inches

80-150 inches

80 to 150 inches

Brightness (specified):

5,000 lumens

4,000 lumens

2,300 lumens

3,000 lumens

HDR support

HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision

HDR10, HLG

HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision

HDR10+, HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision

Optical technology:

3 Laser DLP

3LCD, Laser

Dual Light 2.0 (Laser + LED)

3 laser DLP

Smart TV:

Google TV

Android TV

Android TV

Google TV

Connections:

2x HDMI 2.1, 2x HDMI 2.0 (1 with eARC), 1x optical, 1x coaxial, 1x optical

3x HDMI 2.0 (1 with ARC)

2x HDMI, 1x HDMI eARC, optical digital audio out, 3.5mm audio out, 3x USB-A, Ethernet

2x HDMI 2.1, 1x HDMI 2.0 (with eARC), 1x RF, optical

Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800

While it’s no match for the color or audio provided by the L9Q, Epson’s EpiqVision Ultra LS800 can get close to its brightness, offering a picture that works well in brighter rooms. Its use of 3LCD technology also avoids rainbow artifacts, and the projector is a good deal cheaper.

Read our full Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 review

Xgimi Aura 2

The Xgimi Aura 2 is a competent alternative with a quality picture that also benefits from a wide color gamut. It has an elegant design and a similar throw ratio to the Hisense. It’s not nearly as bright and doesn’t have the same gaming capabilities, but if you’re looking for a sleek UST home theater projector, it is a strong option.

Read our full Xgimi Aura 2 review

Hisense PX3-Pro

If you’re not sure you need the L9Q's high brightness or powerful built-in speakers, then the PX3-Pro is the way to go. It uses similar underlying technology to give you a gorgeous, colorful picture and has the same 240Hz gaming prowess. It’s also a bit smaller. More importantly, it’s substantially cheaper, giving you extra room in your budget for a sound system and quality screen.

Read our full Hisense PX3-Pro review

How I tested the Hisense L9Q

• Tested at home in multiple, real-world viewing conditions
• Presented the display with a variety of media and formats
• I have tested numerous projectors and displays over the last half-decade

I tested the Hisense L9Q at home, in real-world conditions. This saw it faced with ambient light coming in from numerous windows, in-room lighting, as well as ambient noise that both the projector and speaker systems had to overcome. The projector was tested both against a bare, white wall and an Akia Screens CineWhite screen. It was presented with streamed content, HDR and non-HDR, and PC gameplay.

My testing evaluates the projector’s performance with respect to its price and competition from other models that my colleagues and I at TechRadar have tested.

I have been testing projectors since 2021 and displays for even longer.

First reviewed: December 2025

• Read TechRadar's review guarantee