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The Casabrews Ultra Espresso Machine is TikTok's favorite coffee maker, but can it live up to the hype?
Casabrews Ultra Espresso Machine: one-minute review
Founded in 2020, Casabrews hasn’t been around for very long, and so, it really hasn’t had its chance to shine among some of the best espresso machines. That said, it has cultivated some buzz on platforms like TikTok, thanks to the brand’s mix of affordability and aesthetics.
The Casabrews Ultra takes things one step further and provides additional options for refining your espresso. I appreciate the approach of Casabrews developing a low-cost semi-automatic espresso machine that’s a kind of gateway into making great coffee at home. However, the espresso it yielded quite literally left a bad taste in my mouth.
It’s true that a bad workman blames their tools, but ultimately, when I found myself about five hours deep in searching through subreddits and forums for a solution to my awful coffee, I realised that I was likely at the point where any actual customer would’ve sought out a new machine.
All in all, the Casabrews Ultra sits in a bit of an odd no-man’s-land, given that it asks for far too much of a casual, beginner user but delivers far too little customization and control for a hardcore coffee hobbyist. With some upgrades and a good deal of experimentation, the Casabrews Ultra could be someone’s espresso machine of choice, but I encountered far too many insurmountable problems during my testing period to be able to recommend the machine wholeheartedly. After the unfortunate loss of my old espresso machine, I’ve been on the hunt for a worthy replacement. But I can’t say the Casabrews Ultra will be inducted into my daily coffee routine anytime soon.
Casabrews Ultra Espresso Machine: price and availability- List price: $249.99 / £199.99
- Available in the US and UK
- Discounts available at the Casabrews website
Like the rest of Casabrews’ product lineup, the Casabrews Ultra is a pretty budget-friendly option. The machine will set you back less than $250, which is definitely on the low end of things for a semi-automatic espresso machine with a steam wand attachment.
You can purchase the Casabrews Ultra directly from the Casabrews website, often with a welcome discount to make it an even more affordable option. For example, at the moment, you can pick it up for $215. Third-party retailers like Walmart and Target are worth checking out for deals, too.
If you’re based in the UK, you can take advantage of the savings on Casabrews’ website too. In terms of third-party retailers, your main option is Amazon.
- Value score: 4/5
Type
Semi-automatic espresso machine
Drink options
2 (single and double espresso)
Pump pressure
20 bar
Water tank capacity
2.3 quarts / 2.2 liters
Steam wand
Yes, manual
Size (H x W x D)
12.99 x 12.2 10.31 inches / 330 x 310 x 262mm
Weight
13.55lbs / 6.15kg
Casabrews Ultra Espresso Machine: design- Large, but attractive machine
- Stiff steam wand articulation and portafilter
- Useful floater in drip tray to indicate water level
When compared to other models from the brand, the Casabrew Ultra has a wider footprint, which is not great for tiny kitchens, but it certainly helps it look the part of a fancy espresso machine. Atop the machine is a little cup warming setup. Despite being a handy addition in theory, the cup warmer doesn’t actually transfer enough heat to achieve its one and only function. I found it much more effective to just use the machine’s hot water dispenser to prepare my cups.
The articulation on the steam wand is stiff, but it was nothing compared to the portafilter. I found it unusually difficult to twist it into place on the group head, even without any grounds in the basket. In fact, during my first few uses, I started to think that there may have been some debris on the shower screen or a warped O-ring gasket, causing the level of resistance I was getting.
After doing some investigating and disproving this theory, I just kind of resigned myself to accepting that the whole thing was just threaded really bloody tight, and so, making my coffee in the morning would be an unwitting workout for the rest of my test period. All that said, as long as I planted my non-dominant hand on the machine for leverage and let out a little grunt (yes, I’m almost certain that makes me stronger), I could mostly overcome that problem.
Outside of these stiff components, I have very few complaints about the build quality of the machine. Included with the Casabrews Ultra are baskets for one-cup and two-cup espresso: two pressurized and two unpressurized. The light plastic tamp/scoop tool serves far better as a scooper than it does as a tamper, so thankfully, a sturdier tamper is included as well.
Another feature I appreciate is the floater in the drip tray. This buoyant little nugget of red plastic provides a clear indicator of when to empty liquid in the tray. Admittedly, it’s pretty bad form not to give the machine a cleanout daily, but who hasn’t forgotten to empty their drip tray for a week and discovered what looks like the contents of a petri dish? Just me?
- Design score: 3/5
- Recommended coffee dosage is much too high
- Strange metallic taste (even when just used to heat water)
- Steam wand works well once you're used to it
I was willing to accept that a $250 machine wouldn’t produce the kind of coffee worth swishing around your mouth and plotting on one of those coffee taster flavor wheels. What I wasn’t prepared for were quite so many shots that were ‘spit-it-in-the-sink’ bad.
My very first shot with the Casabrews Ultra was under-extracted, with minimal crema and a taste that wasn’t at all what I had come to expect from my chosen beans. Knowing that these tell-tale signs might mean that my water was travelling through the grounds too quickly, my first instinct was to up the dose of coffee loaded in the basket.
Image 1 of 3(Image credit: Abigail Shannon)Image 2 of 3(Image credit: Abigail Shannon)Image 3 of 3(Image credit: Abigail Shannon)The problem with that was – despite my leaning on the lower end of what the manual recommended for a double espresso – my basket was already basically overflowing. With each shot I had pulled so far, the puck touched right up against the shower screen and, in most cases, even stuck to it. Thankfully, the Casabrew Ultra allows for reprogramming shot volume and temperature, so I could play around with those variables in the hopes of achieving something drinkable (or even tasty, if I’m lucky).
Unfortunately, while the quality of my extraction improved, shot after shot, I was presented with a pretty foul battery-like taste that I couldn’t totally camouflage with milk or by diluting into an americano. Light roasts are notoriously difficult to dial in, so I started to think that maybe I was presenting the Casabrews Ultra with too steep a challenge.
Image 1 of 1(Image credit: Abigail Shannon)However, with payday too far off on the horizon, I couldn’t quite justify another bag of specialty coffee that I likely wouldn’t actually drink. As a compromise, I picked myself up a bag of Lavazza Rossa, a cheap but reliable medium roast that I used to chuck in my espresso machine as a teen prior to having adult money. It’s a sort of rich, chocolatey, everyman’s coffee that doesn't require too delicate a touch.
The Lavazza beans were pre-ground, which didn’t bode well for me achieving anything professional barista level, but at this point, I just wanted some coffee I could get through a full cup of without wincing. Besides, thanks to the pressurised basket, I could produce a shot with a nice faux crema even with beans that were technically a little stale.
The results were a familiar taste marred by an awful chemical, metallic note. I swapped in bottled water just in case the problem was Bath’s hard tap water, but it did very little to resolve the issue. Cleaning the shower screen, flushing, descaling – nothing seemed to do the job.
(Image credit: Abigail Shannon)At one point, I served my partner cooled water that had run through the Casabrews Ultra to gauge his reaction (yes, I did this without warning; I never said my test process was ethical.). Lo and behold, he wanted to know why it tasted so metallic. It’s funny you’d ask, James. I was wondering about that exact thing.
Finding myself over 220g of beans down and yearning for a good coffee, I have to admit I was feeling pretty bitter. Given the 75% five-star reviews on Amazon, I can only assume this was an issue specific to the unit I tested or that the majority of customers use enough sugar and milk to hide any strange aftertastes. Obviously, the espresso-making part of the Casabrews Ultra is the main event, but it’s not all doom and gloom; the steam wand performed a whole lot better.
(Image credit: Abigail Shannon)I first learned to make microfoam using a knob-operated steam wand, and honestly, I had no experience using one that was controlled via a button until I tested the Casabrews Ultra. Its steam wand has a couple of seconds of delay after you activate it, and given you aren’t in control of how quickly the steam output ramps up, it can be a real learning curve getting used to the rhythm of the machine. What’s more, the delay makes purging the steam wand just that bit more of a pain.
After some experimentation (and a refrigerated pitcher to make it harder to scald my milk), I managed to adapt my technique to create a microfoam I was reasonably happy with, which sported a silky mouthfeel and a pleasant sheen. A few visible bubbles lingered, but I’d say a lot of that was down to me being out of practice. Besides, there’s always the option to go full rip and make some dry foam when I’m in the mood for a cappuccino …I just needed to make sure I got my espresso elsewhere.
- Performance score: 2/5
Attribute
Notes
Score
Value
A low-cost machine with discounts available.
4/5
Design
A sturdy setup for the most part, but has some flaws.
3/5
Performance
For the most part, the Casabrews Ultra underperformed. Its espresso is a particular low point.
3/5
Buy it ifYou’re big on milky coffees
Once you get the hang of it, the Casabrews Ultra’s steam wand is a solid performer that produces good microfoam.
You’re happy to give it a shot
Casabrew’s 30-day return window means that you’re not stuck using the Ultra if it just isn’t for you. View Deal
Don't buy it ifYou want a machine from a legacy brand
Casabrews is something of a new kid on the block, and so there’s less information out there on troubleshooting, upgrades, or servicing.
You’d like a high-performing espresso machine
If you want a coffee that’ll get you out of bed in the morning, treat yourself to a machine that performs consistently and helps you get the most out of your beans.
You want a bean-to-cup machine
If you don’t fancy the hassle of seeking out a separate grinder, you’ll want to buy a machine that performs all those functions in one.
Casabrews Ultra Espresso Machine: also considerNot sure if the Casabrews Ultra is the right espresso machine for you? Here are two others to consider.
De'Longhi Linea Classic
Despite setting you back $50 less, the De’Longhi Linea Classic delivered far better results than the Casabrews Ultra. Its reviewer even said it might be the “one of the best espresso machines for new and experienced baristas”-- that’s some high praise.
Read out full De'Longhi Linea Classic review
De'Longhi Dedica Style
The Delonghi Dedica Style is another great option for an espresso machine under $200. What’s more, if you want to save yourself the mess and trouble of puck prep, the Dedica Style also takes ESE pods.
Read our full De'Longhi Dedica Style review
How I tested the Casabrews Ultra Espresso MachineMy testing period for the Casabrews Ultra lasted three weeks, and during that time, I regularly made espresso and steamed milk to create drinks. Throughout this process, I alternated between using freshly-ground light roast beans from a local specialty coffee shop, and pre-ground medium roast commercial coffee. While operating the steam wand, I used chilled whole dairy milk, semi-skimmed dairy milk, or almond milk.
The main points of reference I had to compare the Casabrews Ultra to were the De'Longhi Scultura and the Breville Bambino.
For more details, see how we test, review, and rate products on TechRadar.
First reviewed June 2025.
Categories: Reviews
70 hours later, and I'm convinced The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is a true system seller
Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2
Available on: Nintendo Switch 2
Release date: June 5, 2025
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is one of my favorite games of all time, so I fully expected the sequel, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, to capture my heart too.
Unfortunately, I never clicked with Tears of the Kingdom when it launched in 2023, despite loving the concepts at play that gave players an endless sandbox to experiment with and an incredible physics engine.
Why, you might ask? Well, unlike when its predecessor, launched in 2017 on magical new hybrid hardware, Tears of the Kingdom not only chugged along at 30 frames per second (fps) with a lower resolution than the games I had become accustomed to playing on other consoles, but I also felt it lacked the feeling of new that made Breath of the Wild so magical.
Fast forward to 2025 and the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition has completely revitalized my love for open-world games, and thanks to a huge performance boost, it’s now poised to sit on my Mount Rushmore of this decade’s video game releases. Read on to find out why it's one of the best Nintendo Switch 2 games, but let it be known: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition is one of the best video games ever made.
A breath of fresh air(Image credit: Nintendo)The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom launched to rave reviews, cementing it as one of the best sequels of all time when it launched two years ago. There’s nothing else I can say about the game’s mechanics and story that haven’t already been said, so I want to specifically focus on the upgrades the Nintendo Switch 2 brings to Hyrule.
Back when I first played Tears of the Kingdom on the original Switch, I couldn’t help but feel like I’d played the game before. And despite running impressively on an underpowered handheld console, the experience was jarring, and it just never clicked for me.
As a massive fan of the series, I was incredibly disappointed; it almost felt like I had outgrown my childhood, and the magic had disappeared. Thankfully, I can confidently say today that’s not the case; I just needed a boost from 2025 hardware to make Tears of the Kingdom look and feel like it should’ve back in 2023.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition is a paid upgrade to the original, available for free for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pass subscribers, a paid upgrade if you already own the game, or by buying the full Nintendo Switch 2 version.
The game itself has no new content, per se; instead, it brings buttery smooth 60fps, a beautifully sharp resolution, and HDR, which makes the colors absolutely pop. I can’t emphasize enough just how much this version of the game feels like a total facelift compared to the outdated original version.
(Image credit: Future)My biggest gripes with the game when it originally came out were all related to the magic of Hyrule’s expansive world feeling limited due to performance bottlenecks, and now on Switch 2, it plays like the definitive version of this absolutely incredible game.
Think of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition like wearing glasses for the first time, it’s as if the blurriness is gone and you can finally experience what you’d dreamt of as a kid exploring Hyrule for the first time, whether that was playing Ocarina of Time or Twilight Princess.
Throughout my 70-hour playthrough, I haven’t encountered one performance hiccup, and on many occasions, I’ve had to pause to just stare in awe at the beautiful contrasting colors of the sky - I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a beautiful sunset in any game, ever.
The definitive way to experience Hyrule(Image credit: Nintendo)If, like me, you couldn’t click with the original game, not to any fault of it own, but rather a fault of the hardware limitations it was confined to, then not only should you run out and buy this game, but it’s enough to justify a Nintendo Switch 2 console in itself.
While I haven’t played Breath of the Wild Switch 2 Edition, reading the review of that game on Switch 2 hardware tells a similar story to my experience with its successor. These Zelda games are just so good that an improvement to the experience by bringing them up to date for 2025’s standards makes them must-play, even if you experienced the land of Hyrule on Switch before.
Not only have I loved exploring Hyrule on my OLED TV in 1440p upscaled to 4K, but the performance upgrades here make the game a delight on Switch 2’s handheld mode. Running at 1080p with HDR enabled, it’s just the perfect experience to take your adventure on the go and not feel like you’re compromising.
Best bit(Image credit: Nintendo)Gliding through the world of Hyrule on Switch 2 feels like you're experiencing freedom for the first time. Now with a crisp resolution and steady framerate, exploration has never felt so good.
Eight years ago, when I first experienced that feeling of continuing my adventure on my commute to work, in the park, or on vacation, it was the best gaming experience I had ever had in my life. Now, thanks to the Switch 2’s hardware, that experience is amplified to a whole new level, and all I want to do is finish writing this article so I can delve back into the land of Hyrule.
While some fans of the series will be disappointed at the lack of new content in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition, I think the game can already feel a little overwhelming with just how much it offers.
At no point in my playthrough did I wish for new experiences; I was just happy to relive one of the best games of all time, but better. And, truth be told, while there’s not really any new content, despite an option for a second save file (Thank you, Nintendo!) on the Switch 2 itself, do not underestimate just how good the Zelda Notes companion app is.
The cherry on topImage 1 of 4(Image credit: Nintendo)Image 2 of 4(Image credit: Nintendo)Image 3 of 4(Image credit: Nintendo)Image 4 of 4(Image credit: Nintendo)Zelda Notes, an exclusive feature to the Switch 2 Edition of this game, can be found in the iOS or Android Nintendo Switch app. It’s almost an app within an app, bringing a whole new extra element to your adventure.
Not only can you navigate the map in real-time on your smartphone or tablet, but the app also unlocks dozens upon dozens of Voice Memories, which makes Hyrule feel even more alive. While I would’ve preferred Voice Memories, audio clips you can stumble upon in different locations in the world, to be included in the game, rather than in the app, the added lore has made me want to explore every nook and cranny to try and uncover the hidden details of the adventure.
The Zelda Notes app also gives you access to your full playthrough data, which is a lovely addition considering Nintendo still doesn’t give you detailed playing stats on the Switch 2 console, as well as the ability to share items and building concepts for Autobuild via QR codes.
One of my favorite additions to the game via Zelda Notes, however, is the Daily Bonus, which lets you spin a wheel every 24 hours to unlock a nutritious meal or other stat boost that might help you explore the deepest depths or highest skies of Hyrule. I found myself playing the game more regularly just to experience my Daily Bonus, and it was just the incentive I needed to keep venturing on with my journey.
Should you buy The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Nintendo Switch 2 Edition?Buy it if...You’ve never played Tears of the Kingdom before, or are looking to replay it
This version of the game is the definitive way to play one of the best video games of all time. If you've never played Tears of the Kingdom, couldn't vibe with the less-than-stellar performance when it launched, or love the game and want to delve back in, the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is worth picking up.
You’re looking for a reason to buy the Nintendo Switch 2
Yes, Mario Kart World is awesome, but after a while, it becomes your go-to party game rather than a reason to pick up your Nintendo Switch 2 after work. If you're looking for a reason to purchase a Nintendo Switch 2, this upgraded version of one of the best games of all time might be the perfect opportunity to do so. I don't say this lightly: Tears of the Kingdom in full 60fps is a system seller.
You didn't enjoy the game the first time around
While I've just written over a thousand words on why this version of Tears of the Kingdom makes me love the game despite not enjoying it the first time around, my reasons for not clicking with the game were never related to the gameplay itself. If you don't enjoy open-world adventure and didn't click with Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom in the past, this new version of the game won't change your mind.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Nintendo Switch 2 Edition doesn’t have much going on with it, accessibility wise. While you still have access to gyro aiming and the ability to rebind your controls from the Switch 2 menu (which won’t translate to the correct button prompts in-game), there’s nothing much to write home about.
You can't increase the text size, turn off motion blur, or make any other adjustments to help with playing the game. There's also no difficulty setting, so if you find the nature of an open world with breakable weapons too difficult, tough luck.
How I reviewed The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Nintendo Switch 2 EditionI played over 70 hours of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom on Nintendo Switch 2, venturing throughout the main story as well as completing a variety of side quests dotted around Hyrule.
I had previously played the game on Nintendo Switch 1, but was never able to complete it. Combined, I must have over 150 hours of gameplay in Tears of the Kingdom, and I've also played and completed every other mainline Zelda game.
I played The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition in a mixture of handheld mode on the Nintendo Switch 2 itself and on one of the best OLED TVs, the Samsung Q90D, using the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller.
First reviewed June 2025
Categories: Reviews
I used the Acer Chromebook Spin 312 for all kinds of tasks, and it handles most of them well – just not at the same time
Acer Chromebook Spin 312: Two-minute review
The Acer Chromebook Spin 312 is the smallest device in the brand’s line of 2-in-1 Chromebooks, measuring just 12.2 inches. Despite this, it’s not the sleekest Chromebook around, with its sharp angles and juts spoiling the otherwise elegant design, which is aided by the quality of the materials used in its construction.
It’s quite thick and heavy for its size, so it’s perhaps not ideal for using as a tablet, despite its convertible nature. But thanks to that solid hinge for the lid, it can be propped upside down and used exclusively in touchscreen mode with ease.
It’s not just the hinge mechanism that’s well made – all aspects of the Spin 312 feel as solid and sturdy as any of the best Chromebooks, including the keys and trackpad, which feel premium to the touch as well.
Port selection is reasonable, too, although I would’ve liked to have seen more than just one USB-C port, and the lack of an SD card slot might be detrimental for some. Thankfully, there are two USB-A ports to improve connectivity options, and the HDMI port and audio jack are further additions I welcome.
The review unit I had came equipped with an Intel N100 processor and 4GB of RAM. Despite these underwhelming specs, the Chromebook Spin 312 performed admirably, handling many typical Chromebook workloads quite well. However, slowdowns can occur when pushed a little too far.
(Image credit: Future)Such cases include gaming, where the Chromebook Spin 312 struggled to run even fairly modest mobile games on high settings during my testing. However, lowering these did improve matters to the point where games such as Asphalt Legends Unite were playable to an enjoyable extent.
More pleasing on the performance front is the display. The resolution looks especially sharp on the 12-inch screen, although colors aren’t rendered as vibrantly as they are on some rival Chromebooks. The bezels also encroach quite considerably on the allotted real estate for the screen, and the display can be quite reflective under certain conditions. In most cases, though, it makes for a pleasant viewing experience.
The touch inputs are also quite responsive, tracking well with swipes to make drawing and handwriting a realistic option, although it can be a little grabby at times. You’ll also need to provide your own stylus if you want to make the most of your creative time with the Chromebook Spin 312.
I found the touchpad disappointingly inaccurate by comparison, as it failed to track with what I was expecting from my movements, leading to a lagging and stuttering, which in turn made it imprecise.
Thankfully, I had a better time typing on the Chromebook Spin 312, thanks to the generous spacing of the keys and their satisfying dampening. Their lack of indentations and grip, however, can lead to slipping and mispresses on occasion.
Its battery life is impressive, lasting just over 11 hours in our test. This places it near the higher end of the Chromebook spectrum – the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 Chromebook performs significantly better on this front, although admittedly this is somewhat of an outlier.
The Chromebook Spin 312 sits somewhere in the middle of the convertible Chromebook market. Some rivals are better performers, while others have a sleeker design. But, overall, if you won’t be demanding too much from it in terms of performance, the Chromebook Spin 312 is a good 2-in-1 Chromebook for those who prize portability and a sharp image.
Acer Chromebook Spin 312 review: Price and availability- Starts from £329.99 (about $450 / AU$690)
- Various CPU, RAM, and storage options
- Middle of the market
The Chromebook Spin 312 starts from £329.99 (about $450 / AU$690). It can be configured with 64GB or 128GB of storage, 4GB or 8GB of RAM, and an Intel Core i3 or Intel N100 CPU.
This places the Chromebook Spin 312 somewhere in the middle of the market considering its spec. It’s considerably cheaper than the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360, which it bests in terms of performance, although its display isn’t quite as sharp or as vibrant, and lacks its premium design (although it isn’t too far behind in this regard).
However, the Chromebook Spin 312 is more expensive than the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 Chromebook, which is one of the best budget Chromebooks in our view. This lacks the compactness of the Chromebook Spin 312 and the performance isn’t exactly impressive either, but it makes up for these deficiencies with its great build quality and enduring battery life.
- Value: 3.5 / 5
These are the specs of the particular Acer Chromebook Spin 312 I reviewed:
Price
Starting from £329.99 (about $450 / AU$690)
CPU
Intel N100 (4 threads, 3.4GHz)
Graphics
Integrated, Intel UHD Graphics
RAM
4GB LPDDR5
Screen
12.2-inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200) IPS LCD, 16:10, 60Hz touchscreen
Storage
64GB eMMC
Ports
2x USB-A, 1x USB-C, 1x HDMI, 1x 3.5mm audio
Wireless
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
Camera
1280 x 720
Weight
2.84lbs (1.29kg)
Dimensions
11.4 x 8.1 x 0.8in (29 x 20.5 x 2cm)
Acer Chromebook Spin 312 review: Design(Image credit: Future)- Bulky for the size
- Solid lid hinge
- Only one USB-C port and no SD card slot
The Chromebook Spin 312 takes a somewhat utilitarian approach to design, with its sharp angles, large vents and lid hinges appearing quite conspicuous. However, it's still a compact device, and has enough flat sides to help impart some sleekness.
This is further aided by the steely grey colorway and look of the chassis materials, which have a subtle shine to them. What’s more, the quality of these materials seems high, feeling solid and fairly premium to the touch. This extends to the lightly textured keycaps and silky smooth touchpad.
The hinge mechanism is also reassuringly solid. There’s no wobble at any angle, yet it’s smooth and easy to open and adjust. This stability also helps when tenting the Chromebook Spin 312 to use it in touchscreen mode.
However, it can’t compete with the best tablets for usability. Despite its small 12-inch size, the Chromebook Spin 312 is a relatively thick and heavy slab, which can make it awkward to hold in the hand when folded back all the way.
The screen has a large bezel around it, which somewhat compromises the already limited real estate for the display. On a more positive note, it's made from Corning Gorilla Glass, so it should prove resistant to wear and tear when taking the Chromebook Spin 312 on your travels.
Port selection is reasonable for a Chromebook this small, although it’s a minor shame there’s only one USB-C port and SD card slot, as you’ll find two on many modern Chromebooks. Still, you do at least get two USB-A ports, and I also welcome the inclusion of a dedicated HDMI port and a 3.5mm audio jack.
- Design score: 4 / 5
- Capable of light work
- Sharp but reflective display
- Struggles with intensive tasks
These are the results of our benchmarking tests for the Acer Chromebook Spin 312:
TechRadar Battery Life Test: 11 hours and 12 minutes
Jetstream2 Benchmark: 179.327
Kraken Benchmark: 1309.3ms
Speedometer 3.0: 9.52 (±0.52)
The Chromebook Spin 312 offers capable enough performance for everyday tasks, meeting the demands typically placed upon Chromebooks. Apps load fast and light productivity and general browsing are handled well. Despite its somewhat limited 4GB of RAM, it’s even capable of some degree of multitasking, coping well with multiple browser tabs open, for instance.
However, it can come a little unstuck when those tabs are running more complex activities, or when multiple apps are in play. The Chromebook Spin 312 can also generate a fair amount of heat underneath, which is bothersome when on your lap.
Gaming performance isn’t particularly impressive, either. It can handle some mobile titles, but you’ll likely have to play with modest graphics settings. When I played Asphalt Legends Unite, for instance, high settings caused stutters and considerable slow downs, rendering the game almost unplayable. However, it ran much better on lower settings, if not quite as smooth or as fast as some rivals can manage – and certainly the Chromebook Spin 312 isn’t a match for the best gaming laptops in this regard.
When it comes to video playback, the Chromebook Spin 312 can handle streaming content in 4K, although it’s not always the smoothest experience. The WUXGA display at least provides a sharp image: the 1920 x 1200 resolution might sound a little low compared to other laptops and some Chromebooks on the market today, but due to its small screen size, it looks sharper than you might imagine.
(Image credit: Future)It’s also quite bright when displaying lighter shades. However, while colors are rendered well enough, they don’t appear quite as vibrant as those on the displays equipped in the best laptops or best MacBooks, looking slightly washed-out by comparison.
The screen is also quite reflective, which, combined with its somewhat lackluster backlighting, makes darker scenes hard to view at times. However, the effect isn’t too troublesome, and compared to many other Chromebooks, the Chromebook Spin 312 is still great for viewing content.
The touchscreen capability is impressive, too. It responds well to all sorts of swipes and gestures, making for smooth doodles and handwriting, even if it's a little grabby at times. It’s also a shame no stylus is included to unleash the full potential of its functionality.
Unfortunately, the touchpad is less responsive, and I experienced issues with its tracking: many times it felt as if it was either dragging or jumping ahead, lacking the smoothness I was expecting. As a result, I struggled to use it accurately, which can really hamper productivity.
By contrast, typing with the Chromebook Spin 312 is a largely pleasant experience. The keys are satisfyingly damped and are spread surprisingly wide for a Chromebook this small. The keycaps also feel nice under the finger tips thanks to their texture, although they lack grip, which is made worse by the lack of indentation as well. This made the keyboard feel less secure in use, but overall I still found it amenable for typing quickly on.
- Performance score: 3.5 / 5
The battery life of the Chromebook Spin 312 is quite impressive. During our tests, where we ran a movie on a continuous loop, it managed to last over 11 hours. This makes it much better than the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360, which could only manage six and a half hours. It also beats the Acer Chromebook Spin 314 (2023), one of the best Chromebooks around in our view, which managed over 10 hours.
However, it can’t outlive the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 Chromebook, which, when we tested it, endured for a remarkable 16 hours and 20 minutes. However, this is rather exceptional in the Chromebook world, and the Chromebook Spin 312 can still lay claim to having one of the best battery lives in the market.
- Battery life: 4.5 / 5
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Price
The Chromebook Spin 312 sits somewhere in the middle of the market given its design and spec, being cheaper than some rivals but more expensive than others.
3.5 / 5
Design
It’s solidly made and small enough to make it portable, although it’s a little bulky for tablet-style use.
4 / 5
Performance
The Chromebook Spin 312 can handle basic tasking, while the display is pleasingly sharp, if not the most vibrant and a tad too reflective.
3.5 / 5
Battery life
It may not have the very best battery life of a Chromebook, but its 11-hour performance still places it in the upper echelons.
4.5 / 5
Total Score
If you’re looking for a Chromebook you can use with touch inputs and doesn’t take up much space, you shouldn’t be disappointed with the Chromebook Spin 312 – so long as you don’t demand too much from it.
4 / 5
Buy it if...You want something compact
The 12-inch size makes the Chromebook Spin 312 easy to travel with, and yet it doesn't feel compromised when typing or getting work done.
You want a 2-in-1 device
The 360-degree rotating touchscreen makes the Chromebook Spin 312 versatile, although it’s perhaps not best suited for full-on tablet-style use.
You want the fastest Chromebook
Although it's surprisingly capable, those with more demanding workloads should seek more powerful models.
You want the sveltest device
Despite its small size, the Chromebook Spin 312 is fairly bulky and weighty, which impairs its tablet-style credentials.
Acer Chromebook Spin 312
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 Chromebook
Price
Starting from £329.99 (about $450 / AU$690)
$429.99 / £419 / AU$707
$339 / £299 / AU$499
CPU
Intel N100 (4 threads, 3.4GHz)
Intel Celeron N4500 1.10GHz (2 threads, 2.80GHz)
1.1GHz Intel Celeron N4020 (dual-core, 4MB cache, up to 2.8GHz Burst)
Graphics
Integrated, Intel UHD Graphics
Integrated, Intel UHD Graphics
Intel UHD Graphics 600
RAM
4GB LPDDR5
4GB LPDDR4x
4GB DDR4
Screen
12.2-inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200) IPS LCD, 16:10, 60Hz touchscreen
12.4-inch WQXGA LED Display (2560 x 1600), touchscreen
11-inch IPS touchscreen, 1,366 x 768 pixels
Storage
64GB eMMC
64GB eMMC
64GB eMMC
Ports
2x USB-A, 1x USB-C, 1x HDMI, 1x 3.5mm audio
1x USB-A, 2x USB-C, 1x microSD, 1x 3.5mm audio
2x USB-C with charging, 2x USB-A 3.1 Gen1, microSD
Wireless
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
Wi-Fi 6, LTE (Option), Bluetooth v5.1
802.11AC (2 x 2) WiFi, Bluetooth® 4.2
Camera
1280 x 720
720p / 8MP
720p
Weight
2.84lbs (1.29kg)
2.82lbs (1.28kg)
2.64lbs (1.2kg)
Dimensions
11.4 x 8.1 x 0.8in (29 x 20.5 x 2cm)
11.3 x 8.1 x 0.7 inches (28.8 x 20.7 x 1.7cm)
0.7 x 11.41 x 8.18 inches (17.8 x 290 x 207.8mm)
Here are some alternatives if the Acer Chromebook Spin 312 doesn't sound right for your needs:
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360
The Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 is about the same size as the Chromebook Spin 312, but it has a thinner and lighter construction, as well as a more upmarket design, which is one of the best in class. The display is even sharper and more vibrant, too. It’s a shame that its performance fails to live up to its looks, but if you only have very light workloads, it’ll make a pleasant companion. Read our full Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 review.
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 Chromebook
The IdeaPad Flex 3 Chromebook boasts great build quality and excellent battery life. However, it’s let down by unremarkable performance and uninspiring looks. Still, it’s powerful enough for light productivity and schoolwork, hence its inclusion on our best Chromebook guide. Read our full Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 Chromebook review.
- Tested for two days
- Used for work and for entertainment
- Chromebook reviewing experience
I tested the Chromebook Spin 312 for a couple of days, during which time I used it working, gaming, and general browsing.
I used word processing and spreadsheet applications, streamed 4K content on YouTube, and played games such as Asphalt Legends Unite. I also connected various peripherals via Bluetooth.
I have been using Chromebooks for a while, and have reviewed a number of them as well, ranging in price, form factor, and spec. I have also reviewed plenty of Windows laptops.
- First reviewed: June 2025
- Read more about how we test
Categories: Reviews
I tested the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 and liked its large display and fast performance – but it doesn’t have the best battery life
Acer Chromebook Plus 516: Two-minute review
The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 is a large device with a reasonably strong spec, making it ideal for various productivity and entertainment needs. It might not look terribly auspicious, and the color is a little dour, but it's surprisingly thin for a Chromebook this size, which helps to make it more sleek.
It’s also a well-made machine, with materials that feel durable yet light. What’s more, the lid hinges allow for easy opening and offer stability at any angle all the way up to 170 degrees.
It also has one of the best Chromebook keyboards in terms of layout, with plenty of keys included, such as a number pad, without compromising spacing. This makes typing easy, and the snappy nature of the individual keys makes them satisfying, too.
The touchpad is equally capable, providing responsive inputs and plenty of accuracy, which, combined with its large size, makes for easy navigation. It also manages to keep out of the way while typing.
(Image credit: Future)Port selection on the Chromebook Plus 516 is quite good, and I was pleased to see the inclusion of two USB-C ports. However, it’s a minor shame both are on the same side, which may limit your options when plugging into an outlet. Still, the two USB-A ports, HDMI port and audio jack are all welcome additions.
In terms of performance, the Chromebook Plus 516 handles most tasks well. It loads apps quickly and multitasks very well. Even mobile gaming on high settings is viable. It also takes Ultra HD content in its stride, streaming it without a hitch for the most part. Viewing such content is made all the more enjoyable thanks to that large, crisp, and vibrant display, which also does an admirable job of keeping reflections at bay.
Unfortunately, the battery life of the Chromebook Plus 516 isn’t particularly impressive relative to its rivals. During our movie playback test, it failed to break past eight hours, a threshold many modern Chromebooks can exceed.
With a starting price of £399.99 (about $540 / AU$830), the Chromebook Plus 516 sits somewhere in the middle of the market. However, it's good value when you consider its performance, display, and productivity credentials.
Acer Chromebook Plus 516 review: Price and availability- Starts from £399.99 (about $540 / AU$830)
- Available from August in the UK
- Mid-market pricing
The Chromebook Plus 516 starts from £399.99 (about $540 / AU$830) and is available in the UK from August in one colorway. Multiple storage, CPU, RAM and graphics options are configurable. A backlit keyboard can also be specified, as can a touch screen.
It’s about the same price as the equally capable but slightly smaller Acer Chromebook Plus 514. Like that model, the 516 sits somewhere in the middle of the market, but perhaps represents slightly better value owing to the larger screen size and extra keys.
However, if you still want great performance but at a lower price, the older Acer Chromebook Plus 515 remains a great pick, and its 15.6-inch measurement is still big enough to please those who prefer large displays; there’s a reason we think it’s one of the best student Chromebooks, after all.
If you’re after something cheaper still, we think the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 Chromebook is the best student laptop for those on a budget. Its performance is no match for the mightier Chromebook Plus 516, and it’s also much smaller, but it has the advantage of being a 2-in-1 device, thanks to its 360-degree rotation and touchscreen.
- Value: 3.5 / 5
These specs pertain to my review unit of the Acer Chromebook Plus 516:
Price
£399.99 (about $540 / AU$830)
CPU
Intel Core 3 100U (8 threads, 4.7GHz)
Graphics
Integrated, Intel UHD Graphics
RAM
8GB LPDDR5
Screen
16-inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200) IPS, 16:10
Storage
128GB UFS
Ports
2x USB-A, 2x USB-C, 1x HDMI, 1x 3.5mm audio
Wireless
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3
Camera
HD 1080p
Weight
3.75lbs (1.7kg)
Dimensions
14.1 x 10 x 0.8 inches (359 x 253 x 19mm)
Acer Chromebook Plus 516 review: Design(Image credit: Future)- Smart and well made
- Plenty of keys
- Both USB-C ports on same side
The Chromebook Plus 516 adopts the fairly typical Acer aesthetic, with a sleek but understated appearance. There’s nothing particularly spectacular about its looks, but it’s at least free from too many fussy details.
Despite its large size, it’s pleasingly thin and not quite as heavy as you’d expect it to be. It’s no match for smaller Chromebooks in terms of portability, but all sides are quite flat and smooth, which helps when sliding it into your bag.
The build quality is on par with the best Chromebooks. Certain materials look more premium than others, but all feel solid and durable. The keycaps are perhaps the least impressive visually, but they’re tightly fitted.
The hinge mechanism is similarly well-engineered. The lid is easy to open and move into any position, and its maximum recline angle of 170 degrees makes it versatile for various setups. What’s more, it remains stable in any position; there’s next to no wobble, which is all the more impressive given its thinness and lightness.
The keyboard features numerous shortcut keys on the F row, all of which are quite useful. Highlights include one for taking screenshots, one for dictation, and one for opening a menu containing various accessibility functions.
Being a Chromebook Plus, you also get a Quick Insert key, used for accessing files, opening recent documents or creating new ones, inserting links, using AI tools, and other productivity-based functions.
The keyboard even includes a navigation cluster and number pad, both of which I welcome. More impressively, these don’t compromise the layout spacing, thanks to the width of the device itself. The touchpad also manages to not get in the way while typing, despite its relatively large size.
I was pleased to see the Chromebook Plus 516 features two USB-C ports, although unfortunately they’re both the same side, which somewhat limits versatility when plugging into an outlet. Still, it’s nice to have more than one, and the further ports – two USB-A ports, an HDMI port, and a 3.5mm headset jack – are all welcome additions. There’s no SD card slot, though, which might be a problem for some users.
- Design score: 4 / 5
- Fast and capable multitasker
- Can handle light gaming
- Sharp display
These are the results of our benchmarking tests for the Acer Chromebook Plus 516:
TechRadar Battery Life Test: 7 hours and 35 minutes
Jetstream2 Benchmark: 295.772
Kraken Benchmark: 398.5ms
Speedometer 3.0: 18.8 (±1.0)
The Chromebook Plus 516 is quite a capable performer. Creating and editing documents and spreadsheets is no problem for it, while switching between apps and multiple tabs is taken in its stride.
Gaming performance is also admirable. I managed to play Asphalt Legends Unite on high graphics settings without issue, running smoothly with little stutter. This was especially impressive given that the game recommended I play on lower settings based on the specs, but you’ll still want one of the best gaming laptops if you plan on playing more intensive games.
It can stream ultra HD content with relative ease as well. During my testing, I encountered little in the way of buffering or stuttering, making for seamless viewing in the main.
(Image credit: Future)The experience is made even better thanks to the surprisingly vibrant display, which also avoids the washed-out appearance that afflicts some Chromebooks. Reflections do reveal themselves somewhat in darker scenes and unfavorable lighting conditions, but generally they’re kept at bay quite well.
Moreover, the 1920 x 1200 resolution is suitably sharp for its large size, which makes the UI very clear, while the thin bezels ensure that the most is made of the allotted real estate.
Typing on the Chromebook Plus 516 is also a pleasure. Despite the inauspicious looking keys, they perform well, with their light actuation and just enough dampening to make them tactile. Despite the inclusion of a number pad and other extra keys, I didn’t find the layout cramped, which made for an accurate and comfortable typing experience.
The trackpad is brilliantly smooth and very precise, tracking perfectly with my finger movements and gestures. As with the keys, it only requires a light touch, which makes it easy to use.
- Performance score: 4.5 / 5
The Chromebook Plus 516 doesn't have a terribly impressive battery life, posting a below-average score during our test. We ran a movie on a continuous loop, and it gave up the ghost after seven hours and 35 minutes.
The Acer Chromebook Plus 514 we tested fared better, managing to last almost an hour longer. The much smaller Chromebook Spin 312 also eclipsed it, running all the way past 11 hours before total depletion.
However, the Chromebook Plus 516 still did better than the older Chromebook Plus 515, which only managed five hours. However, if you’re after a device that can really go all day, the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 Chromebook is perhaps your best choice, as this lasted over 16 hours in our movie playback test.
- Battery life: 2.5 / 5
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Price
The Chromebook Plus 516 has a price you might expect for a Chromebook Plus, although its size and keyboard impart extra value.
3.5 / 5
Design
The Chromebook Plus 516 is pleasingly thin for such a large device, and the build quality is respectable. The keyboard is great for productivity, too.
4 / 5
Performance
The Chromebook Plus 516 can handle all sorts of tasks, including light gaming, while the sharp and vibrant display is great for viewing Ultra HD content.
4.5 / 5
Battery life
The Chromebook Plus 516 is far from the best in class when it comes to battery life, with many others capable of outliving it.
2.5 / 5
Total Score
The Chromebook Plus 516 is a great performer with a vibrant display and a useful keyboard. If you’re after a large Chromebook for work and play, it fits the bill quite well – so long as you don’t plan on using it unplugged all day long.
4 / 5
Buy it if...You want a large display
At 16 inches, the Chromebook Plus 516 is one of the larger Chromebooks on the market, and the resolution is sharp enough to match.
You want fast performance
The Chromebook Plus 516 can handle most productivity tasks and even light gaming, thanks to its relatively strong spec.
You want a convertible device
The Chromebook Plus 516 isn’t a 2-in-1 device, so it can’t be used like the best tablets.
You want the best battery life
Seven and a half hours is all you’ll get with continuous movie playback, which ranks in the lower half of the Chromebook league.
Acer Chromebook Plus 516
Acer Chromebook Plus 514
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 Chromebook
Price
Starts from £399.99 (about $540 / AU$830)
$399 / £399 (about AU$560)
$399.99 / £399.99 (around AU$633)
CPU
Intel Core 3 100U (8 threads, 4.7GHz)
Intel Core 3 100U (8 threads, 4.7GHz)
1.1GHz Intel Celeron N4020 (dual-core, 4MB cache, up to 2.8GHz Burst)
Graphics
Integrated, Intel UHD Graphics
Integrated, Intel UHD Graphics
Intel UHD Graphics 600
RAM
8GB LPDDR5
8GB LPDDR5
4GB DDR4
Screen
16-inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200) IPS, 16:10
14-inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200) IPS, 16:10
11-inch IPS touchscreen, 1,366 x 768
Storage
128GB UFS
128GB UFS
64GB eMMC
Ports
2x USB-A, 2x USB-C, 1x HDMI, 1x 3.5mm audio
2x USB-A, 2x USB-C, 1x HDMI, 1x 3.5mm audio
2x USB-C with charging, 2x USB-A, microSD
Wireless
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3
Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2
Camera
HD 1080p
HD 1080p
720p
Weight
3.75lbs (1.7kg)
3.15lbs (1.43kg)
2.64lbs (1.2kg)
Dimensions
14.1 x 10 x 0.8 inches (359 x 253 x 19mm)
12.9 x 8.9 x 0.8 inches (32.7 x 22.5 x 2cm)
0.7 x 11.41 x 8.18 inches (17.8 x 290 x 207.8mm)
Here are some alternatives to the Chromebook Plus 516:
Acer Chromebook Plus 514
An almost-equally large Chromebook Plus, the 514 boasts a similar performance and spec, although I would say the 516 has a slightly better display quality. The 514 also lacks the extra keys of the 516, which might deter those interested in extracting the maximum productivity from their machine. Read our Acer Chromebook Plus 514 review.
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 Chromebook
If you want something smaller, cheaper, and more versatile, look no further than the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 Chromebook. It’s convertible, so you can use it like a tablet, and it has an excellent battery life to boot. However, it’s not the quickest performer, but it's still sufficient, which is why it makes the best student laptop for those on a budget in our view. Read our Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 Chromebook review.
- Tested for two days
- Used for a variety of tasks
- Abundant Chromebook reviewing experience
I tested the Chromebook Plus 516 for a few days, during which time I used it for a variety of tasks, including productivity, gaming, and browsing.
I edited spreadsheets and documents, used multiple tabs when browsing in Chrome, and streamed 4K content. I also played Asphalt Legends Unite, and connected various peripherals via Bluetooth.
I have used various Chromebooks and other laptop devices for decades, and have reviewed a number of them too (including other Acer models), varying in their price points, form factors, and performance.
- First reviewed: June 2025
- Read more about how we test
Categories: Reviews
Duda website builder review 2025
Our latest Duda review takes a deep dive into a new yet unique website builder offering, offering you insight into all the pros, cons, features, and tools, helping you make an informed choice.
Duda comes with a wide range of features including drag-and-drop editing capabilities, access to hundreds of templates and widgets, and an advanced AI. This makes it easier to build attractive websites and manage them at scale without any of the usual hassle.
Wix remains our pick for the top website builder of 2025. But this website builder has been built specifically with professionals in mind, offering agency-level functionality and white labeled tools. This makes it one of the best website builders for agencies and freelancers who want to build great websites for their clients.
Duda: 2-minute reviewDuda positions itself as a premium website builder designed specifically for agencies, freelancers, and professional web developers. The platform excels at creating responsive websites that look great across all devices, with particularly strong mobile optimization tools that set it apart from competitors like Wix or Squarespace. Its drag-and-drop editor is intuitive yet powerful, allowing users to create professional websites without coding knowledge while still offering advanced customization options for those who need them.
What makes Duda so appealing to agencies is its comprehensive white-label capabilities and client management features. You can customize the platform with your own branding, give clients controlled access to their sites, and manage multiple projects efficiently. The platform runs on Amazon Web Services hosting, ensuring fast loading times and reliable performance. However, Duda's focus on professional users means it comes with a higher price tag than many competitors, and it lacks the free tier that makes other builders accessible to beginners.
What is Duda?Duda is a cloud-based website building platform that lets you create professional websites without needing to write code. It provides everything you need to build a website — templates, design tools, hosting, and management features, all in one place.
Instead of hiring a team of web developers who specialize in complex programming, you can use the visual editor to drag and drop elements like text, images, and buttons exactly where you want them.
Duda adjusts your website's layout to look great on any screen size, but it also gives you granular control to customize how your site appears on each device type. It also includes built-in features for online stores, contact forms, photo galleries, and other common website functions.
FeaturesThe Duda App Store lets you easily install apps from over 25 different categories. (Image credit: Duda)The Duda App Store lets you easily install apps from over 25 different categories. Whether you’re looking for ecommerce tools, membership options, or website personalization options, there's plenty of options to choose from.
In more recent updates Duda has focused on rolling out better connectivity. Connectors are a new category available within the Duda App Store. They allow data transfer between Duda and other platforms such as ERPs, the best CRM software, and more. This allows agencies and freelancers to drastically expand the platforms to which they can connect client sites. Since launch Duda has released integrations with ActiveCampaign, MailChimp, Hubspot, Slack, and Facebook Conversions.
Duda has also added Blog APIs to its library. This addition will help agencies boost productivity by allowing the automatic import and push of blog content not created on the Duda platform to the sites they build. This will be especially useful to agencies using external writers or AI for blog writing.
If you’re running an online store, then you need an ecommerce solution. With Duda, we were able to easily set up an online store with its built-in ecommerce tools. We also took advantage of additional features such as payment processing integration and customer management tools.
Duda also provides membership options so that your customers can access exclusive content on your site. Whether it’s videos or podcasts, your site visitor can register for a paid membership to access this content without needing to leave your site. This is a great way to generate additional revenue for your business while offering your visitors more value.
Creating a website from scratch can take a lot of time and effort – but not with Duda. We were able to create a professional-looking website with Duda’s templates. These templates have been carefully crafted by industry experts so that they look great on any device or browser – regardless of size or resolution. Plus, all templates are fully customizable so that you can make them look exactly how you want them to be.
Mobile devices are becoming increasingly popular among web users – and if your site isn't optimized for mobile devices then it won't be seen by these potential customers. Fortunately, with Duda's mobile-friendly sites feature, creating mobile websites is easier than ever before. Not only does this feature allow visitors to view your site on any device or browser – but it also allows them to take advantage of features such as click-to-call buttons which give visitors direct access to contact information such as phone numbers and addresses right from their phones.
Widgets are small pieces of code snippets that add extra functionality and features to websites without needing any coding knowledge whatsoever. During our test, we were able to create custom widgets with drag-and-drop functionality. This can also be used by beginners to customize their sites in no time at all.
Keeping track of client payments is essential if you're offering services through your website - and luckily with the client billing feature in Duda, we were able to keep track of payments with ease. This feature allows you to easily set up invoicing systems through which you can keep track of clients' payments seamlessly - ensuring that all payments are made promptly and accurately every time.
ToolsClick on an object to be presented with numerous customising options… (Image credit: Duda)Despite being an AI website builder, Duda offers to its credit a powerful platform that has everything that a small-to-medium design or development agency would need. Here are some standout features that we thought were worth highlighting:
Accessibility
Everyone deserves to experience an accessible website regardless of their disability or technology. With the AudioEye tool, businesses get peace of mind knowing the product they are providing meets WCAG 2.0 AA standards for website accessibility in just a few clicks. Duda’s AudioEye tool allows visitors with visual impairments to access your site’s content in Audio format.
Ecommerce
With the Omni-channel ecommerce tool, you can easily drive sales from both your online stores as well as across the web. All products are synced with the store catalog and managed from one convenient platform.
This feature enables customers to shop from anywhere; whether it’s on a computer or mobile device and pay for purchases seamlessly without ever having to leave your site. This helps create a seamless shopping experience that customers will appreciate and come back for again and again.
Member management
The Simple Member Management & Reporting tool makes it easy for you to manage members directly from the Site Overview tab or the side panel of the editor. You can add, edit or remove members quickly while also keeping track of user interactions such as past purchases and more in one convenient place. This simplifies member management while also giving you valuable insight into how people are interacting with your website so you can adjust accordingly.
White labelling
If you are a web developer or web designer working with clients, then hiding your platform is essential for maintaining credibility and professionalism. With Duda’s white-label website builder & preview tools, you can place your client’s entire site-building process under your brand. That way your customers will never know that you are using Duda until you tell them yourself. This tool also includes preview tools so that your customers can get an accurate view of how their site will look before it goes live.
Dynamic pages
The Dynamic Pages tool is one of Duda’s most powerful tools as it allows you to design a single page once and then use it over and over again for different purposes without having to manually enter new information each time. This tool uses collections of text, images, business information, video, and more to automatically populate pages with relevant data based on user input or preferences. You can even sync these collections with Google Sheets or Airtable for even faster results.
Search engine optimization
Duda also leverages AI to help make creating and growing your website easier. All plans come with access to their AI content assistant, which will automatically generate and edit site content for you. Those on the Team plan and higher also get access to the AI SEO assistant. This tool makes following SEO best practices easy by generating metadata for all site pages in just one click.
Along with AI tools, Duda offers users a powerful SEO overview. This tool provides, at a glance, an overview of your site’s search engine optimization, helping you find and fix issues quickly. It also provides insight into optimization opportunities and delivers a simple way to give clients an up-to-date SEO snapshot. Working behind the scenes, this tool will identify and alert you of any issues with essential SEO requirements including external and internal links, page meta tags, image alt text, etc.
Ease of useIt’s incredibly easy to locate the theme you’d like from Duda’s long list. (Image credit: Duda)When you start your trial, and after you’ve verified your email address (par for the course these days), you’ll be asked about your business — are you a freelancer, a design agency, are you a web designer, or developer, that sort of thing. You’re then promptly sent to Duda’s template selection.
It’s incredibly easy to locate the theme you’d like from Duda’s long list. It’s even possible to preview its look on any type of device with just a click. Once you’ve found the template that’s right for you business, Duda will start setting it all up for you.
Duda has several features that make it easier for you to build the website you want without having to go through a complex process. For instance, you can drag and drop elements wherever you need them on your site. This makes it easy if you don’t have coding knowledge to add images, videos, and text boxes wherever you need them.
The dashboard is also designed in such a way that makes it easier for you to manage and edit your sites. The tools are all clearly labeled and easy to access – which means you don’t have to waste time figuring out how each tool works or where they’re located in the dashboard. This makes it possible for anyone with no web design experience at all to quickly and easily create a beautiful website that looks professionally done.
All of these features combine in such a way that makes Duda an incredibly user-friendly platform that anyone can use.
PricingDuda's pricing structure reflects its positioning as a professional-grade platform. (Image credit: Duda)Plan
Starting rate (paid annually)
Renewal rate (paid annually)
Basic
$25/month
$12.50/month
Team
$39/month
$19.50/month
Agency
$69/month
$34.50/month
White Label
$199/month
$99.50/month
Custom
Contact for pricing
Contact for pricing
Duda's pricing structure reflects its positioning as a professional-grade platform. It has no free tier but a 14-day free trial to test the service. The Basic plan at $12.50 monthly covers single users building one website, while the Team plan at $19.50 monthly adds collaboration features and white-label client access.
The Agency plan at $34.50 monthly includes four websites and advanced features like widget building, making it ideal for growing web development businesses. For larger agencies, the White Label plan at $99.50 monthly provides enhanced branding options and priority support.
Ecommerce functionality requires separate add-ons regardless of your main plan, with three tiers ranging from $8 to $49 monthly per site. While this initially seems expensive, it actually makes Duda more competitive since you only pay for eCommerce features when you need them. Additional websites beyond your plan's allocation cost extra too.
SupportDuda offers comprehensive and up-to-date information through its Knowledge Base & Documentation section. (Image credit: Duda)Duda offers comprehensive and up-to-date information through its Knowledge Base & Documentation section. This section contains detailed step-by-step instructions on how to use various features on Duda, as well as frequently asked questions (FAQ) about common issues that may arise when using the platform. Additionally, this page also contains links to other helpful resources such as user guides, tutorials, and videos that can help you get started quickly with your website.
If you require more personal help with your website or need assistance troubleshooting something specific, Duda has you covered in this area too. With live chat, you can get quick answers from knowledgeable customer service representatives when needed. Plus, Duda even offers priority support for businesses that need immediate solutions or have urgent requests for their websites.
In addition to having access to direct customer service representatives via live chat or phone calls, Duda also provides users with access to its online forum and community support networks. This is great for users who are looking for advice from fellow web developers or want to learn from others who may have encountered similar challenges as they work on their websites.
However, it is important to note that the level of support you receive depends on the package you choose. Those on Basic or Team plans can only access support via email, whereas those on the more expensive Agency and White Label plans get full access to priority email, live chat, and phone support.
Security Duda offers an optional SSL certificate for all websites hosted on its platform. (Image credit: Duda)Duda offers an optional SSL certificate for all websites hosted on its platform. An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is a security protocol that encrypts data sent between a web server and a browser. This ensures that any personal information entered into your website is kept secure and protected from any potential hackers or malicious actors. The SSL certificate also adds an extra layer of protection against data breaches and other cyberattacks.
Finally, Duda also provides a Password Manager feature which allows you to store their passwords securely within the platform itself. This means that even if someone does get access to your account, they won't be able to view or use your passwords unless they have the correct login credentials for the Password Manager. This added layer of security further protects your account from malicious actors looking to gain access without authorization.
AlternativesSquarespace has an intuitive drag-and-drop interface that makes it simple to design a beautiful website from scratch. Squarespace also offers dozens of templates that can help you get started quickly if you don’t have time to build your site from scratch.
If ease of use is what you're looking for in a website builder, then Wix might be the solution for you. Wix doesn't require any coding knowledge - just point and click. It has hundreds of templates available so you can easily create a stunning website in minutes without having any prior design experience. Additionally, Wix offers powerful features like customizable forms and ecommerce solutions so you can easily manage customer orders on your site.
Duda: SummaryDuda offers a complete package of features that make it easy to build and maintain a website. It includes everything from template designer tools, customization capabilities, content management tools, e-commerce integrations, SEO optimization options, and more. All of these features work together to give you control over how your website looks and functions.
In addition to having lots of features that make it easy to customize your website, Duda also offers several helpful support resources. From getting started tutorials to detailed user guides and FAQs, there are plenty of resources available that can help you design the perfect site for your business or organization in no time.
FAQsCan I try out Duda before purchasing?Yes. Duda offers a 14-day free trial with all the features available in the Team plan so that you can play around with the platform and make sure it fits your needs before making any commitment.
Does my website have to be hosted with Duda?All websites built on the Duda platform are hosted on servers via Amazon Web Services (AWS). This guarantees your sites maintain a 99.999% uptime. However, if you’re on an Agency or Custom plan, you can export code from Duda - but importing code from an external source isn’t allowed.
What CDN does Duda use?All websites created with Duda are served via Amazon's Cloudfront CDN for lightning-fast loading speeds. This makes sure visitors have quick access to your website no matter where they are located and that your content is delivered quickly and reliably across all devices.
Categories: Reviews
Webflow website builder review 2025
This latest Webflow review examines one of the most sophisticated website builders available in 2025. Unlike traditional drag-and-drop platforms, Webflow generates clean HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code while maintaining an intuitive visual interface. The platform has evolved significantly since its 2013 launch, now offering comprehensive features for everything from simple portfolios to complex e-commerce stores.
Techradar reviewers have spent thousands of hours testing 140+ website builders to understand what works best for different users. Webflow competes in an increasingly competitive market with many tools featured in our best website builders roundup. Yet while Wix remains our top pick for most users, Webflow targets a different audience entirely with its advanced feature set.
Webflow appeals to designers, agencies, and businesses that need precise control over their website's appearance and functionality. We found Webflow delivers exceptional creative freedom, but this comes with complexity that may overwhelm beginners.
Webflow: 2-minute reviewWebflow positions itself as the professional's choice for visual web development. Our testing confirms this reputation, reviewing a unique platform that combines the accessibility of drag-and-drop builders with the precision of hand-coded websites. You get clean and production-ready code without writing a single line yourself.
This company has built a strong reputation among web professionals since 2013, attracting designers and developers who need advanced tools to bring their visions to life. Webflow's market position is unique — it's more complex than Wix or Squarespace but more accessible than pure development frameworks like HTML5 and PHP. Recent updates in 2025 have also added AI-powered tools, improved CMS capabilities, and better team collaboration features.
What is Webflow?Webflow is an all-in-one web development platform that lets you design, build, and launch websites without touching code. Think of it as a visual interface that automatically writes professional HTML, CSS, and JavaScript as you design. You drag elements, adjust layouts, and customize styles - while Webflow handles the technical implementation behind the scenes.
The platform consists of four main components: Designer for visual website creation, CMS for content management, e-commerce tools for online stores, and hosting services. Unlike simple website builders that limit your design options, Webflow embraces web development principles like flexbox, CSS Grid, and responsive breakpoints — making them visual and accessible to non-coders.
FeaturesWebflow offers an impressive feature set that rivals professional development tools while maintaining visual accessibility. (Image credit: Webflow)Webflow offers an impressive feature set that rivals professional development tools while maintaining visual accessibility. The platform's Designer interface provides holistic CSS controls, including advanced layout options like CSS Grid and Flexbox, custom animations, and responsive design tools. You can create complex interactions, manage global design systems, and even add custom code when needed.
CMS capabilities are extremely robust, supporting dynamic content, custom fields, and automated workflows through integrations like Zapier. Content creators can manage blogs, portfolios, and product catalogs through an intuitive interface, while designers maintain full control over how that content appears. The 2025 updates have added nested collection lists and improved localization controls, making content management even more powerful.
E-commerce functionality covers essential online store needs, though it's not as comprehensive as dedicated platforms like Shopify. You can manage products, customize checkout experiences, and integrate with payment processors like Stripe and PayPal. However, advanced e-commerce features like subscription billing or complex inventory management require workarounds or third-party integrations.
AI additions include an AI Assistant for generating page sections, Webflow Optimize for conversion testing, and an AI Site Builder in beta. These tools speed up common tasks without replacing the need for design expertise. The pricing reflects this feature richness. While more expensive than basic builders, the professional capabilities justify the cost for users who need design flexibility and clean code output.
ToolsAnyone can freely access all of the videos in Webflow University. (Image credit: Webflow)Unlike most website builders, Webflow doesn't hold back when it comes to developer-friendly features, whether you're looking to set up complex A/B testing workflows or create CSS and Javascript-heavy animations. Here are some new features we liked the best during our review:
AI assistant
Like many other AI website builders, Webflow offers an AI assistant to help you get things done. For example, Webflow's AI assistant will allow members of your team to quickly design and generate new styled content by using conversational prompts.
It can also generate a full CMS item with contextually relevant content based on a simple prompt. This will be a huge time saver for agencies and businesses looking to spin up realistic content for new pages.
Personalization and optimization
Webflow recognizes the importance of analytics to agencies and businesses. The Optimize feature offers AI-powered A/B testing and personalization. It works behind the scenes in real-time to ensure a dynamic and personalized user journey every time.
Similarly, Webflow Analyze offers users a unified view of visitor behaviors, helping designers and content marketers to make data-backed decisions.
Third-party apps
You can drastically improve the functionality of your website via tWebflow Apps. These cover everything from analytics and automations to forms and marketing.
A recent addition to Webflow Apps is Adobe Express. This app helps you create advanced AI-generated graphics from within the Webflow platform by integrating Abobe Express' powerful image editing tools.
Webflow university
A solid resource for new users is the Webflow University 101 Crash Course videos.
The videos are designed to teach you how to use Webflow and give you all the tricks to make website building a smooth process. They are organized into different lesson categories, and most of them range from 5 to 15 minutes in length.
Anyone can freely access all of the videos. Even if you’re using the free version or just want to learn more about building a website without deciding on a specific platform, these videos are incredibly helpful.
Ease of useHere's a picture of a free Webflow template (Image credit: Webflow)The interface is very easy to navigate - you can access all of the free templates and start using them right away. It’s also easy to find any of the website building tools and features.
Everything on Webflow is very well-organized. For example, if you’re looking at templates and want something for a photography portfolio, all you need to do is select free templates and then start searching by category, the style you want, or by features. Tons of examples will show up for you to look through. The organization and free easy access makes finding a template quick and easy.
PricingWhen you start using Webflow, you’ll have the option to choose between site plans and workspace plans. (Image credit: Webflow)Plan
Starting rate (paid annually)
Renewal rate (paid annually)
Free
$0/month
$0/month
Basic
$14/month
$14/month
CMS
$23/month
$23/month
Business
$39/month
$39/month
Enterprise
Contact Sales
Contact Sales
E-commerce Standard
$29/month
$29/month
E-commerce Plus
$74/month
$74/month
E-commerce Advanced
$212/month
$212/month
Workspace Freelancer
$16/month
$16/month
Workspace Agency
$35/month
$35/month
When you start using Webflow, you’ll have the option to choose between site plans and workspace plans. Site plans are for personal websites, blogs, and small businesses. Within site plans you will have access to both general site options and ecommerce options. Account plans are targeted more towards professionals, making them ideal for agencies and freelancers.
Webflow offers one of the best free website builder plans. It includes everything you need to try Webflow. There’s no credit card required for setup and you can use it for an unlimited time. It includes access to a Webflow.io domain, 50 CMS items, and 50 form submissions.
The Basic plan costs $14.00 per month when you pay annually or $18.00 billed monthly. This gives you everything from the Starter plan, plus extra site pages (150) and an allowance of 250K visitors. The CMS plan costs $23 monthly (paid annually) or $28 paid monthly, for this you get 3 website editors, site search, and 250GB of bandwidth.
The Business plan costs $39.00 per month when paid annually ($49 paid monthly). It includes everything in the CMS plan, plus extra bandwidth (400GB), extra editors (10), and form file upload. For anything above and beyond the Business plan you can contact Webflow for a bespoke package.
When it comes to ecommerce there are 3 options to choose from. Standard at $29/mo (paid annually) or $49/mo (paid monthly). This comes with 500 ecommerce items, 2000 CMS items, a 2% transaction fee, and all the features of the CMS plan.
Plus is $74/mo (paid annually) or $84/mo (paid monthly). You get 5000 ecommerce items, 10,000 CMS items, and no transaction fee (plus everything from the Business plan). Advanced is $212/mo (paid annually) or $235/mo (paid monthly). This gives you 10,000 extra ecommerce items on top of everything from the Plus plan.
If you need a workspace plan, you have 3 options. The Starter plan is free and comes with access for one user, unlimited paid hosted sites, two webflow.io staging sites (with 2 pages and 50 CMS items), 2 agency guests, and 2 free commenters.
The Core is $19/mo (paid annually) or $28/mo (paid monthly) plan gives you extra users, staging sites, and commenters, as well as page password protection and the ability to use custom code. The Growth plan is $49/mo (paid annually) or $60/mo (paid monthly) - it gives you more users, unlimited staging sites, and publishing permissions.
You can also contact Webflow about personalized packages for any needs which exceed these plans.
SecurityWebflow has a high level of security compared to other web hosts (Image credit: Webflow)Webflow provides enterprise-grade security features that protect both websites and user data. All sites receive automatic SSL/TLS encryption, with the platform having transitioned to TLS 1.3 encryption in 2022 for enhanced security. The hosting infrastructure includes DDoS protection and automatic backups, ensuring your website remains accessible and recoverable in case of issues.
Additional security measures include PCI-DSS compliance for e-commerce sites and two-factor authentication for account access. Webflow's cloud-based architecture means security updates and patches are applied automatically, reducing the maintenance burden on users while keeping sites protected against emerging threats.
SupportWebflow offers multiple support channels, though the quality and availability vary by plan tier. (Image credit: Webflow)Webflow offers multiple support channels, though the quality and availability vary by plan tier. All users can access the comprehensive Webflow University, which provides detailed tutorials, courses, and documentation covering everything from basic design principles to advanced development techniques. The community forum is active and helpful, with both Webflow staff and experienced users providing assistance.
Paid plan users receive email support, with response times varying based on plan level. Business and Enterprise customers get priority support with faster response times and dedicated account management. However, phone support isn't available across all plans, which some users find limiting compared to competitors.
The platform has also introduced AI-powered customer support tools and help desk integrations, allowing businesses to provide better support to their own customers through Webflow-built sites. While the company's own support is generally helpful, the learning curve means you'll likely need to invest time in their educational resources regardless of your plan level.
AlternativesWix, Weebly, and Squarespace, are just a few of the top competitors to Webflow. Wix does offer a free trial for an unlimited time, but it doesn’t even compare to Webflow’s free storage space. Wix includes 50 MB while Webflow offers 10 GB.
But more importantly, not many conventional website builders offer the depth of advanced functionality or the insane amount of educational resources that come with Webflow. If you're looking to switch from a code-intensive workflow to no-code tools without any loss in flexibility, this is the platform for you.
Webflow: SummaryNo matter what stage you’re at with building a website, there’s a lot of options on Webflow that could take your website to the next level. The downside is how you can’t export CMS content, however, you will have access to plenty of free materials. Webflow comes with an entire library of video resources, hundreds of free templates, and you can use the free version for an unlimited time. The interface is also very organized - it doesn’t feel like you’re using a cheap web host. Templates look professional and everything is well organized. Overall, Webflow is a great web host, especially if you want to learn new tricks for making website building a lot easier.
FAQsIs Webflow suitable for beginners?Webflow has a steeper learning curve than traditional website builders like Wix or Squarespace. While you don't need coding skills, understanding web design concepts like responsive breakpoints, flexbox, and CSS properties will help you succeed. The platform offers extensive educational resources through Webflow University, but expect to invest several weeks learning the interface and best practices.
Can I migrate my existing website to Webflow?Webflow doesn't offer automated migration tools from other platforms. You'll need to rebuild your site using Webflow's Designer interface, though you can import content through CSV files for blog posts and other structured data. The process requires manual work but gives you the opportunity to improve your site's design and performance during the transition.
What are Webflow's main limitations?Webflow has several notable limitations including a 100 static page limit per project and 10,000 CMS items per site. The platform also requires a stable internet connection since it's entirely cloud-based. E-commerce features, while solid, aren't as comprehensive as dedicated platforms like Shopify. Version control is only available on Enterprise plans, which can complicate team workflows.
Categories: Reviews
Friday website builder review 2025
Our latest Friday Website Builder review reveals a platform that balances simplicity with powerful functionality, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced developers. While it competes in a crowded market alongside many options in our best website builders roundup, it distinguishes itself through its all-in-one approach and solid feature set.
TechRadar reviewers have spent thousands of hours testing 140+ website builders to bring you expert insights. Friday's single pricing model sets it apart from competitors, though this approach has both benefits and drawbacks. For users seeking our top recommendation, Wix remains our pick for the best website builder in 2025, offering more flexible pricing options.
Friday launched recently as a new player in the website building space, focusing on eliminating the complexity often associated with development workflows. Its approach centers on providing everything users need in a single package, with some impressive tools that cater specifically to developers and pros.
Friday Website Builder: 2-minute reviewFriday Website Builder positions itself as an all-in-one solution for users who want professional websites without the brainwork. It offers a rich user experience with its drag-and-drop editor, template library, and developer mode for advanced customization. Other standout features include ecommerce capabilities, AI content assistance, and SEO tools that help websites rank better in search results.
However, Friday's single $50/month pricing plan creates a significant barrier for users, especially when competitors like Wix offer plans starting at $17/month. While this pricing includes all features without restrictions, it may offer poor value to users who only need basic functionality. Also, limited scalability options and a restricted plugin ecosystem pose challenges for rapidly growing businesses.
What is Friday?Friday Website Builder is a user-friendly platform that allows individuals and businesses to create professional websites without the need for coding knowledge or technical skill.
It provides a range of intuitive tools and templates to streamline the website creation process, enabling you to design and customize your sites according to your unique preferences and requirements.
With Friday, you can add and edit content, incorporate multimedia elements, optimize for mobile devices, and publish your websites with just a few clicks.
Features(Image credit: Friday)Friday comes with all the features you would expect from one of the best website builders on the market. This ranges from a full website builder to help you get your site from idea to live, along with dedicated features to help you grow your business including an AI content assistant, photo editor, easy pop ups, the ability to create coupons, and multi-language websites.
During my testing of Friday's website builder, I discovered a wide range of powerful features that enhanced my website building journey. Firstly, the platform provided robust ecommerce capabilities, allowing me to effortlessly set up an online store, manage products, and inventory.
The developer mode feature allows the flexibility to edit and add code and make customizations according to my specific requirements. The built-in blog builder offered a seamless way to create engaging blog posts and share my thoughts and ideas with my audience.
I was also impressed with the comprehensive web analytics feature that provided valuable insights into visitor behavior and helped me optimize my website for better performance.
With the option to use a custom domain, you can choose any name for your website to add a professional and personalized touch. Friday's SEO tools proved to be invaluable in optimizing a website for search engines and increasing its visibility online.
The inclusion of SSL security feature helps to keep visitors' data protected. Friday uses AWS hosting which ensures reliable performance and scalability for your websites.
Moreover, the platform's mobile optimization feature automatically adapted my test website to different devices, ensuring a seamless user experience for mobile users. The unlimited bandwidth feature allows the handling of high traffic volumes without any concerns.
Tools (Image credit: Friday)Friday Website Builder provides a comprehensive suite of tools designed to streamline the website creation process. These tools range from basic design elements to advanced ecommerce and marketing features, all integrated into a single platform.
Drag-and-drop editor
The core of Friday's offering is its intuitive drag-and-drop editor that requires no coding knowledge. You can easily add, move, and customize elements by simply dragging them into position. The editor provides real-time visual feedback, allowing you to see changes instantly as you build your site.
Developer mode
For users with coding experience, Friday offers a developer mode that provides access to HTML and CSS editing. This feature bridges the gap between simplicity and advanced customization, letting you fine-tune your website's appearance and functionality beyond the standard editor limitations.
Template library
Friday provides an extensive collection of professionally designed templates covering various industries and website types. Each template is fully customizable and mobile-responsive, giving you a solid foundation to build upon while maintaining design consistency.
Ecommerce tools
The platform includes solid ecommerce functionality with inventory management, automated shipping calculations, and secure payment processing. You can set up product catalogs, manage orders, and create discount codes without needing additional plugins or integrations.
SEO suite
Friday's SEO tools include meta tag management, Google PageSpeed optimization, schema markup support, and AI-generated alt text for images. The platform also features IndexNow integration and automatic sitemap generation to help improve search engine visibility.
AI content assistant
The built-in AI assistant helps generate content suggestions and provides recommendations for website improvements. This tool can assist with writing copy, optimizing content for SEO, and suggesting design enhancements based on best practices.
Ease of use(Image credit: Friday)Friday is designed to be user-friendly and easy to use, even for individuals with limited technical expertise. The platform prioritizes simplicity and intuitive navigation, making it accessible to beginners and experienced users alike.
One key aspect contributing to Friday's ease of use is its drag-and-drop functionality. You can effortlessly add and rearrange elements on your websites by simply dragging and dropping widgets, images, text, and other components onto the desired location. This eliminates the need for complex coding or technical knowledge, streamlining the website creation process.
Additionally, Friday offers a visually-oriented interface that allows you to see real-time changes as you make adjustments to your websites. This instant visual feedback provides a clear understanding of how the site will look and function, empowering you to make informed design decisions.
The platform also provides a user-friendly dashboard that serves as a central hub for managing various aspects of the website. From this dashboard, you can access different tools and features, navigate through pages, customize themes, and track website analytics. The organized layout and intuitive controls contribute to a seamless user experience.
Pricing (Image credit: Friday)There is a lot to love about Friday's pricing structure. Unlike the majority of website builders that offer host different plans and packages, which often confuse you more than they help you - Friday offers one plan for everything. Plus, you can cancel at any time, so you aren't tied into any expensive contracts.
When you sign up for Friday you get a 7-day free trial. This offers you an opportunity to make sure the website builder does everything you want. Once your free trial is over, you will then be charged $50 a month.
This may seem a little steep, especially when you look at competitors such as Wix offering plans for as little as $17/mo and Squarespace offering plans from $16/mo. Needless to say, if you are looking for a very basic website builder to build a basic website, Friday won't offer you doo value for money.
However, when you consider the fact that Friday offers you an all-in package for $50/mo, whereas Wix's all-in package is $159/mo and Squarespace's is a similar $49/mo, suddenly Friday seems like a fair to good deal.
Ultimately, it will come down to which tools and features you need. If you just want a simple package, Wix or Squarespace is probably better. But if you want an advanced website builder with plenty of powerful features, Friday is certainly worth considering.
Security(Image credit: Friday)Friday prioritizes the security of its users' websites by offering two essential security features: SSL certificates and backups.
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificates are crucial for establishing a secure connection between a website and its visitors. SSL certificates ensure that sensitive information remains confidential and protected from potential hackers or malicious actors by encrypting the data transmitted between the user's browser and the website's server. Friday allows you to install SSL certificates, thus enabling secure communication and instilling trust in visitors who access your websites.
In addition to SSL certificates, Friday provides a backup feature to safeguard your website data. Regular backups are vital in the event of unforeseen circumstances such as data loss, server issues, or accidental changes that may compromise the website's functionality or content. By enabling backups, you can restore your websites to a previous state and recover lost data, minimizing potential disruptions and preserving the integrity of your online presence.
By offering SSL certificates and backup functionality, Friday aims to provide a secure environment for your websites. This contributes to maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your data and helps protect against potential security vulnerabilities or data loss incidents.
Support(Image credit: Friday)Friday offers customer support through various channels, including a comprehensive knowledge base and email support. These options ensure that you have access to the assistance you need when encountering any issues or requiring guidance while using the platform.
The knowledge base serves as a valuable resource, providing you with a collection of articles, tutorials, and frequently asked questions that cover a wide range of topics. It offers step-by-step instructions, troubleshooting guides, and detailed explanations of features, empowering you to find solutions to your queries independently. The knowledge base serves as a self-help tool, allowing you to access information and guidance at your convenience.
For more personalized support, Friday provides email support through two dedicated email addresses: support@findfriday.com and hello@findfriday.com. You can reach out to the support team with your inquiries, concerns, or technical issues. The support team is committed to providing prompt and helpful responses, addressing your queries, and providing guidance to ensure a smooth experience while using the platform.
By offering both a comprehensive knowledge base and email support, Friday ensures that you have access to the resources you need to overcome challenges and make the most of the platform's features.
AlternativesWith just one (fairly expensive) plan, Friday website builder certainly isn’t for everyone.
As our top rated website builder, Wix is a worthy alternative. With plans starting at just $16/mo, Wix is almost certainly better for those who don’t need the full power of Friday. However, even on the entry level plan, with Wix you get access to a whole host of powerful website building tools, many with AI integration.
Read our full Wix review to find out more.
Squarespace is another good option to consider. Similar to Wix, plans start much cheaper at $17/mo and come with a huge range of website building tools. Squarespace is also known for its stunning website designs, making it ideal for those who want to make a big visual impact with their website.
Our Squarespace review goes into more detail on what the platform has to offer.
Friday Website Builder: SummaryDetermining whether Friday website builder is the right choice for you depends on various factors such as your website creation needs, technical expertise, budget, and desired level of customization.
However, if you are looking for a user-friendly platform with drag-and-drop functionality, a range of customizable themes, and tools for adding pages, widgets, and blog posts, along with ecommerce capabilities, then Friday website builder could be a suitable choice that caters to your requirements and empowers you to create and manage a professional-looking website with relative ease.
Friday's comprehensive SEO and settings options and 24/7 customer support through a knowledge base and email assistance could also be the deciding qualities for your choice of website builder.
FAQsWhat makes Friday different from other website builders?Friday distinguishes itself through its single, all-inclusive pricing model and focus on providing enterprise-level features in a user-friendly package. Unlike competitors that offer multiple tiers, Friday includes all features — from basic website building to advanced ecommerce and SEO tools, in one plan. The platform also provides both drag-and-drop simplicity and developer mode for code editing, making it suitable for users across different skill levels.
Is Friday suitable for ecommerce websites?Yes, Friday includes robust ecommerce capabilities with features like inventory management, automated shipping and tax calculations, and secure payment processing. However, the platform may not be ideal for large-scale or rapidly growing online stores due to its single pricing tier and limited scalability options. Small to medium-sized businesses will find Friday's ecommerce tools comprehensive and easy to implement.
How does Friday's pricing compare to competitors?Friday's $50/month pricing appears expensive compared to entry-level plans from competitors like Wix ($17/month) or Squarespace ($16/month). However, when compared to premium plans that include similar features, Friday becomes more competitive - Wix's comprehensive plan costs $159/month while Squarespace's comparable offering is $49/month. The value depends on whether you need all the included features or would prefer a more basic, affordable option.
Categories: Reviews
Garmin Forerunner 570 is a 'marvel' of a running watch – but there's no hiding that Forerunners are getting more expensive
Garmin Forerunner 570: One minute review
The Garmin Forerunner 570 is a solid, stylish upgrade to what’s long been Garmin’s best running watch. It’s no revelation by any means, but it is a welcome refinement and for the right person, that might be enough.
In short, this is the Forerunner that finally looks the part. It swaps out the safe, functional aesthetic of older models for something bolder and a bit more expressive. Between the colorful two-tone straps and sleek aluminium bezel, the 570 is easily the most fashion-forward Forerunner to date. If you’re not into raspberry and turquoise combos and prefer to play it safe, a plain ol’ black option still exists.
The real highlight, though, is the new AMOLED display. It’s bigger, brighter and sharper than what came before, and makes the whole interface feel slicker and more modern. It’s the kind of screen you’d happily gaze at all day, whether checking your stats, skimming a notification, or seeing what’s playing on Spotify.
Performance-wise, this is still a Garmin device through and through. It tracks over 90 sports, handles GPS and heart rate with accuracy, and delivers all the in-depth training insights you could possibly need. The new Elevate v5 heart rate sensor performs particularly well, even during interval workouts, and feeding into metrics like Training Readiness.
There’s also a subtle push into smartwatch territory. You can now take calls from your wrist, trigger your phone’s voice assistant, and hear alarms or music through the built-in mic and speaker, all of which you couldn’t do on previous Forerunners. These are handy additions for day-to-day use.
The downsides? They’re not huge, but they’re worth noting. Battery life is down slightly from previous models thanks to that power-hungry AMOLED display, and while Garmin’s added polish, it hasn’t added any major new features. There’s no ECG, no offline maps, and nothing particularly game-changing on the software front. And now, Garmin Connect’s richer insights – like advanced sleep and adaptive training plans – are hidden behind a monthly subscription, which stings a bit after paying nearly $549.99 / £460 / AUD$999 for the watch itself.
All in all, the Forerunner 570 is top-notch. It’s not groundbreaking by any means, and it won’t be for everyone – especially if you already own a recent Garmin – but it’s a confident step forward for the series. After almost a month of daily wear, I consider it a strong choice for runners and multi-sport users who want a more stylish training companion that still does the basics exceptionally well.
Garmin Forerunner 570: Price and availability(Image credit: Future)- Availability: Buy now worldwide in two sizes (42mm and 47mm)
- Price: From £459.99 / $549.99 / AU$999
- Colors: Multiple colorways
The Garmin Forerunner 570 launched in May 2025 and is available directly from Garmin as well as most major retailers in two case sizes – 42mm and 47mm.
This time 'round, Garmin has injected some seriously snazzy colors, which have never been seen before in the series and are certainly more loud and playful. While my test model is the straight-up black for those who want to keep things minimal, there are some fruitier-named options to choose from, such as a Raspberry Aluminum with a Translucent Bone/Mango band, Amp Yellow Aluminum with a Translucent Whitestone/Turquoise combo, or Indigo Aluminum with Translucent Imperial Purple/Indigo Band.
They’re pretty out-there, and I can imagine they’ll divide opinion among potential customers, but from what Garmin has said, that’s the point.
At $549.99 / £459.99 / AUD$999, it’s firmly into upper mid-range territory. That’s £30 more than the Forerunner 265 cost at launch, and significantly more than competing watches like the Suunto Race S ($349 / £325 / AU$599) or Coros Pace Pro (£349.99 / $450 / AU$690), which offer features like offline maps and longer battery life at lower prices.
There’s also an added consideration now with Garmin Connect’s recently introduced subscription model. Previously free features such as advanced sleep tracking, adaptive training plans and full HRV trend analysis are now part of Garmin Connect Plus; a paid tier costing from £6.99 / $6.99 per month.
While you can still sync workouts, view metrics and access your training history on the free tier, the move has drawn plenty of criticism from long-time users, particularly those paying premium prices for hardware like the Forerunner 570. For many, that monthly fee will be worth it for the richer data and personalized feedback, but it’s still a frustrating shift, especially for new buyers who expect those features to be included as standard after forking out for a very expensive watch!
- Value score: 3 / 5
- Premium-feeling aluminum bezel
- Colourful strap options make it more appealing
- AMOLED screen is bright, vibrant and sharp
It’s fair to say Garmin’s never been one to push the boundaries when it comes to design, but the Forerunner 570 finally dares to break tradition, at least to some extent. In my opinion, this is the most stylish Forerunner to date, thanks to its vibrant color options and new aluminum bezel that upgrades what has traditionally been Garmin’s focus on functionality over form.
Quite ironic, then, that my review device was the smaller 42mm model in the bog-standard black variety, which looks just like any other Garmin watch. Still, the display is the star of the show here anyway.
The Forerunner 570’s 1.2in AMOLED panel is a stunner. Its resolution of 390 x 390 pixels is super crisp, colorful and bright enough to read, even in strong sunlight, and especially when displaying data screens or notification previews.
Despite the big display, the Forerunner 570 stays comfortable for all-day wear. It weighs just 50g (47mm) or 42g (42mm), and the silicone straps feel soft and comfortable on the wrist. Some models also feature slightly translucent straps, a subtle design touch that helps elevate the overall sporty aesthetic.
The traditional five-button Forerunner layout returns, alongside touchscreen controls. The buttons aren’t quite as tactile as those on Garmin’s chunkier Fenix line, but they’re still reliable and work well during sweaty sessions. There’s now also a speaker and mic on board, discreetly integrated into the sides of the case – but more on that later.
- Design score: 4.5 / 5
- No major new software tricks
- Grouped glance folders improve on-watch UX
- Speaker and mic add a lifestyle smartwatch vibe
The Forerunner 570 brings very little that’s new in terms of features and that might disappoint some. Most of its tools and widgets already exist elsewhere in Garmin’s ecosystem, especially on the older Forerunner 265 and 965 devices. But what it does, it does very well.
Glance folders are now enabled by default, giving you smarter access to related stats like Body Battery, HRV, sleep and training readiness, which helps reduce the scroll-fatigue that often plagues Garmin watches. You can create your own, too, which is a handy upgrade.
Somewhat annoyingly, there’s no ECG support, despite the bundled Elevate v5 sensor being physically capable of it (just like the cheaper Venu 3). It feels like an arbitrarily paywalled feature. There’s still no offline mapping - Garmin saves those features for the higher-end 965 and 970 models. I don’t know about you, but I find that pretty tough to swallow considering the watch’s price. Gulp.
You do get some modest smart features, though. With the built-in mic and speaker, you can now take calls from your wrist (as long as your phone is nearby), use voice assistants, and even hear alarms or music directly from the watch. Music playback supports local MP3s as well as streaming service syncing from Spotify, Deezer and Amazon Music.
Notifications, calendar previews and music controls are here too, alongside access to Garmin’s ConnectIQ store, though it remains limited compared to the watchOS or Wear OS ecosystems.
- Features score: 3.5 / 5
- Tracking and training tools remain best-in-class
- HR and GPS are reliably accurate
- Battery life is slightly shorter than its predecessor
If there’s one thing Garmin fans care about, it’s performance and, thankfully, the Forerunner 570 doesn’t disappoint. For starters, it tracks just about every sport you can think of, with over 90 activity modes available. Newer additions include gravel biking, squash (the lack of which I always grumbled about), rucking and obstacle course racing, alongside your staple sports like running, cycling and pool swims. As always, these are easy to find, easy to activate and offer you an overview of stats when you’ve finished tracking them.
The Elevate v5 optical heart rate sensor proved impressively accurate throughout my testing. During workouts like easy runs and long indoor rides, readings seemed consistent.
Where it really stood out, though, was in high-intensity efforts. Wrist-based sensors typically struggle with sudden changes in effort, with heart rate often lagging behind. But the Forerunner 570 seemed to keep up well with rapid shifts in heart rate and recovering smoothly in between spikes. This might be down to improved sensor layout and refined algorithms in the Elevate v5, helping it react faster and with more consistency.
Dual-band GPS with SatIQ mode means you get impressively accurate tracking as well, even in tough urban areas with high rises or wooded environments in more rural settings. It held up well in twisty city runs as well as out in the countryside, delivering routes that aligned near-perfectly with those on the ground. You can pair external sensors too, including cycling power meters.
As always with Garmin, training insights remain reliable. You get VO2 max estimates, race predictions, lactate threshold estimates, and newish metrics like Training Load Ratio, which balances your acute and chronic effort, and environmental acclimation (heat and altitude readiness). You can also access Garmin Coach triathlon training plans, create multi-sport custom workouts, and get Morning and Evening Reports that summarise your readiness, recovery and planned sessions. These aren’t entirely new, but their presentation is slicker than ever on the Forerunner 570.
As a result of that gorgeously bright and vibrant display, however, battery life has taken a bit of a hit. With the AMOLED screen always on, I managed just short of four days of regular use, including daily workouts, notifications and sleep tracking. That’s definitely less than the Forerunner 265, which, in our review, lasted about ten days without a charge with intermediate use. However, this does depend completely on how you use it. Daily long-distance runs with GPS versus a few gym workouts per week are going to give you completely different results.
Nevertheless, in GPS-only mode, the Forerunner 570 manages around 18 hours, which will drop to about 14 if using all-systems GNSS plus music. While that’s not so bad, it’s not best-in-class either, especially considering rivals like Coros and Suunto deliver more.
You can squeeze more juice out of the watch by disabling always-on mode or speaker use if you’re desperate, but this is going to impact your experience. If battery life is the priority for you, you might be best off with a watch from Garmin’s Fenix series.
- Performance score: 4 / 5
Category
Comment
Score
Value
A little on the high end of the scale for value
3/5
Design
Lightweight, comfortable and new colourways.
4.5/5
Features
Good, but more comprehensive options available.
3.5/5
Performance
Excels as a training tool; tracking best in class
4/5
(Image credit: Future)Garmin Forerunner 570: Should I buy?Buy it if...You want a stylish Garmin
The colorful designs and aluminum bezel give this the flair older models lacked.View Deal
You need great training tools
From accurate HR and GPS to detailed recovery metrics, it’s rock solid for fitness.View Deal
You like smartwatch extras
Taking calls, playing music, and voice assistant access are welcome additions.View Deal
Don't buy it if...You already own a Forerunner 265
There’s not enough new here to justify the upgrade.View Deal
You want offline maps or ECG
Those features are still locked behind Garmin’s pricier models. View Deal
You’re chasing battery life
The AMOLED screen might be a pull in terms of style, but it hits longevity hard.View Deal
Also considerGarmin Forerunner 265 (£299)
Still a top performer with most of the same tracking features, and now much cheaper. A smarter buy for many.
Check out our full Garmin Forerunner 265 reviewView Deal
Coros Pace Pro
Lighter on style but bigger on stamina. A top pick for endurance athletes and budget-conscious buyers
Check out our full COROS Pace Pro reviewView Deal
Suunto Race S
A solid mid-range AMOLED sports watch with offline maps, better battery life and competitive tracking performance.
Check out our full Suunto Race S reviewView Deal
How I testedHow I tested I wore the Garmin Forerunner 570 almost daily for three weeks, using it to track a mix of outdoor runs, indoor cycling, strength training and racket sports. I compared GPS tracks and heart rate data against other premium watches, and I also tested its smart features, including music playback, notifications and voice assistant integration. I used the Garmin companion app, Garmin Connect, to review performance and training insights.
First reviewed: June 2025
Categories: Reviews
I tested the Sony Bravia 8 II OLED TV, and it has Sony's most impressive picture quality to date – and that's saying something
Sony Bravia 8 II: Two-minute review
The Sony Bravia 8 II is the company’s flagship OLED TV for 2025. Whereas its Sony Bravia 8 predecessor used a mid-range W-OLED display panel, the Bravia 8 II uses a QD-OLED panel, the same type found in the Samsung S95F.
Adding QD-OLED to the Sony Bravia 8 II mix has resulted in a TV with a notably brighter picture than the Bravia 8. It also improved color gamut coverage, with colors looking consistently rich, yet accurate on the Bravia 8 II. The TV’s effective anti-reflective screen lets it carry over those picture quality benefits for bright-room viewing, though the Bravia 8 II’s detailed, refined picture is best appreciated when you dim the lights.
On most of the best TVs, the Bravia 8 II’s slim design might indicate potentially anemic audio –you need to put decent-sized speakers somewhere to get good sound, and slim TV frames don't accommodate that. But Sony provides an ingenious workaround with its Acoustic Surface Audio+ feature, which positions actuators behind the TV’s QD-OLED panel that turn the entire screen into a speaker. As a result, the Bravia 8 II provides relatively full and robust sound for a TV, and its Acoustic Center Sync feature also lets you use it as a dedicated center channel with a compatible Sony soundbar or speaker system.
Google TV is used as the Bravia 8 II’s smart TV platform, and it's an easy-to-navigate system. A built-in mic lets you control the TV using Google Voice Command, and you can also control it using a mic button on the remote or with Alexa speakers if you’re part of the Alexa ecosystem.
PlayStation 5 users unsurprisingly enjoy gaming benefits on the Bravia 8 II, which automatically switches to a preset Game mode and engages auto HDR tone mapping when a connected PS5 console is turned on. The TV also supports 4K 120Hz input, but with only two HDMI 2.1 ports, gamers looking to also connect both an Xbox Series X console plus one of the best soundbars will be disappointed.
The Bravia 8 II is undoubtedly one of the best OLED TVs to be released in 2025, but it has stiff competition from flagship OLEDs such as the Samsung S95F and LG G5, both of which are brighter and more feature-packed. All three sets are currently priced around the same, making the Bravia 8 II a bit of a tough value call, but its charms are many, and its great overall picture and sound quality let it effectively compete with other flagship TVs.
Sony Bravia 8 II review: Price and release dateGoogle TV's screensaver mode lets you choose images and artworks to display when the TV is in standby mode (Image credit: Future)- Release date: April 2025
- 55-inch: $2,999 / £2,499 / AU$3,999
- 65-inch: $3,499 / £2,999 / AU$4,999
Unlike its Bravia 8 OLED TV predecessor, which was available in 55-, 65-, and 77-inch screen sizes, the Bravia 8 II is limited to 55- and 65-inch models (though the older Sony A95L TV is being kept around in a 77-inch model only, in case you want a larger option).
Since its April unveiling, prices for both sizes have dropped in the US and Australia, with the 55-inch now priced at $3,299 / AU$2,999 and the 65-inch at $2,999 / AU$3,999.
The Bravia 8 II’s reduced price more closely aligns it with other flagship OLED TVs such as the Samsung S95F ($3,399 / £3,399 / AU$5,295 at launch) and LG G5 ($3,399 / £3,299 / AU$5,299 at launch). Both those models have also seen early discounts in the US, with the S95F dropping as low as $3,099 and the G5 to $3,199.
Sony Bravia 8 II review: SpecsScreen type:
QD-OLED
Refresh rate:
120Hz
HDR support:
Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG
Audio support:
Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
Smart TV:
Google TV
HDMI ports:
4 (2x HDMI 2.1)
Built-in tuner:
ATSC 3.0 (US)
Sony Bravia 8 II review: Benchmark resultsSony Bravia 8 II review: FeaturesThe Bravia 8 II has four HDMI 2.1 ports, including two inputs with 4K 120Hz support (Image credit: Future)- QD-OLED display panel with strong anti-reflection layer
- Acoustic Surface Audio+ sound
- Perfect for PlayStation 5 gaming tech, but limited other features
The Sony Bravia 8 II features a QD-OLED display panel – an upgrade over the standard W-OLED panel used by its Bravia 8 predecessor. It also uses Sony’s XR Processor, which provides AI-based scene recognition to enhance pictures, along with a bunch of picture processing features that come under the XR umbrella, such as Contrast Booster, Clear Image, and OLED Motion. The Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG high dynamic range formats are supported, but not HDR10+.
A glossy screen with an anti-reflective coating helps to reduce screen glare from indoor light sources on the Bravia 8 II. There’s no Filmmaker Mode, but a range of custom presets, including IMAX Enhanced, Netflix Adaptive Calibrated Mode, and Prime Video Calibrated Mode, are available to optimize pictures for movies, TV shows, and sports.
Sony TVs regularly rank among the best TVs for sound, and the Bravia 8 II provides a range of features that help distinguish it from other TVs when it comes to audio performance. The main one is Acoustic Surface Audio+, which positions actuators behind the TV that turn the entire screen area into a speaker.
There’s also Acoustic Center Sync, a feature that accepts an audio input from a compatible Sony soundbar or speakers so the TV's built-in audio system can be used as a center-channel speaker.
Sony’s 3D Surround Upscaling does exactly what its name implies by boosting two-channel and 5.1-channel soundtracks to an immersive audio presentation, while Voice Zoom 3 uses AI to recognize voices in soundtracks and give them an extra volume boost. Both the Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersive audio formats are supported by the Bravia 8 II.
Sony TVs use the Google TV smart TV platform, and the Bravia 8 II has a built-in mic that lets you use Google Assistant for voice commands. A mic button on the TV’s remote control can also be used for voice commands, which has the benefit of not having to leave the TV’s microphone perpetually on (there’s a mic on-off switch on the TV’s input panel).
You can wirelessly stream content to the Bravia 8 II using Google Cast and AirPlay. And if you’re part of the Alexa universe, with Alexa speakers in your home, you can also control the TV using Alexa voice commands.
The Bravia 8 II’s gaming features include support for 4K at 120Hz, variable refresh rate, auto low-latency mode, and Dolby Vision gaming. It also has a new Gaming Menu 2 for making gaming-related adjustments, and is “Perfect for PlayStation 5,” with an auto HDR tone mapping and auto genre mode features kicking in when a PS5 console is connected.
Unlike the best gaming TVs, which typically provide four HDMI 2.1 inputs, the Bravia 8 II’s HDMI 2.1 input count is limited to two ports out of its four HDMI ports in total.
- Features Score: 4.5 / 5
- Good brightness for an OLED TV
- Inky, detailed shadows and black tones
- Rich, yet natural color
When we tested the Sony Bravia 8 in 2024, it yielded only average HDR brightness levels, topping out at 817 nits peak and 182 nits fullscreen brightness in the Standard picture mode.
The new model’s QD-OLED panel pushes peak HDR brightness levels substantially higher, with the Bravia 8 II measuring 1,439 and 1,067 nits in Cinema and Standard modes, respectively. Fullscreen brightness, on the other hand, is only slightly higher, with the Bravia 8 II measuring 183 nits in Cinema mode and 250 nits in Standard mode.
The Bravia 8 II’s brightness results, while an impressive leap over last year’s model, still fall short compared to other 2025 flagship OLED TVs we’ve tested, such as the LG G5 and Samsung S95F, both of which reach well into the 2,000 nits of peak brightness range, and over 350 nits of fullscreen brightness.
That’s not to say that the Bravia 8 II isn’t sufficiently bright; its picture just doesn’t stand up equally well in bright room lighting conditions as those two TVs.
I measured the Bravia 8 II’s coverage of the UHDA-P3 and BT.2020 color spaces in Cinema mode at 99.9% and 87.5%, respectively. Those are both excellent results and are similar to what we measured on the Samsung S95F.
Color point accuracy in the same mode averaged a 2.6 Delta-E value (which is the margin of error between the test pattern source and what’s shown on-screen, with a result lower than 3.0 being undetectable by the human eye). In contrast, Cinema mode grayscale accuracy was 5.4 – a less impressive result.
(Image credit: Future)Viewed in dimmed lighting conditions, a 4K Dolby Vision stream of the movie Civil War looked impressively punchy, with the bright highlights from spotlights and bonfires in a nighttime encampment scene contrasting well with the black night sky. Shadow detail was also strong, and the multiple adjustments in the TV’s picture Brightness submenu could be used to fine-tune black levels to bring out even more detail.
I had the same impression when I watched another movie, Alien: Romulus, in 4K Dolby Vision. Blacks in the ship’s shadowy chambers looked inky and deep, and the colored lights of the control panels popped with a high level of brightness.
These and other reference movies I watched with my room's overhead lights turned on lost some of their contrast punch, but black levels remained mostly consistent. The TV’s anti-reflection screen also did a good job of eliminating glare, though lamps positioned across from the TV were reflected in a mirror-like manner.
The Bravia 8 II does an excellent job upscaling older movies and TV shows. Streaming an episode of the detective show Columbo from the 1980s, the picture looked impressively solid and clean, and I could even make out textures in the mullet haircuts of guests in a wedding scene.
Colors in both older and more recent movies looked consistently natural, and the Sony was able to show accurate skin tones while also vividly rendering brightly colored objects, such as a magenta flower bush and a yellow children’s toy, in a scene from Civil War.
Motion handling is very good on the Bravia 8 II. Watching a reference scene from the film No Time to Die, where James Bond walks across a hillside cemetery, there was only a slight degree of judder and blur visible, and it could be easily lessened by setting the TV’s Motionflow Smoothness settings to Film (2) and Camera (2).
- Picture quality score: 5 / 5
- Acoustic Surface Audio+ turns the screen into a speaker
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support
- Acoustic Center Sync lets you connect TV with external speakers
Acoustic Surface Audio+ on the Bravia 8 II uses actuators positioned behind the TV’s screen that transform the entire screen into a speaker. This design provides a sense of dialogue emanating directly from the characters on-screen, and it also lets sound effects track accurately with the action.
Both the Dolby Atmos and DTS:X sound formats are supported by the Bravia 8 II, along with IMAX Enhanced. The latter means you can stream the library of movies with DTS:X soundtracks contained in both the Sony Pictures Core and Disney+ apps, and experience them with IMAX Enhanced post-processing, which is intended to deliver the same extended dynamic range you hear in IMAX cinemas.
Dialogue in movies like Civil War sounded clear and well-defined on the Bravia 8 II, and the Voice Zoom 3 feature helped to elevate voices in battle scenes with lots of background noise. The TV’s Acoustic Center Sync feature, meanwhile, let me use it as a center channel speaker by connecting a cable from the TV to Sony’s Bravia Theater Quad wireless speakers, while the Bravia Connect app made it easy to calibrate the center channel level for a smooth blend with the rest of the system.
Once I had that set up, the TV worked very effectively as a center channel speaker, with voices sounding natural and full-bodied. Listened to on its own without the Bravia Theater Quad setup, the TV’s built-in speakers delivered reasonably full sound with movies, with a good sense of ambience, but bass was limited – something to be expected from a TV with such a slim profile.
- Sound quality score: 4.5 / 5
- Slim One Slate design
- Two-way aluminum support feet
- Full-sized, backlit remote control
Sony’s Slim One Slate design for the Bravia 8 II gives the TV a bezel-free 'all-picture' look, and its textured back panel makes things look good even from the back and sides. Sturdy aluminum support feet at the TV’s outer edges can be set for either a flush installation with the screen positioned directly on a stand or an elevated one, with three inches of space cleared for a soundbar.
Connections are located in a side-mounted panel and include four HDMI ports with two HDMI 2.1 inputs providing 4K 120Hz support, a mini-jack speaker input for the Acoustic Center Sync feature, USB-A and Ethernet ports, and an antenna input for the TV’s ATSC 3.0 broadcast tuner (US-only). Sony gives you detachable panels to conceal the input and power cord sections post-installation, which will reduce cable clutter and maintain the TV’s 360-degree good looks.
Sony’s medium-sized remote control sits comfortably in the hand and includes a full enough array of control buttons that you won’t have to visit the TV’s onscreen menus to do something as simple as switch inputs. Direct access buttons are provided for key apps like Netflix and Prime Video, and also for more obscure ones such as the Crunchyroll Anime service.
Oddly, the Bravia 8 II’s remote isn’t the same Eco Remote version provided with last year’s Bravia 8 and Sony Bravia 9 TVs, one that uses a USB-C port for charging. It is made from 79.7% recycled plastic, however.
- Design score: 4.5 / 5
- Google TV
- Live program grid integrates FAST and broadcast channels
- Quick Settings menu provides easy access to adjustments
Sony TVs use the Google TV smart TV platform, one with a homescreen dominated by a big rotating banner up top with ads for shows. Some of those ads, along with the row of ‘Top picks for you’ content suggestions directly below, are based on your viewing and web browsing activity, which is something you give Google access to when you sign in with a Google account.
Google TV offers a complete array of streaming apps, and these are arrayed in a row at the bottom of the homescreen in an order that can be customized. Tabs at the top of the homescreen let you access Live TV and Sony screens, among other options, with the Sony screen providing access to Sony Pictures Core movie streaming selections as well as instructional videos on how to operate the TV.
The Live TV screen is worth commenting upon because it nicely integrates Google Freeplay free ad-supported TV (FAST) channels with broadcast TV ones pulled in by the TV’s ATSC 3.0 tuner. Both FAST and broadcast channels can be browsed in a time-based program grid, with program information provided for each channel.
As with other Google TVs, accessing picture, sound, and system settings on the Bravia 8 II involves pressing the gear icon on the remote, or the same thing on the top right corner of the Google TV homescreen. Sony provides an extensive range of adjustments for dialing in the Bravia 8 II’s picture, although getting to these involves wading deep through menus.
An easier option for making adjustments is to press the wrench icon button on the remote, which calls up the TV’s Quick Settings menu at the bottom of the screen. From here you can scroll through options like picture settings, picture modes, brightness, and various audio adjustments, and you can also edit the menu to add or remove options.
- Smart TV & menus score: 4 / 5
- Two HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 120Hz support
- Perfect for PlayStation 5 features
- Comparatively high 16.3ms input lag
The Bravia 8 II offers a fair number of gaming features, the most notable being 'Perfect for PlayStation 5' features, which include an Auto HDR Tone Mapping mode when input from a PS5 gaming console is detected to match the dynamic range of the generated images to exactly what the screen is capable of showing.
An Auto Genre Picture Mode feature will also automatically turn on the TV’s Game picture mode for the PS5, and Sony’s Game Menu 2 lets you make onscreen gaming-related picture and other adjustments.
Other gaming features supported by the Bravia 8 II include Dolby Vision gaming, variable refresh rate, and auto low-latency mode. Two of the TV’s four HDMI 2.1 inputs support 4K 120 Hz input for gaming consoles, though nowadays it's becoming more common to see three or more HDMI 2.1 inputs on TVs.
Using a Leo Bodnar 4K meter, I measured input lag in Game Mode on the Bravia 8 II at 16.3ms, a notably higher level than on other TVs we’ve recently tested, some of which measure below 10ms on the same test.
- Gaming score: 4 / 5
- Priced roughly the same as top OLED competition
- Lower overall brightness than top OLED competition
- Less extensive gaming features than competition
At its $2.999 reduced price in the US, the Bravia 8 II currently costs less than the 2025 flagship OLED TVs from LG and Samsung. But does that make it a great OLED TV value?
The Bravia 8 II has fantastic overall picture quality, with high brightness for an OLED TV. Its picture lacks the mini-LED-rivalling brightness levels of the Samsung S95F and LG G5, however, and it looks best in dimmed lighting conditions, where the TV’s exceptional contrast, rich color, and fine detail can be fully appreciated.
Sony’s top OLED also has impressive sound quality for such a slim and stylish TV, and it provides several features that let it easily integrate with compatible Sony soundbars and wireless speakers for even better sound performance.
The Bravia 8 II’s Gaming features, while good, aren’t as extensive as what you’ll find on top TVs from Samsung and LG, though there are particular benefits for PlayStation 5 console owners.
Looked at in terms of value, the Bravia 8 II is specifically a best bet for movie fans who don’t mind dimming the lights a bit, though its picture is also bright enough to hold up in well-lit rooms. It doesn’t exactly beat this year’s flagship OLED TV competition, but with price reductions having already kicked in, at least it's competitively priced.
- Value score: 4 / 5
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Features
Innovative Sony-centric audio features and special capabilities for PS5 owners make this an appealing TV for Sony fans
4.5 / 5
Picture quality
Impressive brightness, color and contrast plus a detailed, accurate picture make this set especially easy on the eyes
5 / 5
Sound quality
Sony's Acoustic Surface Audio+ feature delivers relatively full, spacious sound from a slim TV
4.5 / 5
Design
A slim, elegant design with cable management and two-way adjustable feet that can clear space for a soundbar
4.5 / 5
Smart TV and menus
Google TV is a solid smart TV system and Sony's Quick Settings menu provides easy access to picture and sound adjustments
4 / 5
Gaming
Good features for PS5 owners, but only two HDMI 2.1 ports and comparatively high input lag in Game mode
4 / 5
Value
Pricey, but its impressive picture and sound quality help it to stand up to the premium OLED competition
4 / 5
Buy it if...You want a great TV for movies
The Bravia 8 II has great overall picture quality, and its picture processing makes everything, even old TV shows and YouTube videos look good, but it really shines with 4K movies on streaming and Blu-ray disc.
You want to use it with a Sony soundbar or wireless speakers
The Bravia 8 II has audio features that let it be used as a center speaker in a Sony surround sound system with compatible Sony soundbars and wireless speakers.
You mainly watch in bright rooms
While the Bravia 8 II has high brightness for an OLED TV, it doesn’t hit the same mini-LED brightness levels as its flagship competition, a quality that makes those TVs a good option for bright room viewing.
You want the best TV for gaming
The Bravia 8 II has a solid set of gaming features, but there are only two HDMI 2.1 ports, and it lacks the same cloud-based gaming options found on LG and Samsung TVs.
You mainly watch in a bright room
While the Bravia 8 II has high brightness for an OLED TV, it doesn’t hit the same mini-LED brightness levels as its flagship competition that makes them a good option for bright room viewing.View Deal
You want to save money
The Bravia 8 II is a premium OLED TV that sells for a premium price. Cheaper mini-LED TV options are widely available that offer very good picture quality at a much lower price.
Sony Bravia 8 II
LG G5
Samsung S95F
Sony Bravia 8
List price (65-inch)
$3,399 / £3,399 / AU$5,295
$3,399 / £3,299 / AU$5,299
$2,699 / £2,699 / AU$4,299
$2,799 / £2,699 / AU$4,495
Screen type
QD-OLED
OLED
QD-OLED
OLED
Refresh rate
120Hz
165Hz
165Hz
120Hz
HDR support
Dolby Vision/HDR10/HLG
Dolby Vision/HDR10/HLG
HDR10+/HDR10/HLG
DolbyVision/HDR10/HLG
Smart TV
Google TV
webOS
Tizen
Google TV
HDMI ports
4 (2 x HDMI 2.1)
4x HDMI 2.1
4 x HDMI 2.1
4 (2x HDMI 2.1)
LG G5
The LG G5’s innovative ‘four-stack’ OLED panel delivers exceptional brightness levels for an OLED TV. It also has a superior set of gaming features compared to the Bravia 8 II, along with a more advanced smart TV platform.
Here’s our LG G5 review
Samsung S95F
Samsung’s flagship OLED TV is another OLED that delivers mini-LED-rivalling brightness levels, and its Glare Free 2.0 screen effectively eliminates reflections when viewing in bright rooms. Like the LG G5, it also has a superior set of gaming features and a more advanced smart TV platform.
Here’s our Samsung S95F review
Sony Bravia 8
The Bravia 8 is still available, and it provides many of the same audio and gaming features as the Bravia 8 II. Its picture has notably lower peak brightness than the Bravia 8 II, but if you’re okay with dimming the lights, you’ll get a great OLED picture at a much reduced price.
Here’s our Sony Bravia 8 review
How I tested the Sony Bravia 8 IIMeasuring a 10% HDR white window pattern during testing (Image credit: Future)- I spent about 15 viewing hours in total, measuring and evaluating
- Measurements were made using Calman color calibration software
- A full calibration was made before proceeding with subjective tests
When I test TVs, I first spend a few days or even weeks using them for casual viewing to assess the out-of-box picture presets and get familiar with the smart TV menu and picture adjustments.
I next select the most accurate preset (usually Filmmaker Mode, Movie or Cinema) and measure grayscale and color accuracy using Portrait Displays’ Calman color calibration software. The resulting measurements provide Delta-E values (the margin of error between the test pattern source and what’s shown on-screen) for each category, and allow for an assessment of the TV’s overall accuracy.
Along with those tests, I make measurements of peak light output (recorded in nits) for both standard high-definition and 4K high dynamic range using 10% and 100% white window patterns. Coverage of DCI-P3 and BT.2020 color space is also measured, with the results providing a sense of how faithfully the TV can render the extended color range in ultra high-definition sources – you can read more about this process in our guide to how we test TVs at TechRadar.
For the Sony Bravia 8 II, I used the Calman ISF workflow, along with the TV’s advanced picture menu settings, to calibrate the image for best accuracy. I also watched a range of reference scenes on 4K Blu-ray discs to assess the TV’s performance, along with 4K HDR shows streamed from Max, Netflix, and other services.
- First reviewed: June 2025
- Read TechRadar's reviews guarantee
Categories: Reviews
They're 'fine', but JLab's new open earbuds fall victim to just how many ace pairs I've tested this year…so fine no longer cuts it
JLab Epic Open Sport: Two minute review
The hottest earbuds craze of 2025 is open earbuds. These are usually hook-like headphones (no headband or neckband) that don't invade your ear canals and as such, let in surrounding sound so you can be safe and aware outdoors.
That said, not all makers have figured out to solve the fit and sound quality problems that come with the design territory. Key player JLab isn’t going to be left out of the tournament, but its most premium offering – the Epic Open Sport and the subject of this review – in the space doesn’t do enough to compete with what I've seen in the first half of the year.
The JLab Epic Open Sport were released over six months after JLab’s last offering in the area, the JBuds Open Sport, and our list of the best open earbuds has been changing near-constantly during that time. Back when those older buds were released, I hadn’t tested any that I thought provided decent sound quality, and was constantly facing buds which fit poorly and without a tip to anchor the buds in the ear.
That’s no longer the case though and while the Epic Open Sport match some of their top contemporaries in terms of price, the buds lack refinement in a few key areas and they simply don’t have that one unique selling point or draw that’ll cause you to consider them over their rivals.
When I say ‘lack of refinement’, I’m primarily looking at design. The case is bulky and cheap-feeling, with a poking-out-logo that catches dust. The grooves for the buds within said case don’t hold them very well. The buds too are bigger than many rivals (although I never had any comfort problems when wearing them).
The earbuds don’t have too many features either, beyond the relative must-haves in 2025 (an equalizer; the ability to customize what touch controls do) with a battery life that’s decidedly average too. And in terms of sound, the JLabs are nothing to write home about, although the sound profile does feel custom-picked to appeal to sports users so I’ll give kudos for that.
You can probably guess, given that my main issue with the JLab Epic Open Sport is that I don’t think they offer value for money or a competitive hook in a crowded marked, that there’s not anything particularly wrong with them either. They work well and rarely in my testing did I find something to grumble about. Purchase them and you won't be disappointed – you just won't be wowed either.
But if you’re on the market for open-ear buds, you’ve got plenty of superior options to consider for the money (more on those later), so it’s hard to make a case for the JLabs over those, in this busy market.
JLab Epic Open Sport review: SpecificationsComponent
Value
Water resistant
IP55
Battery life
7 hours (earbuds), 30 hours (total)
Bluetooth type
Bluetooth 5.4
Weight
16.8g / Charging case: 49.9g
Driver
14mm
JLab Epic Open Sport review: Price and availability(Image credit: Future)- Released in April 2025
- Cost $114.99 / £99.99 / AU$199.99
- JLab's priciest sports or open-ear buds
The JLab Epic Open Sport were announced in April 2025 and put on sale near the end of that month.
The buds cost $114.99 / £99.99 / AU$199.99, which makes them JLab’s priciest open-ears, $55 / £40 / AU$50 more than last year’s JBuds Open Sport. It also makes them JLab’s most premium sports-hook earbuds too.
In the open-ear market, you can also find the likes of the excellent Huawei FreeArc, Honor Earbuds Open and (less fantastic, but still) Acefast Acefit Pro for roughly the same asking fee – it’s a really competitive price area.
JLab Epic Open Sport review: Design(Image credit: Future)- Case has a few minor issues...
- ... but supports wireless charging
- Buds feel bulky, but fit well
Both the case and the buds for the JLab Epic Open Sport feel a little on the big side – in the former case at least it’s far from the chunkiest I’ve seen though.
Let’s start with that case. It weighs 49.6g (discounting, I presume, the buds themselves), measures 26 x 76 x 67mm and comes adorned with a large and slighty-jutting-out JLab logo (you can actually push it in a tiny bit if you want, which seems like an unintentional design decision). It opens in a clamshell style and there’s a USB-C charging port at the back.
The case’s plastic material feels a little cheap in the hand, and the looks of the thing make it seem unrefined. The buds also don’t sit in the case properly if you lightly drop them in, and I had to push down on them to make sure they were charging properly. However, points awarded for one premium feature: the case supports wireless charging.
Onto the buds themselves, these weigh 16.8g each so are some of the heavier open-ear buds I’ve tested, but it’s a negligible difference of a few grams. They consist of a bulky bud, a sport loop and a counterweight, all of which you can see in the images.
If you look, you can see that the loop isn't quite sitting in the groove, and I'd have to push it down myself to close the case. (Image credit: Future)What you may not see is all the touch controls: the button atop the bud is obvious but you can also tap the JLab logo for a different function. I found the latter pretty unreliable in picking up my touch but the use of a physical button for the former made these buds much easier to use than some touch capacitive solutions I've tested.
Despite being a little heavier than the norm, I found the JLabs comfortable to wear. I could use them for long periods of time without feeling them weigh me down or rub my ears, and they stayed in place solidly without moving around too much above my ear.
There’s only one color option: black, for both the buds and case – so if you want snazzier colors you're out of luck here. The buds do have an IP55 rating which offers limited protection against dust ingress and also protection from low-pressure water jets (including rain), but they can't be immersed in water – so no swimming, OK?
- Design score: 3.5/5
- 7-hour battery life (30 for case)
- Useful 10-band EQ
- Small ambient sounds library within the app
JLab has put the Epic Open Sport battery life at 7 hours, a figure I’d roughly back from my testing time, with the charging case bumping that up to 30 hours.
Those figures are both basically standard for earbuds, although some open-ears beat that figure by a considerable margin. Like most (though not all) same-form rivals, there’s no noise cancellation at play here – you may laugh, but the aforementioned Honor Earbuds Open do have ANC, and very good it is too.
To get the most of your Epic Open Sports, you can download the smartphone app, simply called ‘JLab’.
(Image credit: Future)This lets you adjust both the touch and button controls of the buds, set a volume limit and toggle between Music Mode and Movie Mode (nowhere on JLab’s site or app can I find information on what this does but, judging by rival devices’ equivalents, the latter likely reduces latency at the expense of detailed audio quality). The app also has a limited library of ambient sounds you can listen to, which is a fairly unusual – though hardly unheard-of – inclusion.
Its equalizer is perhaps the main reason you’d download the JLab app. There are two presets, simply called EQ1 and EQ2, but a 10-band custom mode lets audiophiles design their bespoke mix.
All things considered, that’s a pretty light feature set, with no unique selling point or range of extras to win over buyers. At least the Bluetooth connection was reliable, not dropping at all during testing, and pairing was quick and easy.
- Features score: 3.5/5
- 14mm driver
- V-shaped audio profile helps sports users
- Max volume could be higher
The JLab Epic Open Sport aren’t going to top my list of the best-sounding open ear buds I’ve ever tested, but they’re definitely nearer the top of the list than the bottom.
JLab has given the buds 14mm drivers and they connect via Bluetooth 5.4. They support the SBC, AAC, MPEC-2 and LDAC codecs which could appease some audiophiles but, as you can tell from the name, these are mainly for sports users.
The buds have a V-shaped sound, emphasising bass and treble and leaving mids by the wayside. As someone who likes balanced sound, initial impressions weren’t in the JLab’s favor, but when I started using them for sports (specifically, for Epic Open Sport, the only type I know), it all fell into place.
This kind of profile benefits exercisers: heavy scooping bass to keep the rhythm, piercing treble to cut through the noise at the gym. A little bit of peaking, some tinny sibilance, a limited sound stage can be overlooked. It’s not for audiophiles, but I think people who want tunes as they work out or run will appreciate how these sound more than some better-sounding rivals.
What isn’t as handy is the max volume, which isn’t quite as high as I would’ve liked. When I was running past busy intersections my tunes would fight against the sound of traffic — and lose, lots of the time.
- Sound performance score: 3.5/5
The JLab Epic Open Sport aren’t cheap, and their price roughly matches some competitive rivals (read more in the next section of this review).
However the specs don’t quite match up — the JLabs are good, but you can get greatness for the same price and in light of these competitors, it’s hard to view the Epic Open Sport as offering that good value for money.
If you find these things reduced below the $100 / £100 / AU$200 mark, that’ll definitely change. But for now, their lack of refinement or a unique selling point makes them hard to recommend from a value perspective.
- Value score: 3/5
Category
Comment
Score
Value
At recommended retail price, the Epic Open Sport don't offer much to draw your attention away from other options that cost the same.
3/5
Design
The earbuds fit well and sit on the ear reliably, with a useful button for controls. But they're a bit big and the case isn't one of the better ones I've seen.
3.5/5
Features
The feature set is quite limited, although what the JLab does have works well.
3.5/5
Sound
Sports users will enjoy the V-shaped sound which offers ample bass and treble, though audiophiles will find the sound lacking.
3.5/5
JLab Epic Open Sport review: Should you buy them?Buy them if...You're buying sound for sports
The sound profile of the buds will appeal most to people who need thumping bass and clear treble as they run or work out.
You rely on an equalizer
An equalizer is no sure thing when you buy headphones, but the JLabs' 10-band one gives you customization over your sound.
You want an option with wireless charging
Wireless charging isn't a common feature in earbuds, let alone open-ear ones, so if you really want such a product, the JLab might be one to consider.
You like a lightweight case
Sure, open earbuds cases tend to be pretty big, but you can find smaller and better-designed ones on other buds.
You want a full suite of features
If you look elsewhere on the open-ear market you can find noise cancellation, listening tests, 'find-my-bud' features and a lot more.
You want a budget option
JLab sells lots of cheap earbuds, including sports and open-ear options, but the Epic Open Sport aren't them. These are more premium offerings.View Deal
Component
JLab Epic Open Sport
Huawei FreeArc
Honor Earbuds Open
AceFast AceFit Pro
Water resistant
IP55
IP57
IP54
IP54
Battery life
7 hours (earbuds) 30 hours (total)
7 hours (earbuds), 28 hours (total)
6 hours (earbuds), 40 hours (total)
6 hours (earbuds) 25 hours (total)
Bluetooth type
Bluetooth 5.4
Bluetooth 5.2
Bluetooth 5.2
Bluetooth 5.4
Weight
16.8g / Charging case: 49.6g
8.9g / Charging case: 67g
7.9g / Charging case: 52.5g
7.8g / Charging case: 80g
Driver
14mm
17x12mm
16mm
20x8mm
Huawei FreeArc
The best-sounding open earbuds on the market right now come from Huawei, which match the JLab in price (though aren't available everywhere). They're also much lighter than the Epic Sport.
Read our full Huawei FreeArc review
Honor Earbuds Open
If it's the feature set you care about, then the same-price Honor Earbuds Open are worth considering. These offer noise cancellation, the ability to hunt down missing earbuds and even a translator. The case is also lovely and small.
Read our full Honor Earbuds Open review
How I testedI used the JLab Epic Open Sport for over three weeks before I started writing this review, and I continued to test them during the writing process.
I wore them to the gym and on runs, but also in non-sports situations like walking to the shops or working at home. They were paired the whole time with my Android smartphone.
I've been reviewing gadgets for TechRadar for over six years and that's included plenty of open-ear buds, especially through the first half of 2025.
- First reviewed: June 2025
Categories: Reviews
The Ecovacs Winbot W2 Pro Omni got my filthy windows sparkling clean in minutes, and I can't quite believe it
Ecovacs Winbot W2 Pro Omni: two-minute review
I've reviewed a lot of products during my time as a tech journalist, from tiny smart rings right the way through to electric cars, but I can honestly say that the Ecovacs Winbot W2 Pro Omni is one of the most impressive devices I've ever used.
It does exactly what it promises, getting even filthy windows spotlessly clean, and it's so easy to use that you barely need to glance at the instruction manual. In the words of the late Steve Jobs, it just works.
TechRadar Smart Home WeekThis article is part of TechRadar's Smart Home Week 2025. From lighting and switches to robot vacuums and smart thermostats, we're here to help you pick the right devices to make your life easier, and get the most out of them.
It's more expensive than some of its rivals (such as the Hobot S7 Pro, which we tested recently), but the Winbot W2 Pro Omni offers a lot to justify its price tag. Its portable power station is particularly useful, allowing you to use the bot even when you can't access a power outlet.
The station holds enough charge for about 100 minutes of cleaning, and doubles as storage for the bot and its accessories, so you can clean the outside of your home without having to feed power cables through windows or rely on extension leads.
Bumpers on each of the Winbot's edges let it know when it's reached a window frame and needs to change direction, but it also has a small spherical sensor on each corner that allow it to detect the edges of frameless glass panels. This means you can use it on glass balcony walls, as well as shower doors and even mirrors.
You can use the bot straight out of the box – just fill its reservoir with cleaning solution, dampen its cleaning cloth and you're ready to start – but connecting it to your phone via the Ecovacs app unlocks its full set of cleaning modes, including light cleaning for interior surfaces that need a quick spruce-up, spot cleaning for troublesome grime like bird poop, and edge cleaning. There's even a manual mode, so you can drive the bot around your window yourself.
Most importantly, the Winbot will get glass really, really clean. I tested it on some embarrassingly filthy windows that hadn't seen soap in over a year, and despite only using a spritz of cleaner and a damp cloth, the bot got them spotless with just one cleaning cycle.
The bot never lost suction either, though the power station should be weighty enough to anchor it in the unlikely event that it does drop. There's even a tether so that you can secure the power station to something solid for even more peace of mind.
I only encountered two minor issues during my time with the Winbot. First, the fact that it has a round sensor in each corner means the microfiber cloth can't get right into the corners of your windows where dirt sometimes accumulates. It's not a huge problem, though, and you can give them a quick wipe after removing the cloth from the robot post-cleaning.
Second, the noise of the Winbot's fan sometimes drowns out the spoken instructions emitted through a speaker on the power station. A volume control would be a worthwhile addition, even if it's only accessible through the app.
In all other ways, the Winbot excels, and I'd happily give it a place in my own home; I don't think my windows have ever been so clean, and it took virtually no effort.
Ecovacs Winbot W2 Pro Omni: price and availability- Costs $699.99 / AU$999, but sometimes on offer
- Not currently sold in the UK
- More affordable Winbot devices are also available
The Winbot W2 Pro Omni is Ecovacs’ top-end window-cleaning robot, and costs $699.99 / AU$999. It’s sometimes available for a discount, and if you have any of the company’s other products (such as a robot vacuum), you can save a little more cash by signing up for the membership program within the Ecovacs app and completing tasks like connecting your robot via Bluetooth for the first time.
It’s certainly a premium price tag, but if your budget won’t stretch that far, there are other options. For example, the regular Winbot W2 Omni, has all the same features as the Pro, except for the ability to charge its battery and clean simultaneously. This is the only version of the bot available in the UK, where it costs £519.99.
If your windows are all within reaching distance of a power outlet, you might prefer to opt for the Winbot W1 Pro, which costs $399.99 / AU$799. It’s currently sold out in the UK, but has similar specs to the £329 Hobot S7 Pro, which we tested recently.
There’s also the smaller Winbot Mini, which is $239.99 / £299 and can clean windows less than 25cm wide. The Winbot Mini isn’t available in Australia.
- Value score: 4/5
- Portable power pack for cleaning away from an electrical outlet
- The Winbot itself is lightweight and ergonomically designed
- Strong cable to prevent the bot dropping if it loses suction
- Power pack can also be tethered for peace of mind
The Winbot W2 Pro Omni is unusual for a robot window cleaner in that it’s connected to an external battery pack, so you can use it without a permanent connection to a power socket. This makes it easy to move around the inside and outside of your house, and helps you get the job done faster.
The standard Winbot W2 Omni also has a power pack, but as mentioned above, the Pro version can clean while it charges. This means you can juice it up while cleaning your interior windows, then take it outside fully charged for the exterior work.
(Image credit: Future)The power pack has a robust, comfortable handle with a rubberized grip, and a soft base that protects and grips onto hard floors. It doubles as a storage case for the Winbot and its accessories. These include a bottle of cleaning solution, two cleaning cloths, and a charging cable.
The power station weighs 11.5lbs / 5.2kg, which will probably be enough to anchor the bot in the unlikely event that it drops off the window, but there’s also a strong tether with a carabiner clip so you can secure the station to something solid for extra peace of mind.
The power station alone should be heavy enough to anchor the Winbot in the unlikely event that it falls, but you can also secure it using a tether for extra peace of mind (Image credit: Future)The Winbot itself is very light in the hand, with a soft, leather-like handle and a power button that’s easily operated with your thumb. Blue lights on the top and underside of the bot show when the power is on.
On the top you’ll find a small reservoir for cleaning fluid, which holds about 60ml. That might not sound like much, but the bot is very frugal with it. When the bot is working, the fluid sprays out of nozzles on the top and bottom depending on its direction of travel, and is mopped up with the cloth.
The Winbot has a reservoir for cleaning solution, and will alert you when it's starting to run low (Image credit: Future)Turn it over and you’ll see two tracks that allow the bot to move across your window, an inlet for the suction that holds it firmly against the glass, and a textured surface that holds a microfiber cloth in place.
Bumpers on each edge tell the bot when it’s met a window frame, and spherical sensors in each corner detect the edges of surfaces without a frame. You’ll be prompted to clean these regularly, which only takes a quick wipe.
The bot comes with two microfiber cleaning cloths, so you can wash one while using the other (Image credit: Future)The Winbot is connected to the power pack by a robust cable, which according to Ecovacs has a tensile strength of up to 100kg. The cable has a smooth braided nylon exterior, which lets it move smoothly without snagging if you need to run it through an open window.
Before using the Winbot, you check the reservoir has enough cleaner, then dampen the cloth and place it on the bottom of the machine. Unlike the Hobot S7 Pro, it uses one cloth at a time, so you don’t have to worry about lining up separate pieces. When it’s dirty, either turn it over and continue cleaning, or toss it in the wash and use the spare one provided.
- Design score: 5/5
- Exceptional cleaning, even on very dirty windows
- Can also be used on frameless glass surfaces
- Never lost suction during testing
- Fan sometimes drowns out spoken instructions
The Winbot W2 Pro Omni exceeded all my expectations, and made light work of some frankly filthy windows, despite only using a spritz of cleaner and a damp cloth. The before and after image below shows just how much grime its ‘thorough’ cleaning program can remove with a single pass on each side of the glass, and I think it speaks for itself.
Window before using the Ecovacs Winbot W2 Pro Omni, and after (Image credit: Future)The Winbot is also extremely easy to use, and the battery pack even comes pre-charged so you can start cleaning straight away. To begin, just fill the reservoir with cleaning solution (the bottle has a fine nozzle that prevents accidental spillage), put the damp cloth in place, hold the button on the power pack for two seconds until you hear a chime, then hold the Winbot against your window and hold its button for another two seconds.
The suction will begin and the bot will swivel a little to make sure it’s established a good seal against the glass. A speaker in the power pack will announce when the bot is firmly attached to the window and it’s safe to let go.
Press the power button for two seconds and the Winbot will attach itself securely to your window (and wiggle a little) (Image credit: Future)Once you’ve released it, the bot will roll across your window, gently nudging your frame or detecting the edge of the glass, and changing direction accordingly. Its wide-angle nozzles will spray a little cleaner every few seconds, while the cloth works to lift dirt. The Winbot will ‘remember’ the dimensions of your window, helping ensure it gets right to the edges on subsequent passes.
Once it’s finished cleaning, the bot will always return to where it started, making it ideal for cleaning tricky windows where you can’t reach the whole pane.
Because the robot only uses a light spray of cleaner and a damp cloth, there’s no need to worry about runs and drips. However, I’d still recommend working from top to bottom in case the spray hits your bottom windows as the bot is moving.
The bot has a spherical sensor at each corner, which detect if it's reached the edge of a pane of glass (Image credit: Future)Although it’s not mandatory, the Ecovacs mobile app gives you access to a lot more cleaning modes, including edge cleaning, light cleaning for indoor surfaces, and manual control so you can drive the bot around the window yourself and tackle stubborn marks.
Setup is straightforward - just install the app and create an account, allow it to connect to the bot via Bluetooth, and give the bot a name to unlock its full collection of cleaning modes:
- Fast cleaning
- Spot cleaning
- Deep cleaning
- Thorough cleaning
- Edge cleaning
- Zone cleaning
- Heavy-dury cleaning
The last mode is particularly useful, allowing you to change the cloth partway through cleaning a pane, then resume in the same place.
I particularly appreciated the Winbot’s ability to clean frameless glass. This would be very handy if you have frameless glass panels around the edge of a balcony, but it also means you can use it to clean mirrors or even shower doors. Unlike the Hobot S7 Pro, the Winbot W2 Pro Omni copes well with surfaces that are too small for it to make a complete turn.
Sensitive bumpers on the bot's edges let it know when it's reached the window frame (Image credit: Future)The bot never ran into trouble during my testing, but if it does somehow lose suction, the speaker on the power pack will issue a loud warning chime and the light on the Winbot will turn red to indicate a problem.
In fact, I only experienced two small issues during my time testing the bot. First, although the Winbot W2 Pro Omni is relatively quiet (Ecovacs cites a range of 76dB to 63dB, and during my tests it averaged around the lower end of this scale), sometimes the noise of its fans made it hard to hear the spoken instructions from the speaker in the power pack. I would have appreciated a volume control to make the announcements a bit louder.
Secondly, the spherical sensors on the underside of the bot mean the cloth can’t reach right into the very corners of your window. I can’t really see a way to avoid this, and you can easily give the corners of the glass a quick wipe with the microfiber cloth after you’ve removed it.
Overall though, I was extremely impressed by the Winbot W2 Pro Omni. I had modest expectations after hearing about my colleague Ruth’s experiences with her first window-cleaning robot, but the Winbot blew me away. If you’ve been wondering whether to pick one up, I don’t think you’ll regret it.
- Performance score: 5/5
Attribute
Notes
Score
Value
A premium robot window cleaner with a price tag to match. Slightly lower-spec versions are available if your budget won't stretch this far.
4/5
Design
The portable battery pack is a great addition that lets you use the bot virtually anywhere, and anti-drop systems give peace of mind. Bot itself is light and comfortable to hold, and easy to use.
5/5
Performance
Exceptional cleaning performance with or without the app, even on frankly filthy windows, with easy clean-up afterwards.
5/5
Buy it ifYou struggle to clean windows manually
Cleaning windows is labor-intensive, but with the Winbot W2 Pro Omni, there's no scrubbing, carrying water, or worrying about ladders.
Your home has a lot of glass
The Winbot W2 Pro Omni can handle glass with or without a frame, making it great for a lot more than just windows.
You can't reach your windows at all
Even if you can't touch the entire window, you need to be able to reach far enough to place the Winbot on the glass and take it off again.
You have particularly small windows
The Winbot W2 Pro Omni doesn't need much space to work, but bear in mind that it measures 10.7 inches / 27cm square, so it won't physically fit on very small panes of glass.
Ecovacs Winbot W2 Omni
This robot window cleaner has everything the Pro version does, except for the ability to charge while it's cleaning. If you can't quite justify the price of the top-end model, it's one to consider.
Hobot S7 Pro
The Hobot S7 Pro is a more affordable window-cleaning robot, though during our testing it didn't clean as well as the Winbot. If your windows aren't too dirty then it may be worth investigating.
Read our full Hobot S7 Pro review
How I tested the Ecovacs Winbot W2 Pro OmniI used the Ecovacs Winbot W2 Pro Omni to clean windows of various sizes, including floor-to-ceiling panes, on the inside and out using the cleaning solution provided. Many of the windows were very dirty on the outside and presented a tough challenge. I used the robot in its default mode (thorough cleaning), and tested its various different presets.
I also tested the Winbot on frameless glass panels, including a shower door and mirrors of various sizes to see whether its sensors would successfully detect the edges, and how well it would cope with surfaces not much larger than the bot itself.
I assessed how easy the Winbot was to use, and checked for any design features that might prove problematic over time. I also checked the volume of its fan in operation using a decibel meter.
First tested June 2025
Categories: Reviews
I’ve spent 30 hours playing detective in Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army on Nintendo Switch 2, and it’s been a memorable case – but not one that's without fault
I’m a huge Atlus fan, and when Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army was revealed back in March, I was absolutely over the moon. See, I never got a chance to play the original JRPG – which first released on the PS2 – but had always hoped to get in on some demon-filled investigative action.
Review infoPlatform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2
Available on: Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X and Series S, PC
Release date: June 19, 2025
And Atlus has truly served up a full-blown remaster of Raidou’s first adventure, bringing the Devil Summoner’s story to just about every modern platform with full voice acting, fleshed-out 3D environments, enhanced visuals and audio, as well as evolved combat.
Atlus has produced banger after banger for decades, including some of the best RPGs like Metaphor: ReFantazio and Persona 5 Royal. So, can the Switch 2 game Raidou Remastered rise to those same heights
Well, perhaps not quite. But it’s still a fantastic remaster. Here’s what I made of the game after spending more than 30 hours playing it on Nintendo Switch 2.
Where lies man, so lies dark(Image credit: Atlus)In 1930s Japan, a young lady approaches the Narumi Detective Agency with a shocking request. She wants you to kill her. But before you can hear exactly why, she’s kidnapped by mysterious individuals in red capes.
So, in steps Raidou Kuzunoha XIV, an apprentice detective at the Narumi Detective Agency who aims to serve the capital – not only by helping citizens with their day-to-day needs, but also by keeping things in check within the Dark Realm – a curious juncture between the real world and the netherworld, where demons lurk.
And now it’s down to Raidou and his allied demons to solve the mystery of the kidnapped girl... which, in turn, leads you to unveil a far greater conspiracy than you could ever imagine.
Of course, I don’t want to give away too many details plot-wise. But I can assure you that there are plenty of twists and turns as the mystery unravels – and that mystery remains gripping throughout. In addition, you don’t have to sit through hours of warm up before the story really gets going.
Best bit(Image credit: Atlus)The best part of any Megami Tensei title is witnessing the often wacky and wild nature of the various demons you encounter. At one point, I ran into a deeply troubled demon named Ippon-Datara who felt compelled, desperate even, to construct a wall blocking my path. It was only after I called him stupid, and got an earful about eating brains with a spoon that he eventually cleared the way. Classic SMT.
Yep, you’re flung straight into the middle of a dark case, in a city flooded with characters in need of your support – sometimes in the main story, and other times through brief, yet enjoyable side quests called Case Files. And you’ll meet a real range of individuals throughout the game’s runtime. No really, I ran into everyone from a yakuza captain through to a zany demon-fusing scientist – and that’s just in the real world!
These characters help to expose many of the game's key themes, which are tightly interwoven with the 1930s setting. There are frequent questions around the morality of war and the role of economic injustice on people’s everyday lives, for instance.
And I felt that I could connect to the cast thanks to newly added voice acting – one of the best inclusions in this remaster. Whether it's the somewhat lazy, yet playful Detective Narumi or rival Devil Summoner, Rasputin, expressive voice acting injects so much more personality into each character. Even the demons have some incredibly entertaining – sometimes bizarre dialogue that add so much whimsy to the experience. The commanding voice of Hayataro or the iconic hee-ho’s of Jack Frost even made me reluctant to fuse them into something else.
Your feline companion, Gouto, is also at hand to guide you through the case's key plot points and provide pointers if you get a bit stuck. Those tips are often handy, and generally, Gouto is far less invasive than a certain other cat that Atlus fans will be well acquainted with. I won’t name names of course... but it starts with ‘M’ and ends in ‘organa’.
Raidou’s revamped(Image credit: Atlus)So, there’s an engaging plot and intriguing cast to match, but what about gameplay itself. Well, this is where the picture starts to get a little more mixed.
I’ll start with combat. You’re not getting the turn-based press turn battle system from Shin Megami Tensei titles, with this game instead taking a real-time action approach. However, the combat system has been significantly overhauled in Raidou Remastered, when compared to the original game.
There are no more pesky random encounters, Raidou can now use two demons in battle (as opposed to one in the original), you’ve got the ability to lock on to enemies, and much, much more. These alterations are all most welcome and have made combat feel way more fluid than before.
When doing battle, you’ll want to focus on draining MAG, which is expended when demons use magic attacks, such as the fire spell Agi or volt attack Zio. In order to get your MAG back, Raidou can dish out light attacks, which fill up the bar swiftly, enabling you to regularly exploit enemy weaknesses, and as a result, stagger them for an easier route to victory.
(Image credit: Atlus)Other than those light attacks I mentioned, Raidou can use heavy attacks, fire his gun, cast magic abilities of his own (Summoner Skills) and unleash highly punishing moves like Devil’s Bane and Spirit Slash. You'll gain new Summoner Skills as the game progresses, and you'll also be able to allocate stat boosts to Raidou when he levels up across strength, magic, vitality and luck.
I went for a mixed strength / magic build, and my main strategy in battle was to whack out as many light attacks as possible, fueling one demon’s use of healing magic and another’s devastating elemental damage. You can also use items in battle, but I basically never needed to do this.
Most of the time, my strategy proved to be a sure-fire way to win battles, meaning that combat could get a little repetitive. Also, despite enhanced battle mechanics – which includes more fluid maneuvering – I found that Raidou could feel a little clunky to control, especially in the air. This was rarely a huge issue, but if you’re expecting incredibly seamless, ultra-smooth movement from this title, you might be a little disappointed.
Boss fights are still good fun, though, and can often pose a decent challenge. Here, I found that blocking and dodging was a bit more important. Just spamming my light attacks and expecting my demons to do the rest was rarely good enough. I’m sure this would ring even more true if you’re playing on hard mode, but I played on Private Eye difficulty – which is essentially the standard level of challenge.
Before we continue talking gameplay, though, I just wanted to flag that this game has a great soundtrack – there are some seriously catchy tunes here. I still can’t get the theme from Narumi’s Detective Agency out of my head.
Battling our demons(Image credit: Atlus)Anyway, let’s continue chatting gameplay – and the real highlight here, for me, is filling out the demon compendium and fusing the most powerful creations imaginable.
You can recruit demons pretty much hassle free – not always the case in other Atlus entries (I’m looking at you, SMT 4). And you can also request the help of the peculiar Dr. Victor in the Goumaden, who enables you to fuse multiple demons together and forge new, stronger companions to take into battle. You can also fuse swords, spears or axes for Raidou, which come which come with fresh abilities as well as differing stat boosts.
During demon fusion specifically, you can pass on abilities and passive skills which will help you target the weaknesses of opponents in the Dark Realm – just make sure you keep an eye on their Investigation Skills, which will come in use outside of battle.
And that brings me onto what is, without doubt, the weakest part of Raidou Remastered – solo investigations. These occur when Raidou is unable to progress through an area himself, and he instead enlists the help of his demons (which most humans are unable to see in the real world). You can send a demon out to gather clues or investigate blocked off locations, which sounds interesting, but ends up being just boring.
Most demons move pretty slowly, and the sprint button doesn’t work when they’re out investigating. On top of that, retrieving clues usually just consists of pressing a single button to search an area, read a mind, or squeeze into a tight area. I just wish that these parts of the experience were more interactive, especially given that being a detective is central to the game’s plot.
(Image credit: Atlus)Finally, a quick note on the experience playing on Nintendo Switch 2. Typically, I played with my Joy-Con 2 controllers, and the game controlled nicely. Switching between targets while locked on took a bit of getting used to – it could, at times, feel a little rigid. But everything else, from using attacks, summoning demons, sprinting and dodging felt totally fine.
Similarly, performance was very strong – though I would expect this given it's hardly the most demanding title out there. It runs at a maximum of 60fps at 1080p, which looks solid, though the lack of 4K may disappoint some.
Overall, though, I love how the game remains faithful, visually, to its PS2 roots, while still ensuring characters and backgrounds look polished. Oh, I also rarely experienced frame rate issues – that is unless I performed Raidou’s ultimate attack, Spirit Slash. This would sometimes cause a little bit of slowdown, but never to a degree that it cost me a battle or anything.
In the end, I had a blast with Raidou Remastered. I was keen to complete almost every Case File, the main story had me hooked, and of course, I loved summoning some of my favorite demons from the SMT series. Combat, though fairly layered, could sometimes get a little samey and I really wish solo investigations didn’t feel like a chore. But overall, Atlus did an excellent job with this remaster and I’m grateful that it’s enabled me – and so many other fans – to solve this mystery for the very first time.
Should you play Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army?(Image credit: Atlus)Play it if...You love the worlds of SMT and Persona
If, like me, you adore titles like Persona 4 Golden and Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance, I’d say that Raidou Remastered is well worth your time. It’s not as long as these games and doesn’t offer turn-based combat either (still my preference). But you’ve got mostly the same demons, and another host of awesome characters to interact with – crucial aspects that drew me to previous Atlus entries.
You’re a sucker for narrative-driven RPGs
There’s no vast open world to explore in Raidou Remastered. Sure, you can roam around the capital and get busy working on Case Files, or even take a trip to the Dark Realm. But the main event isn’t really exploration. It’s the games narrative, which at times, takes turns that you may not have foreseen. If you love story-driven RPGs, you’re likely to enjoy this mysterious adventure.
You’re not such a fan of real-time action gameplay
So, I mentioned it earlier, but if you’re only really into turn-based combat, it may be worth giving Raidou Remastered a miss. This game makes use of real-time action combat, meaning you’ll engage in much more intense, time-sensitive battles.
You want fully-fledged, shiny current-gen graphics
The bones of Raidou Remastered’s PS2 origins are very prevalent in this game, visually speaking. Personally, I was charmed by that, but I’m certain that it won’t be to everyone’s tastes. Oh, and this game runs at 1080p on Switch 2, rather than 4K, so if you’re expecting to be wowed by the flashiest graphics in the world, you’ll be disappointed.
The game includes subtitles, button remapping in the controls section, a control stick sensitivity slider, and the ability to toggle vibrations on and off. There are some other subtle changes you can make, such as the option to simply hold the A button, rather than press it repeatedly to confine a demon. There are four difficult modes, including one which makes combat extremely basic for those who want to essentially focus on story alone. There isn’t a colorblind mode for anyone seeking that out, though.
How I reviewed Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army:(Image credit: Atlus)I spent more than 30 hours with Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army, playing through the main story and the vast majority of Case Files. I had the game set on Private Eye difficulty – essentially normal. I’ve played a ton of Atlus titles before, from Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne through to Persona 3 Reload, so I was already plenty familiar with systems like demon fusion.
I played the Nintendo Switch 2 version of the game, which I downloaded digitally via a code supplied by Sega. Usually, I played in docked mode in 1080p at 60fps, but I did try playing for a while in handheld mode too. When docked, I had my Nintendo Switch 2 connected to the Sky Glass Gen 2, with audio playing from the Marshall Heston 120 soundbar.
First reviewed June 2025
Categories: Reviews
The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is so good that I wish I could use it on anything
Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller: one-minute review
The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller launched alongside the console itself, and I’ve been using it as my go-to Switch 2 gamepad since launch day. While I was already impressed with it at a Switch 2 hands-on preview event a few months back, actually having it at home has solidified it as perhaps my favorite controller of the year.
The mission statement is a simple one: provide an updated version of the excellent Nintendo Switch Pro Controller - easily one of the best Nintendo Switch controllers for that original console - while keeping the things players loved about that original model intact. I feel this has mostly been achieved with the Switch 2 Pro Controller.
It’s incredibly comfortable in the hands, sporting simply lovely build quality from chassis to buttons. The thumbsticks are ultra-smooth and responsive, and additions like two remappable buttons on the rear, as well as a headphone jack, are extremely welcome.
Furthermore, the original Pro Controller is remembered fondly for its frankly absurd battery life, lasting around 40 hours on a single charge. I’m happy to report that’s also the case with the Switch 2 Pro Controller; after three weeks of testing for a few hours most days, I’ve only just seen the low battery warning flash up on my screen.
So what’s holding it back from truly being the greatest of all time? Well, unlike the original Pro Controller, this new model isn’t currently compatible with PC. It’s likely we’ll need to wait for a Steam compatibility update, but I wouldn’t be surprised if this happens in the near future. I also would’ve loved a trigger lock feature, allowing players to switch between digital and analog sensitivities to suit a wider range of genres (analog triggers naturally work better for racing games, for example).
Lastly, Nintendo seemingly remains committed to not having Hall effect thumbsticks, which is a massive shame. What this means is that, eventually, I expect the Switch 2 Pro Controller to develop stick drift. Perhaps not as quickly as the Joy-Con 2 - of which there are already reports of users experiencing drift - but for a controller that costs as much as it does, the lack of sturdier Hall effect thumbsticks hurts. Doubly so, considering the sticks themselves feel fantastic during play.
(Image credit: Future)Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller review: price and availability- $84.99 / £74.99 / AU$119.95
- Cheaper on average than a set of Joy-Con 2 ($94.99 / £74.99 / AU$139.95)
- A price increase in the US bumped it up from the originally planned $79.99
If there’s one potential criticism I can levy at the Switch 2 Pro Controller, it’s that it certainly isn’t cheap.
It’s available to purchase now from Nintendo’s own website as well as stocking retailers for $84.99 / £74.99 / AU$119.95. US folks have it slightly worse here due to a price increase that’s seen the controller’s RRP pushed up from the original $79.99.
Overall, though, the Switch 2 Pro Controller is cheaper in the US than a pair of Joy-Con 2 controllers ($94.99), while being priced the same as those in the UK (£74.99).
That said, cheaper alternatives do exist in controllers like the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 ($69.99 / £59.99 - around AU$90). This is an exceptional controller that’s well worth looking into, especially as it’s recently received a firmware update to allow for Switch 2 connectivity.
Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller review: SpecsPrice
$84.99 / £74.99 / AU$119.95
Weight
8.3oz / 235g
Dimensions
5.8 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 148 x 105 x 60mm
Compatibility
Nintendo Switch 2
Connection type
Wireless (Bluetooth), Wired (USB Type-C)
Battery life
Around 40 hours
(Image credit: Future)Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller review: design and features- Pleasing light gray-on-black aesthetic design
- Adds GameChat and GL/GR buttons, as well as a headphone jack
- Otherwise, very similar to the original Pro Controller
Put the Switch 2 Pro Controller side by side with the original model, and you’ll notice a lot of similarities. Its large face buttons are about the same size here, the d-pad is very similar, and the controller still uses digital triggers. I think an option for quicker triggers would’ve been nice here, via trigger locks, for genres like racing games. But there are some other upgrades here that I’m very happy about.
The Switch 2 Pro Controller adds some very welcome features. There’s a dedicated GameChat button like we see on the Joy-Con 2 for accessing the console’s bespoke voice chat system. Additionally, you’re getting a 3.5mm headphone jack, which - alarmingly - wasn’t present on the original Pro Controller. Lastly, a pair of GL/GR buttons on the rear of the pad can be remapped on a per-game basis, though I’ll touch more on those in the following performance section.
In terms of looks, the Switch 2 Pro Controller is simple, but pretty eye-catching. The semi-translucent look of the original has been replaced with a matte black shell. Meanwhile, the top that houses the bumpers and triggers - as well as the thumbstick shafts - have taken on a light gray coating that I think looks nice juxtaposed against the otherwise all-black gamepad. I wouldn’t say it’s winning any awards in the aesthetics department, but it’s a simple and elegant design that doesn’t look out of place.
Otherwise, there isn’t much to report on the design front beyond the fact that this is an incredibly comfortable asymmetrical controller that sits firmly in the hands. I find that the Switch 2 Pro Controller’s grips are of a perfect size, and the pad fits snugly in my hands with my index fingers set firmly on the triggers. I felt this way about the original Pro Controller, too, but its successor does feel ever so slightly more refined in this regard.
(Image credit: Future)Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller review: Performance- Thumbsticks feel excellent during gameplay
- A frankly absurd amount of battery life
- GL/GR buttons are actually a godsend
Right away, let’s talk about the thing that most people fondly remember the original Pro Controller for - its seemingly endless battery life. While there have been no noticeable improvements here with the Switch 2 Pro Controller, I can’t exactly say that’s a bad thing.
Yep, you can expect this new model to go the distance with around 40-45 hours of battery life. Since launch, on average, I’ve played my Switch 2 with the Pro Controller for around 1-3 hours daily.
Three weeks later, I have only just seen the low battery warning flash up on my screen. This is absolutely best-in-class battery life that leaves even the best Nintendo Switch controllers in the dust. It is worth noting that such a hefty battery does take some time to charge up again - around 3-4 hours to be exact - but do this overnight via USB-C and you’ll never need to worry about running out of juice.
Otherwise, the Switch 2 Pro Controller is just a joy to play games with. The thumbsticks are the real heroes here, feeling almost impossibly smooth and incredibly responsive during play.
This makes precise platformers like Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury or white knuckle racers like F-Zero GX feel fantastic to play (even if the latter still benefits more from the wireless GameCube controller’s button layout).
(Image credit: Future)My one gripe here would be that the thumbsticks are not Hall effect, with Nintendo seemingly opting once again for more traditional potentiometers. It’s a frustrating commitment that we also see from Sony and Microsoft in their first-party pads, and as a result, it’s currently hard to gauge just how long the Switch 2 Pro Controller’s sticks will last before developing drift. That said, the thumbsticks here do feel decidedly sturdier than those on the Joy-Con 2, so I do expect them to last a good deal longer.
However, I think my favorite addition to the Switch 2 Pro Controller has to be the rear GL/GR buttons. We’ve seen remappable buttons like these on countless third-party controllers, but I really like how Nintendo has implemented them. By holding down the Home button while in-game, you’ll bring up a quick menu that lets you assign GL and GR as secondary inputs.
This works on a per-game basis, too, meaning you don’t need to constantly reassign them while you’re hopping from game to game. They can be an absolute lifesaver, too. In The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, for example, I bound the sprint and jump actions to these buttons, letting me still have access to camera controls.
Similarly, in Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition, binding the left and right d-pad inputs to GL/GR let me cycle through my inventory of items without having to stop moving or adopt an awkward claw grip instead.
Otherwise, you can expect a controller that performs just as well as the original where it counts. Gyro aiming is still incredibly solid and accurate for games like Splatoon 3, and you still have near-field communication (NFC) support for scanning amiibo figures in your favorite games.
(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller?Buy it if...You want a cheaper (and better) Joy-Con 2 alternative
Sure, you’re not getting the Joy-Con 2’s fancy directional rumble or their aptitude for co-op play. But given the lower US price point, higher comfort factor, and sublime thumbsticks and GL/GR buttons, the Pro Controller wins out for me.
You prefer wireless play
You’re absolutely laughing here, as the Switch 2 Pro Controller seriously goes the distance in terms of battery life, putting in an impressive 40+ hours on an average full charge.
You’re on a budget
While I wholeheartedly recommend the Switch 2 Pro Controller at its price point, I can’t say it’s exactly cheap. There are more affordable options around $10-$20 cheaper that do a similar job, such as the excellent 8BitDo Ultimate 2, or indeed the original Pro Controller.
You’ve had bad luck with stick drift
Without drift-resistant Hall effect sticks, I can’t say for sure just how long the Switch 2 Pro Controller’s thumbsticks will last before developing drift. If you’ve fallen foul of stick drift in the past, you may want to consider some alternatives.
If the Switch 2 Pro Controller isn’t exactly what you’re after, there are a couple of great alternatives for you to consider.
Switch 2 Pro Controller
8BitDo Ultimate 2
Switch Pro Controller
Price
$84.99 / £74.99 / AU$119.95
$69.99 / £59.99 / AU$90 (or $59.99 / £49.99 for PC-only model)
$69.99 / £59.99 / AU$99.95
Weight
8.3oz / 235g
8.7oz / 246g
8.7oz / 246g
Dimensions
5.8 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 148 x 105 x 60mm
5.7 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 147 x 103 x 61mm
5.9 x 4.2 x 2.4in / 152 x 106 x 60mm
Compatibility
Nintendo Switch 2
PC, Android (Switch/Switch 2 version sold separately)
Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
Connection type
Bluetooth, USB Type-C
2.4GHz, Bluetooth, USB Type-C
Bluetooth, USB Type-C
Battery life
Around 40 hours
10-15 hours
Around 40 hours
8BitDo Ultimate 2
A fantastic follow-up to my favorite Nintendo Switch controller, the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 takes everything that made the original so good - Hall effect sticks, superb build quality, included charging dock - and upgrades it. Battery life is sadly worse overall, but you honestly can’t go wrong with either this or the original model.
Read our full 8BitDo Ultimate 2 review
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
The original Pro Controller is still a worthy purchase and compatible with Nintendo Switch 2. You may want to opt for this one if you’re looking to save some cash, especially as it’s still a top contender in the field of Switch accessories.
Read our full Nintendo Switch Pro Controller review
How I tested the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller- Tested for three weeks, on average 1-3 hours per day
- Compared to the original Pro Controller and similar third-party gamepads
- Played a wide variety of games, both modern and retro
I tested the Switch 2 Pro Controller from launch until now - a period of around three weeks. On average, I played with the controller for around one to three hours a day, largely opting for docked mode play on my LG CX OLED TV.
In my time with the controller, I put it through its paces with games across a wide variety of genres. This includes The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition, Mario Kart World, Street Fighter 6, F-Zero GX, Deltarune, and Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury.
I compared the Switch 2 Pro Controller’s feature set to that of the original Pro Controller and third-party gamepads, including the GameSir Tarantula Pro and the original 8BitDo Ultimate. While I do wish Nintendo’s pad brought Hall effect sticks to the table, its overall feature set and comfortable play experience still make it well worth considering in a crowded controller market.
First reviewed June 2025
Categories: Reviews
This tiny sensor will turn your Philips Hue lights into a home security system – and it's cheap too
Philips Hue Motion Sensor: two-minute review
The Philips Hue Motion Sensor, as the name suggests, is a palm-sized device that triggers your smart lights when it detects movement. That's not all, though – it also works as a home security sensor, alerting you to potential intruders while you're away. Just tap a button in the app to 'arm' the Motion Sensor (plus any other Philips Hue cameras and sensors in your home) and it'll enter security mode, making your lights behave differently and sending you a phone notification if something happens in your absence. For example, your lights could turn red or flash, while the app lets you call an emergency contact with a tap.
The Motion Sensor requires a Philips Hue Bridge to work, so it's best if you already have an established smart lighting setup. If you're not familiar with the Bridge, it's a small hub that connects to your Wi-Fi router, and uses the Zigbee wireless protocol to connect all your Philips Hue devices in a mesh network.
It has a list price of $44.99 / £39.99 / AU$69.95, which means it's not the cheapest motion sensor around, and if you're not going to use its security functions then you might be better served by a simpler Zigbee device instead. However, the Philips Hue Motion Sensor's extra security features mean it could even be a cornerstone of your security system, and from that perspective it's excellent value.
The Philips Hue Motion Sensor may be small, but it's an extremely capable device and could be a key part of a home security system. (Image credit: Future)The sensor is a small, lightweight device and comes ready to go, with two AAA batteries already installed. To connect it, just scan the QR code on the back using the Philips Hue app, then hold the 'setup' button until the LED on the front flashes orange to pair it, as instructed on screen.
Once the sensor is paired, you'll be prompted to assign it to a room, then asked which lights you want it to control. These lights don't have to be in the same location; for example, you may want to have a light activated in your study if motion is detected in the porch so you don't miss a package delivery (provided it's under cover – you'll need the Philips Hue Outdoor Motion Sensor if it's going to be exposed to the elements).
The sensor can turn lights on and off, but you can also use it to adjust their brightness, and even apply scenes.
You can change the way your lights react to movement depending on the time of day, which is particularly helpful for keeping lights dim in your hallway at night (Image credit: Future)Like the Philips Hue Dimmer Switch the Philips Hue Motion Sensor allows you to set different actions for your lights depending on the time of day.
During my tests this worked perfectly, and helped me and my partner avoid being dazzled at night. I installed the sensor in our hallway and kept the lighting level low after 11pm so we could find our way to the kitchen for a drink of water without being jarred into full wakefulness after bedtime.
Once your Philips Hue Motion Sensor is armed, you can choose to receive notifications on your phone when movement is detected, and the app will keep a log of events that occurred while you were out (Image credit: Future)As I mentioned earlier, the Dimmer Switch also functions as a security device (either by itself or with other Hue sensors and cameras), the app lets you decide what events it should trigger when it's set to 'armed'. By default, it will make connected Philips Hue lights flash when motion is detected, but you can also simply make them turn on, or have them change color. An intimidating red might be a good option.
The sensor doesn't have a siren of its own, but if you have a Philips Hue Secure camera, it can play an audible alert when the sensor detects movement.
Set up an emergency contact, and the app will allow you to call them with a single tap when you receive an unexpected movement notification (Image credit: Future)During my tests the app reliably sent me a notification whenever my partner wandered by and the system was armed – and he informed me that the living room lights turned pink as well. After increasing the sensitivity a little, the sensor was able to detect him entering the living room even when mounted on a wall at the other end of the room, opposite the door.
It's worth noting that although you can change the direction of the sensor by simply shifting it on its magnetic mount (as described below) and dial its sensitivity up and down, the absence of a camera on this sensor means it's not possible to create custom zones that won't be monitored, so you might need to spend some time experimenting with the settings so it picks up movement near doors and windows.
That's not a major issue though, and the magnetic mount can even be fitted to the ceiling, making it simple to keep an eye on potential entry points.
Philips Hue Motion Sensor: price and availability- Costs $44.99 / £39.99 / AU$69.95
- Often discounted, particularly in sales events
The Philips Hue Motion Sensor is available globally direct from Philips Hue, and from third-party retailers including Amazon.
It has a list price of $44.99 / £39.99 / AU$69.95, but is often available at a steep discount, particularly during sales events like Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday. You'll find today's best prices in your area listed below.
You can also find it bundled together with the Philips Hue Bridge and a set of smart light bulbs as part of a Philips Hue Starter Kit.
Philips Hue Motion Sensor: design- Can be mounted on a wall or used free-standing
- Magnetic wall mount allows you to angle the sensor
- Only available in white
The Philips Hue Motion Sensor is a discreet white device with a magnetic back containing a single screw, which you can undo to replace the two AAA batteries powering it. The sensor can be mounted on a wall or ceiling, or simply placed on a piece of furniture if you'd prefer not to drill holes.
It measures 6.9 x 2.8 x 2.2 inches / 174 x 72 x 55mm (H x W x D) and weighs 2.8oz / 80g.
(Image credit: Future)The mount (which comes with two screws and a wall plug) is a small circular magnet. Once it's screwed in, you simply place the sensor on top, then tilt it to face the direction you want to monitor. During my tests the sensor felt most secure when facing straight on, but it never felt likely to fall off when tilted.
Unlike other Philips Hue accessories (such as the Philips Hue Dimmer Switch) you can't attach the Motion Sensor to your wall using 3M tape. The mount has a slightly rubberized finish that doesn't work well with adhesives, and the strength of the magnets means the tape would likely pull away when you remove the sensor unit.
(Image credit: Future)Unlike some Philips Hue accessories, the Motion Sensor is only available in white. However, since it's likely to be mounted close to a white ceiling, that's not too much of an issue.
The sensor isn't weather-resistant, and therefore can't be used outdoors. If you want a sensor for detecting movement in your yard, you'll need the Philips Hue Outdoor Motion Sensor, which is also wireless and can be mounted on a wall or used free-standing.
Should you buy the Philips Hue Motion Sensor?Buy it ifYou can't fit a whole security system at home
Whether it's the price, the inconvenience, or the need to drill holes in the walls, a full hard-wired security system isn't the right fit for a lot of homes. With one (or more) of these little sensors, you can enjoy peace of mind for a fraction of the price, and with none of the hassle.
You want hands-free lighting
The Philips Hue Motion Sensor is a particularly great option for dark hallways, especially when you're coming home at night with your hands full, and groping for the light switch is a hassle. It can also trigger more gentle after bedtime so you can find your way to the bathroom without being dazzled.
Don't buy it ifYou have a Ring doorbell and no Hue lights
If you already have a Ring doorbell and no Philips Hue Bridge, it makes sense to stick with Ring for your home security needs. Depending on which Ring Home membership you choose, you can have several devices covered by the same plan. Take a look at our full guide to Ring subscriptions for more details.
You want to be alerted when a door opens
The Philips Hue Contact Sensor works in a similar way to the Motion Sensor, triggering lights and sending you an alert on your phone if a door or window is opened. Depending on your security needs, it may be a better option. Both devices are about the same price.
Philips Hue Motion Sensor: also considerRing Alarm Motion Detector
If you've already got a Ring doorbell, it's worth checking out the company's motion sensor before plumping for the Philips Hue version. It's mostly made with security in mind, but can also control smart lights if you create an automation using IFTTT (If This Then That).
Philips Hue Secure Contact Sensor
This sensor works in much the same way as the Philips Hue Motion Sensor, activating lights and/or sending an alert to your phone, but instead of movement it's triggered when a door or window is opened. Ideal for your front door or a dark cupboard.
How I tested the Philips Hue Motion SensorI connected the Philips Hue Motion Sensor to my home smart lighting setup, which includes several bulbs, switches, and a pair of Philips Hue Play Light Bars. I started by installing it in my hallway so I could test its sensitivity and time-based functionality (specifically triggering dimmer illumination at night). I then moved it to the living room to test its security features, triggering alerts on my phone and setting the main ceiling lights to pink while my husband was home to monitor the effects.
Categories: Reviews
Elementor website builder review 2025
In our 2025 Elementor review, we take another look at one of the most popular page builders for WordPress.org. With over 17 million users worldwide, Elementor has established itself as a leading solution for creating custom WordPress websites without coding knowledge. (For other options, check out our best website builders roundup.) Techradar reviewers have spent thousands of hours testing 140+ website builders to bring you expert insights.
Elementor operates as a WordPress plugin that transforms how you build websites. It offers both free and premium versions, with the Pro version unlocking advanced features like theme building and WooCommerce integration. While we rate Wix as our top pick for the best website builder in 2025, Elementor excels specifically within the WordPress ecosystem.
The platform has grown significantly since its 2016 launch by Israeli founders Yoni Luksenberg and Ariel Klikstein. Today, it powers over 5% of the top million websites globally and remains the most popular WordPress plugin with over 10 million active installations.
Elementor: 2-minute reviewElementor delivers a powerful WordPress page building experience that balances ease of use with professional capabilities. The platform's visual drag-and-drop editor lets you see changes in real-time, making website creation intuitive even for beginners. Its extensive widget library, template collection, and design system ensure you have the tools needed for professional-looking sites.
The company has built a strong reputation in the WordPress community since 2016. Elementor Ltd. secured $15 million in funding from Lightspeed Venture Partners in 2020, demonstrating investor confidence in their approach. Their "Hello" theme framework and expert network further cement their position as a comprehensive WordPress solution provider.
What is Elementor?Elementor is a visual page builder plugin designed specifically for WordPress websites. Think of it as a design tool that sits on top of your WordPress site, letting you create custom layouts by dragging and dropping elements onto your pages. Instead of writing code or being limited by your theme's design, you can build exactly what you envision.
The platform works through three main building blocks: sections, columns, and widgets. Sections act as containers for your content, columns divide those sections vertically, and widgets are the individual elements like text, images, or buttons that you add. This structure gives you complete control over your page layout while keeping the process simple and visual.
FeaturesElementor offers an impressive array of features that cater to both beginners and advanced users. (Image credit: Elementor)Elementor offers an impressive array of features that cater to both beginners and advanced users. The free version includes essential widgets, templates, and the core drag-and-drop functionality. You get access to basic design controls, responsive editing tools, and a solid foundation for building professional websites without spending a penny.
Elementor Pro significantly expands these capabilities with advanced features like the Theme Builder, which lets you design every part of your site including headers, footers, and archive pages. The WooCommerce Builder provides extensive e-commerce customization options, while the Form Builder and Popup Builder add essential conversion tools. Dynamic content capabilities allow you to create personalized experiences by connecting your designs to various data sources.
The platform's widget ecosystem is particularly strong, with the Pro version offering up to 86 specialized widgets compared to the free version's more limited selection. Motion effects, custom CSS options, and advanced design controls give you professional-level customization capabilities. The revision history feature provides peace of mind during the design process, while the notes system facilitates team collaboration.
What makes Elementor different from other page builders is its third-party ecosystem. Numerous addon developers create specialized widgets and functionality extensions, giving you access to even more design possibilities. However, we'd like to see better built-in SEO tools and more advanced animation options that some competitors offer. The pricing is justified given the feature depth, especially for the Pro version's comprehensive toolkit.
ToolsElementor features localization support, image design, and even code generation. (Image credit: Elementor)Elementor is a game-changing addition to the WordPress website builder, empowering users to create professional-grade websites with unparalleled ease and efficiency. It features localization support, image design, and even code generation. Here are some features we loved the most:
AI writing assistant
The built-in AI writing assistant offers contextual suggestions based on the widget you're using, helping you create compelling copy for your website in a matter of seconds. Whether you need to generate headlines, product descriptions, or blog introductions, Elementor AI's writing assistant has you covered.
Image generation and editing
With Elementor AI, you can create unique, eye-catching images tailored to your website's needs. Simply describe the image you want, and the AI will generate multiple variations for you to choose from. You can also edit existing images, remove backgrounds, and add generative fill to enhance your visuals.
Custom code generation
Elementor AI makes coding accessible to everyone, even those without extensive programming knowledge. The AI can generate custom CSS and HTML code snippets based on your requirements, allowing you to add advanced functionality and styling to your website with ease.
Elementor also offers Conditional CSS Loading. This helps you create a leaner, faster website by analyzing active widgets and features to ensure that only necessary CSS is loaded.
Translation support
Elementor AI supports 25 different languages, enabling you to create multilingual websites and reach a global audience. The AI writing assistant can translate your content into various languages, ensuring that your message resonates with visitors from around the world.
Seamless integration
AI Copilot is natively integrated within the Elementor editor, allowing you to access and utilize all AI-enabled tools without switching between different platforms. This helps streamline your workflow and improve productivity when working on complex projects.
Style
Elementor offers advanced style tools that will help you create a website that looks and works exactly how you want. For example, the floating bar and contact button features allows you to create fixed bars and contact buttons that stay visible to users as they scroll through the page.
Variable fonts also allows you to adjust the weight and width of fonts in single increments, making it easy to have your text look and feel exactly how you want it.
Ease of useElementor's visual editing experience makes website building accessible for all skill levels. (Image credit: Elementor)Elementor's visual editing experience makes website building accessible for all skill levels. A drag-and-drop interface lets you see changes in real-time as you build, eliminating the guesswork that comes with editing on WordPress's block editor, Gutenberg.
You simply drag widgets from the left sidebar onto your page canvas and watch your design come to life instantly. The interface splits cleanly between the editing panel and live preview, while features like right-click support, navigator mode, and the "Finder" tool help you work efficiently.
Learning curve depends on your background, but most users find Elementor approachable compared to other WordPress page builders. Basic tasks like adding text, images, and buttons are straightforward — you can click directly on text to edit it inline, just like any word processor. However, more complex features like moving sections or customizing layouts may initially feel overwhelming for complete beginners.
PricingElementor's pricing structure is straightforward and competitive, at least within the WordPress page builder market. (Image credit: Elementor)Plan
Starting rate (paid annually)
Renewal rate (paid annually)
Free
$0/month
$0/month
Essential
$4.99/month
$4.99/month
Advanced Solo
$6.99/month
$6.99/month
Advanced
$8.25/month
$8.25/month
Expert
$16.99/month
$16.99/month
Elementor's pricing structure is straightforward and competitive, at least within the WordPress page builder market. The free version provides substantial functionality for basic websites, while the paid plans scale based on the number of sites you need to build. The Essential plan at $59 annually covers single-site needs, making it accessible for small businesses and personal projects.
The higher-tier plans offer excellent value for agencies and freelancers managing multiple client sites. The Expert plan supports up to 25 websites for $199 annually, which breaks down to less than $8 per site. All paid plans include the same core Pro features, with the main differentiator being site limits rather than feature restrictions. The 30-day money-back guarantee provides risk-free testing of the premium features.
SupportElementor offers several support channels to assist users with their website building needs. (Image credit: Elementor)Elementor offers several support channels to assist users with their website building needs. The primary method of contact is through email support, where users can submit tickets detailing their issues or questions. Elementor also provides a comprehensive knowledge base and help center, featuring tutorials, guides, and FAQs to help users troubleshoot common problems.
In addition to email support, Elementor offers a live chat feature for quick assistance. However, some users have reported mixed experiences with the responsiveness and efficiency of the live chat support. While the company claims to provide 24/7 support, there have also been instances where users have waited several days for a response to their tickets.
Despite these inconsistencies, many users praise the support team for their helpfulness and professionalism when addressing concerns. Elementor’s support agents are generally knowledgeable about the product and try to provide clear guidance to resolve issues.
Security (Image credit: Elementor)Elementor includes an SSL certificate as standard, so you can rest knowing that your website is protected from most garden-variety threats. You also get malware scanning, to protect your data against viruses, worms, or ransomware which can be used to gain access to sensitive information.
Real-time scanning for malware threats prevents malicious attacks before they get a chance to happen. In addition to the immediate protection offered by its scanning service, Elementor also provides a detailed report after every scan along with recommendations on how to address any potential threats found on your site.
AlternativesWeebly is an all-in-one website builder that makes it easy for anyone to create a professional website without the need for coding or design skills. It features drag-and-drop functionality that allows users to customize their websites with ease, and also includes access to hundreds of free themes and templates.
Squarespace is another popular website building platform that offers users drag-and-drop customization options. It provides an easy way for people with little or no coding experience to create beautiful websites with ease. Squarespace also provides access to hundreds of free templates and themes, and has an impressive array of ecommerce features that make it easy for businesses to set up online stores.
Wix is one of the most popular website building platforms on the market today with over 110 million users worldwide. It offers an intuitive drag-and-drop interface that makes customizing your site easy, as well as access to hundreds of free templates and themes. Wix also includes powerful ecommerce features, such as payment integration and invoicing capabilities, so businesses can easily set up online stores on their sites.
Elementor: SummaryElementor’s new AI-powered assistant is a gamechanger for the platform’s usability, making it possible to create websites quickly and effortlessly without investing in a steep learning curve. We particularly liked the ability to generate raw HTML and CSS using prompts, which is a level of freedom unseen in most WordPress focused AI website builders.
However, many of Elementor’s most useful AI features are locked behind a Pro or AI subscription, which can get pretty expensive as your website continues to grow. Still, it’s a great choice for established businesses and agencies who are willing to pay extra for the additional creative freedom.
Elementor: FAQsDoes Elementor require coding knowledge?No, Elementor is designed specifically for users without coding experience. The visual drag-and-drop interface lets you build and customize websites by simply clicking and dragging elements into place. However, if you want advanced customizations, the Pro version does allow you to add custom CSS and HTML code for more sophisticated designs.
Can I use Elementor with any WordPress theme?Yes, Elementor works with virtually any WordPress theme. The Pro version's Theme Builder feature even lets you override your theme's design completely, giving you full control over headers, footers, and other template parts. For optimal performance, Elementor recommends lightweight themes like their own Hello theme, GeneratePress, or Astra.
Will Elementor slow down my website?Elementor can impact site speed if not used carefully, but it's generally well-optimized for performance. The key is avoiding excessive widgets and add-ons on a single page. Using a good hosting provider, caching plugins, and optimized images will help maintain fast loading times. The platform includes features like dynamic rendering and optimized asset loading to minimize performance impact.
What's the difference between Elementor free and Pro?The free version includes basic page building functionality with essential widgets and templates. Elementor Pro adds advanced features like the Theme Builder for customizing your entire site, WooCommerce integration for e-commerce stores, form building capabilities, popup creation tools, and access to premium templates and widgets. Pro also includes priority support and regular feature updates.
Can I migrate away from Elementor if needed?While Elementor creates custom layouts that are tied to the plugin, you can export your content and recreate designs in other builders if necessary. However, the process isn't automatic and requires manual work. We recommend thoroughly testing Elementor with their free version or 30-day money-back guarantee before committing to large projects.
Categories: Reviews
Web.com website builder review 2025
Our detailed Web.com review examines a website builder that has undergone significant changes following its integration with Network Solutions. Web.com, which has been helping small businesses create user-friendly online experiences since 1997, has now been reworked for even more ease of use with AI. But for those seeking advanced website building options, check out our guide to the best website builders.
TechRadar reviewers have spent thousands of hours testing 140+ website builders to bring you authoritative insights. Web.com offers a straightforward approach to website creation with over 200 templates and AI-assisted design tools. While it provides solid functionality for basic websites, it faces stiff competition from more advanced platforms like Wix, our top pick for the best website builder in 2025.
Web.com, now the Network Solutions Website Builder, emphasizes simplicity over complexity, making it appealing to users who want to get online quickly without technical expertise. However, its focus on ease of use comes at the cost of advanced customization options that more experienced users might expect.
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Web.com: 2-minute reviewWeb.com positions itself as a beginner-friendly website builder that prioritizes simplicity. The platform offers a section-based editor rather than true drag-and-drop functionality, which simplifies the building process but limits design flexibility. With over 200 templates covering various industries and AI-powered tools for content generation, Web.com provides a solid foundation for small businesses and individuals looking to establish an online presence quickly.
The company's recent integration with Network Solutions has led to a radical shift in its business model. Founded in 1997, Web.com has built a reputation for serving small businesses. But its acquisition and merger with the Network Solutions brand combines decades of web hosting and domain expertise. Still, this provider occupies a middle ground between ultra-simple platforms and professional-grade tools — though there are better alternatives currently available in each category.
What is Web.com?Web.com, or Network Solutions Website Builder, is a website building platform designed to help individuals and small businesses create professional websites without coding knowledge. Think of it as a digital toolkit that provides everything you need to build a website — templates, design tools, hosting, and domain registration. The platform uses what's called a "section-based" editor, which means you build your site by adding pre-designed sections (like headers, galleries, or contact forms) rather than placing individual elements wherever you want.
Network Solutions targets website creators who want to get online quickly without dealing with technical complexities. It handles the behind-the-scenes technical aspects like hosting, security, and maintenance, so you can focus on creating content and managing your business. The platform also includes AI-powered tools that can help generate website content and suggest design improvements, making it even easier for beginners to create professional-looking sites.
FeaturesWeb.com positions itself as a complete website building platform with marketing and ecommerce. (Image credit: Network Solutions)Web.com positions itself as a complete website building platform with marketing and ecommerce, designed for simplicity over flashiness. The platform offers a solid foundation of essential features, including over 200 templates across four main categories, AI-powered content generation tools, and integrated marketing capabilities through SocialBooster, AdSpend, and email marketing platforms.
Its section-based editor, while marketed as drag-and-drop, provides a more structured approach to website building that streamlines the design process for beginners but limits creative freedom for advanced users.
The platform's feature set is clearly geared toward small businesses and beginners who need to establish an online presence quickly without technical complexity. Web.com also includes practical business tools like appointment scheduling, Google Analytics integration, and basic SEO.
The AI copywriting tool helps generate SEO-friendly content for various purposes, while the marketing suite provides social media scheduling and advertising campaign management. However, the platform lacks the kind of app marketplace found in competitors like Wix, which offers over 800 apps compared to Web.com's basic built-in tools.
ToolsWeb.com provides a suite of tools designed to help users build, manage, and grow their online presence. (Image credit: Network Solutions)Web.com provides a suite of tools designed to help users build, manage, and grow their online presence. The platform combines website building capabilities with marketing tools and business features to create an all-in-one solution.
Website builder
The core website building tool uses a section-based editor that allows users to add and customize pre-designed sections. While marketed as drag-and-drop, the interface is more structured, with elements that can be moved within defined parameters to maintain design consistency.
AI-powered content tools
Web.com includes AI tools for generating website content and marketing ideas. These tools can help create text for different sections of your site and suggest improvements to enhance user engagement.
E-commerce features
The platform offers built-in e-commerce capabilities including unlimited product listings, multiple payment options, abandoned cart recovery, and inventory management. Higher-tier plans include marketplace selling and advanced inventory features.
Marketing suite
Web.com provides integrated marketing tools including SocialBooster for social media management, AdSpend for advertising campaigns, email marketing capabilities, and MyLinks for creating custom branded links.
SEO and analytics
The platform includes SEO health checks, Google Analytics integration, and website analytics tools to help users track performance and improve search engine visibility.
Ease of useWeb.com prioritizes simplicity throughout the user experience, making it particularly accessible for beginners. (Image credit: Network Solutions)Web.com prioritizes simplicity throughout the user experience, making it particularly accessible for beginners. The onboarding process includes an AI chatbot that helps generate a starter website, though some users find its initial setup process underwhelming compared to more sophisticated builders. A section-based editor keeps your design process focused, by providing pre-built sections that can be customized and rearranged to create a unique website.
The interface features a clean, intuitive design with a left-side menu containing essential tools like Pages, Blog, and Appointments. Adding new elements is straightforward — you simply click the blue + icon to access different content blocks like buttons, text, galleries, and Google Maps. The platform shows layout guides at the bottom of the editor, helping users understand how elements can be positioned within each section.
While the simplified approach makes Web.com very beginner-friendly, it does limit design flexibility for users who want more control over their site's appearance. You can't change templates for existing pages, and the selection of blocks and elements is more limited compared to advanced website builders. However, the platform compensates with reliable performance, featuring 100% uptime in testing and fast loading speeds averaging 1.2 seconds for the Largest Contentful Paint metric.
PricingWeb.com's offers significant new-user discounts, with prices reduced by 67-100% for a 12-month term for every new user. (Image credit: Network Solutions)Plan
Starting rate (paid annually)
Renewal rate (paid annually)
Website Builder
$1.99/month
$16.99/month
Website + Marketing
$3.99/month
$21.99/month
Ecommerce
$9.99/month
$29.99/month
Web.com's offers significant new-user discounts, with prices reduced by 67-100% for a 12-month term for every new user. But on the flip side of that, you can expect a sharp incline in subscription fees once the initial term has passed.
But while the entry-level pricing is higher than many competitors, Network Solutions' overhauled pricing removes any significant price hikes for those looking to upgrade. Web.com's most expensive plan costs $29.99/month during renewal, even with the upgraded features and hardware needed to support ecommerce.
SecurityWeb.com provides essential security features including SSL certificates and secure website hosting across all plans. (Image credit: Network Solutions)Web.com provides essential security features including SSL certificates and secure website hosting across all plans. The platform offers automatic SSL certificate installation and renewal, ensuring data encryption between websites and visitors. However, the company isn't particularly transparent about its comprehensive security measures, and some security features that competitors include for free may require additional payment.
The platform includes basic security monitoring and protection through its hosting infrastructure, though it lacks some advanced security features found in enterprise-grade solutions. Web.com's integration with Network Solutions brings additional security expertise from a company with 45 years of experience in web services, potentially strengthening the overall security posture. Users seeking enhanced security should consider the platform's SiteLock integration, which offers cloud-based scanning and real-time threat detection.
Support(Image credit: Network Solutions)Network Solutions offers a wide range of ways to get in touch with its team, including an online chat feature, phone support, and email support. You could reach out at any time of the day or night, which is great if your team is spread across time zones.
Another great thing is the knowledge base articles. These resources are incredibly helpful, especially for newbies who don't know much about building websites from scratch. There are step-by-step tutorials for setting up your account, as well as more general advice on topics such as SEO optimization and social media marketing.
AlternativesWordPress.com is one of the most popular website building tools in the world today, and for good reason. It's easy to use and completely customizable, making it ideal for businesses of all sizes and types. The platform also comes with plenty of features, including customizable themes and plugins that can help you create an effective and attractive website in no time at all.
Wix is another great alternative to Web.com website builder if you are looking for something that's easy to use while still providing plenty of features and customization options. With Wix, you can create a professional-looking site without any coding knowledge or technical skills at all—all you need is a drag-and-drop interface and a few clicks of the mouse.
Squarespace is another excellent alternative to Web.com if you want something that's both powerful and easy to use at the same time. Squarespace lets users customize their websites quickly and easily with its intuitive drag-and-drop editor as well as dozens of templates designed specifically for businesses in mind.
Web.com: SummaryWeb.com serves as a solid choice for beginners and small businesses seeking a straightforward website building experience with AI-powered assistance. The platform excels in ease of use, performance reliability, and customer support, making it particularly suitable for users who prioritize simplicity over advanced customization.
However, its section-based editor limits design flexibility, and the steep renewal pricing structure may deter cost-conscious users in the long term. While Web.com's recent integration with Network Solutions adds credibility and technical expertise, the platform faces strong competition from more feature-rich alternatives that offer better value propositions.
Web.com: FAQsHow do I create a website on Web.com?Creating a website on Web.com is easy and straightforward. All you need to do is sign up for an account, select the type of website you want to create (such as an e-commerce store or portfolio site), and then customize it with your own design elements and content.
You can even add features like contact forms, galleries, blogs, and more. Once you’re happy with the design of your site, click “Publish” and your new website will be live for everyone to see.
Can I build an online store with Web.com?Yes, Web.com offers a dedicated plan for those who want to build an online store. The plan comes with a host of dedicated ecommerce features including secure online payments, the ability to sell via platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and marketplaces, as well as promotional tools such as discount codes and abandoned cart delivery.
Does Web.com offer a free trial?Unfortunately, Web.com does not offer a free trial of its website builder service at this time. However, they do offer several different pricing plans to suit any budget, so if you have some money saved up you can try out its service without breaking the bank.
Can I create a web page with Web.com?Yes. With Web.com’s easy-to-use tools, you can create a basic web page in no time at all - no coding experience required.
Categories: Reviews
I tested the EnGenius EOC655 bridge, an innovative product that combines Bluetooth and GPS
The EnGenius EOC655 outdoor bridge features two Wi-Fi 6 radios offering a combined throughput of 2 Gbps.
SpecificationCPU: Dual-core Qualcomm ARM CPU
RAM: 1GB
Storage: 8GB NAND
Radios: Two 2x2 5GHz Wi-Fi 6, One 2.4GHz Wi-Fi for management
Wireless throughput: Theoretical 2Gbps
Ports: 1Gb Ethernet with PoE, 2.5Gb Ethernet with proprietary PoE
Weight: 1.84 kg
Dimensions: 26.7 cm x 22.7 cm x 8.2 cm
Power Consumption: 21W maximum consumption, 15W with one client connected
MSRP: $999
The manufacturer-specified range of 10km is under ideal conditions. In reality, a reliable link is achieved at 1km or less. Its IP67 rating delivers reliable operation under harsh outdoor conditions, and with dual GbE ports, it can extend the reach of a remote location with wired Ethernet to over 100 meters. AES-256 encryption boosts security, and optional support for FIPS-140-2 compliance ensures reliable and secure communication.
The built-in GPS enables accurate device location and network mapping, making it essential for asset tracking and seamless network integration.
Web-based monitoring and management through the unified cloud service and mobile app allow auto-provisioning and large-scale deployments. The EOC655 consumes 21W, making it ideal for remote locations where energy supply is limited, such as a solar farm. A dual-core A53 CPU, supported by 1GB of RAM and 8GB of eMMC, provides premium features such as quality of service and VLAN support.
The EOC655 costs $999 per unit and does not include an external antenna. The same unit, equipped with two 18dBi antennas, costs $1100 and can cover up to 10 km. The EOC655 can be bundled with an even better antenna, providing up to 10km of range at higher throughput for $1300.
EnGenius EOC655: DesignThe EnGenius wireless bridge ships with one accessory box containing the mounting kit, Ethernet wires, and a PoE adapter. A metal ring secures the unit to a outdoor post with screws. The white plastic enclosure lacks a heat dissipator and will become warm over time. Two Ethernet connectors link the box to the network while two N-type female connectors allow the addition of external antennas to boost the bridge’s range. The box measures 27 cm x 23 cm x 82 mm and weighs 1.84kg.
Internally, the EOC655 is based on a Qualcomm chipset. The processor is a Dual-Core 1GHz ARM CPU supported by 1GB of RAM and 8GB of flash memory. The two Ethernet ports can connect to 2.5 Gb and 1 Gb networks, supporting speeds as low as 10 Mbps. The connectors have a plastic enclosure that surrounds the Ethernet cable, preventing water from entering the bridge.
The two Ethernet ports function as PoE ports, but they differ slightly in operation. The 2.5 Gb port supports a proprietary version of PoE that is compatible only with the supplied adapter. The 1Gb port supports the regular 48V PoE and can be connected to a standard PoE switch. To facilitate installation, the bridge features additional hardware, including a GPS module and Bluetooth connectivity.
The two-radio architecture allows the use of both internal and external antennas. The maximum power for transmission is set to 27 dBm, which is higher than that of consumer products. The C18 model has built-in antennas with gains of 3.5 dBi at 2.4 GHz and eight dBi at 5 GHz. The second radio uses an N-type connector for the 5 GHz band. The base version of the bridge drops the 5GHz internal antenna, resulting in both radios operating through N-type connectors.
(Image credit: Future)EnGenius EOC655: In UseAt least two units are needed to start the setup. A base unit connects to the wired network that needs extension. A second EOC655 is a subscriber and associates with the base over Wi-Fi 6. There is no visual indicator to show if things are working well. If a PoE switch is available, connecting the base unit will likely occur through the 1G port, as the faster 2.5G port is only compatible with the proprietary power supply.
The setup is entirely completed through the Engenius SkyConnect mobile app, available on Android and iOS. It is frustrating that an additional app is required for this process, as Engenius's other products, including access points, utilize the more familiar Cloud-To-Go platform. Once powered, the base unit emits a management SSID and waits for remote units to reply. The EOC655 supports up to 16 subscriber stations, working in a star configuration. As such, adding stations won’t necessarily increase the network's range.
Integrating a GPS module and a dedicated 2.4 GHz radio for management simplifies the installation process. The GPS provides real-time unit location and an accurate time source for the embedded NTP server. The 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth channels prevent downtime during Wi-Fi 6 radios configuration and firmware updates. Finally, a built-in compass provides additional help when no GPS signal is present.
(Image credit: Future)EnGenius EOC655: CompetitionThe EOC655 bridge is an innovative product that combines various technologies, including Bluetooth and GPS, under a single roof. For this reason, it is challenging to find a suitable competitor.
The Zyxel WAX655E offers many features similar to those of the EnGenius, and it is faster, boasting a 4x4 radio architecture. The WAX655E lacks the convenience provided by the GPS module, making installation more difficult. The Zyxel product does not have a second Ethernet port, which prevents the network from being extended further without an Ethernet switch.
EnGenius EOC655: Final VerdictThe EOC655 meets the requirements when long-range Wi-Fi is needed. It's not a router or an access point; it is pretty useless on its own. It shines when two or more are used in a mesh configuration to extend the reach beyond one kilometer. And it does it well. The installation is smooth, thanks to features such as geolocation via GPS and setup via Bluetooth or 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. The throughput isn’t the best, but it will be reliable over larger distances.
We appreciated that you could install external antennas, which offer better gain than embedded ones. However, the lack of visual cues on the unit makes working with the mobile app a necessity.
Buy the EOC655 if you want to extend the reach of your network without sacrificing reliability.
Don’t buy the EOC655 if you want the best throughput available.
Categories: Reviews
I watched Squid Game season 3 on Netflix, and it's a nail-biting, poignant last hurrah for the streaming giant's most popular TV Original
Spoilers follow for Squid Game seasons 2 and 3.
Squid Game season 3 marks the end of the most-watched Netflix TV Original. Hwang Dong-hyuk's incredibly successful survival drama has had us on tenterhooks since its first season debuted in September 2021. And, with its final season out now, viewers want to know how Gi-hun's story ends, and if Hwang and company have fittingly stuck the landing with its last hurrah.
At the time of publication, it's impossible to say if that's the case because critics couldn't watch Squid Game's last-ever episode ahead of time. However, I have seen the first five chapters of season 3, and they're as thrilling, incredibly moving, and at times predictable as its forebears' entries were.
Death and despairDevastation reigns among some contestants after last season's heart-wrenching finale (Image credit: Netflix)Picking up immediately after season 2's heart-breaking finale, Squid Game 3 reunites us with an emotionally crushed Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) after his unsuccessful insurrection. His best friend Park Jung-bae (Lee Seo-hwan) was also executed by Front Man, aka Hwang In-ho (Lee Byung-hun), who infiltrated the competition's latest installment and posed as an ally of Gi-hun's before ultimately quashing the uprising. Numerous contestants who joined the rebellion lost their lives amid the failed revolt, too.
With three rounds left until a winner is crowned, though, the games must continue. That is, unless Detective Hwang Jun-ho (Wi Ha-joon) and his team of hired mercenaries can locate the secret island where the games are held and help Gi-hun put a stop to them once and for all.
Squid Game 3 found new ways to emotionally ruin me
Given last season's cliff-hanger ending and the narrative tissue that connects the pair, Squid Game 3 feels more like season 2 volume 2 rather than a standalone entry.
That's not an inherently bad thing, but six months have passed since last season originally aired. The passage of time has largely nullified the full effects of that season's gut-punch ending, so you'll want to rewatch season 2 episode 7 to redigest its true impact, reimmerse yourself in this world, and remind yourself of events concerning characters like Jun-ho and reluctant Squid Game soldier Kang No-eul (Park Gyu-young). I didn't, and it took me an entire episode – i.e. the season 3 premiere – to reconnect with Squid Game's drama-fuelled story and eclectic cast of characters.
You'll see plenty more coffins in Squid Game season 3 (Image credit: Netflix)Once I was locked back in, Squid Game 3 found new ways to emotionally ruin me, through – yep, you guessed it, more character deaths. I'd argue the demise of certain individuals is far more impactful, too, because of the emotional investment I've put in them. After all, I've spent more time with this cast than contestants who featured in seasons 1 and 2.
Regardless, with its battle royale-like structure, the titular games demand death, so in this final season of one of the best Netflix shows' even darlings and love-to-hate characters have to die. The former's deaths are tear-jerking, while plenty of the latter get their deserved comeuppance in highly satisfying fashion. If it was ever in doubt, Squid Game season 3 is an emotional rollercoaster in every sense of the word.
Seong Gi-hun is a broken man after last season's finale (Image credit: Netflix)As the series' protagonist, it's Gi-hun's story that understandably takes center stage, although it takes an episode to get going again. Hey, he's lost the will to live after his best friend's demise, and feels extremely guilty over the deaths of other contestants he convinced to join his uprising, so cut him some slack.
Once it kicks into gear, Gi-hun's season 3 arc becomes an introspection of the series' primary theme of humanity and the fight to retain your morality when events and people want to beat it out of you. I enjoyed – if that's the right word to describe it – Gi-hun's one-man quest to battle back from the brink; the formerly jovial yet determined protagonist succumbing to, and then railing against, the blind rage, shame, and darkness within. It's not until this season's midway point that the fire in his belly is reignited, too, so there's scope for Squid Game 3 to make Gi-hun's descent into madness an unsettling watch. And it does so with aplomb before he gets up off the proverbial canvas.
Game onSeason 3 introduces new games that are as thrilling and dangerous as their siblings are (Image credit: Netflix)Gi-hun's inner turmoil isn't helped by the introduction of new games that initially prey on his guilt-fueled fury, one of which was teased in Squid Game season 3's first clip. Ever the humanitarian, though, that emotional turbulence is replaced by his one-man quest for redemption, which centers on a key detail in Squid Game 3's first trailer and becomes an unexpectedly crucial component of the games' final three rounds.
Squid Game 3 does a superb job of slowly ratcheting up the tension through spine-chilling and hair-raising moments
Whether it's Jump Rope – which features giant robot Young-hee, introduces her companion Chul-su, and literally heightens the sense of fear among contestants and viewers alike – or other new games I can't spoil, Squid Game 3 knows how to raise the stakes. Like its forebears, it does a superb job of slowly ratcheting up the nail-biting tension before delivering spine-chilling and heart-pounding moments aplenty. Add in some narrative curveballs during and between the games that further tighten the screw, and Squid Game 3 surprises and captivates in equal measure.
If you were expecting plenty of Front Man in season 3, prepare to be disappointed (Image credit: Netflix)Squid Game season 3 isn't above reproach, mind you.
Indeed, it gives Front Man far less to do than season 2 did – a grave disappointment when he was such a compelling and complicated antagonist last time around. Season 3 belatedly and pleasingly addresses this oversight in its second half, but I was nonetheless frustrated by his absence for large swathes of the show's final chapter.
The side story involving Jun-ho is lost at sea for much of season 3, too (Image credit: Netflix)Jun-ho's perennial quest to rediscover the island where the games take place drifts aimlessly in an ocean of subplot mediocrity, too. Bogged down by extraneous story exposition and a narrative that goes around in circles, it would've been more effective as a side story with less screen time and some genuine forward momentum. It doesn't actually get exciting until episode 4.
Jun-ho's perennial quest to rediscover the island where the games take place drifts aimlessly
Season 3 does right by one underutilized character, though, in No-eul. Outside of what we learned about her in season 2's first episode, the renegade soldier is given a proper arc in Squid Game's final season and, whisper it quietly, might be the real MVP (most valuable player) of season 3.
No-eul is the biggest beneficiary of more screen time in season 3 (Image credit: Netflix)It's unclear what impact, if any, No-eul will have on the series' final episode.
However, season 3 episode 5 sets up an engrossing finale that'll see Squid Game's various storytelling threads intersect and, hopefully, give it the send-off it deserves. I just hope its runtime is considerable enough to sufficiently and effectively wrap up each plotline. Based on how this season's fifth chapter ends, it's still got a lot of legwork to complete before the credits roll for the last time.
My verdictBased on five of its six episodes, Squid Game season 3 is as gripping and delightfully miserable as I expected.
The show's final round could've been braver and less formulaic with its storytelling choices, and its incessant plot exposition regularly grated on me. But, as a character study and exploration of man's inhumanity to his fellow man and other sociopolitical themes, it's hard to argue that finale notwithstanding, Squid Game 3 is a grandstand finish to an unmissable series that fully deserves its place in the pantheon of Netflix TV Originals.
Squid Game season 3 is out now in full on Netflix.
Categories: Reviews
IONOS website builder review 2025
This IONOS review examines one of the most budget-friendly website builders available in 2025. IONOS prides itself on offering a complete suite of solutions for professionals looking to establish an online presence, including shared hosting, VPS, dedicated servers, and their MyWebsite builder platform. You can also check out our guide to the best website builders for more options.
Techradar reviewers have spent thousands of hours testing 140+ website builders to bring you expert insights. Based on our tests, IONOS stands out with its AI-assisted design process and some of the lowest introductory prices in the industry, starting at just $1 per month. However, Wix remains our top pick for the best overall website building experience in 2025.
IONOS MyWebsite targets beginners without programming experience, especially with its "MyWebsite Now" builder launched in 2023. We found IONOS delivers on its promise of simplicity, though it won't satisfy users seeking extensive design control or advanced features.
IONOS MyWebsite: 2-minute reviewIONOS MyWebsite represents a solid entry-level website builder that prioritizes ease of use over advanced functionality. The platform excels at helping complete beginners create functional websites quickly through its AI-assisted design process. Users simply answer a few questions about their business, and IONOS generates a website draft that can be manually adjusted.
The German internet service provider has built a reputation for affordable web services, and their website builder continues this tradition with introductory pricing as low as $1 per month. However, IONOS faces stiff competition from more feature-rich platforms like Wix and Hostinger. While it offers good value for simple business websites, its limited template selection and rigid design structure may frustrate users seeking creative freedom.
What is IONOS?IONOS is a German internet service provider that offers a comprehensive suite of online services, including web hosting, domain registration, email hosting, and website building tools. Their MyWebsite builder is specifically designed for UX beginners who want to create professional-looking websites without any coding knowledge or design experience.
The platform uses artificial intelligence to simplify website creation. When you sign up, IONOS asks you questions about your business type, goals, and preferences, then automatically generates a website draft based on your responses. You can then customize this draft using their drag-and-drop editor, which features pre-built sections and layouts that you can modify to suit your needs.
FeaturesThough IONOS doesn’t compete with higher-end builders like Wix or Webflow on customization, it shines in simplicity and efficiency. (Image credit: IONOS)Better known for its affordable web hosting, IONOS extends its expertise into site building, offering a user-friendly platform that can support everything from simple personal pages to ecommerce stores.
Though IONOS doesn’t compete with higher-end builders like Wix or Webflow on customization, it shines in simplicity and efficiency, making it an ideal choice for users seeking functionality with minimal hassle.
It's primary offering is an AI-assisted website generation experience, which comes with additional features like a template library, drag-and-drop customization, multichannel ecommerce, and a number of marketing and analytics tools.
ToolsWith the AI-powered experience, you answer a few questions about your brand and preferences so IONOS generates up to four layout options. (Image credit: IONOS)As we just discussed, IONOS is a beginner-friendly website builder with AI guidance for new users being its most important website building feature. But that said, there are other tools in its repository that add to the existing value.
AI tools
With the AI-powered experience, you answer a few questions about your brand and preferences so IONOS generates up to four layout options. If you don't like any of them, it can take another shot and rework the choices. Once you find a layout that fits, you get to personalize it by playing with colors, fonts, and shape themes. As expected, the editing options are a bit basic, so if you’re looking for intricate typography or color schemes, they’re not quite there.
IONOS’s AI also helps with content creation, from filling in text to generating images. You can tweak the tone of the text to feel more friendly, professional, or trustworthy, just by selecting the vibe you want. And the image generator is also pretty handy, even if the results can be hit-and-miss.
Templates
ONOS’s website template range is surprisingly modest, with around 30 options, but it leans toward professionalism and ease of use, keeping design decisions straightforward. These templates cater to all sorts of business, portfolio, and personal projects alike, giving you a polished and professional springboard for your site.
Once you pick a template in IONOS’s editor, customizing your site is simple, though it does lean toward structure over total freedom. Rather than full drag-and-drop flexibility, you’ll add pre-designed sections — like "About," "Galleries," or "Contact" - with only a few style choices for each. You can tweak colors, spacing, and fonts, though the font choices are quite limited.
Ecommerce toolkit
Ready to kickstart your online store? IONOS provides a solid set of ecommerce tools that make it easy to manage your inventory, set up tax and shipping options, and customize product variations - all the essentials you need to hit the ground running.
While it might not have the ultra-advanced features of bigger ecommerce platforms, IONOS has the essentials small-to-midsize businesses need to set up shop, handle orders, and keep customers engaged. Features like discount codes, abandoned cart emails, and social media integration are also part of the package.
Free domain and SSL
With IONOS, each plan comes with a free domain for the first year, which helps keep startup costs down. Plus, they include an SSL certificate right from the get-go, ensuring your site is secure and helping boost your search engine rankins. This built-in SSL support is a big plus for ecommerce sites, as it makes online transactions safer.
Email hosting
IONOS keeps things straightforward by bundling a professional email address that matches your domain — so, no need to set up with another provider. This built-in email feature makes it easy to stay connected with customers. If you need more storage as your business expands, IONOS offers scalable email plans to keep up with your growth.
SEO tools and rankingCoach
With IONOS, you can make your site pop in search results thanks to customizable SEO settings available for every page, giving you the tools to optimize your content and boost your visibility. For a more beginner-friendly SEO boost, you can integrate rankingCoach, a tool that walks users through visibility improvements step-by-step.
IONOS also includes a tool that checks for SEO improvements, making it simple to stay on top of rankings.
Localization features
If your business has global ambitions, IONOS has you covered with translation support for over 60 languages, making it easy to cater to different regions. You can customize content based on location, tailoring messages or promotions to resonate with specific audiences.
This mix of multilingual options and targeted content helps you engage with a whole variety of customers.
Site analytics
After your site goes live, you can dive into visitor stats that answer key questions about your audience: Who are they, and how can you reach them? This info lays the groundwork for successful marketing strategies tailored to your potential customers.
These tools make it easy to track key metrics like visitor counts, session lengths, and page impressions. You’ll also get a good look at your bounce rate, showing where you might want to make some tweaks.
Ease of useWhile IONOS makes getting started super simple, there are limitations when it comes to advanced customization. (Image credit: IONOS)With the IONOS AI site builder, all it takes is a few details about your business, and you’ll have a customizable site complete with tailored images and text. This hands-off method is a lifesaver for busy entrepreneurs who want to channel their energy into more meaningful tasks instead of stressing over design elements.
While IONOS makes getting started super simple, there are a few limitations when it comes to advanced customization. If you’re after a more intricate design, you might hit a few bumps in the road.
Still, if you’re looking for a fast and efficient way to establish your online presence, IONOS is a superb option that helps you get started without the steep learning curve.
PricingIONOS offers some of the most competitive introductory pricing in the market. (Image credit: IONOS)Plan
Starting rate (paid annually)
Renewal rate (paid annually)
Starter
$6/month
$12/month
Plus
$1/month
$18/month
Pro
$17/month
$30/month
Starter (+ Store)
$6/month
$24/month
Plus (+ Store)
$1/month
$30/month
Pro (+ Store)
$34/month
$62/month
Expert (Store Only)
$44/month
$92/month
IONOS offers some of the most competitive introductory pricing in the website builder market, with plans starting as low as $1 per month for the first year. The Plus plan represents exceptional value during the promotional period, offering 50GB storage and up to 200 pages for just $1 monthly. All plans include a free domain name for the first year, free SSL certificates, and business email hosting.
However, you should be aware that prices increase significantly upon renewal, with the Plus plan jumping from $1 to $18 per month. Despite this, IONOS remains more affordable than many competitors even at renewal rates. The platform also offers specialized e-commerce plans for users wanting to build online stores, though these come at higher price points.
Security(Image credit: IONOS)IONOS provides solid security foundations with wildcard SSL certificates included on all plans, protecting both your main website and any subdomains you create. This comprehensive SSL coverage makes setting up multiple site sections much easier compared to platforms that require separate certificates for each subdomain.
The platform implements automatic cookie notices to ensure GDPR compliance, which is particularly important for European users. However, IONOS lacks some advanced security features like DDoS protection and automatic backups that you'll find with premium website builders. While this isn't problematic for small websites, it could become a concern as your site grows and requires more robust protection.
Support(Image credit: IONOS)IONOS is built to handle high traffic and keep your site running smoothly, even when visitors are pouring in from across the globe. For businesses looking to keep their audience engaged without slowdowns, IONOS’s infrastructure should deliver dependable speed and stability.
As for support, you’ve got plenty of resources to lean on. Their knowledge base is packed with how-tos on everything from tech tips to marketing advice. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to open it in a separate tab since it’s not right in the dashboard. Still, it's a solid spot for quick guidance.
For those times when you need immediate help, IONOS is one of the few that offer 24/7 phone support - something beginners will appreciate. The team is known for being kind and knowledgeable, too. There’s also live chat from 8 AM to 8 PM if you prefer a quick message over a phone call.
AlternativesIf you’re thinking about IONOS but curious about what else is out there, here’s a quick rundown on how it stacks up against Weebly, Squarespace, and Wix, its top competitors.
Weebly is a perfect choice for ecommerce newbies - it’s packed with tools to make selling easy, all for $12 per month. While Weebly’s free plan gives a nice starting point, its paid plans are a better fit for anyone who wants a polished, professional look.
Read our full Weebly review to learn more.
Squarespace brings a lot of style to the table, with stunning templates that appeal to creatives. Starting at $16, it’s a bit pricier, but the 14-day free trial lets you explore everything it offers before diving in.
Read our full Squarespace review to learn more.
Wix is an awesome alternative if you’re all about creative freedom. With true drag-and-drop customization, you can place elements anywhere on the page. It offers tons of templates, but for total beginners, IONOS will still feel a little easier.
Read our full Wix review to learn more.
IONOS MyWebsite: SummaryIf you're a newcomer to site building, IONOS is a superb option. With its budget-friendly starting prices, swift AI setup, and useful SEO tools, getting your site up and running it has never been easier.
That said, its limited customization options and absence of a free trial might leave some aspiring designers wanting more. Still, if you're after a user-friendly platform that won't break the bank, IONOS is a great pick - just be prepared to work within its constraints.
FAQsIs IONOS good for beginners?Yes, IONOS excels as a beginner-friendly platform with its AI-assisted website creation process. The platform requires no coding knowledge and guides you through each step of building your site. However, beginners should be aware that customization options are limited compared to other builders.
Does IONOS offer e-commerce capabilities?IONOS provides e-commerce functionality through dedicated store plans that support hundreds to thousands of products depending on your chosen tier. The platform includes basic features like payment processing through Mollie and social buy buttons, but lacks the advanced e-commerce tools found in specialized platforms like Shopify.
What happens to pricing after the first year?IONOS uses promotional pricing for the first year, after which rates increase significantly. For example, the Plus plan jumps from $1 to $18 per month upon renewal. While still competitive, this price increase is substantial and should factor into your long-term budgeting.
Can I migrate my existing website to IONOS?Yes, IONOS offers migration assistance to help transfer your existing website and content to their platform. They provide 24/7 support during the migration process and can help with domain transfers as well.
Categories: Reviews
The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 is an excellent PC controller, but I still prefer the superb original
8BitDo Ultimate 2: one-minute review
The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 gaming controller is a pretty straightforward upgrade over the original 8BitDo Ultimate - a pad that continues to feature in our list of the best Nintendo Switch controllers. And while the Ultimate 2 is yet to receive its own Switch-compatible model (it’s just PC and Android for now, sadly), it remains a very competent gamepad that brings several welcome improvements.
Chiefly, the Ultimate 2 now features TMR (tunnelling magnetoresistance, for those curious) thumbsticks. We’ve seen this tech implemented in other fantastic PC controllers such as the GameSir Tarantula Pro, and they’re just as welcome here, offering greater stability and longevity than even Hall effect sticks.
The controller also adds two extra shoulder buttons, making for a total of four remappable buttons (the other two are found on the rear of the pad, like before). You’ll also find a pair of trigger locks back there, letting you quickly swap between analog and digital trigger presses based on your preference.
The last major addition here is RGB lighting rings around each thumbstick. These look nice and can be customized via the 8BitDo Ultimate Software PC companion app. But if you’re playing wirelessly, I would advise against keeping them on, as they’re a pretty major drain on the gamepad’s already average battery life.
(Image credit: Future)8BitDo Ultimate 2 review: price and availability- $59.99 / £49.99 (around AU$90)
- Cheaper than the 8BitDo Ultimate at retail price
- Available via Amazon
The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 controller is available to buy now from the brand’s Amazon store. It costs $59.99 / £49.99 (around AU$90), which is actually $10 / £10 cheaper than its predecessor. As a result, I can confidently say that if you’re shopping for a new PC controller in the 8BitDo line up, this is the one to go for. You’re saving cash and getting more features to boot.
8BitDo Ultimate 2 review: SpecsPrice
$59.99 / £49.99 (around AU$90)
Weight
8.7oz / 246g
Dimensions
5.7 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 147 x 103 x 61mm
Compatibility
PC, Android
Connection type
Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)
Battery life
10-15 hours
(Image credit: Future)8BitDo Ultimate 2 review: design and features- Eye-catching RGB lighting
- Additional remappable buttons
- Supports 2.4GHz and Bluetooth wireless connections
As I’ve come to expect from the brand, the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 boasts excellent build quality. It feels exceptionally sturdy in the hands, with lightly textured grips allowing the pad to rest firmly.
The TMR thumbsticks now feature metallic shafts, a pleasant upgrade over the original model that not only looks smart but should help the sticks in the longevity department, too. Otherwise, the d-pad, face buttons, and central utility buttons (including Start, Select, Home, etc.) all feel similar to the first Ultimate. That means you can expect very solid materials overall. One nice change is that those central buttons are spaced out much better here than on the Ultimate, where they felt a little cramped together on that pad.
As mentioned above, you’re also getting four remappable buttons, two on the rear, and two nestled up next to the bumpers and triggers. These are labeled ‘L4’ and ‘R4’ on the left and right, respectively, while the rear paddles are labeled as ‘PL’ and ‘PR’. The rear also houses two trigger locks for switching between analog and digital trigger distances, as well as a toggle for swapping between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connections.
If you’re curious as to where the included 2.4GHz dongle is located (it took me a moment to realize this at first), it’s housed within the charging dock that the controller also comes with. Simply flip open the hatch on the bottom and you’ll find it tucked inside. One thing to note here is that the dongle requires a USB-C port for connection, unlike the original Ultimate controller. That’s naturally great for Android devices, but you may want to invest in a USB-C to USB adapter if your gaming PC or laptop lacks the necessary USB-C port.
(Image credit: Future)8BitDo Ultimate 2 review: Performance- Sublime drift-resistant TMR thumbsticks
- Battery life is hurt compared to the original Ultimate
- Satisfyingly tactile buttons and triggers
The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 has been my go-to controller for the past couple of weeks - and not just for testing purposes. The controller simply feels fantastic during play, largely owing to the buttery smooth TMR thumbsticks and the highly tactile shoulder and face buttons.
Having tested the controller with titles like Lies of P, Elden Ring Nightreign, Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time, Tekken 8, and Final Fantasy 14 Online, I find that the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 is well-suited to a broad variety of genres and gaming styles.
One slight dampener, though, is the inclusion of those RGB rings around the thumbsticks. Don’t get me wrong, they look lovely in action, and produce a very pleasing moving light based on the direction you’re pointing the sticks (and respond to button presses, too). It’s snazzy, but the toll it takes on battery life makes them not really worth enabling during wireless play.
(Image credit: Future)I was quite surprised at first when the batteries emptied from full in around 10 hours, with those RGB lights enabled. However, when I played wirelessly with them switched off, I managed to squeeze a more fulsome 15 hours before needing to charge. That’s still not quite class-leading, but by no means terrible. However, given I managed around 20 hours out of the original Ultimate, it’s certainly a downgrade overall.
Lastly, a word on the Ultimate V2 Software app for PC. It’s not much of a looker with a very basic user interface, but it does offer robust customization. Downloadable from 8BitDo’s website, it lets you create up to three individual profiles, which you can swap between via a button press on the gamepad.
You can fully remap every button - including the extra rear and bumper buttons - as well as set button macros, stick and trigger sensitivity, vibration strength, and more. It’s all accompanied by handy diagrams which show you in real time how your changes affect the controller’s performance.
(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the 8BitDo Ultimate 2?Buy it if...You want an affordable PC or mobile controller that offers top-notch quality and performance
The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 barely puts a foot wrong. I have some qualms with the RGB lighting and its effect on battery life, but this is a phenomenal upgrade to an already world-class controller.
You enjoy in-depth controller customization
The Ultimate Software V2 app gives you the tools you need to customize pretty much every aspect of your play experience. From sensitivity and vibration strength to full button remapping, it’s got it all and is especially perfect for competitive players who like specific control schemes.
You’re not a PC gamer
Unfortunately, the Ultimate 2 is not compatible with consoles like Nintendo Switch or Xbox Series X|S. For that, you’ll need the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller, which is also available at the brand’s website.
You want more battery life
The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, this ain’t. If this controller’s short battery lifespan of around 10-15 hours has you feeling queasy, you may want to consider alternatives like the Xbox Wireless Controller (around 20-30 hours) or the aforementioned Switch Pro Controller (40+ hours), which is also compatible with PC.
There’s every chance the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 isn’t quite what you’re after. If so, consider these two similarly priced alternatives.
8BitDo Ultimate 2
GameSir Tarantula Pro
8BitDo Ultimate
Price
$59.99 / £49.99 (around AU$90)
$69.99 / £69.99 (around AU$107)
$69.99 / £59.99 (around AU$107)
Weight
8.7oz / 246g
11.5oz / 325g
8.7oz / 245g
Dimensions
5.7 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 147 x 103 x 61mm
6.2 x 3.9 x 2.4in / 157 x 99 x 61mm
5.7 x 4.2 x 2.5in / 147 x 104 x 62mm
Compatibility
PC, Android
PC, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS
PC, Nintendo Switch
Connection type
Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)
Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)
Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)
Battery life
10-15 hours
Around 12 hours
15-20 hours
GameSir Tarantula Pro
Arguably the brand’s best controller, and that’s high praise given its usually high-quality output. This is a symmetrical controller with excellent build quality and a handy button layout switching feature that swaps the face buttons between XInput and Switch displays.
Read our full GameSir Tarantula Pro review
8BitDo Ultimate
The original 8BitDo Ultimate is still one of the best controllers ever made. It’s a touch pricier, but you are getting Nintendo Switch compatibility and a better 20-hour battery life for your trouble. It’s a bit slighter on features than the Ultimate 2, but still a worthwhile consideration.
Read our full 8BitDo Ultimate review
How I tested the 8BitDo Ultimate 2- Tested for two weeks
- Played a large variety of games across various genres
- Compared directly to the original 8BitDo Ultimate
I tested the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 across a period of two weeks, mainly on my gaming PC. I played titles from a variety of genres, including action games like Lies of P and Elden Ring Nightreign, as well as some of the best fighting games, such as Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6.
I primarily played wirelessly to gauge overall battery life, and made use of either wired play or the included charging dock when it was time to top up (which was fairly frequent given its slightly shorter battery life compared to its older sibling, the 8BitDo Ultimate).
First reviewed June 2025
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