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I've worn the Garmin Tactix 8 for 8 weeks, and elite adventurers will love this watch — but most of you probably don't need it

TechRadar Reviews - Sun, 04/26/2026 - 08:00

Garmin Tactix 8: One minute review

The Garmin Tactix 8 sits at the summit of the rugged wearable market and will compete strongly for a place as one of the best Garmin watches. Functioning as a high-end tactical tool rather than a standard consumer gadget. It is specifically engineered for professional tactical operators and serious rucking enthusiasts who require specialized hardware, such as an Applied Ballistics solver and night-vision compatibility.

While it includes modern lifestyle features like an AMOLED display, speaker, and microphone, its massive 51mm frame and premium price tag intentionally distance it from the average fitness tracker user.

In terms of performance, the watch is a powerhouse, offering nearly 50 days of battery life in standard mode and class-leading multi-band GPS accuracy that maintains a signal even indoors. The inclusion of a dedicated rucking profile and voice-activated commands makes it a formidable companion for mission-critical tasks.

However, this power comes with physical trade-offs. The 94g weight can be fatiguing for daily wear, and the interface can occasionally stutter when rendering complex maps under load.

Within the 2026 landscape, the Tactix 8 remains the best option for those who need a watch that can survive a combat zone. It faces competition from the Garmin Instinct 3, which offers similar tactical software at a much lower price point, and the Suunto Vertical 2, which provides cleaner mapping for traditional hikers.

Ultimately, if you don't need a kill switch or ballistics data, the Tactix 8 is expensive overkill; if you do, there is simply no other device on the market that offers this specific blend of tactical tech and premium craftsmanship.

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)Garmin Tactix 8: Specifications

Component

Garmin Tactix 8

Price

$1,599.99 USD / £1379.99 UK / $2,799 AUS

Dimensions

51 x 51 x 14.7 mm

Weight

94g (Case only 66g)

Case/bezel

Fiber-reinforced polymer with titanium rear cover. Bezel is titanium with Cerakote coating

Display

1.4-inch AMOLED (454 x 454 px)

GPS

Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology

Battery life

Up to 29 days, 13 days always-on, 84 hours GPS

Connection

Bluetooth, ANT+, and Wi-Fi

Water resistance

10 ATM

Garmin Tactix 8 Price and availability

$1,599.99 USD / £1379.99 UK / $2,799 AUS
Expensive but excellent value for money
Less premium alternatives are available

The Tactix 8 is a professional tool, hence the premium price tag. It’s for serious tactical users who need access to the very best tech and a bank balance that allows for it. General consumers who only want to track activities, monitor health and reply to messages will have a heart attack when they see the price, but Garmin hasn’t made this watch for them.

The Garmin Instinct 3 Tactical edition is a much more affordable alternative with some overlap in features. You’ll find Stealth Mode, a kill switch, night vision compatibility, and a specialized tool designed for skydivers to plan and navigate jumps called Jumpmaster.

The build is also far less premium. If the Tactix 8 is overkill for you, and you’re not keen on Garmin, then the Suunto Vertical 2 provides great GPS accuracy and offline mapping. Its high-detail global topo maps are also arguably cleaner than Garmin’s stock maps.

Value score 4.5/5

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)Garmin Tactix 8: Design

High-resistance materials and coating
Bright 1.4-inch AMOLED display
The 51mm model is bulky and heavy

The Tactix 8 is available in four different models: AMOLED, AMOLED: Cerakote, Solar, and Solar: AB Elite. The standard AMOLED offering is available in 47mm and 51mm sizes and a black finish, but it was the more premium 2026 Cerakote edition (olive color, 51mm) that I was sent to review.

This particular watch is coated in a ceramic 'Ceratoke' finish that enhances a number of the watch's physical performance properties, including abrasion/wear resistance, corrosion resistance, chemical resistance, impact strength, and hardness. I didn't have a standard Tactix 8 model to compare it to, but the step up in resistance was obvious compared to smartwatches from the likes of Huawei, Amazfit, and Suunto.

This incredible level of resistance continues with the robust titanium bezel and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal lens. It's also tested to a MIL-STD-810G standard for thermal, shock, and water resistance. The buttons are leakproof and maintain a tactile feel even when used underwater or with gloves. Garmin has worked hard to make sure the user-experience is not hampered by the environment you put it in.

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)

The AMOLED display is bright enough to be fully readable even when exposed to direct sunlight. The 454 x 454 pixel resolution is sufficient for navigating a map or reading a notification, and even though I never wanted for more clarity, it does sit a little behind the 480 x 480 pixel resolution of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 or the Galaxy Watch Ultra.

At 51mm size and 94g weight, there's no getting away from its heft. I was seriously glad to take it off at the end of a day, and if you have any sort of wrist problems, then it could cause even greater issues. I love the Ceratoke finish and would opt for it every time; it's just a shame it doesn't ship in the smaller 47mm size.

From a hardware point of view, there's a multi-LED flashlight that can emit white or green light instead of Garmin’s usual red light option. This is important for compatibility with night vision gear and helps preserve natural night vision. There's also a reasonably performing speaker, and for the first time in the Tactix line, there's a built-in microphone, allowing for phone calls and voice commands when paired with a smartphone.

Design Score: 4.5/5

Garmin Tactix 8: Features

Advanced tactical features including applied ballistics solver
Perfect for rucking and compatible with night-vision goggles
Everyday wearable features such as wallet, music, and 24/7 health monitoring

The Tactix 8 is first and foremost a tactical smartwatch, and the feature set reflects that. With some of the most advanced tactical tools on a smartwatch outside of the military, the Tactix 8 is a formidable offering. Take the Applied Ballistics Ultralight, for example. The preloaded solver enables long-range shooting with solutions for windage and elevation.

Then there's Stealth Mode for off-the-grid activities, which immediately disables all wireless connectivity and stops the watch from saving or sharing GPS location data. Another security-focused feature is the kill switch, which performs an instant data wipe if security is compromised. I wouldn't be surprised if we saw James Bond wearing it in his next film.

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)

Rucking enthusiasts will love the specific rucking profile that allows users to input their pack weight to calculate more accurate exertion and health metrics. Parachuters are treated to a military-grade parachuting tool which helps calculate high-altitude release points according to military guidelines.

Alongside this impressive set of tactical features, the Tactix 8 is also a very capable everyday wearable. The built-in speaker and microphone mean users can make calls, listen to music, and take advantage of voice controls. 24/7 health monitoring covers heart rate, HRV, and ECG as well as delivering metrics such as your Training Readiness score, Body Battery, and recovery time. It even has a jet lag advisor!

Features Score: 4.5/5

Garmin Tactix 8: Performance

Accurate GPS and reliable voice commands
Good map coverage but the rucking interface is slow
Long battery life, even with GPS always-on

The Tactix 8 boasts top-level GPS performance. With multi-band GNSS and SatIQ technology, the watch finds a GPS signal quickly and maintains a strong connection at all times. I used it in various types of environments, including urban, rural, and forests, and never had a problem picking up a signal. It even managed to lock on when I was inside my house, a location that most other smartwatches I've tested have struggled with. Impressive results continue with the accuracy of the GPS. I tested it alongside the Huawei Watch Ultimate 2 and found the distance-traveled metrics to be bang on, even down to the meter.

One of the core features is the dedicated rucking activity profile, which allows you to input your specific pack weight before setting off. This ensures the watch’s algorithm factors in the extra load for more accurate calorie burn and exertion metrics.

Launching a rucking activity is quick and simple thanks to the intuitive interface, and once launched, navigating using the built-in map is easy enough. My only gripe with the rucking interface is that its responsiveness is a little slow. That means moving around a map can be a little jittery, but it's only a small issue in what is a very well-implemented tool.

The health tracking suite on the Tactix 8 is more comprehensive than ever, powered by Garmin’s latest optical heart rate sensor. It provides 24/7 monitoring of body battery, stress levels, and advanced sleep coaching, alongside a Pulse Ox sensor for blood oxygen saturation. The core metrics of these performed similarly to the Watch Ultimate 2, which impressed us during testing against our gold standard, the Apple Watch Ultra series.

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)

There are a lot of menus and features contained within the watch, but navigation around these is intuitive and straightforward. I especially liked the ability to 'pin' three activities for a quick-access experience. Setting these requires the Garmin Connect app, although I’m not sure why Garmin doesn't allow the setting of these inside the watch menus.

Speaking of navigation, I found myself making a lot of use of the built-in voice commands, with my most used being 'start a run', 'start a timer', and 'begin navigation'. Voice controls are not powered by AI, so you have to be specific with the instructions, but once you get used to the required vocabulary, it's a quick and fun way to interact with the watch.

With this level of performance and rich feature set, you'd imagine the battery life would take a pounding. That is absolutely not the case. With occasional GPS use, regular health tracking, and daily interaction with notifications, the watch lasted almost 50 days. That's significantly longer than the advertised length of 29 days. More intense use, including always-on GPS and daily activity tracking, reduced the battery life to around three days.

Performance score: 4.5/5

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)Garmin Tactix 8: Scorecard

Adobe After Effects (2026) review

TechRadar Reviews - Sun, 04/26/2026 - 01:15

Adobe After Effects is the juggernaut of motion design and visual effects software. You’d think a tool that’s been around for 33 years couldn’t possibly bring new and exciting features to the table, right?

Well version 26 certainly proves you can teach an old dog some impressive new tricks.

What does After Effects do, I hear you ask? Well, as our pick for best VFX software around, any visual effects you can apply to video, such as animated text, graphics and illustrations, fancy overlays, and so much more, you can create inside After Effects and apply to your film project.

Your creative options are staggeringly vast, and I found go even further with this latest version.

Adobe After Effects: Pricing & plans

Professional software at a professional price
Subscriptions aren't cheap but there are two options here
Free 14-day trial

If you know Adobe, you’ll know you can’t purchase their pro apps: you can only rent them, although you do have a few subscription options available to you.

First off, you could just subscribe to After Effects on its own. This would cost you, as an individual, $38 per month, or $456 for the year (other companies give you a discount when paying for the year upfront, but there’s no such benefit here).

Alternatively, you could invest in the Creative Cloud Pro plan, which includes over 20 of Adobe’s professional software, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro, and a host of others, and of course, After Effects.

This bundle of powerful tools will set you back $100 a month per user, or $1,200 for the year in advance. Again, no advantage to giving them all your money in one go.

This isn’t cheap, but then again, this is advanced software you’ll be using (students can get it for much less).

If you like the idea of trying before buying, you can get yourself a free 14-day trial, which will automatically enrol you into the monthly or yearly subscription upon completion (your choice), so make sure you cancel before that happens should you decide this isn’t for you.

Now that’s out of the way, let’s take a look at what I feel are some of the most important new features in After Effects 26.

Adobe After Effects: Features

(Image credit: Adobe // Future)

Seamless VFX creations
Steep learning curve
New, useful and long requested featured added, including variable fonts support and native SVG import

By default, After Effects 26 greatly improves playback performance thanks to support for ‘lossless compressed frames’. Behind the scenes, it compresses your clips without losing quality so they take up less space in your disk cache. This means your previews can be longer or you can have more of them before your cache runs full.

Of course, you have complete control over this. Should you wish to disable that feature, you’ll find the relevant tick box in the Disk Settings (look for ‘Enable Compressed Frames (Lossless)’)

After Effects (finally!) fully supports Illustrator files, enabling you to animate your graphic designs. This includes support for Illustrator gradients.

One feature I found particularly useful is the ability to crop your composition based on a selected asset. Associated with that is a feature I really liked: being able to work with SVG files natively, and even have access to, and being able to, manipulate every vector path that make up the selected illustration. The only downside is the mess that is the naming of the various paths and groups. Still, being able to modify each path over time is a fantastic feature for After Effects to have.

(Image credit: Adobe // Future)

Another cool addition is support for variable fonts. These are fantastic for creating complex animations with ease, as they allow you to make changes to the font’s weight, width, and more, all keyframeable, and you can transform individual letters that way too. These parameters are accessed through an icon to the right of the font’s name in the Text panel.

Variable fonts are a special type of font with various modifiable ‘axes’ - the more a font has the more parameters you’re able to alter. If you don’t have any such fonts in your collection, don’t worry: Adobe has a large collection of them here, and do does Google here.

(Image credit: Adobe // Future)

If you’ve ever needed to work with a flame effect, but have struggled to key out the white or black backdrop, you’ll love the new ‘Unmult’ effect. Just drag it onto the clip’s layer in your composition, and as if by magic, the background’s gone, and the fire has a perfect blend of vibrancy and transparency. You do have some parameters you can control (the most notable one being able to choose between keying out a black or white backdrop) but I found the default options worked fantastically well as is.

There are also additional audio controls with 26, such as gate, compressor, and distortion effects, and you’ll notice the Preferences window has been completely reorganised. OCD people might not like that, but the new layout should make it easier to find what you’re after quicker - once you’ve got used to it.

All this is good, really good in fact, but the biggest tentpole feature has got to be the native inclusion of 3D shape creation…

Adobe After Effects: 3D Shape Creation

(Image credit: Adobe // Future)

Create, control, alter, and manipulate 3D shapes natively
All happens within After Effects
A fantastic and most welcome addition

This is a big one: there’s a 3D shape creation tool (conveniently located to the right of the shape creation icon in the top toolbar). With it, you gain access to 6 basic shapes: cube, sphere, plain, doughnut, cone, and cylinder, but that’s far from the end of it; you also have parameters that allow you to change many aspects of those shapes, the most versatile one seems to be the cone in my experience.

I found the bevel tool to be quite useful - it rounds the edges of your cube for instance, and it affects the cone in interesting ways. Slices is another good parameter - you could use it to add ridges to the donut shape for instance, or turn the cone into a multi-wedged cylinder. The variety and options are generous. You can of course animate these shapes over time, and even light them all natively inside After Effects.

(Image credit: Adobe // Future)

But that’s not all: since Adobe owns Substance3D, you can use that service straight from After Effects. Well.. kind of: it’s certainly not as seamless as it could be, but it’s a fantastic way to apply different and interesting skins to your shapes. Scroll down the properties sidebar until you find the Material section. You’ll find a drop down menu there with the ‘Get Substance Community Assets’ command.

You’ll then be taken out of After Effects for the next part, which is far from user friendly, to a webpage from which you can browse all available materials - and there’s thousands of them - although not all are compatible with After Effects.

(Image credit: Adobe // Future)

Do a search for ‘.sbsar’ and it should filter out those that aren’t. You then download the skins you’re interested in, and drag those into your project. Only then will they appear in the sidebar’s Material drop down menu.

The whole acquiring process feels clunky, but once they’re in your project, all you need to do is select a shape, then choose the right material from that menu, and you’re done. I mean, not quite: you have parameters you can alter to help you get the look you’re after, but at the end of the day, clunkiness aside, it’s a simple enough process to add a skin to a 3D shape.

All in all, it’s an amazing and very welcome addition to an already incredibly powerful application.

Should I buy?

Buy it if...
You need to design and animate graphic design assets - let’s face it, After Effect is the go-to app for such work, and the new features will make this software even more useful.

Don't buy it if...
You don't want another expensive subscription model, and your needs are much simpler than the gargantuan options available with After Effects.

We tested the best video editing apps- and here are our top picks

Categories: Reviews

‘No 14-inch laptop is more portable than this’: I reviewed Asus’ answer to the MacBook Air, and loved its super-light design — but it comes with a big catch

TechRadar Reviews - Sat, 04/25/2026 - 09:00

Asus Zenbook A14: Two-minute review

The Asus Zenbook A14 is a light and compact laptop that promises to be the ideal travel companion.

Its soft, minimalist appearance is appealing. There are no unnecessary contours or protrusions on any surface, and the rounded corners make it look less austere than many other laptops, especially in its light beige finish.

That aesthetic is complimented by the extremely light and slender frame, which helps to make the Zenbook A14 one of the best laptops around in terms of portability.

Not only that, but the build quality of the Zenbook A14 is also commendable. The base feels solid, while the materials used feel premium to the touch. The lid has considerably more flex, but this is excused somewhat by its sheer thinness and ease of use. What’s more, it’s as stable as you could wish for once open.

(Image credit: Future)

It’s pleasing to see this many ports on such a thin device. There are two USB-C ports, both of which support external monitors and charging. However, they’re both on the left-hand side of the unit, along with all the other ports (barring a single USB-A). This may hamper convenience, depending on your particular setup and preferences.

I have fewer gripes with the performance of the Zenbook A14. It remained composed during every task I threw at it, even handling light gaming well, which is doubly impressive given it has no dedicated GPU. Heat and fan noise are noticeable when such workloads are undertaken, but I didn’t find either of these aspects too disruptive.

The 1200p OLED display is sharp and vibrant, although it’s not quite as impressive as some of the best monitors around. And while it’s bright enough to lay pesky reflections to rest, it’s still wanting in this department.

The keyboard is excellent, facilitating quick typing thanks to the generous spacing and snappy nature of the keys. They also have more travel and dampening than I was expecting, which only adds to the satisfaction of using them. The touchpad feels equally tactile, thanks to its smooth-as-silk surface, although its small size can hamper navigation.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the Zenbook A14, though, is its battery life. It lasted over 28 hours in our movie playback test, which is longer than its larger sibling, the A16, managed to achieve. Many other 14-inch laptops failed to beat this time as well.

The Zenbook A14 isn’t exactly a cheap laptop, but it hardly puts a foot wrong. If you want a 14-inch laptop that’s easy to travel, performs well in most areas, and lasts all day, it should be at the top of your list.

Asus Zenbook A14 review: Specs

Base

Review

Price

$1,599.99 / £769.99/ AU$1,999

$1,799.99 / AU$3,699 (about £1,300)

CPU

Snapdragon X (X1-26-100) (2.97GHz, 8 Cores)

Aus: Snapdragon X Plus (X1P-42-100) (3.2GHz, 8 Cores)

Snapdragon X2 Elite (X2E-88-100) (4.0GHz, 18 Cores)

GPU

Qualcomm Adreno (integrated)

RAM

16GB LPDDR5X

32GB LPDDR5X

Storage

1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD

Aus: 512GB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD

1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD

Display

14-inch WUXGA 3K (1920 x 1200) OLED, 16:10, 60Hz

Ports and Connectivity

2x USB-C (4.0 Gen 3, display / power delivery support, 40Gbps) 1x USB-A (3.2 Gen 2, 10Gbps), 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack; Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3

2x USB-C (4.0 Gen 3, display / power delivery support, 40Gbps) 1x USB-A (3.2 Gen 2, 10Gbps), 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack; Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4

Battery

70Wh

Dimensions

311 x 214 x 16mm (12.2 x 8.4 x 0.6in)

Weight

2.16lbs (0.98kg)

Asus Zenbook A14 review: Price & availability

(Image credit: Future)

Starting from $1,599.99 / £769.99 / AU$1,999
Available now
Higher end of the market

The Asus Zenbook A14 starts from $1,599.99 / £769.99/ AU$1,999 and is available now in two colorways: grey and beige.

This is undeniably an expensive laptop, and many rivals undercut it. The HP Omnibook 7 14-inch is one such example. It’s similarly high-end and handles most tasks well, as well as featuring an excellent battery life, although it’s not quite as enduring as the Zenbook A14, nor is it as light.

For about the same price as the Zenbook A14, you could also get the HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14. As the name suggests, this is a convertible laptop, featuring a 360-degree rotating lid and touchscreen display for tablet style use. It even includes a stylus.

Asus Zenbook A14 review: Design

(Image credit: Future)

Very light and thin
Unique finish and materials
Sufficient port selection

There are several aspects of the Zenbook A14’s design that set it apart from the crowd. First, its finishes are more interesting, with the grey model featuring a slightly marbled texture and the beige a slightly mottled one, both of which run counter to the sterile nature of many modern laptops.

Its form is minimal in every sense. All sides are flat with no unsightly bulges, and the whole unit is impressively thin and ultra light, making it great for those who need a portable machine.

Despite the lithe construction, build quality doesn’t appear to have been compromised. The Ceraluminium chassis material feels smooth and premium, and there’s little flex to the base.

The Zenbook A14’s display enclosure is a more flimsy affair, but given how incredibly thin it is, this is hardly surprising. The lid is also incredibly easy to open yet still offers plenty of stability, preventing the screen from wobbling during use.

(Image credit: Future)

Its keyboard also feels premium, and features bright backlighting. This is always a positive aspect, and one I feel should be mandatory on pretty much any laptop.

There are enough ports on the Zenbook A14 to make it practical. The selection includes two USB-C ports, both of which are capable of supporting external monitor connections and charging.

It’s a shame, however, that both are located on the same side (left), as I typically prefer such ports to be split across both sides, to allow for greater versatility when connecting to power sources and displays.

In fact, every port save for the single USB-A port is located here, which could further impede practicality. At least they’re in a sensible order: the headset jack is the foremost interface, while the HDMI port — an increasingly rare sight on today’s laptops — is at the far end.

Asus Zenbook A14 review: Performance

(Image credit: Future)

Capable all-round performance
Some heat and noise generated
Not the brightest display

Asus Zenbook A14 benchmarks

3DMark: Night Raid: 44,546; Fire Strike: 9,579; Steel Nomad: 1,071; Solar Bay: 20,836; Solar Bay Unlimited: 22,429; Solar Bay Extreme: 2,157; Solar Bay Extreme Unlimited: 2,450
Geekbench 6.5: Multicore: 20,134; Single-core: 3,798
Cinebench R23: Multi Core: 14,476; Cinebench R24: Single Core: 90; Multi Core: 820
Crossmark: Overall: 1,920; Productivity: 1,731; Creativity: 2,157; Responsiveness: 1,848
Passmark Overall: 7,591; CPU: 30,623.6; 2D Graphics: 464.2; 3D Graphics: 6,547.8; Memory: 3,473.7; Disk: 44,120
BlackMagicDisk: Read: 4154MB/s; Write: 4698MB/s
HandBrake 4K to 1080p: 70.09fps
Total War: Warhammer III: 1080p, Medium: 44fps
Total War: Warhammer III: 1200p, Ultra: 23fps
Battery Life (TechRadar movie test): 28 hours and 25 minutes

The overall performance of the Zenbook A14 is admirable indeed for such a compact device. Browsing and light productivity are processed smoothly, as is streaming in resolutions above 1080p. Since my review unit was packed with 32GB of RAM, it handled multitasking very well, too.

What’s more, I was pleasantly surprised by the gaming chops of the Zenbook A14, considering it has no dedicated GPU. It managed to run Cyberpunk 2077 at the Ray Tracing: Low preset in a playable state. Granted, visuals were rough around the edges, and I experienced the occasional stutter and momentary lockups, but it was still smooth enough for a casual session.

However, such workloads do elicit a fair amount of fan noise from the Zenbook A14 which, while not disruptive, is certainly noticeable. Heat is also generated, but temperatures are modest and localized to the back of the unit, far from where your fingers might stray.

(Image credit: Future)

The display in the Zenbook A14 is quite good. The 1920 x 1200 resolution offers enough clarity for the screen’s dimensions, and colors are rendered well enough to enjoy all kinds of content. However, this isn’t the most vibrant OLED display I’ve encountered, nor is it the most radiant; there’s enough brightness to combat reflections effectively, but it doesn’t quite match the sheer luminosity of the best OLED displays I’ve experienced.

I have less gripes with the keyboard in the Zenbook A14, though. The keys are light, snappy, and well-spaced, all of which allows for quick typing. They’re also incredibly satisfying to press, owing to their dampening and long travel relative to their low profile.

However, the layout is compromised somewhat, lacking as it does a number pad and all navigation keys, save for a delete/ insert one. At least there are a number of useful shortcuts on the F row, such as those for screenshotting, opening various utility apps, and disabling the touchpad, microphone, and camera.

The touchpad is gloriously smooth, which makes swipes and gestures easy and enjoyable to perform. The added slider functions on the edges for controlling various parameters, such as volume and brightness, also work well; I never triggered them accidentally during my time with the Zenbook A14, as I have done with other implementations of this feature. However, the surface area of the pad is a little too small for efficient navigation; I often found myself running out of space when dragging and dropping items around the screen, for instance.

Asus Zenbook A14 review: Battery life

(Image credit: Future)

Best in class
Outlasts larger model

The battery life of the Zenbook A14 is very impressive. When I ran a movie on a continuous loop, the laptop lasted over 28 hours, which puts it at the top of its class.

The larger Zenbook A16 lasted just over 24 hours in the same test. The Zenbook A14 also outlasts other premium 14-inch laptops, such as the HP OmniBook 7, which managed about 26 hours.

Should I buy the Asus Zenbook A14?Scorecard

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Value

The Zenbook A14 is expensive in absolute terms, and there are laptops that perform almost as well for significantly less.

3.5 / 5

Design

Incredibly light, thin, and good looking, with a unique and premium construction.

4.5 / 5

Performance

Handles most tasks well, and is even capable of some light gaming. The OLED display is good, but not the best I’ve seen in a laptop.

4 / 5

Battery Life

Among the best in its class; it can outlast most of its rivals.

5 / 5

Final Score

The Zenbook A14 gets most things right. There are only a few drawbacks, chief among which is its high price tag. Certainly one to consider if you need a portable machine, though.

4 / 5

Buy it if…

You want ultimate portability
No 14-inch laptop is more portable than this, thanks to its seriously light and thin design.

You want a capable all-round performer
The Zenbook A14 handles most tasks well, and it’s a surprisingly good gamer for a GPU-less device. Battery life is excellent, too.

Don't buy it if…

You want the brightest display
While the OLED display is certainly sufficient, it’s not quite as vibrant or as bright as others.

The want the quietest machine
Under stress, the Zenbook A14 does produce a fair amount of fan noise, although I didn’t find this too distracting.

Asus Zenbook A14 review: Also consider

HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14
When comparing like-for-like models, the Ultra Flip is about the same price as the Zenbook A14, but has that added convertible functionality, with its touchscreen and included stylus performing very well. Its OLED display is better than the Zenbook’s as well, contributing to the Ultra Flip’s ranking as one of the best 2-in-1 laptops out there. Read our full HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 review.

HP Omnibook 7 14-inch
For significantly less than the Zenbook A14, there’s the Omnibook 7. This is an excellent all-rounder, featuring great performance, a premium design, and a dazzling OLED display that eclipses that in the Zenbook A14. Its keyboard isn’t as satisfying, but that’s about the only drawback. Read our full HP Omnibook 7 14-inch review.

How I tested the Asus Zenbook A14

(Image credit: Future)

Tested for several days
Used for various tasks
Experienced laptop reviewer

I spent several days with the Asus Zenbook A14 and used it for various tasks, from web browsing and light productivity to streaming video and gaming.

I also ran our series of benchmark tests, to comprehensively assess every facet of its performance. This included running a movie on a continuous loop unplugged to test the battery life.

I’ve reviewed a whole host of laptops before, across a broad range of price points, form factors, and use cases, from budget devices to gaming machines. I’ve also used laptops and all kinds of similar computing devices in my personal life for decades.

First reviewed: April 2026
Read more about how we test

Categories: Reviews

I tested Polaroid’s kitschy square-format printer — it’s an addictive way to print and frame your smartphone snaps

TechRadar Reviews - Sat, 04/25/2026 - 07:00

Polaroid Hi-Print 3x3: review

I’m an instant photography fan, and a firm believer that one photographic print is worth a thousand forgotten files mouldering away in a cloud-storage account – so new products from Polaroid always grab my attention. Since its revival in 2017 – following the acquisition of the brand name by a group of analog evangelists named ‘The Impossible Project’ – Polaroid has gone from strength to strength, building up an impressive range of instant cameras and printers (my personal favorite is the Polaroid Flip).

The Polaroid Hi-Print 3x3 is the brand’s newest Bluetooth printer, designed to quickly turn images from your phone’s camera roll into real, tangible prints measuring 3x3 inches. It doesn’t take classic Polaroid instant film, instead using a heat-based dye-sublimation to quickly transfer images to paper. Very quickly, in fact – the Hi-Print 3x3 can spit out a print in comfortably under a minute.

Polaroid offers two other similar printers – the smaller Hi·Print 2x3 and the larger Hi-Print 4x6. However, the Hi-Print 3x3 offers two key USPs that make it more than just a gap-filler in the lineup.

The Polaroid Hi-Print is able to free-stand vertically, making it a versatile display frame.Jon StapleyJon StapleyJon StapleyJon Stapley

The first, and most significant, is that the Hi-Print 3x3 has a built-in slot for a square photo on one side, with a transparent protective cover that can be placed over the top. Thanks to its boxy rectangular shape, it can be stood vertically on a flat surface and used to display the inserted image – meaning it functions as printer and frame all in one. Nifty!

The second is the fact that it prints images in square format, rather than the rectangular 2x3” or 4x6” formats of the other printers. Your mileage may vary on this one, but for me, a Polaroid isn’t a Polaroid if it doesn't have that distinctive square shape, and even though the prints from the Hi-Print 3x3 are made using an identical process to the other two printers, they just feel much more like Polaroids than the rectangular prints do.

Printing is done via your phone, using the Polaroid Hi-Print app available for iOS or Android. Be warned that the printer can only connect through the app – at first I tried connecting via Bluetooth directly, and was confused as to why it wasn’t working. Once I booted up the app, the pairing was instant.

Prints happen in four key stages: yellow, magenta, cyan, and protective layer.Jon StapleyJon StapleyJon StapleyJon Stapley

Once you’ve selected an image to print from your phone’s camera roll, you are presented with a fairly comprehensive selection of editing tools, including sliders for brightness, contrast, shadows, highlights, saturation, etc, as well as cropping and straightening.

It’s the latter two compositional tools that will likely get the most use. As far as color, dynamic range and exposure are concerned, the majority of modern smartphones have automatic photo-processing that probably beats anything you’re going to achieve with a set of fairly imprecise sliders. However, since you’re printing in square format and your phone will shoot wider than that, your images are always going to be cropped, so it’s worth getting into the habit of ensuring the crop is where you want it, and the composition is to your taste.

There are also options to add stickers and text to your images, and the box contains a set of physical stickers for use on the finished print, if so desired. I did not desire, but you do you. The battery lasts well, and can quickly and easily be topped up via USB-C when needed.

The print quality itself, I would call pretty good. You’ll likely be pleased the first time a print comes out – the colors are big, bold and vivid. There’s none of the washed-out look that can plague some instant digital printers, especially those that use zero-ink (ZINK) printing like Kodak’s Printomatic camera or Canon’s Canon Ivy Cliq+2. In terms of visual impact, Polaroid has them both beat. It doesn’t quite have the lo-fi magic of Polaroid’s I-Type film utilized by cameras such as the premium I-2, but that’s what makes it much cheaper to run.

You have to remember to tear off the perforated white strip at the bottom for your prints to fit correctly – once this is done, they slot in very easily. Jon StapleyJon StapleyJon StapleyJon Stapley

In my time with the Hi-Print I did run into one mis-print, caused apparently by paper misalignment. This necessitated a restart of the printer and a redo of the print, cutting my pack of ten down to nine. Not ruinous, but a shame, and since it was my first print, it wasn’t the best first impression!

The prints don’t hold up to super-close scrutiny, not that I’d expect them to. When inspected closely, fine detail can appear rather smudgy. Landscape-style images with distant detail tend to fare the worst – in general, the best subject for a print is one with a nice big subject, front and centre. The tonal range isn’t bad though – I fed through some images featuring sunset skies, and the printer did a better job than I expected of reproducing the subtle interplays of blues and oranges. Not amazing, but not bad.

(Image credit: Jon Stapley)

The frame functionality may sound like a gimmick, but I found it rather charming, and I think it extends the fun factor of the printer. Being able to slot in different images whenever you want, according to your mood or the time of year or whatever else – it’s fun! I could especially see it appealing to a younger person who wants some changeable decoration for their room. The small dimensions and freestanding design of the Hi-Print allow it to easily be displayed on a shelf, windowsill or bedside table.

It’s nothing groundbreaking, but it’s a fun way to get photos off your phone and into the real world. I’ve enjoyed my time with it, and while digital instant printing doesn’t capture the alchemical magic of instant film, this for me is as close as it has ever come.

Polaroid Hi-Print 3x3: price & release date

Polaroid took the wraps off the Hi-Print 3x3 in April 2026. It’s available for a starting price of $119.99 / £99.99 / AU$ 194.00, and that’s with a set of ten sheets included. Once you’ve blown through those, a re-up cartridge of 30 sheets can be picked up for $24.99 / £22.99 / AU$44 (there are also bulk-buy packages that work out a little cheaper per sheet). True Polaroid I-type instant film is much pricier per print.

This starting price puts it in the middle of Polaroid’s printer range – the smaller Polaroid Hi·Print 2x3 Generation 2 is available for $109.99 / £89.99 / AU$176, while the larger-format Polaroid Hi-Print 4x6 starts at $149.99 / £129.99 / AU$264.

(Image credit: Jon Stapley)Polaroid Hi-Print 3x3: specs

Dimensions

103 x 131 x 30 mm

Print size

76.2mm x 76.2mm (3" x 3")

Printing process

Dye diffusion thermal transfer

Connectivity

Bluetooth

Battery

Lithium-ion rechargeable

Charging port

USB-C

Print time

< 50 sec

Weight

390g

App compatibility

iOS / Android

(Image credit: Jon Stapley)Should I buy the Polaroid Hi-Print 3x3?

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

Quick, easy photo printing, augmented by fast charging and an intuitive app.

4/5

Design

Clever free-standing box design gives the printer additional function as a display frame.

4.5/5

Performance

Prints deliver punchy color and decent tonal range, though fine details can get smudgy.

4/5

Value

It’s cheaper than a Polaroid camera, though still not exactly cheap (and paper’s an ongoing cost).

3.5/5

Buy it if…

You want a fun, changeable way to display your images
The ease of printing and swapping out your photos makes the Hi-Print 3x3 an at-home photo display that can change with your mood.

You want to print your smartphone images
If you’ve got a lot of images languishing in your phone’s camera roll, the Hi-Print 3x3 is a great way to do something with them.

Don’t buy it if…

You want prints that feel like Polaroid photos
While the square format is a step in the right direction, dye-sub printing isn’t the same as instant film.

You'd rather not rely on an app
You're limited to just the Polaroid Hi-Print app for this one.

Polaroid Hi-Print 3x3: also consider

Polaroid Hi-Print 3x3

Kodak Mini 2 Retro

Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 3

Type

Digital instant printer

Instant film printer

Print size

3” x 3”

2.1” x 3.4"

1.8” x 2.4”

Connectivity

Bluetooth

Charging port

USB-C

Micro USB

USB-C

Printing time

Approx. 50 sec

Approx. 70 sec

Approx. 15 sec (approx. 90 sec developing time)

Weight

390g

245g

210g

Dimensions

131 x 103 x 30mm

134 x 80 x 26mm

125 x 90 x 37.3mm

Kodak Mini 2 Retro
A smaller, cheaper alternative to the Hi-Print, the Kodak Mini 2 Retro is also a dye-sub printer – meaning it’s much better than the ultra-cheap ZINK printers. However, its prints are smaller and slower to make, and it doesn’t match the vivid colors of Polaroid.

Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 3
If you’ll accept no substitute for printing on actual film, then Fujifilm’s Instax Mini Link 3 is what you’re looking for – it’ll take your phone photos and transfer them to Instax Mini film. The quality is lovely and long-lasting, but it does make the printer more expensive to run.

Read our in-depth Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 3 review

How I tested the Polaroid Hi-Print 3x3

I tested the Polaroid Hi-Print 3x3 using two full cartridges of paper
I transferred and edited photographs from my phone using the Android version of the app
I mounted the photos into the frame and displayed them at various points around my home

Polaroid sent me the Hi-Print 3x3 to try, along with several cartridges of paper. I downloaded the app to my phone and used it to connect to the printer, testing out the editing functions before sending images to the printer.

I selected a variety of different images, including landscapes, selfies, pet images, food shots and more, with a range of colour tones and compositions.

Once images were printed, I displayed them in the slot as specified, and placed them in various spots around my home to see how they looked.

First reviewed: April 2026
Read more about how we test

Categories: Reviews

Soundcore's brand-new headphones are so good at noise cancelling, I don't want to stop using them

TechRadar Reviews - Sat, 04/25/2026 - 05:30

Anker Soundcore Space 2: Two-minute review

Everyone I’ve spoken to who’s used them has spoken glowingly about Soundcore’s over-ear headphones, and the latest cans from the Anker sub-brand hark very closely to their predecessors. So, are the Anker Soundcore Space 2 contenders for the best budget headphone market?

Well, not much has changed compared to the Soundcore Space One – pedants may be wringing their hands at the jump from integer to lexical name, and I concur – and these headphones will look and feel very familiar to owners of the Space One Pro too. Meet the new boss, very similar to the old boss.

That’s no shame, though, because it means the previous cans’ strongest point is back in force. The active noise cancellation (ANC) here is absolutely fantastic — I don’t think I’ve used a pair of headphones at this price point that comes close. It’s zealous in wiping out any noise, near or far, around you.

Though barely changed from previous generations, the distinct look and comfortable fit of the Space 2 help them stand out from other alike headphones. These might be the first pair of cans I’ve tested that my girlfriend actually recognized with any kind of familiarity.

What has changed, though, is the price: there’s been a significant step up in cost from the Space One. I know, I know, it’s 2026 and every review talks about price hikes. But it’s big enough to lift the Soundcore out of the aforementioned best-in-class competition, and higher expectations aren’t matched by a greatly improved package.

Take, for example, the sound. Treble is fantastic and sparkly, but there’s a distinct drop-off when you get towards the mids, and bass is indistinct and unbalanced. They’re far from the worst over-ears I’ve tested, even at this price, with the high quality going some way to retaining the excitement at listening to music. But audiophiles won’t be impressed.

Anker Soundcore Space 2 review: Price and release date

(Image credit: Future)

Released in April 2026
Debuted for $130 / £130 (about AU$250)
Price hike over predecessors

After being unveiled at MWC 2026 in early March, the Anker Soundcore Space 2 were put on sale nearly two months later on April 21.

You can pick up these headphones for the retail price of $130 / £130 / about AU$250. That price pushes them into mid-range waters, meaning that, unlike their predecessors, they’re not quite budget cans any more.

For some context, the Soundcore Space One cost $99 / £99 / about AU$200, while the Space One Pro went for $199 / £149 (about AU$300). So the new headphones offer a fairly significant price increase.

Anker Soundcore Space 2 review: Specs

Drivers

40mm

Active noise cancellation

Yes

Battery life (ANC off)

50 hours

Weight

264g

Connectivity

Not specified

Frequency response

Not specified

Waterproofing

Not specified

Anker Soundcore Space 2 review: Features

(Image credit: Future)

Fantastic ANC
50-hour battery life with ANC off
Decent range of features including listening test

I’m not sure if the ‘Space’ in the Anker Soundcore Space 2 name refers to the silent vacuum of the cosmos, but it certainly could do, because the noise cancellation on these things is incredible for the price. I was constantly surprised by how adept the Space 2 were at cutting away noisy background sounds: the overground train running behind my house was impossible to hear, even when I was on it, and busy roads became quiet country lanes.

The quoted battery life is 50 hours with ANC on, or 70 hours with it turned off. Neither of those are lengths to write home about — hundred-hour-plus headphones come out pretty frequently now, usually at this price point — but they’re still solid listening times.

The Space 2 offer a selection of extra tools via the Soundcore app. There’s toggle-able wear detection, multipoint pairing, the ability to change what the noise cancellation and play/pause buttons on the ear cups do, and volume limits to stop you harming your hearing. Of the bunch, that latter stands out as one you don’t often see, so props to Anker for including it.

A listening test called HearID combines a hearing check, to pick out which tones you can hear, with a preference barrage to cater for your chosen type of music. I’ve not seen this latter factor considered before, and it solves a big problem with these listening tests — even if repeating the same song six times to check out different sound mixes is a gruelling experience.

There’s enough to recommend downloading the Soundcore app, even if I didn’t use it too much outside of testing.

I’ve previously heard complaints about the wear detection on Soundcore’s headphones. Here it reliably paused a song if I removed the cans, but wasn’t too hot on resuming it when I put the Space 2 back on my head.

Features score: 4/5

Anker Soundcore Space 2 review: Design

(Image credit: Future)

Funky blue color and distinctive look
Light, comfortable to wear
No IP rating

I test plenty of cheap and mid-range headphones that are personality-less black semicircles, so have to give praise to Soundcore. The Space 2 look unique among peers with a funky color, curvy edges, abundance of soft padding and tapered connectors between the headband and cups. Sure, they look basically the same as their predecessors, but if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.

They’re nice and light, at 264g, and felt supremely comfortable to wear. That’s partly the weight but also the aforementioned padding overload on your ears and head. They fit securely, not wobbling when I was walking or turning my head quickly.

On the right cup there’s a play/pause button and volume rocker, while the left one has a noise cancelling toggle, power button, USB-C port and 3.5mm audio jack. That latter’s a nice addition you don’t always see at this price point.

You can fold the Space 2 down to make them more portable, with a cloth bag coming in the box, but I couldn’t find any information about an IP rating. So you may want to be careful when wearing them in the rain.

Design score: 4.5/5

Anker Soundcore Space 2 review: Sound quality

(Image credit: Future)

Uses 40mm driver
Bright treble, bass and mids suffer
Supports hi-res standards, LDAC and SBC

The Soundcore Space 2 have a 40mm driver, the same size as in the vast majority of over-ear headphones, enhanced with a double diaphragm for clearer audio. I’ll admit, this end goal has been achieved; you can appreciate the lilt of a vocalist’s voice, the squeal of a guitar solo or the timbre and tremolo of a violin.

You’ll notice that these examples are all ones which sit right in the treble and high-mid space, and that’s because this is where the Space 2 shine. They're energetic, bright and fun; I was initially won over by the cans’ sharp, clear higher-pitched sounds, but the more I listened, the more I realized something was missing.

That something missing is… well, anything lower. Distorted guitar riffs, punchy bass licks and acoustic instruments all lack sparkle, prominence and clarity – it really feels like there’s a hole in some songs where a kick should be. The acoustic guitar of Niko Moon’s King of the Island felt far too far back in the medley, and the hook of My Number by Foals or Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy) by Big & Rich sounded akin to a moving company removing furniture from your upstairs neighbors.

The audio graph suddenly resurges towards the bass and sub-bass side of things, giving some oomph to songs, but it’s often ill-defined or muddy, and sometimes overblown. In Tame Impala’s The Less I Know the Better it sounds insecure, popping up now and then without distinction, while in Troye Sivan’s Rush it’s not well-defined enough to stop it overpowering everything else.

Many music fans forget that there’s more than treble and sub-bass, and the sparkling former might distract many listeners from the Space 2’s shortcomings. I was in that camp for a while, and I still have a good time when I listen to the cans. But if you want a nuanced or natural sound, you’ll find this V-shaped audio pretty severe.

Back to some technicals: the high-quality sound the Space 2 provide is helped by support for LDAC and SBC, as well as Hi-Res Audio and its Wireless counterpart.

Sound quality: 3.5/5

Anker Soundcore Space 2 review: Value

(Image credit: Future)

Decent value for money
Matches price hike

The price hike of the Soundcore Space 2 is a shame, because at the Space One’s MSRP, they’d be fantastic value.

They’d be best-in-class budget cans if they came out below $100 / £100 / AU$200, but for a little more, there’s a lot more competition, and much higher expectations. They’re still good, but not instant-must-buy value for money like they would be.

Value: 3.5/5

Should I buy the Anker Soundcore Space 2?Soundcore Space 2 score card

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

The ANC here is fantastic, while the battery life is fine and the feature set has some stand-outs.

4/5

Design

The Space 2 are comfortable to wear, and look distinct in the busy ocean of over-ears.

4.5/5

Sound quality

The energetic treble goes some way to papering over the lacking mids.

3.5/5

Value

These are decent-value headphones, even if the price hike means they're no longer must-buys.

3.5/5

Buy them if…

You need fantastic ANC
For this price, you’d be hard-pressed to find headphones that cancel sound better than the Space 2.

You want a good listening test
If you like letting apps offer you EQ mixes, the Space 2 is one of the best you can get, combining a standard listening test with a preference poll that gives you something really useful.

You like comfortable cans
Often, wear comfort is an overlooked aspect of headphones, but I found the Space 2s lovely to wear for long periods of time.

Don’t buy them if…

You can’t charge often
The Soundcore Space 2 battery life is decent, but it doesn’t take much searching to find options that’ll last for over twice as long.

You want a natural sound profile
I’m not opposed to the way the Space 2 sound, but I’d understand people who ask for more (or any really meaningful) mids, and some more controlled bass.

Anker Soundcore Space 2 review: Also consider

Anker Soundcore Space 2

Anker Soundcore Space One Pro

Nothing Headphone (a)

Drivers

40mm

Active noise cancellation

Yes

Battery life (ANC on)

50 hours

40 hours

75 hours

Weight

264g

286.2g

310g

Connectivity

TBC

Bluetooth 5.3

Bluetooth 5.4

Waterproofing

IP52

Soundcore Space One Pro
While this premium predecessor debuted for a higher price, it’s now available for just a hair more than the Space 2. The battery life’s not as good but it has a huge number of handy features which may win you over — even if it’s generally a pretty similar headphone.
Read our full Soundcore Space One Pro review

Nothing Headphone (a)
For only a small amount more, you can pick up these great-sounding and long-lasting headphones, with the only downside being the absolutely ridiculous look that you might be embarrassed to be seen donning.
Read our full Nothing Headphone (a) review

How I tested the Anker Soundcore Space 2

(Image credit: Future)

Tested for 3 weeks
Tested at home, on walks and on public transport

I used the Soundcore Space 2 for roughly three weeks ahead of their release date, in which time they were paired with my Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. I listened on a range of music and video streaming services, as well as in calls and playing games.

Testing was done in a pretty wide range of environments including on public transport, on walks around various neighborhoods, and at home.

I’ve been testing audio products for TechRadar for years, including some past Anker devices like the Aerofit Pro 2.

First reviewed in April 2026

Read TechRadar's reviews guarantee

Categories: Reviews

The Huawei Watch GT Runner 2 is a terrific specialist running tool, fast and accurate — but it's hobbled by Huawei's usual side-loading ecosystem problems

TechRadar Reviews - Sat, 04/25/2026 - 04:00

Huawei Watch GT Runner 2: One minute review

The Huawei Watch GT Runner 2 is full of innovative tweaks, making it ideal for running accuracy, and from a design perspective, it’s the best running watch I’ve tried so far in 2026. Because US customers can’t actually buy them, Huawei devices often go under the radar in many lists, which is a shame, as their hardware is stellar.

The GT Runner 2 is another smash hit. It’s light, at 10.7mm thick and just 34.5g in weight, packing a smallish 1.32-inch screen with a 3,000 nit brightness AMOLED display. That’s as bright as the Apple Watch Ultra 3. It fits nicely on my average-sized male wrist and doesn’t move about during runs. It comes in a selection of pretty cool colors and bands. I was partial to the Dawn Orange colorway, but my review unit arrived in Dusk Blue, which also looks nice.

The GPS credentials are where things get interesting. Huawei claims the GT Runner 2 outperforms the Garmin Forerunner 970 (by name) in GPS accuracy for runners, using a new dual-floating GPS antenna structure to improve accuracy. I didn’t have a Garmin Forerunner 970 to hand, but I did have something even better: the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro, perhaps Garmin’s best-ever smartwatch from a hardware perspective, and one that costs three times as much as the GT Runner 2.

On a 10.5 kilometer out-and-back run, the Fenix 8 Pro recorded 10.51km, with 797 calories burned, an average heart rate of 157 bpm, 5.39km average pace. The Huawei GT Runner 2 recorded 10.48km, a difference of 0.03km (or 30 meters) overall, with 785 calories burned, an average heart rate of 167 bpm, and 5.39km average pace. Those are very close results.

Even advanced running metrics were similar, with stride length being recorded as 1.10 meters by both watches. With very little in the way of statistically significant differences, I’m happy that the GT Runner 2 is as accurate as the very top-tier watches in the category. I’d expect nothing less from a watch used by record-breaking marathoner Eliud Kipchoge. You can see the results on the screens below.

On the left is Garmin Connect. On the right are two screenshots from Huawei Health, showing the differences in recording the same workout. (Image credit: Future)

Other wellness metrics are good, too: I’ve hyped up Huawei’s TruSense and TruSleep algorithms before as being scarily accurate, and it’s good to see the watch making use of both here. The accuracy of its sleep tracking and the watch's reduced weight made it easy to wear overnight. Marathon Mode, a little like Garmin’s Event Planner with an intelligent coach, and training plans abound on-watch, allowing you to follow programs imported from the Huawei Health app. Battery life is impressive, while features like Emotional Wellbeing that rely on self-reporting, I consider less useful.

A resounding success for design, performance, and health and fitness features, but smart stuff is more of a mixed bag, albeit through no fault of the watch’s designers. Huawei’s inability to work with either Google or Android’s ecosystem left my watch as a self-contained wellness tool rather than an integrated smart gadget in the same way the best Android watches, or best Apple Watches, are.

Huawei says the watch “runs seamlessly with iOS and Android,” but that’s not entirely true. I could see WhatsApp notifications as part of Huawei’s Message Tool, but everything has to be side-loaded from Huawei’s online AppGallery, so I couldn’t get a native WhatsApp watch app, only notifications. There’s no first-party app for Spotify either, so I had to download Petal Maps on my phone to use instead of Google or Apple Maps. As an extension of my phone, this experience is still frustrating and far from reflective of its excellent wellness credentials.

Huawei Watch GT Runner 2: Specifications

Component

Huawei Watch GT Runner 2

Price

£349.99 (around $470 / AU$650)

Dimensions

10.7mm x 43.5mm x 43.5mm

Weight

34g

Caze/Bezel

Titanium Alloy

Display

AMOLED, 3,000 nits

GPS

Dual-band GPS, QZSS, GLONASS, Galileo

Battery life

Up to 14 days

Connection

Bluetooth

Water resistance

IP69, 5ATM

Huawei Watch GT Runner 2: Price and availability

(Image credit: Amanda Westberg)

£349.99 in the UK / Europe
Not available in US / AU
Cheaper than most modern Forerunner watches

Huawei’s availability is a far greater issue than its price. Huawei telecomms devices continue to suffer from the ongoing 5G ban, which is a shame for US runners as they’re missing out on some very good hardware. For UK users, the price is pretty reasonable at £349.99, around the same price as the Apple Watch Series 11.

Value score: 4/5

Huawei Watch GT Runner 2: Scorecard

(Image credit: Amanda Westberg)

The Melitta AromaFresh Therm Pro is an almost-great drip coffee maker — but it's let down by its most novel feature

TechRadar Reviews - Sat, 04/25/2026 - 02:00

Melitta AromaFresh Therm Pro: one-minute review

The Melitta AromaFresh Therm Pro has one big advantage over most drip coffee makers: a built-in grinder. This means one less appliance on your kitchen counter, but also that you’ll wake to fresher, better-tasting coffee on using the machine’s timer to begin brewing automatically first thing in the morning. At least, that’s the theory.

In practice, however, I found the coffee maker’s ceramic grinder ground coffee unevenly. Drip coffee is much more forgiving than espresso when it comes to the consistency of the grind, but the irregularity surprised me.

The Melitta AromaFresh Therm Pro can brew up to eight cups of coffeeFutureFutureFuture

It’s unfortunate, because the AromaFresh Therm Pro is otherwise a very good drip coffee maker. Its thermal carafe keeps even a small quantity of coffee hot for hours. In addition, it has an excellent drip-stop function that prevents leaks after you remove the carafe, and it’s remarkably quiet during both grinding and brewing.

I like the idea of the AromaFresh Therm Pro, and if it had a better grinder it would be easy to recommend. As it is, however, I think you’d be better off using a standalone grinder and a simpler, cheaper machine in which to brew it. Take a look at our roundup of the best drip coffee makers for some great options.

Melitta AromaFresh Therm Pro: price and availability

List price: £289.95 (about $390 / AU$550)
Available in Europe, but not the US or Australia

The Melitta AromaFresh Therm Pro is available direct from Melitta and from a handful of third-party retailers, with a list price of £289.95 (about $390 / AU$550). There are several similar-looking coffee makers in the AromaFresh series, but this is the one with the model number 1030-11, so make sure to check before buying.

At the time of writing (April 2026), the AromaFresh Therm Pro is available in Europe, but not the US or Australia.

That price is about standard for a home drip coffee maker. For comparison, the Sage/Breville Luxe Brewer Thermal (which is a similar drip coffee maker that has a cold brew mode, but no grinder) costs $349.95 / £249.95 / AU$579.

Value score: 4/5

Melitta AromaFresh Therm Pro: design

Built-in grinder
Smart-looking design for a modern kitchen
Too tall to fit underneath wall cabinets

The Melitta AromaFresh Therm Pro is a smart-looking drip coffee maker, with a matte black finish and a brushed stainless steel pitcher. It has a small footprint (10.6 x 10 inches / 26.8 x 25.2cm), which makes it handy for kitchens where countertop space is at a premium; however, the grinder on top of the brew basket means the whole machine stands a towering 18.23 inches / 46.3cm tall.

That’s much too high to fit under my standard-height kitchen cabinets, and even if I could just about slide it underneath, I wouldn’t be able to open the bean hopper. This coffee maker will only really work on counters with nothing above them (like a kitchen island).

The hopper is made from tinted plastic, with a large dial for adjusting the grind size (Image credit: Future)

The hopper has a tinted plastic lid, which allows you to see how many beans remain without allowing in too much light (which will degrade the quality of your beans), and a dial on the top allows you to set the grind size.

The hopper matches the water tank, which can hold enough water for up to eight small cups. The tank is removable, which is always a welcome feature because it means you don’t have to pour water with the machine in situ and risk spillages. The AromaFresh Therm Pro’s tank doesn’t have a handle, unlike those of some other machines I’ve tested, but its oval shape is easy to grip, and it has a detachable lid to keep your water fresh.

The water tank is removable and ergonomically shaped to be easy to carry (Image credit: Future)

The AromaFresh Therm Prod doesn’t have a hot plate to keep your coffee warm after brewing; instead, it has a double-walled insulated carafe with a smart brushed stainless steel finish – which I personally prefer, since it doesn’t alter the taste of your drink by allowing water to evaporate, or overheating it.

The machine is controlled using a set of simple buttons on the right-hand side, underneath the water tank, which allow you to set a timer, adjust the aroma (settings 1-5), and program the number of cups (1-8). It’s important to ensure this number matches the amount of water in the tank. The machine will use all the water it has, regardless of which setting you choose, so you need to use the correct amount to get the right ratio of coffee to water.

Design score: 3.5/5

Melitta AromaFresh Therm Pro: performance

Grind size is uneven
Very quiet in operation
Carafe is well-insulated

The biggest selling point of the AromaFresh Therm Pro is its integrated grinder. Usually, when you’re setting up a drip coffee machine before bed and setting a timer to start brewing in the morning, you have to add scoops of ground coffee to the filter basket and leave it overnight. This means the coffee’s flavor compounds start to degrade, and it won’t taste quite as good when the machine begins brewing the following day.

Instead, the AromaFresh Therm Pro takes whole beans, and grinds them only when it’s ready to brew. This should mean better flavor first thing in the morning; however, in my tests, this didn’t quite work as I’d hoped.

Coffee was unevenly ground (Image credit: Future)

I started out using the middle grind setting, and brew intensity three out of five, but found that my brewed coffee didn’t taste as full-bodied as I'd have liked. Upon examining the brew basket, I found that the coffee grounds were surprisingly irregular, and very dry, suggesting that the water had passed through them very quickly, despite me folding over the seamed edge of the Melitta filter paper as instructed in the manual.

I opened the ceramic grinder and cleaned its burrs with a small brush to ensure there was no debris getting in the way, and reduced the grind size to ensure the next dose of coffee was finer, so would take longer for hot water to pass through. This yielded a better flavor (as did turning the brew intensity option all the way up to five), but the coffee was still unevenly ground. Drip coffee is a lot more forgiving than espresso if the grind isn’t ideal, but I was still surprised at how chunky it was.

The carafe insulates well, although it can be hard to pour out the last cup of coffee (Image credit: Future)

The machine was very quiet when both grinding and brewing coffee, which is a real bonus if it’s going to start working by itself while you’re still waking up. During my tests it briefly reached a maximum of 75dB during grinding, but averaged 65dB, which is similar to a normal conversation. It was around 45dB while brewing, which is quieter than an ordinary refrigerator.

The drip-stop feature worked extremely well, with not a single drop of coffee escaping the machine after I had removed the insulated carafe. The carafe retains heat very well; after two hours, half a pot of coffee still measured 158ºF / 70ºC, which is ideal for drinking. A full pot stays hot even longer, so you can prepare a brew at the start of the day and savor it throughout the morning. However, I did find that the shape of the jug meant I had to turn it almost upside down to pour out the last half a cup.

Even after two hours, a carafe half-full of coffee was still at the perfect drinking temperature (Image credit: Future)

The Melitta AromaFresh Therm Pro is an excellent idea, and extremely easy to use, but it’s really let down by the quality of its built-in grinder. Given the choice, I’d opt for the Sage Luxe Brewer Thermal with a standalone coffee grinder instead, which would be available for a similar price during a sales event.

Performance score: 3.5/5

Should you buy the Melitta AromaFresh Therm Pro?Melitta AromaFresh Therm Pro score card

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

Reasonably priced for a mid-range drip coffee maker, and comparable with similar rivals.

4/5

Design

Relatively small footprint, but grinder on top means it’s too tall to fit in many kitchens

3.5/5

Performance

Coffee is ground inconsistently, and the aroma setting had to be dialled all the way up for good flavor, but very simple to use, quiet, and can produce a pretty good brew when you’re used to its quirks.

3.5/5

Buy it if

You want convenience in the morning

The AromaFresh Therm Pro’s built-in grinder means there’s minimal prep necessary if you want to wake to freshly brewed coffee.

You want to savor your coffee

The Therm Pro’s well-insulated carafe means your coffee will still be at an ideal temperature for drinking hours after it's brewed.

Don't buy it if

You’re very particular about flavor

This machine doesn’t grind your coffee perfectly evenly, so flavor might not be identical each time you brew, even if all other factors are the same.

You have limited headroom over your counter

This coffee maker is extremely tall, and you’ll need plenty of free space to access the hopper on top.

Melitta AromaFresh Therm Pro: also consider

If you're not sure whether the Melitta AromaFresh Therm Pro is the right drip coffee maker for you, here are two other well-rated options to consider:

Brevilla/Sage Luxe Brewer Thermal

The Luxe Brewer Thermal does the fundamentals extremely well, and can brew a huge pot of great-tasting coffee with ease. It gives you control over brew settings without overwhelming you with options, and its insulated carafe keeps your coffee hot for hours and hours.

Read our full Breville/Sage Luxe Brewer Thermal review

Cuisinart Grind & Brew

Another drip machine that can grind fresh beans on demand, the Cuisinart Grind & Brew is available in two sizes: one for batch brewing and one for single servings.

Read our full Cuisinart Grind & Brew review

How I tested the Melitta AromaFresh Therm Pro

I used the Melitta AromaFresh Therm Pro instead of my usual drip coffee maker for two weeks. I used Melitta’s own conical filter papers (folded according to the instructions in the manual), and my regular decaf coffee beans. I used fresh, cold tap water (again, as instructed in the manual), and made sure that the amount in the tank matched my chosen brew quantity.

I measured the noise emitted by the machine in operation with a decibel meter app on my phone, and used a thermometer to check the temperature of brewed coffee in the insulated carafe.

I washed the carafe and brew basket by hand using warm water and dish detergent, and ran a rinse cycle to clean out the coffee maker at the end of each day.

First reviewed April 2026

Categories: Reviews

Beelink EX Mate Pro dock & DAS review: An entirely different approach to docking stations

TechRadar Reviews - Sat, 04/25/2026 - 01:20

Beelink EX Mate Pro: 30-second review

While I’ve covered many Beelink mini PCs, this is the first dock I’ve encountered from this brand. And, unsurprisingly, it's constructed in what appears to be a typical small NUC case.

The small white cube connects to a desktop or laptop via USB4 with the provided cable, and once connected, you can use the USB, HDMI, LAN ports, and built-in speaker on the Beelink EX Mate Pro.

Most docks are rated for connection speed and the number of downstream ports, and while USB4 is a fast technology, the Beelink EX Mate Pro doesn’t offer many additional connections beyond the uplink. There are just three USB, one HDMI and one 2.5GbE LAN port. However, if you are comfortable with disassembly, there are also four M.2 slots inside that support 2280 NVMe modules up to 8 TB. Therefore, connecting provides not only access to the downstream devices but also inserted storage.

Almost as an aside, the top of the dock has touch controls for audio sent through the internal speaker, and the dock can connect to phones via Bluetooth and stream music from them.

At around $200, the Beelink EX Mate Pro All-In-One Docking Station, to use its full title, seems inexpensive for the functionality it offers, and many laptop owners would find it incredibly useful.

Probably not enough features to make it to the best laptop docking stations but still an interesting option.

Beelink EX Mate Pro: Price & availability

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

How much does it cost? $199
When is it out? On ‘Pre-Sale’, orders to ship within 35 days
Where can you get it? Direct from Beelink

Those looking for USB docking stations that support 80Gbps have a remarkably small selection currently.

There is the Beelink EX Mate Pro All-In-One Docking Station, reviewed here, that costs $199 directly from the makers. There is also the Mate SE, also from Beelink, priced at $119.

Beyond those choices, the only way to get an 80Gbps dock is by using Thunderbolt 5, and on some of those docks, you can even access 120Gbps. However, if you have a laptop with TB5, then you wouldn’t be interested in the Beelink EX Mate Pro, and presumably, you will have a much larger budget to get a TB5 dock.

The bottom line is that USB4 v2 as a marketing category barely exists yet. If the 80Gbps bandwidth is what you are after, a Thunderbolt 5 dock will get you there today with far more choice and better-established driver support. The Beelink EX Mate Pro is genuinely interesting, but it is very new and essentially untested at this point.

Value: 4 / 5

Beelink EX Mate Pro: Specs

Compatibility

USB-C, USB4, USB4v2

Number of Ports

Ports

1x USB4v2 upstream

1x USB4v2 downstream

1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A

1x USB 2.0 Type-A

1x 2.5GbE RJ45 Ethernet port

1x HDMI 2.0

Downstream power

1x 15W USB4v2, 1x 7.5W USB-A, 1x 2.5W USB 2.0

Upstream power

96W USB4v2

Size

99 x 99.2 x 98.3 mm (W x D x H)

Weight

‎1051g with case and cables

Accessories

Soft carry case, power cable, HDMI cable, USB4v2 (80Gbps) cable, User Guide

Beelink EX Mate Pro: Design

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

NUC case
Limited port selection
No external PSU
Requires tools to go inside

My first reaction to the Beelink EX Mate Pro was that I’d seen this enclosure previously. And, indeed, a quick look through the Beelink catalogue turned up the Beelink ME mini, which from the outside is practically identical.

On the front are the power button and two USB ports, one each of USB 4 v2 and USB 3.2 Type-A. Where on the back are the power connection, an HDMI 2.0 port, a single USB 2.0 port, a 2.5GbE LAN port, and the USB4v2 uplink port to the computer?

There is also a visible driver cone for a speaker, and the top surface of the machine has buttons to control volume, switch between PC and Bluetooth modes, and mute the built-in microphone.

Considering that this is only a roughly 10cm cube, I was reasonably surprised to discover that it didn’t come with an external laptop-style PSU, but that the 140W PSU is internal.

This compact design allows the unit and the three cables it comes with to fit neatly inside the provided soft carry case, so someone travelling for business can take it with them. As most docks are designed to live on a desk and ideally never get moved, the portability of this solution is a significant difference.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

Another aspect of this dock that’s not typical is that it has M.2 slots inside, four in total. However, getting to these isn’t straightforward, and it's not something you would want to be doing repeatedly.

The four screws that hold the top section of the EX Mate Pro on are hidden under rubber plugs in the corners of the underside. Once these are removed, the outside of the case slides up and reveals the four M.2 slots, two on the left and right.

These have thermal pads already attached, so installation involves removing the SSD retaining screw and then pushing the modules in before replacing the screw. These slots are only designed for 2280 NVMe modules, and the orientations assume that the chips are on the upper surface, which makes them upside down when compared to a normal motherboard install. If you accidentally put them with the chips facing out, the polarizing slot on the M.2 edge connector won’t allow the SSD to be inserted, making it almost impossible to get this wrong.

Once you’ve installed whatever storage you want to use, you can drop the top back on, put the screws in, and even the rubber plugs, if you haven’t already lost them.

Overall, I wish getting to the M.2 slots were a little easier, but in the grand scheme of things, it’s a minor inconvenience.

Design: 4 / 5

Beelink EX Mate Pro: Features

Bandwidth management
Gen 3 x 2 M.2
Power management

When I review USB or Thunderbolt docks, I’m always struck by how the makers will add more connections than can reasonably be supported by the bandwidth of the host connection.

But in the context of the Beelink EX Mate Pro, there are such a limited number of ports that this is much less of an issue.

The host connection is USB4v2, the 80Gbps implementation of the original USB4 standard, a technology that AMD has supported with their AI 300 series processors.

USB4 v2 can theoretically reach 80Gbps bidirectionally, but that full speed is optional rather than mandatory. The minimum requirement for USB4 certification is just 20Gbps. That creates a genuine problem for buyers. A port labelled USB4v2 on a laptop could be running at a quarter of the headline speed, which would affect how quickly devices attached to the dock can operate, including internal M.2 modules.

For my testing, I used an AI 300 system with USB4 40 Gbps ports, but the availability of machines with 80 Gbps implementations isn’t good at this time. But equally, Thunderbolt 5 isn’t common either. I suspect that USB4v2 is likely to be more popular in the long run since it’s not explicitly welded to Intel chips.

However, on the Beelink EX Mate Pro, unless you want to use every single port on it, 40Gbps USB4 is a generally good experience.

One interesting detail about this hardware is how the M.2 sub-system is implemented, since these drives have the potential to consume large amounts of the potential bandwidth available.

All four are treated as PCIe Gen 3 with 2 lanes. Therefore, putting Gen 4 drives in here wouldn’t improve performance, and Gen 3 drives would be limited to half their normal four-lane bandwidth.

In some ways, I wish Beelink had used a PCIe switch that could allocate bandwidth dynamically on the M.2 slots. If they had done that, the eight lanes of Gen 3 connectivity could have been traded to two G3 ports with all four lanes, or even a single port of Gen 4 with four lanes. But instead, each gets two Gen 3 lanes fixed.

If you want better speed from the M.2 slots, you could ask Windows to use software RAID 0, striping two or more drives for greater bandwidth. However, I’m not sure I’d want to do this, since any drive failure would be catastrophic for the whole array. As a whole, I don’t think software RAID is a wonderful idea, but some people might be keen to either use it to merge multiple drives, enhance performance or resilience (mirrors).

But these are all options, and having choices is good.

That’s also true of the USB4v2 downlink that could take all the bandwidth and leave nothing for the other ports.

The upside of this decision is that you can run dual monitors from this dock, using the HDMI 2.0 port and the USB4v2, or you could also attach a USB4 external DAS or SSD.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

As docks go, other than the M.2 slots, this system has limited ports and, therefore, features.

One area I didn’t especially love was the speaker solution, as it didn’t enhance my audio experience beyond what I already experience from my monitors. But having something that can play music over Bluetooth from a phone, or direct from the PC, might be useful to some. Having an inherent microphone also avoids the need to carry it along if the audio quality is acceptable to you.

As much as docks are about bandwidth management, they are also about the distribution of power. The internal PSU on the Beelink EX Mate Pro has 140W to play with, enabling it to offer 96W on the USB4v2 uplink. That’s plenty for most laptops, unless you have a mobile workstation that wants 140W.

But the USB ports on the dock can also draw power: 15W on the USB4v2 and USB 3.2 ports, and 2.5W on the USB 2.0 port. Therefore, if you plug devices into these, you might find that it comes out of the 96W laptop's recharging budget, since the remaining 44W is probably needed for other things.

With relatively few ports and a somewhat idiosyncratic port selection, the Beelink EX Mate Pro focuses on laptop users who need these particular functions. I can’t see desktop or Mini PC users wanting some of these capabilities, but it depends on how they use their systems, I guess.

Features: 4 / 5

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)Beelink EX Mate Pro: Performance

80Gbps upstream bandwidth
M.2 and USB4v2

It should be obvious that the performance of any external dock depends on the bandwidth available to connect to it and how that bandwidth is divided among the ports in use.

Because of the huge number of possibilities, I decided that what was most relevant is how fast NVMe drives are when placed in the M.2 slots. And what sort of speed can you expect from external SSDs using the USB4v2 downlink port?

For my M.2 testing, I used a single Kioxia Exceria Plus G3 that’s rated for a sequential read speed of around 5000 MB/s. That speed level is only possible when this NVMe drive is run on a Gen 4 slot with 4 lanes. On a Gen 3 slot with two lanes (a quarter of the bandwidth), it managed only 1655 MB/s reads and 1556 MB/s writes using CrystalDiskMark as the benchmark. This underlines that investing in Gen 4 over Gen 3 is largely pointless if you intend to put them inside this hardware.

But where I saw much better performance was with the USB4v2 port, attaching a Corsair EX400 2TB USB4 SSD. That delivered an impressive. 3912MB/s reads and 3703MB/s writes, which is close to the fastest that I’ve ever achieved with this external drive.

For the sake of completeness, I also tested it with an OWC Envoy Pro FX, a 4TB external drive that was made for Thunderbolt 4. It achieved 3029MB/s reads but only 1290MB/s writes, curiously.

Overall, the performance of this dock with its external USB4 v2 port was more impressive than that of the M.2 internal drives. Although it's important to realise that the speeds I achieved with the external drives would have been largely similar if they had been directly connected to the host system.

The Corsair EX400 achieved 4059MB/s reads and 3748MB/s writes when connected directly to the host, as an example.

Performance: 4 / 5

Beelink EX Mate Pro: Final verdict

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

The Beelink EX Mate Pro is an interesting option, especially for those who stay out of the office but need the additional ports and storage options that a device like this can add.

It’s not a replacement for a dedicated desktop dock with ten or more ports, but then it's not priced like one either.

To get the most from this equipment, you need a minimum of a USB4 port with 40Gbps (not 20Gbps) and ideally a full USB4v2 implementation with 80Gbps. That last option isn’t common yet, but hopefully, more laptops will appear with those in the near future.

At under $200, this isn’t an expensive choice if you have the right ports on your laptop and want to add some extra ones that the maker of that device left off.

However, it isn’t clear yet if the future of external connections lies with Thunderbolt or USB, since the latest technologies from both camps have yet to see widespread use.

Beelink EX Mate Pro: Report card

Value

Inexpensive for a USB4v2 dock

4 / 5

Design

A repurposed NUC case with no external PSU

4 / 5

Features

Limited ports outside, but four M.2 slots inside

4 / 5

Performance

Works well enough for USB4 hosts and devices

4 / 5

Overall

Inexpensive option if you have USB4v2

4 / 5

Should I buy a Beelink EX Mate Pro?

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)Buy it if...

You have USB4v2
Like Thunderbolt 5, almost nobody has USB4v2 currently, though this device will work well enough with USB4 if it has 40Gbps available.

You need 96W charging
While 96W isn’t enough for some mobile workstation-class machines, it's plenty for the majority of laptops, enabling you to work and charge simultaneously. View Deal

Don't buy it if...

You don’t have USB4
If you only have USB-C (USB 3.2), or a USB4 port with only 20Gbps bandwidth, I’d avoid this dock, since the performance of the M.2 storage and the through ports won’t be ideal.

You need many ports
As docks go, this one doesn’t have many ports, limiting what you can reasonably connect to it. If you need a USB4 external drive and two monitors connected, then this dock doesn’t support that at the same time.

Categories: Reviews

RUN Powered by ADP software review: Simple and streamlined for small businesses

TechRadar Reviews - Fri, 04/24/2026 - 16:35

ADP is one of the largest providers of payroll, HR, and tax services in the business world, but its products are more often associated with larger enterprises – so RUN powered by ADP is a refreshing change of pace.

It’s a payroll and HR platform specifically designed for smaller businesses with fewer than 50 employees. We've reviewed all the best HR software, with this particular service built to make potentially complex functions faster, easier, and more reliable, so the people in charge of small businesses can concentrate on the work they really want to be doing.

Over 900,000 small businesses already rely on ADP, so there’s plenty to suggest that this solution will work for your small enterprise – and with a healthy array of features and a solid selection of product tiers available, your organization will have plenty of choice when it comes to picking its next payroll and HR solution.

RUN Powered by ADP: Plans and pricing

As with many HR and payroll tools, pricing for RUN Powered by ADP is available on a case-by-case basis, and you’ve got to talk to the company to get concrete figures.

RUN powered by ADP is available in four different packages. All are designed around smaller businesses, but there’s a broad array of features available.

The Essential Payroll option is ideal for small organizations that just need a product to handle payroll, taxes, and compliance in all fifty US states, and the Enhanced Payroll adds background checks, State Unemployment Insurance and ZipRecruiter compatibility. The Complete Payroll & HR Plus product provides basic HR support, while HR Pro offers in-depth HR support and employee perks.

(Image credit: Future)RUN Powered by ADP: Features

Even the entry-level Essential Payroll package is packed with capabilities, including online, phone, and mobile payroll functionality, direct deposits, reporting, tax filing, multi-company and multi-jurisdiction payroll support, and more.

That entry-level product also includes employee self-service payroll and document portals, new-hire onboarding, background checks and employee discounts.

Upgrade to Enhanced Payroll and you get State Unemployment Insurance management, Job Costing and more. Opt for the basic HR support of the Complete Payroll & HR Plus tier and you get phone and email support, an employee handbook wizard, salary benchmarking, HR tracking, training, and documentation. And by upgrading to the top product, HR Pro, you add ATS capability, learning management and legal assistance to the product.

This impressive list of features is bolstered by solid functionality.

Many of those key payroll tasks can be automated, and mobile access and an effective system of reminders ensure that your HR staff can keep things running smoothly. The system now also includes AI-powered error flagging so you can spot issues before they have an impact.

The payroll system keeps things moving with logical, sensible workflows and comprehensive reporting capabilities, and there’s a document vault for cataloguing employee information.

That’s great, but this product does have some limitations, especially when compared to solutions that are designed for larger organizations. You won’t find the depth of reporting and analytics here that you’ll see elsewhere, for instance, and customized workflow functionality is limited.

Several add-ons can enable extra functionality, albeit at extra cost. The Time and Attendance module helps you manage schedules and tackle time away from work, and the Retirement utility allows you to build and choose competitive retirement plan options through ADP Retirement Services.

The Workers’ Compensation module adds pay-as-you-go solutions for your employees, and a Health Insurance add-on lets staff choose from a wide variety of group coverage options.

(Image credit: Future)RUN Powered by ADP: Ease of use

Access RUN Powered by ADP and it’s immediately clear that the system has been designed for smaller businesses that may not have large HR departments – or much HR experience within the organization at all.

The layout is clear and intuitive. Different modules are accessible in a menu bar on the left-hand side of the product, and the Home Screen provides a slick, straightforward view of your upcoming payroll, key next steps, your latest reports and a calendar.

A button in the bottom-right corner opens up ADP Assist, a new AI helper, and you can edit quick-access links next to the search bar at the top of the home screen.

Individual sections are just as straightforward. The Payroll section puts key notifications, including W-2 and 1099 paperwork, right at the forefront. Similarly, the People section prioritizes your next steps, the Employee Directory makes it easy to find key details about your staff, and many sections around the app have Quick Action menus that make common functionality easy to tackle.

The system is easy to navigate even for people without lots of HR experience, which is key for a product like RUN Powered by ADP – and it gives this solution an instant advantage when compared to many rivals.

The downside of that? Limited customization. You can’t tweak every option on the home screen like you can in other products, you can’t integrate using API, and you can’t add any of the thousands of utilities available in ADP Marketplace – RUN supports integrations with several leading accounting, business, and POS system providers, but that’s it.

For smaller organizations none of those issues will be a deal-breaker, because RUN will provide everything they need, but it’s worth bearing this in mind – and noting that you may need to upgrade to a more flexible product if your organization grows and develops more complex HR requirements.

(Image credit: Future)RUN Powered by ADP: Support

As well as the aforementioned ADP Assist module, RUN provides several different support routes for small businesses.

Every tier of the product provides 24/7 payroll phone support from ADP agents, and live chat agents are available from 7.30am to 10pm on weekdays. Users can file service tickets and leave messages for those chat agents. If you opt for the Complete or HR Pro packages you also get phone and email HR support, too, alongside training modules.

ADP’s website has a knowledge base with answers to common questions and a client community called The Bridge, where administrators can ask questions.

That’s a good slate of options, but online user reviews suggest that payroll support is sometimes not particularly fast, which may be an issue in your organization.

(Image credit: Future)RUN Powered by ADP: Competition

We’re going to start this section in a slightly unusual way: by talking about another ADP product. ADP Workforce Now is built for midsized and enterprise-level businesses with more than fifty employees – in contrast to RUN Powered by ADP, which is designed for organizations with less than fifty members of staff.

ADP Workforce Now provides much of the functionality as RUN Powered by ADP, and adds more robust capabilities around benefits administration, talent acquisition, reporting, and professional services.

This broader product concentrates on streamlining, automation, and cost management, and it also supports integrations through the ADP Marketplace and via standard APIs – something you don’t get with RUN Powered by ADP.

Beyond ADP’s own products, RUN faces some tough competitors. If you’d like to explore straightforward payroll tools that work well with smaller organizations, Gusto and QuickBooks are perennially popular options.

If you’re on the hunt for a solution that offers HR capabilities alongside payroll, then Rippling is a more complex choice, and Paylocity is another contender that can grow with your business and provide a broader slate of features.

RUN Powered by ADP: Final verdict

RUN Powered by ADP makes payroll, taxes, and core HR admin tasks feel manageable for small businesses that don’t have an HR team or managers who want to deal with the extra burden – and if you find yourself in that position, this is an excellent and effective choice.

It’s got an intuitive interface, easy learning curve, and excellent payroll features that make compliance, tax, and financial reporting a breeze.

There are negatives, though, with a lack of flexibility, customization, and integration options compared to many other products. A lack of pricing transparency can hinder decision-making, and costs can escalate if you invest in a pricier tier with add-ons to deploy extra functionality.

RUN Powered by ADP does a good job with the essentials of payroll and HR, so it’s a solid choice for smaller businesses that don’t have in-house expertise, but we’d consider shopping around if you’d like to grow your business and may require a more ambitious selection of features.

Categories: Reviews

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Human Resources HR software review: Flexible, powerful, but definitely not perfect

TechRadar Reviews - Fri, 04/24/2026 - 16:01

Microsoft is one of the biggest names in computing and software, but Dynamics 365 Human Resources is not one of the company’s most well-known tools, and it’s not as popular in HR circles as solutions from dedicated rivals like SAP, Sage, or ADP.

With such technological pedigree behind it, though, you’d be wise to consider Microsoft’s tool when searching for a new HR solution.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Human Resources promises to help your teams increase productivity, boost agility, discover greater insights, and more – all from a central location. However, having tested the best HR software, it's fair to say it has certain issues some businesses won't be able to overlook.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Human Resources: Plans and pricing

(Image credit: Future)

Microsoft is up-front about its pricing for Dynamics 365 Human Resources, which is a pleasing discovery. Not all HR solutions providers are so forthcoming about the financials.

There are no different feature tiers with Dynamics 365 Human Resources – you pay for the product, it integrates with your other Microsoft and third-party solutions, and that’s that. That means you don’t have to worry about missing out on HR functionality you need if you opt for a more affordable product.

Instead, Microsoft’s pricing is divided by user. For every HR professional who wants to use the full capability of the app, you’ll have to pay $135 per user per month. For every employee and manager who needs self-service access, it’ll cost $4 per user per month. Bear in mind that these fees need to be paid yearly.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Human Resources: Features

Many of Microsoft’s features focus on improving agility and speed in your HR teams – as with most other HR packages, you get plenty of options to create your own workflows, processes, and automations.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 goes much further than most in this area, too, thanks to the Microsoft Power Platform. It’s a suite of low-code tools, including Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI, and Copilot Studio, that enable businesses to build custom apps and integrations, analyze data, and create websites without extensive technical knowledge.

By combining Dynamics 365 with Power Platform and Microsoft’s AI features, your HR teams can build their own functionality in the HR system – tailored to your organization and its people. Power Platform supports over 1,000 integrations, which Microsoft calls Connectors. And while this entire system will work more effectively if your organization uses Microsoft tools on a wide scale, many of those connectors are provided by third-party specialists, so you’re not completely restricted.

Get beyond Power Platform and Dynamics 365’s various automation and customization features, and you’ll find a reasonable slate of HR functionality.

Employees can use self-service tools to submit leave requests and centralized employee profiles include career accomplishments, skills, certifications, and more. You can empower staff with training opportunities, performance tracking, and goal-setting.

Automated, trackable team performance and feedback is offered to managers within your business, and you can create compensation plans and self-service benefits packages. That’s not the end of the automation, either, with configurable processes, workflows, and task management supported throughout – and if you want analytics, the app uses embedded tools to provide in-depth data.

Microsoft’s product integrates with key payroll providers like Ceridian Dayforce and ADP Workforce Now, and an API is available, but note that Dynamics 365 doesn’t provide its own payroll functionality. Similarly, Dynamics 365 connects with talent acquisition systems like LinkedIn Talent Solutions, but this functionality isn’t included in the Microsoft tool natively.

You do get some neat integrations with other Microsoft tools, though, as long as you also have licenses for those. You can visualize HR data with Power BI dashboards, for instance, which is an ideal way to monitor your workforce, spot trends, and identify potential issues. Your employees can also access many HR functions directly in Microsoft Teams.

Dynamics 365 also includes integrations with hundreds of third-party apps, with over 130 available for HR at the time of writing.

There’s no doubt that Dynamics 365 Human Resources is strongest when it’s included as part of a wider Microsoft system, where you’ll be able to properly exploit its integration with other products and the various AI and customization tools delivered through Power Platform.

Negatively, though, if you’re not already integrated with Microsoft, then you’ll have a severely compromised experience with this solution.

(Image credit: Future)Microsoft Dynamics 365 Human Resources: Ease of use

Unfortunately, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Human Resources wasn’t available with a free trial at the time of writing, and when we reached out to Microsoft so we could test the app, the company was unresponsive.

That said, user sentiment and online reviews indicate that the product is easiest to use in organizations that already rely on the Microsoft ecosystem, which is not surprising.

The day-to-day experience for employees is reportedly impressive, with lots of functionality easily available through Microsoft Teams.

The experience has been described as more mixed for HR administrators and managers, with reports of a complex interface, a steep learning curve, and challenging initial setup. Positively, there’s also plenty of talk about the system being powerful and customizable – once you know your way around, managers have been able to deploy robust, effective, and tailored tools throughout their HR systems.

We’ve seen reports of poor functionality and friction caused by reliance on so many third-party integrations – a double-edged sword when stacked alongside the increased functionality and flexibility provided by the large library of potential additions.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Human Resources: Support

Microsoft offers extensive support options for Dynamics 365 Human Resources. If you rely on the standard options included with the product, then you receive plenty of coverage, and you can pay $9 per user per month for Professional Direct Support – an option designed for businesses with continuous operations that need faster response times and access to experts.

Above that tier is Unified Enterprise support, designed for organizations that need end-to-end support across an entire suite of Microsoft technologies. You’ll need to talk to sales to get pricing for that product.

That said, the Standard support option is still comprehensive. HR professionals can access web and phone incident submission, break/fix support, always-on critical incident support, a service dashboard, online training, and potentially response times under one hour.

Upgrade to the Professional Direct package and your issues get prioritized. You can also benefit from service delivery and escalation management, advisory services, monthly reviews, proactive support services, and technical webinars.

And if you want that Unified Enterprise option, you’ll get complete coverage for all of your Microsoft products, an assigned service delivery manager, on-demand service reviews and workshops, remote diagnostics, on-site services, and enhanced solutions.

No matter which support package you go for, it’s a deeply impressive array of options – one of the most comprehensive you’ll find alongside any HR solution.

(Image credit: Future)Microsoft Dynamics 365 Human Resources: Competition

The size and popularity of Microsoft means that Dynamics 365 Human Resources has plenty of strong rivals worth considering, even if you’re already committed to the wider Microsoft ecosystem in other areas of your business.

SAP SuccessFactors is a good alternative for enterprises that want a powerful, dedicated HR suite that can integrate across a large and complex business, and UKG is particularly capable for organizations that want lots of power and customization around scheduling.

Paylocity should be at the top of your list if you want huge amounts of data alongside both payroll and HR functionality in one solution.

Rippling is one to investigate if you’d like to deploy plenty of automation in your next HR solution, and both BambooHR and HiBob have great user interfaces that work particularly well for SMBs.

(Image credit: Future)Microsoft Dynamics 365 Human Resources: Final verdict

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Human Resources has significant strengths, most of which rely on its unsurprisingly deep integration with the wider suite of Microsoft solutions.

It’s excellent for workflow automation and customization thanks to tools like Power Platform and Power BI, and its Teams employee self-service options are convenient.

Its core HR capabilities are solid, and it’s got some of the best support options available for any HR solution.

It’s missing payroll and recruiting tools, though, and its integration library can be tricky – it introduces functionality but could create an operational risk.

If you need flexibility and analytics from your HR suite and you’re already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem, then Dynamics 365 Human Resources is worth consideration. But if you’re not already wedded to Microsoft, we recommend investing elsewhere.

Categories: Reviews

Cintra People HR software review: Refreshingly straightforward but recruitments come from integrations

TechRadar Reviews - Fri, 04/24/2026 - 15:53

Lots of HR software providers deliver global solutions built for multinational enterprises, but Cintra is based in Newcastle, UK, and focuses on the British market.

With hundreds of businesses already using Cintra software and billions of pounds in Bacs payments processed annually, though, there’s clear demand for tools like Cintra People – the company’s all-in-one HR solution.

That’s no wonder when you consider what Cintra People offers. The company promises a comprehensive approach that collects human resources, payroll, performance, and engagement in one place.

Having tested all the best HR software, this one is refreshingly straightforward, extremely customizable, and relies on automation to save hours of time for your HR teams.

Cintra People: Plans and pricing

As with many HR and payroll tools, you’ll only get pricing for Cintra People if you get in touch with the business for a tailored quote. Thankfully, the company does offer a 14-day free trial with no credit card required, which is rare for HR solutions.

As with many HR solutions, getting that tailored quote and eventually deploying Cintra People means building a package using several different modules that provide HR and finance functionality.

While that does mean you can create an HR solution with the features that your organization needs, it also means that Cintra People could get expensive and that initial budgeting could prove tricky until you have a conversation with the Cintra sales department.

(Image credit: Future)Cintra People: Features

Cintra People is designed to bring HR, payroll, performance, and engagement together in a single system that simplifies management for businesses of all sizes.

The secure, cloud-based employee database ensures data security and integrity across information, documents, and employment history. A self-service portal lets staff update their own information – with user sentiment suggesting the self-service options are impressive.

Cintra’s leave and absence management module tackles PTO, sickness, TOIL, and more, and it includes self-service, calendar syncing, fast approval processes, and clear reporting to help your employees stay engaged and managers stay on top of their workforce.

The various time-off options and categories can be configured to match your organization’s requirements and policies, and reporting can help identify trends, including absenteeism. The app supports global teams, multi-location businesses, and both hybrid and remote work, with flexibility very much placed at the forefront.

There’s an automated return to work process, and the leave management tools work on mobile too – so management is even easier. Similarly, time-tracking options let you manage hourly and salaried employees across projects and locations with custom processes and ample automation.

Cintra’s performance management tools include annual reviews, probationary procedures, self-assessments, 1-1s, and 360-degree feedback – this is one of the most comprehensive performance modules you’ll find in any HR suite. Automated cycles can be configured to keep feedback flowing, and managers can record and report on goals, feedback, and outcomes with analytics and assessments.

Checklists, goals, OKRs, and customizable templates help standardize processes, and you can create and manage employee training and learning schedules.

Personalized onboarding processes, progress tracking, manager involvement options, and automated reminders ensure a smoother start for any new hires. You can send welcome messages and first-day information and give new starters access to their team profiles, and it’s all accessible by mobile to make life easier.

The final major module in Cintra People handles employee engagement. You can build tailored surveys, track engagement, ask for anonymous feedback, and use a dashboard to spot opportunities and potential issues. Peer recognition systems are included, too, alongside a company newsfeed – both of which are key for morale.

Cintra People includes payroll functionality, so you don’t have to switch to another system to tackle the finances, and it also integrates with Xero, Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace, Greenhouse, Slack, DocuSign, and many more tools. A flexible API is available so you can create your own integrations.

It’s also a capable option for UK businesses that need to ensure compliance thanks to its ISO 27001 certification and Employer of Record capability, albeit with the latter available as a separate service.

One slight negative is the support for recruitment features via integrations – there’s not much included here natively. Depending on the tools you use you can manage candidate pipelines, use reporting, publish open positions to job boards, and streamline your screening and scheduling, but this functionality isn’t included in the system by default.

(Image credit: Future)Cintra People: Ease of use

Cintra People’s interface is not particularly flashy or colorful, but it’s well-designed and will quickly become easy to use for administrators, even if they’re not familiar with HR tools.

Sensible layouts and typography make information easy to parse. The app’s customizable dashboard provides alerts, a newsfeed, instant details on employee behavior, and more detailed breakdowns of allowances, team locations, and even birthdays and work anniversaries. It’s a great way to quickly get up to speed with what’s going on in your business.

As with many HR tools, the main navigation is on the left-hand side, and there’s plenty to enjoy when you explore the rest of the app.

The employee review section provides a straightforward way to monitor performance, deploy 360-degree review structures, and see employee shout-outs. Throughout the app you’ll find automation and checklist options that are powerful and easy to configure.

There are broad customization options baked into the app, which can help users modify Cintra People to reflect their own workflows and requirements, and the concentration on data parity and centralization means robust compliance and impressive levels of consistency.

User sentiment backs up much of our testing, with HR managers often citing Cintra’s easy navigation and thorough implementation processes as high points.

(Image credit: Future)Cintra People: Support

As with most HR solutions, Cintra provides a knowledge base that’s packed with useful articles, and administrators can book training sessions on new starters, reporting, efficiency, and payroll at an extra cost.

If you need to get in touch with Cintra then a ticketing system is offered, although there’s little extra information about timelines or communication methods available on the Cintra website.

That said, online user sentiment suggests that people are frequently impressed by the speed and capability of Cintra’s support services, and the company also offers outsourced HR services if you need extra day-to-day help.

(Image credit: Future)Cintra People: Competition

Anyone looking for an SMB-focused HR solution has plenty of options to choose from, even if you’re considering UK-based products.

Sage HR is another frontrunner if you need an all-in-one HR solution designed for SMBs, and IRIS is another comprehensive tool.

If you’d like to evaluate options that excel in specific areas, then you’ve got no shortage of choice, either. BambooHR and HiBob are superb when it comes to employee experience and engagement, and both have more engaging user interfaces than Cintra – although they’re a little weaker when it comes to payroll.

For a product that’s stronger with the financials, RUN Powered by ADP is an SMB-specific alternative, and Workable is excellent for recruitment.

Cintra People: Final verdict

Cintra People is a comprehensive and effective choice for UK-based SMBs that need a broad array of HR and payroll features, all in one platform.

It does a great job of providing core functionality, with superb workflow support, top-notch performance and engagement features, and an unfussy and effective design. Its employee self-service experience is good, too.

You don’t get any real pricing transparency until you start talking to Cintra, though, which can be frustrating, and functionality based around recruitment relies on integrations rather than native features.

Despite that, Cintra People is a capable and well-designed SMB option that will deliver practicality, usability, and compliance to your business.

Categories: Reviews

HP DeskJet 2855e: What do users think of this budget inkjet printer?

TechRadar Reviews - Fri, 04/24/2026 - 15:13

The HP DeskJet 2855e is a compact all-in-one inkjet printer designed for light home use. It provides printing, scanning, and copying functions. The printer stands out because of its simple setup process, which users praise when they use the HP Smart app together with wireless connectivity features.

Now, this is a budget inkjet - it's currently $50 at Amazon.com and in the UK, the virtually identical DeskJet 2820e is £40 at Amazon.co.uk.

We went hands-on with the DeskJet 2855e to get a feel for how it all comes together. And we've also looked at what others are saying about it.

The 2855e printer receives continuous praise from online reviewers for its document printing quality, and some users report good photo results when using appropriate paper. The printer's compact design makes it an ideal choice for people who need to save space.

The 2855e printer has several negative aspects that users need to consider. Reviews frequently report problems with printer connectivity because they experience unstable Wi-Fi connections, mainly when their network operates only on the 5.0 GHz band (the printer needs 2.4 GHz connectivity).

The primary source of disagreement stems from HP's ink policy, which forces users to purchase HP-branded cartridges and subscribe to HP Instant Ink for potential savings. This policy creates frustration because of high costs outside the program and the need for internet connectivity for HP+ features. The printer is criticized for its slow startup, printing speeds, and the initial setup cartridges’ minimal page yield.

Regardless, users who need a basic printer for occasional tasks will find the HP DeskJet 2855e an appropriate choice because it offers cost-effectiveness and ease of use.

For our top-performing picks, see our guide to the best home printers we've tested.

(Image credit: Future)HP DeskJet 2855e: Specs

The HP DeskJet 2855e is an all-purpose inkjet printer that works well for homes, students, and small businesses. It is a multifunctional device that enables color printing, copying, and scanning to meet different document requirements.

The DeskJet 2855e reaches a maximum ISO printing speed of 7.5 pages per minute (ppm) for black text while reaching 5.5 ppm for color prints. The printer operates effectively between 50 and 100 pages of monthly print use and reaches a maximum duty cycle of 1,000 pages. The printer operates effectively for both light and medium printing needs.

The printer delivers excellent print quality through its 1200 x 1200 rendered dpi for black text and 4800 x 1200 optimized dpi for color prints, resulting in clear and sharp documents. The printer produces detailed and colorful outputs through its 4800 x 1200 optimized dpi color printing capability and 1200 x 1200 rendered dpi black text printing ability.

The printer includes a 60-sheet input tray that supports printing different media sizes starting from 3 x 5 inches (postcards) and extending to 8.5 x 14 inches (legal paper). Users can print various documents on different paper types through this printer, including plain paper, photo paper, brochures, and envelopes. A 25-sheet output tray helps users manage their printed documents efficiently.

The printer enables wireless printing through built-in Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n and direct connections through its Hi-Speed USB 2.0 port. The printer allows network users to print documents from various connected devices. The HP Smart app, Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, Chrome OS, and Mopria certification enable users to print directly from smartphones and tablets.

The DeskJet 2855e features a scanner that scans at 1200 dpi optical resolution to deliver detailed results for documents and photos. The copier enables nine copies with a 300 x 300 dpi resolution for black and color copies.

The printer measures 16.7 inches (W) x 11.97 inches (D) x 6.06 inches (H) and weighs 7.55 pounds to fit easily in different spaces with its compact dimensions. HP integrates at least 60% post-consumer recycled plastic into its construction to demonstrate its environmental responsibility.

HP DeskJet 2855e: Feedback What other sites think

In addition to reviewing the product, we analyzed HP DeskJet 2855e reviews from other online publications to get a more precise and concise idea of what others think of the low-cost inkjet printer.

RTINGS.com says the HP DeskJet 2855e isn't a good choice for families due to its low page yield, leading to frequent and costly ink cartridge replacements. While its document print quality is passable, it struggles with photos, producing flat and unnatural images due to a narrow color range and poor accuracy. Although it includes a scanner, the scan quality is poor, it lacks fine detail, and there is no automatic feeder for multi-page documents. On the positive side, it offers good connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, USB, AirPrint, and Mopria, making it easily accessible to multiple users.

Over at PCVerge, the HP DeskJet 2855e is noted for being a compact, affordable printer suitable for light family use, boasting good connectivity options like Wi-Fi, USB, AirPrint, and Mopria. However, its limitations include the absence of an automatic document feeder, merely acceptable print quality, and higher long-term operating expenses due to ink consumption. While not the fastest, its photo printing speed is reasonable for its price. It features a high-resolution flatbed scanner with good color depth, though its hinges don't accommodate scanning thick items. Ultimately, the HP DeskJet 2855e is deemed a good value for fundamental home printing, particularly for infrequent users open to alternative ink solutions or an HP ink subscription.

Perhaps the most insightful review comes from a Reddit poster. Their “Love Letter to Mediocrity” covers all the essential bases. The author expresses pleasant surprise that the printer functions without significant issues, highlighting its easy setup, wireless printing, and all-in-one capabilities (print, scan, copy). However, the review notes its downsides, including high ink consumption, slow print speeds, and mediocre print quality. The reviewer concludes that the printer is best suited for users with basic printing needs and low expectations, rather than those seeking high-quality or fast performance.

(Image credit: Future)What users have to say

The HP DeskJet 2855e achieves positive average star ratings on major online retail and manufacturer platforms. Still, negative reviews strongly outnumber positive ones, which leads to an extreme split in user satisfaction.

The printer earns a 4.2 out of 5-star rating at Walmart.com based on 652 ratings from 412 reviewers. The review distribution reveals that most users provide 5-star ratings at 65% while 16% give 4-star ratings.

The 1-star reviews account for 10% of the reviews, indicating that many users remain unhappy with the product. The overall recommendation rate from Walmart.com reviewers regarding the product amounts to 83%.

HP.com shows the DeskJet 2855e receiving 4.3 out of 5 stars from 433 user reviews on its official store website. The platform displays a mixed sentiment, with numerous negative reviews that describe multiple problems. 4. The polarized feedback pattern matches what other platforms show.

Best Buy lacks explicit ratings information in the document, but their summaries demonstrate that customers praise the DeskJet 2855e's user-friendly nature, and lack sufficient negative feedback. 6 The product starts with an overwhelmingly positive first impression, especially regarding its early usage.

The 4-star rating on RC Willey, based on 214 customer reviews, matches the general positive trend while showing that some customers remain dissatisfied.

(Image credit: Future)HP DeskJet 2855e: Pros

The HP DeskJet 2855e receives positive reviews for its main features, which appeal to users who require an entry-level home printer.

Users praise the DeskJet 2855e for its "ease of use" and simple setup process after completing software installation and initial connection steps. Many users who experienced a straightforward setup process share positive opinions about this printer. The HP Smart application is a key tool that helps users set up their printer and provides easy mobile printing capabilities without a computer connection.

Multiple users describe the DeskJet 2855e as delivering "good print quality" and producing "clear and true to color" images with "great print copies" that meet everyday needs for documents, school work, and occasional photo printing. The expert review by PCVarge agrees with these observations since it notes that the printer delivers “good image quality” and “reasonable” photo printing speeds at an affordable price.

Users consistently praise the printer for its compact design and lightweight construction. The printer receives praise for its "convenient and space-saving" design and "portable" feature, which makes it suitable for home desks in small living spaces. PCVarge notes that the printer measures 6.7 x 11.97 x 6.06 inches and weighs 7.55 pounds, emphasizing its small size among desktop printers.

The printer's affordable initial cost is the main selling point for customers who consider it a "great price" and an "affordable" choice for basic home printing needs. The printer receives positive reviews from customers and experts because it offers a "good budget choice" that suits basic requirements while delivering print, scan, and copy functionalities.

Users highly value wireless printing capabilities across different devices and effortless HP Smart mobile application integration for its user-friendly features. The printer allows users to print documents without needing to plug in their computers every time.

According to HP, the printer features the “most reliable Wi-Fi,” which automatically detects and solves network problems, but some users report opposite experiences.

The positive reception of the HP DeskJet 2855e regarding its compact design, affordable price point, and user-friendly operation post-initial setup confirms its suitability for users requiring basic, straightforward printing capabilities. Due to this feedback, the product stands in the “basic home printing” market segment. The product meets the needs of a particular group of users who have low expectations. HP’s design choices involve choosing basic accessibility and a compact size instead of providing full functionality and premium materials.

The printer delivers its highest value to users with basic needs who successfully overcome typical setup challenges. The strategic market approach adopted by HP focuses on the entry-level market segment by prioritizing initial purchase affordability and ease of use. The user feedback confirms the product's successful targeting of its specific market segment because these customers find that the printer meets its essential promises.

(Image credit: Future)HP DeskJet 2855e: Cons

The HP DeskJet 2855e suffers from multiple critical problems, negatively affecting customer satisfaction.

Multiple users, including those with technical expertise, found the printer setup experience highly challenging. They needed at least 20 minutes and sometimes two days to establish printer functionality. Users experience a "clunky nightmare" and "convoluted" setup process because the instructions depend on mobile app guidance while eliminating disc support, which results in users getting trapped in infinite loops.

The numerous reports about challenging initial setup processes by users with technical experience demonstrate how many buyers encounter a substantial obstacle that prevents them from completing the setup process. The initial unpleasant experience with the printer can make users lose enthusiasm for its beneficial features.

Installing the printer starts with a negative experience that damages customer satisfaction immediately after purchase, making them more likely to return products and view the following problems with increased hostility.

The first negative impression strongly influences customer reviews because it leads to the observed bimodal distribution across different platforms. A customer's inability to print a return label demonstrates their frustration and the practical difficulties that emerge when a setup fails. The setup process becomes a critical, high-stakes moment for HP because it focuses on app-based setup but lacks robust offline setup options and precise network configuration troubleshooting. Enhancing the initial user experience would lead to better overall customer opinions, even if additional drawbacks exist.

This issue sparks intense disagreement among customers who feel intensely dissatisfied with it. Users strongly dislike that the printer requires HP-branded ink cartridges and an active Instant Ink subscription for maintenance.

Users strongly condemn HP for what they call the "ink scam" and denounce the "ink rule" because of the "chip,” which forces users to use HP’s proprietary ink. Users explicitly mention they will never purchase HP products again because of this policy.

Expert reviews show that standard cartridges have a "very low page yield,” which results in “high long-term operational cost (without subscription)”- $0.08 per black print and $.12 per color print—so users must replace cartridges often before subscribing to the model.

Users view HP's proprietary ink policy and subscription promotion as more than financial issues because they create fundamental trust breakdowns and damage brand loyalty among numerous customers. Users experience deeper problems than price concerns because they see this practice as unfair towards consumers and feel trapped by the manufacturer's actions.

The printer's affordable initial price is a double-edged sword because it comes with expensive maintenance costs and limited ink availability. This exemplifies a "razor-and-blades" business model. Customers become angry when they experience "overpriced,” “forced,” or "designed to fail without subscription" ink cartridges in this business model. The potential existence of class-action lawsuits indicates how seriously customers view this ethical violation.

HP's subscription-based model generates recurring revenue but endangers customer loyalty and brand integrity, mainly because it feels deceptive to specific users. The business strategy employed by HP stands in direct opposition to customer autonomy, which is the leading cause of negative review sentiment.

The printer experiences recurring paper jam problems, while users frequently experience printing failures. Several users considered switching to their previous printers because of the recurring jamming issues. A reviewer pointed out that the printer construction feels inexpensive because it uses "cheap plastics." The low initial cost of the printer might relate to lower material standards.

(Image credit: Future)

The device, marketed as an “all-in-one” device, consistently demonstrates a significant problem with its scanning functionality. Customers experience two major scanning issues because the scanner refuses to function and fails to detect documents. Users encountered difficulties when scanning into a computer that forced them to run "HP scanner doctor" multiple times until they restarted their computer. This led to the belief that HP uses this method as an "ink scam" ploy. According to expert reviews, the scanning performance is not good because the image processing removes essential details from the scans and the flatbed scanner's lid hinges do not extend to accommodate thick items.

The absence of an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) is a significant limitation, meaning multi-page documents must be scanned one sheet at a time, manually.

The persistent issues with scanning functionality make the product's "all-in-one" claim less valuable according to user reports. The consistent problems with scanning functionality directly harm the "multifunctionality" value proposition because it affects the fundamental operation of the device.

The "cheap piece of junk" sentiment emerges when users feel they purchased only a printer and copier instead of an "all-in-one" device. The scanning module seems to suffer from quality control issues, software integration problems, or the manufacturer deliberately chose basic scanning features that fail to match typical user expectations for "all-in-one" devices. The significant difference between marketing claims and user experience results in customer dissatisfaction.

Users and experts agree that automatic duplex (double-sided) printing should be included in a printer, but the product lacks this feature. Users need to turn pages manually for double-sided printing. The absence of the Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) significantly hinders efficiency when users scan or copy multiple pages. The control panel has a tiny non-tiltable LCD screen that users find hard to see from their seated position.

Finally, many users express dissatisfaction because they receive starter cartridges and XL ink cartridges with low page yields. Users who plan to print many pages should expect the starter cartridges to deplete quickly. Another noted that the "cartridges that came with it don't last long if you plan to print many pages.” Expert reviews confirm this problem by assessing "very low page yield,” which explains why the print cost remains high without an Instant Ink subscription, leading to frequent cartridge replacements.

Categories: Reviews

Cisive background checker review: Fast and compliant, but some businesses won't be able to ignore the costs and delays

TechRadar Reviews - Fri, 04/24/2026 - 14:53

In today’s hiring landscape, employers face more pressure than ever to make informed decisions before bringing new people on board. The process of screening candidates has evolved from being a simple precaution to a strategic necessity that helps protect organizations from financial, operational, and reputational risks. Whether in corporate offices, hospitals, or government agencies, verifying the accuracy of a candidate’s background information can determine the integrity of a workforce and the reliability of crucial business operations.

At the same time, employers are navigating a complex web of ever-evolving regulatory requirements that vary across regions and industries. Compliance with employment laws and data privacy standards has become a central part of hiring, demanding extra care when handling sensitive information. This is where technology-driven background screening tools come into play, transforming what was once a slow, fragmented process into a streamlined and secure system.

Cisive is one such platform that has built its reputation around delivering precision and trust in background verification. The company’s technology integrates speed, accuracy, and legal compliance, enabling employers to manage their vetting processes with confidence and efficiency. Its solutions are tailored to high-stakes sectors like banking, healthcare, and transportation, fields where every hiring decision carries significant responsibility and even minor errors can have far-reaching consequences.

Discover more of the best employee background check services.

Cisive: How it works

(Image credit: Future)

Cisive provides employment background screening and workforce risk management services that help organizations reduce hiring risks. The company conducts in-depth investigations, including checks of criminal history, credit, past employment, education, driving records, and watchlists, tailored to meet industry-specific regulations in areas such as finance, healthcare, and transportation.

By combining automated systems with expert review, Cisive produces detailed reports that comply with regulations and highlight any candidate concerns to aid better hiring choices. Testing showed various features and capabilities of the service.

Cisive: Pricing

Cisive customizes prices based on the client's unique screening needs rather than charging fixed, set fees. This means you only pay for the kinds of checks you actually need, avoiding costs for unnecessary features. Prices vary greatly depending on the scope, records accessed, and additional verification requested. Basic identity checks typically start at around $25, while full screenings, which involve criminal, employment, and education verifications, may exceed $200.

Individual checks, such as prior employer or education verification, typically cost approximately $17.50 per package, although exact prices depend on the specific services chosen.

For precise pricing tailored to your organization, the best approach is to contact Cisive directly. This personalized pricing system contrasts with those of competitors, who often use flat or published rates.

Cisive: Pros and cons

(Image credit: Future)

Cisive offers several benefits, making it a solid choice for companies that need quick and reliable background checks. It stands out with fast turnaround times—some reports arrive within seconds or a few business days, which speeds up hiring and improves the candidate experience. For industries bound by strict regulations, such as healthcare and finance, Cisive ensures that each report complies with federal, state, and industry-specific regulations, thereby minimizing legal risks.

Its tech-focused platform integrates advanced data sources and automation to streamline verifications and reduce manual steps, delivering consistent outcomes. Strong customer service supports this, making it suitable for HR teams handling large volumes of screenings. The company also prioritizes data security and privacy, providing reassurance to businesses handling sensitive information.

However, some users report occasional errors, primarily due to data aggregation or identity confusion, which can cause delays. Resolving these issues may be slow or stressful, as the dispute process is seen as cumbersome. This highlights the need for close attention and good communication between employers, candidates, and Cisive staff.

Cisive: Use cases

Cisive is particularly well-suited for organizations that operate within industries subject to strict regulations and continuous oversight, such as banking, insurance, healthcare, transportation, and large-scale corporate enterprises. These sectors often involve handling sensitive information, performing safety-critical roles, and facing high public accountability, which makes precise background verification a crucial part of their hiring and employee management processes. Companies seeking both initial applicant screening and continuous workforce monitoring can rely on Cisive to support risk management at every stage of employment.

Beyond general employment checks, the platform caters to niche requirements that many competing systems overlook. It offers specialized features for roles where licensing, certification, and on-the-job safety are essential, such as credential tracking for healthcare professionals or ongoing driver record monitoring for logistics and transportation businesses. This approach allows employers to maintain compliance not only at the point of hire but throughout the duration of employment, a key advantage in fields where regulations can change frequently.

Cisive also integrates with a wide range of applicant tracking and human capital management systems, including iCIMS, Workday Recruiting, Oracle Talent Cloud, and Jobvite Hire. These connections enable recruiters and HR teams to initiate background checks, receive verified reports, and manage communications without leaving their existing workflow environment. The benefit is a seamless exchange of information that saves time and reduces administrative friction, helping organizations maintain both accuracy and efficiency.

Additionally, the company’s partnerships with technology providers, such as SambaSafety, provide an added layer of compliance oversight, enabling real-time monitoring of drivers and licenses. This continuous data feedback loop is particularly valuable to employers managing large fleets or safety-sensitive staff, ensuring they remain informed about any changes that could affect an employee’s eligibility or risk level. Together, these capabilities create an ecosystem that integrates deeply with organizational needs while promoting transparency, safety, and long-term compliance.

Cisive: Final verdict

In conclusion, Cisive stands out as a long-term ally for organizations that place a high value on trust, accuracy, and compliance in their hiring operations. Its services go beyond the basics of background verification by combining advanced automation with human expertise, ensuring that results are both swift and dependable for enterprises operating in closely regulated fields, such as finance, pharmaceuticals, or transportation. The company’s attention to data security and legal precision makes it a dependable resource capable of handling complex screening requirements.

However, it’s worth noting that the platform’s level of sophistication can also translate into higher costs and a steeper learning curve, particularly for smaller firms that prefer simpler, more predictable pricing models. While some users have mentioned occasional reporting delays, these are typically outweighed by the overall consistency, accuracy, and compliance support the system provides.

Ultimately, Cisive’s strength lies in its ability to integrate technology, regulation, and service into a cohesive package that enhances business confidence in hiring decisions. For employers prioritizing transparency and risk management, the platform offers not just a background check service but a complete framework for maintaining integrity throughout the employment process.

Categories: Reviews

Certn background checker review

TechRadar Reviews - Fri, 04/24/2026 - 14:47

Certn is a tech-driven background check service that helps businesses quickly and securely verify candidate, tenant, or contractor information. It delivers domestic and international criminal checks, credit reports, identity verification, employment and education verification, and more, by drawing from over 200,000 data sources in more than 150 countries.

Small business owners can use Certn’s self-service portal or API integrations to streamline hiring and tenant screening while ensuring compliance with legal requirements, including the FCRA.

You might also be interested in the best employee background checks services.

Certn: Plans and pricing

Certn offers flexible, pay-as-you-go pricing designed to fit businesses of all sizes. For small businesses, this model removes the need for subscriptions or long-term contracts.

Pay-per-check model: Pricing starts at around $10 to $18 per screening, depending on which service is selected. For example, a basic criminal record check is approximately $17.99.
No monthly fee: You pay only for what you use, which keeps costs manageable for companies with occasional hiring needs.
Volume discounts: Larger organizations with recurring or high-volume screening requirements can request custom enterprise pricing. Annual costs at this level can exceed $24,000, but they come with added support and integration options.

This structure gives smaller operations financial flexibility while offering scalability for growth. However, as screening volume increases, per-check costs can add up quickly--potentially making fixed-rate competitors more cost-effective for enterprises.

Certn: Features

(Image credit: Certn)

Certn's greatest strength lies in its comprehensive suite of background screening solutions. The platform covers nearly every type of verification a business might require, including criminal record checks at both domestic and international levels, credit and financial reports for tenants or financial-sector clients, education and employment verification to confirm candidate history, identity verification using AI and OCR for fraud detection, and motor vehicle and professional license checks for specific industries.

These tools are consolidated in a single dashboard, streamlining workflows and reducing manual effort. Certn also integrates with popular applicant tracking systems (ATS) such as Workday, Lever, Greenhouse, and Workable, allowing HR teams to conduct checks directly within familiar recruiting environments.

Certn: Setup

Getting started with Certn is fast and straightforward. Account creation requires only basic business information, after which users can launch their first background check directly through the self-service portal.

For organizations that already use hiring platforms, Certn's ATS integrations and API tools enable automation by seamlessly embedding background checks into existing workflows. Setup guides and onboarding support are available, though some technical skills may be needed for API configuration.

Certn: Ease of use

(Image credit: Certn)

Certn's intuitive, mobile-friendly interface is one of its highlights. The portal displays pending and completed reports in a clear, visual dashboard, allowing users to monitor status and manage ongoing checks effortlessly.

Turnaround times are impressive—many reports are complete within minutes, depending on the data sources used. Consent collection and dispute resolution workflows are automated to ensure compliance with FCRA and other applicable regulations.

During testing, users noted only small drawbacks, such as occasional login instability or minor navigation issues when managing more complex workflows.

Certn: Security and Privacy

Certn places a strong emphasis on data protection and regulatory compliance. It adheres to FCRA, GDPR, and Canadian privacy standards (PIPEDA), ensuring personal data is collected and stored securely.

All data transmissions are encrypted end-to-end, and the company uses secure data centers to maintain confidentiality. Additionally, users benefit from built-in consent documentation and audit trails — essential features for compliance-focused industries such as finance, healthcare, and education.

Certn: Support

Certn's customer support options include live chat, email assistance, and help center documentation. Response times are generally good, and helpful representatives are available to troubleshoot integration issues or report issues.

However, user experiences can vary — some report excellent assistance, while others have received slower or less detailed responses. This inconsistency suggests opportunities to improve the scalability of customer support as demand grows.

Certn: The competition

Certn operates in a competitive space alongside well-known background check providers, including Checkr, GoodHire, HireRight, and Sterling. Each competitor offers a distinct set of strengths tailored to different market segments. Checkr, for instance, is known for its deep integrations with major HR and ATS platforms, making it a top choice for large and midsize enterprises. It provides extensive analytics and compliance tools but generally requires volume-based contracts, limiting flexibility for small businesses. In contrast, Certn's pay-as-you-go model and fast onboarding process make it more appealing to startups and smaller teams with tighter budgets.

GoodHire focuses on small to midsize employers, emphasizing candidate-friendly reporting and transparent communication tools. However, its pricing can escalate quickly when additional specialized checks are needed. Certn matches GoodHire's ease of use while offering greater automation and broader international data coverage. HireRight, a long-established enterprise provider, excels in deep customization, global compliance, and advanced reporting options. The downside is a more complex setup and higher cost, whereas Certn prioritizes speed and simplicity over enterprise-level control

Sterling is known for its robust identity verification and healthcare-specific screening, serving primarily large organizations with high screening volumes. Certn delivers comparable accuracy and security while keeping its services accessible to smaller clients through an on-demand pricing model. Overall, Certn distinguishes itself by blending the speed and automation of Checkr with the accessibility and transparency of GoodHire, all within a more flexible pricing structure. While it may not match the advanced customization capabilities of HireRight or Sterling, Certn provides an affordable, scalable, and globally capable solution that strikes a strong balance between performance and usability.

Certn: Final verdict

Certn is a strong, technology-forward platform that makes background screening faster, more straightforward, and more transparent. Its pay-as-you-go pricing, global reach, and user-friendly interface are especially well-suited to small businesses, staffing agencies, property managers, and remote-first teams.

Although high-volume users may see costs rise and some verifications require manual follow-up, Certn's combination of speed, compliance, and automation makes it a top contender among modern background check services. For businesses seeking an affordable, efficient screening solution with no long-term commitments, Certn is well worth considering.

Categories: Reviews

First Advantage review

TechRadar Reviews - Fri, 04/24/2026 - 14:45

Hiring trustworthy, qualified employees is one of the biggest challenges facing businesses, and that’s where background screening platforms like First Advantage come in. As one of the most established names in employment verification, First Advantage helps organizations make informed decisions by providing in-depth background checks, identity verification, and compliance support.

Whether an employer is hiring new staff, screening tenants, or vetting volunteers, the platform provides fast and reliable insights drawn from global databases and public record sources.

Let’s take a look at how First Advantage works, explore its pricing structure, analyze its pros and cons, and determine which types of organizations will benefit most from its services.

For more like this, we've reviewed the best employee background check services.

First Advantage: Pricing

(Image credit: Pixabay)

First Advantage’s pricing is customized based on several factors, including the type and volume of background checks, organizational size, the number of locations, and specific services required. Employers pay per report, with basic criminal checks starting around $20–$30. Comprehensive packages, which can include drug screening, credit checks, employment verification, and international searches, typically cost $50–$100 per report.

Enterprise clients can access volume-based discounts or subscription plans designed for ongoing, high-volume hiring. While this pricing structure benefits large organizations with recurring screening needs, smaller businesses may find it less competitive than budget-friendly alternatives.

First Advantage: Features

(Image credit: Shutterstock / Krakenimages.com)

First Advantage offers an extensive range of background screening tools designed to meet the needs of organizations of all sizes. The platform supports a full suite of services, including criminal background checks at the federal, state, and county levels, as well as employment and education verification to ensure candidate information is accurate and complete. Employers can also incorporate drug and health screenings to help maintain compliance with workplace safety and substance policies. At the same time, credit history checks provide additional insight for positions that handle finances or sensitive data.

Beyond domestic capabilities, First Advantage delivers global sanction and watchlist searches, anti-fraud measures, and international screening in more than 200 countries, making it a reliable option for multinational companies. Each client can create customized screening packages that align with their compliance requirements and risk management goals, giving them control over the depth and scope of investigations.

Both employers and applicants benefit from First Advantage’s self-service portals. Candidates can securely complete consent forms, upload required documentation, and track progress online, while hiring managers gain access to detailed dashboards with real-time status updates and centralized reporting. This combination of breadth, transparency, and automation helps streamline hiring workflows, reduce manual effort, and maintain high accuracy throughout the background screening process.

Check out how AI-powered background checks are becoming a business necessity

First Advantage: Setup

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Implementing First Advantage can range from straightforward to complex, depending on integration needs. Basic users can start within days, while companies requiring system integrations — such as with HRIS platforms like Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, or BambooHR — may need additional configuration.

Setup typically includes:

Needs assessment and consultation with a First Advantage representative.
Account creation and administrative training.
Integration setup with HR or applicant tracking systems (if applicable).
Configuration of screening packages, user permissions, and compliance alerts.

Smaller businesses may find this process more involved than lightweight platforms. However, once implemented, the system becomes a seamless part of the hiring workflow.

First Advantage: Ease of use

The First Advantage platform is designed for function and reliability rather than visual flair. Employers have access to detailed dashboards to track candidate progress, view completed reports, and manage compliance notifications.

While many users appreciate its structured workflows and organizational clarity, some reviewers note dated design elements, occasional load delays, and session timeouts that interrupt workflow. The candidate portal, however, receives positive feedback for its simplicity and mobile accessibility, helping to reduce applicant friction during sensitive onboarding steps.

First Advantage: Security and privacy

First Advantage maintains strict security and compliance standards that align with major regulatory frameworks, including FCRA, GDPR, CCPA, and EEOC guidelines. Data encryption, audit trails, and permission-based access controls protect sensitive candidate information throughout the process.

Key privacy and security measures include:

Secure data encryption in transit and at rest.
Regular third-party security audits and certifications.
GDPR-compliant data handling for international screenings.
Configurable data retention policies to comply with regional laws.

For organizations operating globally, this attention to data protection provides confidence that background checks will remain legally compliant and ethically managed.

First Advantage: Support

Customer support is offered through multiple channels, including phone, email, and ticket-based requests. Enterprise clients may receive access to dedicated account managers or implementation specialists.

However, user reviews present a mixed picture. Some clients report delayed responses or difficulty resolving data disputes, especially when candidates challenge report findings. Documentation and online help resources are solid, but round-the-clock live support coverage remains limited compared to more tech-driven competitors.

First Advantage: The competition

First Advantage competes in a crowded background screening market that includes providers such as Checkr, Sterling Check, GoodHire, HireRight, and Certn. Each competitor offers a slightly different balance of cost, coverage, and user experience, giving employers several viable alternatives depending on their needs.

Checkr is known for its modern design, fast turnaround times, and strong API integrations that make it popular with technology-focused companies and gig-economy platforms. However, it lacks the same depth of international coverage and compliance sophistication that First Advantage provides. Sterling Check takes a similar enterprise-focused approach, offering robust global screening and compliance tools, but it often comes at a higher price point that can challenge smaller organizations.

GoodHire, by contrast, caters more directly to small and mid-sized businesses with transparent pricing and an easy-to-use interface. While it’s a practical and affordable option, it doesn’t offer the same level of scalability or advanced configuration as First Advantage. HireRight also serves larger enterprises with comparable breadth of screening services and strong ATS integrations, though users sometimes report a steeper learning curve and similar pricing tiers.

Newer players like Certn bring AI-driven technology and sleek, cloud-native interfaces to the market, emphasizing speed and user experience over enterprise complexity. Yet, as a younger company, it lacks the long-standing reputation and global compliance backing that First Advantage has built over decades. In this competitive field, First Advantage distinguishes itself through its longstanding industry presence, deep regulatory expertise, and global reliability, making it a preferred choice for organizations operating across multiple geographies or within highly regulated sectors.

First Advantage: Final verdict

First Advantage remains a gold standard in the background screening industry for accuracy, compliance, and global reach. Its ability to tailor screening packages, integrate with HR systems, and deliver fast results positions it as an ideal choice for mid-sized to large enterprises that hire frequently or across multiple jurisdictions.

That said, pricing and usability challenges may deter smaller companies seeking a simple setup or lower costs. For organizations that prioritize compliance, scalability, and comprehensive verification, First Advantage justifies its premium cost — offering peace of mind, reduced hiring risk, and dependable service on a global scale.

Categories: Reviews

The T3 Aire 360 is the closest I've got to Dyson Airwrap-style results without paying Dyson prices

TechRadar Reviews - Fri, 04/24/2026 - 14:00

T3 Aire 360: two-minute review

It's only been two years since T3 first launched the Aire 360 which was, at the time, the world's first ceramic air styler and it's quickly become one of the best hair dryers on the market. That hasn't stopped T3 revamping and relaunching the styler as what it's calling the "next-generation" T3 Aire 360.

Like the original, the new Aire 360 is a ceramic air styler designed to dry, smooth, and curl hair in a single tool. It launched in the US in March 2026 at $349.99 and is due to launch in the UK towards the end of the summer.

At $349.99 (about £260 / AU$490), the next-gen model is $50 more than the original and the headline upgrades are dual voltage, a shorter handle and a lighter base. Thankfully, the styling system itself that made the original so good has stayed the same.

The CeraGloss ceramic curling barrels remain the tool's best feature: they consistently create bouncy, glossy curls that hold well into the next day. Especially on my fine hair. The ceramic coating makes a visible difference here, not just to the finish but to style longevity. Plastic-barrels just don't come close.

The SoftAire concentrator dries faster than its compact size suggests too. My fine, mid-length hair was ready for styling in just over three minutes, even though the wand shape of the base makes directing airflow at the roots awkward and uncomfortable at times. T3 recommends starting with hair that's around 80% dry before moving to the attachments but this means very little in reality. It takes a fair amount of experimentation (and patience) to get the very best results but the Aire 360 still creates "good enough" styles, even while you're on this learning curve.

The oval brush takes the most practice of the four attachments, which was a surprise given that it's effectively just a hot brush. However, its large size coupled with the 1.3lb / 590g weight of the base feels awkward at times. Its bulk will also only likely suit mid-length to long hair and short hair styles may not see the full benefit.

All that said, the rewards outweigh the effort. The oval brush turns even fine hair into voluminous styles that are hard to achieve with a round brush alone. Elsewhere, at 71dB, the Aire 360 isn't loud and isn't quiet; it's comparable to most standard hair dryers I've tested.

Compared to its closest rivals, the case for the T3 Aire 360 is strong. Not only does it undercut its most like-for-like, ceramic air styler the Shark Glam, it also sits well below the Dyson Airwrap range while matching, and at times bettering both, in terms of performance. If you're buying a multi-styler for the first time, or even looking for an upgrade, you could do a lot worse than this flagship styler.

T3 Aire 360: price & availability

List price: $349.99
Available: US only / UK coming summer 2026
Launch date: March 2026

There are currently two versions of the T3 Aire 360 on sale.

The original launched in 2023 at $299.99 / £249.99. This is currently the only model on sale in the UK. In March 2026, T3 launched what it's calling the next-generation Aire 360 in the US. Since launching the next-gen version, the original has been discontinued in the States and we're assuming that when it eventually comes to the UK later this year, the original will also be removed there, too.

This review covers the next-generation model, which costs $349.99 for the Standard bundle, or $359.99 for the Diffuser version. It's sold directly from T3 as well as Sephora and Amazon in Satin Blush or Milk Grey colorways.

For $50 more than the original, you're getting a lighter, redesigned base, a shorter handle and dual voltage for international travel. The styling system itself – the CeraGloss ceramic barrels, Aire 360 airflow technology, SoftAire concentrator and oval brush – is the same as before.

The T3 Aire 360's attachments include oval brush (left), SoftAire concentrator (top) and two ceramic curling barrels (right) (Image credit: Future)

At this price, the next-generation T3 Aire 360 lands in the thick of what's become a competitive (and growing) multi-styler market. The closest like-for-like in terms of price is the Shark FlexStyle that also retails for $349.99. However, the FlexStyle lacks the ceramic barrels of the T3 version.

To get the same ceramic design and finish, as well as range of attachments, you need to pay an extra $100 for the $449.99 Shark Glam. The Dyson Airwrap is the most expensive alternative, ranging from $549.99 / £399.99 for the Origin up to $749.99 / £579.99 for the latest Co-anda 2x. The most like-for-like comparison is the Airwrap i.d. at $649.99 / £479.99, which adds Bluetooth connectivity and personalized curling options on the Dyson app.

If you already own the first-generation Aire 360, and rarely travel abroad, there's limited reason to upgrade. However, if you're buying a multi-styler for the first time, this is the model to get because it represents considerably better value than the Dyson and Shark alternatives without sacrificing much on results.

Value score: 4.5 / 5

T3 Aire 360 Next-Gen: specs

Model:

T3 Aire 360 Next-Generation

Wattage:

1,400W

Weight (without cord, approx):

1.3 lbs / 590g

Size (H x W x L, approx):

9.2 x 1.8 x 1.7in / 23.37 x 4.57 x 4.32cm

Airflow settings:

Temperature settings:

Noise level

71dB average

Attachments:

2x 1.35in CeraGloss ceramic curling barrels; SoftAire drying concentrator; oval brush; vegan leather storage tote

Cord length:

9ft / 2.74m swivel

T3 Aire 360: design

Slim, lightweight base with a shorter handle than the original
Four twist-and-lock attachments
Three heat settings plus cool shot, three speed settings

As has been the case since the Dyson Airwrap put the multi-styler category on the map, the next-generation Aire 360 looks more like a curling wand than traditional hair dryer.

It has a slim, cylindrical shape that, at 1.3 lbs / 590g is almost half the weight of the original Aire 360 and on par with the Airwrap i.d. The handle has been shortened, compared to the original Aire 360, and this makes the whole styler more balanced, even when the attachments are in place.

The styler comes in Satin Blush and Milk Gray; the Satin Blush leans into what's become a crowded market of blush-toned tools but the Milk Gray model that I reviewed is more traditional and understated. I was worried the glossy, plastic finish would pick up fingerprints but it's slightly dusty rather than shiny which makes it easy to grip without leaving marks or smudges.

The speed and temperature buttons (pictured) each cycle through three settings indicated by LEDs, with the power switch sitting just below (Image credit: Future)

All of the controls run down the front of the handle: the top button cycles through the three speed settings; the middle button controls the three temperatures including the Cool shot function, and the power switch sits just below.

Each are within easy reach during styling but don't get in the way, which means you don't have to worry about knocking them mid-session. The heat and speed buttons also sit ever-so-slightly below the surface of the handle, too, meaning every press needs to be deliberate.

At the base of the handle are two LED indicators that show which voltage the styler is running at – 110 V or 220 V – and the filter sits on its own with a magnetic cover that twists off easily. Albeit a little too easy sometimes, mid-style.

The Standard Aire 360 ships with four attachments. The Diffuser bundle adds a ceramic diffuser to the mix. You can get the diffuser with the styler for $359.99 or buy it after the fact for $29.99.

SoftAire drying concentrator: Softens the airflow for fast drying; works like a traditional blow dryer nozzle but is more compact and directional.
2 x CeraGloss ceramic curling barrels (left and right): These use a mix of airflow and ceramic heat to wrap hair and create curls.
Oval brush: SmoothGrip bristles and T3's CeraGloss ceramic surface smooth and lift. It sits somewhere between a round brush blowout and a hot brush.
Ceramic diffuser: Gently disperses airflow over natural curls and wave patterns.

The oval brush (pictured) mixes SmoothGrip pins with bristles on a CeraGloss ceramic surface to smooth and lift at the roots without snagging (Image credit: Future)

All of these attachments twist and lock onto the base with a single hand movement and stay in place until you flick the unlock switch on the rear of the handle. The two curling barrels are handed, one for each side of the head, and both have T3's CeraGloss ceramic coating designed to hold the heat more than plastic rivals.

The SoftAire concentrator is small and nozzle-shaped, doing a similar job to a traditional blow dryer concentrator but more compact. The oval brush is then the chunkiest of the four, with SmoothGrip bristles on a ceramic surface. This is designed to smooth and lift at the roots but the size will suit mid-length to longer hair better than shorter styles.

Everything packs neatly into the included vegan leather tote, which is one of those details you don't think much about until you're trying to travel with four attachments and a styling base.

Design score: 4.5 out of 5

T3 Aire 360 review: performance

Fast and gentle drying
Curling barrels produce bouncy curls that last well
Oval brush delivers a smooth, lifted finish but takes practice

The Aire 360's central promise, that it can style hair with airflow and ceramic heat rather than direct, damaging heat, is bold but for the most part, it holds up.

The SoftAire concentrator, which is where most sessions begin, dried faster than I had expected from something so compact; knocking most of the moisture out of my fine, mid-length hair in just over three minutes on the highest heat and speed setting. The wand shape takes some getting used to for just drying; directing airflow at the roots with any precision requires a bit more wrist work than a traditional dryer.

T3 recommends starting with hair that's around 80% dry before moving to the styling attachments but in reality, it's hard to know exactly what this means. If your hair is too wet, it can take a while to get the best finish, but if it's too dry, the style won't hold.

From my tests, I found that hair that's no longer damp but which still feels slightly cool when you run your fingers through it is about right. It's also worth working in sections, and if you're unsure, err on the side of slightly wetter rather than drier.

The styler itself runs warm rather than hot. My hair felt noticeably less frazzled after drying than it does with a traditional dryer and the airflow is powerful enough to be useful but not so aggressive that it sends fine hair flying in every direction. This is a balance that's harder to strike than it sounds.

The gold cool-touch strip (pictured) runs along the top of the SilkiPro Straight body, providing a safe place to grip during use (Image credit: Future)

The curling barrels, which are the Aire 360's best feature in my opinion, are easy to use once you've got the hang of which barrel best suits which side of your head. One barrel makes curls wrap from your face, while the other wraps them towards your face and while this sounds simple, it makes a big difference to the look you're trying to achieve.

To use each one, you move the styler towards a section of hair and the airflow does the wrapping; pulling the hair towards and around the barrel. You then hold the hair in place for around 10 seconds, depending on your hair type, how tight you want the curl and how damp the hair is. It takes a session or two to get the positioning and timing right, particularly on fine hair where letting go too soon can loosen the curl before it's set.

Once you've found the right rhythm, though, the results are impressive: bouncy, glossy curls that look natural and which last well into the next day on fine hair. This is undoubtedly down to the ceramic coating on each barrel. Ceramic holds heat better than plastic and this makes a noticeable difference to the finish; there's a shine to the curl that holds rather than dropping to a frizzy wave by mid-afternoon.

I had expected the oval brush to be the easiest attachment to use but it also required a bit of practice and technique to get the best results because the positioning and size make it awkward to move around your head.

Two LED indicators at the base of the handle (pictured) show whether the styler is running at 110V or 220V (Image credit: Future)

On my fine, mid-length hair it smoothed well and added a lifted, voluminous finish at the roots that's difficult to achieve with a traditional round brush alone, unless you're skilled at blow-drying. The ceramic surface again adds a shine that lasts, and the SmoothGrip bristles are gentle enough that they don't snag or pull.

In my experience, it works best on hair that has a little more moisture than is needed for the curling barrels, for example, and it also rewards the kind of tension and wrist action that takes a few attempts to get right and which can ache after a while. Its large size was also ideal for my hair length, but it will likely have limited benefits to short hair styles.

Noise-wise, the Aire 360 runs at an average of 71dB, it's not offensive but it's not subtle either which is on par with most standard hair dryers.

Across the board, the Aire 360 rewards patience. The first session is unlikely to produce the results you're hoping for, and fine hair in particular needs some experimentation with heat and speed settings before you land on the right combo.

Performance score: 4 out of 5

How I tested the T3 Aire 360

I tested the next-generation T3 Aire 360 over three weeks, using it as my go-to styler on both wash days and when I wanted to refresh second-day hair.

I have fine, mid-length naturally curly hair, which gave me a good sense of how the tool performs on hair that needs both volume and definition, without being weighed down.

I worked through all of the attachments across a range of scenarios starting with the SoftAire concentrator to rough-dry freshly washed hair, moving to the curling barrels to style, and using the oval brush on days when I wanted a smoother, more polished finish rather than curls. I tested the curling barrels on hair at different levels of dryness and paid particular attention to how well the curls held across different heat and speed settings. I also used the oval brush on both damp and dry hair.

Throughout testing I noted how easy each attachment was to use, how long the results lasted into the following day, and noise levels using the DecibelX app. I didn't test the ceramic diffuser, which is sold separately.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed April 2026

Categories: Reviews

I tested Tribit’s new tiny Bluetooth speaker, and it’s easily one of the best value models I’ve ever tested — here’s why

TechRadar Reviews - Fri, 04/24/2026 - 11:00

Tribit Stormbox Micro 3: two-minute review

Four years after its predecessor launched, the Tribit Strombox Micro 3 has landed — and it’s been well worth the wait. This new model offers plenty of improvements over what came before, with a higher power output, extended battery life, faster charging, and a refined look. But is it worth picking over the competition? Here’s what I think after a week of testing.

First of all, we have to talk about sound. This speaker may be small, but it packs 13W of output power, which is nothing to sniff at. Its dynamic full-range driver links up with two passive radiators for impressive volume, and genuinely hard-hitting bass. When listening to low end-focused genres like House and Hip-Hop, I was wowed by the speaker’s bass output — it’s powerful and full-bodied, but never seems muddy or compromising to other sounds in the frequency range.

You also get clear mids and articulate treble, with solid balance using the speaker’s default sound signature. Sure, you’re not going to get the high-fidelity, openness, or detail that some more premium options in our best Bluetooth speakers guide offer, but the Stormbox Mini 3 still sounds admirable given its limited confines and tempting low price.

Something else I love about the Stormbox Micro 3 is its plentiful playtime. You get up to 24 hours here — double of what the Stormbox Micro 2 could deliver. Combine that with faster charging speeds and the capability to charge external devices, and you’ve got a seriously strong performer in the battery life category.

Other changes, like improved waterproofing, a newer Bluetooth version, and a novel magnetic base only help to make the Stormbox Micro 3 feel like a worthy successor to the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 — a model we absolutely loved.

A lot of returning features, including a built-in mic, multi-speaker pairing, and extensive EQ options also stand Tribit’s small-sized speaker in good stead against the competition. The much-beloved JBL Go 4, say, doesn’t have hands-free calling capabilities, has a more humble output power, and lacks the detailed EQ controls you'll get here.

Still, that’s not to say that the Stormbox Micro 3 is perfect. I touched on its revamped design earlier, which gives it a more rounded look and provides the logo with a cleaner, more striking feel. But this speaker still isn’t the prettiest I’ve seen, and the lack of color options hold it back from greatness in terms of design.

Regardless, its dust and waterproofing, drop-proof build, and compact size ensure that the Stormbox Micro 3 is a highly practical model, and one that’s ideal for taking on the go. And many of my other complaints are mere nitpicks — the lack of backwards compatibility with the Stormbox Micro 2 plus a modicum of compression when listening at higher volumes, but these are extremely common gripes for speakers of this size.

All in all, the Tribit Stormbox Micro 3 is a very capable small-sized speaker. And the fact its price has barely changed from last time out makes it a seriously attractive proposition. At $64.99 / £62.99 (about AU$130), it’s an absolute steal, and considering the quality it posts across the board, I’d say that it’s one of the best value Bluetooth speakers I’ve ever tested. As a result, it’s an easy recommendation for me to make.

(Image credit: Future)Tribit Stormbox Micro 3 review: price and availability

List price of $64.99 / £62.99 (about AU$130)
Released in April 2026

The Tribit Stormbox Micro 3 was first released in April 2026, about four years after the Stormbox Micro 2. Thankfully, the new speaker comes in at an extremely similar price to its predecessor — it will only set you back about $64.99 / £62.99 (about AU$130), which is a great price given its talents.

Tribit Stormbox Micro 3 review: specs

Weight

0.7lbs / 330g

Dimensions

4.4 x 4.1 x 1.8 inches / 112 x 103 x 45mm

Connectivity

Bluetooth 6.0

Battery life

24 hours

Speaker drivers

1x 48mm dynamic

Waterproofing

IP68

(Image credit: Future)Tribit Stormbox Micro 3 review: features

Battery life has been doubled to 24 hours
Lots of customization options with Tribit app
Multi-speaker pairing, but no backwards compatibility

The Stormbox Micro 3 has had quite the refresh in terms of features. The most striking is its improved battery life — you’re getting up to 24 hours this time out, which is double the amount of playtime you got on the Stormbox Micro 2. Of course, if you’re listening at higher volumes and using the XBass function, you’ll struggle to get that maximum 24 hours, but in my testing I found that number to be pretty accurate.

On top of that, the Micro 3 charges a lot faster than its predecessor. Tribit notes that you can get its lil’ speaker’s battery to 100% from empty in just 2 hours — a big leap from the 2.5-3 hours required to juice up the Stormbox Micro 2.

As we saw last time out, you can also use the Strombox Micro 3 to charge up other devices with a USB-C cable. That’s a pretty handy feature if you need to give your phone or wireless earbuds a boost, for instance, and the higher battery capacity makes this feature feel more worthwhile.

The new Stormbox Micro also has an improved Bluetooth version — it’s using Bluetooth 6.0, which gives you 45m of range, ideal if you want to keep the tunes moving while in a different room.

What’s more, the Stormbox Micro 3 packs 13W of power from its full-range driver (which is accompanied by a couple of passive radiators). That’s better than its predecessor’s 10W, and results in a louder, meatier sound.

Another nice inclusion is the built-in mic, which enables you to take calls hands-free like a speakerphone. I tried this out, and was genuinely surprised by the clarity of my speech. Given that a lot of rivals (JBL Go 4, I'm looking at you) skipped the mic, this was great to see.

You can also customize the sound of this speaker using the Tribit app. There are a nice range of EQ presets, including genre-specific options, and some designed for specific environments, like Outdoor. There’s also a nine-band equalizer, giving users the chance to tailor sound to their specific tastes.

In addition, there’s an XBass mode for those that really want to ramp up the low-end. I steered clear of this, though, as it just made the low-end sound overpowering, and caused the speaker’s battery to drain at a faster rate.

Finally, you can pair the Stormbox Micro 3 with a second, identical unit to activate stereo sound. Typically, audio will be downmixed to mono, so this is a useful feature — I just wish Tribit had let us pair with the Stormbox Micro 2 as well, something that would’ve given owners of that model a better reason to upgrade.

Features score: 4.5/5

(Image credit: Future)Tribit Stormbox Micro 3 review: sound quality

Powerful, well balanced sound
Seriously commendable bass from such a small speaker
Lacks the mid and treble range finesse that premium rivals supply

Given its limited confines and low price, the Tribit Stormbox Micro 3 doesn’t sound perfect — you’ll experience some compression at higher volumes, and there are no fancy codecs like LDAC or aptX Adaptive. But still, the speaker performed pretty admirably in my testing.

I’ll start by saying that I spent most of the time using Tribit’s Signature EQ — XBass is here for a bumped-up low end, and there are a few other presets, but the standard tuning had a more balanced, controlled sound, so I rarely felt tempted to deviate from it.

For me, the most impressive thing about the Stormbox Micro 3 is its bass output. So many small-sized speakers fall flat here — even some more premium models sound as if there’s nothing going on whatsoever in the low-end, resulting in a thin, de-energized presentation.

But not the Stormbox Micro 3. In tracks like Harmony in the Distance by M-High, I was struck by the pumping, impactful bass that never sounded lethargic or bloated. Indeed, the low-end hit pretty hard considering this model’s small form-factor, but at the same time, it never drowned out synths in the mids or higher frequency percussion.

In this track, treble also sounded surprisingly sharp, with a rapid decay to ensure drums hit with rhythmic precision. They didn’t have the full-sounding fidelity you’d expect to hear on more premium speakers, though — something I’ll get onto shortly.

Moving over to one of my favorite tracks, Space Cowboy by Jamiroquai, and the Stormbox Micro 3 maintained impressive quality. Vocals were nicely weighted in the mix, and funky bass occupied a well-defined pocket, never seeming over-eager or muddy. At one point, the vocals and bass cut, as the tune built towards its euphoric climax, and the speaker recreated the re-entry of various instruments with finesse, indicating its solid dynamics.

With really deep, demanding records, such as Morning Wonders - Leo Pol Remix by Kolter, Tribit’s tiny speaker still managed to hold its own. The dark, rippling bass was perhaps a little too much for it to handle, but it still put up a valiant effort, while translating the aggressive higher-pitched percussion with control, rather than letting it fly off the handle.

So far, the Stormbox Micro 3 was doing pretty nicely, but I wanted to turn up the temperature, so I decided to test it against a pricier rival from a big name: the Bose SoundLink Micro Gen 2. Now, for all of my gripes with Bose’s small-sized speaker, I have to say it sounds pretty good, with vibrant treble, expressive mids, and clean bass. So how did Tribit’s mini rival compare?

I started with a tech house track, Good Luck from ADR (UK) and OUTTEN, and straight away, I realized how the Tribit replicated low-end sounds with much more confidence and vigor than its Bose counterpart. Despite lacking some low-end punch, the SoundLink Micro Gen 2 produced cleaner overall audio in my view, with more refined clarity in the treble range in particular.

It was similar in Shinchiro Yokota’s Do It Again, with Tribit conjuring up more regimented, full-sounding bass, but less polished highs. The Bose really did struggle with some of the darker sounds, though, and despite its impressive clarity further up the frequency range, you’d expect more given its hefty asking price.

It’s with softer tracks, though, like Yellow Giant Reprise by Tatsuhiko Asano, where the Stormbox Micro 3’s limitations are laid bare. Mids just sounded more detailed, open, and separated on its Bose rival, and although Tribit’s speaker still plated up perfectly clear and non-distorted sound, it failed to offer that premium edge.

Overall, though, this comparison showed me the fantastic sound for pound value of the Tribit Stormbox Micro 3. Sure, it lacked the nuance and grace of the SoundLink 2 in the mid-range and treble, but it still performed solidly in those areas, while also producing far more energized bass and higher volume potential than its Bose rival.

It’s also worth noting that I mainly kept the Stormbox Micro 3 upright, typically while magnetized to my fireplace. It sounded great with this configuration, but you can also lay it flat, which has a less rounded, but still enjoyable sound.

Sound quality score: 4/5

(Image credit: Future)Tribit Stormbox Micro 3 review: design

New rounded design still not the prettiest
Magnetic base with handy silicone strap
IP68-rated and drop-proof

The Tribit Stormbox Micro 3 looks pretty similar to its predecessor, but it's got a slightly more rounded build and a neater, more striking logo at its center. It’s not the prettiest small speaker I’ve seen — the retro-style Marshall Willen II and modern Bose SoundLink Micro 2 have a more premium, eye-catching aesthetic, although they’re also quite a bit pricer.

What I do like, however, is the practicality of the Stormbox Micro 3. First of all, this new model comes with a magnetic base, which makes it easy to fix to a shower or fridge. I had the speaker attached to the fireplace by my desk, which worked fantastically.

There’s also a strap on the reverse side of the model (carried over from previous iterations), which makes it easy to hook onto a bag, bike, or hook, so this is a very versatile speaker placement-wise. And it’s incredibly compact, which means you could easily chuck it in a bag when it’s out of use as well.

What’s more, the Tribit Stormbox Micro 3 has an IP68 rating, meaning its fully dustproof, and can survive a 1.5m dunking underwater for as long as 30 minutes. That’s an improvement over the previous model’s IP67 rating, and while it’s fairly unessential, it’s pleasing to see Tribit keep up with the likes of JBL’s water-resistant tech.

The Stormbox Micro 3 is also drop-proof, making it ideal for taking on the go. Tribit says that it can survive being dropped from about 1.2m, in-line with US military standards — so you shouldn't have to worry about it taking the occasional tumble.

Other than its average looks, my only complaint would be the Stormbox Micro 3’s lack of color options. You can only grab it in Black at the moment, while its predecessor could be purchased in Blue, Red, or Mint instead. Hopefully more colorways will be released down the line, but that lack of vibrancy is a shame, particularly given the vivid options supplied by Bose and JBL, among others.

Design score: 4/5

(Image credit: Future)Tribit Stormbox Micro 3 review: value

Plenty of improvements over predecessor with next to no price bump
Strong sound at this price-point, with great bass output
High battery life and durable build make it a slam dunk

When it comes to value-for-money, I’m not entirely sure you can do better than the Tribit Stormbox Micro 3. We already raved about its predecessor's high quality paired with a low price, and things are much the same here.

There’s been next to no increase in list price against the Stormbox Micro 2, in spite of macroeconomic pressures, and you get even more for your money this time. More power, better battery life, a magnetic design, a more rounded look…this is a worthy improvement over a speaker we already loved.

For just over $60 / £60, you’re going to make a few sacrifices. You don’t get the stellar detail, nuance, and open sound that some small-sized rivals can offer — but they’ll come at a significantly steeper price-point. The Stormbox Micro 3 still sounds very good overall too — even if it can be outclassed, the clarity and balance on offer is highly commendable.

And given that the Stormbox Micro 3 performs very nicely in the low-end — an area where a lot of small speakers struggle, you’re getting plenty of bang for your buck as far as sound goes.

I was also delighted by the Stormbox Micro 3’s exceptional battery life, which is higher than a lot of premium rivals. Combine that with a durable build, and almost everything you could want from a small speaker can be yours at a very modest price indeed.

Value score: 5/5

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the Tribit Stormbox Micro 3?

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

No backwards compatibility, but excellent battery life, neat mic, and faster charging.

4.5/5

Sound quality

Clear, confident sound with great bass for a speaker of its size, but lacks the refined mids and highs some rivals supply.

4/5

Design

Highly waterproof, drop-proof, and magnetic, but not the most beautiful, and no color options.

4/5

Value

Fantastic quality at a sensational low price.

5/5

Buy it if…

You want a small speaker with plenty of bass
So many tiny Bluetooth speakers fail to offer pumping bass, but not the Tribit Stormbox Micro 3. Its powerful, regimented low-end output separates it from a lot of its competitors — including some pricier models.

You’re always forgetting to charge your gadgets
The Tribit Stormbox Micro 3 is perfect for anyone that hates charging their devices. Its 24 hour battery life is wonderful for a model of its size, and means that you’ll rarely have to plug it in — unless you’re consistently listening at top volumes, that is.

Don’t buy it if…

You want top-class sound quality
Although the Stormbox Micro 3 supplies weightier bass than a lot of its small-sized rivals, it lacks some of the skill and subtlety that some rivals supply in the mid-range and highs. For those in search of incredible audio, I’d suggest going a little larger, with either the JBL Flip 7 or the premium Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Gen.

You’re all about style
Although the Stormbox Micro 3 made some tasteful improvements over its predecessor, it’s hardly the most flashy looking model on the market. The likes of JBL and Bose might do it for you — speakers like the JBL Clip 5 and Bose SoundLink Micro Gen 2 have neat looks, and come in plenty of fun color options.

Tribit Stormbox Micro 3 review: also consider

Tribit Stormbox Micro 3

JBL Clip 5

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4

Price

$64.99 / £62.99 (about AU$130)

$79.95 / £59.99 / AU$89.95

$99.99 / £89.99 / AU$149

Weight

0.7lbs / 330g

0.6lbs / 285g

0.9lbs / 420g

Dimensions

4.4 x 4.1 x 1.8 inches / 112 x 103 x 45mm

3.4 x 5.3 x 1.8 inches / 86 x 134.5 x 46 mm

4.1 x 3.8 x 3.8 inches / 104 x 95.3 x 95.3mm

Connectivity

Bluetooth 6.0

Bluetooth 5.3

Bluetooth 5.2

Battery life

24 hours

12 hours

14 hours

Speaker drivers

1x 48mm full range

1x 45mm full range

2x 40mm active drivers

Waterproofing

IP68

IP67

JBL Clip 5
The Clip 5 is a bit of an oddball in JBL’s Bluetooth speaker line-up, but I absolutely love it. Everything from its carabiner design through to its awesome audio and lightweight feel helped it to achieve an impressive four-and-a-half star rating from us here at TechRadar, and in spite of its middling battery life, I’d still recommend checking it out if you need a small speaker. Read our full JBL Clip 5 review.

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4
If you want a bass-heavy sound, then the UE Wonderboom 4 is for you. With seismic low-end output, great waterproofing, and stunning design, this thing really has it all. If you want a speaker with brighter colors, this is also a nice option, but it might set you back a little further than Tribit’s model. Read our full Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 review.

How I tested the Tribit Stormbox Micro 3

(Image credit: Future)

Spent one week testing
Mainly streamed tunes over Tidal
Reviewed by someone who’s tested more than 40 Bluetooth speakers

I spent one week testing the Tribit Stormbox Micro 3, predominantly using it at home — both stood upright and resting on its base.

When listening to music, I made sure to stream tunes over Tidal, starting with the TechRadar testing playlist, which features tracks from a wide variety of genres. I also bumped a range of tunes from my personal library, and tried out the speaker’s different sound modes and mic functionality.

More generally, I’ve spent in excess of two years testing audio gear here at TechRadar, which includes everything from the best wired earbuds through to premium wireless headphones. I’ve tried more than 40 Bluetooth speakers during my time here, and personally curated our guide to the best Bluetooth speakers, so I know exactly what is required for a model to stand out in this heavily convoluted market.

Read more about how we test
First reviewed: April 2026

Categories: Reviews

South of Midnight is even better on PS5 than it was on Xbox — PlayStation gamers, you no longer have to miss out on a sublime and underrated mix of fighting, platforming, and Southern Gothic folklore

TechRadar Reviews - Fri, 04/24/2026 - 09:00

Bethesda Game Studios' Starfield is the latest previous Xbox-exclusive, generating buzz with a PlayStation 5 release. But while the sci-fi role-playing game is certainly worthy of the spotlight, its release has stolen some thunder from another recent Xbox-to-PS5 port – South of Midnight – equally deserving of your attention.

Review info

Platform reviewed: PS5 (on PS5 Pro)
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
Release date: March 31, 2026 (PS5 & Nintendo Switch 2), originally released April 8, 2025 (Xbox Series X|S & PC)

Compulsion Games' single-player, story-driven third-person action-adventure scored the 2025 BAFTA for "New Intellectual Property," and after replaying it on the PlayStation 5 Pro, it's easy to see why. Set in the American Deep South, the game spins a folklore-fueled tale filled with magic, monsters, and a stylized presentation that's unquestionably dark and macabre, yet still surprisingly vibrant and uplifting.

Its excellent story, visuals, and sound work are nicely complemented by a fun gameplay mix of combat, platforming, and puzzle-solving, resulting in a compelling package that previously impressed us upon its release last year. But like Avowed, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and other games launched exclusively on Sony's rival platform, South of Midnight is just as good, if not a bit better, on PS5.

A fantastic folklore story

(Image credit: Xbox Game Studios)

Several hours into the Southern Gothic third-person action-adventure, I find myself fighting Two-Toed Tom, an angry alligator that's literally as big as an island. As Hazel – the teen protagonist desperately searching for her mom following a hurricane that washed their home away – I'm repeatedly attacked by the beast's massive tail and maw full of choppers.

But despite this terrifying foe attempting to floss its teeth with my spine, I'm able to feel some sympathy for it. While I won't spoil the specifics, suffice it to say the game's stellar, emotional storytelling and moving use of original music deserves most of the credit. Like many of the game's characters, Two-Toed Tom is afforded the sort of fleshed-out backstory typically reserved for a game's hero.

As a "Weaver," Hazel can access the animal's complex, tragic past, therefore allowing her – and the player – to empathize with it even as she faces it in a fight to the death. But the Godzilla-sized gator is just one example, as Hazel encounters a variety of colorful characters – of the good and evil varieties – from the past and present, who all have engaging stories to tell.

Hazel has the power to see and affect the world's "Grand Tapestry," a sort of invisible fabric that connects all life. Her power allows her to tap into this ethereal quilt's threads to help restless souls, restore balance, and heal traumas. But beyond that premise – which injects a welcome dose of positivity into a genre frequently more focused on stacking corpses – the story serves as a thoughtful coming-of-age tale that sees Hazel discovering her unique place in the world right alongside the player.

(Image credit: Compulsion Games)

Rather than relying on text-heavy lore drops and tedious, exposition-heavy dialog exchanges, however, the game utilizes a number of clever devices to spin an authentic tale rooted in real folklore from the region. While it does include some of those familiar lore collectibles and character conversations, it really shines in its use of visions Hazel sees – from ghosts appearing right before her eyes to mystical realms offering an emotional peek into her missing mother's complex life.

South of Midnight's also packed with polished cutscenes and cinematics, the highlight of which are hand-drawn, storybook-inspired segments that introduce each of its chapters. And to further stress the game's dedication to imaginative, personality-packed storytelling, these scenes are narrated by a giant catfish with a charming Cajun accent.

Of course, the game's excellent score and music also do their part to ensure the narrative and presentation shine as brightly as the gameplay. A Deep South-inspired mix of subgenres and instruments perfectly blends to deliver an ear-pleasing soundscape that never feels like simple background accompaniment, but rather rich, emotionally-charged music organically woven through the story.

This is especially true during some of the boss encounters, which are complemented by lyrical-heavy songs that seem to dynamically react to the on-screen action while telling the antagonist's story.

Familiar, yet satisfying gameplay

(Image credit: Compulsion Games)

While South of Midnight deserves extra credit for giving its big bads their own theme songs, its creative means of unraveling its Southern Gothic yarn is also supported by solid gameplay. Its blend of combat and platforming will feel familiar to anyone who's played a third-person action-adventure in the last decade, but the tried-and-true mechanics still manage to impress thanks to some smart design choices.

For starters, Hazel packs a fun arsenal of magical powers introduced at a rewarding pace. This results in a nice sense of progression that regularly sees you building on previous abilities with brand new tricks. By the time you're at the game's midpoint, you'll be unleashing a satisfying combat cocktail of light and heavy attacks, Force-like spells, special skills learned along Hazel's skill tree, and a useful power that turns foes against each other – performed by an adorable, voodoo-inspired ragdoll named Crouton, obviously.

Best bit

(Image credit: Compulsion Games)

South of Midnight's immersive music is one of its most appealing features throughout, but it especially stands out during certain character encounters and boss battles. It can feel more like a catchy theme song, complete with clever lyrics that organically reflect the on-screen action.

Enemies aren't especially varied, and most encounters play out pretty similarly, but it's still a ton of fun fluidly combining Hazel's growing arsenal of Weaver magic to take down the game's nightmarish creatures. There's also a bit of risk-reward strategy layered in by way of the magic spells' cool-down meters, as well as some limited health resources you need to properly manage.

It doesn't hurt that Hazel's acrobatic skills evolve almost as often as her more aggressive moves. Double-jumps, wall-runs, glides, and a grapple hook-like ability can be seamlessly swapped on-the-fly. Her impressive move set is often leveraged in combat – bringing even more strategic options to the battlefield – but it really shines in dedicated platforming sections.

Being able to string her selection of agile abilities together for exploration, puzzle-solving, and even simple navigation quickly becomes one of the game's obvious strengths. This is especially apparent when attempting to survive one of the game's tension-ratcheting chase sequences.

The PlayStation 5 (in)difference

(Image credit: Compulsion Games)

South of Midnight's visual presentation is gorgeous, imaginative, and clearly driven by passion. Its unique artistic style, which borrows inspiration from stop-motion animation, is especially easy on the eyes on PlayStation platforms. Enhanced for the PS5 Pro, the game packs stunning 4K visuals and maintains a peppy 60 frames-per-second.

That said, the game was no slouch on its launch console, the Xbox Series X. While side-by-side comparisons might reveal minor improvements in graphics and performance on the Sony consoles, the differences aren't dramatic enough to recommend the PS5 versions solely on those merits.

Xbox titles ported to PlayStation platforms often earn my recommendation almost entirely on their ability to significantly crank the immersion through smart, thoughtful DualSense Wireless Controller integration. Sadly, South of Midnight misses an opportunity here, ignoring the full potential of the controller's adaptive triggers and haptic feedback features. It doesn't skimp on rumble and vibration effects, but does lack the layers and nuance present in other ports. The game's awesome opening hurricane scene, for example, could benefit greatly from a deeper use of the tech.

South of Midnight's arrival on Sony platforms probably won't pull you in for its visual and performance bumps alone. That said, its improvements, while not game-changers, do make an already fantastic experience slightly better.

More than that, though, the game's worth a look if you missed it the first time around – especially if you're craving an incredibly unique, artistically absorbing action-adventure that prioritizes narrative as much as gameplay.

Should you play South of Midnight on PS5?Play it if...

You missed out on South of Midnight the first time
Compulsion Games' Southern Gothic action-adventure was one of last year's best single-player experiences, spinning a fantastic story supported by solid gameplay. If you somehow overlooked it last year – or you're a PS5 owner who didn't have access to it – now's the perfect time to fall under its captivating spell.

You're craving a fresh replay of one of last year's best games
Given how good South of Midnight's graphics, storytelling, and music are, it's absolutely worth a replay for its presentation alone. Coupled with its digestible dozen-or-so hour runtime, its graphical and performance bumps – and modest DualSense integration – on PS5 make the platform the perfect place to revisit it.

Don't play it if...

You're a PlayStation 5 owner seeking a significantly different experience
South of Midnight looks and runs great on PS5, and its PS5 Pro Enhanced version is the best way to experience the game on any platform. That said, the improvements aren't so significant that they put the previous Xbox version to shame. Coupled with DualSense features that leave a bit to be desired, South of Midnight isn't dramatically better on Sony platforms.

Accessibility features

South of Midnight returns with the same impressively robust suite of accessibility features it was recognized for its first time around. A number of options for those with audio and visual impairments offer a deeply customizable experience, while the game's abundance of difficulty settings goes far beyond the usual selection of modes, allowing players of all skill levels to tweak and tailor the experience to their specific needs.

How I reviewed South of Midnight on PS5

I weaved Hazel's magic for about a dozen hours on my PlayStation 5 Pro, paying particular attention to graphics and performance, comparing them to the Xbox Series X version I'd previously played.

Additionally, I focused on the game's leveraging of the DualSense's haptic feedback and adaptive trigger features. I played on both my TCL 4K display, with HDR enabled, as well as remotely with my PlayStation Portal. For audio, I tested with my PlayStation Pulse Elite headset, PlayStation Pulse Explore earbuds, and my television's onboard stereo speakers.

First reviewed March-April 2026

Categories: Reviews

I watched the first 6 episodes of Widow's Bay on Apple TV — and the dark comedy horror show had me coming back for the humor, but not the frights

TechRadar Reviews - Fri, 04/24/2026 - 08:00

Light spoilers follow for Widow's Bay episodes 1 to 6.

Apple TV is home to plenty of award-winning and praise-worthy shows, but there's one genre that the tech giant's entertainment division has so far failed to get right: horror.

It's not been for a lack of trying. The Enfield Poltergeist, Servant, and various other projects have seen Apple dip its toes into terror-filled waters before. For some reason, though, it's struggled to replicate the success it's had with its myriad alternative genre offerings.

So comes the turn of Widow's Bay, a dark comedy horror whose premise and genre mash up look and sound original enough to potentially give Apple its first horror hit. After seeing the first six episodes, I've got to give it credit for being effective at what it does — but it's not the spooky showpiece that'll convince horror devotees to sign up to the streamer.

Paranormal activity

Rhys plays Tom Loftis, Widow's Bay's new mayor and the show's main character (Image credit: Apple TV)

Widow's Bay introduces us to Tom Loftis (Matthew Rhys), the eponymous island town's mayor who ran and won its most recent election unopposed.

A high-strung and cowardly mainlander, the ambitious Loftis sees the potential for this small, outdated settlement to become North America's next big tourist attraction.

I wouldn't describe Widow's Bay as particularly terrifying

The problem? Save for a few inhabitants, such as Loftis' emotionally repressed assistant Patricia (Kate O'Flynn), the townsfolk, including renowned oddball Wyck (Stephen Root) don't respect Loftis or want outsiders upsetting their way of life.

Winning over the locals, though, is the least of the Loftis' issues, because the titular town is believed to be cursed. Predictably, no sooner is Loftis' dream of turning Widow's Bay into a cultural hotspot on the cusp of being realized, the very myths that are too preposterous to be true soon make themselves known.

Loftis' assistant Patricia has some skeletons hiding in her closet (Image credit: Apple TV)

Widow's Bay's fright-filled folklore might give the impression that the horror part of its genre dyad is the dominate force at play.

Creepy, unsettling, and dingily atmospheric as it is, though, I wouldn't describe it as particularly terrifying. There are moments that had me saying "nope nope nope" to myself, and I appreciated the eeriness of its rural town setting and ability to dial up the tension where necessary. Nonetheless, for all of its jump scares — ones I'd describe as half-hearted at best — and uneasy ambience, Widow's Bay is definitely more of a dark comedy than a traditional supernatural horror.

I guarantee you'll crack up numerous times

And it's that humor, of which there is plenty, that Widow's Bay successfully hangs its hat on, especially in earlier episodes.

Spearheaded by the ever-excellent Rhys, whose bumbling, crabby, and sceptical Loftis reminded me of a modern day Basil Fawlty, aka the protagonist of iconic British sitcom Fawlty Towers, Widow's Bay is full of laugh out loud moments.

Indeed, whether it's Loftis' never-ending battles with the island port's lazy, incompetent, and/or superstitious natives, Rhys' impeccable comedic timing and delivery of sarcastic, deadpan, and cringeworthy ripostes to said individuals, and its main character's general buffoonery, I guarantee you'll crack up numerous times while watching Widow's Bay.

Sinister undercurrents

Loftis (left) and Wyck (right) don't always get along, and that creates plenty of Widow's Bay's ripe drama (Image credit: Apple TV)

That said, Widow's Bay isn't a laughs-a-minute caper by any means. Indeed, like the supernatural entities that lurk beneath the town's surface, its eclectic cast of characters are similarly haunted by their own demons and trauma-laced pasts.

It's these character-driven storylines that give this series more of an edge than the metaphysical beings that Loftis and company come across, too.

It's Widow's Bay's character-driven storylines that give it more of an edge

For Loftis, it's a decades earlier heart-breaking family incident that, in the present, has bred an increasingly strained relationship with his unruly, weed-smoking teenage son Evan (Kingston Rumi Southwick). In Patricia's case, it's a terrifying ordeal during her own teen years — an event we tentatively learn about in the first three episodes before it's fully reveal in soul-crushing fashion in chapter four.

Evan is tired of being smothered by his overly protective father (Image credit: Apple TV)

Disappointingly, other members of its wonderfully weird cast — Wyck and Rosemary (Dale Dickey) being notable highlights — don't benefit from the same introspective treatment in Widow's Bay's first six entries.

That might be rectified in episodes I'm yet to see. However, apart from the Patricia-starring fourth chapter and the series' sixth episode, the latter being a flashback episode that reveals some hugely important details about why the town is cursed, Widow's Bay is sadly unconcerned with giving its quirkier individuals a episodically specific platform to shine on.

Labeling Widow's Bay as Apple's answer to Twin Peaks is slightly misleading

And that's a pity because, with early installments channeling a 'Monster of the Week' format not unlike legendary sci-fi shows such as The X-Files, there's certainly room for Widow's Bay to spotlight said characters by way of episodic subplots amid its overarching story.

It's missed opportunities like this, plus the apparent lack of interconnectivity between Widow's Bay's various scare-based fables, that imbalance it narratively.

Indeed, with its primary mystery taking center stage in its latter half, its aforementioned 'Monster of the Week' arrangement quickly falls by the wayside. I'll reiterate that I haven't seen passed episode 6, so this criticism may be moot if Widow's Bay ends up tying its paranormal enigmas to its main otherworldly horror in the home straight. If it turns out that there's no throughline, though, I can't help but wonder if, intriguing as each standalone ghost story, why it was necessary to include them unless Widow's Bay was developed as an anthology series instead.

Police chief Bechir is looking for a way out of Widow's Bay (Image credit: Apple TV)

Less of a critique and more an observation are the clear parallels between Widow's Bay and similar new weird programs, such as Prime Video's Outer Range, CBS' The Twilight Zone, and Apple's very own Severance. Fans of one or more of these shows, then, will find Widow's Bay to be right up their alley — as will devotees of Stephen King and John Carpener, albeit through Widow's Bay's somewhat on-the-nose references to their body of works.

Above all others, though, it's hard to overlook the influence that cult classic TV show Twin Peaks has exerted on Widow's Bay.

Indeed, there's no denying that the new Apple TV show was heavily inspired by Twin Peaks' surrealist mystery horror leanings. Set in a small town frozen in time? Yep. A story filled with supernatural elements and dark secrets? Check. Populated with zany, morally gray characters? Absolutely. Offbeat humor? You bet.

That's not necessarily a bad thing — after all, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so it's no surprise to see Widow's Bay compared to one of David Lynch's most memorable works. Nonetheless, despite their clear similarities, suggesting that it's Apple's answer to Twin Peaks is, ahead of Widow's Bay's release and accounting for how revered Twin Peaks is, something of an exaggeration.

My verdict

As an overall experience, I've enjoyed my time in Widow's Bay so far, and I look forward to the rest of my stay and seeing not only how its final four episodes wraps up its story, but also if they address some or all of the problems I've outlined above.

Even if they don't fix its clear issues, though, Widow's Bay is the first recommendation-worthy horror show that Apple TV has to offer. If the tech giant can refine the development process of such genre works in the same way it did with, say, its sci-fi offerings, there's no reason why it can't become a regular *ahem* haunt for those who prefer their stories to be as dread-inducing and frightening as possible.

Widow's Bay will launch on Apple TV with a two-episode premiere on Wednesday, April 29. New episodes air weekly after that on one of the world's best streaming services.

Categories: Reviews

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is the best Xiaomi phone yet and one of the best camera phones I've ever tested

TechRadar Reviews - Fri, 04/24/2026 - 07:13

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra offers everything the series has come to be known for: top-tier performance, a great display, premium design, rich functionality, fast charging, and an exceptional Leica-backed photography experience.

Despite not deviating from the formula all that much (see last year's similar-looking Xiaomi 15 Ultra), there are some meaningful refinements that help this generation of Ultra, in particular, stand out.

The phone's refined design, with its aluminum alloy frame and composite back, makes it the thinnest Ultra to date, and it's notably lighter than its predecessor, too.

The rear panel plays host to a mammoth 1-inch 50MP main camera sensor, with LOFIC technology for superior dynamic range, while the huge 1/1.4-inch 200MP HPE telephoto sensor grants you optical magnification between an equivalent 75mm and 100mm, by way of a mechanical zoom system.

On the front, you're presented with a stunning 12-bit 6.9-inch 120Hz dynamic LTPO AMOLED display, which is set within thin bezels. It delivers a superb viewing experience, not least because of the 17 Ultra's increased peak brightness ceiling of 3,500nits. The ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor is pretty great too.

As with almost any Android flagship worth its salt in 2026, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, paired to a baseline 512GB of UFS 4.1 storage and 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM. Combine that with the company's latest IceLoop cooling system, and this newest Ultra proves extremely capable in terms of sustained performance, especially compared to its predecessor.

Battery life from the 6,000mAh silicon-carbon cell has improved on last year's Ultra, too, even if it still lags behind key rivals in terms of everyday longevity. At least the 90W wired fast charging now supports standard PPS adapters, and can refill the phone's battery in under 45 minutes.

The HyperOS 3 user experience on the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is generally clean and, despite a learning curve for those coming from most other manufacturers' flavors of Android, feature-rich.

It takes a lot of inspiration from iOS 26, but in return, additions like HyperIsland add genuine utility, while Xiaomi HyperConnect gives you impressive interconnectivity with devices running iOS, macOS, Windows, and beyond. An improved five years of OS upgrades and six years of security updates — compared to the 15 Ultra at launch — is a welcome upgrade too.

Xiaomi doesn't shove AI features down your throat in the same way some rival phone makers do, but the 17 Ultra's AI-backed image editing tools are capable enough for light tasks, and let you pull off some nice imaging tricks, like outpainting. Now Xiaomi just needs to work on consistency and reliability with the performance of such features.

As you might expect, the Leica-backed camera experience on the 17 Ultra is outstanding. Shots approach the fidelity of dedicated mirrorless cameras in some situations, and that new LOFIC tech means better dynamic range and sharper imagery, even in low light. Despite losing a rear lens, the new mechanical zoom grants more capture at more focal lengths optically, while Leica presets help dress images with expressive tonal treatments.

There are some handy video tools, alongside the ability to shoot at up to 4K 120fps in Dolby Vision or LOG, but the Xiaomi seems far more focused on improving the still photography experience this generation, rather than pushing the new Ultra as a professional video tool, as it tried to with last year's offering.

Starting at £1,299 / AU$1,799, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra matches or undercuts the best iPhones and best Samsung phones on price; however, it's still one of the most expensive phones on the market. What's more, the limited edition Leica Leitzphone by Xiaomi gives you a few exclusive photographic extras, but pushes for an even higher asking price in return.

This is undoubtedly one of the best camera phones of the moment, and an excellent refinement on Xiaomi's established Ultra format. You just need to be ready to pay a premium for the privilege of using such impressive mobile hardware.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra review: price and availability

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

Released on February 28, 2026 in the UK and Australia
Priced from £1,299 AU$1,799
No official US availability

As with its predecessor, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra first launched exclusively in China in late 2025, going on sale in the region a few days later. It wasn't until late February this year that the global version of the phone made its debut; although, as ever with Xiaomi phones, 'global' sadly doesn't include the US.

While any phone with 'Ultra' in its name tends to demand a high asking price when comparing storage and RAM combinations, the 17 Ultra does meet or beat key rivals, such as the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and iPhone 17 Pro Max, if only slightly.

For £1,299 / AU$1,799, you get 16GB of RAM and a baseline 512GB too (both higher capacities than you'll get with Samsung or Apple's base entries), but this will remain an unquestionably pricey option for many.

Depending on your region, Xiaomi also throws in several noteworthy extras and free trials. In the UK, for example, your purchase of a Xiaomi 17 Ultra includes three months of both Google AI Pro and YouTube Premium, four months of Spotify Premium, a free screen replacement within the first six months after purchase, and one out-of-warranty repair — with free labor costs, too, so long as it's claimed within your 24-month warranty period.

Model

UK price

EU price

AU price

512GB

£1,299

€1,499

AU$1,799

1TB

£1,499

€1,699

AU$1,999

Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi

£1,699

€1,999

AU$2,299

A variation on a theme, there's also the 'Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi,' which is essentially a 17 Ultra with heavier emphasis on the brand's Leica camera partnership.

This model's defining characteristic is a physical rotating ring around the camera, which lets you control features like zoom, ISO, shutter speed, and more. The phone has an overall design distinct from the standard model reviewed here, with a black and silver finish, plus some additional grip along its metal frame. There are also dedicated 'essential looks' within the camera app, modelled after the iconic Leica M3 and M9 cameras, plus a few other bonuses.

Billed as a 'limited edition' (it sold out almost immediately in the UK, but is still available in other regions at the time of writing), this release commands an even higher premium, costing £200 / AU$300 more than the top-whack vanilla 1TB Xiaomi 17 Ultra.

Value score: 4 / 5

Xiaomi 17 Ultra review: specs

Dimensions:

162.9mm x 77.6mm x 8.29mm

Weight:

218.4g (Black / White), 219g (Starlit Green)

Display:

6.9-inch Xiaomi HyperRGB OLED

Resolution:

3120 x 1440 pixels

Refresh rate:

1 to 120Hz (LTPO)

Chipset:

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

RAM:

16GB (LPDDR5X)

Storage:

512GB, 1TB (UFS 4.1)

OS (at launch):

HyperOS 3 atop Android 16

Main camera:

50MP 1-inch 23mm ƒ/1.67 Light Fusion 1050L image sensor w/ OIS

Ultra-wide camera:

50MP 14mm ƒ/2.2 Samsung JN5 image sensor w/ 115º FoV

Telephoto camera:

200MP 75mm to 100mm ƒ/2.39 to 2.96, Samsung HPE sensor w/ OIS

Selfie camera:

50MP 21mm ƒ/2.2 sensor w/ 90° FoV

Battery:

6,000mAh Xiaomi Surge Battery (Si-C)

Charging:

90W wired, 50W wireless, 22.5W reverse wired

Colors:

Black, White, Starlit Green

Xiaomi 17 Ultra review: design

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

Thinnest Ultra in the series yet
Weighs up to 219g
Black, White, and Starlit Green colorways

Last year's Xiaomi 15 Ultra went against the grain, with its rounded forms and curved cover glass. In contrast, the 17 Ultra is far more on-trend, embracing a flat-edged frame, front and back.

There's still subtle rounding along the edges of its aluminum alloy surround, to ensure the phone still feels comfortable enough to hold, in spite of its large size, but it is more of a slab than its predecessor, which won't suit everyone's aesthetic and ergonomic tastes.

Flattening out does come with some practical benefits, though. Namely, more internal space, which allows for a larger battery and an improved cooling system, and that's despite the 17 Ultra clocking in as the thinnest in the series to date.

As mentioned in my initial Xiaomi 17 Ultra hands-on, at 8.29mm, the 17 Ultra is roughly 12% thinner than its predecessor, not to mention lighter too (by about ten grams), which makes all the difference in terms of pocket-friendliness and wrist fatigue.

The back is hewn from composite fiberglass, which might not seem like a fitting material choice for an ultra-premium flagship phone, but it's better suited to the everyday rigors of use and is a huge contributor to keeping the 17 Ultra's weight down, so I'm all for it.

Future | Alex Walker-ToddFuture | Alex Walker-ToddFuture | Alex Walker-ToddFuture | Alex Walker-Todd

The sensors across the phone's huge circular camera plateau once again boast a more symmetrical look (after last year's less harmonious lens placement), the new circular metal volume buttons look and feel great, and the Starlit Green finish (pictured) has a unique charm among the current color palette in use by other flagship phones.

While the Xiaomi 17 Ultra comes in four colors in China, internationally, you only have three: Green, Black, and White (there's no Purple internationally).

The phone's IP certifications also vary by region. While its initial Chinese launch cited IP66, IP68, and IP69 ratings against dust and water ingress, once the international release took place, only IP68-grade protection was mentioned in official messaging.

I suspect the global model of the 17 Ultra is just as durable and water-resistant as its Chinese counterpart, even if Xiaomi hasn't paid to have it tested as thoroughly. Nonetheless, this remains a strange regional distinction that I've not seen mentioned elsewhere; rivals from the likes of Honor, Oppo, and OnePlus have pushed for additional IP69K certification, too, which is worth noting.

Alongside that tough aluminum alloy frame, the display is covered by Xiaomi's own Shield Glass 3.0, which the company claims is 30% more drop-resistant than the Xiaomi 15 Ultra's display. Its flatter form also makes applying screen protectors that little bit easier, too, although there is already a thin PET one that comes pre-applied.

The rear camera system, meanwhile, again uses Corning Gorilla Glass 7i as its defence, which, looking at my year-old 15 Ultra's camera, proves to be a suitably resilient option for everyday use.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra review: accessories

Xiaomi does also include a clear case in the box, which is appreciated, but as with its predecessors, you do also have the option of a photography kit, two in fact: a standard and a 'Pro' version.

As well as offering additional protection (with IP54 certification to boot), the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Photography Kit features a dedicated video record button and a two-stage shutter button.

Future | Alex Walker-ToddFuture | Alex Walker-ToddFuture | Alex Walker-Todd

The design gives the phone a more 'camera'-inspired aesthetic (with better grip), in a nice two-tone finish with faux leather (available in black, white, or purple). Bluetooth connectivity makes for easy pairing and setup, but proprietary pogo-pin charging and the need to travel with a dedicated cable make it a little less convenient than it could have otherwise been.

As with previous iterations of the Ultra, rather than a single shell, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Photography Kit Pro comes in two key parts: a case and a grip. This generation's case includes magnets to allow for connectivity with MagSafe-style accessories, like stands or even lights. It also sports a mounting ring, which lets you attach conventional 67mm ND filters and the like.

Future | Alex Walker-ToddFuture | Alex Walker-ToddFuture | Alex Walker-ToddFuture | Alex Walker-Todd

As for the grip, it connects directly to the phone's USB port, latching in place. It also doubles as a power bank, thanks to an integrated 2,000mAh battery (which itself charges via a USB port in the grip).

As well as a two-stage shutter key and record button — like the non-Pro camera kit — here you also gain a zoom rocker, a thumb rest, and a customizable dial (a new addition for this generation), which can be programmed to control ISO and the like.

All in all, Xiaomi seems to have paid particularly close attention to refining this generation of Ultra phone, and that carries through to these accessories too.

Serious mobile photographers might dock Xiaomi a couple of points for omitting a teleconverter — the likes of which you'll get with equivalent photography kits for the Oppo Find X9 Ultra and Vivo X300 Ultra — but that doesn't stop this generation from being an excellent refinement on its predecessors.

Design score: 5 / 5

Xiaomi 17 Ultra review: display

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

Huge 6.9-inch 120Hz 1200 x 2608 OLED screen
Up to 3,500nits across a 25% APL
Ultrasonic fingerprint sensor

At 6.9 inches, this is the largest display on one of Xiaomi's Ultras to date, and despite a drop in resolution (moving from 522ppi down to 416ppi), compared to the 15 Ultra, in real-world use, it certainly doesn't feel like a downgrade.

That's thanks in part to a new sub-pixel structure, which Xiaomi calls 'HyperRGB,' granting greater clarity that helps mitigate the generational loss in resolution. The TCL CSOT-supplied screen also features the company's M10 emissive material, which promises improved power efficiency, while support for 12-bit color depth (achieved by pairing a 10-bit panel with frame rate control or 'FRC') adds an extra layer of future-proofing to the viewing experience.

You're also getting a brighter peak output of 3,500 nits (up from 3,200 nits) across a 25% APL (Average Picture Level), rather than a single-point figure, while LIPO (low-injection pressure over-molding) — popularized by the iPhone and previously seen on the likes of the Xiaomi 15T Pro — gives the 17 Ultra impressively thin bezels.

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

Pair all that with the underlying OLED tech, and you're getting excellent contrast and an immersive, bright, vivid viewing experience.

Being an LTPO panel, the 17 Ultra's 120Hz refresh rate is truly dynamic too, able to scale between 1Hz and 120Hz, with Xiaomi's tuning serving up consistently higher refresh rates than other 120Hz LTPO phones I've tested of late, across both first and third-party apps.

Xiaomi's display settings let you control the color space with impressive granularity, while also letting you toggle between refresh rate modes, eye comfort tools, and more. It's really only Honor that has gone deeper into the display customization experience.

The ultrasonic fingerprint sensor is pleasingly consistent and quick, with the added bonus of being able to unlock the phone when the screen is off, too. All in all, then, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra boasts one of the best mobile displays on the market.

Display score: 5 / 5

Xiaomi 17 Ultra review: software

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

HyperOS 3 atop Android 16 out the box
Xiaomi HyperConnect works with Windows, iOS, MacOS and more
5 years OS + 6 years security update support

One aspect that's previously hurt the best Xiaomi phones has been longevity; not in terms of battery life, but in terms of software support.

Xiaomi's commitment to OS and security updates has lagged behind the likes of Apple, Google, and Samsung, which — especially when it comes to the brand's pricier phones — undermines their long-term value.

Thankfully, while still not quite on par with those aforementioned competitors, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is closer than ever in terms of software longevity, gaining an extra year of OS upgrade support over its similarly pricey predecessor, with five years of releases, paired to six years of security patches.

Like the base Xiaomi 17, the Ultra arrives with the company's latest HyperOS 3 release (atop Android 16), which comes with its own eccentricities that will take some getting used to, especially if you're accustomed to a cleaner build of Android, as found on the likes of the best Pixel phones and best Motorola phones.

Those making the jump from iOS, however, might actually be surprised by how familiar HyperOS 3 looks and feels. Xiaomi (much like Honor and Oppo) has clearly taken a lot of inspiration from the last few iterations of Apple's iPhone operating system.

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

HyperIsland is one prominent new addition that — as with Honor's Magic Capsule and Oppo's Live Alerts — gives the 17 Ultra some Dynamic Island-like functionality. Active tasks like music playback, timers, and audio recording can run simultaneously, as well as be swiped between and interacted with, all without you having to open up any of their respective apps completely. While unoriginal, it's nonetheless a handy new feature.

Xiaomi's also been ahead of the curve with regard to interoperability, with 'HyperConnect' allowing for fast AirDrop-style wireless file transfer between Xiaomi and Windows or iOS/iPadOS/MacOS devices, long before Samsung or Google even considered adding native AirDrop compatibility.

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

The company's AI features are ever-expanding, and in addition to Google Gemini Live with Camera Share, its native image editing tools — although not best-in-class — are both varied and do a decent job for things like upscaling, outpainting, and object erasure. That's on top of an already powerful set of non-AI image editing tools within HyperOS' native Gallery app.

While Xiaomi is also responsible for some great affordable phones, the HyperOS experience they offer tends to come littered with additional bloatware and even baked-in ads, both of which soil an otherwise rich user experience. Thankfully, when it comes to the company's more premium offerings, those faux pas are pleasingly absent.

Software score: 4 / 5

Xiaomi 17 Ultra review: cameras

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

Standout 50MP 1-inch main sensor w/ LOFIC + 200MP telephoto w/ mechanical zoom
Leica presets and APV codec support
Up to 4K/120fps video recording w/ Dolby Vision

Big sensors remain at the heart of the Ultra camera experience this year. As with the 15 Ultra, Xiaomi's latest phone again boasts a 50MP 1-inch main camera, with a 23mm-equivalent focal length, but Sony's sensor tech has been swapped out for OmniVision's this time around.

The Light Fusion 1050L sensor is among the first to support LOFIC (Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor) tech on mobile, improving the 17 Ultra's dynamic range by an additional 2.5 stops, compared to the 15 Ultra's main lens. The base Xiaomi 17 (which lacks LOFIC) offers a 13.5EV range, to the 17 Ultra's outstanding 16.5EV stops.

Rather than relying solely on combining bracketed shots for HDR processing, LOFIC grants the 17 Ultra's main sensor additional headroom at a hardware level to prevent highlights from blowing out. This not only improves dynamic range, but also reduces the risk of artifacting, especially with longer exposures and low-light shooting.

The ultra-wide hardware appears unchanged, and there's only a single telephoto in place of the 15 Ultra's pair of sensors, but don't despair. Xiaomi has only gone and given the huge new 1/1.4-inch 200MP HPE telephoto sensor mechanical optical zoom, between an equivalent 75mm and 100mm (3.2x to 4.3x), as well as "optical quality" zoom up to 17.2x (equivalent to 400mm).

Sprinkle all that with a hybrid glass-element lens construction, the first example of an APO Leica lens on a smartphone, and an evolution of the same superb image processing as its predecessors, and the Xiaomi 17 Ultra easily finds its place among the best camera phones of the moment.

Dynamic range is, understandably, the star of the show with the shots produced by the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, but it honestly excels in all sorts of ways.

Colors are vivid without looking cartoonish, skin tones are well reproduced, there's nary a hint of meaningful noise (even in low-light scenes), and the bokeh (further augmented by Xiaomi's and Leica's processing, of course) looks pleasing and natural.

Although the minimum focus distance isn't anywhere near as close as the 15 Ultra, the new telephoto still delivers when it comes to macro photography, while the high-resolution selfie snapper offers crisper visuals too.

The versatility of the triple-lens system is also undeniable and carries across to video capture. Expect impressively smooth transitions when switching between focal lengths, respectable image stabilization, and the ability to shoot at up to 120fps in 4K, with Dolby Vision or LOG capture enabled. 8K 30fps recording is on the table, too.

Within the native camera app, you also have the ability to leverage that new main sensor's LOFIC tech from a dedicated shooting mode, as well as helpful tools like focus peaking with a false color overlay and zebra stripes for correct exposure in Pro Video mode.

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

Even with all these inclusions, though, it's clear that, unlike its predecessor, the 17 Ultra is unquestionably built to excel at still photography first and foremost.

While there's a clear difference in image processing when comparing stills to video — namely with the default color science at play — Xiaomi's imaging pipeline can't redeem the low-light video performance offered up by the ultra-wide in low light. By comparison, footage is soft, noisy, and significantly darker than footage captured using the phone's other lenses, undermining its versatility for videographers.

The company has seemingly walked back on its professional video pipeline aspirations for the Ultra series, too. The official Xiaomi Rec. 709 LUT that was introduced with the 15 Ultra (along with accompanying documentation) is no longer available from official sources, while features are seemingly tied to the native Xiaomi camera app.

You can't switch lenses while recording above 4K/60fps (instead, you're locked to either the main or telephoto sensor, once you hit record); there's no native option for industry-standard frame rates, like 23.98, 24, or 25fps; and that aforementioned LOFIC video mode isn't available if you want to use the phone's Pro Video controls.

Third-party apps can bypass Xiaomi's ISP and image processing to give you more direct control of the signal coming off the phone's sensors, as well as the ability to choose from more frame rates and codecs (including the Samsung's new APV codec, meant to rival Apple ProRes), but such apps lose out on support for the phone's mechanical zoom and — for those using the Leitzphone version — the ability to use the physical control ring, too.

Cameras score: 4.5 / 5

Xiaomi 17 Ultra review: performance

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset
LPDDR5X RAM & UFS 4.1 storage
3D dual-channel 'IceLoop' cooling system

Unless you're Apple, you can't really launch an uber-flagship right now without it sporting Qualcomm's current best mobile chip: the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.

It's the same SoC found in the likes of the OnePlus 15, Honor Magic 8 Pro, and the brand-new Oppo Find X9 Ultra, and as you might expect, it's a beast.

Artificial benchmarks place it at the top of the pile and, in the case of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra specifically, it actually outpaced the other 8 Elite Gen 5-powered phones I've reviewed in the likes of Geekbench, if only by a hair.

One of the biggest improvements between the 15 Ultra and 17 Ultra isn't the chip, but rather the newer phone's '3D dual-channel IceLoop' cooling system. Despite the thinner form of this year's Ultra, that new processor, paired to Xiaomi's more thermally conductive 5500mm² vapor chamber, grants the 17 Ultra notably improved power efficiency and heat dissipation.

In real-world use, this means longer high-fidelity gaming sessions. The phone never really dipped below its 120fps maximum (with low settings) or 70fps (at max settings) in Call of Duty: Mobile, even with extended play time. You also gain longer video recording when using that impressive camera system, even at higher resolutions and frame rates.

In side-by-side tests with 3DMark's Wild Life Extreme stress test benchmark, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra repeatedly survived the 20-minute gauntlet, despite a 36ºC increase in temperature over the total run. Compare that to the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, which, despite even being actively cooled beforehand on some runs, had to abandon each attempt due to consistent overheating.

Pair this impressive performance with some of the fastest and most power-efficient RAM and storage standards in the business, and there's little the Xiaomi 17 Ultra can't handle, from a performance standpoint.

Performance score: 5 / 5

Xiaomi 17 Ultra review: battery life

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

6,800mAh (China) | 6,000mAh (RoW) Xiaomi Si-C Surge battery
Supports 90W wired, 50W wireless, and 22.5W reverse wired charging

Similar to Honor, the global models of Xiaomi's phones tend to come with smaller batteries in comparison to their Chinese counterparts, and that's as true as ever with the Xiaomi 17 Ultra.

Even so, the model I reviewed still comes with a sizeable 6,000mAh silicon-carbon power source; that's the same capacity as the battery inside the Chinese Xiaomi 15 Ultra, and 11% larger than the cell inside the international version of the 15 Ultra (which clocks in at 5,410mAh) I reviewed last year.

Factor in this larger cell, more efficient display and chipset, and improved thermal performance, and it's no surprise that the Xiaomi 17 Ultra outperforms its predecessor in terms of real-world longevity. It doled out eight hours of screen-on time in my testing, which is an hour more than the 15 Ultra managed; it's able to stretch to two days of use on a single charge, if you're careful.

While such an improvement here is welcome, that figure still lags well behind rivals like the OnePlus 15, whose 7,300mAh battery helped deliver more than twice the screen-on time.

You no longer need to rely on Xiaomi's own-brand chargers to replenish this phone at top speed.

As with the last few Ultras, Xiaomi hasn't seen the need to up the 90W wired and 50W wireless charging speeds, and honestly, I agree. Even though the smaller Xiaomi 17 benefits from even faster 100W wired charging, I was still able to refill the 17 Ultra in just 45 minutes, with the phone surpassing 80% charge in 30.

You technically have to enable 'Top Speed' charging mode within the phone's settings to get the best speeds possible, but even with the default charging profile, the phone still refills quickly.

Xiaomi's Surge batteries also come with the company's own assurances and protections, plus the promise of 80% retention of its original charge capacity after 1,600 cycles, which means longevity should be ensured over years of use.

Depending on the market in which you pick your 17 Ultra, it likely won't come with a power adapter in the box, but you no longer need to rely on Xiaomi's own-brand chargers to replenish this phone at top speed. Xiaomi has included support for PPS charging at 90W, as well as 22.5W reverse wired charging to boot, opening you up to alternative chargers and power banks, without compromise.

Battery score: 4 / 5

Should you buy the Xiaomi 17 Ultra?

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)Xiaomi 17 Ultra scorecard

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Value

While undercutting its key rivals, this is still a seriously pricey flagship, especially if you opt for the Leica special edition.

4/5

Design

The thinnest of Xiaomi's Ultra phones to date still manages to fit in one of its largest batteries and offer exceptional thermal performance.

5/5

Display

A gorgeous, expansive, vibrant, dynamic 120Hz flagship-class OLED panel that's exceptionally bright and set within elegantly thin bezels.

5/5

Software

An enhanced software commitment renders this year's Ultra better value long-term, but HyperOS comes with a steep learning curve for the uninitiated. While powerful, it's also a little unoriginal in its approach.

4/5

Cameras

One of the best phones for photography you can buy, thanks to incredible optical hardware and Leica-tuned processing. Video performance is solid but falls short of professional-grade.

4.5/5

Performance

Top-tier performance across its chipset, RAM, and memory, paired to improved thermals, making this a solid endurance champ for gamers and creators.

5/5

Battery life

One of the largest batteries in an Ultra to date. Great fast charging with newfound support for more open charging standards. Now we just need even better longevity.

4/5

Buy it if…

You want a killer camera phone
Leica partnership, hybrid glass APO lens, 1-inch main sensor, 1/1.4-inch telephoto sensor with mechanical zoom; the marriage of photographic hardware and software on the 17 Ultra is Xiaomi's best yet, and lets you capture incredible shots.

You like streaming or gaming
The 17 Ultra has one of the largest and nicest displays out there, which, paired with its improved battery life and top-tier performance, makes it a great option for avid mobile gamers or media junkies who enjoy high-quality streaming on the go.

Don’t buy it if…

You want the best battery life
While Xiaomi has clearly made strides with its silicon-carbon Surge Battery tech, longevity still lags behind comparable rivals in the flagship phone space.

Value is top priority
While the 17 Ultra undercuts Apple's and Samsung's best phones on price in many markets, only those with deep pockets willing to accept its comparatively shorter software support commitment need apply.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra review: also consider

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Samsung's latest Ultra phone is a more incremental upgrade on its predecessor, albeit with that fancy new Privacy Display. You're likely to more readily embrace One UI over HyperOS, and longer-term software support isn't to be sniffed at either. Superior still photography and fast charging grant the Xiaomi an edge over this Ultra, however.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra review

iPhone 17 Pro Max
There's little reason to pick the iPhone over the Xiaomi, unless you plan on integrating your smartphone into a professional videography workflow. Video versatility and compatibility give the 17 Pro Max the edge over the 17 Ultra here. Not to mention HyperOS' biggest inspiration is iOS 26. The Xiaomi otherwise offers better hardware, imaging, and features.

Read our full iPhone 17 Pro Max review

Oppo Find X9 Ultra
The 17 Ultra's fresh-faced rival. The Oppo Find X9 Ultra sees a wider release internationally than its predecessor, and offers up some of the most competitive mobile photography specs and features the world has ever seen. I still prefer the look of the 17 Ultra's stills, but you might feel differently. It has a much larger battery, but a slightly higher starting price too.

Read our full Oppo Find X9 Ultra review

Xiaomi 17 Ultra

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

iPhone 17 Pro Max

Oppo Find X9 Ultra

Screen:

6.9-inch 120Hz 3,120 x 1,440 LTPO OLED

6.9-inch 120Hz 2,868 x 1,320 LTPO OLED

6.82-inch 120Hz 3,168 x 1,440 OLED

Chipset:

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

Apple A19 Pro

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

Storage:

512GB / 1TB

256GB / 512GB / 1TB

256GB / 512GB / 1TB / 2TB

256GB / 512GB / 1TB

OS (at launch):

HyperOS 3 atop Android 16

One UI 8.5 atop Android 16

iOS 26

ColorOS 16 atop Android 16

Rear cameras:

50MP main; 50MP ultra-wide; 200MP 3.2x-4.3x telephoto

200MP main; 50MP ultra-wide; 10MP 3x telephoto; 50MP 5x telephoto

48MP main; 48MP ultra-wide; 48MP 4x telephoto

200MP main; 50MP ultra-wide; 200MP 3x telephoto; 50MP 10x telephoto

Front camera:

50MP

12MP

18MP

50MP

Battery:

6,800mAh (China) | 6,000mAh (RoW)

5,000mAh

4,823mAh (nano SIM) | 5,088mAh (eSIM)

7,050mAh

Charging:

90W wired, 50W wireless

60W wired, 25W wireless

40W wired, 25W wireless

100W wired, 50W wireless

How I tested the Xiaomi 17 Ultra

Review test period: Two months
Testing included: Everyday use, web browsing, social media, photography, video calls, gaming, streaming video, music playback
Tools used: Geekbench 6, Geekbench AI, PCMark, 3DMark, native Android stats

My Xiaomi 17 Ultra sample arrived just ahead of its international launch in February 2026, and I've been using it constantly since then.

It's been with me practically every day, and as such I've spent plenty of time testing the usability of HyperOS 3, conventional usage and multitasking, gaming (with titles like Call of Duty: Mobile and The Division: Resurgence), streaming HDR content, and liberal camera usage.

Beyond putting the camera to the test across a myriad of scenarios, Xiaomi did later send me the official Photography Kit, so I could test its usefulness as an official accessory when shooting out in the wild, too.

I already owned an official 120W Xiaomi charger, which I used to test the phone's fast-charging abilities, once I enabled 'Top Speed' within the battery settings, while real-world use was the main driver for my screen-on time figures.

I've been testing smartphones for the last 15 years, and have the context of the majority of the latest flagships on hand for comparison.

Read more about how we test.

First reviewed: April 2026

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I've worn the Garmin Tactix 8 for 8 weeks, and elite adventurers will love this watch — but most of you probably don't need it

Adobe After Effects (2026) review

‘No 14-inch laptop is more portable than this’: I reviewed Asus’ answer to the MacBook Air, and loved its super-light design — but it comes with a big catch

I tested Polaroid’s kitschy square-format printer — it’s an addictive way to print and frame your smartphone snaps

Soundcore's brand-new headphones are so good at noise cancelling, I don't want to stop using them

The Huawei Watch GT Runner 2 is a terrific specialist running tool, fast and accurate — but it's hobbled by Huawei's usual side-loading ecosystem problems

The Melitta AromaFresh Therm Pro is an almost-great drip coffee maker — but it's let down by its most novel feature

Beelink EX Mate Pro dock & DAS review: An entirely different approach to docking stations

RUN Powered by ADP software review: Simple and streamlined for small businesses

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Human Resources HR software review: Flexible, powerful, but definitely not perfect

Cintra People HR software review: Refreshingly straightforward but recruitments come from integrations

HP DeskJet 2855e: What do users think of this budget inkjet printer?

Cisive background checker review: Fast and compliant, but some businesses won't be able to ignore the costs and delays

Certn background checker review

First Advantage review

The T3 Aire 360 is the closest I've got to Dyson Airwrap-style results without paying Dyson prices

I tested Tribit’s new tiny Bluetooth speaker, and it’s easily one of the best value models I’ve ever tested — here’s why

South of Midnight is even better on PS5 than it was on Xbox — PlayStation gamers, you no longer have to miss out on a sublime and underrated mix of fighting, platforming, and Southern Gothic folklore

I watched the first 6 episodes of Widow's Bay on Apple TV — and the dark comedy horror show had me coming back for the humor, but not the frights

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is the best Xiaomi phone yet and one of the best camera phones I've ever tested

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