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I tried Intermapper, a solid visual network monitoring but showing its age

TechRadar Reviews - Thu, 08/21/2025 - 05:37

Intermapper stands out in our best network monitoring tools roundup as a veteran solution that's been serving IT teams for years. This network monitoring platform from Fortra focuses on visual network mapping and real-time status monitoring across Windows, Mac, and Linux environments.

TechRadar reviewers spend several weeks researching each major IT platform in the market, testing features and comparing pricing models. We found Intermapper offers solid fundamentals but struggles to compete with advanced solutions like LogicMonitor, our pick for the best network monitoring tool of 2025.

Still, Intermapper's device-based pricing model makes it accessible for growing businesses. While it lacks the bells and whistles of modern competitors, Intermapper's straightforward approach appeals to teams seeking a reliable and no-nonsense monitoring solution.

Intermapper: Features

Intermapper offers a comprehensive but somewhat dated feature set that works well for small to mid-sized networks. The platform excels at automatic network discovery and visual mapping, providing color-coded status indicators that make problem identification straightforward.

While these core features are well-executed and reliable, we noticed gaps in advanced analytics, AI-powered insights, and cloud-native integrations that competitors like Dynatrace and LogicMonitor provide. The pricing feels reasonable for basic monitoring needs, but organizations requiring sophisticated analytics might find better value elsewhere.

Automatic network mapping

Intermapper's standout feature automatically discovers and maps your network infrastructure within minutes. You'll see every IP-enabled device displayed with customizable icons and color-coded statuses that update in real-time. The platform supports hierarchical maps and sub-maps, letting you drill down into specific network segments like building floors or server closets.

Proactive monitoring and alerting

The platform monitors devices 24/7 using SNMP and other protocols, sending alerts via email, SMS, or sound when thresholds are exceeded. Smart alerting capabilities let you customize schedules, assign alerts to specific teams, and set up escalation procedures. Interface-level monitoring allows granular control over what gets monitored and alerted on.

Performance analysis and reporting

Intermapper tracks network performance metrics and generates reports for capacity planning. The platform now supports 64-bit data storage, improving scalability for high-speed network monitoring. Chart data retention policies help manage storage while preserving historical performance data.

PowerShell integration

Recent updates added PowerShell probe and notifier support, enabling automated responses to network events. This feature lets you restart services, run scripts, or perform other remediation tasks automatically when alerts trigger. The integration works particularly well with Windows applications like SQL Server and SharePoint.

(Image credit: Intermapper)Intermapper: Ease of use

Intermapper's interface feels functional but dated compared to modern network monitoring tools. New users face a learning curve during initial setup and configuration, though the visual nature of network maps makes ongoing monitoring intuitive. But the platform lacks accessibility features found in newer solutions. And some users report that recovering from power outages can be challenging without reliable UPS systems.

The software runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux platforms with consistent functionality across operating systems. Once configured, daily monitoring becomes straightforward thanks to color-coded visual indicators and centralized dashboards. However, we noticed that customizing advanced features requires more technical expertise than user-friendly competitors demand.

Intermapper: Pricing

Plan

Starting price (paid annually)

What's included

Intermapper (25 devices)

$1,650/year ($137.50/month)

Network mapping, monitoring, alerting, web reporting, 24/7 support

Intermapper + Flows (25 devices)

$1,930/year ($160.83/month)

Base features plus network traffic analysis

Intermapper + Flows + Analytics (25 devices)

$2,230/year ($185.83/month)

Full suite with automated analytics and advanced reporting

Intermapper's device-based pricing model offers predictable costs that scale with your network size. This approach contrasts favorably with per-element pricing used by some competitors, making budget planning straightforward. However, the entry price of $1,650 annually for 25 devices positions Intermapper in the mid-range market, not as the budget option some reviews suggest. Volume discounts are available for larger deployments, though enterprise-grade features remain limited compared to premium alternatives.

Intermapper: Customer support

Fortra provides 24/7 human support to all Intermapper customers, which sets it apart from vendors offering tiered support models. You can reach the support team via phone, live chat, or email through the Fortra Community Portal. The company also provides technical bulletins, updates, and program fixes to keep your installation current.

Support quality appears solid based on user feedback, though some customers note that complex configuration issues may require escalation to higher-tier technicians. Documentation is comprehensive, covering installation, configuration, and troubleshooting scenarios. The company maintains active release cycles with regular updates and bug fixes, demonstrating ongoing commitment to the product.

Intermapper: Alternatives

Intermapper occupies a middle ground in the network monitoring market, serving organizations that need more than basic monitoring but don't require enterprise-grade analytics. It competes primarily with tools like PRTG Network Monitor and ManageEngine OpManager in the small-to-medium business segment. For larger enterprises, solutions like SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor, Dynatrace, and LogicMonitor offer more advanced features and scalability.

The platform works best for IT teams managing 100-1000 devices who prioritize visual network mapping and straightforward alerting. Organizations requiring advanced analytics, AI-powered insights, or extensive cloud integrations should consider more modern alternatives. Intermapper's strength lies in its reliability and simplicity rather than cutting-edge features, making it suitable for teams that value stability over innovation.

Intermapper: Final verdict

Intermapper remains a solid choice for organizations seeking reliable network monitoring without complexity. Its visual mapping capabilities and device-based pricing model offer clear value for small to mid-sized networks. The platform delivers on its core promises of network discovery, monitoring, and alerting with minimal fuss.

However, Intermapper shows its age when compared to modern competitors offering AI-powered analytics, cloud-native architectures, and advanced automation features. While it serves its target market adequately, organizations planning significant growth or requiring sophisticated monitoring capabilities should consider more scalable alternatives like LogicMonitor or Dynatrace.

Intermapper: FAQs

What's the minimum number of devices I can monitor with Intermapper?

Intermapper's entry-level license covers 25 devices for $1,650 annually. There's no smaller licensing tier available, making this the minimum investment required. However, you can monitor unlimited components on those 25 devices without additional licensing fees.

Does Intermapper support cloud environments?

Intermapper can monitor cloud-based infrastructure as long as devices are IP-addressable and support SNMP or other monitoring protocols. However, it lacks native cloud service integrations found in modern solutions and works best with traditional on-premises or hybrid environments.

How does Intermapper's pricing compare to competitors?

Intermapper uses device-based pricing rather than per-element pricing, which can be more cost-effective for organizations monitoring many components per device. Compared to enterprise solutions like SolarWinds or LogicMonitor, it's less expensive but offers fewer advanced features.

What happens if my Intermapper server loses power?

Intermapper requires a reliable power source and UPS system to maintain continuous monitoring. Power outages can corrupt network maps, requiring recovery from automated backups. This makes proper power protection essential for reliable operation.

Can Intermapper integrate with automation tools?

Yes, Intermapper's most recent versions include PowerShell integration for automated responses to network events. The platform can also integrate with Fortra's Automate tool for network self-healing capabilities, though this requires additional licensing and installation.

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Categories: Reviews

The Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni is a chatty all-in-one robot vacuum that cleans better than most others I’ve tested

TechRadar Reviews - Thu, 08/21/2025 - 02:19

Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni: Two-minute review

I'll say one thing about Ecovacs Robotics: the brand might make too many robot vacuums that I, as a reviewer, can’t keep up with, but they all seem well thought out and catering to different needs and budgets. In 2024, it released a good-value robovac that I really liked in my Ecovacs Deebot T30 Omni review, and it’s impressed again with a higher-end model in the Deebot X8 Pro Omni reviewed here.

The X8 has plenty of smarts on board, with Ecovacs’ voice assistant Yiko now better at understanding commands and having a more conversational interaction than its previous iterations on older Deebots. Even if you don't interact with Yiko, the X8 has plenty of automated voice prompts that I very quickly found to be annoying – there's only so many times you can hear it say "don't worry" when its auto-emptying. While you can't switch these off, you can mute the volume entirely and depend on the app notifications to find out if the robot needs help at any time (like if it's stuck somewhere).

There's Google Assistant and Alexa support as well, but Yiko can handle a few extra commands that I found the other two voice assistants couldn't handle. To futureproof your smart home, the X8 Pro Omni also has Matter support, so you can control several smart devices via a single hub.

There's a camera on board that the bot uses to ‘see’ its surroundings for better navigation and obstacle avoidance, but it also provides a live feed that requires a passcode to be set up for access. There’s a Patrol mode here that turns the X8 Pro Omni bot into a security unit and it saves a bunch of photos for you to view whenever you like. You can also speak to your pets or kids if you need to check in on them (spy?) while you're at work. I’ve asked Ecovacs for clarification on how secure the camera is from hackers and will update this review as soon as I hear back.

These smart bells and whistles are all great, but this robot vacuum shines at its most important function: cleaning. It’s arguably one of the best automated cleaners I’ve tested in 2025, with edge cleaning its biggest asset thanks to an extending side brush and wet roller while vacuuming and mopping respectively. In fact, I’ve seen the X8 Pro Omni travel far closer to walls and furniture than many of its competitors, thus allowing its extendable parts to do their job effectively.

The Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni can get very close to walls and furniture to clean, much closer than other bots I've tested previously (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

It puts its 18,000Pa of suction power to good use, with my carpets looking fresh and clean after a single run on its highest suction setting. It did a better job than what I saw in my Roborock Qrevo Edge review despite 18,500Pa of suction. And its roller mop was quite impressive compared to the mops pads I’d gotten used to previously, and that’s despite Ecovacs saying there’s no pressure applied by the roller on the floor.

There’s also a detergent dispenser on board and use of the soap is automatic provided you toggle it on in the app – Ecovacs says there’s always a ratio of 200:1 detergent and water mix in the pipeline to ensure the correct usage. Even without detergent I found my floors were left stain-free after every mop – in fact, it was better than I experienced in my Narwal Freo Z10 review that, at the time, I said had excellent mopping skills.

In four weeks of testing, the X8 Pro Omni got entangled in a cable just once because the side brush pulled a low-hanging wire towards the bumper, but otherwise its obstacle avoidance is very good. Even more impressive is its overall navigation – it invariably took the path of least resistance in my apartment, which meant it got its tasks done relatively quickly and, importantly, without consuming too much battery life.

Even the base station performance is top notch, with the onboard bin getting cleaned quite well each time it empties, and the wet-roller cleaning is impeccable. Water consumption is also lower than any other robovac I’ve tested before – I’ve previously had to refill the clean water after every full cleaning cycle in my small inner-city apartment, but this time I’ve had to do so once every four or five sessions (depending on its routine).

All in all, this was excellent performance from not just the robot vacuum, but I commend Ecovacs for streamlining its app experience as well. It’s much nicer to use, with plenty of customization options to suit your personal cleaning needs. Importantly, these custom routines are now very easy to access.

It's relatively noisier than some of its newer competitors, and it can't perform the climbing feats of the more expensive Dreame X50 Ultra, but if you value excellent cleaning performance above all else, I'd find it very easy to recommend the Deebot X8 Pro Omni – and it's often discounted.

It doesn't necessarily stand out visually, but the gold accents lend the Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni some class (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni review: price & availability

Available since March 2025
List price: $1,099 / £1,099 / AU$2,499
Incurs ongoing costs for dust bags and detergent

There are quite a few all-in-one robot vacuum cleaners at the same price point that Ecovacs Robotics is selling the X8 Pro Omni, but I think the Deebot can justify its premium cost on its feature set and performance.

It’s listed for $1,099 / £1,099 / AU$2,499 at full price but, at the time of writing, US and UK customers could pick it up for $899.99 / £999 respectively directly from the Ecovacs website. In Australia, it has dropped to AU$2,199 previously, but I suspect there’ll be better discounts around the world during major shopping events like Black Friday sales. It’s also available from select third-party retailers, including Amazon.

This price gets you not just excellent performance (explained below in detail), but you also get an impressive set of features, including voice assistant and Matter integration for a smarter home setup. With that in mind, I think the X8 Pro Omni is well priced compared to some of the other robovacs on the market, although Ecovacs has cheaper models that clean really well, as proved by the Deebot T30 Omni.

As an example of competitor pricing, the Narwal Freo Z Ultra cost $1,499/ AU$2,499 (unavailable in the UK) and is a good machine, but has 12,000Pa of suction compared to the Deebot’s 18,000Pa. Matching the suction power at 18,500Pa is the Roborock Qrevo Edge, but I found it hard to recommend at its list price of $1,599.99 / AU$2,799 (unavailable in the UK) based on its performance alone. On the other hand, Ecovacs' own Deebot T50 Max Pro Omni has 18,500Pa suction, the Yiko voice assistant and promises good cleaning at a lower price point of $799.99 / £799 / AU$1,799.

If you want more suction power, you’ll have to pay a lot more. For example, the Roborock Saros 10 with its whopping 22,000Pa of power will set you back $1,599.99 / £1,499.99 / AU$2,999 at full price, but is often discounted to match the X8's retail cost. The Dreame X50 Ultra Complete with 20,000Pa of suction is also expensive compared to the X8 Pro Omni, coming in at a list price of $1,699.99 / £1,299 / AU$2,999, but it can climb low steps that many of the newer machines can't.

As with any other hybrid robot vacuum, there is the ongoing cost of purchasing dust bags and detergent to take into consideration, although the latter is an optional add-on but I can see the need for it in homes with toddlers and pets. Unlike other brands, though, Ecovacs doesn’t supply a bottle of detergent in the box – at least not in Australia, where the testing for this review was conducted, due to “customs issues with international shipments” – so that’s $49.98 / £44 right off the bat for two 1L bottles in the US and UK (frequently discounted), but the same two-pack isn't available in Australia where a 1L bottle retails for AU$37.50.

The antibacterial dust bags come in packs of three and are available directly from Ecovacs Robotics for $24.99 / £17.99 / AU$29.90 at the time of writing.

Despite the ongoing cost, I think the Deebot X8 Pro Omni balances its feature set, performance and price well, but I’d recommend picking it up during a sale as it’s frequently discounted.

• Value score: 4 / 5

The three-prong button on the Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni doesn't look functional, but it has three tasks it can perform when needed (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni review: specs

Suction power:

18,000Pa

Onboard bin capacity:

220ml

Dust bag capacity:

Clean water tank capacity:

Dirty water tank capacity:

Reservoir capacity:

110ml clean; 95ml dirty

Mop lift:

10mm

Noise level:

up to 75dB

Battery capacity:

6,400mAh

Runtime:

up to 228 minutes / up to 240sqm (2,580 sq ft)

Charging time:

4.6 hours

Dimensions:

Robot = 353 x 351.5 x 98 mm; base station = 350 x 477 x 533 mm

Weight:

Robot = 5.3kg; base station = 7.6kg

Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni review: Design

Gold accents give it a classy look
Extending side brush and wet roller mop
Taller than the average robot but lacks a turret; tall but slim base station

I only had to take the robot out to see that Deebot X8 Pro Omni exudes class, thanks to some gold-colored accents on the otherwise black machine. Unlike the Narwal Freo Z10 that I reviewed prior to the X8 (which was a 11kg weight straight out of the box), the Deebot comes packed in layers, which makes it very easy to set up.

Robot design

Once you remove the wash tray from the top of the box, the next item to emerge is the X8 robot. The first thing that distinguishes it from many other robovacs is the lack of a top turret that typically houses the navigation tech. In the X8 Pro Omni, though, all the necessary sensors are on the front and the sides.

The lack of a turret means the X8 can roll under many low-lying pieces of furniture, although it's doesn't have the slimline form factor of the Roborock Saros 10R – it's a little taller, standing at 9.8cm/3.8in compared to the Saros at 8cm/3in, so there needs to be a minimum clearance of 10cm/4in for the Deebot to clean where many other robovacs can't.

A black plastic disc with the Ecovacs logo in gold covers the top of the robot, with a cutout to show off a gold three-pronged button. There's a tiny power icon in the center of the button to indicate that it's functional, but it's easy to miss and can appear purely decorative, although it lights up when in use and charging. Its functionality is listed on a large piece of cardboard inside the packaging: a short press to start or pause, a double press to extend or retract the wet roller, and a three-second long press to send the bot back to its dock. In the four weeks I spent with the machine, I never found the need to use the button – the robot does everything seamlessly.

Also under the top cover is a removable 220ml/7.4oz dustbin whose filter can be taken out for regular cleaning, plus a toggle switch for power, a Wi-Fi indicator light and a QR code to begin your app setup.

Image 1 of 3

After four weeks of use, there was barely any hair tangled anywhere (just one strand around a large wheel) (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Image 2 of 3

The V-shaped bristles of the central brush are very effective at avoiding entanglements (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Image 3 of 3

The wet roller was a lot more effective at streak-free mopping than circular mop pads (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

On the front of the robot are LiDAR sensors that it uses for mapping your home, while a camera also peeping through the same front window adds visual information that’s paired with artificial intelligence (AIVI) to navigate around obstacles. Along the sides are edge sensors that prevent it from banging into a wall or furniture, yet allowing the bot to get really close for effective cleaning. A mic and speaker are also housed within the front window.

The back of the robot has two charging points, but there’s also a water compartment inside with a clean capacity of 110ml and 95ml for dirty mop water. While you never have to worry about the water reservoir after setup, it can be released using an inset lever.

The side brush extends, but given the Deebot X8 Pro Omni travels very close to obstacles, it even managed to clean corners (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

As with nearly every other Deebot I’ve tested (and many other brands besides), the underside of the robot houses the central bar brush that sports bristles arranged in a V shape to help it gather hair and fur without itself getting entangled. A single side brush towards the front of the bot rotates at varying speeds automatically depending on the size of the debris it senses – it slows down for larger pieces, similar to some of the high-end Roborocks. It can also extend out to reach into corners and clean along edges – both of which it manages to do better than many of its competitors because the robot itself gets really close to walls.

The rear of the undercarriage is dominated by a wet roller rather than circular mop pads which, according to Ecovacs, spins at a speed of 200rpm and has a scraper in its holder that constantly cleans out the dirty water as it rotates. 16 nozzles keep it supplied with clean water (and detergent if you’re using any).

The main wheels are quite large and, for the first time in any robot vacuum I’ve tested, I found them to be quite noisy when traveling over the tiles in my home. The sound was akin to very hard or brittle plastic moving over a rough surface, but in my time testing the X8 Pro Omni, I didn’t notice too much wear and tear on the wheels to account for the sound. A small omnidirectional caster wheel completes the robot’s physical setup.

It's easy to remove the onboard bin in the Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni to clean out the filter regularly (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Base station design

The base station itself isn’t much to write home about and is quite similar to several other models on the market. However, the gold accents on the lids of the two water tanks and branding on the front of the dock makes it look quite smart. The tanks have a 4L capacity each and are very easy to lift up, refill or clean out, then replace back on the dock.

Image 1 of 3

Water tanks are easy to access and fill or clean (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Image 2 of 3

There are plenty of parts you can wash out if you want to, including the soap dispenser (on top of the tanks) and the wash trays (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Image 3 of 3

Even the robot's onboard water compartment comes off easily of you want to give it a quick rinse (the inside filter can get grimy) (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

Below the tanks is a covered nook that houses the detergent dispenser and a 3L dust bag. The dispenser is very easy to slide out and refill, while changing the dust bag is also very intuitive. It’s the cover for this nook that takes a little effort to remove each time you need access to either of its two inmates – it clips in very tightly indeed and you'll need to pull it with some force from the bottom of the panel.

Under the covered nook is the cavity for the robot, which sits on a washing tray. Inside the cavity, on the rear wall of the base station, you'll notice nozzles and charging points that keep the robot doing what it needs to do.

The base station is about as tall as many other brands offer, but it’s a little slimmer than, say, a Narwal dock. It will still need a decent amount of space to house, with enough clearance on the top to allow you to remove and replace the tanks.

• Design score: 4.5 / 5

Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni review: Performance

Excellent vacuuming on high suction; top-notch mopping at most waterflow levels
Arguably one of the best edge cleaners in the business
Very good navigation and obstacle avoidance

The X8 Pro Omni for this review was tested in a 40sqm/430sqft inner-city apartment in Sydney, Australia, with the single bedroom fully carpeted, but the rest of the rooms featuring matte-finish tiles. The bathroom, however, has smoother tiles than the rest of the hard floors and it was part of the full map that the X8 had to clean. There are no stairs in the apartment to test cliff sensors, but there are a couple of low thresholds that were useful to test the X8 Pro Omni’s ability to clear some obstacles.

It’s also important for me to mention that I have no pets, but I’ve always found my bedroom carpet covered in my own (long) hair within 3-4 days of cleaning it, and is usually a very good test for any vacuum cleaner that I review.

Before starting the first cleaning session, I not only set up some custom routines (called Scenario Cleans in the Ecovacs Home app), but I also went through the advanced settings to toggle on some key features, including the carpet-first option as I have mixed flooring. This ensured that no matter what custom cleaning routine I might use, carpets were always vacuumed first to minimize the risk of them getting wet (more on the app experience later).

Overall performance of the X8 Pro Omni was excellent, but it’s important to note that it’s best used for the regular maintenance cleaning sessions that you might need on a daily or a weekly basis. It can’t replace the best cordless vacuum cleaners, but it definitely reduces the human effort and time spent on keeping your floors spick and span.

Water usage in the Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni is not a lot compared to other models I've tested (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Vacuuming

Let’s start the performance section with the most basic function: vacuuming. I’ve already mentioned earlier in this review that the X8 Pro Omni was one of the best cleaning machines I’ve tested recently, exceeding the vacuuming performance I got from a Roborock and a Narwal that I tested prior to the Deebot. It really does put the 18,000Pa – which is in no way class-leading now – to very good use, particularly at its higher suction settings.

I usually have to set most robovacs to their maximum suction setting to get a decent clean on the bedroom carpet which, as I’ve described above, can get covered in my own hair within days. It’s been rare for me to see that carpet completely hair free after a single session even using the highest power level on other robovacs, but the X8 Pro Omni was been able to do just that each and every time it’s done a bedroom clean on its Max setting.

The Deebot’s got four suction settings and while I wasn’t particularly keen on the Quiet option which reduces the power significantly, I found the Standard and Strong settings to be perfect for hard floors, not once needing to step it up to Max on tiles.

The Deebot X8 Pro Omni repeatedly does 360º rotations around furniture legs to ensure good cleaning (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

The X8 Pro Omni has a suction-boost option which, as the name suggests, automatically increases power when it detects carpets, but I wasn’t able to notice the dynamic suction from sound alone when it went from hard floor to the mid-pile rug in my living room, although it seemed to do a very good job anyway. The audible change in suction was heard when it was vacuuming tiles in my kitchen, just under a cabinet – go figure.

To check its vacuuming abilities further, I conducted TechRadar’s standard tests of sprinkling tea dust and oats (representing two different-sized debris) on both hard floors and carpets. Doing a Zone clean and set at Strong suction, you can see from the video clip below that the X8 Pro Omni did a fantastic job on the tiles, even sucking up the tea dust from along the edge of the room.

If you look closely, you’ll also notice that the side brush slows down when it detects larger debris (oats) to make sure they all get pulled towards the bar brush.

On the carpet, which was also just a Zone clean done as a separate test, I set the robot to Max suction and found it cleared up the oats very well indeed, although tea dust that went deep into the fibers remained, and is visible in the video clip as a dark patch. I used my finger to loosen the carpet fibers and let the X8 run over it again, and voila, it was all cleaned up.

For both tests, I had the X8 Pro Omni set at moving in the Deep Clean pattern, which covers maximum floor space but time consuming, and I didn’t find the need to go over either of the spots with my Dyson V15s Detect Submarine.

Mopping

This is the first robot vacuum I’ve tested that features a wet roller rather than a pair of rotating mop pads and I really wasn’t sure what to expect. Needless to say, the X8 Pro Omni exceeded my expectations and then some with the way it tackled my hard floors. I will go so far as to say this was arguably the best mopping I’ve seen in a while by a robot vacuum.

From shaved Toblerone on the kitchen floor (I was making Toblerone cheesecake at the time) to a partially dried dollop of coriander-mint chutney, I was very impressed with how well it mopped up different (dry) spills.

I specify dry because you really don’t want a robot vacuum to clean a wet spill like cereal milk or curry sauce as everything in the undercarriage will get wet with the sticky liquid or the sauce, including the wheels and side brush. Cleaning the bot after that will be a chore in itself.

It's fun to watch the wet roller slide in and out from under the Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni bot (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

As with many other robot vacuums like itself, the X8 Pro Omni has three waterflow settings (Low, Medium and High) with a total of 50 levels. The lowest settings would be good for sensitive wood floors but, for me, I’ve always found higher waterflow rates better for my tiles, so I had the Deebot set at level 40 most of the time as I found 45 and 50 made my tiles very wet indeed, while 30 and lower barely left a damp streak.

My kitchen floors, in particular, need regular mopping and, given it’s right beside the dining room, this area of my apartment was a good test for the X8 Pro Omni. I found that in its Deep Cleaning speed and water level set to 45 but no detergent, there was a visible difference on my floor after its first run compared to what the Dyson V15s Detect Submarine had done prior to switching to the Deebot.

In fact, I’m not sure how much difference adding the detergent has done to my floors because it mopped up dusty footprints and dried, dusty water stains very well without any soap, and it did just as good a job with.

The stress test I put the X8 under was mopping up a partially dried dollop of coriander and mint chutney – it took a couple of passes at water level 40 with detergent in the dispenser to mop it up entirely, no stain left on the floor. The issue here was that the rotating side brush scattered a tiny bit of dry chutney away, but given it was set to Deep Clean, the bot moved over the entire zone twice (more on this below in the navigation section), running perpendicular to its initial path, which meant that scattered bit got mopped up later.

I enjoyed watching the extendable roller sneak in and out of the robot as soon as it sensed something on its side. This could be a wall or a furniture leg, but I found that it hardly left a dry spot.

On the product listing page on the Ecovacs website, the brand says there's no pressure applied by the wet roller on the floor, but given how well I saw it mop, I'd be surprised if this spec listing is correct. There's surely some pressure being applied for such effective mopping.

Another thing I love about the roller is that it's streak-free, particularly on the lower or mid waterflow rates. The only time I saw streaks (and not dirty ones, mind, just marks to show a mop has passed) was when the roller was saturated with clean water.

Navigation & obstacle avoidance

With the sole exception of one Zone cleaning session when it took the wrong path out of its dock to get to where it needed to in a different room, the Deebot X8 Pro Omni never once strayed from the path of least resistance.

It’s impressive navigation extends to doing full 360º rotations around furniture legs, and while the side brush didn’t always extend when I expected it to, the robot itself got so close to walls and furniture that I never had cause for complaint when it came to its navigation just millimeters from what is essentially an obstacle.

It’s three different “cleaning speeds” (or its movement pattern in a given space) are a little hit and miss if you really want a thorough job done. The best movement pattern I found was the Deep Cleaning, which means the robot cleans a space twice, first running in parallel lines just centimeters apart, then traveling perpendicular to ensure no spot is missed.

The other two cleaning speeds – Standard and Quick – aren’t bad, but because the parallel pathways are slightly more spread out compared to Deep Cleaning, I found that the occasional hair strand or speck of debris got missed. That said, “cleaning speed” as Ecovacs calls it is apt as these determine how quickly the X8 Pro Omni finishes its cleaning task.

Obstacle avoidance is also fantastic, as you can see from the video above when I conducted TechRadar’s standard test – creating an obstacle course of a slipper, shoe, a cable, socks and a tissue box. It avoided every single one of them without a hiccup, a feat I’ve not yet seen from any robot vacuum I’ve tested to date.

The only time the Deebot X8 Pro Omni got entangled with a cable, it was the side brush that pulled it into the bumper (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

However, during one vacuum-only session in my bedroom, it got entangled in a USB-C cable that had one end dangling close to the floor and the side brush pulled it lower (see above image). I could hear Yiko complaining and a notification popped up on my phone that the X8 Pro Omni needed help. I disentangled it and it carried on with its work after I used a voice command to “restart cleaning”.

During a full-house clean, I shut a door to one room to see how it would react to its map not quite being accurate and it had no issues. It got close to the door, pivoted a little on an axis to see if it could spot an opening, but carried on doing what it needed to in the rest of the apartment without any complaints.

Base station performance

Whether it’s sucking out all the dirt and debris from the onboard dustbin or cleaning the wet roller, the X8 Pro Omni base station performance is so good that it justifies the high price tag this machine demands.

Only the tiniest amount of dirt remains inside the onboard dustbin after each vacuuming run that you, honestly, never have to worry about. The only time you’ll need to remove the small onboard bin is when the filter needs cleaning or replacing, or if something gets stuck inside that requires manual removal (never once happened during my testing).

The dustbag inside the base station has a 3L capacity, so it will last you a long while, albeit that will depend on how often you clean, how large your home is and whether you have pets.

Image 1 of 2

Using the detergent dispenser is optional, and the 3L dust bag could last a while (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Image 2 of 2

With use, the inside of the base station can begin to look a little worse for wear, but it doesn't hamper performace (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

Dispensing detergent happened as required, as did filling up the robot’s onboard 110ml clean water compartment. Even pumping out dirty water from the 90ml partition worked well during my testing – you can remove this compartment to clean out the filter inside.

The washing of the roller was impeccable. It looked nearly new after my running it a few times a week for four weeks and the shortest two-hour hot-air drying is more than enough to ensure there’s no trace of dampness that could encourage bacterial or fungal growth. In fact, at the end of my four-week trial period, I found the roller soft to the touch as it was on day one.

The wash tray can also be cleaned out automatically by the machine from time to time, so the only hands-on task you’ll have to do regularly is clean out the dirty water and refill the fresh water. Every couple of months or so, you’ll also need to swap out the dust bag or refill the detergent dispenser if you’ve been using soap for mopping. The ‘health’ of all the accessories and parts is listed in the app, so you’ll know when to do what anyway.

Battery life

Ecovacs says there’s a 6,400mAh battery pack powering the X8 Pro Omni robot, which is rated for up to 228 minutes or a maximum area coverage of 240sqm / 2,580sq ft. In my testing – which admittedly was done in a much smaller space – I found that a number like that is nigh impossible to achieve unless you run the robot at the lowest settings possible, which I doubt anyone will want to do.

In Standard suction and medium waterflow levels during a full 40sqm clean doing a single vacuum-and-mop pass, the X8’s battery dropped to 20%. Bumping it up to Max suction and high waterflow rates, I found the robot needed to go back for a top up at the mains after completing five out of the six rooms in its map – about 78 minutes. Both these tests were conducted at the Deep Clean speed, so more time consuming.

Extrapolating that for Standard or Quiet cleans, you will be able to run the X8 Pro Omni for around 150 minutes, but keep in mind that it boasts dynamic suction as well, so total battery life will depend on how many carpets it encounters or how tough the cleaning job is.

That’s not bad battery life, but it’s not class-leading as models like the Narwal Freo Z10 and Dreame X40 Ultra can outdo the X8. Larger homes will find that a full cleaning task may well require recharging to complete. That said, the X8 is smart enough to learn how much battery it needs to finish a job, so a full-home clean may not necessarily take all day.

• Performance score: 4.5 / 5

No matter the cleaning task, the Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni performs it well (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni review: app control

Improved Ecovacs Home app
More streamlined setup for robot and base station settings
Map might need extensive editing, but is easy to do

I’ve previously not been very impressed with the Ecovacs Home app as it wasn’t as streamlined as I would have liked, but that’s changed now – the updated version of the app that I used with the X8 Pro Omni is a significant improvement.

It’s now easier to access the custom cleaning routines – renamed Scenario Cleans from just plain ol’ Scenarios – as they're listed on the homepage of the device, and each of these are also very easy to customize and set up.

To access more settings options, the Ecovacs Home app has always allowed you to ‘Enter’ a more detailed page with your home’s map laid out, but now the robot and base station advanced settings are right there on that same screen – the robot stuff is right at the bottom while switching tabs gives you the base station setup. This is a much better app experience than I encountered only a few months ago from the time of publication of this review.

Mapping with the Deebot X8 Pro Omni is quick and it's remarkably easy to edit the final map (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

As I’ve already mentioned, there’s the Yiko voice assistant on board and, in all honesty, I really don’t see the need for verbal communication with the device, but my inner lazy self took a shine to it for a very short time. All routines and settings work so well, that Yiko doesn’t need to be there, but it was nice to see that it can understand commands better than before.

During my testing, it didn’t comprehend its own name (see the screenshot below where it hears its name as "you go"), but that didn’t stop it from performing the task I asked it to do (pause cleaning). I immediately asked it to restart again – no problem whatsoever.

You can give Yiko back-to-back commands and you'll hear its voice prompts very often, so much so that it can get annoying (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

You’ll also hear a lot of oral prompts every time the robot has to perform a task. This can quickly get very annoying, particularly when the self-empty of the bin takes place because it’s a long, drawn-out message telling you “don’t worry” about the loud noises. There’s sadly no way to turn these off, but you can drop the volume right down to ‘mute’, but this also means you won’t hear when the bot needs help. Thankfully there are app notifications to help with that. The volume is also associated with a ‘ding’ sound the robot makes every time you adjust a setting – these too will be muted if you turn the volume slider right down.

There's plenty of control via the Ecovacs Home app, which has evolved to become more streamlined than before (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

Every setting on the app is well explained and easy to understand in case you want to use it, but I would advise that you take some time to go through all options before you begin using the X8 Pro Omni so that you get the best results possible.

For example, you can set and forget the cleaning sequence for the whole house and, no matter which rooms you choose for whatever custom routine you might have, the X8 Pro Omni will follow that. This can be edited at any time too. As I’ve mentioned before, you can also toggle on carpet-first cleaning in the robot settings, set how you want the auto-empty to take place or how often you want the wet roller washed. You even get control over how long you want the base station to spend drying it with hot air. You’ll also need to toggle on auto detergent use, otherwise the base station won’t use soap even if you’ve filled the dispenser.

There is a lot of control here, although it would be nice to see Ecovacs allow the user to choose how many passes the X8 will do when on an automatic AI-powered cleaning run (it’s always just one in this mode).

• App score: 4 / 5

Should I buy the Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni?

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

Compared to other similarly specced models, the X8 Pro Omni is very competitively priced, balancing feature set, power, performance and cost quite well – plus it's often discounted.

4 / 5

Design

It’s a very low-maintenance design with several parts that can be taken out to wash if necessary. And it exudes class. The lack of a turret means it can even roll under some low-lying furniture.

4.5 / 5

Performance

As long as you avoid using the X8 to clean wet spills, it will handle your regular cleaning with aplomb. It will even maintain itself well without too much intervention from you.

4.5 / 5

App control

The updated Ecovacs Home app is a lot more streamlined now and easier to use.

4 / 5

You prioritize good cleaning above all else

Considering the X8 Pro Omni passed all my tests with flying colors, it's arguably the best robot vacuum I've tested to date.

You want as much of a hands-off cleaning experience as possible

While you don't really need the voice assistant, Yiko gives you even more opportunity to not have to lift a finger – literally! Just open the app and ask it to start a cleaning routine (even a custom one) and it will do so.

You have wood floors

There are plenty of waterflow levels here to choose from and I think the lower settings will look after wood floors well. Moreover, the roller minimizes streaks on floors that I've previously seen mop pads leave behind in their wake.

You have low-lying furniture

It's a little taller than the Roborock Saros 10, but even then, the lack of a turret allows it to roll under furniture that has a clearing of at least 10cm.

Don't buy it if...

You don't want to spend too much money

The X8 Pro Omni might be a fantastic robovac but it's a premium one. If you can forgo some of the smart home features like Matter integration and voice assistant, and aren't too fussed about mop pads doing the wet cleaning, you can get similar performance from a cheaper model – in fact, the Ecovacs Deebot T50 Max Pro Omni has slightly higher suction and the same Yiko support, but a lower price point.

You want a quiet robot vacuum

On its higher suction settings, the X8 Pro Omni is louder than similar models from Narwal and Roborock. Moreover, the wheels, when moving over the tiles in my test space, were quite rattly too.

Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni review: Also consider

Roborock Saros 10R

Our reviewer called it the "perfect hybrid robot vacuum cleaner even for the most cluttered of homes". Improved navigation and a low profile means it can get to places other robovacs will typically avoid. It's also quiet, has excellent vacuum and mop skills, and it's pretty much a master of its trade. It costs more than the X8 Pro Omni, but it might be a worthwhile investment for some homes.
Read our in-depth Roborock Saros 10R review for more details.

Dreame X50 Ultra

Going by the additional moniker of "Complete" in some markets, the Dreame X50 Ultra is a premium model that not only gives you way more suction than the X8 Pro Omni (a max of 20,000Pa), but it can also tackle some short steps in your home and roll under furniture by retracting its turret.
Find out more in our detailed Dreame X50 Ultra Complete review.

How I tested the Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni

Used three to four times a week for four weeks
Tried various suction and waterflow levels in a 40sqm test space with mixed flooring
Experimented with the Yiko voice assistant and tweaked various advanced settings

It's very easy to recommend the Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni, despite its higher price tag (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

I received my review unit of the Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni in the third of week of July 2025 and spent the next four weeks running it on various settings and custom routines mostly three times a week, but it has done more sessions during the last week when I conducted my obstacle course test.

I found that once all the settings were as I'd want them, the X8 Pro Omni just did what it needed to do without any fuss. During that time, I found it didn't use as much clean water as other robot vacuums (especially compared to the Narwal Freo Z10 I tested prior to it) and, hence, found I didn't need to keep refilling the clean-water tank as much. Of course, that's also because the test space is small (just 40sqm/430sqft) and has mixed flooring with carpet in the bedroom and a large rug in the living room.

I set up four different custom routines, or Shortcut Cleans as the app labels them, and tested each one 2-3 times over the course of the four-week testing period. I also ran single-room and zone cleaning sessions to see how the X8 Pro Omni performs in its auto-cleaning mode.

While I began testing the X8 without any detergent for the first week, I added a small quantity to the dispenser on week 2 of testing.

I put it through TechRadar's usual tests for vacuuming and mopping (using oats and tea from a bag for the former, and a dollop of chutney for the latter). I also conducted our standard obstacle avoidance test, but threw in two types of socks and a tissue box for good measure.

As you've probably already read, the X8 Pro Omni passed all its tests with flying colors, with only the one hiccup when it got entangled in a low-hanging cable during a vacuum-only session.

Read more about how we test vacuum cleaners

[First reviewed August 2025]

Categories: Reviews

I watched the new Netflix political thriller Hostage and it’s hands down the best original TV show of 2025

TechRadar Reviews - Thu, 08/21/2025 - 02:01

Hostage is now streaming on Netflix, and if you don't binge watch its pithy five episodes over the next few days, then you're weekending wrong. In fact, I'd go stronger than that: if you don't watch it this weekend, you'd be missing out on the streamable television event of the year (just behind Adolescence).

The millisecond I heard that Suranne Jones was on board to play fictional British Prime Minister Abigail Dalton, I knew the new Netflix series could do no wrong. Fortunately, I love being proved right, and this is one of those times.

Let's set the scene; Dalton has just won the country's general election, with her husband Alex (Bashy) deployed to French Guiana with Médecins Sans Frontières (a.k.a Doctors Without Borders). Soon after, he's kidnapped by a group of unknown terrorists, who demand Dalton resigns in order to release the hostages safely. In the meantime, she's dealing with a huge crisis in the National Health Service (NHS) as medicine supplies run out, while French President Toussaint (Julie Delpy) is in the city for a scheduled visit to work out a deal to help.

Netflix obviously isn't a stranger to hit political dramas, with shows like The Diplomat, House of Cards and The Night Agent in its back pocket. But not only is Hostage offering a fresh perspective by focusing on the relationship between Britain and France, but it's giving us a political problem we've never seen before: two female leaders of Western states, in power at the same time, both being blackmailed by a system intent on setting them up for harm. For me, that's the most exciting part of the entire show, as well as the most honest.

Hostage on Netflix is an explosion of tension from start to finish

If you're not a UK native, you're probably unaware of what a national powerhouse Suranne Jones is over here. From Doctor Foster and Gentleman Jack to classics like Scott & Bailey and her humble beginnings on soap opera Coronation Street, there's not a single role she's not knocked out of the park. Her craft really comes into its own when she's playing someone in a position of power, but usually this only extends to doctors and detectives.

The only way up is to play the leader of a country, and frankly it's a role she was born for. Jones takes the careful political intricacies of Hostage in her stride, deftly portraying a political leader who wants to put her country first as well as a mother trying to keep her family intact. It's not a dilemma we've seen from a world leader explored on TV because the women just haven't been represented deeply enough in this way... but here, there are two.

Julie Delpy's Toussaint is everything Dalton is not. Caring more about her upcoming re-election campaign than anything else, she comes across as cold, conniving, and uncaring to any problems that aren't immediately her own. We get to understand her personality and predicament more as the five episodes go on, but her natural acidity towards Dalton makes for some delicious back and forth sparring sessions. This only gets better when the pair realize that in order to cull this threat they must work together, beautifully blending in a level of raw vulnerability scarcely seen in the political coalface. They're a dynamic leading duo, and make for faultless casting.

If you asked me, I'd say the big baddie here was actually the patriarchy (yay, feminism!). Sure, the patriarchy isn't directly holding a gun to Alex's head, but it is the ultimate threat to both Dalton and Toussaint. It's assumed they will both crumble and give into the demands of the masked men trying to call the shots, but when neither leaders backs down, the game changes. They're both able to juggle the extreme surge of demands on their plates with tact and strategy, even when they're at breaking point behind closed doors.

The broader story is just as exceptional as the people bringing it to life

Netflix’s incredible new political drama Hostage had me so hooked, I never saw the final shocking twist coming. (Image credit: Netflix)

Performances aside, what I'm most impressed with in Hostage is its astonishing grasp on its storytelling. Most have us have sat through enough crime procedurals or bog standard thrillers to anticipate exactly what twists are coming when, but Hostage kept me on my toes the entire time. In fact, the only shock moment I saw coming was thanks to an episode blurb on the platform (here's your reminder to take each of these with a pinch of salt), and you could easily argue that episode 5 is a little too fluffy around the edges, though it worked for me. Trust me, there are more than enough moments to leave you gasping out loud and scrambling to figure out what's going to come next.

The intersection of social and political issues at play – the NHS and immigration crises, disgruntled politicians and underfunded national defense – are all things we're experiencing the effects of in real time, which only makes watching Hostage that much more visceral. Almost all of what we see could actually happen in the blink of an eye, shrewdly exposing the problems that lie underneath if push came to shove. It's quite a feat to blend fact and fiction so well that you don't quite know where the seams join up, and its a testament to the team behind it.

Do I feel better about the post-Hostage world? Absolutely not, but we probably all need a reality check of this convincing magnitude. If this could open up the same international conversations as Adolescence (and as far as TV show quality is concerned, it should do), imagine how much more proactive we could all be.

Shokz' first clip-on open earbuds just beat the Bose Ultra Open in testing, for me – smart price; flexible design

TechRadar Reviews - Wed, 08/20/2025 - 18:01

Shokz OpenDots One: Two minute review

Shokz is one of the best-known names in the fitness headphone space and finally it has turned its attention to a burgeoning new market and thus challenge a big rival: clip-on open earbuds (and Bose).

Clip-ons are a kind of the best open earbuds that don’t loop all the way around your ear, but ‘clip’ onto your auricle to take up less space and hold the sound drivers further into your ear itself. Companies haven’t taken to the design quite as readily as the now-standard sports loop open-ears (production of that design is through the roof in 2025), but perhaps Shokz’ attention is about to change that.

So meet the Shokz OpenDots One, new clip-style (cuff style?) headphones which are here to challenge the big name on the market, the Bose Ultra Open. They’re Shokz’ first readily-available bud in this form factor, not counting a limited-run beta product. And due to a few smart decisions, they are a big success.

The OpenDots aren’t cheap headphones but they do undercut the Bose by a significant margin, releasing at a competitive price point that sees them match Shokz’ sports-loop and bone conduction options. In fact they also beat the recent Shokz OpenFit 2+ which may push some prospective buyers of those open-ears into the clip instead.

Shokz has given the OpenDots a more natural curved, ergonomic look than certain rivals, both ensuring that they look a little more understated and classy, and helping them fit the shape of an ear for a reliable hook and comfortable fit. And it totally works, with these Shokz some of the most pleasant open-ears I’ve ever used. I could easily forget I was wearing them when I wasn’t listening to music.

The sound profile is pleasing too, which may sound like a muted word if not for how low expectations for open earbuds can be. Shokz has fine-tuned the sound to ensure there’s hearty but well-defined bass, which sits in harmony with treble instead of blowing it out. Audiophiles who need open-ears will find these some of the best picks on the market.

Even when you’re not using the Shokz OpenDots One, you’ll find them easy to tote around with a tiny carry case that totally disappears in pockets. Banish the thought of the giant carry cases sports-loop open-ears come in.

I’ve avoided prolific comparisons to the Bose in this intro because you may come to the Shokz without having ever heard of their competition; and the OpenDots One stand apart for being significantly cheaper than the Ultra Open. They ask you why you need to pay extra, even if Bose offers some advanced audio modes.

The OpenDots One might be a harder sell for people who’ve not used a clip-on earbud before, especially with many other options on the market that are a cheaper option to experiment with. But if you’re going to try a new form factor, why not buy an option that nails it?

Shokz OpenDots One review: Specifications

Component

Value

Water resistant

IP54

Battery life

10 hours (earbuds), 40 hours (total)

Bluetooth type

Bluetooth 5.4

Weight

5.6g / Charging case: 52g

Driver

2x 11.8mm

Shokz OpenDots One review: Price and availability

(Image credit: Future)

Announced in May 2025 (available in many markets August 2025)
Priced at $199 / £179 / AU$339
Undercuts Bose, but pricier than many other rivals

The Shokz OpenDots One were announced in May 2025 and went on sale in the US immediately, though they took a few months to release globally (the UK is only just seeing them now, at the time of writing: August 21, 2025).

You can pick up the OpenDots for $199 / £179 / AU$339. While they’re more expensive than many other types of clip-on earbud like the Huawei FreeClip, JLab Flex Open or Soundcore C40i, they undercut their big rivals.

The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds sell for $299 / £299 / AU$449 so the Shokz aren’t just a hair cheaper, but a fair way more affordable.

Shokz OpenDots One review: Design

(Image credit: Future)

Small charging case which is easy to use
Lightweight buds that cling to the ear well
Handy touch controls

The Shokz OpenDots One come in two color options: Black or the curiously-named Gray, which is actually beige with silver highlights. The latter is what my tester units were.

The case is pretty small and lightweight, as you’d imagine for micro-headphones like these, tipping the scales to 52g. It’s rather featureless, bearing only a small pairing button and USB-C charging port, but there’s elegance in simplicity. It opens with a horizontal divide; in a neat twist you can put either earbud in either gap, cutting down on all the faff headphone users can face (or, at least, I can face) when trying to work out which bud to put on which side.

Now onto the buds. They consist of a cylindrical counterweight and spherical bud which sits in your ear, all joined by a band made of titanium alloy according to Shokz. This middle is lovely and flexible and I never felt at risk of accidentally snapping it or bending it too far.

It’s hard to believe for any open earbuds, especially clip-style ones, but the OpenDots fit like a dream. I barely felt them during many hours of testing and, although I ran, cycled, rowed and did various gym workouts with them in, they never fell out or moved around enough to affect my listening experience.

Evidence of how easily-bendable the hook is. (Image credit: Future)

Another benefit over Bose’s alternatives is that they don’t look like a cyborg accoutrement, with the nice flowing design making them appear more like jewelry than a piece of robotic equipment.

Following on from my praise about the versatile any-bud-in-any-case-side compliment, you can actually also put either bud in either ear with no issue. The Shokz will automatically detect which ear they’re in to deliver music.

Like most earbuds, the OpenDots One have touch controls: you can double- or triple-tap the connective band, double-pinch the spherical counterweight or pinch and hold, for four triggers in all (it doesn’t matter which side you use, both do the same). You can customize what each control does and I found each relatively easy to trigger (which isn’t saying much compared to the competition) though I did take a while to remember that single-tapping or single-pressing didn’t do anything: double or nothing!

Shokz has certified the OpenDots One at an IP54 rating, which means the buds are protected from dust and limited water splashes but not full immersion or even beams of water. Basically, don’t take them swimming.

Design score: 4.5/5

Shokz OpenDots One review: Features

(Image credit: Future)

Battery life is 10 hours, 40 hours with case
App brings EQ but not that much else
No connectivity problems in testing

If you thought it was time to start finding something to criticize the Shokz OpenDots One about, it’s not yet. The battery life is above average and you can even charge the case via wireless powering.

According to Shokz, the OpenDots last for 10 hours of listening on a single charge, and while I didn’t listen for that long in one burst, the power drain for the periods I did listen for suggests it’d hit that figure almost dead on. The charging case brings three extra charges, for a full listening total of 40 hours, which is better than lots of open-ear options on the market.

You won’t get noise cancelling here, though surprisingly some open earbuds do offer that (see the Honor Earbuds Open, although granted, they're not the cuff-style type). Throughout my testing period I had no connectivity issues to speak of.

(Image credit: Future)

As with any good headphone, there’s an app you can download to get extra features. In this case it’s just called Shokz, with the company using one platform for all its earbuds.

Perhaps the main reason to download the Shokz app, beyond customizing the touch controls, is for the equalizer it provides access to. There are four modes: Standard, Vocal, Bass and Private (designed to reduce audio bleed, although that basically just muffles your music), but you can also create a custom mode via a five-band equalizer.

A few other features available via the app include the ability to toggle wear detection, find your lost earbuds, customize multipoint pairing and enable Dolby Atmos (though toggling this just seemed to boost the treble when playing music). It’s not the biggest feature-set I’ve ever seen at earbuds at this price, but it offers everything you need or would expect.

Features score: 4/5

Shokz OpenDots One review: Sound performance

(Image credit: Future)

Two 11.8mm drivers per bud
Decent sound, though lack of spacing
Lots of bass

You’re totally right to assume that an open-ear headphone would sound poor, because that’s generally the case, but the Shokz OpenDots One buck the trend: they’re the rare case that sound good.

A highlight of the buds, which Shokz leans into in its marketing and promotion, is the bass. This is something oft lost by open-ears, but the OpenDots enjoy a well-defined lower-register, giving your music a meaty tone but without ever blowing it out with overwrought thumping or booming. I opted to listen in the bass enhancement mode when working out for that little extra kick, but you’ll enjoy loads of bass even if you don’t.

Unlike some super-bass earbuds, the treble still holds its head high, offering crisp and clear vocal lines and letting you hear the spacing between instruments a little. As sound gets towards the mids they do lose some detail and clarity, but you can still enjoy tunes beyond their bassline.

(Image credit: Future)

Fixing another open-ear problem, the OpenDots have a nice high max volume so they can fight against noisy traffic if you want to hear your tunes.

Shokz uses a lot of home-brewed tech in the OpenDots One. Highlights include Bassphere, which has the effect we’ve already discussed, and DirectPitch designed to stop sound leaking from the buds and everyone around you having to hear your embarrassing music choice.

These are some of the better open earbuds I've used for audio quality, and they compare to your average in-ear headphone, but it's important to be clear: audiophile-grade favorites shouldn't feel any heat from the Shokz.

Sound performance score: 4.5/5

Shokz OpenDots One review: Value

(Image credit: Future)

Despite not being that expensive in the grand scheme of things (and in a crowded market), it’s still worth considering the Shokz OpenDots One are some of the more premium open or clip-on earbuds out there, simply due to how cheap the rivals are.

With that in mind, the OpenDots have a lot to prove – but they largely succeed. They provide great sound and a flawless design and cost a hearty amount less than their big-name rivals.

Of course you’re paying for their quality with many other similar-form-factor options available for a fraction of the price, so if you want clip-ons and quality doesn’t matter, you can get better value for money with cheaper options. It's just a question of whether you should.

Value score: 4/5

Shokz OpenDots One review: scorecard

The Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL finally bring my most-used iPhone feature to Android – here are my hands-on first impressions

TechRadar Reviews - Wed, 08/20/2025 - 13:16

The Google Pixel 10 Pro and its larger sibling, the Pixel 10 Pro XL, look like fantastic smartphones – Google hasn’t messed with the winning formula that made the Pixel 9 Pro my phone of the year choice for 2024. The refinements seem minor, but could signal a sea change in Google’s fight against Apple and its friendly competition with Android rival Samsung. I only had a few hours with these phones, but they look like the best Pixel phones yet – and some of the coolest features have yet to reveal themselves.

Google doesn’t compete with Samsung on specs or with Apple on features, so it’s been easy to dismiss past Pixel phones as also-ran devices that offer a nice alternative to the iPhone and Galaxy lines, but are rarely the first choice. That changes with the Pixel 10 Pro.

The new Pixelsnap magnet features may seem like old news to iPhone users, but they open up a world of new accessories and convenience for Android fans. I’m pretty sure that Samsung and OnePlus will follow suit in due course, but for now the Pixel 10 Pro and its three stablemates are the only Android phones that I can snap onto my bedside charging stand (sorry iPhone 16 Pro) and use with my UAG magnetic wallet.

I only had a couple of hours with the Pixel 10 Pro and Pro X, so the most important features remain a mystery right now. Google says it has upgraded the image signal processor in the Tensor G5 chipset, which should result in better photos, and possibly a better camera experience.

The new Camera Coach feature is totally fascinating, but it wasn’t working on the demo units I tried. Some Google reps had it working on their own phones, so the feature seems baked and ready to serve, but I’ll need to spend a lot of time using the cameras in a variety of situations to see if it really makes a difference.

If it does, it could be a turning point for smartphone AI features. So far, AI on smartphones has been a mix of useful tools and frightening oversteps. The Pixel 9 Pro is my favorite AI phone because it does a great job of screening calls, recording meetings, and managing notifications.

Those are genuinely useful AI tools, not image generators that make lousy (or possibly offensive) images, or writing tools that take over the job of sending love notes to my sweetie. The Pixel 10 Pro promises a host of new and similarly useful AI features, but none of them were apparent in my hands-on time.

The new Magic Cue feature will need to get to know me better before it starts bubbling up relevant information during my phone calls. When it does know me, it should do things like showing me my flight information if it hears me talking about my upcoming travel plans. I hope it works well, but so far AI features like this from other phone makers have failed to materialize after launch, or have failed to demonstrate the utility that phone makers claim.

I’m not too concerned. The Pixel 9 Pro was already ahead of the competition on useful AI features, and Google is doing an admirable job of keeping the AI processing – and therefore your private data – on the device instead of relying too much on cloud computing.

I saw a Pixel 10 Pro translate the voice of my colleague on a phone call from his English into a natural-sounding Spanish. Other phones can do the translation bit, but the Spanish voice actually sounded like my colleague would if he spoke Spanish! Most astonishingly, all of the processing happened on the Pixel 10 Pro, not in the cloud. The conversation and the sound of your voice are kept private.

In other words, after spending a couple of hours with the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL, they seem to me like refined devices that marginally improve on the success of last year’s redesign, and that’s enough for me. If the Pixel 10 Pro simply offers camera improvements and better zoom, along with all of the latest Pixel features I already enjoy, I’ll be able to recommend it easily.

If the new AI features really help me take even better photos and do a better job of helping me organize my digital life, I’ll consider that an even bigger win, but I think we’re only seeing the tip of the AI iceberg on these phones. With seven years of Android updates ahead, who knows what the Pixel 10 Pro will be capable of doing in the future.

Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL hands-on review: Price & availability

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

The Pixel 10 Pro and the Pixel 10 Pro XL both come with 16GB of RAM inside and 256GB of storage to start. Those are very respectable specs, and most people won’t need to spend more for more storage, unless there’s a great discount if you buy more space.

The phone comes in four colors: blue-grey Moonstone, light-green Jade, white Porcelain, and dark-grey Obsidian. The Moonstone is very appealing, but I like all of this year’s colors equally, even the blackish Obsidian. I do wish there were more vibrant color options, but subtle seems to be the new norm for Pro-level phones.

The Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL are priced high, but the price is competitive with the top-end iPhone 16 Pro and Galaxy S25 Ultra phones. The new Pixels don’t measure up evenly spec-for-spec, but the overall experience is just as good, and the Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL are the newest-looking phones of the bunch, with the most recent redesign.

While I expect the base-model Pixel 10 will drop in price throughout the next year, Google has been more stingy with its Pro models recently. Last year’s Pixel 9 Pro saw regular discounts of $150 in the US, but rarely dropped further than that, and discounts were less common on this phone than on the base model. The price is pretty good, though, so if you want a Pixel 10 Pro, buy it now – there probably won’t be a huge deal coming that makes you regret buying early.

Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL hands-on review: Specifications

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

The Pixel 10 Pro launches with 256GB of storage on the cheapest model, a step up from last year, and the same storage and 16GB of RAM inside both the Pixel 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL. The specs are nearly identical across the two phones, but the differences are significant enough to consider before you buy.

The Pixel 10 Pro XL has a larger display, of course, and that means a larger battery inside as well. It uses a big 5,200mAh cell, compared to the 4,870mAh battery in the Pixel 10 Pro. I’ll need to test these phones thoroughly before I can tell you if the larger battery makes a big difference.

The Pixel 10 Pro XL is also the only Pixel 10 phone that can charge wirelessly up to 25W, which is the full potential of today’s Qi2 wireless standard. The Pixel 10 series is the first phone family with Qi2 certification, including the magnets that make Pixelsnap features possible, but the other two phones charge at 15W, not the full 25W speed.

Otherwise, both of these phones pack the Google Tensor G5 processor inside, which has a new and improved image signal processor that should improve image quality and help you take better pics. Both phones have the same 50MP main camera and two 48MP sensors behind the ultrawide and 5x zoom lenses, as well as the same 42MP selfie camera up front.

Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL Specifications

Dimensions:

152.8 x 72.0 x 8.6mm

Weight:

204g

Display:

6.3-inch Actua display

Resolution:

1080 x 2424 pixels

Refresh rate:

60-120Hz

Peak brightness:

3,000 nits

Chipset:

Google Tensor G5

RAM:

12GB

Storage:

128GB / 256GB

OS:

Android 16

Wide camera:

48MP; f/1.7; 0.5-inch sensor

Ultrawide camera:

13MP; f/2.2; 0.33-inch sensor

Telephoto camera:

10.8MP; f/3.1; 0.31-inch sensor

Selfie camera:

10.5MP; f/2.2

Battery:

4,970mAh

Charging:

25W wired; 15W wireless Qi2

Colors:

Indigo, Frost, Lemongrass, Obsidian

Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL hands-on review: Design

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

The Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL look nearly identical to last year’s Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL, and that’s a good thing. The iPhone and Galaxy lines have been stagnant for years, using the same basic design, while Google made a significant improvement to its Pixel design last year.

The new Pixel look is more durable than before, and Google reiterates that the Pixel 10 Pro is twice as durable as the Pixel 8 Pro, which used the older camera-bar design. The Pixelsnap magnets inside haven’t added any bulk to the latest phones, either, so the devices are just as thin as last year’s models.

For better and worse, the Pixel 10 Pro looks almost identical to the base model Pixel 10 as well. You’d need an expert guide to tell them apart – the Pixel 10 Pro uses a matte finish on the back and glossy sides, while the Pixel 10 flips that script and uses a glossy back with matte side rails.

The easiest difference to spot is the temperature sensor on the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL, which somehow still exists even though it’s one of the more useless hardware additions I’ve seen in recent years.

For color choices, I liked the Moonstone quite a bit, but it was admittedly drab. The green Jade might be my favorite color, but the black and white options are also very appealing, with that nice matte finish making them look more professional.

Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL hands-on review: Display

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

Google doesn’t brag enough about its Super Actua displays on the Pixel Pro phones, and the Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL models were incredibly bright and colorful in the time I spent testing them. Seriously, Google’s Pixel displays are quietly the best screens on any smartphone – even better than Samsung’s. They look great in every lighting condition.

In my morning with the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL, I found the displays to be satisfyingly bright and very sharp. Google has great custom wallpapers and themes that match the phone’s color, and this makes the display pop even more when you twirl the device in your hand to get an overall look.

Of course, I’ll need to spend more quality time with these phones to see if the display really holds up in bright sunlight. Google claims these phones can reach 3,300 nits of peak brightness, but I’ll have Future Labs confirm these claims before I give Google the credit.

I’m also curious to see how the Pixelsnap feature makes the Pixel 10 Pro into a bedside clock. I use the Standby feature on my iPhone 16 Pro Max every night, and I intend to use the Pixel 10 Pro XL as my new alarm clock – I hope it provides a better experience than iOS.

Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL hands-on review: Software

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

Software is the biggest question mark with the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL. With the new Google Tensor G5 chipset, Google is claiming the Pixel 10 Pro does even more AI processing on the phone than any competitor phone I’ve used. I’m curious to see how effective these AI tools will be, and if performance benefits when the Pixel 10 Pro doesn’t need to call the cloud for every request.

With the new Magic Cue features, Google is finally getting into the game of letting the phone know everything about me in order to make useful suggestions. I’m not sure how it will work, but eventually the Pixel 10 Pro will hear what I am saying and offer information from my personal life to help with context, for example flight reservations if it hears me talking to a friend about an upcoming trip.

Apple had a very hesitant launch with this feature on Siri, and eventually delayed the idea entirely. It still hasn’t materialized. Samsung is trying to use data from all of my smart devices and my smart home together, but the results have been disappointing – I haven’t seen any personal suggestions from my Galaxy phone even after months of using those features.

Other phone makers like OnePlus and Nothing tend to rely on the AI reading screenshots and photos, and not your Gmail messages. I’m interested to see if Google has finally cooked up a winning recipe for a useful AI assistant that knows me personally, but doesn’t creep me out with that knowledge.

Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL hands-on review: Cameras

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

The Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL don’t get a camera upgrade this year – Google is sticking with the same 50MP main camera and twin 48MP ultra-wide and zoom cameras that were on last year’s Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL. Instead, the improvements are software-based, thanks to AI improvements that Google says are possible with the Tensor G5 chipset.

Unlike the Pixel 10, the Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL models has features like high-resolution portrait shots, and an advanced Video Boost feature that will stabilize your videos even better than before. All of the new Pixel 10 phones get Pro Res zoom powered by AI, but the Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL will reach up to 100x telephoto range, farther than the 30x Pro Res zoom on the Pixel 10.

Just like last year, the Pro and Pro XL models have the exact same camera specs – no need to buy the bigger phone just because you want more zoom.

The Pixel 10 Pro uses a smaller sensor than Apple or Samsung on its main camera, but Google relies on a lot more computational photography techniques to fix up images after you take the shot.

I tried the Pro Res zoom in my time testing the phone, and I definitely noticed how it could smooth images and reduce the significant noise that occurs at the 100x range. I’ll need to see the final images up close on my big monitor before I decide whether or not this feature makes those long zoom shots worth keeping.

I’m also very curious about the Camera Coach features, which will help you rearrange your shot to get the best composure and lighting. Will it tell me to move my camera around, or turn on a different lamp? Will it suggest I use the flash, or maybe switch to Night mode?

I’ll need to test the feature in a variety of situations, but I’m excited about the possibilities – I prefer AI features that help me improve my picture-taking to features that make the picture for me.

Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL hands-on review: Performance

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

The Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL use the same Tensor G5 chipset as the Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro Fold, but the Pro models get 16GB of RAM instead of the 12GB in the base model. That should help with performance, especially when it comes to tackling AI processing on the device itself, without tapping Google’s cloud computers for help.

Google’s Pixel phones have never been performance powerhouses, and I’m not expecting these phones will dominate benchmark tests from Future Labs. I couldn’t download any games in my hands-on time, but in my experience games will run just fine, although hardcore gamers looking to max-out graphics should find a faster phone.

Still, Google’s Tensor chips enable AI features that other phones often can’t match. The Pixel phones are the best at transcribing my voice accurately, for instance, and the Pixel 10 Pro also has some astounding new AI features, like the live translation that mimics the sound of your voice as it translates your speech.

My hope is that Google’s custom chips pay dividends down the road as Google adds more AI features to Android. The Pixel 10 family will all get major Android updates for the next seven years, which should take them from today’s Android 16 to Android 23.

That means today’s AI features are important, but tomorrow’s AI features will be even more advanced, and I’m hoping that Google has a long-term roadmap that keeps the Tensor chipset fresh as it improves Android. I’ve been very impressed by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chips this year, so Google is going to need to do more to justify using its own designs instead of Qualcomm’s proven winner.

Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL hands-on review: Battery

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

As I only spent a couple of hours with the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL, battery life remains a question mark, but I’m hoping that it will be easier for most folks to keep these phones topped up and charged throughout the day.

Having Pixelsnap accessories that work with MagSafe charging will be very convenient. The batteries in both the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL are bigger than last year’s models, even though the phones now have magnets inside for Pixelsnap. That’s an impressive design achievement.

Sadly, the Pixel 10 Pro doesn’t take full advantage of the new Qi2 wireless charging standard. The Pixel 10 Pro XL can charge at up to 25W on a wireless, Qi2-certified charger, while the Pixel 10 Pro can only charge wirelessly up to 15W, so it won’t charge faster than previous Pixel phones, but it will still have the convenience of magnets.

The final say on battery life will come after Future Labs tests these phones with our proprietary battery rundown tests. The recent crop of Android phones with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor inside have shown remarkable gains in battery life, so I’m hoping that Google has learned some tricks to improve the Pixel 10 Pro’s battery as well.

Categories: Reviews

Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold isn’t a reinvention, but two major upgrades make it a foldable worth considering

TechRadar Reviews - Wed, 08/20/2025 - 11:00

Google probably won’t get any credit for major leaps in foldable innovation, but the new Pixel 10 Pro Fold does represent a couple of notable firsts in the folding phone space: IP68 protection and Qi Pixel Snap charging, which happens to work almost exactly like Apple’s MagSafe charging and accessory technology.

These are not features that you'd notice at a glance, as Google’s latest folding Android phone looks almost exactly like the Pixel Pro 9 Fold. The dimensions are the same; it’s still just 5.2mm thick when unfolded, which, a year ago, was an eye-opening spec, but now, in the face of the 4.2mm-thick Galaxy Z Fold 7, is just looks nice and slim. The materials, which include multi-alloy steel, aerospace-grade aluminum, and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, are unchanged.

This is unquestionably not the same Pixel Fold as last year, though.

Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold preview: design

Google has reengineered the hinge so that it's now gearless and, apparently, fully sealed, protecting it not just from water incursion but dust. This might be the first foldable that’s safe to take to the beach without of a case. The hinge is also incredibly smooth in use; if anything, the magnet holding it closed feels slightly less intense than those on the Galaxy Z Fold 7.

And while the 8-inch Super Actua Flex screen is still eight inches (and almost crease-free), it’s the cover screen that's gotten the more noticeable upgrade. The bezels are now slightly thinner, which makes the Super Actua display larger, at 6.4 inches (up from 6.3).

Interestingly, the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s cover screen is, at 6.5, larger (it’s actually slightly taller), but side by side the Pixel 10 Pro Fold’s cover display is wider, with more pixels (2364 x 1080 vs 2520 x 1080 for the Fold 7), which means the virtual keyboard on the Pixel is more usable.

Design-wise, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold maintains the aesthetic appeal of its predecessor, with the folded device being almost indistinguishable from a standard flagship phone, except that one side features curved corners and the hinge side is more squared off. It still feels good in the hand and not heavy, although at 258 grams it’s not a lightweight when compared directly to the 215g Galaxy Z Fold 7.

Initially, the camera array on the back appeared unchanged to my eye, but then I noticed some subtle differences. The lens openings are slightly larger and are surrounded by a thin, polished chamfer, which gives the array a slightly more upscale look.

Google has also upgraded its logo on the back. It’s larger, and has a reflective finish.

Image 1 of 5

Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold back. Note the new reflective logo. (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)Image 2 of 5

Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold, folded: USB-C charge port, mic, and speakers (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)Image 3 of 5

The redesigned hinge (outside) (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)Image 4 of 5

Back and camera array (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)Image 5 of 5

Unfolded, the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold is essentially flat. (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold preview: displays

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold (left) cover screen compare to the Pixel 10 Pro Fold (right) (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

Unfolded, there’s virtually no difference between the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Last year, I marveled at how the Pixel Fold 9 could unfold completely flat; this year, I simply expect it. Because of the large camera array, though, it still doesn't lie flat on a table, a 'feature' it shares with the Galaxy Z Fold 7.

There’s still a large-ish punch hole in the 8-inch main display for the 10MP camera, and the bezels are about the same thickness as before. The screen, though, features new materials to help it better withstand impact, although, perhaps fortunately, I wasn't able to test their effectiveness, as I managed not to drop the phone during my brief hands-on time.

Both displays are brighter than ever, thanks to their 3000 maximum nits level, which should make the Pixel 10 Pro Fold excellent for outdoor, direct-sunlight use – I’ll let you know when I get the chance to take a review unit outside.

The large 8-inch super Actua flex display is not only bright, it's sharp, clear, and with smooth motion (1Hz-120Hz adaptive). The crease is barely noticeable. It does have a camera punch hole, but I don't imagine that will be very distracting for most activities.

It's a great viewfinder for the camera and also a lovely way to look at the pictures you just took.

Image 1 of 3

Google Pixel 10 Pro main Super Actua Flex display (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)Image 2 of 3

Google Pixel 10 Pro flex screen fully unfolded. (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)Image 3 of 3

The Main screen on the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold (left) compared to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7's main screen (right). (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold preview: cameras

The triple camera array specs are virtually unchanged from last year. They are:

Triple Camera Array:
48MP main wide-angle
10.5MP ultra-wide
10.8 telephoto (5x optical)
Selfie cameras
10MP on Cover display
10MP on Main display

The three camera array. (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

There’s also a 10MP selfie camera in the cover screen and another 10MP selfie camera in the main display, which is a slight improvement from the Pixel 9 Pro Fold's 8MP main-screen selfie camera.

While the Galaxy Z Fold 7 appears to have the Pixel 10 Pro Fold beat in most aspects, the latter phone has the upper hand when it comes to optical zoom. The Z Fold 7, much to my dismay, tops out at 3x optical, while the Pixel 10 Pro Fold delivers 5x with, at 10.8MP, a slightly higher pixel count.

Image 1 of 3

Being able to see multiple photos you just took while still having access to the viewfinder is actually excellent. (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)Image 2 of 3

The new images just keep rolling in while pushing the old ones off the screen. (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)Image 3 of 3

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold camera array (gray) compared to the Pixel 10 Pro Fold array (mint) (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

I took some photos with all these cameras and they looked good. Macro capabilities through the ultra-wide are impressive, as were the few shots I managed to grab with the 5x telephoto camera. It’s way too soon, however, to tell if they meet or exceed last year's cameras or those of any other folding phone.

What I did enjoy was the ability to preview photos on the flex screen (Google calls this 'instant View') as you’re taking them. The 8-inch display can automatically split up into quadrants, with the viewfinder display at the top-right, the camera controls below that, and the last two photos you took appearing on the left side of the screen. As a new photo comes in, the oldest one is pushed off the screen.

Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold preview: Performance

Inside the phone is Google's new Tensor G5 chip, which is more AI-capable than ever. This chip runs the Gemini Nano Model on the phone, meaning the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is capable of supporting multiple generative AI capabilities across speech, information, and imagery. Similar to what I experienced on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, I can now run Gemini Live in full-screen mode on the 8-inch display. I turned on the camera and asked Gemini to identify what it saw on the table, which it did with impressive skill.

There are other features, like Camera Coach and Edit Photos with Ask Photos, that were not yet enabled on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold phones I tried out, but which I did see in action on a Pixel 10 Pro, and I was impressed with how the coach guides you step by step towards, for instance, a better portrait. It advised me, for example, to switch to portrait mode, how to frame my subject, and even how to use the rule of thirds, and the result was better photos.

Another Gemini feature that works locally, thanks to the Tensor G5 chip, is Live Translate. While it wasn’t yet working on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, I did try it on a Pixel 10 Pro XL, and it is, to be honest, astonishing. I held one phone and spoke in English to a Google rep who was holding a phone on the other side of the room. She was playing the role of a Spanish-only speaker. I talked for a bit in English, but could overhear on her end 'my voice' speaking the same phrases in Spanish. It was wild, and the closest thing I've seen in mobile technology to the Star Trek Universal Translator.

There might be some concerns about what Google is doing with that voice clone, but Google told us it’s all on device, and not persistent. So there’s no accessible record of my Spanish-speaking voice.

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold preview: Battery and charging

The Google Pixel 10 Pro on the new Pixel Snap stand. (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

At 5,015mAh, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold’s battery is significantly larger than last year, and could offer up to 30 hours of video playback (a claim I couldn't test during my brief hands-on session), but that’s not the only power-related upgrade.

This is a Qi2-compatible device (as are all the Pixel 10 phones), which means it will support 15W wireless charging speeds. More exciting, though, is the inclusion of Pixelsnap, a MagSafe-like feature that integrates a ring of magnets, which means the Pixel 10 Pro Fold will work with a variety of first-and third-party Pixelsnap grips, charging devices, and bases.

Google has some gorgeous ones, including a ring stand that folds so flat and thin but is strong enough to hold the Pixel 10 Pro fold even when I held only the ring and dangled the phone in the air.

Image 1 of 2

The new Pixel Snap ring (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)Image 2 of 2

Yep, Pixel Snap works with third-party accessories. (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

Pixelsnap also works with Google’s new Pixelsnap charging stand, letting you attach the phone in landscape or portrait mode. I was also able to unfold the phone and still attach it to the stand, which is heavy enough that it didn't wobble or tip over. Naturally, we had to try third-party MagSafe accessories, all of which worked perfectly on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, even ones from Apple.

This is, naturally, a 5G (Dual Sim, Nano SIM, and eSIM) Android 16 phone that will arrive with support for WiFi 7 and, notably, Bluetooth v6.

The Tensor G5 CPU is backed by a formidable 16GB of RAM and a base of 256GB of storage. That’s unchanged from last year, as is the price, which still sits at $1,799 (UK: £1,749.00 / AUS: $2,699).

The phone is not only designed to last, but will be supported by seven years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop feature updates.

Preorders for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, available in Jade and Moonstone, kick off on August 20, but you’ll have to wait a bit for the phone to arrive. It’s currently set to ship on October 9.

Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold preview: price and specsGoogle Pixel 10 Pro Fold specs compared

Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

Dimensions (folded):

155.2 x 76.3 x 10.8mm

154.94 x 76.2 x 10.16mm

72.8 x 158.4 x 8.9mm

Dimensions (unfolded):

155.2 x 150.4 x 5.2mm

155.2 x 150.2 x 5.1mm (unfolded), 155.2 x 77.1 x 10.5mm (folded)

143.2 x 158.4 x 4.2mm

Weight:

258g

257g

215g

Main display:

8-inch Super Actua Flex display 1
(LTPO) 2076 x 2152 OLED at 373 PPI Adaptive refresh rate (1-120 Hz)

8-inch Super Actua display

2076 x 2152 / 1080 x 2424 pixels

8-inch QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED

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

Cover display::

6.4-inch Actua display
20:9 aspect ratio 1080 x 2364 OLED 408 PPI
adaptive refresh rate (60-120Hz) 2

6.3-inch Actua display

6.5-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display(2520 x 1080, 21:9), 120Hz adaptive refresh rate (1~120Hz)

Chipset:

Google Tensor G5

Google Tensor G4

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Mobile Platform for Galaxy

RAM:

16GB

12GB / 16GB (1TB only)

Storage:

256 GB / 512 GB / 1TB

256GB / 512GB

256GB / 512GB / 1TB

OS:

Android 16

Android 16 / One UI 8

Primary camera:

48MP wide

48MP main

200MP f1.7

Ultrawide camera:

10.5MP, 127-degree FoV

10.5MP ultrawide

12MP f2.2

Telephoto

10.8MP, 5X optical

10.8MP 5X zoom

3x 10MP f2.4

Cover Camera:

10MP

10MP f2.2

Inner Camera:

10MP

8MP f/2.0

10MP f2.2

Battery:

5,015mAh

4,650mAh

4,400mAh

Charging:

Fast charging, 50% in 30 minutes with 30W charger.

Wireless: Qi2 up to 15W

30W (wired)

30 mins with 25W adapter (wired)

Colors:

Jade and Moonstone

Porcelain, Obsidian

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

Categories: Reviews

The Google Pixel Watch 4 might look similar to its predecessor, but the changes under the hood could make a big difference

TechRadar Reviews - Wed, 08/20/2025 - 11:00

Google Pixel Watch 4: Two-minute review

Google has released its latest crop of hardware at its Made by Google 2025 event, including phones, earbuds, and its next-generation smartwatch, the Google Pixel Watch 4. Similar to the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 or Apple Watch Series 10, the latest generation of the Pixel Watch 4 is less about earth-shattering changes and more about refinements to a working formula.

Google is sticking with the now-iconic and really quite lovely polished pebble circular build that comes in two sizes – the addition of a 45mm option alongside the 41mm model was the big change last year. That means more choice for you if the Pixel Watch sparks your interest, and ultimately lets you get the one that’s the right size for your wrist.

Google is also mostly sticking with the same prices as last year (there's a small increase for the 45mm version in Australia). And despite the outward similarities there are some significant upgrades here, including a healthy dose of AI smarts powered by some new silicon, a forthcoming AI coach that’s part of a larger Fitbit rollout, replaceable parts, a refreshed user interface, and a new domed display that’s physically raised to the touch.

Google Pixel Watch 4: Specifications

Component

Google Pixel Watch 4

Price

Starting at $399 / £349 / AU$579

Dimensions

41 x 41 x 12.3mm / 45 x 45 x 12.3mm

Weight

31g / 36.7g without straps

Caze/bezel

Recycled aluminum

Display

320ppi always-on display AMOLED with up to 3,000 nits brightness

Operating System

Wear OS 6.0

Processor

Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 processor with an ML coprocessor

Memory

2GB of RAM

Storage

32GB

GPS

GPS (Dual-Frequency), Galileo, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS

Battery life

Up to 72 hours with battery saver enabled or up to 40 hours with always-on display enabled

Connection

Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, LTE

Water resistance

WR50, IP68

Google Pixel Watch 4: Dome sweet dome

(Image credit: Future/Lance Ulanoff)

The first thing I noticed during my hands-on time with the Pixel Watch 4 was that the display itself is not flat like on the Pixel Watch 3. Sure, we’ve seen smartwatches on which the display slopes down the sides towards the watch case, such as the Apple Watch Series 10, but the glass display here is actually domed to the point where, as you swipe across the screen, you’ll feel the surface rise or lower.

This makes the sides of the display and the graphics appearing on the edges even more sloped, a feature the new Material 3 Expressive interface uses in its animations. However, it also noticeably increases the thickness on your wrist. The domed 360 Actua display still looked rich and vibrant with crisp text or numbers, and it got considerably brighter in the demo room, which wasn't brightly lit. Google says it can hit up to 3,000 nits, a jump of 1,000 nits compared to the Pixel Watch 3.

The third-generation Pixel Watch got a larger display than its predecessor, and the fourth-gen model goes bigger again, with 16% smaller bezels and 10% larger active display area, which Google says is made possible by the domed display.

(Image credit: Future/Lance Ulanoff)

I think the physical touch and interaction with the watch might take some time to get used to, but the new design delivers a theoretically more durable surface – as is the case with some dome shapes – and more space to hit touchpoints or see items presented on your wrist is certainly a win. It’s something I’m eager to spend more time exploring, and it enhances what I described in my Pixel Watch 3 review last year as the 'polished pebble' effect of the Pixel Watch’s looks.

The Pixel Watch 4 still boasts Corning Gorilla Glass to protect against drops or scratches, and the rest of the build here is aerospace-grade aluminum. It’s also water-resistant up to 50 meters. Another major change this year is a redesigned back, which has resulted in the moving of the charging ports in order to make this smartwatch repairable and serviceable.

Yes, you’ll notice several screws, which allow the battery to be replaced for a more sustainable design. This isn’t something that's common for major smartwatch brands, as most devices are sealed units, so it’s a welcome step in the right direction from Google.

(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

This also means a pretty significant change in charger design, as you’ll no longer place this on a proprietary puck with prongs as you would the Galaxy Watch, Apple Watch, or any Pixel Watch before this. The Pixel Watch 4 charges on its side in a dock, and if you’re charging it on a nightstand this should make it easier to use the smartwatch as a small alarm clock – it’s even perfectly positioned so that you can tap the crown to snooze.

Google is also taking advantage of these charger and design changes to speed up refueling. You can now charge the Pixel Watch 4 from 0% to 50% in just 15 minutes, and Google is promising longer battery life for both sizes – up to 30 hours for the 41mm and up to 40 hours for the 45mm. Your mileage will, of course, vary depending on usage, but it’s a good step beyond the Pixel Watch 3.

Google Pixel Watch 4: A faster experience

(Image credit: Future/Lance Ulanoff)

While I only spent about half an hour with the Pixel Watch 4, it felt like a modern-day smartwatch that was responsive and zippy fast. Under the hood it’s powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 Wearable Platform and a next-gen ML CoProcessor, both of which ensure that the new Material 3 Expressive interface design runs well here. It was easy enough to swipe between tiles, and I especially liked the more vibrant nature of the colors, which you can, of course, customize. Overall, this watch feels speedy compared to previous years.

Google’s new Smart Replies feature looks like a welcome innovation, especially if you’re tired of suggested replies that often lack context and are unsuited to the conversation. The Pixel Watch 4’s silicon can power an on-device large language model to generate appropriate suggested replies based on what a message says.

I even tested it with a message that referenced delays on my local train service, and the Pixel Watch 4 delivered an appropriate response. It took a few seconds, but it’s much better than the list found on previous Pixel Watches, the Galaxy Watch, or the Apple Watch.

We’ve already seen Gemini arrive on-wrist courtesy of the Galaxy Watch 8, but Google is serving up something special for its watch, and that’s a ‘raise to talk to the AI assistant’ functionality. Simply raise your wrist, and a glowing bar appears at the bottom of the display, which indicates that Gemini is listening and that you can start your request. You don’t need to say ‘Hey Gemini' – Google has us pretty well trained in that department – and it worked well in a short demo, quickly pulling up the weather.

(Image credit: Future/Lance Ulanoff)

While I didn’t get to try any of the health and activity features, Google’s shipping the Pixel Watch 4 with a familiar suite that includes general activity, heart-rate, blood oxygen (SpO2), and sleep tracking. You can also take an ECG or Electrocardiogram, and there’s an improved Skin Temperature sensor for more accurate readings. You can also track over 40 workouts with the Pixel Watch 4.

The real big potential leap, though, is a promised ‘personal AI health coach’ that’s powered by Gemini and set to arrive at some point in October as a preview in the United States at first. It should go beyond ‘Workout Buddy’ on the Apple Watch and some AI features on the Galaxy Watch, but we don’t know exactly what it entails just yet. Google is promising it to be a coach of sorts that bases recommendations on your health data and that you can chat with, maybe something similar to that of Oura Advisor.

It’s shaping up to be a pretty strong smartwatch, and while the Pixel Watch 4 doesn’t usher in a tremendously radical redesign, it’s mostly about polishing and the addition of a healthy dose of AI functionality – something that Google is a big fan of. It’s likely that you don’t need to rush out for it if you already have a Pixel Watch 3, but those with an older model may want to consider an upgrade. We’ll be back with more once we’ve had time to put it through its full paces and see how the changes perform in the real world.

Google Pixel Watch 4: Pricing and Availability

If you’re looking to upgrade from, say, a Pixel Watch 2 or 3, maybe another Android smartwatch, or even getting your first one, there is a wait for when you’ll actually receive a new Pixel Watch.

Google is taking orders right now for the Pixel Watch 4 – it begins on August 20, 2025 – but the smartwatch won’t officially launch until October 9, 2025. That’s when the first shipments should arrive, depending on demand, and when you’ll find it available at retail locations.

Unlike other gadgets that have seen price hikes year over year, the Pixel Watch 4 sticks with the same price as the Pixel Watch 3. Meaning it’s priced at $349 / £349 / AU$579 for the 41mm Pixel Watch 4 with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, or $449 / £449 / AU$749 for cellular connectivity. The larger, 45mm Pixel Watch 4 is $399 / £399 / AU$669 for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, or $499 / £499 / AU$839 for connectivity.

Beyond accessing the internet with the cellular connectivity model, you’ll also need to spend more to get emergency satellite functionality on the Pixel Watch 4. There isn’t an extra monthly or annual cost – at least for two years, that’s what Google provides out of the box – but it needs to make use of the bands found in the cellular version of the watch. That could be a reason alone to get it right there.

Categories: Reviews

The Pixel 10 may look the same as before, but what's inside will change Android forever

TechRadar Reviews - Wed, 08/20/2025 - 11:00

The Google Pixel 10 takes a winning formula from last year and adds just enough to make it even more compelling, and make this phone a true competitor to the iPhone 16. In the past, Google's phones have been polished and enjoyable, but never cutting edge. With the Pixel 10 family, Google pushes its way to the front, with features you won't find on either the iPhone or the latest Samsung Galaxy phones. That's new territory for Google, and I'm excited to spend more time with this phone after my morning-lon hands-on session.

What can the Pixel 10 do? It can stick to magnets, for one thing. The new Pixelsnap feature – and extension of the Qi2 wireless charging standard – might seem familiar to iPhone owners who’ve enjoyed MagSafe since the iPhone 12 launched in 2020. The Android world is finally catching up.

Magnets may not seem like a major feature, but Pixelsnap will open a new world of accessories and convenience for Android fans. I keep my iPhone 16 Pro Max charging on a magnet stand, and it's the best bedside clock I've owned. Then I slap a magnetic wallet on the back as I leave my house. I'm always using the iPhone magnets, and I'm relieved that Google and Android are hopping on board.

The Pixel 10 on Google's new Pixelsnap charging stand (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

Besides Pixelsnap, the Pixel 10 features a real, optical 5x zoom camera. The iPhone 16 doesn't give you any optical zoom, and the Galaxy S25 offers only a 3x zoom lens with a smaller image sensor.

That could give the Pixel a huge advantage in photography, especially if the Tensor G5 chipset, with its new image processor, delivers the goods.

Some of the biggest new Pixel features will rely on AI, of course, and I didn't have time to test most of those, while some of the most interesting, like the Camera Coach, weren't available yet on the demo units I tried.

Some of those AI features seem very cool and potentially useful. I saw a live translation feature in action that was like nothing I've seen – it was almost frightening.

I'm also a Pixel user as well as an iPhone user, so I know the Pixel does the best job of screening phone calls and managing notifications. I'm curious to see how the new Magic Cue features will offer more AI functionality, but I always suspect the AI is being overpromised until I see it in action. Will the Pixel 10 really get to know me? Will it really pull up my flight details at the perfect moment? Time will tell.

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

We’ll have a full review of the Pixel 10 coming soon, after the phones have undergone extensive testing in Future Labs. If you have a Pixel 9, I think you can hold off the upgrade for now – the differences are slight, and even Pixelsnap can be mimicked with a case that has MagSafe magnets.

Of course, it’s hard to find a new feature that will stay cutting-edge for long. The Pixel 10 may beat the Galaxy S25 and iPhone 16 when it comes to cameras, but those models are half-a-year to a year old – middle-aged by smartphone standards. The Galaxy S26 will surely have magnets to fit its Qi2 credentials, and who knows what the iPhone 17 will bring.

If you’re coming from an older Android or if you’re a curious iPhone owner, we’ll know soon if the Pixel 10 can hold its own as a camera phone, and whether the new AI features inspire more creativity or existential dread. Has the Google Pixel 10 truly leapt ahead of this year’s best phones, or will it soon fall behind what’s to come? Check out more of my hands-on first impressions below, then come back for our full review.

Google Pixel 10 hands-on review: Price & availability

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

The Pixel 10 costs the same as last year’s Pixel 9, and the base model features the same 128GB of storage and 12GB of RAM inside, which may be falling behind the requirements of the upcoming AI features. I’d certainly like to see more storage, at least.

The phone is available in black (Obsidian), light blue (Frost), green (Lemongrass), and bright blue (Indigo). The Indigo will be Google’s hero color, but I think the Lemongrass also stands out nicely. The Frost color looks closer to the Pixel 10 Pro’s Moonstone shade than the name suggests.

My big caveat with Pixel phones is that Google’s pricing takes a rollercoaster ride throughout the year, with the first drop coming around the US holiday shopping season. Last year’s Pixel 9 launched in August at $799 in the US, and dropped to $649 in November. It spent more than half the year priced at $150 under the original price, and it dropped to an all-time low of $499 around the last Amazon Prime Day in July.

In other words, if you want the Pixel 10, you may want to wait until it’s available for less – although if you wait too long Google might drop a Pixel 10a on us, just to confuse matters.

Google Pixel 10 hands-on review: Specifications

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

The Google Pixel 10 uses Google’s Tensor G5 chipset, just like every other member of the Pixel 10 family. It comes with 12GB of RAM, which was a respectable amount in the days before on-device AI processing, but now is probably only just enough.

The Pixel 10 gains a 10.8MP, 5x zoom camera this year in addition to the 48MP wide camera and the 13MP ultra-wide. That’s not just more zoom than the Galaxy S25, it also comes with a bigger sensor, regardless of the megapixel count.

Oddly enough, the Pixel 10 comes with a slightly larger battery than the Pixel 10 Pro, at 4,970mAh vs 4,870mAh. It charges at 30W, just like the Pixel 10 Pro, with Qi2 wireless charging at up to 15W.

Google Pixel 10 Specifications

Dimensions:

152.8 x 72.0 x 8.6mm

Weight:

204g

Display:

6.3-inch Actua display

Resolution:

1080 x 2424 pixels

Refresh rate:

60-120Hz

Peak brightness:

3,000 nits

Chipset:

Google Tensor G5

RAM:

12GB

Storage:

128GB / 256GB

OS:

Android 16

Wide camera:

48MP; f/1.7; 0.5-inch sensor

Ultrawide camera:

13MP; f/2.2; 0.33-inch sensor

Telephoto camera:

10.8MP; f/3.1; 0.31-inch sensor

Selfie camera:

10.5MP; f/2.2

Battery:

4,970mAh

Charging:

25W wired; 15W wireless Qi2

Colors:

Indigo, Frost, Lemongrass, Obsidian

Google Pixel 10 hands-on review: Design

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

The Pixel 10 looks just like last year’s Pixel 9, aside from some minor changes to the color, materials, and finish. That’s not a bad thing at all – the Pixel 9 was one of my favorite new phone designs, and it was the biggest refresh we saw among all the major flagship phones last year. I’m happy the Pixel 10 isn’t a huge departure.

After all, the Pixel 9a was somehow a butt-ugly cheap relation of the Pixel 9, and I was worried that its flat design foreshadowed this year’s flagship phones. Never fear! The Pixel 10 keeps the same pill-shaped camera bump as last year’s model, with the same improved durability. It’s a great phone design, and it even looks good in a case.

There is still room for improvement. Did Google not see the iPhone 16’s Camera Control button? I suspect future Pixel phones might have a matching button in the future. They already got MagSafe, why not go all the way?

Speaking of magnets, the Pixel 10 with Pixelsnap held a very strong connection to all of the accessories I tried. You couldn’t shake the phone off of the wireless charging puck, which is a hidden part of the new wireless charging stand. I’ll be excited to use Google’s new phones with all of my MagSafe accessories, like my wallet and my magnetic photo tripod.

Google Pixel 10 hands-on review: Display

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

Google quietly makes the best displays you’ll find on any smartphone, and I’m shocked the company doesn’t spend more time bragging about it. The Actua displays on previous Pixels have always been among the most bright and colorful screens I’ve used, and the Pixel 10 seems like another improvement, if only a subtle one.

The Pixel 10 has a variable refresh rate from 60-120Hz, which means things should look nice and smooth when you’re scrolling through long menus or social feeds. Unfortunately, that also means it won’t get the full-color always-on screen you’ll find on LTPO phones like the Pixel 10 Pro.

I’ll need to spend a lot more time with the Pixel 10 to decide if the screen is as great as it seems. I’m hoping the long-term experience will be just as pleasing.

Google Pixel 10 hands-on review: Software

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

Google is, for now, leaving us with more questions than answers when it comes to Pixel software. Gemini works in more places – the onward march of AI progress – but there are many other features that are going to require a deep dive.

I’m very curious about the Magic Cue features available during phone calls. Google says the Pixel 10 will pull up details about your travel plans when somebody mentions AirBnB, for instance. I’m curious how far it will go, and whether this feature will seem like a privacy invasion or a useful sidekick.

There are also new camera features to try, which I’ll discuss below, but Google is moving beyond editing and generating images to offering tips and instructions. I like this direction. I would rather have a phone that can anticipate my needs, and offer helpful suggestions, than a phone that makes nightmare images of copyrighted cartoon characters committing crimes, as past Pixel phones have done.

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

One of the most impressive new features is the live translation. While other phones, like Samsung’s Galaxy S25, can live-translate a foreign language speaker during a conversation, the Pixel 10 family has a new trick: it makes the translation sound like the voice of the speaker.

If I speak to you in English while you speak Hindi back to me, the Pixel 10 will translate my words into Hindi, and it will make the Hindi speaker sound like a version of me. The TechRadar team got a demo of this feature with our Editor-at-Large Lance Ulanoff speaking, and at the other end what we heard was a Spanish-speaking version of Lance sounding like a native-born speaker. It was uncanny.

Google also says this process happens mostly on the device, which should settle some privacy concerns. Still, I’m wary of a computer that can instantly talk in a voice that sounds like mine; even though it only happens in a foreign language, it still gives me pause.

Google Pixel 10 hands-on review: Cameras

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

I’m most excited to try the new camera features on the Pixel 10, because the cameras sees like the biggest improvement on this phone. First of all there’s the new 5x telephoto lens, which is paired with a respectable 0.33-inch image sensor. That’s bigger than the zoom sensor on the Galaxy S25, and is closer to the telephoto camera on the iPhone 16 Pro.

Second, the Tensor G5 chipset has an all-new image signal processor, and that component is often the silent partner in making the best camera phones. A new ISP usually means faster processing – so higher-resolution video recording and better night photography. It could also mean other image enhancements.

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

Google is talking up the Super Zoom features, but we’ve seen AI zoom before. It may save an otherwise useless 30x zoom pic, but it’s not going to help the Pixel 10 create long-distance images you’ll want to hang on the wall.

Google Pixel 10 hands-on review: Performance

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

How will the Tensor G5 perform? Undoubtedly, it won’t be winning any benchmark races, but that’s never been the point of Google’s Tensor chips. Google builds accelerated chips that work better with its own AI and machine-learning features, like the Magic Editor in Google Photos and the AI transcriptions in the Recorder app.

This time around, Google says the Tensor G5 enables features like the aforementioned live translation that sounds like the person speaking, along with a host of new photography features like the Camera Coach.

The good news is that Google processes more of its machine-learning tricks on the phone than most other phone makers. That means you aren’t burning fossil fuels to feed a server farm for those AI features. It also means you have a better chance of protecting your privacy when it comes to your AI demands.

Google Pixel 10 hands-on review: Battery

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

I can almost forgive whatever battery life I get from the Pixel 10 because I’m excited to use the Pixelsnap feature to keep the phone charged. I have MagSafe chargers that I use next to my bed with my iPhone, but Apple’s device will now get the USB-C cord while my Pixel 10 takes over the magnetic stand. It isn’t a fast way to charge, but my phone will be there all night, so I don’t need to hurry.

I’m curious to see if the Tensor G5 chip will offer any battery life improvements. Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset has been a powerhouse not only in terms of performance but also efficiency. Every Snapdragon 8 Elite phone has been able to last much longer than the generation before, and I hope I see the same benefits from the Tensor G5 when I conduct a thorough review.

Categories: Reviews

The Kuvings Hands-Free Slow Juicer AUTO10 Plus is the ultimate tool for juicing, and much more

TechRadar Reviews - Wed, 08/20/2025 - 09:15

Kuvings Hands-Free Slow Juicer AUTO10 Plus: One minute review

The Kuvings Hands-Free Slow Juicer AUTO10 Plus is a high-end juicer that tackles a variety of foods and drinks with ease. It definitely compares with some of the top picks on our best juicer guide.

The juicer comes with a hopper extension, so you can make larger batches of juice. There are three different strainers included: juice, smoothie, and blank (for thicker foods like sorbet). These accessories allow you to make so many different kinds of foods and beverages. It also comes with three different cleaning tools, which should give you some idea of what's involved in cleaning the machine after use. None of the parts are dishwasher-safe.

I found using the machine to be pretty easy once I figured out how all the parts go together, and it's even kind of fun watching it do its thing. I enjoying throwing a bunch of whole fruits; peels, seeds, stems, and all into the hopper and having delicious, healthy juice a few minutes later. It's kind of satisfying watching the pulp come out the side as fresh juice pours into your juice cup. Some of the pulps can even be used to make other recipes, which I did when I made oat milk.

Kuvings Hands-Free Slow Juicer AUTO10 Plus: price and availability

List price: $739.99 (about £550 / AU$1130)

The Kuvings Hands-Free Slow Juicer AUTO10 Plus is currently only available on Kuvings' own website, but should be widely available soon. Other models of Kuvings juicers are available at most of the typical big box stores and high-end kitchen chains.

At $739.99 (about £550 / AU$1130) this isn't a cheap juicer. Additionally, I got the citrus attachment, which allows you to make citrus juice without peeling the fruits or putting them in the hopper whole. The citrus attachment, exclusively for the AUTO10 series, sells for $42 (about £30 / AU$60)

Value score: 3/5

Kuvings Hands-Free Slow Juicer AUTO10 Plus: design

Various strainers included
Hopper extension for large batches
Powerful motor

Kuvings' Hands-Free Slow Juicer AUTO10 Plus is a big boi. It weighs 17.4 pounds (7.9kg) so you won't be sliding it in and out of your cabinet easily. It's also quite tall, at 20 inches (529 mm) and it does not fit under the upper cabinets in my kitchen, even without the hopper extension.

The footprint is 8 inches (209 mm) by 10 inches (256 mm), which is pretty reasonable. Just keep in mind that you'll also need clearance for juicing cups in front of the machine (for juice) and on the side (for the pulp).

Not only will you need adequate counter space for the juicer, but you'll need space to store all of the parts. Some of the parts do nest together, but not all of them, so keep that in mind.

(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

Putting the parts together isn't terribly intuitive, but there are clear instructions in the owner's manual. If that's not enough, Kuvings has a number of instructional videos on their YouTube channel to help you get it all sorted out. Once you have put together the parts a couple of times, muscle memory takes over and it's pretty quick and easy.

The Kuvings Hands-Free Slow Juicer AUTO10 Plus is a low speed compression juicer. The juicer utilizes a juicing screw which nests into one of the three included strainers inside the juicing bowl.

(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

There is a spigot on the front of the juicer, which you can open and close. Use the large plastic juicing cup which is included to capture your juice/beverage/food, or make your items directly into the container of your choice. Place the smaller included juicing cup on the side, underneath the pulp chute, to capture the pulp that is left over after making juices and plant milks. You can discard the pulp, compost it, or even use it to make recipes.

(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

I also got the citrus attachment, which is sold separately. This reamer-style attachment lets you make citrus juices without having to spend time peeling.

Lemons and limes can be tossed into the main juicer whole, but orange and grapefruit juices are better without the peels. If you'll be making orange or grapefruit juice regularly, you'll either need to peel them before dropping into the hopper or buy the citrus attachment to avoid this tedious task.

Design score: 4/5

Kuvings Hands-Free Slow Juicer AUTO10 Plus: performance

Handles a lot of fruits and veggies fast without removing peels, seeds, or stems
Doesn't mix thicker items well
Cleanup is a hassle

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(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)Image 2 of 4

(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)Image 3 of 4

(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)Image 4 of 4

(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

I made a delicious green juice from Kuvings' website called Spring Detox Juice. The recipe consisted of kale, grapes, kiwis, pears, and limes. Conveniently, I only had to remove the stems from the grapes. Everything else I just cleaned and then threw in whole, just as they are pictured above. As recommended, I used the juicing strainer, which has a fine mesh that keeps the pulp out of your juice. Even with all the tart and bitter ingredients, the juice was smooth and sweet without any added sugar or sweeteners.

(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

Using the optional citrus attachment (sold separately), I made orange juice with navel oranges. Four small-to-medium oranges yielded just about 6 ounces of juice. I just washed each orange, sliced it in half and then pressed it onto the citrus attachment. The juice was good but a little bit tart. Obviously the oranges that you use will determine how the juice tastes.

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(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)Image 2 of 3

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(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

This juicer lets you make a variety of nut milks and other plant milks. I’d never had oat milk before so I thought I would try making it. I used the recommended juicing strainer. The resulting oat milk did indeed look like milk. I put the oat milk on my cereal; it tasted kind of bland but OK. I also used it in smoothies, chia pudding, and even ranch dressing, and it was totally fine. I had heard that oat milk generally has a slightly slimy mouth feel and I did notice that, but only when drinking it plain.

I used this double recipe from Kuvings' website, Oat Milk & Oat Pulp Cookies. After making the oat milk, I used the pulp to make cookies, which reminded me of healthy cookies that I’ve made before with oats and bananas. They were pretty bland because there was no sweetener in them. If I were making them again, I would definitely add a sweetener or mashed banana. Using the oat pulp instead of whole oats was fine. I also think the oat pulp would be great for making dog treats.

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(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)Image 2 of 2

(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

Next, I wanted to test out the smoothie strainer, which has larger holes than the juicing strainer. Smoothies don't produce any pulp, as everything goes right into your cup. I make Kuvings' Banana Protein Smoothie Recipe, which was just bananas, milk, and nuts. This recipe was pretty disappointing. The taste was fine, since I do like bananas and nuts, but it was a bit liquidy and bland for my taste. I also noticed that the ingredients weren't fully blended together, as they would be if I'd used a blender.

I ended up pouring the results into a blender with some vanilla yogurt and ice to make myself a thicker and more flavorful smoothie.

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(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)Image 2 of 2

(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

To test out the blank strainer, I made Kuving's Dragon Fruit Sorbet. The recipe calls for just two frozen fruit ingredients, dragon fruit and bananas, but I couldn’t find frozen dragon fruit in the stores I checked, so I used cherries instead.

I’ve made fruit-only sorbets many times with other kitchen appliances. The Kuvings juicer does just as good a job as those other appliances and the sorbet is delicious. If you’d like a sweeter sorbet, you would need to add some kind of sweetener, but I like plain old fruit as is. The juicer does not mix the two fruits together. You have to add the two frozen fruits a little bit at a time, alternating between them. The result is a swirled rather than uniform sorbet.

The Kuvings Hands-Free Slow Juicer AUTO10 Plus does a great job making juices and plant milks, which is probably the primary reason anyone would buy it. Making juice is very easy, since you don't have to peel or cut the ingredients before popping them into the big hopper.

It also does a good job making sorbets, as long as you don't mind that the ingredients are somewhat swirled rather than fully mixed. Smoothies came out all right, but I really wouldn't bother making smoothies in this juicer unless you don't have a regular blender.

The hardest part of using this machine is cleanup, for sure. Not only are there a lot of parts to clean, but there are a lot of nooks and crannies. Three different cleaning tools are included in ensure you can get every part clean. None of it is dishwasher-safe, so you'll need to wash it all by hand.

Performance score: 4/5

Kuvings Hands-Free Slow Juicer AUTO10 Plus: Score card

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

Not yet widely available, though I expect it will be soon since other Kuvings juicer models are. It's quite pricey.

3/5

Design

It's easy enough to put together once you learn how, but it does take up a lot of space.

4/5

Performance

It makes excellent juices and also makes lots of other foods and beverages. Cleanup is a hassle, though.

4/5

Kuvings Hands-Free Slow Juicer AUTO10 Plus: should you buy it?Buy it if...

You’re a hard-core juicer

If you're someone who wants to make a lot of juice, this is the juicer for you. With the included hopper extension, it handles large quantities of whole fruits and veggies at once. No pre-cutting, just pop everything in: peels, stems, seeds, and all. You can also buy a separate citrus attachment for juicing citrus without the peels.

You want to make plant milks at home

Not into dairy milk? Make your own nut milk, seed milk, soy milk, oat milk, or hemp milk in this juicer. The fine mesh juicing strainer makes for a smooth and creamy result.

You want to make smoothies and other blended treats

While these aren't the star features of this juicer, you can also make smoothies, sorbet, hummus, soup, sauces, and more using the smoothie and blank strainers.

Don't buy it if...

You’re on a budget

This is a pricey home appliance, there's no question. It's really only worth it if you're serious about juice and/or plant-based milks.

You have a small kitchen

This juicer is a big commitment of counter and storage space. It's both tall and heavy which makes it a challenge to find a good spot to store and use it. Additionally, there are a lot of parts that need to be stored, not all of which nest together.

You’re hate washing dishes

There's no way around it, you'll be doing a lot of sink work here. Use the three included cleaning tools to get into every nook and cranny. None of it is dishwasher-safe, so you'll wash every part by hand.

Kuvings Hands-Free Slow Juicer AUTO10 Plus: also consider

Breville the Juice Fountain Cold

The winner of our best juicers guide, this one makes smooth juice without the mega price tag. Read our Breville the Juice Fountain Cold review for the full rundown.View Deal

Sage 3X Bluicer Pro

If you want a single appliance that both juices and blends, you might consider this one for roughly half the price of the Kuvings. It's not perfect, but it does the job for a lot less. Read our Sage 3X Bluicer Pro review for more information.View Deal

Kuvings Hands-Free Slow Juicer AUTO10 Plus: How I tested

I made orange juice with the citrus attachment (sold separately). I made a green fruit/veggie juice as well as an oat milk with the juicing strainer. I baked cookies from the oat milk's oat pulp. I made a fruit smoothie with the smoothie strainer. I made a frozen fruit sorbet with the blank strainer.

First reviewed: August 2025

Categories: Reviews

I tried Dynatrace, a comprehensive and advanced observability platform for enterprises

TechRadar Reviews - Wed, 08/20/2025 - 05:30

Dynatrace positions itself as a leader in the competitive network monitoring space, offering a complete observability platform that extends far beyond basic network metrics. While on the hunt for the best network monitoring tools of 2025, we found it to be particularly strong for enterprise environments with complex and distributed infrastructures.

TechRadar reviewers spend several weeks researching each major IT platform in the market, analyzing everything from core functionality to pricing and customer support quality. When we looked at Dynatrace, we were especially impressed by its AI-powered Davis engine, which automatically detects anomalies and performs root cause analysis across your entire stack.

While our top pick LogicMonitor remains the best overall network monitoring tool of 2025, Dynatrace offers unique strengths for organizations needing comprehensive observability beyond traditional network monitoring. Dynatrace has also been recognized as a leader in G2's Network Monitoring for 2025 and Gartner's Magic Quadrant for Observability Platforms.

Dynatrace: Features

Dynatrace is an exceptionally feature-rich platform that goes well beyond traditional network monitoring to provide observability across applications, infrastructure, and user experience. It's primarily geared toward enterprise organizations with complex environments distributed across multiple cloud and on-premises systems.

Features are generally well-executed, with particular strengths in automated discovery, dependency mapping, and intelligent alerting, though some users note that pure network monitoring capabilities aren't as robust as specialized tools like SolarWinds NPM. While the premium pricing makes it inaccessible for small teams, the feature set justifies the cost for organizations looking for unified observability over point solutions.

Full-stack monitoring

Dynatrace's flagship capability provides end-to-end visibility from user experience down to infrastructure components, automatically discovering and mapping all dependencies across your technology stack. The OneAgent technology deploys with minimal configuration and begins collecting metrics, traces, and logs immediately, supporting automatic instrumentation for hundreds of technologies without manual intervention. This eliminates the blind spots common in traditional monitoring approaches by correlating performance issues across all tiers of your environment.

AI-powered analytics

The Davis AI engine serves as Dynatrace's differentiating factor, continuously analyzing billions of dependencies and metrics to automatically detect anomalies and determine root causes. Rather than simply alerting on threshold breaches, Davis provides context-aware insights that help IT teams understand not just what happened, but why it happened and what should be done about it. It reduces alert noise significantly while ensuring critical issues receive immediate attention with actionable remediation guidance.

Network performance monitoring

While network monitoring isn't Dynatrace's primary strength, the platform provides process-level network visibility that goes beyond traditional host-based monitoring. You can track network performance metrics between specific processes and services, identify connection issues proactively, and understand network topology in dynamic cloud environments. The platform automatically monitors new network interfaces and provides integrated health metrics alongside other key resource indicators.

Real user monitoring

Dynatrace captures actual user interactions across web, mobile, and API channels to provide insights into real-world performance and user experience. It tracks click patterns, page load times, and user journeys while identifying frustration points and performance bottlenecks that impact customer satisfaction. This extends beyond synthetic testing to understand how actual users experience your applications under real-world conditions.

(Image credit: Dynatrace)Dynatrace: Ease of Use

Dynatrace comes with a modern interface that uses its Smartscape data visualization to help users understand complex environment relationships at a glance. Its automatic discovery capabilities significantly reduce initial setup complexity, with deployment typically completing in minutes without extensive configuration.

However, the sheer breadth of features and data available can create a steep learning curve for new users, particularly those transitioning from simpler monitoring tools. That said, the platform includes helpful features like in-product live chat assistance available directly within the interface, allowing users to get immediate help without leaving their monitoring environment.

Dynatrace has invested heavily in user experience improvements, with recent updates focusing on streamlining workflows and reducing the number of clicks required for common tasks. While the learning curve exists, IT teams find the investment in training worthwhile given the platform's capabilities and the reduction in time-to-resolution it provides for complex issues.

Dynatrace: Pricing

Plan

Starting price (paid annually)

What's included

Infrastructure Monitoring

$0.04 per hour per host

Host monitoring for any server size, with basic dashboards and alerting

Kubernetes Platform Monitoring

$0.002 per hour

Complete observability across all Kubernetes clusters, workloads, pods and more

Synthetic Monitoring

$0.001 per request

High throughput monitoring for browser clickpaths, single pages, and APIs

Full-Stack Monitoring

$0.08 per hour per host

Complete APM and observability, AI-powered insights, OneAgent deployment, OpenTelemetry support

Dynatrace employs a usage-based pricing model that scales with your environment size and monitoring requirements. There's no hidden fees, but you'll be making potentially complex cost calculations for larger deployments.

It works well for organizations with predictable infrastructure sizes, plus volume discounts make it more attractive for enterprise deployments. Compared to competitors, Dynatrace sits at the premium end of the market, which reflects its comprehensive feature set but may price out smaller organizations that need simpler network monitoring solutions.

Dynatrace: Customer Support

Dynatrace offers two tiers of support: Standard Support included with all subscriptions and Enterprise Support for customers requiring enhanced service levels.

Standard Support includes in-product live chat assistance available directly within the Dynatrace interface, allowing users to connect with product experts for configuration questions and basic troubleshooting during business hours. The support team has access to product development experts for complex issues, ensuring customers can reach the right level of expertise when needed.

Enterprise Support provides enhanced response times, dedicated support resources, and expanded coverage hours for mission-critical environments. All customers also have access to comprehensive self-help resources including detailed documentation, the Dynatrace Community forum, and Dynatrace University for training and certification.

While support quality generally receives positive feedback from enterprise customers, some smaller organizations report challenges getting rapid responses during peak periods with Standard Support.

Dynatrace: Alternatives

Dynatrace occupies a unique position in the observability market, serving as both a comprehensive monitoring platform and a specialized network monitoring tool, though its strength lies more in the former. It's best suited for enterprises with distributed environments where the AI-driven insights and visibility justify the premium pricing and complexity.

If you're looking for pure network monitoring tools, you might find better value in specialized tools like SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor or PRTG. But for organizations looking for network monitoring and observability, Dynatrace's main competitors include New Relic and Datadog.

Dynatrace: Final Verdict

Dynatrace delivers exceptional value for enterprise organizations requiring comprehensive observability beyond traditional network monitoring, with its AI-powered Davis engine and full-stack visibility providing capabilities that few competitors can match. It excels in complex, distributed environments where automatic discovery, dependency mapping, and intelligent root cause analysis justify the premium pricing and learning curve investment.

While pure network monitoring isn't Dynatrace's strongest suit compared to specialized tools, its ability to correlate network issues with application and infrastructure performance makes it valuable for organizations seeking unified observability. However, smaller organizations or those with simpler network monitoring needs may find Dynatrace overkill in both complexity and cost, making alternatives like LogicMonitor or PRTG more practical choices.

Dynatrace: FAQs

Is Dynatrace primarily a network monitoring tool?

No, Dynatrace is primarily an observability platform that includes network monitoring as one component of its full-stack approach. While it provides process-level network visibility and can monitor network performance between services, its core strength lies in application performance monitoring, infrastructure monitoring, and AI-driven analytics across the entire technology stack. Those looking for dedicated network monitoring tools might find better value in specialized solutions like LogicMonitor or SolarWinds NPM.

How does Dynatrace pricing work for growing organizations?

Dynatrace uses a usage-based pricing model where costs scale with your monitored infrastructure, measured in host-hours or GiB-hours depending on the plan. The platform offers volume discounts for larger commitments and allows organizations to exceed their minimum annual commitment on an on-demand basis without penalties. While this flexibility helps growing organizations, costs can increase significantly as infrastructure scales, making budget planning important for expansion.

What level of expertise is required to implement Dynatrace?

Dynatrace is designed for enterprise IT teams and requires moderate to advanced expertise to fully leverage its capabilities, though initial deployment is relatively straightforward thanks to OneAgent's automatic discovery.

While the platform can begin collecting data within minutes of deployment, maximizing its AI-driven insights, custom dashboards, and advanced alerting typically requires several weeks of learning and configuration.

Dynatrace provides comprehensive training resources through Dynatrace University and offers in-product support to help teams get up to speed.

Can Dynatrace replace multiple monitoring tools?

Yes, Dynatrace is specifically designed to consolidate multiple monitoring functions into a single platform, covering application performance, infrastructure monitoring, network monitoring, real user monitoring, and synthetic testing.

This eliminates data silos and provides correlated insights across the entire technology stack, which is particularly valuable for complex enterprise environments. However, organizations with specialized needs might still require dedicated tools for specific use cases like detailed network flow analysis or specialized database monitoring.

How does Dynatrace compare to other observability platforms?

Dynatrace differentiates itself primarily through its Davis AI engine, which provides automated root cause analysis and intelligent alerting beyond what competitors like New Relic or Datadog typically offer.

It also excels in automatic discovery and dependency mapping, requiring less manual configuration than many alternatives. However, it comes with premium pricing that may exceed competitors, and some users find its comprehensive feature set more complex than needed for simpler monitoring requirements.

Check out the best IT asset management software.

Categories: Reviews

Norton VPN review: serious upgrades but not without its limits

TechRadar Reviews - Tue, 08/19/2025 - 20:53

Norton has long been a household name for antivirus software, yet despite launching its first VPN, Norton WiFi Privacy, in 2017, it’s never achieved the same pedigree status in the space. Its original iteration, Norton Secure VPN, offered little to shout about, though a recent revamp seems to have set the service on a much more promising path.

Although not yet rivaling the likes of NordVPN, Norton VPN offers surprisingly quick speeds, a super-friendly interface, and a great array of features you’d expect from a top VPN service. While some gaps in the service remain, it’s clear the Norton VPN team is striving to bring the same security pedigree seen on its antivirus software to its VPN, and pretty quickly, too.

We’ve put this new and improved service to the test. Both in day-to-day scenarios and more rigorous, proprietary tests, we’ve uncovered where the service has made great strides, and where it should look next to ensure it reaches the heights its aiming for, all to help you decide whether Norton VPN is the choice for you.

Features

Norton VPN’s recent revamp has seen a host of expectable but mightily important features arrive across several platforms. Plus, it continues to improve its fundamentals – even if some areas still have some work to do.

As far as VPN protocols go, Norton offers OpenVPN, WireGuard, IPSec, and Mimic, its proprietary protocol designed for obfuscation. iOS and Mac users are limited to only IPSec and Mimic, which is disappointing given OpenVPN and WireGuard’s improved capabilities – although IPSec can be fast, WireGuard offers a faster, less device-intensive experience. Luckily, wider support for these protocols is said to be in the works, though an exact release date is unknown.

Users on iOS and macOS have a limited protocol choice, with only IPSec and Mimic available (Image credit: Future)

As for extra features built into Norton VPN, there aren’t any particularly unique choices, though each is beneficial and often seen among top VPNs. Wi-Fi detection allows you to auto-connect to the VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi. On macOS, it also auto-connects on “compromised networks”. It’s unclear how Norton decides if a network is compromised, but all wireless networks are considered public by default.

Norton also offers ad and tracker blocking. Tracking is blocked at a DNS level to reduce the risk of your data being used for targeted ads while you browse online, and can be turned on by simply toggling the option. Although the tracker appeared to work, its ‘Trackers Blocked’ counter seems to run on a delay, rather than in real time, so while we know 50 trackers were blocked across a period of our testing time, we don’t have any indication of when each was blocked.

Ad blocking is undertaken by a browser extension. Although this means another download and sign-in process, we did find the ad blocker to be effective – even if not quite as effective as dedicated ad-blocker services. Scoring 77% in our tests, it is definitely worth turning on should you use Norton VPN, though don’t expect a flawless display. NordVPN and Surfshark only achieved 84% in our latest tests, and ExpressVPN only achieved 90%, so there isn’t far for Norton VPN to go before leading VPNs in this field.

A key area of improvement has been in Norton VPN’s security-focused features. Firstly, Norton VPN offers a simple-to-use kill switch, ensuring your internet traffic stops immediately when you lose connection to the VPN, preventing you from broadcasting unencrypted traffic over public Wi-Fi networks. If you’d prefer, you can choose whether you’d like to keep your access to local devices over a LAN even when the kill switch is active. The kill switch isn’t enabled by default and requires you to dig through a few menus to set it up, but if you’re on macOS, Norton gives you an easy set of guidelines to follow so you can quickly set it up.

The new Norton VPN app houses all of its improved features in an easy-to-use design resemblant of other Norton products (Image credit: Future)

Outside the kill switch, Norton VPN has added an array of features. In April 2025 alone, Norton VPN gained Double VPN, IP Rotation, Pause VPN capabilities, and the ad-blocking browser extension mentioned above.

Double VPN is available across 8 servers. While your connection options are fixed, for example, USA via Canada, they are bi-directional, and give you access to Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. While it’s not completely customizable, like Surfshark’s Nexus technology allows, its 8 locations put it only two behind NordVPN, which offers 10.

IP rotation also features, something not even NordVPN can say. Only Surfshark also offers IP rotation among the best VPNs. While Norton’s offering isn’t quite as expansive, it does offer servers in the US, Japan, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Germany to use. What’s more, Norton’s offering is much simpler to access, and connects in almost no time at all, no matter the server you pick. In our testing, our IP seemed to change every few seconds, meaning it should be good enough to give you a new IP for every website you visit.

Pause VPN is the final feature worth mentioning. Overlooked by the likes of PIA and ExpressVPN, pause VPN gives you the choice to temporarily end your VPN connection for a set time, with the VPN reactivating once the time ends. This is a great tool should you briefly wish to search for something or use an app outside of the connection without risking forgetting to turn your VPN back on. Norton VPN’s implementation is extremely simple to use, and is easily accessed, though it’d be great to see a minimum pause time shorter than 15 minutes as, frankly, most times when we’ve needed it we’ve been finished in five minutes rather comfortably.

Server Network

Norton VPN’s server network isn’t up there with the very best VPNs quite yet, but it’s seen massive expansion in recent months. Since our last review, Norton VPN has expanded from servers in 29 countries to servers in 65, with 104 total locations. For comparison, Norton VPN now has more locations than Mullvad, which offers 89, and only a few less than Windscribe, which offers 112.

What’s good is the spread Norton VPN offers. 25 locations in the US are great for streaming enthusiasts, plus 6 countries in South America and 5 countries in Africa is superb given the lack of coverage these areas traditionally recieve. Asian coverage is weaker, with only 12 countries, though the most popular locations are included among these.

Given Norton VPN’s rate of increase, it wouldn’t surprise me if its country spread increased further over the coming months. If so, it’d be good to see the service fill the various gaps left in Asia and, since it already has a strong presence in South America and Africa, bulk out its presence in Europe and the US to account for key sites and services located in currently omitted regions.

Norton VPN's global coverage is especially impressive in South America and Africa, though its Asian coverage could be better (Image credit: Future)Apps

Norton’s VPN app is available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It’s also available on Apple TV and Android-based smart TVs. For Android TVs, you need version 10 or later, whereas Apple tvOS requires version 17 or later.

Notably, there’s no Fire TV or Linux support, so if you need to cover your Ubuntu or Linux Mint install, Norton won’t cut it quite yet - there’s not even support for a command-line VPN. Norton does not offer configuration files for OpenVPN or WireGuard either, so there’s no way to use Norton with an unsupported device.

It’s worth mentioning that Norton VPN’s apps have several instances of feature disparity. As highlighted already, iOS and macOS users are already limited in protocol choice, but these platforms also lack split tunneling and some auto-connect functionality. The lack of protocol choice is especially disappointing in this instance, given that other providers have offered OpenVPN and WireGuard on these platforms for a while now.

Otherwise, there’s nothing really to dislike about Norton VPN’s apps on any platform. They’re simple to look at, easy to navigate, and look so unapologetically Norton-like that anyone new to VPNs who’s familiar with its antivirus tools will quickly gain the sense of security often felt when using other Norton tools.

Ease of use

Norton VPN is a breeze to install, likely thanks to the years of experience Norton has with its other products in making complex systems simple to introduce.

Once you’re in, the experience is impressively simple, though at the expense of a couple of handy extra tools. The menus aren’t overcomplicated with features, settings, and data – though the option to set favorites or see the best servers at any time would be nice – the settings are all explained in simple enough terms for beginners, and there’s easy access to any extra tools you might have in your plan, or guides you may need to help set up your VPN connection how you’d like it.

In true Norton fashion, the experience you have is as close to identical as possible across any device you might have, too. This makes Norton VPN a superb choice should you be new to VPNs and looking for easy, quick access to the settings you need, without worrying that your usual server, connection type, or setting may be hiding somewhere new.

Even Norton VPN’s Advanced Servers, meaning its P2P-optimized, double VPN, and IP rotation optimized servers, are easily accessed. With dropdown menus giving you the information you need to understand where you’re connecting to, and any additional routing your connection might take.

Speed and performance

Norton’s speeds are its biggest area of improvement since our last round of testing. Starting with the headlines, we recorded an average speed of 909Mbps download using WireGuard from our testing server in the UK, rivalling the likes of NordVPN, ExpressVPN and Proton VPN as a result.

Our connection to the US wasn’t quite as impressive, as we only recorded speeds of 463Mbps, which is around the middle of the pack. It’s still more than enough to watch multiple 4K streams simultaneously, but it’s a pretty big dropoff compared to our initial UK tests.

How we perform speed tests

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

We test from two different virtual PCs, one in the UK and one in the US. We’re expecting big things out of NordVPN, as both of these servers have a 1 Gbs connection. You can find out more in our VPN testing methodology.

As for OpenVPN performance, Norton didn’t do as well. Our average speeds were around 260-275Mbps, whether connecting to the UK or US, which is also more than enough for most internet activities, but pales in comparison to the speeds we’ve seen elsewhere.

Our latency recordings were about what we’d expect for a top-tier VPN connecting to UK servers. In Norton’s case, 3.5ms. Most of the providers we’ve tested clock in around the 2-5ms mark, which is barely perceivable. One or two milliseconds' difference won’t make a difference to most internet apps or online gaming sessions.

As for the US connection, Norton tops our list in terms of low latency at 66.6ms, just barely beating out NordVPN to take the top spot. If you’re gaming or running a video call and want your connection to be as responsive as possible while connected to the US, Norton is the ideal solution.

Unblocking

We’ve tested Norton VPN works with them with loads of your favorite streaming services and it worked with them all! Netflix is cracking down on VPNs, but we were able to watch Netflix US, UK, Australia, Canada, and Japan all from our local testing centers. The same goes for Amazon Prime and Disney Plus, however, we weren’t able to access US Youtube.

As for regional providers, it’s a mixed bag but mostly positive results. We were able to access BBC iPlayer, ITV, Channel 4, 7Plus, and 9Now, but TVNZ+ intermittently failed, and we couldn’t access 10Play at all.

Norton VPN does have P2P capabilities, and our testing showed it works reasonably well. It’s worth mentioning that Norton doesn’t support port forwarding, which means that you won’t get incoming requests for sharing when torrenting, limiting your connectivity.

Norton only has two P2P servers, one in the Netherlands and one in Dallas. It’s a far cry away from the full P2P connectivity of a provider like PIA, but even Avast’s competing SecureLine VPN offers eight P2P servers.

On the plus side, Norton does allow you to connect automatically when you boot up a supported P2P app, but you’ll have to enable this option from the settings menu first.

Privacy and security

Norton is clearly taking the necessary steps to ensuring its VPN is secure and private. Its no-logs policy is extensive yet clear, outlining the data collected by the VPN app at any instance, your browsing data is never stored on their servers, including DNS requests, which are instead served by a private DNS server run by Norton, preventing ISP spying, and it’s had its no-logs policy audited to ensure trust.

In August 2024, VerSprite audited Norton’s policy, noting two issues that could result in sensitive user information being disclosed. Norton took the necessary steps to address these issues, and once remedied, VerSprite agreed the no logs policy was both accurate and implemented correctly.

However, Norton does collect some anonymized information from the VPN client. This includes connection timestamps, platform details such as OS and timezone, and crash logs. They also aggregate overall data transmission for network planning. So, if you’re extremely concerned about your privacy, Norton might collect slightly too much information for comfort. As it stands, Norton’s acceptable for day to day browsing, but you might consider Proton VPN instead if you need rock-solid privacy guarantees.

Norton is clearly taking the necessary steps to ensuring its VPN is secure and private."

Rob Dunne - VPN Editor, TechRadar

Something that may ease some privacy concerns would be if Norton VPN implemented RAM-only servers. These servers wipe when rebooted, meaning you cannot store any data on them, thus eradicating the risk of any user data being available should a data request be submitted by authorities. Not having RAM-only servers isn’t an issue as such, though it adds a layer of trust for users, and is becoming increasingly common among top VPNs.

Given its privacy focus, we wanted to know more about Norton VPN’s proprietary Mimic protocol. In addition to offering obfuscation, Mimic is powered by TLS 1.3 ciphers (AES-256 and ChaCha20), as well as CRYSTAL-Kyber-512 for post-quantum cryptography. It’s good to hear that Norton is already thinking ahead when it comes to quantum security, which puts them significantly in front of most of the VPN industry.

Meanwhile, Norton's standard VPN protocols, OpenVPN and WireGuard, use AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20-Poly1305 encryption, respectively. These are considered the top encryption methods used by all of the best VPNs, a strong demonstration, therefore, of Norton’s intent to found its service on strong privacy staples.

Customer Support

Norton’s customer support staff are very helpful. There’s a community forum where you can post issues you’re having with Norton VPN, where other members and support staff can pitch in with their own advice. From the interactions we’ve had, they’re very knowledgeable and quite prompt in returning with information.

However, the support materials on the site are a different matter. When you search for help topics on Norton’s website, you’re immediately given an AI prompt for your search, which looks like it’s powered by Gemini. It’s not totally useful when you’re trying to find specific help on a topic, and you have to scroll past it to get to the actual results.

As for the knowledge base, it’s not particularly in-depth - most of the articles consist of bullet point lists and some are thinly-disguised marketing material. If you want help with Norton, we’d stick to contacting their customer support directly through the forum or over the phone. There’s also a 24/7 helpdesk upgrade if you need around-the-clock customer service.

Pricing and plans

Norton offers three tiers of pricing. The standard VPN package starts at $39.99 for the first year, which works out at roughly $3.33 per month. After the introductory offer is over, it renews at $79.99 per year. That makes Norton one of the cheapest VPNs we’ve see.

However, there’s one major limitation: you’re only allowed five device connections (or worse, only one if you’re in some regions including the UK), significantly under the 8-10 you’ll find from most other providers. Surfshark and PIA both go even further, offering unlimited device connections on their cheapest subscription plans. It should also be clarified that Norton’s device limit isn’t a traditional simultaneous connections limit. Instead, Norton’s five device limit refers to the number of devices with the VPN installed. Should you wish to install on a sixth device, you’d instead be asked to remove one of the previous five devices, rather than merely disconnecting from the VPN.

Upgrading your subscription costs an extra $10 per year, making your subscription cost $4.17 per month initially and $109.99 every year after that. There’s no meaningful change to the VPN, but you get extra features from Norton’s security suite, including virus protection, password management, dark-web scanning, 10GB encrypted cloud storage, and AI-powered scam detection.

The Ultimate subscription package will set you back an extra $20 per year, making it $5 per month initially and $129.99 per year after the first. In addition to extra family-safety features for monitoring your child’s devices, the device count is bumped up to 10, so you can take full advantage of Norton’s security features on most of your household’s devices, and you get 50GB of secure storage (or 150GB should you activate auto-renewal).

To its credit, Norton offers an above-average 60-day money-back guarantee and a true 7-day free trial when you sign up. We love 7-day free trials as an entry point into VPNs as they offer a ‘try before you buy’ solution, without some of the hassles caused by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Seeing Norton VPN be one of the first to offer this, then, puts it in good stead to be among the best VPNs for beginners in the future.

Switching from its current install-based device limit also seems like an easy win Norton VPN could take advantage of. While increasing the device limit with more premium plans does help this slightly, removing the confusing of registering and removing devices is an easy way to make the service more accessible to newer users and takes away the sting of the small device limit on the standard plan.

Should you use Norton VPN?

Norton VPN is a rapidly improving VPN. In the space of a few months, it’s brought in a spread of features you’d expect to see in a top VPN, alongside some features some top VPNs don’t think to include. Its performance has risen to a point where it can rival top VPNs like Surfshark and NordVPN, it has apps simple enough for anyone to use, and it brings Norton-pedigree security to make anyone trust its privacy guarantees.

That said, there are several areas it still needs to address. Primarily, sorting the device install limit will add to its already high-value package by reducing connection roadblocks for users. Outside of this, expanding the feature pool, adding Linux and Fire TV support, and eradicating the feature disparities for macOS and iOS users will quickly put Norton VPN among the best value VPNs available if done right.

For many, now might not be the right time to pick up Norton VPN due to any one of the limitations mentioned. That said, it’d be wise to keep an eye on Norton VPN over the coming year or so, as, from what we’ve seen already in 2025, it looks as though the provider could quickly become a high-value, high-security VPN from a name renowned for its security capabilities.

Norton VPN alternatives

1. NordVPN – The best VPN overall
NordVPN combines security, speed, and usability in a single VPN package that can’t be beat on value. In addition to lightning-fast servers, NordVPN offers some unique features like Threat Protection Pro, which integrates anti-virus, anti-phishing, and ad-blocking capabilities into a single product. Try it today with a 30-day money-back guarantee.View Deal

2. Surfshark – get the 7-day free trial
When you buy a Surfshark subscription, you get unlimited simultaneous device connections, 100+ countries to connect to, and advanced IP rotation features powered by their own Nexus software-defined network. It's perfect if you need to cover a household full of devices. Try Surfshark risk free with a 30-day money-back guarantee or a 7-day free trial.View Deal

3. ExpressVPN – The best secure VPN
ExpressVPN consistently ranks as our most secure VPN thanks to its forward-thinking security features, like quantum-resistant encryption. It's all thanks to their proprietary Lightway VPN protocol, designed from the ground up for mobile-first support. The ExpressVPN app is perfect for beginners with a simple interface across all platforms, plus 24/7 support on hand to walk you through setting it up. Express also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.View Deal

Categories: Reviews

I tested the Aukey Spark Mini 20000 and it looks smart but doesn’t do much to set itself apart

TechRadar Reviews - Tue, 08/19/2025 - 19:00

Aukey Spark Mini 20000: review

The Aukey Spark Mini 20000 has simple yet elegant looks, with its soft edges helping to make it more sleek. Aside from grey and silver, there’s also a pink colorway if you want something a little more vibrant.

However, the materials don’t look especially premium, and it’s not as solid as some of the best power banks, with considerable flexing in the front panel, which can even trigger the power button if pressed too hard.

Thankfully, the bottom section is much sturdier, as well as looking more refined thanks to its matte finish and slightly soft texture. This is also the thickest and heaviest part of the unit, but thanks to its overall compactness, the Spark Mini 20000 is quite portable – although carrying it in your pocket might prove a little too onerous.

There’s no real interface, aside from a power button and five small LED dots: four to indicate remaining charge and one to indicate that charging is active. This is quite useful, as it allows you to check whether your device is actually charging with a mere glance.

The Spark Mini 20000 features just two charging ports: one USB-C and one USB-A, the latter of which serves as an output as well as an input for charging the bank itself. This limited selection is a little disappointing, as there are many other 20K power banks with three or four ports to choose from.

At least simultaneous charging is supported, and each port provides enough power for fast charging. The USB-C port supports the PD standard, providing 20W of power for charging the best iPhones and other smartphones quickly, while the USB-A port provides 22.5W of power. A USB-C-to-C cable is included in the box, but it’s quite short, so you’ll need your device close to the bank when charging.

The Spark Mini 20000 managed to charge my Google Pixel 7a from empty to full in about two hours, which isn’t a spectacular performance, but is still within the bounds of what you would expect given its power delivery. However, charging the bank itself from empty to full took over five and a half hours, which is pretty slow going, even for a power bank of this capacity.

About average for a power bank with this size, the Spark Mini 20000 costs $35.99 / £26.37 (about AU$55). However, there are power banks with similar prices that offer more features, such as the INIU Carry P51L-E1 Power Bank 22.5W 20000mAh.

This bank has the same 20,000mAh capacity, but includes an integrated USB-C cable in addition to two ports. It also features a digital display and a flashlight, but still manages to be about the same size as the Spark Mini 20000.

(Image credit: Future)Aukey Spark Mini 20000 review: price & specs

Price

$35.99 / £26.37 (about AU$55)

Capacity

20,000mAh

Total wattage

22.5W

Number of ports

USB-C

USB-A

Wireless charging

Weight

11.4oz / 322g

Power-to-weight

62mAh/g

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the Aukey Spark Mini 20000?Buy it if…

You want something simple
The Spark Mini 20000 is a simple case of plug and go, and the LED to indicate charging is active is a simple but useful touch.

You want something compact
The Spark Mini 20000 makes for a great travel companion thanks to its small dimensions, even if it’s a little thick.

Don't buy it if…

You have more than two devices to charge
With only two ports, the Spark Mini 20000 is limited compared to similarly capacious power banks, which can include three or four ports – and even integrated cables.

You want more features
With no digital display or integrated cables and the like, the Spark Mini 20000 is about as simple as it gets – and similarly priced rivals offer more.

Aukey Spark Mini 20000 review: Also consider

INIU Carry P51L-E1 Power Bank 22.5W 20000mAh
The P51L-E1 has a similar capacity and power output to the Spark Mini 20000, but has an integrated USB-C cable, which also functions as a carrying loop. It also has a flashlight and a digital display, although the latter is a little sparse in the information it provides, but is clear to see. It’s also about the same price as the Spark Mini 20000, so ultimately it makes for better value. Read our full INIU Carry P51L-E1 Power Bank 22.5W 20000mAh review.

Categories: Reviews

Groov-e's Wave Glow Bluetooth speaker has a lot going for it, but sadly sound quality isn't on the list

TechRadar Reviews - Tue, 08/19/2025 - 17:00

Groov-e Wave Glow: two-minute review

The Groov-e Wave Glow is a very affordable portable speaker and one with sound quality to match that price tag. Yes, this is one that will infuriate the ears of audiophiles sounding somewhat tinny at times and slightly lacking any oomph across the course of my listening.

On the other hand, it has some funky looking lights which I found rather endearing, a comfy to grip strap, and some surprising ways to connect it to your music. Besides Bluetooth, you can also plug in a USB flash drive, slot in a TF card (both admittedly with a tight 64GB limit), and there’s an aux port. It’s not often you see these features in a tiny speaker any more. Granted, not everyone will need these but if you do, well, your options are limited making this more tempting.

Of course, don’t count on it rivalling the best Bluetooth speakers. This is a decidedly cheap speaker. It feels a little cheap to the touch and there’s that dodgy sound quality. I say dodgy; it’s reminiscent of buying a cheap radio or speaker years ago, before good speakers were affordable for the masses. It’s not hideous, exactly, but it’s also fairly ‘blah’.

Away from that disappointing audio quality, the Groov-e Wave Glow has some chunky, tactile buttons for play/pause, volume, and adjusting the lights, and the ports are all hidden behind a pull-out protective shell. Then there’s the lights up top and down bottom, and the elastic strap.

The Groov-e Wave Glow is priced at £23.99 and at the moment is only seemingly available in the UK, but that would make it under $35, or around AU$50. For that price, it’d be silly to expect too much, but if you can stretch further, you will find better options – more on those later. If money is that tight, however, or you’re looking for a cheap gift, the Groov-e Wave Glow still has some appeal.

(Image credit: Future)Groov-e Wave Glow review: price and release date

Released May 2025
£23.99 at launch
Limited availability

The Groov-e Wave Glow was launched in May 2025 and is currently available to buy in the UK. It’s already seen some modest discounts but is generally available for £23.99.

That makes it one of the cheaper speakers around. The recently released Tribit Stormbox Mini Plus is close but is still usually priced at £39.99. If you’re able to increase your budget to that, there are a few other options like the JBL Go 4, but few as cheap as this one.

Groov-e Wave Glow review: specs

Weight

645g

Dimensions

13.7 x 8 x 7.5 cm

Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.3, aux-in, USB-C (charging)

Battery life

8 hours (quoted)

Speaker drivers

10W

Waterproofing

n/a

Groov-e Wave Glow review: features

AUX port, microSD slot, and USB flash drive support
LED lights
8-hour battery life

The Groov-e Wave Glow is a fairly typical looking little Bluetooth speaker but with some surprising features. The highlight is its plethora of connections. Sure, you’ll be mostly using its Bluetooth connection, but it has other options. You can use its aux port to connect to other devices (and the speaker actually comes with a 3.5mm jack), while next to it is a TF (read: microSD) card slot, and the USB connection allows you to plug in a USB flash drive. Admittedly, both microSD and USB have a limitation of 64GB so you might have to search around for a compatible option, but it could be that specific situation that fits you perfectly.

There are no mics for speakerphone duties (although few speakers seem to offer that, these days) and battery life is a very unremarkable 8 hours. I’d have liked to have seen more here, especially as it takes 2 hours for a full recharge. Its Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity works fine and I had no issues using it with my iPhone 14 Pro but there were occasional dropouts on my PC – usually when I moved the speaker around.

Elsewhere, the LED lights are my favorite thing about the Groov-e Wave Glow. They visually bounce away while playing music and look suitably vibrant and exciting. They’re potentially more exciting than the audio quality, but I’ll get to that. It’s a neat touch either way and makes up for the lack of app support and thus in-app customization.

Features score: 4/5

(Image credit: Future)Groov-e Wave Glow review: sound quality

10W
Tinny sound
Weak bass

I didn’t expect much of the Groov-e Wave Glow but I have to be honest, it actually sounded a little worse than anticipated. It’s functional, of course, but pretty tinny at times. There’s no bass to speak of, but my word, do the lights try to atone for that. You're encouraged to feel like it’s doing its best, happily bouncing along. However, it’s pretty tame stuff.

Listening to spoken word – a podcast or YouTube video, say – is fine, but when you switch over to your favorite music, the limitations are much more noticeable. The volume can go pretty high, but that weakens the experience even more. I went for my cheesy favorite, Robbie William’s Let Me Entertain You to start, knowing exactly how it’s meant to sound and there was no urgency or strength in the mids.

I went bold then and loaded up some Muse and sighed as it sounded somewhat pitiful. The soundstage is weak but more importantly, the bass and general ambience is underwhelming.

Sound quality score: 2/5

(Image credit: Future)Groov-e Wave Glow review: design

Comfy elasticated strap
Tactile buttons
Well hidden ports

The Groov-e Wave Glow is certainly exactly how you expect a speaker to look, but there are a few highlights. I’m a big fan of its buttons being attractive but tactile too, so anyone with visual impairments can find what they’re wanting to press. There are buttons for play/pause, volume, and for toggling the lights on or off.

There’s a chunky section for the ports too which blends in well and feels suitably snug. On another side is the strap which is elasticated but held in quite tightly. The idea is that you can easily hold it through the strap but also attach it to something like a hook. It feels nice in your hands which is the main thing here.

As with other similar speakers, the Groov-e Wave Glow is pretty lightweight to carry around. Up top and down the bottom is the lighting so you can place the Groov-e Wave Glow sideways as well as upright.

What lets it down in this section – and why not go higher than four stars? Well, any discussion on the design has to include the audio architecture under the hood, and as you'll know if you've read this far, this area is where the Wave Glow struggles. Also, unusually for a speaker in 2025, there's no mention of an IP rating for water or dust ingress – so it won't be joining the ranks of our best waterproof speakers buying guide any time soon.

Design score: 4/5

(Image credit: Future)Groov-e Wave Glow review: value

Very cheap
Sturdy design
Useful for a specific situation

The Groov-e Wave Glow is certainly cheap but its sound quality demonstrates exactly why it’s so cheap. Having said that, the aux port, USB flash drive support, and TF card slot could make it exactly what you’ve been looking for. For those people, there’s not much else to rival the Groov-e Wave Glow at this price.

However, if you’re looking for good audio, it’s a smart move to spend a little more on the JBL Go range or something from Anker Soundcore. The Groov-e Wave Glow definitely isn’t the best choice for music lovers, but it is super cheap and for many, that's the priority.

Value score: 3/5

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the Groov-e Wave Glow?

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

No app, but there are a few notable extras not on other models

4/5

Sound quality

The weakest element by far when considering the Wave Glow: tinny and lacking in low end

2/5

Design

Useful straps, fun lights and tactile buttons

4/5

Value

It's cheap, but given the sound quality, spending less doesn't always mean value

3/5

Buy it if...

You want extra connectivity options
Many speakers still retain an aux port but TF and USB flash drive support? That’s what potentially makes the Groov-e Wave Glow your dream option. Only you know what you need most.

You want something for the summer
Just need a short term solution? The Groov-e Wave Glow is cheap, easy to get hold of, and does the job. Just about.

You’re on a tight budget
If money is very tight and you need a speaker, the Groov-e Wave Glow is an impulse buy kind of price.

Don't buy it if...

You’re an audiophile
It’s been a while since I’ve heard something as underwhelming as the Groov-e Wave Glow which is a tragic shame, but true.

You want something to last all day
The Groov-e Wave Glow only has 8 hours of battery life which means it won’t last a busy day hiking or out and about. There are other cheap options with better battery life.

You want waterproofing
The Groov-e Wave Glow doesn’t confirm its waterproofing and while its ports are neatly hidden away, we wouldn’t trust it immersed in water. Go for something with guaranteed IPX7 waterproofing if you plan on heading to the pool.

Groov-e Wave Glow review: also consider

Groov-e Wave Glow

Tribit Stormbox Mini Plus

JBL Clip 5

Price

£23.99; limited availability in other markets

$39.99 / £32 / AU$65 (approx.)

$79.95 / £59.99 / AU$89.95

Weight

645g

545g

285g

Dimensions

13.7 x 8 x 7.5 cm

90.9 x 90.9 x 118.9 mm

86 x 134.5 x 46 mm

Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.3, aux-in, USB-C (charging)

Bluetooth 5.4 (SBC, AAC codecs), AUX-in, USB-C (charging)

Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C (charging)

Battery life

8 hours (quoted)

12 hours (quoted)

Up to 12 hours

Speaker drivers

10W (dimensions not stated)

48mm

Integrated class D digital amplifiers x 1

Waterproofing

n/a

IPX7

IP67

JBL Clip 5
If you can stretch that budget, buy the JBL Clip 5. It’s perfect for outdoor use while also sounding great for the price. There’s plenty of detail and bass here with an adjustable EQ and an ideal strap for carrying.
Read our full JBL Clip 5 review View Deal

Tribit Stormbox Mini Plus
A little more expensive but guaranteeing good waterproofing, the Tribit Stormbox Mini Plus could still sound better but it’s otherwise a robust option at a very affordable price.
Read our full Tribit Stormbox Mini Plus review

Groov-e Wave Glow review: how I tested

Tested over 14 days
Used with Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and Twitch
15 years of audio equipment reviewing experience

I used the Groov-e Wave Glow across 14 days in a wide range of ways. I connected it to my PC initially and listened to Spotify, Apple Music and Twitch using that as a source device, then moved to my iPhone 14 Pro.

That meant a solid mixture of spoken audio and also music. My music taste is fairly varied so it went from Robbie Williams to Muse to Chet Baker to various pieces of classical music. I also checked how good battery life appeared to be and monitored how long it took to recharge.

I have 15 years of experience testing audio equipment, specialising in portable, affordable products just like the Groov-e Wave Glow.

First reviewed: August 2025
Read more about how we test

Categories: Reviews

I tested Datadog network monitoring and found it amazing for analytics and integrations review

TechRadar Reviews - Tue, 08/19/2025 - 05:58

If you’re searching for a network monitoring tool that can keep up with hybrid and cloud-first IT environments, Datadog is likely on your shortlist. We’ve spent weeks researching every major IT platform and Datadog is near the top for its feature-rich approach and impressive integrations. For a broader look at your options, check out our best network monitoring tools list.

Our team at TechRadar has deep experience evaluating IT platforms — using, comparing, and stress-testing them in real-world scenarios. LogicMonitor is our pick for the best network monitoring tool of 2025. Its AI-powered suite automates many day-to-day IT workflows, making it a top choice for organizations wanting proactive, hands-off monitoring.

Still, Datadog’s popularity is no accident. It’s a favorite among IT teams for its real-time visibility, rich analytics, and ability to unify monitoring across multi-cloud, hybrid, and on-premises environments. But is it the right fit for your team? Let’s dive in.

Datadog network monitoring: Features

Datadog is one of the most feature-rich platforms in the network monitoring space. It’s packed with tools for real-time analytics, customizable dashboards, anomaly detection, and integrations with over 850 services and devices.

These features are best suited for IT teams managing complex, hybrid, or cloud-native environments who need granular visibility and automation. Everything comes together pretty well, though some users have asked for easier self-remediation and more transparent pricing, especially as data volumes grow.

At its price point, though, you’re paying for depth and breadth. So, if you need only basic monitoring, there are cheaper options.

Infrastructure monitoring

Datadog’s core component gives you a bird’s eye view of servers, cloud instances, containers, and network devices. It auto-discovers resources and collects data from CPUs, memory, disk, and network performance, all visualized in real time.

Network performance monitoring (NPM)

NPM provides deep visibility into your network traffic, showing you which services are talking to each other, where bottlenecks are, and how traffic flows across your environment. You can drill down to individual connections, monitor bandwidth usage, and set up alerts for unusual activity.

Log management

Datadog automatically ingests, parses, and analyzes logs from across your stack. You can search logs in real time, correlate them with metrics and traces, and set up alerts for error spikes or suspicious activity.

Application performance monitoring (APM)

APM traces requests across distributed systems, helping you spot slowdowns, errors, and performance bottlenecks at the code or service level. It supports major programming languages and frameworks.

Synthetic monitoring

This tool simulates user interactions with your apps and connectors, running tests from locations around the world to measure uptime and performance. It’s useful for catching issues before users notice them.

Real user monitoring (RUM)

RUM tracks the actual experience of your users, measuring load times, errors, and engagement in real time. This is important for teams focused on optimizing user-facing applications.

Security monitoring

Datadog’s security suite includes anomaly detection, threat intelligence, and compliance monitoring, helping you spot vulnerabilities and suspicious behavior as it happens.

Integrations and APIs

With support for 850+ integrations, including AWS, Azure, Kubernetes, Chef, Puppet, and more — Datadog can slot into almost any IT environment, making it easy to unify monitoring across tools and platforms.

(Image credit: Datadog)Datadog network monitoring: Ease of use

Datadog is generally user-friendly, with a modern, intuitive interface and customizable dashboards that make it easy to visualize the metrics that matter most to you. Many users find setup and configuration straightforward, especially compared to older tools like SolarWinds. You can drag and drop widgets, create custom views, and filter data with just a few clicks.

However, the initial setup can feel overwhelming for newcomers. With so many features and integrations, it’s not always clear where to start, and some users report that onboarding documentation could be more beginner-friendly. Once you’re past the learning curve, though, day-to-day use is smooth and efficient.

Datadog also supports accessibility features and offers a REST API for advanced customization and integration with other tools. While the platform is designed to scale with your needs, we’d love to see more guided onboarding for first-time users.

Datadog network monitoring: Pricing

Plan

Starting price (paid annually)

What’s included

Infrastructure Monitoring

$15 per host/month

Core metrics, dashboards, 850+ integrations

APM

$31 per host/month

Distributed tracing, service maps, code profiling

Log Management

$0.10 per GB ingested

Log ingestion, search, analytics

Network Performance

$5 per host/month

Network traffic analysis, flow monitoring, device health

Synthetic Monitoring

$5 per 10,000 API tests

API and browser tests, uptime checks

Real User Monitoring

$2 per 10,000 sessions

End-user experience metrics, session replay

Security Monitoring

$0.20 per GB analyzed

Threat detection, compliance monitoring

Database Monitoring

$21 per host/month

Database performance, query analytics

Continuous Profiler

$8 per host/month

Code profiling, performance optimization

Incident Management

$15 per user/month

Incident tracking, collaboration tools

CI Visibility

$5 per 25,000 test runs

CI/CD pipeline monitoring, job analytics

Datadog’s pricing is modular and can add up quickly as you layer on more features or monitor more hosts. While the entry price for network monitoring is competitive, costs for log ingestion, APM, and other advanced features can become significant for large environments.

The flexibility to pick and choose modules is great, but budgeting can be tricky. Compared to competitors like LogicMonitor, Datadog is often pricier at scale, though it offers more control over what you pay for.

Datadog network monitoring: Customer support

Datadog’s customer support is generally responsive and knowledgeable, with 24/7 availability for most plans. Users can access support via email, chat, or ticketing, and there’s a robust knowledge base and active community forums. Enterprise customers get priority support, including a dedicated account manager and faster response times.

But, some users have reported mixed experiences, especially with lower-tier plans or complex billing issues. A few customers mention delays in getting detailed technical answers or feeling like their concerns weren’t fully addressed. For mission-critical environments, we recommend opting for enterprise support to ensure the fastest resolution times.

Datadog network monitoring: Alternatives

Datadog is a leader in network monitoring, but it’s not the only option. It’s best suited for mid-sized to large IT teams managing hybrid or cloud-first environments who need deep analytics and extensive integrations. If you’re a smaller business or just need basic monitoring, you might find Datadog’s cost and complexity overkill.

Top competitors include LogicMonitor for its AI-powered automation and intuitive interface, Dynatrace for AI-driven anomaly detection, and Nagios or Zabbix for IT teams who want open-source options. That said, Datadog’s main edge is its unified, cloud-native approach and real-time analytics. But if you value simplicity or lower costs, it’s worth comparing alternatives.

Datadog network monitoring: Final verdict

Datadog brings a powerful, unified approach to network monitoring, with real-time analytics, deep integrations, and customizable dashboards. It’s a top choice for IT teams that need to monitor complex, hybrid, or cloud-native environments and want to correlate network data with logs, traces, and application metrics.

However, cost and complexity can be drawbacks, especially for smaller teams or those new to monitoring platforms. If you need the most advanced features and can invest in setup and training, Datadog is a strong contender. For simpler needs or tighter budgets, other platforms may offer better value.

FAQs

What types of environments can Datadog monitor?

Datadog supports on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments, with integrations for AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, and more. It’s designed to provide unified visibility across all your infrastructure.

Is Datadog suitable for small businesses?

While Datadog can be used by businesses of any size, its pricing and feature set are best suited for mid-sized to large organizations with complex monitoring needs. Smaller teams may find the cost and learning curve steep.

Can Datadog alert me to network issues in real time?

Yes, Datadog provides real-time alerts for network performance issues, outages, and anomalies. You can customize alert thresholds and receive notifications via email, Slack, PagerDuty, and other channels.

Does Datadog offer a free trial?

Datadog typically offers a 14-day free trial for new users, allowing you to test core features and integrations before committing to a paid plan.

How does Datadog compare to LogicMonitor?

LogicMonitor is our top pick for 2025, thanks to its AI-powered automation and revamped UI. Datadog offers more granular analytics and integrations but can be more expensive and complex to set up. Both are excellent, but LogicMonitor is better for teams wanting automation while Datadog excels in analytics and customization.

We list the best website monitoring software.

Categories: Reviews

I was thankful for this Ugreen power bank's retractable cable, but its 20,000mAh capacity wasn't enough to charge my laptop fully

TechRadar Reviews - Sun, 08/17/2025 - 17:00

Ugreen Nexode Power Bank 20000mAh 165W: review

The Ugreen Nexode Power Bank has 165W of power and a 20000mAh, as well as a few features aimed at improving convenience.

In line with the range in which this power bank sits, the Nexode has a dark grey finish with black accents, making it slightly more interesting to look at than other power banks. The smooth matte finish also adds a hint of elegance, giving the impression that this is a premium product.

However, this belies the actual build quality of the Nexode. Despite its heaviness, some of the panels can flex slightly; they aren’t as solid as those you’ll find on many Anker power banks, for instance, which are some of the best power banks around in terms of construction.

Still, the Nexode should suffice for travel purposes. What’s more of an issue when traveling is just how bulky it is. It might have a relatively short length but it’s quite thick, and personally I would’ve preferred the compromise to be the other way around, as a thinner bank is easier to tuck away into a bag.

However, I did appreciate the rubber feet on the back panel. I haven’t noticed their absence on other power banks before, but seeing them here has made me realize how useful they are for protecting the bank and supporting surfaces from scratches. They also prevent the bank from sliding around.

The Nexode also has a large display, although unfortunately the readout is considerably smaller than the space appears to allow for. It’s also quite dim, which, combined with the reflective screen, can make it even hard to see.

The information it does provide, though, is quite useful. As well as the battery life percentage, there’s also estimated charging times for connected devices or the bank itself, as well as an indicator showing which connections are currently active and their wattage. Pressing the power button takes you to a second screen, where you can view the voltage and amperage of each connection, too.

Perhaps the standout feature of the Nexode, though, is the retractable USB-C cable. This is easy to use, although it does have a tendency to twist around, which can make it awkward to put back in. It’s also quite thin and doesn’t feel particularly hardy, but Ugreen does claim it can endure over 25,000 retractions and over 10,000 bends.

In addition to this cable, you also get two USB ports: one Type-A and one Type-C. Like the retractable cable, the latter port is both an input and an output, while the former is output only. Both USB-C interfaces are capable of receiving and delivering 100W each, although if both are used at the same time, the port will drop to 65W. The USB-A port delivers 33W maximum.

The Nexode also supports three-way charging, but in such cases the two USB ports drop to 10W, while the retractable cable retains its 100W capability. There’s also a trickle charging mode for charging smaller devices with more sensitive batteries, such as wireless earbuds and smartwatches, activated by holding the power button for five seconds.

Using the retractable USB-C cable, I managed to charge my Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 4, which has a 57Wh battery, from 5% to 90% in under 90 minutes, before the Nexode depleted completely. This is quite fast, but it’s a shame it ran out before making it to 100%, and means you can’t even get one full charge out of it. Charging the bank itself from empty to full took about one hour and 40 minutes, which again is a respectable time.

The Nexode is expensive for a power bank, even one with this much power, retailing for $99.99 / £79.99 (about AU$150). The Anker Laptop Power Bank is about the same price, but has a greater capacity and two integrated cables. It’s also slightly thinner and better made than the Nexode.

We have seen it around for less than its original price, though, and if you can catch it in a sale, the Nexode might still prove a solid pick for charging your large devices.

(Image credit: Future)Ugreen Nexode Power Bank 20000mAh 165W review: price & specs

Price

$99.99 / £79.99 (about AU$150)

Capacity

20,000mAh

Total wattage

165W

Number of ports

USB-C

2 (1 x built-in)

Wireless charging

Weight

18.9oz / 535g

Power-to-weight

37.4mAh/g

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the Ugreen Nexode Power Bank 20000mAh 165W?Buy it if…

You want plenty of power
Most modern laptops don’t need 165W to charge quickly, and the fast two- and three-way charging times are also welcome.

You want useful charging information
Aside from the usual battery percentage, the display on the Nexode also provides wattage, voltage, and amperage figures for each active connection.

Don't buy it if…

You want something thin
Personally, I prefer a power bank to be as thin as possible, as this makes it easier to pack away. Unfortunately, though, the Nexode is quite thick.

You want full laptop charges
The 20,000mAh capacity doesn’t cut it for multiple charges of large devices – sometimes not even one full charge, in my experience.

Ugreen Nexode Power Bank 20000mAh 165W review: Also consider

Anker Laptop Power Bank
If you’re after another high-power, high-capacity power bank, the Anker Laptop Power Bank is a stellar alternative. Not only does it feature a retractable USB-C cable like the Nexode, but it also features another integrated USB-C cable that acts as a carrying loop when not in use. It also has a better display and build quality, as well as being thinner, which I find makes it easier to transport. Read our full Anker Laptop Power Bank review.

Categories: Reviews

I reviewed the Blackview BV7300 rugged phone and let me tell you, it combines affordability and reliability with great battery life and actually usable cameras

TechRadar Reviews - Sun, 08/17/2025 - 14:02

Blackview BV7300: 30-second review

Blackview is a thriving technology brand that initially specialised in rugged outdoor phones designed to support rugged lifestyles and survive demanding and challenging environments. Over the years, Blackview has expanded its product range to include mainstream smartphones, smartwatches, earphones, tablets, and laptops.

The Blackview BV7300 is a rugged smartphone designed for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals who need a durable and reliable device. It features a reinforced frame and textured back for a secure grip, making it both tough and stylish. The BV7300 is equipped with dual camping lights and a 20MP night vision camera, ensuring safety and visibility in low-light conditions. Its super-large 15000mAh battery supports 45W fast charging, providing long-lasting power for extended use.

The device runs on Android 14 with DokeOS 4.0, offering a smooth and personalised user experience. With up to 18GB RAM and 256GB ROM, the BV7300 delivers powerful performance for various tasks. Additionally, it boasts IP68 and IP69K ratings for water and dust resistance, as well as MIL-STD-810H certification for durability in extreme environments.

The BV7300's weaknesses include an odd low-resolution screen and a limitation to 4G comms, not 5G. And at 528g, this is a bulky phone to use for everyday use.

It is unlikely to be our top choice for rugged smartphones, but it offers excellent value for those who occasionally venture into challenging environments.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)Blackview BV7300: price and availability

How much does it cost? $280/£166
When is it out? Available globally
Where can you get it? Direct from the maker or via an online retailer

Available directly from the maker's own shop, the asking price is £166 in the UK and $279.99 for US customers, making it a substantially better deal in those countries that don’t apply tariffs to Chinese goods.

If bought via Amazon.com and with a coupon applied, it can be had for only $219.99, but the standard price is $249.99. UK customers can get it via Amazon for £170.

For those willing to wait for AliExpress to deliver, it can be found for less than £150 or $195.

Typically, I’d mention another phone that uses the same platform as the BV7300, but alas, it's almost unique to this device. The only other Android device using the G81 SoC is the Oukitel RT3 Pro tablet.

Based on the specification, this is a decent phone for what is the bargain basement end of recent rugged phones

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

Value score: 4/5

Blackview BV7300: Specs

Item

Spec

Model

BV7300

Processor (SoC)

MediaTek Helio G81 (12nm), Octa-core (2×2.0GHz Cortex-A75 + 6×1.8GHz Cortex-A55)

GPU

Mali-G52 MC2

RAM

6GB (expandable up to 18GB with virtual RAM)

Storage

256GB eMMC 5.1

Expandable Storage

microSDXC (up to 2TB, shared SIM slot)

Display

6.67" IPS LCD, 720×1604 pixels, 90Hz refresh rate, 700 nits brightness

Rear Cameras

50MP (Samsung S5KJN1, f/1.8, PDAF) + 20MP (Sony IMX376 night vision, f/2.0)

Front Camera

32MP Galaxycore GC32E1

Video Recording

1080p @ 30fps (front and rear)

Operating System

Android 14 with DokeOS 4.0

Connectivity

Dual SIM (Nano), Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, FM radio

Wireless Networking

Dual Bands: 2.4G/5.0GHz,802.11 ab/g'n/ac, BT 5.3

2G Bands

850/900/1800900(B2/B3/B5/88)

3G Bands

WCDMA: B1/B2/B4/B5/B8

4G Bands LTE-FDD

81/B2/B3/B4/B5/B7/B8/B12/B13/B17/B19/B20B26/B28A/B28B/B66

4G Bands LTE-TTD

B40/B41/B38

Ports

USB Type-C (no 3.5mm headphone jack)

Sensors

Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass

Flashlight

800-lumen dedicated flood flashlight

Battery

15,000mAh Li-Po, 45W wired charging, 7W reverse wired charging

Durability

IP68/IP69K water and dust resistance, MIL-STD-810H compliant

Build Materials

Polycarbonate, TPU, Aluminium alloy

Dimensions

186.2 × 85 × 24 mm

Weight

528g

Blackview BV7300: design

Built to last
Large camping light
No headphone jack

Blackview devices often feature sharp lines, reinforced corners, and textured surfaces that evoke a tool-like toughness. They look like they belong in a toolbox as much as a backpack. And, the BV7300 is no exception.

It has metal sides and buttons that, together with the rubberised bumpers, reinforce the rugged identity. These style aspects aren’t just decorative; they are a signal of durability, and this phone was made to operate in harsh environments.

The button layout is by-the-numbers, with the volume rockers and fingerprint-reading power button on the right, and the user-definable function button on the left.

In addition, the left side is also where the SIM tray resides, and it's one where you can use two Nano SIMs or one and a MicroSD card for additional storage.

The rear mounts the two cameras near the top and relatively central, making them easy to aim, but the majority of the back is taken up with a substantial camping LED.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

To diverge for a moment, many phones these days come with a substantial metal label stuck to them. This details the model, spec, IMEI number, serial number and various standards that the maker wishes to acknowledge. Do you leave these on, or do you peel them off?

Until now, I’ve always left them on, as the information might be necessary at some point and locating it could be crucial.

Why am I mentioning this? On the BV7300, the label is slapped over half of the camping LED, and therefore, it needs to be removed if you want to use that feature. I chose to leave it in place for my photographs, but if I were to use this device in anger, it would need to be removed.

The use of the back with the dual-element LED lamp also negates the possibility of wireless charging, but with a battery this big, that probably wasn’t a possibility.

What this design lacks is a headphone jack, although you could use an adapter with the USB-C port if you own one.

As is often the case with Blackview hardware, the BV7300 sells its robust credentials confidently and doesn’t stray away from the feature set that most of its customers expect.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

Design score: 4/5

Blackview BV7300: hardware

MediaTek Dimensity 7300
Odd resolution display
15000 mAh battery

The MediaTek Helio G81 is a mid-range SoC introduced in August 2024, designed primarily for budget-friendly Android smartphones with a focus on gaming and multimedia performance.

It has an older brother, the G80, that has basic AI features, and this chip added Enhanced AI (MediaTek NeuroPilot, Android NNAPI support), allegedly. It also sports EIS (electronic image stabilisation), along with support for a 120Hz display. The makers, Mediatek, have also added the Helio G85, which is remarkably similar to the G81 used in this phone.

All the G8X series use dual A75 performance cores combined with six A55 efficiency cores to deliver both power and long battery life. They also all use the Mali-G52 MP2 GPU, which isn’t especially powerful, but is good enough for smooth video playback.

It’s a solid choice for rugged phones and budget gaming handsets, offering a good balance of efficiency and features without pushing into premium territory.

One potential improvement could be that this chip uses a 12nm FinFET (TSMC), whereas the latest Dimensity chips use 6nm and even 4nm. That limits how far its efficiency can go, and it also has a capped bandwidth by using LPDDR4x 1800Mhz memory.

But this chip does support a screen with a 2520 x 1080 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, but unfortunately, that wasn’t what Blackview gave the BV7300.

The 6.67-inch IPS LCD has the curious resolution of 720 x 1604 pixels, a 90Hz refresh rate and a 700 nits brightness. That means it can’t display 1080p video at its full quality, and that includes the video captured by the primary camera.

If neither the screen nor the SoC are the star of this show, what is? Possibly the battery, which has a capacity of 15000mAh, is mostly responsible for this phone weighing more than 500g.

If you aren’t put off by such a bulky device, that’s plenty of battery capacity, and it can be shared with other devices using reverse charging.

When we get to the benchmarking, it will become evident that those comments are foreshadowing, in many respects.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

Hardware score: 4/5

Blackview BV7300: cameras

50MP and 20MP sensors on the rear
32MP on the front
Three cameras in total

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

The Blackview BV7300 has three cameras:

Rear camera: 50MP Samsung JN1 primary, 20MP Sony IMX376 Night Vision
Front camera: 32MP Galaxycore GC32E1-WA1XA

I wasn’t expecting much considering the cost of this camera and its inevitably tight production budget. But the 50MP Samsung JN1 primary is a workmanlike sensor that, in good lighting conditions, can deliver some decent quality images.

I’d recommend that, unlike me, you disable the AI and HDR functionality, as it tends to oversaturate the colours to the point of making some captures pop-art.

The JN1 is a decent, if now slightly old, Samsung sensor that uses pixel-binning to create generally good 13MP captures from its 50MP source data.

Its limitation is that it isn’t great in low-light conditions, resulting in blurry and grainy results. Blackview's answer to that was to make the second sensor the 20MP Sony IMX376, which is a specialist Night Vision camera.

What’s mildly confusing is that within the Android camera app, there are ‘Night’ and ‘Night Vision’ modes, with the first being an AI-enhanced EIS mode that uses the Samsung JN1 but longer exposure times.

Electronic Image Stabilisation (EIS) is a technology used in the context of the MediaTek Helio G81 System on Chip (SoC) to reduce blurriness and shakiness in videos and images. EIS works by using software algorithms to compensate for small movements and vibrations during video recording or photography. This is particularly useful for handheld shooting, where even slight hand movements can cause noticeable shake in the footage.

While EIS helps, it's not the same as optical stabilisation, and the results are a bit mixed. If you truly want to take images in low light, the MX376 is a much better choice as it uses IR flash to bathe even the darkest locations in light that the sensor can see and generate an image from. It’s only B&W, and the images are in 20.2MP resolution.

Using this mode, you should be able to capture nocturnal creatures if you turn the screen brightness down and stay quiet enough that your presence isn’t an issue.

As a camera system, the BV7300 is better than I expected, but it's also worth noting that it is a budget device. So you get a Pro mode, panoramas, time-lapse, document shooting and even AR stickers. But equally, the best video resolution is ‘high’, which translates into 1080p when you’ve recorded something.

When you consider that the Samsung ISOCELL JN1 is capable of 4K at 30fps, that’s an intentional omission.

It's normal at this point in my phone reviews to moan that the makers only support Widevine L3 video encryption, reducing the quality of streaming to only 480P from most of the big streaming brands.

However, since the best resolution this display can support is only 720p, it’s probably not an issue in the greater scheme of things.

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Camera score: 3.5/5

Blackview BV7300: performance

Not 3D game-friendly GPU
Decent battery performance

Phone

Blackview BV7300

Doogee Fire 6 Power

SoC

Mediaktek Helio G81

Unisoc T606

GPU

Mali-G52 MP2

Mali G57 MP1

Mem

N/A

NPU

6GB/256GB

8GB/256GB

Weight

528g

430g

Battery

15000

15500

Geekbench

Single

446

391

Multi

1469

1368

OpenCL

218

460

Vulkan

361

461

GFX

Aztec Open Normal

5.5

Aztec Vulkan Norm.

4.8

Car Chase

3.2

5.4

Manhattan 3.1

4.9

8.8

PCMark

3.0 Score

7391

7790

Battery

30h 40m

31h 18m

Charge 30

Passmark

Score

6767

6289

CPU

3268

2947

3DMark

Slingshot OGL

789

1479

Slingshot Ex. OGL

490

985

Slingshot Ex. Vulkan

504

976

Wildlife

226

432

Nomad Lite

N/A

It wasn’t easy to find a phone I’d reviewed recently that was comparable to the BV7300, because most that use the Helio G99 or one of the Dimensity series MediaTek SoCs are significantly more powerful than the G81 used here.

Eventually, I chose the Doogee Fire 6 Power, and its underwhelming Unisoc T606 SoC to be something to compare.

Performance-wise, these phones are closely matched, both in CPU and GPU speeds, and neither is a phone you would pick to play 3D games on.

What ultimately divides them is that the BV7300 only comes with 6GB of RAM, and the Nomad Lite test refuses to run with less than 8GB. And, I did try RAM expansion mode, and that 3D Mark test wants real memory, not mapped storage.

Where both phones excel is in respect of battery capacity and running time, with the Fire 6 being a little better because it has 500mAh more battery at its disposal. I worked out the running time per mAh, and the Blackview has a tiny advantage, although it’s also nearly 100g heavier for that win.

Overall, this isn’t a phone that anyone wanting high performance would gravitate towards, but if you want a rugged phone that can take reasonable pictures and last at least four working days without a recharge, then the Blackview BV7300 might be for you.

Performance score: 4/5

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)Blackview BV7300: Final verdict

Looking for an affordable phone that can withstand some abuse, whether on holiday, a building site, or in the jungle? Then the Blackview BV7300 might fit the bill.

There isn’t much about this phone that stands out, other than perhaps the battery life and the price, but for some, having a phone that can get wet and be dropped and still work is the critical requirement.

The BV7300 ticks that box, even if it makes it less than lightweight, and in a company scenario, you are unlikely to take flak for going over-budget.

Should I buy a Blackview BV7300?Blackview BV7300 Score Card

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Value

Cheap and chunky

4/5

Design

Heavy, but designed to take abuse

4/5

Hardware

MediaTek Helio G81, odd screen, big battery

4/5

Camera

Two rear sensors but only 1080p video

3.5/5

Performance

Budget phone performance but good battery life

3.5/5

Overall

A practical device if you don't mind the weight

4/5

Buy it if...

You need an outdoor phone
The BV7300 is built to handle drops, even into water, as long as it doesn't go too deep or stay submersed too long. Clumsy people need phones like this.

Battery life is critical
Being able to run continuously for more than thirty hours suggests that it should take most people through four working days without a recharge. Or, longer if you aren’t always on it.

Don't buy it if...

You travel light
At over 500g, this isn’t a lightweight device; ideally, it must be mounted to your belt or a vehicle. If your role involves extended walking, you might regret buying this phone.

You need more memory or performance
This is probably the least powerful phone I’ve seen since the Doogee Fire 6 Power, and that one wasn’t impressive. If you use demanding tasks, of 5G, then perhaps this isn’t for you.

Also Consider

Ulefone Armor Mini 20 Pro
Another practical, rugged design with an inbuilt camping light, night vision camera and about half the battery capacity of the Blackview BV7300. But it's also much easier to carry, and they make a 20T Pro model with thermal imaging.

Read our full Ulefone Armor Mini 20 Pro review

Doogee Fire 6 Power
A low-power rugged phone with a similar spec to the BV7300, but with 8GB of RAM, and it's 98g lighter. In many other respects, it’s very similar to the Blackview.

Being less heavy, but with a battery almost the same size, hints that it might not be as robust as the BV7300. Although I don't have evidence to support that assertion.

Read our full Doogee Fire 6 Power review

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

Categories: Reviews

I tested the Chuwi GameBook 9955HX and I'm impressed with the results for gaming and content creation

TechRadar Reviews - Sun, 08/17/2025 - 13:05

Dynabook Protege X40-M: 30-second review

Checking through the specifications of the Chuwi GameBook 9955HX and the CPU and GPU both hint at a high-performance laptop, just without the usual astronomical high price. Checking over the machine highlights the balance Chuwi has struck with the design and quality of the materials. While they might not match the likes of the Asus ProArt P16 and other high-end creative and gaming laptops, it still offers a good overall build quality.

Unlike other gaming laptops, Chuwi has really kept the design aesthetics reserved, so like many of the best business laptops, this machine will look equally at home, in the office, or design studio as it would in a gaming environment. With a sleek, plain top, a good array of ports around the sides and back, and the only hint that this is something different from your standard office laptop being the honeycomb design on the base.

Several key features instantly appeal when you open up the GameBook 9955HX. First and foremost is the large screen and full-size keyboard with a number pad on the right, making it ideal for anyone scouting for the best laptops for photo editing or the best laptops for video editing.

Getting into the use, Windows 11 Pro runs smoothly from the outset, with the CPU and GPU combo alongside the 32GB of RAM and 1TB SSD providing all the speed you need for all standard applications, which is proven through the PCMark scores.

Content creation, again using Premiere Pro, Adobe Lightroom, and Photoshop, showed the machine had absolutely no issues with editing 4K and even some 8K video, although expansion storage was needed. With two USB Type-C ports, you get a relatively fast connection to the machine. This is the first highlight where cost has been cut, with USB 3.2 Gen 2 used over the faster USB Type-C interfaces, meaning you only get 10GB/s, considerably lower than the later USB4 that you'd expect to see on a machine with these specifications.

However, the reduction in USB interface generation is one of the only areas where the specifications have been pared back. Internally, there is space for additional RAM and increased storage, including the PCIe 5 M.2 slot and fast connection through Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 wireless connectivity options, both of which are tried and tested rather than being the latest generation.

Overall, the test showed the machine put in a great performance, with an easy access turbo power option, when you're connected to AC power, to accelerate the CPU and GPU further, giving a boost when playing games, especially. There is little not to like about the raw performance of this GameBook.

When you consider the price and what's on offer, it's hard not to be impressed with what Chuwi has managed to offer at this price.

Chuwi GameBook 9955HX: Price & availability

How much does it cost? £1804
When is it out? Now
Where can you get it? Widely available

The Chuwi GameBook is available directly through the Chuwi website for £1,804, which, considering the specification including 32GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive, is exceptional value for money.

Value: 5 / 5

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)Chuwi GameBook 9955HX: Design

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)Specifications

CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX (16 cores, 32 threads, up to 5.4GHz)
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Laptop GPU (12GB GDDR6)
RAM: 32GB DDR5 5600MHz (2 x 16GB, dual channel, upgradable to 64GB)
Storage: 1TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD (supports two M.2 2280 slots, one Gen4, one Gen5, upgradable)
Left Ports: 2.5G RJ45 LAN, USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (supports 100W PD charging), 3.5mm audio jack
Right Ports: USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A, Kensington lock slot
Rear Ports: HDMI 2.1 Port (Support 4K@120Hz), USB 3.2 Gen 2, Mini DP (DP2.1a, UHBR20 80Gbps)
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
Audio: 2W stereo speakers, Dual microphone array
Camera: 1080p IR webcam (supports Windows Hello, with physical privacy cover)
Size: 356.7 x 253.8 x 21.4 mm
Weight: 2.3kg
OS Installed: Windows 11 Pro
Accessories: 140W USB-C power adapter

Removing the Chuwi GameBook 9955HX from the box, the first thing that strikes you, especially at this price point, is just how good and robust the laptop feels, with the monitor protected in an aluminium casing, while the main body is made from a similar colour, high-impact plastic. While it doesn't give quite the same premium feel as some other laptops, it is nevertheless of decent quality.

When it comes to size and weight, because this is a gaming-focused PC requiring lots of cooling for the powerful CPU and GPU, the size and weight are slightly heavier than many work-focused laptops. It measures 356.7 x 253.8 x 21.4 mm and weighs in at 2.3kg.

Despite all that processing power and features, it's still a relatively decent-sized machine and more than portable, as I found during the process of this test.

Looking over the body of the laptop, there's a good rubber bar on the base along with two small feet to keep it securely in place on the desktop, and there's a good amount of venting on the bottom and across the back of the machine, ensuring that the powerful CPU/GPU combo stays cool.

On the left-hand side, you have a LAN port with an ingenious flip-down door design that helps partially protect the port and integrates with the design of the case. This network port is joined by a USB 3.2 Gen 2 port that enables 100W of PD power for charging when the laptop is off, and a USB Type-A Gen 1 port, alongside a standard 3.5mm audio jack.

Alongside venting at the back, there's also a USB Type-C port at up to 140W PD power again when the power is off, a mini DP 2.1 and an HDMI 2.1 port enabling 4K at 120Hz, and finally, on the right-hand side, there are two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports and a lock slot for securing the laptop if needed.

Opening up the lid reveals the 16-inch, 2.5K (2560 x 1600), IPS, 300Hz refresh rate and up to 500 nits brightness 16:10 screen that offers a clear display for office work, content creation, as well as gaming.

One of the big features for anyone looking at this laptop for work, as well as content creation and gaming, is the full-size keyboard, even down to the four cursor keys, all full-sized with a handy numeric pad, which is slightly reduced in size, giving plenty of control and input options. While the keyboard is of decent quality, it doesn't quite have the same precise actuation that you would find with some of the more premium models.

Still, that's not to say it doesn't feel good to type on, and it is responsive. Likewise, the trackpad is a decent size and supports gesture control, again, of a decent quality, but doesn't quite have the high-end premium feel you might expect with some of the more premium laptops.

One final design feature to point out is across the top bar of the laptop, alongside gaming detailing. There is the power button, and next to this is the turbo button, which gives the laptop a power boost for gaming and other applications that need a little bit more grunt from the CPU and GPU, with an Office, Balanced and Turbo mode.

Design: 4 / 5

Chuwi GameBook 9955HX: Features

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Featuring an AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX CPU with 16 cores, 32 threads, 64MB cache and up to 5.4GHz clock speed within Zen 5 architecture, this mobile CPU is an ideal fit if you're looking for a laptop that can handle high-demand applications and games. It's supported by an impressive GPU in the form of the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti laptop GPU, which features 12GB of GDDR7 VRAM, 140W TGP, 1406 AI TOPS, and supports full ray tracing.

Complementing the CPU and GPU is the dual-channel SODIMM RAM, and the standard machine comes equipped with 2×16GB DDR5 5600MHz modules, but you can expand this up to two 32GB sticks if required. Access to the inner workings is through the base with 11 screws needing to be removed before the base of the machine can be lifted away. From there, the layout is extremely neat and easy to work with.

For storage, the machine features two slots and comes pre-installed with a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, placed in the PCIe 5.0 slot. You can also add a second M.2 2280 PCIe SSD card into the secondary slot, which is a PCIe 4.0 slot. Ideally, you buy yourself a PCIe 5.0 M.2 2280 module and insert that into the PCIe 5.0 slot to make the most of that additional speed, and place the operating system onto the PCIe 4.0 slot.

Powering the machine is a 77.77Wh battery that offers 15.4V and 5,050mAh capacity. While this is impressive considering the power draw, used for high-end gaming or content creation, battery life is going to be rather limited.

However, there has to be a balance between the size of the machine and the battery used, with a 140W AC power supply for high-demand applications. It's probably worth swapping over to AC power rather than using the battery. It's also worth noting that while there are two USB-C ports that enable PD power, this is only for use when the machine is off.

Connectivity options are as described previously, with a good range of ports, although the USB Type-C port is an older generation USB3.2 Gen 2 rather than USB4.

As you'd expect, there is a webcam built in, supporting Windows Hello face recognition. One feature I like here is that there's a physical privacy cover. It can be slid across the camera, and once it is down, the camera shows a red cover to highlight the status.

For gaming and content creation, there are two relatively powerful two-watt speakers and a dual mic on the camera. These are all of decent quality, although nowhere near the depth or clarity of sound you would expect from a premium model.

All in all, considering the price point, the features are well balanced, giving you all the power you need for high-demand applications and games, while balancing out some features, such as the USB interfaces, to manage overall cost.

Features: 4.5 / 5

Chuwi GameBook 9955HX: Performance

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)Benchmarks

CrystalDiskMark Read: 5538.97
CrystalDiskMark Write: 5208.69
Geekbench CPU Multi: 18134
Geekbench CPU Single: 3220
Geekbench GPU: 150671
PCMark Overall: 8367
Cinebench CPU Multi: 32863
Cinebench CPU Single: 2175
Fire Strike Overall: 35793
Fire Strike Graphics: 40250
Fire Strike Physics: 37287
Fire Strike Combined: 18934
Time Spy Overall: 15855
Time Spy Graphics: 16763
Time Spy CPU: 12135
Wild Life Overall: 40003
Steel Nomad Overall: 3743
Windows Experience Overall: 8.1

The Chuwi GameBook 9955HX impresses first and foremost with the speed at which Windows boots up from cold, enabling you to load up apps and get started in a couple of minutes if not less. All Microsoft Office applications run smoothly, and if you prefer Google Docs, the wireless internet connection using Wi-Fi 6 is good and robust, with the option to hardwire into the network if you prefer. From a work perspective, this machine provides a solid foundation for standard administration software.

Through tests for Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel, all applications loaded quickly, and with a large 16-inch screen in decent resolution, it's easy to navigate and update multiple documents and presentations with ease.

One of the things that stands out is the full-size keyboard. When you are used to using a MacBook Pro or similar high-end premium laptop with a reduced keyboard, the fact that it has the number pad, full-size cursors, and access to the F keys at the top just makes workflow much easier without having to use key combinations.

Moving on from the base applications and starting to look at content creation options, I loaded up Adobe Premiere Pro, Photoshop and Lightroom to see how the machine would handle an 8K video shot on a Canon EOS R5C and Sony A7 IV. The performance was superb. However, the one-terabyte SSD quickly filled up, and I was pleased to see that I could quickly pop in a secondary SSD, boosting internal storage up to 3TB.

For ease, this was installed in the secondary PCIe slot, enabling transfer rates of up to 5,000MB/s when benchmarked in CrystalDiskMark.

During the test, I checked the USB-C port transfer rate when connected to an external SSD, using a Lexar Armour 700 USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 drive. The port managed just under 1,000MB/s transfer rate, with a score of 976.27MB/s read and 968.92MB/s write, showing that this is a USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface, while not the fastest, it still delivers decent transfer rates if you need to use an external drive for video or images.

When it came to render speed from Adobe Premiere Pro, the RTX 5070 Ti did the brunt of the processing, reflected in the Cinebench scores with a CPU multi score of 32,863 and single CPU score of 2,175, which are within the range for premium creative and gaming laptops.

As testing continued, I was able to batch edit multiple images shot on the Sony A7 IV within Adobe Bridge and Photoshop, as well as apply quick changes and organise files within Adobe Lightroom. The machine rendered thumbnails and effects quickly. I was impressed with the quality of the screen, which I didn't expect to be quite as good for a laptop that's firstly gaming and secondly at this price.

Checking the quality of the screen with DataColor Spyder X2 Ultra, it was awarded an overall rating of 4.5, which is very good, scoring maximum points on both gamut and contrast, while the white point and colour uniformity both came in at 4.5. While colour accuracy was slightly down, this isn't a creative-focused laptop, but with a colour accuracy of 4, it still displayed sRGB at 100%, Adobe RGB 79%, and P3 at a respectable 81%.

Essentially, for workflow, gaming, and multimedia playback, this monitor is high quality; however, if you are looking to use this machine for critical creative work, you need to be mindful that the colours won't be 100% accurate.

For gaming, this is where it really comes into its own. While it can't compete with a dedicated desktop gaming machine, the performance afforded by the AMD Ryzen 9 HX CPU and GeForce RTX really does make it stand out, with some of the fastest benchmarking results I have seen for a laptop of this type, including a Wild Life overall score of 40,003, Fire Strike at 35,793, and Time Spy at 15,855. These are in line with premium laptops that can cost almost double what you'd pay for the Chuwi GameBook.

When it comes to performance, the display, keyboard and touchpad layout are all well considered, and while the fans do kick in under load, considering the price, that is more than acceptable.

Alongside all the hardware is the Chuwi Easy Care maintenance application, which is an in-depth dashboard for your system. It enables you to monitor the machine, the use of internal memory, and gives you access to easy driver updates, system optimisation, and the health of the system.

There are also three different power modes: Office, Balanced and Turbo, two of which can be activated when on battery power, with the third only accessible when plugged into the AC main power. The first mode is Office, taking the CPU right down to minimum, conserving power, so if you're commuting or working on battery, you can maximise battery life.

Then there's Balance, which balances CPU and fan power but gives a bit more performance, and Turbo, which can only be used when plugged into AC power and boosts overall performance, making it ideal for content creation or gaming. The most significant performance boost is when you push the turbo button, running a side-by-side test with 3D Mark Fire Strike on Office mode, it scored 34,958, switching to Balanced produced a score of 35689, and Turbo mode produced 37,417 at each stage, marking a noticeable change in performance.

What I also like is that you can go into the BIOS and select which power mode to use as default, so if you always game, you can leave it in Turbo mode, though once you're unplugged from AC, it will switch to Balanced. If you mostly work on office documents, select Office mode to maximise battery, and if you do a bit of everything, Balanced would be the one to set as default.

Chuwi has put the work into making this extremely usable, and the BIOS is testament to this. It looks modern and, for once, is easy to navigate with all the options and settings clearly laid out, and if you need to swap boot drives, change default performance modes, or anything else you'd usually do in the BIOS, it's all here and easy to find.

At the end of the test, I am impressed with just how good this laptop is for the price, its performance puts it well within the premium laptop range, yet while it's expensive, it's far cheaper than other laptops with similar specifications, and the fact that it includes some of the latest technology means that it's great for gaming and office work, as well as content creation, although you do need to check the colour accuracy for critical creative work.

Performance: 5 / 5

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)Chuwi GameBook 9955HX: Final verdict

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

If you were to write a wish list for a high-performance laptop, the GameBook 9955HX pretty much hits almost every point. It has a large 16-inch screen which is beautifully uniform, with a slightly matte finish making it extremely viewable, and the large keyboard just makes it easy to use for office applications and gaming.

Connectivity options might be a little limited in comparison with premium laptops, for example, downgrading to USB 3.2 Gen 2 rather than USB4, but still, with a 1,000MB/s average transfer rate, it's decent.

The different power modes take it from Balance, Office to Turbo, essentially giving the machine a huge boost in power, making it ideal as you swap from low-to mid-demand applications, across to higher, and the machine just gives you that additional power needed to complete tasks that would otherwise be time-consuming on a slower machine, though there is a sacrifice in battery life.

Across the board, I've been impressed with the build quality, hardware, upgradeability, and performance. Chuwi has also included their own health management software in the form of Chuwi Easy Care to enable you to keep an eye on the overall health of the machine. If you go into the BIOS, there is a comprehensive set of options that look easy to navigate and understand, with a modern design that is a breakaway from what is more ordinarily seen on most other laptops.

As a complete solution, the GameBook is a solid option that's well priced, powerful, and offers enough to satisfy all types of users.

Should I buy a Chuwi GameBook 9955HX?

Value

Exceptional value for money for top-of-the-range CPU/GPU, usually at a much greater price

Design

The design is a little mixed, with a high-quality monitor casing, coupled with a plastic main body

Features

Has a good range of features that help to balance the cost of components with performance

4.5

Performance

With three easy-to-access power modes, you can adjust how the machine performs to suit your needs

Overall

Exceptional value for money with performance you expect from a premium laptop

Buy it if...

You want a high-performance machine on a budget.

It's hard to believe you get as much as you do for the price. While it is still an expensive machine compared with rivals, it is considerably less expensive.

You want lots of storage capacity.

There are 2 x M.2 2280 SSD slots in the machine, one of which is a PCIe 5.0, giving flexibility over the internal storage, which is easily upgraded.

Don't buy it if...

You need fast external storage.

While there is USB-C, it is only USB 3.2 Gen 2, offering a maximum of 10GB per second, which might not be fast enough for some working in the creative sector.

You need colour accuracy.

While the monitor is very good when it comes to colour gamut, it is limited and really aimed at games, multimedia and general use rather than critical creative accuracy.

For more top choices, we've reviewed the best laptops for work and gaming.

Categories: Reviews

I tried one of the most expensive gaming chairs in the world – is it actually worth the money?

TechRadar Reviews - Sun, 08/17/2025 - 08:00

Anthros Chair V2: One-minute review

The Anthros V2 Chair is, as the name would imply, the second iteration of Anthros' gaming chair. Geared towards both desk workers, whether in-office or remote, and gamers alike, it is a complicated product, with more knobs and levers than your local knob-and-lever factory.

It also promises to ‘fix your sit’ which, if true in its promise, would be life-changing for anyone that struggles with posture or back pain.

There's one caveat, however; this baby is expensive. With the base model sitting at a list price of over $2,000, before any of the optional bells and whistles you can add on, such as materials, colours, and even arm rests which come as extras, you'd be forgiven for hoping this chair might make you breakfast and do the laundry for you while you're at it.

For context, this is far more expensive than our current favorite premium pick, the Herman Miller x Logitech Embody, and you could also buy three Branch Verve chairs for the same price, too (roughly).

Everything about the chair screams premium, though, from the materials used to the build quality of every component. I could never bring myself to spend this much money on a chair, but since I'm at my desk for a minimum of eight hours every day, comfort and back support are essential. And I'm not sure you're going to find it anywhere better than with the Anthros V2 Chair.

(Image credit: Future)Anthros Chair V2 review: Price and availability

$2,146 / Around £1,600 / Around AU$3,300
Price doesn’t include extras - even armrests
More expensive than the Herman Miller X Logitech Embody

Outside of the astronomical price tag, what are you actually getting with the Anthros V2 Chair? How could it possibly be worth that much? Well, according to Anthros themselves, it's all about the technology behind it, and how it's "engineered to relieve pain". The seat features a contoured cushion that utilises 'Cloudtex' and 'Cloudfloat' technology, as opposed to traditional office and gaming chairs, which are usually flat.

This is part of what makes the Anthros V2 Chair so comfortable to sit in for extended periods, and in my experience with it over the last four months, it works. Compared to my previous office butt-rest, which was a bog-standard gaming chair from a relatively cheap brand compared to some of the premium offerings in that department, this has been like night and day.

The seat isn't everything, though, as the Anthros V2 Chair promises plenty of lumbar support, and this comes from two areas. The back rest is in two segments, which are "designed to promote an optimal ’S’ curve of the spine by supporting the pelvis", according to the official site. Both are controlled individually with knobs underneath the seat, so you can position them as you see fit. It'll feel slightly uncomfortable at first, but the idea is that the chair makes you unable to slouch by keeping your spine upright.

An important note to make folks aware of is, at the time of writing, the Anthros chair is only sold on a US-facing website, but shoppers from outside the United States can still order it with international shipping.

Anthros V2 Chair review: Specs

Price

$2,146 (around £1,600 / AU$3,300 plus shipping from the US)

Dimensions (L x W x H)

28 x 18.3 x 43.7in (45.7 x 46.6 x 110.9cm)

Max user weight

300 lbs (136kg)

Seat width

19.8in (50.3cm)

Warranty

12 years

Finish

Athlon performance fabric

Anthros Chair V2 review: Design and aesthetics

Premium feel…
Except one minor part
Lacks a headrest

I've talked about the cost a lot because of how jaw-dropping it is initially, but I also must stress how it isn't completely unjustified. Every part of this chair is high quality, from the swivel base to the seat cushion, back panel, arm rests, and the control knobs.

All of the mandatory parts for the chair feel excellent, but the one exception to this is the footrest. They've currently dropped it from $199 to $49, which the skeptic in me would assume is because they've had feedback that it's so underwhelming and cheap-feeling compared to the rest of the chair. It's plasticky, lacks many adjustments such as the ability to raise or lower it, and it can't even be locked at a specific tilt angle. Save your cash and pick one up from another manufacturer.

There's also no headrest on the Anthros V2 Chair, which some folks may find frustrating. It put me off at first, but after a while, you don't miss it. It's easier to stay awake and alert without a headrest, and while I'd like an optional headrest attachment to use when I'm reclining and playing video games with a controller, it's a small thing to lose when I feel better in my posture and more attentive during the working day.

(Image credit: Future)Anthros Chair V2 review: Comfort and Adjustability

Comfy for long periods
You can feel a difference in your posture
Somewhat of a learning curve

As mentioned earlier, the motto for the Anthros V2 Chair is that it will "fix your sit", but doing that requires comfort. I am extremely happy to report this is by far the comfiest chair I've used for long periods… although I didn't think that at first. It takes some getting used to because if you're using it correctly, you'll have the lower back section pushing into you. If you let it shape your back, then over time, your posture should improve.

Anthros are well aware that purchasing such an expensive chair is an investment, so you're offered a video call with one of their on-staff therapists to "learn more about the chair and how it can specifically help you".

I spoke with Anthros’ Ambassador Community Director, Ashley Williams, for 20 minutes or so, alongside carrying out this review, learning a little more about the science behind it, how they went through iterations of the product, and what it looks like underneath the shell. She also helped me set up all the various configurations to perfectly suit my height and desk setup, such as where the arm rests sit, how far forward the lower back support should be, and more.

(Image credit: Future)

That customer service goes a long way, so even though the chair was provided free of charge for review purposes, knowing that service is available to anyone who buys the chair - or who wants to discuss the product prior to purchase - it's the sort of support you value. It's especially helpful when you consider how many knobs and adjustments the chair has, which means it has a slight learning curve, and referring to the manual is required until you learn which part tweaks each aspect.

Four months in and I'm thoroughly impressed. If I'd spent upwards of $2,000 on the chair, would I feel the same? I'm not sure, but that's because that's a lot of money for me. If you're lucky enough that this wouldn't be such a financial investment, this is one of the best chairs on the market for long-term ergonomic support.

(Image credit: Future)Anthros Chair V2 review: Assembly

Putting it all together is a painless experience, entirely feasible to do by yourself, and you'll be done in under an hour.

However, this comes with a caveat. Everything with the assembly went flawlessly until the very final step, which is to install the upper back cuff.

This plastic cover for the upper back hinge refused to go on, no matter how hard I tried, so I put it down for a few days. I came back to it later, and it eventually clicked into place, but be prepared to use some serious force.

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(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the Anthros Chair V2?Buy it if...

You struggle to sit for extended periods in other chairs and experience back pain
This is the comfiest long-term gaming chair I've used, and from reading the experience of other's online, folks with more severe issues than mine with their back applaud the Anthros V2 Chair for fixing their problems.

You have the money to spend on a chair this expensive
Again, it's not cheap. Even a Herman Miller, albeit still expensive, is cheaper than the Anthros V2 Chair. But if you have the cash to splash, you can't go wrong, and you certainly won’t regret it.

You want to fix your posture
Fixing your posture with the Anthros V2 Chair still requires some effort and thought, but the upper and lower back supports are enormous tools to help with that.View Deal

Don't buy it if...

You don't use a chair for most of your working day
If you're not mostly sedentary during your job, the Anthros V2 Chair is probably overkill, and you can find comfort in something cheaper.

You're unsure whether you can safely afford it
Don't bankrupt yourself just for the sake of a comfy chair. There are other, cheaper options available - and remember, even the armrests will cost you extra.

Anthros Chair V2: Also consider

If the Anthros V2 Chair hasn't sunk its claws into you or it's out of reach financially, consider one of these other desk chairs that promise similar results.

Anthros V2 Chair

Herman Miller x Logitech Embody

Branch Verve

Price

$2,146 (around £1,600 / AU$3,300 plus shipping from the US)

$1,795 / £1,496

$549 (about £495, AU$860)

Dimensions (L x W x H)

28 x 18.3 x 43.7 in (45.7 x 46.6 x 110.9 cm)

29 x 29.5 x 45 in (73.7 x 74.9 x 114.3 cm)

27 x 27 x 37 to 41 in (68.6 x 68.6 x 104.1 cm)

Max user weight

300 lbs (136kg)

Seat width

19.8in (50.3cm)

29.5in (74.9cm)

16.5in (41.9cm)

Warranty

12 years

7 years

Finish

Athlon performance fabric

100% polyester fabric

3D knit polyester fabric

Herman Miller x Logitech Embody
Herman Miller has long been considered the king of office and gaming chairs, having built their brand reputation over the course of many years. While Anthros is coming for a slice of the pie, the Herman Miller Embody is perhaps the cream of the crop from the gaming chair competitor. It's a little cheaper than the Anthros ($1,795), it comes pre-assembled, looks seriously slick.

For more information, check out our full Herman Miller x Logitech Embody review

Branch Verve
For a non-gaming office chair alternative, the Branch Verve is far, far cheaper than the Anthros V2 Chair, coming in at $549, yet still boasting plenty of ergonomic features and an attractive design. There's a reason it's rated our best office chair of 2025, and it isn't just because it has a much cooler name than the Anthros.

For more information, check out our full Branch Verve review

(Image credit: Future)How I tested the Anthros Chair V2

Used regularly for almost four straight months
Worked from it during the day, usually locked into the upright position
Often gamed from it in the evening, reclining with a controller in hand

I can never see myself going back to any other seat or gaming chair after using the Anthros V2 Chair for so long. My back feels better for it, and I'm looking forward to experiencing some more of the long-term benefits. As explained above, it'll take a little while for you to start feeling positive changes, but it's well worth sticking with it.

I work 9-5, typing and using my computer as normal, then recently I've started playing Rematch in the evenings on PC, for which I use an Xbox controller. I adjust the tilt and recline, keeping the back supports in the same position, so my spine still fits into that S shape.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed: August 2025

Categories: Reviews

I reviewed this tiny thermal camera and I'm shocked by what it can see

TechRadar Reviews - Sun, 08/17/2025 - 01:47

Thermal Master P3: 30-second review

Thermal imaging has come a long way from bulky, industrial-grade gear to sleek, smartphone-powered tools. The Thermal Master P3 is a prime example of that evolution. Building on the success of its predecessors, particularly the ultra-compact P2 Pro, the P3 refines the formula with sharper resolution, manual focus, and a more tactile, professional-grade build. It’s a device that doesn’t just fit in your pocket; it earns its place in your toolkit.

At its core, the P3 is a plug-in thermal camera designed for Android and iOS devices, offering a native 256×192 infrared resolution that can be digitally enhanced to 512×384 using the brand’s X³ IR software. That’s a notable leap from the P2 Pro’s fixed-focus setup, which, while impressively portable, lacked the precision needed for close-up diagnostics. The addition of manual focus and a macro lens transforms the P3 into a serious contender for professionals who need more than just a thermal snapshot.

The build quality also marks a shift in tone. Where the P2 Pro leaned into minimalism with its featherweight plastic shell, the P3 opts for an aerospace alloy body that feels solid and premium without sacrificing portability. It’s still light enough to carry anywhere, but now rugged enough to survive the kind of environments where thermal imaging is most useful.

So who’s this for? The P3 is ideal for engineers, HVAC technicians, electricians, and anyone working in diagnostics or maintenance. It’s particularly well-suited to electronics professionals who need to spot micro-heating anomalies on PCBs, thanks to its macro lens and manual focus. It’s also a smart pick for field inspectors who want a reliable thermal tool without the bulk or battery anxiety of standalone imagers.

In short, the Thermal Master P3 isn’t just an upgrade — it’s an evolutionary step. It takes the portability of the P2 Pro and adds the kind of precision and build quality that professionals demand. If you’ve been waiting for a thermal camera that’s as serious about detail as you are, the P3 might be the one to beat.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)Thermal Master P3: price and availability

How much does it cost? $299/£299/€299
When is it out? It is available now
Where can you get it? You can get it in most regions from an online reseller and directly from Thermal Master.

Thermal Master P3 offers one of the best balances of resolution, manual focus, and build quality at the $299 mark. It's available direct from the Thermal Master official site here.

At that price, it is comfortably below flagship models like the FLIR One Pro, yet offers superior thermal resolution and control. While it lacks a visible light overlay and requires sideloading on Android, these trade-offs are minor compared to the imaging clarity and build quality it provides.

It can be bought on Amazon.com, but the price there is the MSRP of $349.

The Thermal Master P2 Pro is cheaper and more portable, but the lack of manual focus makes it less suitable for detailed inspections.

I'd position the P3 as a mid-range powerhouse that punches above its weight in precision and build quality, especially for professionals in electronics and HVAC.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

Value score: 4/5

Thermal Master P3: Specs

Feature

Specification

Model

Thermal Master P3

Infrared Sensor

RazorX? IQ+

IR Resolution

256×192 (native), 512×384 (via X³ IR? upscaling)

Temperature Range

-20°C to 600°C

Accuracy

±2°C or ±2% (whichever is greater)

NETD (Sensitivity)

Estimated <50mK

Focal Length

4.3 mm

Focus Type

Manual focus + macro lens

Digital Zoom

Up to 15×

Frame Rate

<9Hz (standard for consumer thermal imagers)

Image Enhancement

X³ IR™ software upscaling

Colour Palettes

12 options (e.g. whitehot, ironred, red hot)

Compatibility

Android (USB-C), iOS (Lightning/USB-C), Windows PC

App Availability

iOS App Store; Android via sideload

Body Material

Aerospace alloy

Dimensions

59 × 27 × 17.2 mm

Weight

26.3g

Power Consumption

Low (powered via phone connection)

Use Cases

PCB inspection, HVAC, automotive, pipelines

Thermal Master P3: Design

Tiny camera
PC and phone
50mK NETD

If cuteness played a part in this evaluation, then the P3 would score highly.

This tiny camera measures just 59mm across, is 27mm high, and only 17.2mm thick, with most of that thickness being the length of the lens.

There is only a single control on it, that being the twisting lens to focus, everything else is done from the phone or PC app.

What’s less endearing is that the thermal sensor is exposed, as Thermal Master didn’t include a lens cap for this device. What you do get is a soft carry case that includes a short 27mm adapter to use it with an Apple Lightning connector.

Included in the box is a longer, 45cm cable that connects the P3 to a PC using either USB-C or USB-A. Disappointingly, those at Thermal Master responsible for creating the soft carry case weren’t informed about this cable, and it won’t fit with the camera in the case.

That’s annoying, and another consideration is that using it with a Laptop or desktop PC means there’s no tripod or other way to position it without holding the camera.

If you are using this device to analyse a motherboard for hot spots, you’ll need to rig something temporary up, or print your own mounting system with a 3D printer.

Those using it with a phone might also have issues, since the USB-C blade on the camera is deeper than some phone ports, causing a gap between the two. Obviously, since it’s USB-C, it is possible to put the camera in either facing the user or away, but as it’s necessary to see the screen, away is the most useful.

When it’s inserted, the P3 draws power from the phone or PC, which might reduce battery life if the exercise is a prolonged one.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

In terms of the thermal technology in this camera, the P3 uses the same RazorX IQ+ sensor that Thermal Master used in the P2 Pro. Its native resolution is 256×192, but on this device, Thermal Master has implemented X³ IR upscaling to deliver 512×384 by combining the data from multiple passes.

That’s much better than the 160×200 offered by the FLIR Lepton 3.5 sensor, and the sensitivity is similar. These sensors are rated by NETD, defined as the smallest temperature difference a thermal sensor can detect before the signal becomes indistinguishable from noise. Typically, it’s measured in millikelvin (mK), and the RazorX IQ+ is rated as better than 50mK. The best devices are <25mK, good are <50mK, and some less desirable choices can only register 70mK.

The other vital specification for this sensor is its temperature range, which is -20°C to 600°C, with an accuracy of plus or minus 2°C. That probably makes it unsuitable for those forging metals that have high melting points, but it’s fine for heating systems and vehicle repairs.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

Design score: 4/5

Thermal Master P3: User experience

Android and iOS
Good quality captures
Limited PC connection

While it does work with a PC, the P3 was made with smartphone users in mind.
For those using an Apple phone, on the iPhone 15 and newer models, a Lightning Port or USB-C is required. The P3 includes a USB-C to Lightning adapter for older models. The device should run on iOS version 13 or higher to ensure app compatibility and feature support. Additionally, the device should be an iPhone 7 or newer, as older models may struggle with resolution upscaling and frame rate.

For Android users, ensuring compatibility with the P3 app and stable performance, a device must have a USB-C port for direct connection and OTG (On-The-Go) support enabled. The device should run on Android version 8.0 or higher. A Snapdragon 660 or equivalent processor and above is recommended for smooth image rendering and upscaling. Additionally, the device should have at least 3GB of RAM to handle high-resolution thermal data and ensure app responsiveness.

I’ll talk about performance later, but the first significant irritation of this platform is that for Android users, the app must be downloaded and then sideloaded. Why it isn’t on the Google Play Store is a mystery, since the iOS version is on Apple’s store.

This isn’t a straightforward exercise for an average Android user, as it involves configuring the phone to accept sideloaded apps, and then finding the right version on the Thermal Master website. The file actually comes via Dropbox, and for some inexplicable reason “.1” was added to the file extension, meaning that Android phones won’t identify this as an app.

To install the app, it needs to be renamed to the “.apk” extension.

Did anyone at Thermal Master test this? It’s just a magnet for support calls in its current form.

Once installed, the app correctly identified the P3, but confusingly, the app is called the Thermal Master P2 app. I presume this is because this app was written for the P2 Pro, and the developers assumed it would never be used with any other hardware.

That said, it did enable the X³ IR upscaling on the P3, a feature missing from the P2 Pro.

This multi-pass mode generates better resolution images, but it significantly reduces the framerate, regardless of the phone’s power. That makes it harder to use, unfortunately.

I suspect that the real issue here is that USB-C ports on Android devices are normally USB 2.0, and the amount of data that needs to flow back probably hits the transfer speed limits.

But whatever the reason, if high-quality images are required, then it’s something you may be forced to work around. For thermal images, the results are good, better than the Thor002 I recently reviewed.

However, there is a missing piece to this puzzle that phones with inbuilt sensors can do, but this system doesn’t offer. Phones with a thermal camera in their sensor often have a mode that captures a conventional light image with a thermal one. These are either stored alongside each other or combined to form a hybrid image.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

The P3 software doesn’t offer the hybrid option to use the phone camera to show the location in conventional light, but it does have a picture-in-picture option. In this mode, it captures a smaller version of the rear camera image and floats it above the thermal image. The problem here is that the zoom levels between the two images are massively different, and while you can zoom the P3 sensor, there is no control over the normal light camera.

It also doesn’t work if you have the P3 inserted to look forward, and it doesn’t save both images individually when you snap a shot.

Images are saved at 1440 x 1080, which is at least a proper ratio of the natural 256 x 192 sensor. They both have a 1.33 ratio, which is an improvement over the Thor002 captures, which were stretched by arbitrary numbers.

For those wondering, the capture resolution appears to be unrelated to the screen of the capture phone, since in my tests I used the Oukitel WP210, and that has the curious resolution of 1080 x 2412.

Overall, this is an excellent thermal camera. My only reservation about it is that to use the X³ IR upscaling seems to require an inordinate amount of processing power, slowing updates markedly. That’s even on a relatively powerful phone.

I suspect that GPU acceleration in many SoCs could make its use less demanding if Thermal Master recoded the application to make better use of those chips.

A word of warning. If you get one of these and use it with a phone, don’t forget to remove it after use, as the power consumption of the camera will drain the battery if you leave it connected.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

The PC application is exclusively on Windows, and it defaults to Chinese on installation, so you will need to alter that to English if, like me, you don’t speak that language.

Interestingly, the PC tool is a cut-down version of the phone application, missing some of the more exotic features. There is no X³ IR upscaling toggle, as it appears to be active all the time, and supporting that assertion, the output of captured files is 512 x 384 resolution.

The big issue I encountered with the PC software is that the camera is on the USB cable, so it needs to be held by the user all the time. After a very short time, this becomes exceedingly frustrating, since manually focusing something you are holding is a fraught exercise. On the PC, this hardware so badly needs a tripod or at least something that enables the camera to be mounted.

That there is no Apple Mac OS or Linux tool is disappointing for those who use those platforms. There also isn’t a ChromeOS app, but it might be possible to use the Android software in that context.

Overall, the software could be better, but it works.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

User experience score: 3.5/5

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(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)Thermal Master P3: Final verdict

This product is tantalisingly close to being brilliant, but it needs a stand/tripod/mount, and the software needs refinement. Undoubtedly, the part that Thermal Master nailed was the hardware of the camera, which could only be bettered with software-controllable focus.

Overall, the P3 is a significant improvement over the P2, and the best add-on thermal solution I’ve seen so far.

If Thermal Master could come up with a tripod, it would stand head and shoulders above the competitor offerings.

Should I buy a Thermal Master P3?Thermal Master P3 Score Card

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Value

High quality at a reasonable price

4/5

Design

Highly engineered and portable

4/5

User experience

Needs a tripod and improved software

3.5/5

Overall

Excellent quality and easy to carry

4/5

Buy it if...

Thermal imaging is often needed
Much better than a phone with FLIR sensors, and easier to get the best from, this might be the only thermal camera you need.

You need to track changes over time
One of the standout features of this camera is the ability to track changes over time, either using time-lapse or with a thermal alarm. For those tracking a plumbing issue or damaged power cabling, these features could be invaluable.

Don't buy it if...

You have a secure phone
Android app requires sideloading, which may deter less technical users or raise security concerns — especially in enterprise environments where official app store access is preferred.

You have a medical requirement
Thermal cameras aren’t a substitute for a medical device to measure body temperature, even if its quoted accuracy is 2 °C plus or minus. We would strongly advise that if you want to identify someone with a fever, there are better and more reliable ways than this.

Also Consider

InfiRay Xinfrared P2 Pro
A small add-on that can be used with the majority of Android and iOS phones to enable thermal image capture. Plugging into the USB-C port, this tiny device can achieve a resolution of 256 x 192 and has a magnetically attached macro lens.

While this sounds ideal for the very occasional user, it isn't any cheaper than the P3 and has a lower resolution sensor.

Read our InfiRay Xinfrared P2 Pro review

Categories: Reviews

I spent a week with the Cherry XTRFY MX 3.1 and it failed to impress me – or justify its high price

TechRadar Reviews - Sat, 08/16/2025 - 17:00

Cherry XTRFY MX 3.1: one-minute review

The Cherry XTRFY MX 3.1 is a wired mechanical keyboard with the simple aim of delivering great gaming performance.

Its sleek appearance is achieved thanks to the low profile keycaps with their prominent indentations, and despite being made from ABS, they look and feel every bit as premium as their PBT counterparts.

What’s more, the very bright RGB lighting looks particularly striking on the white colorway. The metal chassis, however, looks less impressive, coming across a little cheap.

Fortunately, it feels more solid than it appears – as does the whole board for that matter, equaling what the best gaming keyboards have to offer. It’s reasonably heavy as a result, but not onerously so.

The detachable USB cable also feels premium. It’s braided which makes it more flexible, and it’s quite long, too, which makes it easier to route on various setups.

The software that attends the MX 3.1 is quite limited compared to those of other gaming keyboards, containing only a handful of shortcuts rebind options and a basic macro facility – and not much else besides. This will no doubt disappoint gamers after deep customization options.

To game with, the MX2A switches in the MX 3.1 are heavier than you might expect. They feel quite clicky with minimal dampening, which can make them feel a little harsh when hammering away at them.

This aspect isn’t helped by the short travel of the keys. Thankfully, those indentations on the keycaps are comfortable and secure, which makes them ideal for both gaming and typing.

I also appreciated the rounded back edge of the space bar, which softens the impact when you hit it. This is especially useful given the shallow angle of the layout: instead of fold-out feet, the MX 3.1 comes with two sets of screw-in pins with different heights. No matter which set I installed, the layout always seemed too flat for my liking. Combined with the thick body, this means the MX 3.1 can get uncomfortable after long sessions.

It’s priced slightly below what you might expect from a wired mechanical gaming keyboard, but in today’s market there are plenty of great value models offering more features and stronger performance for less.

(Image credit: Future)Cherry XTRFY MX 3.1 review: price and availability

$129 (about £100 / AU$200)
Available now in three colorways
Slight below-average pricing

The MX 3.1 costs $129 (about £100 / AU$200) and is available now in black, white, and pink colorways, although the latter is currently only available in Asia.

This is a slightly-below average price for a full-size wired mechanical keyboard, but there are plenty of wired and even wireless alternatives that perform just as well, if not better, for less money.

Take the Roccat Magma, for instance, which is our pick as the best gaming keyboard for those on a budget. It may feature membrane rather than mechanical switches and exhibit less-than-stellar build quality, but its performance is sharp and accurate and has a miniscule price tag in comparison to the MX 3.1.

Even the wireless MonsGeek Fun60 Ultra is cheaper than the MX 3.1, albeit not by as much. This board supports both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connections, and features TMR analog switches that allow for far greater customization. I also found it great to both game and type on.

Value: 3 / 5

Cherry XTRFY MX 3.1 review: specs

Layout

Full size

Switch

Mechanical

Programmable keys

Yes

Dimensions

17.1 x 5.4 x 1.4 inches (435 x 138 x 35mm)

RGB or backlighting

Yes (customizable)

(Image credit: Future)Cherry XTRFY MX 3.1 review: design and features

Solid and sturdy construction
No folding feet
Limited software

The MX 3.1 has a simple yet sleek design. The speckled metal chassis that frames the entire board features angular contours and sporadic holes, all of which add some interest. However, this frame ultimately looks a little cheap and harks back to a bygone era of gaudy gaming peripherals.

The very bright and vibrant RGB lighting, on the other hand, is striking yet tasteful. It certainly attracts plenty of attention, especially on the white model, which it complements rather well.

Build quality is very good as well, with the whole unit feeling quite sturdy and heavy, more so than perhaps it looks. That metal chassis is solid as you could wish for, and so too are the plastics, which means the MX 3.1 should stand the test of time.

The keycaps look elegant thanks to their low profile and deep indentations. Despite being made from ABS, they feel every bit as premium as PBT varieties. They feel super smoother under the finger tips, too.

(Image credit: Future)

Their overall size is quite small compared to those on other mechanical keyboards, which makes the whole of the MX 3.1 feel more compact. It’s a shame, however, that there’s no volume dial, with F-row shortcuts relied on for this function in its place.

Instead of foldable feet, the MX 3.1 comes with two sets of pins of different lengths that screw into the back end of the board to adjust the angle. While this method arguably offers a more secure footing, it’s a less sophisticated and more time-consuming solution.

What’s more, even the longer pins aren’t tall enough to create an angle I was entirely comfortable with. This issue is exacerbated by the thick chassis – and lack of wrist support – which meant my wrists had to bend upwards more than I would’ve liked.

The MX 3.1 comes with a long, braided USB cable, which makes it amenable to various setups and routing options. The central placement of the USB-C port also helps with these aspects.

The companion software for the MX 3.1, the Cherry Utility Software, is quite sparse compared to rival tools. Every key can be remapped to another, but there are only a handful of system and media shortcuts available to assign, while the macro creator is very basic. Those looking for more performance based tweaks will be disappointed.

Design & features: 3.5 / 5

Cherry XTRFY MX 3.1 review: performance

Switches heavier than expected
Good for typing
Considerate space bar design

The MX2A Silent Red linear switches are quite clicky with little dampening, which makes them feel harsh when hit hard. They’re also quite heavy to press, which is most noticeable when using the WASD keys for in-game movement. This resistance is somewhat surprising, given the short travel of the keys themselves.

This short travel makes the MX 3.1 great for typing on, though, as do the aforementioned keycap indentations, since they provide both security and feedback when touch typing. Their low profile also helps to compensate for the whole unit’s lack of tilt, allowing my fingers to stay relatively flat while dancing around the keys, which I find more comfortable.

Another aspect of the MX 3.1 I appreciated is the soft curve on the back edge of the space bar, as this cushions impacts with the thumb. It’s a shame this curve is confined to the center rather than extending along the entire edge, but I still appreciated its inclusion.

(Image credit: Future)

Performance: 3.5 / 5

Should I buy the Cherry XTRFY MX 3.1?Gamakay TK75HE V2 Scorecard

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Value

It costs less than the average price for a mechanical keyboard, but there are cheaper alternatives with more features.

3 / 5

Design and features

The MX 3.1 is elegant, despite the somewhat dated design of the metal frame. It’s built to a surprisingly high standard, too, although the software is underwhelming.

3.5 / 5

Performance

The switches are heavier than you might expect, but typing is satisfying. The lack of angle can cause some ergonomic issues.

3.5 / 5

Overall

The MX 3.1 doesn’t do anything to set the gaming keyboard world alight. While it’s solid in some regards, it’s too expensive for what it offers.

3.5 / 5

Buy it if…

You want a solid build
The metal chassis and plastics are strong. The keycaps feel premium, too, more so than their ABS material might suggest.

You want great keycaps
Despite their ABS construction, the keycaps feel great, with their low profile and indentations making for easy typing.

Don’t buy it if…

You want to tinker
The companion software for the MX 3.1 is very limited relative to what some other manufacturers offer.

You want to save money
The MX 3.1 is reasonable compared to other wired mechanical keyboards, but there are many alternatives that represent better value.

Cherry XTRFY MX 3.1 review: also consider

Cherry XTRFY MX 3.1

MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra

Roccat Magma

Layout

Full size

60%

Full size

Switch

Mechanical

Analog (TMR magnetic)

Membrane

Programmable keys

Yes

Dimensions

17.1 x 5.4 x 1.4 inches (435 x 138 x 35mm)

11.5 x 4 x 1.1 inches (293 x 102.5 x 28.5mm)

17.8 x 6.2 x 1.5 inches (452 x 157 x 39mm)

RGB or backlighting

Yes (customizable)

Roccat Magma
The Roccat Magma is much cheaper than the MX 3.1, and while the build quality isn’t the strongest, we found its performance worthy of a gaming keyboard. For those just starting out, it’s a good choice since you won’t be spending untold amounts to get one. Read our full Roccat Magma review.

MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra
It might not be hugely cheaper than the MX 3.1, but the FUN60 Ultra is better value. It has two wireless modes, TMR analog switches with heaps of customizations, and satisfying gaming performance. It’s also built to a high standard. Read our full MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra review.

How I tested the Cherry XTRFY MX 3.1

Tested for a week
Used for gaming and working
Extensive gaming keyboard experience

I tested the MX 3.1 for about a week, during which time I used it for gaming and working.

I played Counter-strike 2, which is a great test for keyboards given the demands it places on fast and its requirement of precise inputs. I also played games that make greater use of the entire layout, such as Abiotic Factor.

I’ve been PC gaming for over a decade, and during that time I’ve experienced a vast array of gaming keyboards. I’ve also tested a wide range of them, as well as other Cherry XTRFY products.

First reviewed: August 2025
Read more about how we test

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I spent a week with the Cherry XTRFY MX 3.1 and it failed to impress me – or justify its high price

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