Reviews

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold: Two-minute review

In our fast-moving and AI-juiced world of technology, the Google Pixel Fold 11 Pro Fold poses this question: is mere refinement good enough? After all, at a glance, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is indistinguishable from the Pixel 10 Pro Fold — at least until you take a closer look.

This new flexible-display phone is a cleaner and more elegant-looking device than its predecessor. It has tighter curves, thinner black bezels, and a smaller, refashioned camera bump. The 6.5-inch cover screen is larger, while still fitting within the same-size chassis.

Even the hinge is trimmer, appearing more flush with the overall body, which also happens to be considerably lighter than the last model. The hinge mechanics have been reengineered for smoother operation, and the main display is flatter and less noticeably creased.

The refinements continue under the hood, with a more powerful Google Tensor 6 CPU with a refreshing 2nm process. There's also the unusual addition of a HiLight LED module on the back that, when the phone is face down, can tell you about incoming calls, or give a visual complement to your hands-free Gemini interactions.

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

None of these elements, though, add up to a sea change for the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, and, while the latest Gemini AI enhancements give it some exciting and powerful new features, you might be hard-pressed to justify an upgrade from the last-generation 10 Pro Fold. The leap from, say, the OG foldable Pixel, which had a shape more closely resembling the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, or even 2024's Pixel 9 Pro Fold, will be more significant.

This is still, though, a foldable that operates in the shadow of both the exciting new Galaxy Z Fold 8, and the quite powerful and larger Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, which I also just reviewed. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold lacks the CPU power and camera performance of the Ultra, and the thinness and lightness of both the Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra, and so falls short of being a head-turning alternative.

I still like the Pixel 11 Pro Fold for its large and bright screen, generally strong performance (despite lower benchmark scores compared to Samsung's new foldables), and overall strong photography, even if its cameras don't quite match up to the Z Fold 8 Ultra's. When compared to the similarly priced Galaxy Z Fold 8, however, it's the clear camera winner (adding a nice 5x optical zoom camera).

It also handily beats virtually all other foldables on dust resistance, achieving an IP68 water and dust protection rating, while Samsung's folds can only promise IP48 for water. In addition, the Pixel Fold is the rare Android to support MagSafe-style charging with Pixel Snap, which is an embedded magnetic ring that connects to virtually any MagSafe wireless charger and Google's PixelStand accessory lineup.

Overall, Google has nudged the Pixel Fold forward to a visually pleasing and performance-satisfying space — but I still look forward to a big leap in design and camera performance next year.

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold review: Price and availability

• Flagship-level foldable at a slightly more reasonable price
• It is more expensive than last year, though that's likely due to RAM shortages and pricing issues
• Only two color options

Google unveiled the Pixel 11 Pro Fold alongside the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, and Pixel 11 Pro XL on August 12. The phone costs $1,899 / £1,799 / AU$2,770, which, in the US, is $100 more than the previous model. With RAM prices squeezing everyone, the price hike is unsurprising, and is unlikely to dissuade potential buyers.

That price, by the way, also puts it in alignment with the smaller and rather interesting Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, which which has a list price of $1,899.99 / £1,699 / AU$2,699.

The Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold is on sale now, as is available in two colors: Obsidian (black) and Olive. Our test unit arrived in Olive, which I think looks more like Sage, and it's a nice-looking color.

• Value score: 4.5 / 5

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold review: Specs

Here's a breakdown of the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold's key specs:

Dimensions:

Closed: 155.2 x 76 x 10.1mm
Open: 155.2 x 150.4 x 5mm

Weight:

239g

Display:

Cover display: 6.5-inch Super Actua display
Main display: 8.0-inch Super Actua Flex display

Resolution:

Cover display: 1080 x 2342
Main display: 2076 x 2152

Refresh rate:

Cover display: adaptive 1-to-120Hz
Main display: adaptive 1-to-120Hz

Peak brightness:

Cover display: 3,600 nits
Main display: 3,600 nits

CPU:

Google Tensor 6

RAM:

16GB

Storage:

256GB / 512GB / 1TB

OS:

Android 17

Cameras:

48MP F/1.7 main, 10.5MP F/2.2 ultra-wide

Selfie Camera:

Main screen: 10MP F/2.2
Cover screen: 10MP F/2.2

Telephoto

10.8MP F/3.1 5x optical

Battery:

4,806mAh

Charging:

30W wired, 25W wireless

Colors:

Obsidian, Olive

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold review: Design

• Cleaner look with tighter hinge
• Slightly thinner that 10 Pro Fold
• Much lighter
• Camera bump is smaller

For some, the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold will be an acquired taste. The asymmetrical design, which features a flat edge and corners on one side and curves on the other, has not always been everyone's cup of tea. It's a design that's been around for a few generations now, but it still only makes full sense when you unfold the phone so that the larger 8-inch display is surrounded by four gently curved corners.

On one edge is a power/sleep/Gemini button that also doubles as an effective fingerprint reader (you can, as I did, also register your face for biometric security and add a PIN). Below that is the volume rocker. The SIM slot has moved from the top edge of the device to the bottom (eSIM is supported as well). On opposite edges are the stereo speakers, which can get loud enough to fill a room with clear sound that, no surprise, is mostly lacking in bass.

When I hold the folded phone in one hand, though, any dissonance quickly disappears, especially because the front features a full-sized 6.5-inch display, one that is wider than the cover screen on the similarly sized Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. While I get into the displays later, it's worth noting here that the appearance of the cover display is far more elegant now that Google has trimmed back the black bezel running around the cover display.

At 6.1 x 3.0 x 0.4 inches / 155.2 x 76 x 10.1mm when folded, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is virtually the same size as the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, but looks can be deceiving. It is ever-so-slightly thinner and, more importantly, the phone has somehow lost 19 grams and now weighs just 239g. That makes the phone much more comfortable to hold. Despite this, it's still not as light as the Z Fold 8 Ultra (215g) or the Z Fold 8 (201g). So if weight is a factor for you, you might want to investigate the Samsung line.

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The phone is built out of a combination of high-strength aluminum and aerospace-grade steel. On the front is ceramic glass, and on the back is a composite material with a truly pleasing satin finish. I really like that the back of the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is slightly rougher than the last model; it feels wonderful in the hand.

The overall cleaner look is enhanced by the redesigned hinge. When the phone is folded, the hinge back sits almost flush with the rest of the phone's rear edges. Going deeper, Google reengineered the mechanism. While the phone is easier to open, the action feels somehow surer. That new hinge helps make the phone almost perfectly flat when open, and has helped to reduce the crease visibility (though it is still visible and, yes, you can feel it when you run your finger over that area).

Lance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / Future

One slightly concerning thing I did notice is that when I unfolded the phone and then flexed the display a tiny bit (basically pushing back on either side to force it open a tiny bit more), I heard a clicking sound coming from the flexible display. There was nothing wrong with the screen, and while I could not see what was making the sound, I was able to repeat it. Fortunately, the sound eventually stopped; perhaps it was just the phone settling in.

On the bright side, this is the only foldable I know of that, with an IP68 rating, can withstand water and dust. Would I take the Pixel 11 Pro Fold to the beach? Maybe. I'd certainly have more confidence taking the Pixel than a member of the Galaxy Z 8 lineup, all of which are only rated IP48 for water protection. By the way, my test unit handled a test-dunk in the iconic fountain in Manhattan's Bryant Park like a champ.

• Design score: 4 / 5

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold review: Displays

• Larger cover screen
• Both displays go to a bright 3,600 nits
• Resolution of each display slightly beaten by Z Fold 8 Ultra

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

Like so many other things with the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold, the device's pair of displays are not radically different from the last model's, but there are enough incremental improvements to still make them competitive and appealing.

Perhaps the most noticeable change is the slightly larger OLED cover screen, which is now, thanks to a much thinner black bezel around it, 6.5 inches instead of 6.4 inches. The flexible main OLED panel is still eight inches.

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

Resolution on the two screens is virtually unchanged, with the larger cover display somehow losing a few pixels and ppi. On the 10 Pro Fold, it was a 2364 x 1080 display at 408ppi. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold is 2342 x 1080 and 399ppi. Trust me, you won't notice the difference. The main 8-inch flexible screen is 2076 x 2152, which is the same as the last model. Neither screen matches the resolutions of the displays found on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.

Both screens get a nice brightness bump, with a max brightness of 3,600 nits. In direct sunlight at the seemingly always-sunny Bryant Park, both the cover and main screens did an excellent job of shining through the sun, so that I could easily navigate any menu, and effectively use the phone in folded and unfolded modes.

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

Both screens default to adaptive refresh mode, which extends from 1 to 120Hz. With it on, scrolling is silky smooth. It's also not bad in non-adaptive mode, which I assume is 60Hz, and which has the added benefit of saving on battery life.

Lance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / Future

Consuming virtually any kind of content on either screen is a pleasure, although for a sit-back-and-enjoy experience, nothing beats the unfolded 8-inch display. I used it to play games, browse the web, and stream Netflix (outdoors over a strong T-Mobile 5G connection).

That screen is large enough to support multitasking. I easily split the screen in two to have a website on one side and photos on the other. There's also a bubble feature that essentially allows you to have a third app running (as long as it supports the function), which you can drag to one side of the screen or the other. That bubble app will continue running in the background unless you actively shut it down (you can drag it to the trash).

(Image credit: Future)

• Display score: 4.5 / 5

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold review: Cameras

• Three good cameras
• 5x optical zoom is much appreciated
• Google is in danger of falling behind on the camera front
• Tons of photographic tools
• Magic Capture shows potential

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

No smartphone category has more cameras than folding phones, as in addition to the typical maximum of three lenses on the back of the phone, and a selfie camera, you get an extra selfie lens on the main screen. In total, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold has five cameras; unfortunately, they are mostly unchanged from the last model. Here's what you get:

• 48MP wide
• 10.5MP ultrawide
• 10.8MP telephoto (5x optical)
• 10MP selfie (main screen)
• 10MP selfie (cover screen)

There's nothing wrong with these lenses and, with a larger sensor on the main camera compared to the 10 Pro Fold, Google has promised better low-light performance.

Still, when I compare this with what I can get on, say, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra (200MP main and 50MP ultrawide), it all seems a little lacking. At least the Pixel outdoes Samsung on the zoom front, offering 5x optical zoom on a 10.8MP sensor, while the Z Fold 8 Ultra tops out at 3x optical with a 10MP sensor. The Pixel's two 10MP selfie cameras are good, if unremarkable.

In a vacuum, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold takes excellent photos — images you'd be proud to show off to friends and family and share on social media. I also, though, did some quick comparisons with my iPhone 17 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.

Lance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / Future

There was a time when Google was credited with the best smartphone camera quality — its Pixel line even won MKHBD's Blind Smartphone Camera test between 2022 and 2024. In the past I've kept my praise of Pixel phone cameras somewhat muted, though I would have credited them with being generally on par with Apple, and usually surpassing Samsung.

In recent years, though, Apple, and especially Samsung, have upped their image-processing games, and this year I'm noticing that while the Pixel 11 Pro Fold takes excellent shots, they are not necessarily better than, and sometimes not as good as, similar photos from the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.

Photo taken with Pixel 11 Pro FoldLance Ulanoff / FuturePhoto taken with the iPhone 17 Pro MaxLance Ulanoff / FuturePhoto taken with Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraLance Ulanoff / Future

Some of the Pixel 11 Pro Fold photos are grainy or a bit flat, especially those from the ultrawide. I think this is mostly due to the lack of pixels. The iPhone 17 Pro Max, in particular, has 48MP to work with, though it defaults to shooting at 24MP. Even so, that's simply more information in each pixel.

Photo taken with Google Pixel 11 Pro FoldLance Ulanoff / FuturePhoto taken with iPhone 17 Pro MaxLance Ulanoff / FuturePhoto taken with Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraLance Ulanoff / FuturePhoto taken with Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold Lance Ulanoff / FuturePhoto taken with iPhone 17 Pro MaxLance Ulanoff / FuturePhoto taken with Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraLance Ulanoff / Future

While I got mostly punchy, clear colors, the photo I took of a bright-pink crash helmet on a printed car track surface was disappointing. The orange from the track lines seems to have affected the helmet color, giving it an overall faint orange tint (an effect you may not be able to detect on your screen), something I did not detect in the same image from the Z Fold 8 Ultra or the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Lance Ulanoff / FuturePhoto taken with iPhone 17 Pro MaxLance Ulanoff / FuturePhoto taken with Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FuturePhoto taken with iPhone 17 Pro MaxLance Ulanoff / FuturePhoto taken with Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraLance Ulanoff / Future

I took a bunch of portrait-mode shots, and while I liked them, I also noticed that the Pixel could be a little heavy-handed with the cutouts. In one case, the bokeh cut away a tuft of my subject's hair. The iPhone seems to take a more subtle approach here.

(Image credit: Future)

There are a lot of AI-assisted photo features, including Camera Coach, which guided me on how to get a better picture of the fountain by reframing to cut out a distracting person, and the Magic Eraser, which I can apply by using my voice. I asked it to remove a guy in a blue shirt from one of my photos, and it did such a good job that you couldn't even tell the guy was ever there.

Lance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / Future

I also tried out one of the newest features: Magic Capture. This is an interesting hybrid capture feature that essentially uses video to help you capture — or not miss — the perfect shot.

(Image credit: Future)

As I was walking through Bryant Park, I came across some bocci ball players. I set myself up opposite them, and selected the Gemini icon next to the camera icon to enable Magic Capture. This opens an interface that is essentially video capture. You point your camera at the subject, hit record, and then stop recording when you think you might have your shot.

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold analyzes the video using AI, and identifies the perfect frames. In my case, I shot as the men were pitching their bocci balls. The AI presented me with a few best shot options I could save, and I was pleased to see that it always managed to capture the bocci balls mid-flight for the most dramatic shots. It also, however, holds onto low-resolution video of the entire capture. I'm not sure I need or want that.

Lance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / Future

Macro shots and low-light shots look generally good, though the latter are not necessarily better than what I get from other flagship-grade smartphones. Video shot up to 4K also looks good.

Lance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / Future

Overall, I think this is a good camera system that should satisfy most casual photographers. But I also think it will leave some wishing for more megapixels.

• Camera score: 3.5 / 5

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold review: Software

• Android 17
• Easy access to Gemini
• No duplicate apps

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

Google's Pixels may be my favorite Android phones because they're the closest thing we have to a pure-play Android interface. There's no duplicate gallery or web browser. The RCS messenger is the only one. It's a simplicity I've always appreciated.

Like other Pixels, the 11 Pro Fold also gets the latest Gemini technology, with a host of AI features that you may or may not use.

There are live translations for video, location-based suggestions, proactive actions, and automations in chats. Some of these tools work better the longer you've been using the phone, or when you allow Gemini to, say, connect to your other Google apps, so they can learn more about you and be, well, proactive.

Some, like Rambler and ASL-to-Text (for American Sign Language), are truly impressive. Rambler is the perfect speech-to-text tool for the mumblers among us, and while I have not used ASL-to-Text, I did see an inspiring demonstration during the Pixel launch. The phone and AI's ability to not only see and interpret the signs, but also facial expressions for emotional intent is kind of mind-blowing. I keep thinking that this is what technology and, especially, AI are really for.

Gemini remains a great tool for on-the-fly insights and, assuming you give it access, can see what's on your screen or even in your files, if you enable functions like Connected Apps and Gemini Live screen-sharing.

I especially like hands-free use, where I call out "Hey Google," and Gemini responds.

(Image credit: Future)

The new HiLight module (the white LED on the camera bump that's usually reserved for a flash) is a nifty little visual cue that Gemini is in use. It only works when the phone is face down. While I initially struggled to make it work, Google applied some backend updates, and now, when I say, “Hey Google,” the LED lights up in blue and white, animating as I ask questions, as it thinks, and then as it gives me answers (its voice and those answers come through the phone’s speaker system).

(Image credit: Future)

HiLight’s other purpose is letting me know when someone I know is calling me. To activate that, I went into Contacts and assigned my wife one of five HiLight colors. Now, when she calls — when my Pixel 11 Pro Fold is face-down on the table — the HiLight pulses in a very visible green.

(Image credit: Future)

HiLight is a cool, playful addition that might become even more useful when Google adds notifications like Messages for your high-priority contacts and other third-party app alerts. For now, though, it's more of a curiosity, and not necessarily a reason to buy or upgrade to this phone.

• Software score: 4.5 / 5

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold review: Performance

• New Google Tensor G6
• 16GB of RAM
• Base storage of 256GB is a necessary upgrade

Lance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / Future

Google has never produced the fastest ARM chips, but they are powerful and well-equipped for our AI reality, and the new Tensor G6 is no different. It posted strong GeekBench 7 benchmarks, but also ones that fell short of results I can get from Apple's A19 Pro and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy. The differences are not vast, and I'd contend that in most day-to-day use scenarios you'll never notice the difference. Most modern flagships now have more processing power than they can use.

It's also good news that the SoC is backed by 16GB of RAM, a hearty amount to support local AI operations, and 256GB of storage (to start — you can go up to 1TB) to give you enough room to store all your photos, videos, files, and, yes, AI creations.

The Tensor G6 is, by the way, one of the first 2nm process chips in a flagship device. That could translate to better performance and, especially, more efficiency, which might mean better battery life.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra benchmark scores

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold

Geekbench 7 single-core

2309

Geekbench 7 multi-core

6803

3D Mark Wildlife Extreme Unlimited

3110

• Performance score: 4.5 / 5

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold review: Battery

• 4,806mAh battery
• Yes, the battery is smaller
• Google is still promising all-day battery life

Yes, the battery has dropped from approximately 5,000mAh to 4,806mAh, but somehow you can still anticipate a full day of battery life — although how you define a full day will vary from user to user. With intermittent use, I got more than 24 hours of battery life. Our harsher Labs-based battery run-down test (with screen smoothness on) recorded about 12 hours.

Still, I suspect the generally decent battery life despite the smaller battery pack is in part due to the Tensor 6 processor and its 2nm process. As I mentioned, the 2m process is more efficient, and can help the SoC sip power as opposed to suck it away.

Your mileage, though, will certainly vary.

The other standout benefit of the Pixel 11 Pro Fold's battery system is its Pixel Snap support. Think of this as Android's answer to Apple's MagSafe charging. As with all modern iPhones, there's a hidden magnet inside the Pixel 11 Pro Fold's chassis that will magnetically hug a Pixel Snap Qi-based charge stand — and, yes, it works perfectly with all MagSafe ones, too. Why Samsung has not added this feature to all its phones is beyond me.

• Battery score: 4 / 5

Should you buy the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold? Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold scorecard

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Value

More expensive than the last Pixel Fold, but still a relative bargain compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra

4.5 / 5

Design

A cleaner, more refined look in a much lighter body. Still thicker than competitors

4 / 5

Displays

Bright, colorful and smooth displays. Plus the cover screen is now bigger. Resolution slightly behind competitor foldables

4.5 / 5

Cameras

A good camera array that hasn't changed much since last year. Image quality is generally good, and often excellent, but competitors have caught up to and/or surpassed Google in some image scenarios

3.5 / 5

Software

The best Android experience on the market. A clean, unified interface and lots of powerful Gemini access

4.5 / 5

Performance

The new Tensor G6 offers more than enough power for every task, and is efficient enough to help extend battery life

4.5 / 5

Battery

The battery shrunk a little, but that does not appear to impacted have battery life.

4 / 5

Buy it if...

You want the best Pixel foldable to date
While not an overhaul, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold's series of refinements add up to a more elegant and lightweight multi-purpose pocket device that Pixel fans will love.

You want more value for less
Sure, this Pixel Fold is more expensive than the last one, but it's still cheaper than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, a folding phone that it generally meets (and sometimes beats) on most key specs.

You want more zoom
While many flagships are retreating to 3x or 4x optical zoom, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold offers a 5x optical zoom camera. Maybe, though, Google will up the megapixels to 48 next year.

Don't buy it if...

You want the thinnest and lightest fold
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold 8 are both lighter and thinner options.

You want the best photography
I generally liked the Pixel 11 Pro Fold's cameras, but the photos didn't always match or beat similar shots from competitors.

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold review: Also consider

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 matches, in the US, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold on price but can't truly compete on the camera front. Still, if you want the lightest and most interesting foldable, this is it.

Read our Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 review

Motorola Razr Fold 2026
For a great camera array and bleeding-edge battery technology, the Razr Fold 2026 might be the pick over the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, that is if you can get over the clunky design.

Read our full Motorola Razr Fold 2026 review

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra
The thinnest, lightest, and arguably most powerful foldable on the market, beating the Pixel 11 Pro Fold on most fronts. You'll pay dearly, but it's worth every dime.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra review

How I tested the Google Pixel 11 Pro FoldWhy you can trust TechRadar

☑️ 100s of smartphones reviewed
☑️ 15 years of product testing
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☑️ Nearly 200,000 hours testing tech

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold arrived late and to the wrong house, which meant I had a little less time with it than I would have preferred. Still, between my early hands-on time and my days of testing, I've gotten a clear sense of the qualities, and minor deficits, of Google's only foldable device.

I've used it for work, play, and communication. I spent time with Gemini and took a lot of photos, focusing on how this camera array compares to some of the best smartphone camera systems on the market.

I've been testing foldable phones for several years now, and I'm still impressed with how each new model improves year on year. And while I appreciate the work Google has done to improve its foldable, I can't help but think about what's next. Google, like the rest of the field, should soon be facing some formidable competition from Apple. So, as I test, I keep what's coming in mind — and pretty good may not be good enough.

I'm putting all this in the context of decades of phone-testing experience and 40 years as a journalist, which means I know how far we've come and understand the leaps we can make, sometimes, in a very short period of time. The folding space is, in some ways, just getting started.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed August 2026

I picked up an Airhub eSIM the week before a trip to Japan last month. Landed at Narita, switched it on before I even cleared immigration, and had a working map on my phone by the time I got to the baggage belt.

That kind of frictionless setup is what Airhub is built around. It is an eSIM provider covering 190+ countries and regions worldwide, founded in 2020 and now serving over 5 million customers globally.

The catalog spans local, regional, and global plans, with some offering unlimited data, and a handful going further than most competitors by bundling voice calling and SMS into the plan. You get an actual international number, which means you can receive calls and texts even when you are offline.

On paper, Airhub ticks most of the boxes you would want before an international trip. In practice, my experience in Japan held up well. Coverage was solid across Tokyo and Kyoto, top-up was two taps in the app, and I never had to think about connectivity for the full two weeks.

A few reviewers have flagged the first-time activation flow as occasionally clunky, and single sign-on has thrown some users off, but the support team tends to sort these out quickly. For the price, it is hard to argue with what you get.

Airhub: Plans and pricing

Airhub's local plans start at $1.89 in some markets, with pricing varying by country and plan type. Many plans bundle an international number with voice and text alongside data.

Here are some popular examples of starting prices by country:

Region

Starting from

Plans available

United States

$1.99 USD

24 plans

United Kingdom

$2.85 USD

20 plans

UAE

$1.89 USD

16 plans

Thailand

$2.85 USD

15 plans

Switzerland

$1.90 USD

16 plans

Japan

$2.50 USD

17 plans

Australia

$2.98 USD

20 plans

Italy

$3.49 USD

17 plans

Canada

$2.49 USD

21 plans

France

$1.89 USD

18 plans

Brazil

$3.69 USD

15 plans

Spain

$3.40 USD

18 plans

While some regions, such as Latin America, may have limited coverage, Airhub's variety of plans and affordable rates still make it an attractive option for international travelers.

For travelers who need ongoing connectivity, Airhub also offers monthly rolling global subscription plans:

(Image credit: Airhub)Airhub: Features

Airhub covers the basics well and then goes a step further in a few areas that most eSIM providers skip. Here is what you actually get.

• It works the moment you land: Set it up before your trip, switch it on after landing, and you are online instantly. Maps, cabs, messages, and everything else work right away, with no additional setup required at the airport.
• plans that fit your trip, not the other way around: Whether it is a short break, a long vacation, work travel, or remote work, Airhub has a plan that makes sense for you. With up to 15 plan varieties per country, users can find an option that fits both their itinerary and their budget.
• Affordable voice and data plans: Airhub offers flexible global plans that give you the right data and calling options at a cost that makes sense. It is one of the few eSIM providers to include voice minutes and international phone numbers alongside data, depending on the region.
• Top up anytime: Running low on data? Just add more directly from the app or website. There are no new QR codes to scan or settings to configure again; your existing eSIM simply continues with the added data.
• Works perfectly with dual SIM phones: Airhub is designed to work alongside your regular SIM card. Use Airhub for data while keeping your home SIM active for calls and OTPs, giving you the best of both connections without any compromise.
• Voucher program: If you are a small retailer or mobile shop, you can take advantage of the Voucher Program to become one of Airhub's licensed distribution partners. It is a great way for small businesses to diversify their revenue streams without physically shipping SIM cards to customers.

Airhub: Installation

Getting started is easy. Just visit the Airhub website and purchase an eSIM plan. Buying a plan is as simple as choosing your destination, data package, and validity period.

Once you've completed your purchase, Airhub sends you an activation code with instructions to activate the eSIM on your device. The process rarely takes longer than two minutes. You can choose to activate your eSIM immediately or keep it installed without activating it until your travel dates.

If you have questions about specific plans, the onboarding process, or your device's compatibility, Airhub's customer service team is available to answer them around the clock.

To install and activate the eSIM, follow these steps:

• Purchase an eSIM data plan on the Airhub website or in the app. Select your destination, choose a plan, and complete checkout. You will receive an email with a QR code and installation instructions.
• On your phone, go to Settings > Cellular/Mobile Data. Make sure the Airhub eSIM is turned on.
• Set the Airhub eSIM to use Cellular Data and turn on Data Roaming.
• Scan the QR code provided in the email to install the eSIM profile. Alternatively, you can enter the activation code manually in your phone's cellular settings.
• Once installed, the eSIM may show "Activating" for some time, especially if you are not yet in the destination country. This is normal, and the activation will complete once you are in the coverage area.
• You can manage your eSIM by logging into the Airhub app. From there, you can check your data usage, top up, or change your plan.

(Image credit: Airhub)

You can also watch the YouTube tutorials on how to activate your eSIM on iOS and Android.

Airhub: Coverage and speed

(Image credit: Airhub)

Airhub's coverage spans more than 190 countries and regions worldwide, offering reliable connectivity for travelers. The company partners with local networks to design cost-effective plans, ensuring better regional coverage and pricing compared to some competitors.

However, Airhub's coverage in Latin America, while broader than before, still has some gaps in more remote destinations. The Latin America plan now covers Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Paraguay, El Salvador, Uruguay, and Venezuela, with the Global plan further extending coverage to Mexico, Panama, and French Guiana. Travelers are advised to verify the availability of specific countries on Airhub's website before purchasing.

In terms of data speeds, Airhub generally provides 4G LTE coverage, with some plans offering 5G in select countries like Thailand. While most users report reliable connections and fast speeds, a few reviews mention occasional inconsistencies or throttling issues.

Compared to other eSIM providers, Airhub stands out for its wide variety of region-specific plans, often including voice minutes and text messaging. While competitors like Airalo boast broader global coverage, Airhub's regional focus enables more competitive pricing and greater plan flexibility in the areas it serves.

Airhub: Support

(Image credit: Airhub)

Airhub offers several customer support channels, including live chat and email. However, user reviews mention that response times across these channels can be inconsistent.

Some users report positive experiences, praising the quick turnaround time and helpful support staff. On the other hand, others have expressed frustration about late replies, changing support representatives, and unresolved issues.

There's also a detailed FAQ for users to look for solutions to common problems. Some of these contain step-by-step instructions for diagnosing and resolving even technical errors. But if you need a professional, email and chat are the only options because this provider does not offer phone support.

Airhub: Final verdict

Of all the eSIM providers we have reviewed, Airhub has the widest variety of plans. They range from regional to global and from short-term to long-term. It's also one of the few eSIM companies offering voice minutes and international numbers.

However, Airhub's inconsistent customer support and limited coverage in certain regions could be drawbacks for some users. Still, we feel that it's a solid choice whose benefits outweigh the disadvantages in the end.

Airhub: FAQsWhich devices work with Airhub eSIM?

Airhub works with most modern eSIM-compatible smartphones, including iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer. It is recommended to check your device manufacturer's specifications to confirm eSIM support before purchasing a plan.

Can I use Airhub eSIM when traveling?

Yes. Airhub is designed specifically for travelers. You can set up your eSIM before departure and switch it on as soon as you land, giving you instant connectivity without needing to find a local SIM shop or deal with roaming charges from your home carrier.

How long will my Airhub eSIM work?

Airhub validity depends on the option you select at the time of purchase, ranging from 7-day short-term plans to 30-day and monthly rolling subscriptions. Your data allowance and validity period are clearly displayed before checkout and, once activated, within the Airhub app.

Can I use my physical SIM and eSIM together?

Yes. On dual-SIM devices, you can use your physical SIM and Airhub eSIM simultaneously. A common setup is to use Airhub for mobile data while keeping your regular SIM active for calls and OTPs, so you never miss important messages from your home number.

Is Airhub eSIM safe to use?

Yes. Airhub is a legitimate eSIM provider founded in 2020 and trusted by over 500,000 users worldwide. Purchases are processed securely, and the platform supports multiple payment methods, including credit cards, PayPal, and cryptocurrency.

Where is Airhub eSIM based?

Airhub is owned and managed by GigHub Systems Inc., a company headquartered in San Francisco, California, United States. However, Airhub offers eSIM plans for travelers worldwide.

Thermal Master DV2: 30-second review

The Thermal Master DV2 is a handheld thermal imaging monocular that the maker positions in different ways depending on which storefront is visited. On its own birdwatching page, it is billed as the first dedicated thermal camera built specifically for spotting birds and wildlife.

Elsewhere in the same company's catalog, and on Amazon, it appears instead as a general-purpose thermal monocular for hunting, camping and rescue work. Whatever your interest, the hardware underneath is identical.

At the centre of the device sits a 256 x 192 sensor with a 12-micron pixel pitch. Thermal Master runs that raw feed through what it calls the RazorX engine, a three-core processing pipeline built from an FPGA, an ASIC and an AI upscaling block badged X³IR. The result is a 512 x 384 output image, twice the native resolution, though this is achieved through interpolation rather than by a genuinely higher-resolution sensor.

Detection is rated up to 1000m for a human-scale target, with shorter recognition distances quoted for smaller subjects such as birds. A 10mm f/0.8 manual focus lens feeds that sensor, and the whole thing is viewed on a 5-inch touchscreen running at 1280 x 720. That screen rotates and folds, making it compact to carry and easy to use. And the camera can be used without a phone, making deployment quicker and easier.

Connectivity can be used for streaming over Wi-Fi or for offloading captured images and video from the camera, and it supports RTSP for near-no-lag transmission. A laser pointer helps mark whatever has been spotted, and a Picatinny rail fitting lets you mount the DV2 on other equipment.

Thermal Master sells the DV2 directly from its own site and through Amazon in several regions. Pricing is $499/£459 via Amazon, which seems reasonable since this isn’t a phone add-on, but a standalone camera.

The value of this product entirely pivots on the use case. If you need to identify animals or people at range, then it could be invaluable, but it's not suitable for every job.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)Thermal Master DV2: price and availability

• How much does it cost? $500/£460/€530
• When is it out? It is available now
• Where can you get it? Direct from the Thermal Master website, with shipping from regional warehouses in the US, UK, EU, and China. And via online retailers.

At the time of review, the DV2 carries a price of $489 USD direct from Thermal Master. For that price, you get the camera, a battery charger, one battery and a few accessories, like the Picatinny rail attachment and carry case.

For quick delivery, it can be purchased from Amazon.com for $499, from Amazon.co.uk for £459.99 and from the EU Amazon sites for €529.99.

There aren’t any obvious retail competitors because professional bird watching isn’t something most companies see as a new market opportunity.

A more general-purpose device is the Axion Compact Thermal Monocular, but that’s priced at $1449.97 on Amazon for those in the USA.

A slightly more realistic choice is the TOPDON TS004 and TS004 Pro, monoculars designed for hunting, rather than birdwatching. The standard TS004 has a resolution of 256 x 192 and costs a little over $400, while its Pro brother is $759.95 and sports 384 x 288 resolution. The Pro quotes detection at up to 650 yards, which is less than the DV2.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

• Value score: 3.5/5

Thermal Master DV2: Specs

Spec

Detail

Sensor

256 x 192, 12μm pitch

Sensitivity (NETD)

≤20mK @ 25°C, f/0.8

Super resolution output

512 x 384 via X³IR interpolation

Lens

10mm f/0.8, manual focus

Field of view

17.5° x 13.1° (some listings simplify this to 18°)

Display

5 inch touchscreen, 1280 x 720, 360° rotating, 180° folding

Refresh rate

50Hz

Processor

Triple-core: FPGA, ASIC, AI upscaling block (RazorX engine)

Detection range

Up to 1094 yards for a human-sized target

Digital zoom

8x

Reticles

9 tactical modes, 5 colours

Colour palettes

5

Connectivity

Wi-Fi streaming, RTSP support confirmed independently, USB-C

Storage

32GB internal

Mounting

Picatinny rail adapter

Weight

512g including battery

Battery

1x 21700 5000mAh Battery

Warranty

2 years

Thermal Master DV2: Design

• Camcorder vibe
• Large touch screen
• Only one battery included
• Confusing buttons

Many handheld thermal cameras still borrow the shape of a barcode scanner or a torch, but the DV2 looks closer to a small camcorder. The optics are at the top end, with a lens cap protecting the manual-focus telephoto. The lens cap isn’t tethered, so I recommend not dropping that black item in the dark the first time you use this device.

Its defining feature is the fold-out 5-inch touchscreen, which rotates 360 degrees and folds 180 degrees, rather than staying fixed in one position. This lets the operator adjust the display if the target area is above or below the camera's natural line of sight.

The rotating, folding screen lets the display angle toward the eye, whether the DV2 is held low, mounted on a tripod, or fitted to a rail system via its Picatinny adapter.

A downside of this design choice is that if you fold out the display at 90 degrees to the camera, its most natural position, the weight causes the camera to fall over. Therefore, at a minimum, you need a small tripod, even if one isn’t included with the DV2.

To operate the device, the red button on the rear is depressed for what seems like an inordinately long time before a fancy video graphic announces that the DV2 is ready for action.

But before you do that, the 21700 battery needs to be inserted into the DV2, something you are told to do, but there are no indicators I could see which end of the battery goes in first.

Eventually, I found a video of someone demonstrating the camera and realised the correct orientation, but it wasn’t labelled or mentioned in the quick start guide.

Documentation for this product isn't a strong point, since months after release there is still no proper manual.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

What’s also slightly odd about the battery is that the case has positions for two, but Thermal Master provides only one. And yet, the charger accepts two. Given that the retail unit cost of a 21700 battery is less than $10, and it would be much less than that for Thermal Master, it's confusing why two aren’t provided from the outset.

If you don’t intend to buy another, then the charger is also superfluous, since you can charge the one included in the DV2 by using a provided USB-C cable. Except you might not want to, because you might struggle to power the DV2 while it's on a tripod, since the USB-C port is on the same underside as the threaded tripod hole.

That’s confusing, but the bit that genuinely made me scratch my head was that the second button next to the power on/off one didn’t initiate video and picture capture. No, it toggles through the different colour representations, something most people would set and forget.

To take a picture or video, you have to touch the screen, which, if you're zoomed in on a distant bird or animal, is likely to twist the camera and ruin the framing. Not sure who made the choice not to include a shooting trigger, but it was a poor decision.

Another slightly odd feature is that this device has a laser pointer, activated by a quick press of the power button. I can’t think of anything more likely to cause roosting birds or other wildlife to exit stage left than being shot in the eye with a laser, so why they included this, I’m unsure.

I'm also confused by the addition of the Picatinny rail adapter, which implies that after you've watched the birds, your next step is to shoot them. That's not really the sort of bird watching I'm familiar with, but what do I know?

Overall, the build quality is decent, and it feels relatively robust. From a design perspective, there appear to be numerous aspects where the engineers creating it didn’t really appreciate how it might be used and what potential customers might be expecting.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

Design score: 3.5/5

Thermal Master DV2: User experience

• Questionable ergonomics
• Dire mobile app
• Focus challenges
• Recognition vs detection

I might have got the wrong end of the stick, but the primary purpose of this device is to take pictures and video using the thermal sensor, isn’t it?

This seems obvious, but due to how poorly organized the device menus are for doing just that, perhaps I’ve entirely misunderstood this device.

I’ve already mentioned that you can’t initiate capture with a simple button, but the touch screen menu goes one step further. Taking a picture isn’t on the top-level menu; it requires you to go to a second page, and then a third, to do the one task this device is made for.

The top level is full of things you won’t want immediate access to, I’d contest, and this arrangement makes almost no sense I can fathom.

At first, I concluded you were probably meant to use the mobile app to take pictures so you don’t touch the camera, but I was wrong.

Connecting the camera to the phone involves an overly complicated procedure that would make anyone used to Apple or Bambu Labs products incandescent.

For starters, both devices need to be on the same Wi-Fi network, so this won’t work in the field unless you bring a portable Wi-Fi access point along.

The phone needs an app that, for Android users, needs to be downloaded from the support pages and then side-loaded onto the phone. I’ve long been critical of Thermal Master apps, and how there is always a new one for each camera, and this one isn’t even on the Play Store.

Once you install the app, you can go to a specific page on the camera with no instructions on which icon it's behind, then get a QR code that connects the two.

To use this feature, you must be in control mode, where the barcode is shown, so you can’t do anything on the camera when the phone takes over. Once the two are connected, you have three features.

One of which is the color control, another is the Thermal Master eye (Red/Green imaging mode), and the other recalibrates on the image. There isn’t any way to change from still image to video, use the aiming reticule, hotspot tracking, or access the picture album, so 80% of what the DV2 does is unavailable.

But also, you can’t take a picture other than using your phone's inbuilt feature to take a screenshot. And, if you capture images using the phone, they are not transferred to the phone.

So anything you manage to capture needs to be downloaded from the camera in a separate exercise using a USB-C cable.

Being brutally honest, it appears that the hardware team started work on the DV2 many months before the software people, who appear to have met it a couple of weeks before it was launched.

I suspect that this connectivity was supposed to use Bluetooth, but time ran out, and it also did for all the other missing features of the phone app.

If you ignore the phone app nonsense - and I recommend you do - and focus instead on the functionality built into the camera, then the user experience is much better, if a little limited compared with some of the other Thermal cameras that this brand makes.

What’s lacking here is a visible-light sensor, the data from which could be used to enhance thermal captures and help with focusing. I’d put focusing as the single most challenging part of using the DV2, because when you're presented with blobs of moving colour on the screen, it's hard to tell whether they’re moving in or out of focus.

Once focus is dialled in, as long as you don’t move the camera, you definitely need a tripod; then you can develop a practical workflow.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

What’s important to realise is that this is for capturing things that aren’t especially close, and this hardware would be of zero use to anyone repairing electronics or fixing engine problems. And, because it's not meant for that, some of the features seen on other cameras, like floating temperature text, are missing on the DV2.

Also, the range of this device allows you to identify the thermal signatures of humans and animals long before you can determine where they are going or what they are doing.

Hilariously, to make this understandable, the DV2 datasheet breaks this down into four detection range levels, where the thing being detected will trigger up to three pixels on the sensor. These are 300m for a 1.8m human, 250m for 1 1.5m Hog, 200m for a 1.2m Coyote, and 50m for a 0.3m Dove.

Where I live in England, we have only two of those creatures since Wild Hogs and Coyotes aren’t endemic, but I get the idea. The camera's relatively high frame rate helps with identification, but only when they’re larger than three pixels on the sensor.

Thermal Master marketing takes this capability and extrapolates it to claim the camera can detect human-sized heat signatures at 1094 yards (1000m, or 1km). To be clear, at that range, an adult human would be a single pixel on the sensor, and for them to be recognised as such, they’d need to be four times closer.

I guess the single pixel, if consistently lit, might tell you something is coming, just not what it was.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

• User experience score: 2/5

Thermal Master DV2: Camera

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

Image output is a 512 x 384 frame, built from a native 256 x 192 sensor through the RazorX engine's AI upscaling. As with any interpolated output, this can improve apparent detail without genuinely increasing sensor resolution.

And, in the DV2, this works well enough, making the thermal image clear and readable, with good separation between different heat sources even at a distance.

Digital zoom is available up to 8x, but zooming this way involves taking smaller and smaller sections of the sensor area, which results in grainy/blocky results. When you start with such a low sensor resolution, this is always going to be an issue.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

Five colour palettes are available for translating temperature data into a viewable image, along with nine tactical reticule modes in five colours, a feature set that leans towards the hunting and outdoor positioning of the device rather than its birdwatching marketing. Since that type of hunting isn’t common in the UK, I can’t comment on its usefulness for that role.

But in other regions, where the number of people accidentally shot by others during the hunting seasons is significant, it could be a lifesaver.

A 50Hz refresh rate should keep motion reasonably smooth when tracking a moving subject, whether that is a bird taking flight or an animal moving through undergrowth. The issue here is that there is a sweet range where this can happen, but the further out a target is, the more difficult it becomes to track, especially if it moves out of frame.

There is a tendency to scan wildly around, trying to locate the heat source before it moves behind an obstruction or leaves the area entirely.

The camera offers similar technology to what Thermal Master is providing with its accessory phone cameras, but the optics here are predictably better. That results in better end results and clearer images, even if the resolution is still relatively low.

• Camera score: 3/5

Thermal Master DV2: Final verdict

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

The device's underlying hardware is solid. However, other aspects of this device are less than perfect, and the lack of proper documentation alongside some less-than-polished software detracts from the overall experience.

That’s a shame because the fundamental foundations of this device are good; it just needed to come to market in a more holistic package than it did.

I hope Thermal Master is motivated to finish the DV2 like it patently should have been. With some effort on the interface and software components, it could be something all dedicated birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts will want in their backpacks.

But at this time, especially in terms of the software and menu ergonomics, it still needs some work.

Should I buy a Thermal Master DV2?Thermal Master DV2 Score Card

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Value

Not inexpensive, but impressive specifications

3.5/5

Design

Poor button choices and menu arrangement

3.5/5

User experience

Limited phone app that works over WiFi

2/5

Camera

Zoom is digital, and sensor is 256 x 192, but the optics help

3/5

Overall

Solid hardware let down by rushed software

3.5/5

Buy it if...

You are tracking at range
The ability to pick up thermal data at a range of 1km is useful, but only if you are looking for people or larger animals. This camera can determine people-sized heat signatures at range, rather than small birds at a distance.

You wish to remain unseen
A handheld thermal monocular with a rotating, folding touchscreen rather than a fixed eyepiece is an advantage if you wish to remain out of sight. Light from the screen might be visible at night, but you can adjust the brightness.

Don't buy it if...

You want to capture using a phone
At this time, the phone app can relay a live feed using RTSP, but it can’t capture images or video. And, the connection between the two requires a WiFi network. Those expecting complete remote control with a phone will be disappointed.

Your interest is birds at range
If small bird detection at real distance is your primary use case, then this is a problem. Because the sensor is low resolution and there is no optical zoom.

I reviewed Nioh 3 back in January of this year, and it quickly cemented itself as one of the best soulslike games in my eyes.

Changes it made to the series' formula, including a clear distinction between Samurai and Ninja styles, as well as a shift to vast explorable open maps, really helped it to stand out from the pack.

Review info

Platform reviewed: PC
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Release date: August 19, 2026

Now the game's first of two major expansions, Hell Rising, has arrived. It's not as expansive as Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree or Lies of P: Overture (it took me around 8-10 hours to complete all main missions and a handful of side quests), but it is more Nioh 3 in the best way possible.

Long story short, if you enjoyed Nioh 3 and played it all the way to completion, you'll find a lot more to love about Hell Rising. You can expect all-new enemy types, challenging boss encounters, a new weapon archetype, as well as a sprinkling of added skills, ninjutsu, and onmyo magic.

You will need to be caught up in order to properly access the DLC, though. Hell Rising requires you to have beaten the base game, and you'll want to be rocking a competent endgame build to face its higher difficulty and level recommendations. Enemies hit harder than ever, and bosses are among the toughest in Nioh 3 as a whole. So be sure to kit yourself in Divine tier gear (ideally with your preferred set bonuses) before jumping in.

Beyond the grave

(Image credit: Koei Tecmo)

Nioh 3: Hell Rising takes place in 1651 during Japan's short-lived Keian era.

After being appointed Shogun at the end of the base game, protagonist Takechiyo learns of a resurgence of the Crucible and the demonic forces brought on by it. So, they travel to the Keian era with their spirit allies in order to quell the threat for good.

It's a simple setup, but I enjoyed Hell Rising's narrative. New allies join the fight alongside Takechiyo, including Yagyu Jubei and Rodrigo—a swordsman and politician hailing from Spain. New cutscenes typically bookend major boss fights, and I must say a late-game twist has beautifully set up the upcoming second expansion (a release date for which has yet to be revealed).

Best bit

(Image credit: Koei Tecmo)

Area variety is really impressive in Nioh 3: Hell Rising. You'll traverse water-logged villages, skirt around an active volcano, as well as invade a laboratory staffed by foreign alchemists looking to harness yokai power for themselves. Levels have a surprising amount of verticality, too, helping the new map to feel suitably dense.

You do have kind of a test to pass in order to access the DLC proper, and that comes in the form of Yagyu Jubei.

He's essentially the gatekeeper boss for Hell Rising; the game's way of checking if you're truly ready for the challenges ahead. I actually found him to be among the hardest of the new bosses. He's fast, and commands wind and water elemental attacks. Oh, he's also really good at dodging through your ninjutsu techniques, so building up status effects on him is a challenge in and of itself.

Before the fight, though, the DLC almost immediately introduces you to the new Hoko and Shield weapon archetype. I think they're a fantastic addition to Nioh 3's roster of armaments, and there are versions for both Samurai and Ninja styles.

Your gameplan with the Hoko and Shield is to time your strong attacks (and certain Martial Art skills) to negate incoming enemy attacks. They're a more defensive weapon by nature, and its skill tree includes abilities to both engage and disengage enemies at a distance, as well as ranged attacks such as tossing the shield in various ways. It's a high-risk, high-reward weapon type that I ended up using for a decent chunk of the DLC's runtime.

I loved my time with Nioh 3: Hell Rising, and I'm now eagerly anticipating the second expansion and all the additions and new bosses that brings. I do have a couple of issues with Hell Rising, though, that I hope get addressed in future content.

For one, bosses from the base game get reused quite frequently. You'll see many of the base game's yokai bosses at least once in Hell Rising (one particularly annoying one actually appeared twice).

I found it a shame because the DLC's new bosses are all wonderful, engaging challenges. Recycling these older bosses with no noticeable changes felt like padding, and weren't much of a challenge beyond their larger health pools and higher attack power.

There were also some particularly mean enemy ambushes late on in the DLC, particularly in the Crucible zone that acts as its capstone. You'll be shoved into tight corridors and tiny rooms fairly frequently here, as mobs of yokai swarm in. It was the only time during the DLC that I felt the game was being just a touch unfair.

Should I play Nioh 3: Hell Rising?Play it if...

You loved Nioh 3
Yes, this one's fairly obvious, but I think Hell Rising is currently the pinnacle of what Nioh 3 has to offer. If you loved the base game and you're simply wanting more, you'll get a lot out of this first expansion.

You're excited for more build variety options
The Hoko and Shield weapon, along with all-new ninjutsu, onmyo magic, and yokai Soul Cores, all expand your options when it comes to building a Samurai or Ninja (or both!) kit that best suits your playstyle. Better yet, you can take it all back into the base game if you're keen to replay it on the higher Shogun's Journey difficulty.

Don't play it if...

You were hoping for a meatier package
At 8-10 hours, Hell Rising is a relatively bite-sized expansion. It's still excellent at this length, but if you're wanting something more sizable, I'd recommend waiting until the second expansion comes out so you can play both back to back.

Accessibility features

Nioh 3: Hell Rising's accessibility features remain the same as they were in the base game. For more information, check out our full Nioh 3 review in order to get a brief overview of what's on offer.

How I reviewed Nioh 3: Hell Rising

(Image credit: Koei Tecmo)

Nioh 3: Hell Rising took me approximately 8-10 hours to finish on my first playthrough of it. That included all main missions and bosses, exploring most of the new map, and completing a handful of side quests.

I played the expansion on PC, carrying my base game character from my original Nioh 3 review into the DLC. I played through Hell Rising with the Valve Steam Controller (2026), and used my RIG 900 Max HS gaming headset for more immersive audio.

First reviewed August 2026

A friend who travels for work recommended FlexiRoam after a three-week trip through Southeast Asia. He's the kind of person who researches everything before he books, so when he said it was the one eSIM he'd actually use again, I paid attention.

It's not the cheapest option, and there's a transparency issue worth knowing about before you buy. But it does a few things that most eSIM providers haven't bothered with, and once you see them, the usual set-and-forget approach starts to feel a little basic.

• Take a look at more of the best eSIMs for international travel

FlexiRoam: Plans and pricing

FlexiRoam organizes its plans around four travel scenarios. Local plans cover a single country, regional plans span zones like Asia or Europe, global plans work across 200+ countries and 20 airlines, and in-flight plans handle in-air connectivity on select carriers. For most international travelers, the global plan is where the comparison starts.

Data

Validity

Price (USD)

Per day

8 GB

90 days

$58

$0.64

20 GB

180 days

$129

$0.72

40 GB

270 days

$149

$0.55

70 GB

360 days

$172

$0.48

100 GB

360 days

$206

$0.57

300 GB

360 days

$438

$1.22

Prices reflect current discounted rates. Always verify the latest pricing on FlexiRoam's website before purchasing.

For in-flight connectivity, FlexiRoam sells separate 24-hour plans: 1GB for $7 and 2GB for $12.60, compatible with 20 airlines. Coverage varies by aircraft model and route, so check airline compatibility on Flexiroam's website before committing. Unlimited inflight plans are also available at separate pricing.

Across the board, FlexiRoam sits at the expensive end of the eSIM market. The long validity windows and per-country multi-network access go some way toward justifying that cost for frequent or multi-destination travelers, but shorter trips have cheaper options elsewhere.

Flexiroam: Features

FlexiRoam lets you switch automatically across multiple local carriers. It shares data with other users via FlexiShare without the battery drain of conventional hotspotting. And it's one of the few providers with dedicated in-flight data plans.

• Network Switching: FlexiRoam's modern eSIM technology enables users to switch between mobile operators smoothly via remote service provisioning. You always have uninterrupted internet access, even when visiting regions too remote for your primary carrier.
• FlexiShare Functionality: FlexiShare is a unique feature offered by FlexiRoam that allows users to share their data plans with others through the FlexiRoam App. FlexiRoam says this approach drains your battery less than traditional WiFi tethering.
• In-flight Data Plans: FlexiRoam is one of the few eSIM providers to offer dedicated in-flight data plans, allowing you to stay connected during flights on select airlines and aircraft. Unlimited inflight plans are also available; check FlexiRoam's website for current pricing. Travelers should verify airline compatibility on FlexiRoam's website before purchasing.

Flexiroam: Installation

Once the eSIM plan is purchased, users receive a QR code or eSIM profile via email. They can then install the FlexiRoam eSIM by scanning the QR code with their device's camera or by following the provided instructions to download the eSIM profile.

The first-time setup process is entirely digital, performed through your phone's settings. There is also an in-app guide to help you along if you feel confused. FlexiRoam eSIMs activate automatically upon reaching your travel destination, so there is no unintended data loss.

For device-specific guidance, FlexiRoam provides step-by-step setup guides for iOS, Samsung, and Google Pixel devices, available directly on their website.

(Image credit: Flexiroam)FlexiRoam: Coverage and speed

FlexiRoam offers coverage in over 200 countries and regions, partnering with multiple local service providers in each country for the best possible performance.

Regarding data speeds, some users have reported slow connections or throttling in certain destinations. Compared to other eSIM providers, FlexiRoam's destination count exceeds even Airalo. However, Airalo partners directly with local telecom providers, which can lead to better speeds in many regions.

While FlexiRoam offers a wide variety of plans with different validity periods, plans can be priced highly in certain countries. Since you can't see carrier information before purchasing a plan, experience in remote locations can be a hit or a miss.

FlexiRoam: Support

(Image credit: Flexiroam)

FlexiRoam offers several customer support channels, including email (support@flexiroam.com), social media (Facebook, Instagram), messaging apps (Line, WhatsApp), and in-app support through the FlexiRoam App.

There's no phone support, which stings if you're mid-trip and something stops working. That said, FlexiRoam's support team does show up in the comments on negative reviews, reaching out directly rather than letting complaints sit. It's not a fix, but it suggests the company is at least paying attention.

FlexiRoam: Final verdict

FlexiRoam is not the eSIM I'd hand to someone who just needs the cheapest option and doesn't want to think twice about it. But for frequent travelers who've hit the ceiling of what a basic eSIM can do, it's worth a serious look.

The multi-carrier switching and FlexiShare are genuinely useful, not just checkbox features. The in-flight plans put it in a category of its own. And the global coverage is as wide as it gets.

The cost is real, and the lack of carrier transparency before purchase is frustrating in a way that feels avoidable. Customer support is a work in progress. If those are dealbreakers, cheaper and more straightforward options exist. But if you travel often enough that connectivity actually affects how your trip goes, FlexiRoam earns its price more often than not.

FlexiRoam: FAQsWhat does FlexiRoam do?

FlexiRoam provides eSIM (embedded SIM) solutions that allow users to access mobile data services in over 200 countries without physical SIM cards. It also provides global deployment and connectivity solutions for IoT devices.

Where is FlexiRoam based?

FlexiRoam is headquartered in Petaling Jaya, near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Its parent company, FlexiRoam Limited, is publicly listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. Its plans are accessible worldwide, with support for multiple global payment methods.

How do I check if my device is eSIM compatible?

You can check eSIM compatibility directly in the FlexiRoam app or on the website before purchasing a plan. Most modern smartphones launched from 2020 onwards support eSIM technology, though support varies by model and region. It is always recommended to verify your specific device model on FlexiRoam's compatibility page to avoid any issues at checkout.

Can I use FlexiRoam on a dual SIM phone?

Yes. FlexiRoam works with dual-SIM phones, allowing you to keep your physical SIM active for calls and OTPs while using the FlexiRoam eSIM for mobile data. This is a convenient setup for travelers who do not want to lose access to their home number while abroad.

Which data plans can be shared via FlexiShare?

FlexiShare is available on Global and most Regional Data Plans. You can share your data allowance with other FlexiRoam users directly through the app, without the need for traditional WiFi tethering.

What payment methods are available?

FlexiRoam supports a range of payment methods, including credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Alipay, and FlexiRoam Wallet Credits when purchasing through the app. This makes it accessible for travelers across different regions and preferences.

What should I do if I experience data connection issues?

If you experience connectivity issues, start by ensuring the FlexiRoam eSIM is set as your active data line in your phone settings and that data roaming is enabled. Restarting your device can also resolve most common connection problems. If the issue persists, reach out to the support team via email at support@flexiroam.com for further assistance.

Two years of travel eSIMs, and the routine never changed: buy a package, burn through it unevenly, lose whatever's left, start over next trip. Instabridge breaks that cycle. Your balance never expires, converts automatically when you cross borders, and the same app maps 20 million free WiFi hotspots worldwide.

I tested it on a real device, went through every plan, researched, and priced it against the main alternatives.

One thing worth knowing before you buy. The original Instabridge AB went bankrupt in March 2019 and was acquired from its estate by Degoo Backup AB.

The company you are buying from today, Instabridge Sweden AB, is a different legal entity. It is active, solvent, and growing fast enough to acquire Nova Launcher in January 2026. CB Insights still flags the old bankruptcy event, which looks alarming out of context. It is not relevant to the current business.

For budget travelers in well-covered markets, the case is solid. Here is the breakdown.

• See our full list of the best eSIMs for international travel here

Instabridge: Pricing and plans

Instabridge runs two distinct products inside the same app. The travel eSIM is a data-only global product covering 190+ countries. The US Mobile plan is a separate domestic offering that includes a phone number, calls, and texts, but only works within the United States. They are different products with different pricing logic.

Plan

Coverage

Price

Data

Validity

Single-country

1 country

From ~$2

1GB to 20GB

7 to 30 days

Global

116+ countries

From $8

1GB to 20GB

7 to 30 days

Pay-as-you-go

190+ countries

Per GB (varies)

No cap

Never expires

US Mobile Free

US only

$0

1GB first month; earn more via ads

Monthly

US Mobile Pro

US only

$15/month (marketing page) or $19.99/month (Terms of Service). Confirm in-app before purchasing.

10GB/month

Monthly

Single-country plans start from $2 and are the most cost-efficient option for trips that stay in one destination. The Global plan covers 116 countries with a single purchase and makes the most sense for back-to-back trips across different continents. Regional or single-country travel will be cheaper if you are staying in one part of the world.

The pay-as-you-go model is what genuinely sets Instabridge apart: you top up with credit, pay per gigabyte as you use it, your balance never expires, and it converts automatically when you cross into a new country. Enable auto-top-up only if you want it. Check your account settings after purchasing.

Instabridge: Features

Instabridge packs more into a single app than any other travel eSIM on the market. Beyond the data plans, you get a WiFi hotspot map, a data-saving browser, a built-in VPN, and hotspot tethering across 10 devices, all included at no extra cost.

• Non-expiring PAYG data: Most eSIM providers sell fixed packages that lapse after 7 or 30 days, whether you use them or not. Instabridge's PAYG model lets unused credit roll over with no deadline, and the balance converts automatically when you enter a new country. For frequent travelers on short trips, this removes a constant source of frustration.
• Single eSIM for all destinations: You install one eSIM profile once. It works across all supported countries without reinstalling, switching profiles, or visiting the app to unlock a new region. Plan management is handled entirely within the app itself.
• Hotspot tethering across 10 devices: All Instabridge plans support hotspot sharing, with a generous limit of 10 connected devices. This is not restricted to premium tiers, which sets Instabridge apart from providers that charge extra for tethering access.
• Free WiFi hotspot map: Over 20 million crowdsourced networks with verified passwords are accessible from within the same app as your eSIM. In areas where mobile data is expensive or patchy, this gives you a free fallback without needing to manually search for networks.
• Data-saving browser: Built into the app, the browser claims approximately 10x data compression compared to a standard mobile browser (per Instabridge's own figures). Results vary by content type. It works best for text-heavy pages and standard news sites, less so for image-heavy or interactive content.
• Earn free data: On the Free and US Mobile plans, you can earn additional data by watching short ads, completing in-app tasks, and referring friends. The amounts are modest but useful for light or backup usage.

Instabridge: Installation and activation

Setting up Instabridge takes about 3 to 5 minutes. The only hard requirements are an eSIM-capable smartphone and an unlocked device. You do not need to contact your home carrier or request any special eSIM permissions.

Before starting, confirm two things. First, check that your phone supports eSIM by dialing *#06#. If an EID number appears in the result, your device is eSIM-compatible. Second, make sure you are on Wi-Fi before you begin. Installing an eSIM profile over mobile data causes failures, and you will need to contact support to regenerate the activation code.

Here are the steps to get set up:

• Download the Instabridge app from the App Store or Google Play.
• Create an account using your email address, Google account, or Apple ID.
• Browse the available plans, select your destination and data amount, and complete the purchase.
• Tap Activate in the app and follow the on-screen prompts to install the eSIM profile on your device.
• In your phone's Settings, label the new line (for example, "Instabridge"), set it as your mobile data line, and enable data roaming.
• Return to the Instabridge app and confirm that activation is complete.

Plan validity does not begin until you make your first connection, so you can install the eSIM days in advance without losing any of your paid time. After setup, turn off automatic data switching in your phone's settings. If left on, your device may fall back to your home SIM, triggering roaming charges from your carrier instead of using the Instabridge plan.

If you switch to a new phone, contact support before deleting the eSIM from your old device. They will regenerate the profile for you.

Instabridge: Compatible devices

Instabridge works across a wide range of devices, from the latest iPhone 17 and Samsung Galaxy S26 down to older models most providers have quietly dropped, including Sony Xperia, Fairphone, and the Google Pixel 3. If your phone supports eSIM, there is a good chance it is on the list.

Brand

Compatible models

Apple iPhone

XR, XS, XS Max, 11 series, SE 2 (2020), 12 series, 13 series, SE 3 (2022), 14 series, 15 series, 16 series, 17 series

Apple iPad

Pro 11" (A2068, 2020+), Pro 12.9" (A2069, 2020+), Air (A2123, 2019+), standard (A2198, 2019+), Mini (A2133, 2019+)

Samsung Galaxy S

S20 through S26 series

Samsung Galaxy Z

Fold, Z Fold 2/3/4, Z Fold 7; Z Flip, Z Flip 3/4/5/6, Z Flip 7

Samsung Galaxy Note

Note 20, Note 20 Ultra 5G

Samsung Galaxy A

A54 5G, A55 5G, A56 5G

Google Pixel

3 through 10 series, Pixel Fold

Huawei

Pura 80, Pura 70, P40, P40 Pro, Mate 80 Pro, Mate 50 Pro, Mate 40 Pro

Xiaomi

17 Series, 15 Series, 14/14 Pro, 13/13T/13 Lite/13 Pro, Redmi Note 13 Pro+, 12T Pro

Motorola

Razr, Razr Ultra (2025), Edge 60/60 Pro, Razr 5G/40/40 Ultra, Razr+, Edge+, Edge 40 series, G52J/G53J/G54 5G, Razr 2019

Sony Xperia

1 VII, 10 III Lite, 10 IV, 10 V, 1 IV, 1 V, 5 IV, 5 V, Ace III

Oppo

Find X9/X8/X5/X3 series, Find X3 Pro, Find N2 Flip, Reno 14F 5G, Reno 5A, Reno 6 Pro 5G, Reno 9A, A55s 5G

OnePlus, Nokia, Fairphone

OnePlus Open, 12, 11; Nokia XR21, X30, G60 5G; Fairphone 5, 4

If your phone was purchased through a US carrier and has not been unlocked, Instabridge may not activate correctly. Contact your carrier to confirm unlock status before buying a plan.

Instabridge: Support

(Image credit: Instabridge)

Instabridge offers support via email at support@instabridge.com and through in-app chat. There is no phone support line. The help center at help.instabridge.com covers common setup questions, account management, and troubleshooting guides.

Response times vary. The US Mobile marketing page states support can respond "usually within minutes" for US Mobile subscribers. For the travel eSIM product, multiple independent reviewers report response times ranging from several hours to over a day for anything beyond basic activation questions.

If your eSIM isn't working and you want a refund for unused data, email support with your purchase receipt. Refunds are handled case by case and are not automatic. Instabridge also provides one free eSIM profile regeneration if the original code has expired or failed during installation.

Instabridge: Final verdict

Instabridge does more than most travel eSIM providers and charges less for it. The pay-as-you-go model is genuinely useful, the WiFi map is something no competitor offers, and one eSIM across 190+ countries without reinstalling is a real convenience. In well-covered markets such as Europe, the US, Japan, and South Africa, it holds up.

The weaknesses are just as real. Support is slow, Android is noticeably buggier than iOS, and the VPN routes through Poland, which adds real latency if you are travelling in Asia.

Buy it if you travel frequently, stick to well-covered destinations, and want data that never expires between trips. Skip it if you need calls and SMS, travel off the beaten path, or rely on support being available when something breaks abroad. At this price point, Instabridge is worth a shot if you’re sure of your priorities.

Instabridge: FAQsWhat is Instabridge?

Instabridge is a Swedish travel eSIM provider founded in 2012 and headquartered in Stockholm. It covers 190+ countries with pay-as-you-go and fixed-term data plans, and bundles a 20-million-hotspot WiFi map, a data-saving browser, and a free VPN into the same app. The travel eSIM is data-only. There are no calls or SMS on the global product. Instabridge also offers a separate US Mobile plan that includes a phone number, calls, and texts, but it only works within the United States.

Does Instabridge data expire?

Instabridge data expiry depends on the plan type you choose. Fixed-term bundles (both single-country and Global plans) expire after 7 or 30 days, depending on the option selected. The pay-as-you-go credit, however, never expires. Your balance carries forward indefinitely and converts automatically when you travel to a new country.

If you travel regularly and want standby data that is always ready without worrying about validity windows, PAYG is the right model. After setting it up, check your account settings to decide whether you want auto-top-up active.

How does the Instabridge free WiFi map work?

The free WiFi map works by collecting real network passwords from users who connect to a hotspot and verifying that it works. Open the map tab, tap a nearby pin, and your phone connects using the stored password. When a network stops working, users mark it inactive, and it gets phased out of the database. The first time you connect to any hotspot through the app, you may be asked to confirm whether the password still works.

That confirmation is how accuracy stays current. Coverage is strongest in high-traffic cities across Europe, North America, and East Asia. In less-traveled destinations, expect a higher rate of stale entries.

Marshall Stockwell III review

Seven years after its predecessor came to market, the Marshall Stockwell III is here — and wow, what a beauty.

From the moment I unboxed the Stockwell III, I was struck by its quality. Its striking amp-inspired aesthetic, complimented by luxurious PU leather, golden detailing, and a red velvet-infused handle made it likeable from the off. But could its sound live up to its enticing looks?

Well, I’ve spent hours upon hours listening to music and messing around with various features on Marshall’s new speaker, and I’ve got a fair few thoughts. So here’s whether it can compare with some of the best Bluetooth speakers around.

Let’s start with sound quality, an area where the Stockwell III is aiming to make quite the leap from its predecessor. Under the hood, you’ll find one three-inch woofer with 65W class D amplification alongside two 1.75-inch wide-band drivers, which both have 31W of class D amplification. This means that the Stockwell III is incredibly mighty for a speaker of its size, and offers considerably meatier audio than its predecessor could.

The Stockwell III’s impressive power really shines through in its performance — it displays a striking level of confidence with regimented, intent-filled bass, driven mids, and expressive highs that make it an incredibly enjoyable speaker to use.

(Image credit: Future)

In Home Meeting by Sadao Watanabe, I was impressed with the fluent and colorful leading sax, which played alongside substantial and weighty funky bass and accurate, precise drums in the treble range. As the track built towards its climax, the Stockwell III managed the swathe of instruments with ease, and backing vocals, guitars, horns, and bass all came together in a cohesive yet nuanced ensemble.

With a deeper track, like Vision of Love by Lewis Taylor, the Stockwell III proved that its power goes a long way. Pumping deep bass pounded through our music testing room with intensity, yet remained controlled and clean. Energetic drums high up in the frequency range also came through with plenty of bite, although neither end of the spectrum overshadowed the finer electronic details in the mid-range.

The Stockwell III can extend down to 54Hz, and although it wasn’t capable of the most full-sounding, consuming sub-bass, I still found that it coped decently with ultra-low frequencies. More generally, the speaker does have a bit of a bass preference, and although this may not be to everyone’s taste, a swift turn of the bass dial can easily get you the sound you’re after.

One thing I will say is that although vocals come through clearly on the Stanmore III, they perhaps lack the warmth and texture that you’ll find from some other premium speakers. To be clear, I still found that vocal-focused tracks sounded great on the Stockwell III, but audiophiles may wish for a bit more detail and depth.

As you’d expect with a recent Marshall release, there's USB-C audio onboard for lossless playback, and the speaker sounds great with a wired connection. There’s also a 3.5mm port if you’d prefer. Unfortunately though, there’s no LDAC for higher-res Bluetooth playback — something we recently saw on the Marshall Acton IV and Marshall Stanmore IV — which would’ve been nice to see.

But a couple of features really help the Stockwell III perform at an excellent level. For example, Dynamic Loudness helps the speaker maintain clarity, even at higher volumes, and I found that the Stockwell III still sounded excellent even when pushing volume up to 90% and beyond. Marshall has also implemented its True Stereophonic 360 sound, intended to make sure it sounds excellent from every angle, and this felt effective to me, resulting in the speaker having no true ‘sweet spot’ — ideal for a party situation, say.

One final thing worth pointing out about sound, is that the Stockwell III technically outputs in stereo. However, the stereo effects aren’t particularly convincing — in part due to the Stockwell III’s limited confines.

(Image credit: Future)

So the Stockwell III is a hit in the sound quality department. But how does it fare elsewhere?

Well, when it comes to features, there are quite a few options to uncover. For the moment, the Stockwell III is using the older Marshall Bluetooth app, unlike the newer Marshall software harnessed by the Acton IV, Stanmore IV, and Heston soundbars. This means that you only get a five-band EQ, though this still works well — and the speaker does sound great out of the box.

The app also enables you to use a soundstage mode to reduce or expand the width of sound, you can toggle on Source Mix to play media via wired and Bluetooth connections simultaneously, and you can map a specific EQ configuration to the speaker’s M button. In addition, there’s a placement compensation feature that genuinely makes a difference, as well as USB-C port configuration settings (you can make it charge other devices, play media, or both), and battery preservation options.

Speaking of battery, the Stockwell III is capable of providing 40 hours of playback — double what its predecessor could manage. That’s a phenomenal amount of playtime for a speaker of this size, and a seismic technological advancement, proving that Marshall are still one of the leading audio manufacturers when it comes to battery life.

I’ve spoken a bit about design already, but the Stockwell III is a true joy to behold. It’s also a lot lighter than Marshall’s alternate mid-weight speaker, the Marshall Middleton II, making it feel way more portable. It's also got more amplification power than the Middleton II and in my view, looks more premium — it’s the better mid-weight option overall in my view.

However, this does come at the expense of weaker waterproofing — the Middleton II is IP67 rated, whereas the Stockwell III is only IP55. That's still an improvement on its IPX4-rated predecessor and keeps it protected against splashes and dust ingress, but a lot of competitors shield their devices against full underwater submersion.

But let’s wrap up now. At $249.99 / £199.99 / AU$379, the Stockwell III isn’t the cheapest option on the market, but for its power, and its sound and build quality, it's an excellent value for money choice. At launch, the Stockwell II was priced the same as this new model in the US, but it's actually cheaper in the UK and Australia than its predecessor was at the point of release. With the improvements in acoustics, build, and waterproofing, that’s amazing to see.

Although the Stockwell III leaves out LDAC and is using the older Marshall Bluetooth app at the moment, I still think it’s a brilliant speaker. With confident yet elegant sound, amazing looks, and a fantastic feature-set, it's the best mid-weight Marshall speaker you can buy, and stands as a stellar upgrade over the Stockwell II.

(Image credit: Future)Marshall Stockwell III review: price & release date

• Priced at $249.99 / £199.99 / AU$379
• Released in August 2026

The Marshall Stockwell III was released in August 2026, seven years after the Marshall Stockwell II came to market. It's priced at $249.99 / £199.99 / AU$379, meaning that in the US it costs the same as the Stockwell II did at launch, and it's actually cheaper in the UK and Australia. Considering the vast improvements it provides, that makes it a phenomenal value for money option. It’s available in Black and Brass or in Cream.

Marshall Stockwell III review: specs

Weight

2.9 lbs / 1.3kg

Dimensions

17.1 x 5.9 x 2.8 inches / 181 x 150 x 72mm

Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.3, 3.5mm, USB-C

Battery life

40 hours

Speaker drivers

1x 3-inch woofer with 65W class D amplification, 2x 1.75-inch wide-band drivers with 31W class D amplification

Waterproofing

IP55

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the Marshall Stockwell III?

Attribute

Notes

Score

Features

Great connectivity options, feature-rich app, but still using the old version, great battery life.

4.5/5

Performance

Excellent bass, clear mids, and clean highs.

4.5/5

Design

Gorgeous looks, a more portable than the Middleton, but waterproofing not as good.

4.5/5

Value

Same price as predecessor with meaningful improvements, great price for the power and quality on offer.

5/5

Buy it if…

You want a super-stylish speaker
The Stockwell III is a gorgeous speaker with enticing PU leather, golden detailing, and a stylish handle. If you want style that matches substance, this is a great option.

You want a powerful yet portable speaker
The Stockwell III is crammed with plenty of amplification power, but it's still highly portable and relatively lightweight. That’s the main reason I’d pick it over a model like the Marshall Middleton II.

Don’t buy it if…

You want a speaker with higher-res Bluetooth codecs
Although the Stockwell III features USB-C audio and a 3.5mm input, it skips on aptX and LDAC. The latter has been seen on a few of Marshall’s recent releases, so it would’ve been great to see on the Stockwell III.

You want the ultimate waterproof speaker
The Stockwell III is protected from dust ingress and water splashes, but there are rivals with even better waterproofing on the market. For instance, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Gen has an IP67 rating, meaning it can be submerged under a meter of water for up to 30 minutes.

Marshall Stockwell III review: also consider

Marshall Stockwell III

Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Gen

JBL Charge 6

Price

$249.99 / £199.99 / AU$379

$349 / £299 / AU$639

$149 / £129 / AU$229.95

Weight

2.9 lbs / 1.3kg

1.27 lbs / 576g

3 lbs / 1.4kg

Dimensions

17.1 x 5.9 x 2.8 inches / 181 x 150 x 72mm

5.2 x 1.8 x 5.2 inches133 x 46 x 133mm

9 x 3.9 x 3.7 inches / 229 x 99 x 94mm

Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.3, 3.5mm, USB-C

Bluetooth 5.1, USB-C

Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C

Battery life

40 hours

24 hours

24 hours (28 hours with PlayTime Boost)

Speaker drivers

1x 3-inch woofer with 65W class D amplification, 2x 1.75-inch wide-band drivers with 31W class D amplification

1 x 0.6-inch tweeter; 1 x 3.25-inch woofer, each with 1 x 30W Class D amplification

53 x 93 mm mid/bass 'racetrack' driver, 20mm tweeter

Waterproofing

IP55

IP67

IP68

Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Gen
This luxurious speaker sounds absolutely spectacular, and it's one of the best-looking models I’ve tested. It’s pricey, but for the quality you get back in return — both sonically and in terms of build — it's well worth checking out. Read our full Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Gen review.

JBL Charge 6
With mighty sound, impeccable waterproofing, and a swath of features, the JBL Charge 6 was fully deserving of the five stars that we awarded it last year. If you want something a little cheaper, albeit slightly less premium-looking, this is my top recommendation. Read our full JBL Charge 6 review.

How I tested the Marshall Stockwell III

(Image credit: Future)

• Tested over a week-long period
• Mainly streamed tracks over Tidal
• Predominantly made use of Bluetooth and USB-C connectivity

I tested the Marshall Stockwell III over the course of a week, spending hours listening to music and exhausting its various features. I mainly had it connected to my Xiaomi 17 phone, where I streamed tunes over Tidal — predominantly using Bluetooth and USB-C connectivity.

When listening to music, I made sure to play tracks from a wide variety of genres — both from the TechRadar reference playlist and from my own personal library.

More generally, I’ve spent years testing audio gear here at TechRadar, where I serve as our in-house Senior Reviews Writer. I’ve tested all kinds of gadgets, from premium wireless headphones like the Sony 1000X The Collexion through to Dolby Atmos soundbars like the LG Sound Suite Immersive Suite 7 Pro. I’ve also reviewed countless Marshall speakers, including its recent Homeline releases, so I know exactly what to look for when putting the audio specialist’s tech to the test.

• Read TechRadar’s reviews guarantee
• First reviewed: August 2026

Keychron K8 Ultra 8K: One-minute review

The Keychron K8 Ultra 8K is a wireless mechanical keyboard with an impressive spec that hopes to compete with the more premium offerings in the space.

It exhibits the brand’s typical design language, with its sizable keycaps and retro looks. The whole unit is black, save for some grey and green keycaps. To liven things up, it features some bright backlighting with plenty of customization options, although the keycap legends aren’t transparent, so it doesn’t illuminate them. This makes them harder to see in dark environments, which somewhat defeats the backlight’s purpose.

The board base is very thick, which means you have to angle your wrists considerably to reach the tall keys. It’s in dire need of wrist support, which is an oversight since a lot of the best keyboards come with a rest. It’s also quite heavy, thanks to its metal construction. This does help to keep it planted, though, and it’s as solid as you would expect it to be.

(Image credit: Future)

To customize the inputs of the K8 Ultra 8K, you’ll have to use Keychron’s Web Launcher. Here you’ll find a reasonable selection of rebinding options, and there’s also a basic but functional SOCD function for altering key priority. It’s a relatively easy app to use, and despite being web-based, it’s quick and responsive; I didn’t encounter any disruptive loading times during my time with it.

In action, the K8 Ultra 8K performs well. The keys are sufficiently damped, although some clickiness remains, which can be a little harsh at times, but mostly they’re satisfying to use. They’re snappy and responsive, too, while being forgiving of accidental nudges. The indents and shape of the keycaps are comfortable and offer a secure hold.

However, the switches of my review unit didn’t have the smoothest of motions. The keys are also spaced quite far apart, which can make reaching certain inputs a stretch. What’s more, the aforementioned angle your wrists are forced to adopt can lead to strain after short periods. I had no issues with connecting the K8 Ultra 8K via 2.4GHz or Bluetooth, and switching between them was quick and easy.

The K8 Ultra 8K is a reasonable price when you consider all that it offers. There are certainly much dearer mechanical keyboards, such as the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%, but there are also cheaper ones, such as the MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra. However, the K8 Ultra 8K remains a solid choice if you like a substantial board — just pair it with a wrist rest.

(Image credit: Future)Keychron K8 Ultra 8K review: Price & availability

• $119.99 (about £90 / AU$170)
• Available now in three switch types
• Good price for a wireless mechanical keyboard

The K8 Ultra 8K costs $119.99 (about £90 / AU$170) and is available now from Keychron’s website, with shipping rates varying according to region. It can be had with a choice of three switch types: Red, Brown, or Banana. It comes with a braided USB cable, several spare keycaps, and a keycap puller.

This is a good price for a wireless mechanical keyboard with hot-swappable switches. Similar models from bigger names can cost considerably more, such as the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%. However, the performance of that board is far superior, being perhaps the best mechanical keyboard I’ve ever tested. Its switches are a joy to press, while the companion software offers more customizations and tweaks.

If you’re after a more budget-friendly gaming keyboard, the MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra is hard to beat for value. It has a surprisingly high-quality design, while its analog switches feel almost as good as mechanical ones, with added actuation adjustments.

Keychron K8 Ultra 8K review: Specs

Layout

TKL

Switch

Mechanical (Keychron Apex)

Programmable keys

Yes

Dimensions

14.1 x 5.1 x 1.2 inches (359 x 129 x 31mm)

RGB or backlighting

Yes (customizable)

(Image credit: Future)Keychron K8 Ultra 8K review: Design & features

• Retro look
• Solid, thick, and heavy
• Reasonable web app for customizations

The K8 Ultra 8K adopts Keychron's signature aesthetics, which is to say it has a thick base, tall keycaps, and a black colorway. However, there are a few grey peripheral keys, as well as a green Escape key, to add some contrast.

Allied to its thick chassis is a substantial weight. This helps the K8 Ultra 8K to stay planted, but makes it a chore to move around frequently. Build quality is also impressive, with its metal frame feeling as solid as you would expect it to feel, while the keycaps have only a hint of play.

(Image credit: Future)

What’s disappointing about them, though, is their opaque symbols. This means the vivid RGB backlighting doesn’t get a chance to shine through them; in fact, it can actively obscure them in dark environments, which defeats at least part of the backlighting’s purpose. Fortunately, it still shines through the spaces between the keys, and there are plenty of customizable patterns for it.

Like some other Keychron models, the K8 Ultra 8K’s USB port is located on the left side of the unit, rather than at the back. This is an interesting location and can help to reduce the cable interfering with deskspace, depending on your particular setup. The included cable’s jack protrudes slightly from the side, but since it’s L-shaped, it's actually quite discreet. This shape also helps the cable to naturally follow a path less intrusive to deskspace.

Keychron doesn’t offer a downloadable app for the K8 Ultra 8K; instead, you’ll have to use the Keychron Web Launcher via a browser. Quite often, such web apps can be slow and awkward, with frequent loading times and connectivity issues. However, I found Keychron’s fast and easy to use.

What’s more, it offers a reasonable amount of customization. Besides standard key assignments, there are quite a few shortcuts for various system commands and media controls. There’s also a SOCD feature with three different modes, as well as a section for altering the bounce (more commonly referred to as debounce) times of key presses and resets, with sliders for each ranging from 10ms to 50ms, with single millisecond increments selectable.

(Image credit: Future)Keychron K8 Ultra 8K review: Performance

• Tactile and damped switches
• Snappy yet forgiving
• Uncomfortable thickness

True to its mechanical nature, the K8 Ultra 8K is quite a satisfying board to use. The Brown Tactile switches in my review unit were sufficiently damped, though there was some clickiness to them. For the most part I liked this aspect, although hard presses can feel a little harsh. Worse is the roughness of their motion as they travel, which doesn’t feel particularly pleasant. Fortunately, this doesn't completely sap the joy out of presses, and it didn’t affect my performance in any significant way.

The switches are also quite snappy, requiring only a light touch to actuate. Better yet, they’re forgiving at the same time: whenever I accidentally grazed a key I didn’t intend to hit, often it wouldn’t register. This combination makes it ideal for fast typing.

(Image credit: Future)

The keycaps themselves are comfortable, thanks to their ergonomic indents, which also provide security. This comfort extends to the space bar, which I could easily hit flush when in the WASD position. That’s not something I can say about every space bar I’ve experienced.

Less comfortable, however, is the wide spacing of the keys. I often welcome this aspect, but I found it too great on the K8 Ultra 8K. Reaching certain keys was a stretch, especially when touch typing, or when trying to reach certain peripheral keys such as R and T when gaming in the WASD position.

The aforementioned thickness of the chassis also creates issues. Combined with the tall keycaps, this means you have to angle your wrists to a large degree, and what’s more I frequently caught my fingers on the edges of keys as I glided around them when typing. I’m not sure I’ve come across a keyboard in more desperate need of wrist support.

On the issue of connectivity, I had no qualms with the K8 Ultra 8K. It connected to my Windows PCs with ease via both Bluetooth and the 2.4GHz dongle. Hot-switching between these devices was also quick and easy, merely requiring the flick of switch on the side of the unit.

Should I buy the Keychron K8 Ultra 8K?Scorecard

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Value

The K8 Ultra 8K is keenly priced for a hot-swappable wireless mechanical keyboard with an 8K polling rate.

4.5 / 5

Design and features

Thick, heavy, and solidly made. The web app is functional, but the opaque keycaps are a misstep.

4 / 5

Performance

The Brown switches in my review unit weren’t the smoothest, but they still performed well. You really need to use this board with a wrist rest to make it comfortable.

3.5 / 5

Overall

The K8 Ultra 8K is well-priced for a wireless mechanical keyboard. Its performance isn’t as smooth as I would’ve liked, and you really need to use it with a wrist rest, but it’s still one to consider given its customizable hardware.

4 / 5

Buy it if…

You’re on a budget
There aren’t many keyboards offering better value for money than this, thanks to its high spec and relatively low price point.

You want a solid build
This thick metal frame is certainly sturdy, as are the keycaps and switches.

Don't buy it if…

You have short fingers
Reaching certain keys can be a stretch, owing to the wide spacing between them.

You like a low profile
The tall keycaps and thick chassis can easily put strain upon your wrists, so ideally you need support.

Keychron K8 Ultra 8K review: Also consider

MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra
Another great value keyboard, the FUN60 Ultra is just as well put together as the K8 Ultra 8K. It uses magnetic analog switches rather than mechanical ones, but they feel just as tactile while offering adjustable actuation and other analog features. Read our full MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra review.

Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%
For the supreme mechanical experience, you can’t do much better than the BlackWidow. This is just about the best mechanical keyboard I’ve ever used, thanks to its excellent performance and build quality. There are also plenty of input customizations available via Razer’s Synapse software. Read our full Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% review.

(Image credit: Future)How I tested the Keychron K8 Ultra 8K

• Tested for a few days
• Used for a variety of tasks
• Plentiful keyboard experience

I tested the K8 Ultra 8K for a few days, during which time I used it for gaming, working, and general browsing.

One of the games I played was Counter-Strike 2, as it serves as the ideal test for peripherals, since it demands fast and precise inputs.

I’ve been using gaming keyboards for years, and reviewed a great number of them, including other Keychron models as well as those from well-known brands like Razer, SteelSeries, and Corsair.

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

Motorola Razr 2026 review: One-minute review

The Motorola Razr 2026 (or Razr 70, as it’s known in the UK and Europe) is your cheapest entry point into the world of 2026-era foldable phones. It undercuts its main rival — the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE — with a cheaper list price, while offering more storage and larger screens.

At $799.99 / £799.99, I wouldn’t go as far as to call the Razr 2026 'cheap', especially as it costs $100 more than its predecessor, the Motorola Razr 2025, in the US. But for those looking for the cheapest current-gen foldable, this is the handset to consider.

I really enjoyed using the Razr 2026 for the weeks I had it in for review. I love the design; the two screens are great, with the external display being genuinely usable; the battery life is solid, while its power and camera performance are fine enough — although it isn't going to blow you away on either count.

My main reservation about the Razr 2026 is that it offers very little in the way of advancement over its predecessor. This sameness makes the price increase hard to justify and left me scratching my head as to why Motorola made such minor upgrades.

(Image credit: Future)

At the same time, Motorola hasn’t messed with what was already a winning formula. The cover screen integration is superb — it's much better than Samsung’s — and allowed me to use messaging apps with ease, check Google Maps, see what’s coming up in my diary, and keep a check on my fitness stats, all without opening the phone to use the bigger display.

And it feels great in the hand too, with the compact folded size perfect for small bags and pockets, plus it turns heads.

Battery life is another strong point for the Razr 2026, with the phone able to comfortably deliver a day of use from a single charge. And if you don’t use your phone much, you’ll get a day and a half or more — especially if you mainly use the cover display.

The Razr 2026 isn’t as strong when it comes to performance. There can be a noticeable delay when handing off apps between the two screens, and load times can be on the longer side.

This wouldn’t be an issue if the phone were a couple of hundred dollars/pounds cheaper, but considering the non-foldable devices offering flagship performance you can buy at this price point, it’s not the best value for money.

The cameras also don’t offer a truly flagship experience, but they aren’t bad. Plus, the ability to use the main 50MP snapper as a selfie snapper when the Razr 2026 is closed is a huge plus for those who take a lot of this style of photo.

Overall, then, the Motorola Razr 2026 doesn’t revolutionize the market in any way, but if you’re drawn to this compact form factor, it's the best mid-range flip phone you can buy.

Motorola Razr 2026 review: Price and availability

(Image credit: Future)

• Starts at $799.99 / £799.99
• The cheapest of Motorola’s latest foldable phones
• Available in the US and UK, but not currently in Australia or India

The Motorola Razr 2026 is the cheapest of the firm’s four latest foldable phones, sitting at the bottom of a trio of flip foldables (including the Razr Plus 2026 and Razr Ultra 2026), with the book-style Razr Fold at the top of the pricing tree.

At $799.99 / £799.99, the Razr 2026 is also the cheapest, latest-generation flip foldable you can buy, undercutting its only real competition — the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE — by $100 / £50 (although the Samsung can now be found at discounted rates).

It is more expensive than Moto’s most premium Edge-series non-folding handset, with the Edge 70 Pro starting at £749.99 in the UK. Yet it’s cheaper than the non-foldable, flagship Motorola Signature at £1,199.99.

If anything, its biggest competition might well be its siblings. The Moto Razr Plus 2026 and Moto Razr Ultra 2026 offer more power, larger external screens, and better cameras for $300 / £200 and $700 / £400 extra, respectively.

Then there’s the previous-generation phone — the Razr 2025 / Razr 60 — which arrived at $100 less than the 2026 model in the US, and features similar specs. The 2025 model is now discounted, making it a more attractive offering if you can find it in stock.

While the Razr 60 is available to buy in the US and UK, at the time of writing, it’s not on sale in Australia or India.

Storage + RAM

US Price

UK Price

256GB + 8GB

$799.99

£799.99

• Value score: 4 / 5

Motorola Razr 2026 review: Specs

The Motorola Razr 2026 is the entry-level flip foldable in Moto’s trio of clamshells. If you’re after punchier specs, check out the Razr Plus and Razr Ultra.

Dimensions:

Unfolded: 171.3 x 74 x 7.3mm

Folded: 88.1 x 74 x 15.9mm

Weight:

188g

Internal screen

6.9-inch foldable LTPO AMOLED, Dolby Vision, HDR10+

Internal resolution:

1080 x 2640, 413 ppi

Internal refresh rate:

120Hz

Peak brightness:

3000 nits

External screen

3.6-inch AMOLED, HDR10+, 1056 x 1066 pixels, 413 ppi, 90Hz, 1700 nits (peak)

Chipset:

Mediatek Dimensity 7450X

RAM:

8GB

Storage:

256GB

OS:

Android 16

Main camera:

50MP, f/1.7, 1/1.95", 0.8µm, OIS

Ultrawide camera:

50MP, f/2.0, 1/2.76", 0.64µm, 122° FOV

Front camera:

32MP, f/2.4, 1/3.14", 0.7µm

Battery:

4,800mAh

Charging:

30W wired, 15W wireless

Colors:

Pantone: Hematite, Sporting Green, Bright White, Violet Ice

Motorola Razr 2026 review: DesignFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFuture

• Delightful compact design feels great in hand
• Premium and solid, despite being the entry-level model

In my mind, clamshell foldables make a lot of sense. They still offer the large-screen smartphone experience we expect from modern devices, but fold down into a more pocketable and small-bag-friendly size.

And with the 3.6-inch external display on the Razr 2026, I’m actually able to interact with key apps without it being annoying, plus you can use the main rear cameras to snap selfies, using the external display as your viewfinder.

As a form factor goes, I dig it — and Motorola has refined its offering since it spearheaded the design with the first Motorola Razr (2019) seven years ago.

The metal frame of the Razr 2026 feels solid and well-built, with the power key and volume buttons on the right falling nicely under thumb and finger.

You get a fingerprint scanner built into the power key, and I found it works nicely, with prompt unlocking even when my digit isn’t expertly placed across the entire surface.

When folded in its clamshell mode, the Razr 2026 feels great in the hand, and the textured rear panel on the Sporting Green model I was sent for review provides useful grip.

(Image credit: Future)

The Razr 2026 is available in three further colors, Hematite (grey), Bright White, and Violet Ice (pink), although the latter option doesn’t appear to be available in the UK. For those of you in the US, you get all four hues.

Each color has a different textured finish on its rear, with Hematite sporting a woven-inspired finish, Bright White a geometric finish for a bit of shine, and Violet Ice a wave-like pattern.

I was impressed by how sturdy the Razr 2026 felt, with the hinge stable, if a little on the stiff side — if you’re hoping to easily flick this phone open and closed with one hand, you’ll be disappointed. It requires a little more force to do so, which is a good thing, durability-wise, but it’s slightly less satisfying to use compared to the flip phones of the early 2000s.

And that durability extends to the phone’s water resistance capabilities; it can be immersed in up to 1.5m of water for up to 30 minutes.

As with all foldables, thanks to the moving screen and hinge, the phone's dust rating isn’t as high as on traditional phones. If you’re planning a beach trip, be careful not to get sand in the moving parts of this phone.

Included in the box with the phone is a case, allowing you to add extra protection to the handset if you’re so inclined. The plastic shell will keep the metal edges and textured rear safe from dings, but with the case on, it doesn’t feel as nice in the hand, and it looks a bit like a toy. Aesthetics or protection — pick one.

• Design score: 4.5 / 5

Motorola Razr 2026 review: DisplayFuture

• 3.6-inch outer display is surprisingly usable
• 6.9-inch foldable display is bright, clear, and colorful

As I’ve already alluded to in this review, the Motorola Razr 2026 (or Razr 70 for those of you in the UK and Europe) has two displays.

First up is the 3.6-inch, almost full HD external screen, which is slightly larger than the 3.4-inch offering on the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, and it’s a full square, as opposed to the slightly obscure shape on the Samsung.

The two main cameras and the flash do eat into the screen, but I prefer the overall aesthetic Motorola has carried over from the Razr 2025. Considering its size, it’s surprisingly usable.

I was able to easily check notifications, reply to WhatsApp messages, monitor my location on Google Maps, control music on Spotify, scroll through socials, and keep up to date with World Cup 2026 news and scores. In fact, a lot of the apps on the phone were in some way usable on this cover screen — you can even watch Netflix on it if you really want.

If you opt to spend more money, the Razr Plus 2026 and Razr Ultra 2026 have slightly larger outer displays, at 4 inches respectively, as was the case with Motorola’s 2025 range.

FutureFutureFuture

Flip the Razr 2026 open, and you’re greeted with a sizable 6.9-inch flexible LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision support, and a 1080 x 2640 resolution offering 413 ppi pixel density. Again, this is bigger than the internal screen you’ll find on the Galaxy Flip 7 FE (6.7 inches), and that extra size makes the Razr 2026 pretty tall at 171.3mm.

The taller screen gives the illusion that it’s narrower than other phones, but it is in fact wider than the Flip 7 FE, iPhone 17 Pro, Samsung Galaxy 26, and Google Pixel 10 Pro. If you have smaller hands, you might find the Flip 7 FE is easier to hold.

It’s bright, clear, and colorful, and while it doesn’t have a super high resolution, I found it perfectly acceptable for gaming, video streaming, and general use.

While creases in foldable screens have improved over the years, they've not been eradicated. It’s barely noticeable when looking straight-on at the Razr 2026, so the likelihood is you’ll forget it’s there visually most of the time.

Look at the screen at an angle, though, and you’ll spot the crease — but what’s more obvious is the feel. Scroll social feeds and your thumb will run over the undulation in the display. You might find it a little off-putting at first, but I quickly became accustomed to the feel.

Manufacturers have worked hard to improve the durability of foldable screens, and that’s the case with the Razr 2026, yet you still need to be careful. During setup, you’re warned not to remove the factory-fitted screen protector or use a third-party screen protector on the foldable display, as it could cause issues and will void the warranty.

• Display score: 4 / 5

Motorola Razr 2026 review: Cameras

(Image credit: Future)

• Dual 50MP (wide and ultra-wide) main cameras, plus 32MP selfie
• Clever use of the flip design allows the main cameras to be selfie snappers

The Motorola Razr 2026 comes with a trio of cameras. Two on the ‘back’ of the device, although when folded closed, the pair of 50MP snappers become front-facing.

There’s a main 50MP, f/1.7 camera, and that’s joined by another 50MP ultra-wide snapper with a 122-degree field of view, allowing you to fit more into frame — great for sprawling landscapes and towering skyscrapers.

The third camera is your traditional front-facing option with a 32MP, f/2.4 lens; however, if you want to take selfies, you’re better off closing the Razr 2026 and using the external display as the viewfinder and the 50MP snappers.

These cameras are a slight downgrade from the Razr Plus 2026 and Razr Ultra 2026, with OIS, Pantone Validated Cameras, improved video recording, and better image processing available on those more expensive phones.

If you want the best photography experience from your flip foldable, you should consider these pricier options, as they are more accomplished in this department.

That’s not to say the Motorola Razr 2026 can’t take decent photos. It certainly can, but you’ll need to be in good light, have a steady hand, and ideally not be shooting moving objects.

General shots when out and about in the city and countryside on sunny days come out nicely, with a good level of detail, balanced exposure, and vibrant colors — at least when shooting at 1x.

One area where the Razr 2026 struggles is capturing moving objects such as pets. I spotted some blurring and a shade of lag after pressing the shutter button, meaning I missed the facial expressions and poses of cats and dogs I was attempting to capture.

The dual-lens setup also allows for a 2x optical zoom, letting you get closer to your subject without having to physically move, along with a 10x digital zoom.

You get reasonable quality at 2x, but colors do look more muted than at 1x. Quality dips significantly once you get into the digital zoom, and I’d advise avoiding zooming past 2x if you want clear pictures.

(Image credit: Future)

I really like the ability to use the main cameras of the phone as a selfie camera, as you get better quality results. The 32MP camera on the internal foldable display isn’t bad, though, and it’s perfectly serviceable for video calls and the odd snap — but you’ll get better image quality, lighting, and colors by using the 50MP option.

Overall, the Motorola Razr 2026 can take good photos, but if you’re looking for a premium photography experience from your flip foldable, you’ll want to consider the pricier Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Razr Ultra 2026.

• Cameras score: 3.5 / 5

Motorola Razr 2026 review: Camera samplesFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureA regular selfie taken with the front-facing cameraFutureA Portrait mode selfie taken with the front-facing cameraFutureA regular selfie taken with the rear cameraFutureA Portrait mode selfie taken with the rear cameraFutureMotorola Razr 2026 review: Performance

(Image credit: Future)

• MediaTek Dimensity 7450X chipset and 8GB of RAM
• Handles social scrolling and video streaming, but intensive tasks can be slow

As I’ve already mentioned, the Razr 2026 is the baby of Motorola’s trio of flip foldables, and thus it comes with a slight performance disadvantage over its more expensive siblings.

Specifically, you get a MediaTek Dimensity 7450X chipset and 8GB of RAM. The good news is there’s enough power here to run your social apps, video streaming services, and most games without much slowdown.

I did notice apps would sometimes take a moment longer to load compared to non-foldable phones around the same price, several of which come with more power under the hood.

I was able to play Clash Royale without gameplay lag, and while I experienced slowdown in load times when playing Asphalt Legends, actual gameplay wasn’t affected.

Motorola helps to enhance gaming on the Razr 2026 with its Gametime toolkit. It automatically triggers when you fire up a game, with a small icon hiding subtly to the side of the screen.

Give it a tap, and you’ll open up a dashboard through which you can manage performance, block notifications, disable adaptive brightness, record gameplay, and more.

An area where I noticed frequent pauses was when I transitioned from using the app on the interior screen to the exterior screen (and vice versa). The Razr 2026 automatically handles the move between screens for you, but you will need to be patient for a second or so as it sorts itself out.

(Image credit: Future)

So, the Razr 2026 isn’t going to give you the best bang-for-buck performance, but for most users it shouldn’t be an issue.

There’s just one storage variant of the Razr 2026, with 256GB included in the handset. For most users, that’ll be plenty, plus Google offers a free 15GB of cloud storage too, allowing you to offload photos and videos from the handset while always having access to them. There’s no physical expandable storage (i.e., microSD) though.

And for your audio needs, there are stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos on the Razr 2026, which kick out at a decent volume, although they do sound a little tinny and there’s nothing really in the way of bass.

That’s not a surprise considering the form factor, and there’s Bluetooth for when you want to pair it with a speaker or headphones for an improved sonic experience.

• Performance score: 3.5 / 5

Motorola Razr 2026 review: Software

(Image credit: Future)

• Runs Android 16 with a clean overlay, but a few bloat apps
• Includes useful Motorola features and gestures

The Motorola Razr 2026 comes with Android 16, and unlike some manufacturers, Moto’s Android skin is pretty lightweight. In fact, it’s probably the closest interface to stock Android, giving you an almost Google Pixel-like look and feel.

It’s not completely devoid of Motorola’s touch. First, the bad: there are a number of pre-installed apps that are forced on you out of the box. On my UK model, I got Amazon Music, LinkedIn, Perplexity, Opera, Adobe Scan, FIFA Heroes, Google Home, and Google Health (Fitbit). Thankfully, they can be uninstalled if you don’t want them, but it’s a touch annoying to have them thrust upon you in the first place.

With that out of the way, we can focus on the good parts of the software, and Motorola’s cover screen implementation is simply fantastic. It functions as a small phone. It’s easy to navigate and add apps to, and if you swipe sideways, there are various panels you can set up, with each one acting like a home screen widget.

(Image credit: Future)

That means things like music controls, fitness targets, the weather forecast, and upcoming calendar entries can be just a swipe away. No need to open the app or even unfold the phone. This all works really well, and I loved using the exterior screen because of it. It’s a far better setup than on Samsung’s Flip series.

Plus, if you start using an app on the cover screen — Google Maps, for example — opening the phone will see the app transition to the large display, allowing you to continue what you’re doing without interruption (and vice versa).

(Image credit: Future)

Motorola’s clever gestures are also included; a double twist of the wrist will open the camera app, while a double-chop motion will trigger the touch. These gestures are simple, yet wholly effective.

Google’s Gemini is the default AI assistant on the Razr 2026, but Moto AI is also included if you’d prefer to use Motorola’s own LLM.

One negative on the software side of the Razr 2026 is the ongoing support for the phone. Motorola has committed to three years of OS updates for the Razr 2026, which would mean that after 2029 it won’t get new versions of Android.

When the likes of Google and Samsung are offering seven years of updates, three feels particularly stingy for a premium phone. That puts a potentially limiting lifespan on the handset, although it will get security upgrades for five years, which helps soften the blow.

• Software score: 4.5 / 5

Motorola Razr 2026 review: Battery

(Image credit: Future)

• 4,800mAh is an upgrade, but it lasts the same as its predecessor
• You can get over a day of usage from the Razr 2026's battery

One of the main upgrades on the Razr 2026 over its predecessor is its battery, with a 4,800mAh silicon-carbon power pack squeezed inside this clamshell design. That’s 300mAh more than the battery in the Razr 2025, and it means you get solid usage before the need to find a charger.

Motorola claims the Razr 2026 offers “over 36 hours on a single charge”, which I found to be achievable in certain use cases.

I found the Motorola Razr 2026 would easily last a full day on a single charge, from 7am to 11pm, with around 30-40% left in the tank as I climbed into bed. It meant that, even if I forgot to plug in the charger, the phone would survive the night and still give me a few hours of use the next day before it died.

With lighter use, and a focus on using the cover display more than the larger screen, the Razr 2026 can deliver between a day and a half and two days of battery life.

If you push the phone harder, such as with lengthy TikTok doom-scrolling sessions or intensive gameplay, the battery does drain faster, and you’ll likely end up needing to charge the Razr 2026 each night.

While the battery is bigger, the phone's longevity remains pretty much the same as its predecessor's. I’d have liked to see a more consistent day-and-a-half-plus of battery life, considering the increase in capacity and newer chipset, but the Razr 2026 still performs well.

When it comes to recharging, 30W wired support provides fast top-ups, although you’ll have to supply your own charging block to reach these speeds. During my tests, I saw the Razr 2026 replenish 9% of its battery in five minutes, 30% in 20 minutes, and 40% in 30 minutes. After an hour, I’d managed to gain back 70% of charge.

While that’s not the fastest charging on the market, it’s quick enough to give you a significant amount of battery before heading out. There’s also 15W wireless charging available if you have a charging pad at home, at work, or in your car.

If you’re looking for strong battery performance, the Razr 2026 outperforms the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, which comes with a 4,000mAh battery and 25W wired charging.

• Battery score: 4.5 / 5

Should you buy the Motorola Razr 2026?Motorola Razr 2026 scorecard

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

This is the most affordable current-gen flip phone. If you love the form factor, it’s a great introductory model at this price.

4/5

Design

Lovely compact design that looks smart and feels great in the hand. You also get a protective case in the box.

4.5/5

Display

The exterior display is genuinely usable, while the large foldable display provides plenty of real estate.

4/5

Cameras

Reasonable camera performance and clever use of the flip design for crisp selfies, but not best-in-class photography.

3.5/5

Performance

Performance is good enough for most tasks, but there are signs of slow down with more intensive use.

3.5/5

Software

As close to stock Android as you’ll get outside of Google’s Pixel devices, and fantastic cover screen integration makes it a joy to use.

4.5/5

Battery

The sizable battery gives you over a day of use between chargers, but overall performance is similar to that of its predecessor.

4.5/5

Buy it if…

You want a stylish phone for a tiny pocket or bag
There’s no doubt about it: the Motorola Razr 2026 is a great-looking phone. And it also feels wonderful in the hand. The fact that it folds down to such a compact size is great for those with small pockets or tiny bags, as it’ll slip in pretty much anywhere, without compromising on a large screen.

You don’t need flagship performance
If you mainly use your phone for social, emails, web browsing, snapping the odd photo, and the occasional video stream, the Razr 2026 has you covered without issue. If you want to play intensive games or are looking for a productivity machine, this isn’t the phone for you.

You love taking selfies
With the ability to use the rear-facing cameras with the exterior screen to take selfies, you’ll likely get far better results with the Razr 2026 than with pretty much any other phone. Plus, with the folding design, you can unfold the phone to 90 degrees, sit it on a surface, and you’ve got a built-in stand for snapping shots.

Don’t buy it if…

You want a top-notch photography experience
The dual-50MP cameras on the Razr 2026 are capable enough for general photography, and it’s great that you can easily use them as selfie snappers too. But they lack the finesse, quality, and features of true flagship smartphone cameras.

You want the best bang-for-your-buck
Motorola has added very little to the Razr 2026 over its predecessor, which is a shame as it’s now charging $100 more in the US for the new model. If you can find stock of the now-discounted Razr 2025, it’ll be a better buy, while those after the best specs should look at non-foldable alternatives at this price point.

You want a large exterior display
Unlike book-style foldables (think the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, Galaxy Z Fold 7, and Moto’s own Razr Fold), the clamshell form factor of the Razr 2026 gives you a smaller outer screen. If you want a space for watching videos and playing games without unfolding, you’ll need to spend more money, or forget about getting a foldable.

Motorola Razr 2026 review: Also consider

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE
If the Razr 2026 is too expensive, Samsung’s Z Flip 7 FE is now heavily discounted 12 months after launch, making it an attractive proposition if you want to get into flip foldables without the sky-high price. The displays are great, and the cameras are solid — although its battery life isn’t as strong as the Razr's.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE review

Motorola Razr Ultra 2026
There’s not a huge amount that’s different between the Razr 2026 and its 2025 predecessor. If you’re looking for a significant upgrade in the flip form factor, consider splashing the extra cash on the Razr Ultra 2026. It has bigger, higher-resolution displays, more power and storage, enhanced cameras, a bigger battery, and faster charging.

How I tested the Motorola Razr 2026

• Used for two weeks as my personal device
• Day-to-day scrolling social, checking emails, and sending messages
• More intensive video streaming, gaming, and work tasks

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I used the Motorola Razr 2026 as my personal device for two weeks, using a Three UK SIM card. During my time with the phone, I used it as I would day-to-day, from scrolling social media, checking emails, and sending messages to streaming video, playing games, and getting work done.

All these tasks were done over Wi-Fi at home, and over a mobile network when out and about. I coupled the variety of locations with high- and low-usage days to get a proper feel for battery life in the real world, and also tested wired and wireless charging.

I took the phone everywhere with me, snapping photos at a variety of locations and in a range of lighting situations.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed: July 2026

TP-Link BE6300 One Minute Review

I liked TP-Link’s BE3200 range extender, which helped to tackle the Wi-Fi deadspot in my office quickly and easily, and at a competitive price.

However, the BE3200 is very much an entry-level option for Wi-Fi 7, with a relatively modest top speed of 3.2Gbps. If you’re looking for something a little faster for gaming or streaming 4K video then you could consider the BE6300 model, which doubles that speed without doubling the price.

Both range extenders keep the price down by sticking with dual-band Wi-Fi, which uses just the 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz frequency bands, but omits the high-speed 6.0GHz band that is available with the fastest Wi-Fi 7 models.

But, as the name suggests, the BE6300 is still almost twice as fast as the BE3200, stepping up to a top speed of 6.3Gbps, which should be more than fast enough for most home users.

As you’ve probably guessed, the term ‘BE6300’ refers to the speed of the range extender, but it’s also known by the model number RE403BE, so keep your eyes peeled if you’re buying online.

(Image credit: Future)TP-Link BE6300 review: Price & release date

• Where is it available? US-only
• Available Now
• Price: $149.99

The BE6300 is currently only available in the US. You can’t buy it direct from TP-Link either, so you’ll need to shop around online, with the average price sitting at around $149.99.

Oddly, though, there is a similar model called the BE6500 (model RE605BE) available in the UK and Australia. This is slightly faster than the BE6300 that we review here, with a top speed of 6.5Gbps, and costs £188.00/AU$265.

TP-Link BE6300 review: Specs

Price

$149.99

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi 7 (2.4GHz/5.0GHz)

Wi-Fi Speed

6.3Gbps

Ports

1x 2.5Gbps Ethernet

Antennae

4

Dimensions (HxWxD)

161 x 81 x 39mm

TP-Link BE6300 review: Design

Unsurprisingly, the BE6300 looks very similar to its little brother, with a chunky, white rectangular design that plugs straight into any convenient mains power supply.

However, the extra speed of this model means that it requires a little more power and the BE5300 is therefore quite a bit larger, and also sprouts an extra pair of antennae – four in total - to boost performance.

The body of the BE6300 measures 161mm high, but unfolding the top and bottom antennae extends that to a full 261mm. It’s wider too, at 81mm, which means that the bulky device could block any adjacent power sockets if you have two or more sockets that sit close together.

You’ll also need plenty of room if you want to use the Ethernet port that's located on the right-hand side of the range extender. Mind you, it’s possible to plug the BE6300 into a mains extender, rather than plugging it straight into a wall socket, although that’s not a very neat solution as it leaves you with additional cables trailing on the floor.

(Image credit: Future)TP-Link BE6300 review: Features

As mentioned, the BE6300 provides dual-band Wi-Fi 7, using the 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz frequency bands with a top speed of 6.3Gbps.

It may not support the high-speed 6.0GHz band, but it does include a Wi-Fi 7 feature called MLO – multi-link operation – that allows computers and mobile devices with Wi-Fi 7 to boost performance by transmitting data on both bands simultaneously. The Ethernet port on this model is faster too, now running at 2.5Gbps.

As we’ve seen before, TP-Link’s Tether app is well designed and easy to use, making it easy to get started even if you’ve never used a range extender before. It recommends that you initially plug the BE6300 into a power socket close to your main broadband router in order to avoid any interference during the initial set-up process.

The app is then able to automatically detect the range extender and guides you through the process of connecting it to both the 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz networks set up by your main router.

If you want to keep things simple then you can tell the range extender to just use the same network name and password as your original network, or you can give the range extender a new name and password for extra security.

Once that’s done you can unplug the range extender and move it closer to the room where you need to boost the Wi-Fi signal. The app can help here too, by checking the strength of the Wi-Fi signal so that you can find the best spot to place it.

The app can also show you all the devices that are connected to the range extender, and allows you to block devices, such as a child’s tablet or smartphone at night-time. There’s also an Eco mode that helps to reduce power consumption, and you can schedule a time for the range extender to turn itself off as well.

TP-Link BE6300 review: Performance

I have a Wi-Fi deadspot in an office at the back of my building, and when I tested the less expensive BE3200, I found that its 2.4GHz band couldn’t quite achieve the full speed of 150Mbps provided by my office broadband service.

That was no longer a problem when I set up the BE6300 in a nearby hallway, and it was easily able to maintain a smooth 150Mbps for both the Ookla Speed Test and for file downloads from Steam. Needless to say, the faster 5.0GHz band worked equally well, cruising along at 150Mbps throughout all my tests.

Not everyone will need a range extender with a speed of 6.3Gbps, so many homes will still get perfectly good performance from a less expensive range extender such as the BE3200. But, if you do need strong performance for gaming or streaming video, then the BE6300 fits the bill at a competitive price.

Should you buy the TP-Link BE6300?

Attribute

Notes

Score

Features

It’s dual-band only, but good performance and ease of use make it suitable for many homes

4/5

Performance

It’s a modest performer compared to tri-band rivals, but still fast enough for gaming and streaming video

4/5

Design

The bulky design could cause problems with some power sockets

3.5/5

Value

It's a good dual-band range extender at a competitive price

4/5

Buy it if…

You’ve got an annoying deadspot
A range extender is a good option for improving the Wi-Fi signal in just one or two rooms, or an outdoor location such as a garden or parking space.View Deal

You’re a gamer
It’s certainly not the fastest range extender you can buy, but a speed of 6.3Gbps means that the BE6300 can handle gaming and streaming video with ease.View Deal

Don’t buy it if…

You’re on a budget
Not everyone needs Wi-Fi 7, or 6.3Gbps performance, so there are plenty of range extenders using the older Wi-Fi 6 that can still boost your Wi-Fi for less than $100.View Deal

You need top performance
The BE6300 performs well, but its dual-band Wi-Fi is really just mid-range for Wi-Fi 7. There are faster tri-band range extenders that can hit 10Gbps or more.View Deal

Also consider

TP-Link BE10000
A speed of 6.3Gbps will be fine for most homes, but if you really need top performance then TP-Link’s tri-band BE1000 range extender adds support for the high-speed 6.0GHz band, which boosts the Wi-Fi speed to 10Gbps.

Read our full TP-Link BE10000 reviewView Deal

Asus RP-AX58
Wi-Fi 6 has still got some life in it, and this low-cost range extender provides dual-band Wi-Fi running at 3Gbps, which will be perfectly adequate for email, web browsing and bingeing Netflix.

Read our full Asus RP-AX58 reviewView Deal

• Read TechRadar’s reviews guarantee
• First reviewed August 2026

DJI Mic Mini 2S: two-minute review

Until now, DJI's compact wireless mic lineup has had a clear budget option in the Mic Mini series and a clear flagship in the Mic series, with a gulf of features and price separating the two. The Mic Mini 2S changes things, and slots right into that gulf. It's not quite a flagship-killer, but with this release, DJI now has three tiers of small wireless mic — and this middle one is very appealing.

Much of the flagship DJI Mic 3's DNA has trickled down into the Mic Mini 2S: internal recording, 32-bit float support, AI-driven noise cancellation, adaptive gain modes, fast file transfers. These were all things that, until now, meant paying a premium. The Mini 2S borrows them wholesale, wraps them in the same pocket-sized transmitter and case as the standard Mic Mini 2, and undercuts the Mic 3 comfortably on price.

Audio quality is superb. Whether I was recording via the receiver connected to a camera or going wireless direct to an OsmoAudio device, the results were clean, full-bodied and detailed. An impressive feat for a supposedly budget offering.

Noise cancellation is another highlight. The new AI-assisted system handled everything I threw at it, from a droning desk fan to a chatter-filled pub garden, with a level of polish that puts some real distance between the Mini 2S and its S-less little sibling. It's not quite at the level of the class-leading Insta360 Mic Pro, but it's a comfortable step up from the standard Mic Mini 2's basic noise reduction.

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

Having tested both the Mic Mini 2 and Mic 3 extensively as well as the Mini 2S, I'd say the average creator might struggle to justify paying the Mic 3 premium now. Those with more demanding needs still have reasons to look past the Mini 2S, though: the Mic 3 offers more than double the onboard storage per transmitter, a touchscreen receiver display for on-the-fly monitoring, dual-file recording, onboard timecode, and more granular gain control — stuff which probably matters for professional productions.

For everyone else, the Mini 2S is the new sweet spot in DJI's range. It's a tiny mic that really punches above its weight.

DJI Mic Mini 2S: price and release date

• Released August 4 2026, priced from £59 / AU$99 to £183 / AU$328
• Sold in four separate bundles, plus individual transmitters, charging cases and cover sets
• Available globally — aside from in the US

The Mic Mini 2S launched globally on August 4 2026, not long after the Mic Mini 2's April 2026 arrival. I say "globally", but as with every other DJI product released recently, it isn't officially available in the US, with the company blaming ongoing regulatory hurdles.

The Mini 2S comes in a wide range of configurations. At the low end, a single transmitter (TX) costs £59 / AU$99, while receivers (RX) add to the cost. The core bundles are the DJI Mic Mini 2S (1 TX + 1 RX) and the DJI Mic Mini 2S (1 TX + 1 Mobile RX + Charging Case), both priced at £79 / AU$149. Stepping up, the DJI Mic Mini 2S (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case) costs £169 / AU$279, while the priciest option, at £183 / AU$328, has 2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case as well as a Mobile RX.

The DJI Mic Mini 2S (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case) bundle, available from £169 / AU$279. It also includes a box of colored covers and a soft zip-up storage bag. (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

It's a big price jump over the Mic Mini 2, where equivalent bundles cost roughly half as much: £29 for a standalone transmitter and £89 for the full 2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case kit. It also puts the Mini 2S's 2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case at the same price as the entry-level Mic 3 bundle (£169 for 1 TX + 1 RX).

DJI Mic Mini 2S: specs

Dimensions

TX: 28.6 x 28 x 13.5mm / RX: 46.5 x 29.6 x 19.3mm / Mobile RX: 39.3 x 27.3 x 9mm

Weight

TX: 0.4oz / 12g (with magnetic front cover, without clip or magnet) / RX: 19g / Mobile RX: 6.5g

Range

With standard RX: up to 400m / with mobile RX: up to 300m

Connectivity

RX: USB-C / Lightning, 3.5mm jack

Bluetooth

Yes (Bluetooth 6.0)

Battery

11 hours (transmitter), 10 hours (receiver), up to 40 hours with fully charged case

Noise cancelling

Two-level, AI-powered

DJI Mic Mini 2S: Design

• Looks nearly identical to the Mic Mini 2
• Features swappable magnetic covers in range of colors
• Redesigned charging case now fits the 3.5mm cable

If you've seen the Mic Mini 2, you already know what the Mini 2S looks like. DJI has barely touched the exterior: the transmitters are the same size with the same interchangeable magnetic front covers (available in the same range of colors, from timeless black to a fetching shade of magenta). The receiver, too, is essentially unchanged, which means there's no onboard display to keep an eye on gain or adjust settings; you'll need to open up the Mimo app on your smartphone to do that.

The family resemblance is generally no bad thing. At just 0.4oz / 12g with a cover attached, I barely noticed the transmitter magnet-attached to my shirt, and I couldn't feel it at all when clipped to the peak of a baseball cap. The detachable clip still rotates through 360 degrees (in 90-degree increments) so the mic capsule can be aimed correctly whichever way you've mounted it, and the magnet option remains handy for thinner fabrics where a clip might snag.

Future | Sam KieldsenFuture | Sam KieldsenFuture | Sam KieldsenFuture | Sam KieldsenFuture | Sam Kieldsen

There is one small but positive design change: DJI has found room for the 3.5mm cable inside the charging case (something the Mic Mini 2's case couldn't manage) which means the entire two-transmitter setup, cables, windshields and mounting options included, now fits in one pocketable case. With portability being a huge part of the appeal for a mic like this, it's a step in the right direction.

DJI Mic Mini 2S: Performance

• Offers internal recording with 14.5GB of storage space on transmitters
• Includes AI noise cancelling, improving on the Mic Mini 2's system
• Transmitter battery life roughly in line with Mic Mini 2's, and better than Mic 3's

The Mic Mini 2S's marquee upgrade over the Mic Mini 2 is internal recording, which I think is a huge deal. Every previous Mic Mini had to transmit to something — either a receiver, or an OsmoAudio device — to be of any use, but the Mini 2S transmitter can function just fine all on its own. With around 14.5GB of usable storage on each transmitter, it can store up to 28 hours of 24-bit recordings, or around 22 hours of 32-bit float recordings.

For those who aren't familiar, 32-bit float (which is available on the DJI Mic 3 but not the Mic Mini or Mini 2) doesn't inherently make your recordings sound better, but rather dramatically widens the available dynamic range. If levels unexpectedly spike or dip during a recording, 32-bit float gives you far more room to correct for that in post without clipping or losing detail. It's less about raw quality and more about insuring you're covered when recording in unpredictable environments.

The Mic Mini 2S receiver can connect to four transmitters at once, double the Mini 2's limit. (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

Another upgrade over the Mic Mini 2 is 4TX + 1RX support, meaning you can record from four separate transmitters onto a single receiver. I'd say this is a much more situational addition: handy if you're recording podcasts, panel discussions or similar, but not something most solo creators will need day to day.

File transfers are roughly twice as fast as the Mic Mini 2's when pulling recordings off the transmitter via the charging case. If you're regularly transferring lengthy 32-bit float recordings, those saved minutes might add up — but again, it's a situational improvement.

Noise canceling is where I noticed the clearest real-world improvement over the Mic Mini 2. The Mini 2S's AI-assisted system does a better job than the older mic's more basic noise reduction: it very nearly eliminated a loud desk fan running in my office, and noticeably cut through background chatter when I tested it in a busy pub garden so that my and my wife's voices remained nice and clear. For context, I still rate the Insta360 Mic Pro as the best noise-canceling wireless mic I've tested, but it also costs considerably more than this.

Alongside noise canceling, the Mini 2S also gets DJI's adaptive gain features, Clipping Control and Loudness Balance (previously available on the DJI Mic 3 but not the Mic Mini 2). The former automatically pulls back gain to stop sudden loud moments from distorting, while the latter lifts quieter sounds to even out levels — useful if you're recording somewhere volume might swing unpredictably.

The Mic Mini 2S's audio quality is superb no matter how you use it. It supports quality up to 96kHz/24-bit with the receiver connected to a camera, or up to 48kHz/24-bit over a direct OsmoAudio connection, plus the aforementioned 32-bit float. Frankly, I don't think most people (myself definitely included) would be able to reliably pick a Mini 2S recording out from one made on the considerably pricier flagship Mic 3, which says a lot about how good this is for a supposedly budget microphone.

On the battery life front, things are roughly the same as they were on the Mic Mini 2: a transmitter can record for a round 11 hours on a full charge, while the receiver can keep going for around ten. With two transmitters, the receiver and a charging case, you can expect around 40 hours of combined use before needing to track down a power socket.

That's a bit worse than the Mic Mini 2 (which offers 11.5 hours, 10 hours and 48 hours across the transmitter, receiver and charging case), but much better than the Mic 3 (8 hours, 10 hours and 28 hours respectively).

Should I buy the DJI Mic Mini 2S?Buy it if…

You want DJI Mic 3-esque performance without the Mic 3 price
With AI noise canceling, 32-bit float support and internal recording, the Mini 2S closes the gap to DJI's flagship mic very effectively – and at around half the cost.

You want reliable recording receiver-free
Internal recording means the Mini 2S transmitter can capture audio on its own, giving you a safety net if your wireless connection drops or you don't want to carry a receiver at all.

Don’t buy it if…

You're on a tight budget
The Mini 2S is roughly double the price of the standard Mic Mini 2, and the Mini 2 still does a perfectly good job for creators who don't need internal recording or AI noise canceling.

You want advanced pro-level features
Onboard timecode, dual-file recording, precise gain control and a touchscreen receiver display are still DJI Mic 3 exclusives.

DJI Mic Mini 2S: also consider

Insta360 Mic Pro

Insta360's flagship costs a lot more than even the priciest Mini 2S bundle. It justifies that gap with noise cancelling that's a step above anything currently offered in a DJI-made mic, plus party pieces like a customizable E-ink display and switchable polar patterns.

Read our Insta360 Mic Pro review

DJI Mic Mini 2

If the Mini 2S's price compared to its predecessor gives you pause, it's worth remembering the standard Mic Mini 2 remains a very capable mic in its own right — albeit one with no internal recording, 32-bit float or AI noise canceling. For creators who don't need those, it's fantastic value for money.

Read our DJI Mic Mini 2 review

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)How I tested the DJI Mic Mini 2S

• Two weeks of testing indoors and outdoors
• Connected to Panasonic Lumix GH6, iPhone 13, OnePlus Pad and DJI Osmo Action 6
• Also tested using internal recording without a receiver or camera

I was sent a review sample of the DJI Mic Mini 2S (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case) kit, and tested it for a couple of weeks, putting it through its paces in a range of indoor and outdoor conditions from quiet offices to windy walks and busy public spaces. I paired it with my Panasonic Lumix GH6 mirrorless camera, my iPhone 13, a OnePlus Pad tablet and the DJI Osmo Action 6 via OsmoAudio, testing both wireless transmission and manual connections. I also tested the Mini 2S's headline new feature directly, using the transmitter as a standalone recorder with no receiver or camera involved at all.

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

TP-Link BE10000 One Minute Review

Wi-Fi 8 may be looming on the horizon, but routers and range extenders that use Wi-Fi 7 can still be pretty expensive.

One way of keeping prices down is to provide basic dual-band support, which uses the 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz frequency bands while omitting the high-performance 6.0GHz band.

Dual-band routers and range extenders can still perform well, though, as we’ve seen with TP-Link’s BE3200 and BE6300 extenders. But, if you want to pay a little extra in order to get maximum performance then you could step up to its top-of-the-range BE10000 model.

This is a tri-band range extender that adds support for the 6.0GHz band, boosting the maximum Wi-Fi speed to a blazing 10Gbps. You’ll need computers or mobile devices that have Wi-Fi 7 – or Wi-Fi 6E, which also supports the 6.0GHz band – to get the full benefit of the BE10000, but it could be a great option for boosting the Wi-Fi connection for gaming or streaming video in one or two rooms that suffer from a Wi-Fi ‘deadspot’ within your home.

(Image credit: Future)TP-Link BE10000 review: Price & release date

• Where is it available? US-only
• Available Now
• Price: $199.99

The BE10000 is currently only available in the US, and you can’t buy it directly from TP-Link’s own web site so you’ll need to shop around online or try to find it in a local bricks-and-mortar retailer. Online prices also seem to vary a lot too. TP-Link quotes a price of $199.99, but we’ve seen prices ranging from $149 - $249, so it’s definitely worth comparing prices before buying.

The BE10000 is not available in the UK or Australia, although there is a similar model called the BE11000 available in those regions that – you won’t be surprised to find - runs at 11Gbps.

However, this is priced at a rather hefty £299.99/$449, which is considerably higher than the price of the BE10000 in the US, even if you take into account the slightly faster speed of 11Gbps.

TP-Link BE10000 review: Specs

Price

$199.99

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi 7 (2.4GHz/5.0GHz/6.0GHz)

Wi-Fi Speed

10.2Gbps

Ports

1x 2.5Gbps Ethernet

Antennae

4

Dimensions (HxWxD)

161 x 81 x 39mm

TP-Link BE10000 review: Features

At first glance, the BE10000 looks very similar to the dual-band BE6300, with a bulky rectangular design and four large antennae. However, the BE10000 is even larger, with the body of the range extender measuring 161mm high, although this increases to a full 350mm with the antennae fully extended.

You’ll need a power socket with plenty of free room around it in order to plug in the BE10000, and I found that it was so wide – at 81mm – that it also blocked the adjacent power socket in my office as well. You’ll also need a bit of extra space if you want to plug an Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port on the side of the range extender.

It may be big and bulky, but the tri-band BE10000 certainly earns its keep. The name implies a Wi-Fi speed of 10Gbps, although it’s actually 10.2Gbps, which is more than fast enough to handle gaming and streaming video, while the 2.5Gbps Ethernet port provides a high-speed wired connection as well.

As always, TP-Link’s Tether app makes it easy to get started. You do need to initially plug the BE10000 into a power socket close to your main broadband router, but the Tether app can then automatically detect the range extender and guide you through the process of linking it to your existing Wi-Fi network.

The app allows you to connect to the 2.4GHz, 5.0GHz and 6.0GHz bands separately, perhaps to devote the fastest 6.0GHz band to a gaming PC that needs maximum performance.

The app’s security features allow you to set different network names and passwords for each band, or you can simply carry on using the same name and password as your main Wi-Fi router. Other features include the ability to boost the power supply to the BE10000 in order to increase the range of its Wi-Fi signal, or you can use Eco Mode to save power instead.

(Image credit: Future)TP-Link BE10000 review: Performance

I have an office that suffers from a Wi-Fi deadspot in my building, but I almost feel that I should apologise to the BE10000 for asking it to tolerate my puny office Wi-Fi.

I placed the range extender in a hallway, about halfway between my main broadband router and the office with the deadspot, and the BE10000 seemed to roll its eyes – or, rather, its blinking LEDs – as it picked up my feeble 150Mbps Wi-Fi signal and boosted it into that office.

Unsurprisingly, the BE10000 was able to hit the full 150Mbps on all three frequency bands, when running the Ookla Speed Test and also downloading large game files from Steam.

Ironically, though, that effortless performance is the only real disadvantage of the BE10000. Its 10.2Gbps Wi-Fi 7 is so fast that few homes really need that level of performance. But, if you have a gaming PC with Wi-Fi 7, or that is used for streaming 4K video, then the BE10000 will eliminate any troublesome Wi-Fi deadspots with no trouble at all.

Should you buy the TP-Link BE6300?

Attribute

Notes

Score

Features

As well as tri-band support, the Tether app provides a useful Eco Mode and security features

4/5

Performance

Tri-band Wi-Fi 7 and a top speed of 10.2Gbps make the BE10000 one of the fastest range extenders currently available

4/5

Design

The bulky design could cause problems with some power sockets

3.5/5

Value

It’s expensive, but the BE10000 provides top-of-the-range performance for tackling deadspots

4/5

Buy it if...

You have a Wi-Fi deadspot
It’s expensive, but the BE10000 is still cheaper than buying a high-end mesh Wi-Fi system, and it should be able to eliminate any troublesome deadspots in your home or office.View Deal

You’re an early adopter
Many PCs and mobile devices are still using Wi-Fi 6 or 6E, so you’ll need an up-to-date, top-of-the-range gaming system with Wi-Fi 7 to really exploit the full speed and features of the BE10000.View Deal

Don't buy it if...

You’re on a budget
As always, high performance comes at a high price, and there are many less expensive range extenders that will still be fast enough for casual gaming and streaming video.View Deal

You’ve got an old PC
There are still millions of PCs and mobile devices using Wi-Fi 5 and 6, and these simply won’t be able to exploit the full performance of a tri-band Wi-Fi 7 range extender such as the BE10000.View Deal

Also Consider

TP-Link BE3200
Most homes really don’t need tri-band Wi-Fi 7, so a less expensive range extender such as the BE3200 provides a much more affordable alternative. Its 3.2Gbps speed is still fast enough for casual gaming and streaming video, as well as being backward-compatible with older PCs and mobile devices with Wi-Fi 5 or 6.View Deal

Asus RP-AX58
There’s no point buying a Wi-Fi 7 range extender if your main router is still using Wi-Fi 5 or 6. This affordable Wi-Fi 6 range extender is the ideal option for use with older routers, providing 3.0Gbps Wi-Fi for well under $100.

Read our full Asus RP-AX58 review

• Read TechRadar’s reviews guarantee
• First reviewed August 2026

I was standing in a hotel lobby in Lyon trying to figure out why my travel eSIM had dropped to edge speeds. The provider's app showed I had 8GB left. The problem was I had no idea which network I was actually on, because the plan page never told me.

That sent me down a rabbit hole of eSIM providers that show you the carrier before you buy. Most don't. SIMOptions does. On most of its European plan pages, you can see whether you are buying Orange, Bouygues Telecom, or O2 before you enter your card number. That little detail is more important than it sounds.

If you have ever crossed into rural France and watched your signal disappear, you know that "Europe data" is not a real answer. The network behind the plan is.

• Want more options? Take a look at our best eSIMs for international travel

Why SIMOptions feels different

(Image credit: SIMOptions)

SIMOptions works best when you think of it as a storefront for carrier tourist SIMs, not just another data-only eSIM app. When you buy Holiday Zen, you are buying an Orange tourist eSIM. When you buy a My European plan, you are on Bouygues Telecom.

The carrier name appears on the plan page before you pay.

That matters if you care about coverage. If you know Orange performs better in rural France than a generic regional eSIM, you can act on that knowledge here.

You get a real phone number

Select Orange and Bouygues plans include a real French +33 mobile number. The O2 Go Card includes a Czech +420 number. These are SIM-based numbers on carrier networks, not VoIP lines or temporary virtual numbers. A real number helps, but it does not guarantee every OTP will land. Some banks block codes sent to foreign numbers. Still, a carrier-issued number is more useful than a data-only eSIM if you regularly need to receive SMS abroad.

The tradeoff

Carrier rules apply to these plans. Orange's ID registration requirement kicks in after 30 days. Bouygues top-ups may be limited to France. If an issue starts at the carrier level, SIMOptions has to work through that carrier's team, which adds time.

SIMOptions is not trying to be a simpler Airalo. It is the better choice for travelers who want carrier transparency, a real European phone number, or hotspot access without a daily cap. If you just need cheap data for a short trip, a simpler app will serve you faster.

SIMOptions: Pricing and plans

SIMOptions sells three types of plans worth knowing:

• Own-brand data plans: SIMOptions' own eSIMs.These are data-only and do not include a phone number. They are usually the cheaper option for basic trips.
• Number-included carrier plans: Select Orange and Bouygues plans include a +33 French number with EU calls/SMS. The O2 Go Card includes a +420 Czech number and a small amount of prepaid call/SMS credit.
• Regional bundles: Multi-country plans covering Europe, Asia, North America, and beyond.

Europe Plans (as of June 2026)

Plan

Carrier

Data

Calls & SMS

Validity

Price

Europe 5GB

SIMOptions

5GB (4G)

No

30 days

$9.90

Travel Basic

Bouygues

15GB (5G)

No

15 days

$15.90

Go Card 10GB

O2

10GB (4G/5G)

Yes (~$2 credit)

30 days

$21.90

Travel Basic+

Bouygues

20GB (5G)

Yes (EU unlimited)

15 days

$23.90

Europe Unlimited 7 Days

SIMOptions

Unlimited (4G)

No

7 days

$24.90

Holiday Zen

Orange

20GB (4G)

Yes (EU unlimited + 30 mins intl)

31 days

$28.90

Go Card 20GB

O2

20GB (4G/5G)

Yes (~$2 credit)

30 days

$29.90

My European eSIM 30GB

Bouygues

30GB (5G)

Yes (EU unlimited)

30 days

$32.90

My European eSIM 60GB

Bouygues

60GB (5G)

Yes (EU unlimited)

30 days

$39.90

Europe Unlimited 14 Days

SIMOptions

Unlimited (4G)

No

14 days

$39.90

Holiday Europe

Orange

50GB (4G)

Yes (EU unlimited + 2 hrs intl)

31 days

$49.90

Holiday Europe 100GB

Orange

100GB (5G)

Yes (EU unlimited + 2 hrs intl)

31 days

$55.90

My European eSIM 120GB

Bouygues

120GB (5G)

Yes (EU unlimited)

30 days

$55.90

Prices shown are promotional as of July 2026. Check simoptions.com before purchasing.

For the US, SIMOptions offers plans that run on AT&T and T-Mobile. These are data-only and do not include a phone number.

• On hotspot: SIMOptions advertises hotspot/tethering as fully allowed on its Europe plans. This is useful if you need to connect a laptop, tablet, or another phone while traveling. That gives it an advantage over Holafly's Europe eSIM, which does not allow hotspot or tethering. For resold carrier plans outside the main Europe lineup, check the plan page before buying.
• On refunds: Refunds are only available if the eSIM cannot be activated due to a verified technical issue with SIMOptions or its telecom provider. Buying the wrong plan, using an incompatible device, entering the wrong email address, or changing your mind does not usually qualify.

SIMOptions: What you get with a local number

Most travel eSIMs are data-only. Airalo's Europe regional plans, standard Holafly destination eSIMs, and SIMOptions' own-brand plans all fall into this category. You get internet and not a phone number.

That gap matters more than people expect. I learned this the hard way when an Airbnb host in Paris kept trying to reach me by SMS to share a door code. My data-only eSIM was fine. My inbox was empty. I only got the code because I had kept my home SIM active in the second slot.

The number-included plans on SIMOptions fix this. The Orange Holiday and Bouygues My European plans come with a real French +33 mobile number. The O2 Go Card includes a Czech +420 number.

These are SIM-based numbers on actual carrier networks, not VoIP lines or temporary virtual numbers. They can receive regular incoming SMS, hotel confirmation codes, bank OTPs, and app verification texts. Orange and Bouygues plans also cover calls within Europe.

International calls outside Europe are metered across all plans:

• Holiday Zen: 30 minutes
• Orange Holiday Europe (50GB and 100GB): 2 hours
• O2 Go Card: small prepaid credit of around $2

You can also register a new WhatsApp account using the +33 or +420 number, which is useful if local contacts need a European number to reach you.

That said, OTP delivery is not guaranteed.

A few things worth knowing before you rely on it:

• Some banks block verification codes sent to foreign numbers entirely
• Your home bank will keep routing OTPs to the number already on file, regardless of which eSIM you are using
• For anything critical, keep your home SIM active in a dual-SIM slot or switch to app-based authentication before you leave

SIMOptions: Installation and activation

(Image credit: SIMOptions)

Setup is faster than most travel eSIM providers. You choose your plan and go straight to checkout, and the QR code arrives by email within minutes.

Here’s how you can do it:

• Receive the QR code by email
• Install the eSIM according to the plan’s activation rule.
• Activate it when you land and connect to a local network

Check the activation rule on your specific plan before installing. Some SIMOptions plans activate only when you connect at your destination, while others activate immediately after installation. If your plan activates on installation, install it after you arrive or just before travel.

Install over Wi-Fi rather than mobile data to reduce the risk of activation issues. Once active, turn off automatic data switching so your phone doesn't fall back to your home carrier's roaming rates without you noticing.

SIMOptions: Compatible devices

SIMOptions works on any eSIM-compatible, carrier-unlocked phone. Most global devices released after 2019 qualify. SIMOptions’ compatibility list is broader than its FAQ, but still not perfect. It includes recent models from Apple, Samsung, Google, and Motorola, yet regional variants still need to be checked.

To check eSIM support, dial *#06# on your phone. If an EID number appears, the hardware supports eSIM, but that only confirms hardware capability.

A phone under a financing contract will show an EID and still block a foreign eSIM from activating. On iPhone, go to Settings > General > About and confirm the Carrier Lock field reads "No SIM Restrictions."

Brand

Compatible Models

Notes

Apple

iPhone XS/XR onward

China, Hong Kong, and Macau variants not compatible. US models from iPhone 14 onward are eSIM-only.

Samsung

Galaxy S20 and later, Z Fold, Z Flip

Some US and Korean models not compatible.

Google

Pixel 3 and later

Some regional variants not compatible.

Huawei

P40, P40 Pro, Mate 40 Pro

P40 Pro+ and all P50-series models do not support eSIM. Non-China-purchased units only.

Motorola

Razr and Edge series (select models)

Region-dependent.

Others

Oppo, Sony Xperia, Xiaomi (select models)

Check the compatibility page before purchasing.

Your phone also needs to be carrier-unlocked. Contact your carrier if you're not sure.

SIMOptions: Customer support

(Image credit: SIMOptions)

Support is reachable, but it takes some patience. You have live chat on the site and email at contact@simoptions.com. The live chat widget is the faster option in theory, but it can take a while to load (not great when you are standing somewhere with no data and a non-working eSIM).

Here is the part most people miss: there is a phone line at +1 646 586 2166. It is not plastered on the homepage, but it exists. If chat is being slow and the issue is urgent, just call. It will save you 20 minutes of waiting on a chat response.

One thing to keep expectations realistic on: if your issue started on the carrier side, SIMOptions has to go through that carrier's team to fix it. That is not a SIMOptions failure exactly, but it does mean resolution takes longer than you would want.

SIMOptions: Final verdict

(Image credit: SIMOptions)

SIMOptions is not the simplest travel eSIM provider, but it solves a problem many others avoid: calls and SMS. If you need a real local number in Europe, SIMOptions is one of the strongest options. The pricing is fair for what you get, and the carrier transparency is useful. Being able to see names like Orange, Bouygues, O2, AT&T, and T-Mobile before buying makes the service feel more predictable than many generic travel eSIMs.

The main downside is choice overload. SIMOptions has a large catalog, and the differences between plans are not always obvious at first glance. You need to check the carrier, activation rule, phone number support, hotspot policy, and top-up option before buying.

Use SIMOptions if you need a real local number in Europe, want to know which carrier you are buying, or need a hotspot without a daily cap. Choose Airalo for the simplest data-only experience. Choose Holafly if unlimited data matters more than hotspot use or calls/SMS.

SIMOptions: FAQsDoes SIMOptions provide a real phone number?

Yes. SIMOptions gives you a real local phone number on select carrier plans. The Orange Holiday and Bouygues My European plans include a carrier-issued +33 French mobile number. The O2 Go Card includes a +420 Czech number. Data-only plans (including SIMOptions’ own-brand plans) do not come with a number.

Can I receive OTP codes abroad with SIMOptions?

Yes. On number-included plans. The Orange and Bouygues carrier plans use actual SIM-based numbers that receive SMS, including one-time codes from banks and apps. Note that your home bank will still send OTPs to your home number on file. Keep your home SIM active or switch to app-based authentication to handle those. Not every service accepts codes sent to non-home-country numbers, so test before depending on it for anything critical.

Does SIMOptions work with WhatsApp?

Yes. If your plan includes a local number, you can register WhatsApp with it. Otherwise, your existing WhatsApp account works normally over mobile data. On a number-included plan, you can register a new WhatsApp account using your +33 or +420 number. WhatsApp sends a verification code, you enter it, and the account is live.

Can I make calls with SIMOptions?

Yes, you can make calls with SIMOptions on number-included carrier plans. Orange and Bouygues plans with a phone number include calls within Europe. International calls (Europe to the US, for example) are metered. The Holiday Zen includes 30 minutes. The 50GB Orange plan includes two hours. The O2 Go Card includes a small credit of around $2.

What happens when I run out of data?

If you run out of data you can top up through the SIMOptions app, on supported plans. Orange Holiday and Bouygues plans generally allow top-ups. Some own-brand plans don’t, so check before buying if you expect to need more data mid-trip.

Do I need to verify my identity to buy a SIMOptions eSIM?

No. There’s no sign-up or ID required at checkout. One exception: French law requires Orange lines to be registered with ID within 30 days of use. For trips under a month, this usually will not affect you because the deadline falls after most short trips end. Bouygues and O2 plans have no such requirement.

What is the refund policy?

Refunds are only given if the eSIM fails to activate because of a verified technical fault on SIMOptions’ side. Once the QR code has been emailed to you, there are no refunds for buying the wrong plan, using an incompatible device, or changing your mind.

Travel eSIMs are useful, but they still leave you guessing. You pick a country, choose a data pack, hope it lasts, and then lose whatever is left when the plan expires. If your trip has more than one country, the whole process starts again. Roamless caught my attention because it tries to remove that cycle.

Instead of making you buy a new eSIM or country plan for every trip, Roamless gives you a single global eSIM and a single balance. You add credits, use data where Roamless is supported, and keep the leftover balance for later. That makes it especially useful for people who travel a few times a year and hate wasting unused data.

Roamless also offers Roamless Numbers, a paid add-on that gives you a virtual number for calls and SMS inside the app. Roamless says it can receive SMS messages, including some verification codes, but I would still keep a regular SIM active for banking OTPs, since many banks block virtual numbers.

• Take a look at our other picks to find your best eSIM for international travel

Roamless: Pricing

(Image credit: Roamless)

Roamless runs two plan types that can work independently or together on the same eSIM.

Plan

Price

Data

Validity

Hotspot

RoamlessFlex

Avg. $2.45/GB

Pay per MB used

Never expires

Yes

RoamlessFix

Varies by destination

Fixed bundle

30 days from first use

Yes

RoamlessFlex

Flex is the main reason to consider Roamless. You add credits to your wallet, and Roamless deducts data usage as you go. The average rate is around $2.45 per GB, although pricing varies by country.

The important part is that your Flex credits do not expire. If you add credit for one trip and use only part of it, the remaining balance stays in your account for the next trip. That makes Roamless feel less wasteful than eSIM plans that expire after a fixed number of days.

New users may receive free Flex credits when they sign up, though the amount may vary based on current promotions. If you join through a referral code, both you and the person who referred you receive $5 in Flex credits after your first top-up. You can also turn on Auto Top Up to refill your wallet automatically when your balance drops below $5.

RoamlessFix

Fix plans are fixed data bundles for a country or region, valid for 30 days. They usually make more sense when you already know where you are going and how much data you will need. The per-GB price can be lower than Flex on larger bundles, but prices vary by destination, so it is worth checking the app before buying.

The catch is that Fix plans don't renew automatically. When your Fix plan expires, Roamless automatically switches back to your Flex balance so you stay connected without changing anything. Fix works best if you already know where you're going and how much data you'll need. If your plans are flexible or you're visiting multiple countries, Flex is usually the better choice.

Roamless: Features

The best thing about Roamless is that it removes some of the small decisions that make travel eSIMs annoying. You are not constantly deleting eSIMs, reinstalling profiles, or trying to use up leftover data before it disappears.

• Non-expiring credits: Most pay-as-you-go eSIMs attach an expiry date to your balance. Roamless doesn't. Flex credits sit in your wallet until you spend them. That matters most for travelers who take a handful of trips a year and don't want to scramble to use a balance before it disappears.
• Automatic Fix-to-Flex fallback: If your Fix plan runs out mid-trip, Flex credits automatically take over. You stay connected.
• Single global eSIM: Install once. The eSIM automatically connects to local carrier partners in 200+ destinations. On Flex, that spans every supported country with no reinstalling between trips or border crossings.
• Hotspot and tethering: Share your data with other devices. Any data you use comes out of your Flex balance or FIX plan.
• In-app calling: Roamless lets you make international calls through the app, with rates starting from $0.01 per minute. It works over any internet connection, including Wi-Fi, a local SIM, or the Roamless eSIM.

Roamless Numbers: Why It Matters

(Image credit: Roamless)

Most travel eSIMs are data-only. They get you online, but they do not give you a phone number for calls or texts. Roamless Numbers is Roamless's answer to that gap.

With Roamless Numbers, you can subscribe to a virtual number inside the app and use it for calls and SMS over the internet. Roamless says Numbers are now available in four countries, with monthly and annual subscription options. The listed price is $6.95 per month, or $59.95 per year ($4.95 per month if you pay annually, a 28% saving).

(Image credit: Roamless)

I'd have used this on a trip where my Airbnb host and a delivery driver both needed to reach me and I had no way for either to call back. That's the real use case: any time a hotel, a ride app, or a client needs to reach you while you're abroad. I also like that it lives in the same app as my travel data. One less VoIP app to manage.

The important limit is verification. Roamless says Numbers can receive SMS, including two-factor authentication and verification codes. That does not mean every bank or financial app will accept them. Many services are strict about virtual numbers, so your regular SIM is still the safer option for banking OTPs.

Number porting is not supported, and each subscription is tied to one Roamless Number. So this is a useful travel add-on, and not a full replacement for your main phone line.

Roamless: Installation

(Image credit: Roamless)

Setup takes about five minutes on an iPhone. Download the app, create an account, add funds or choose a plan, and follow the activation steps. The app walks you through labeling the new eSIM line, setting it as your data connection, and turning on roaming.

Two things are worth checking before you travel. First, install the eSIM while you are on a stable Wi-Fi connection. Second, after installation, make sure Roamless is selected for mobile data and that data roaming is turned on for the Roamless line. If your phone keeps switching back to your home SIM, you could end up using your carrier’s roaming instead.

After that, the setup is done. Land somewhere new, turn data on, and the app connects. You don't touch it between trips or border crossings.

Android setup can vary more by device. Samsung and Pixel phones are usually straightforward, but some models may need extra APN steps. If you use a less common Android phone, check Roamless’s setup guide before you leave.

Roamless: Compatible Devices

Brand

Popular compatible models

Notes

iPhone

iPhone XR, XS, XS Max, SE 2/3, iPhone 11–17 series, iPhone Air

Regional variants can differ, especially the China mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao models. Check for “Add eSIM” before buying.

Samsung Galaxy S

Galaxy S20–S25 series, including Plus and Ultra models

Some regional or carrier-locked variants may not support third-party eSIM installation.

Samsung Galaxy Z

Galaxy Z Fold2–Fold7, Galaxy Z Flip/Flip3–Flip7, Flip7 FE

Check the exact regional model before purchase.

Google Pixel

Pixel 4 and newer, including Pixel 8, Pixel 9, Pixel 9a, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and Pixel 10 series

Some carrier variants may have restrictions.

Huawei

P40, P40 Pro, Mate 40 Pro, Pura 70 Pro, Pura X Foldable, 80 Pro/Pro+/Ultra

Compatibility varies strongly by region. Confirm the exact model first.

Xiaomi

12T Pro, 13 series, 13T Pro, Redmi Note 13 Pro+, 14 series, 14T/14T Pro, Redmi Note 14 Pro+, 15/15 Ultra

eSIM support varies by market and variant.

Motorola

Razr 40/50 series, Razr+ / Razr Ultra, Edge 40/50 series, ThinkPhone 25, Moto G34/G35

Region-dependent. Confirm in device settings before buying.

For older or less common phones, check Roamless’s device page or ask support first. If your phone does not support eSIM, you can still use the Roamless app for Roamless Numbers and in-app calls over Wi-Fi or mobile data.

Roamless: Customer Support

(Image credit: Roamless)

Support runs through three channels: in-app chat, email, and a help center split into four categories. The FAQ section alone has 58 articles, which tells you something about how many edge cases Roamless has run into. The in-app chat opens with an AI agent first, and you have to ask for a human if the bot can't handle it.

Once you're past setup, you won't need support much. The eSIM connects automatically at every border, and the app itself is where most of what could go wrong (a failed activation, a calling glitch) actually happens.

Roamless: Final verdict

(Image credit: Roamless)

I'd recommend Roamless to anyone hopping between countries more than once a year. The Flex wallet is the whole pitch: credits that don't expire beat every fixed eSIM plan I've used that punishes you for not finishing your data in time.

The single global eSIM backs that up. Install once, forget about it, and it just works at the next border. That alone makes multi-country trips less annoying than switching separate eSIMs. Roamless Numbers is a nice extra if you want calls and SMS in the same app, but don't lean on it for banking OTPs. Banks reject virtual numbers often enough that your regular SIM should stay the backup.

Skip Roamless if you need unlimited data or the cheapest single-country plan available. For everyone else traveling light and often, it's one of the more practical eSIMs out there right now.

Roamless: FAQsHow does RoamlessFlex work?

Roamless Flex works by letting you add credits to your Roamless wallet and pay only for the data you use. The app deducts your balance as you go, and any unused credits stay in your wallet because they never expire. If you travel often or visit multiple countries, you can keep using the same wallet without having to buy a new eSIM each time.

What is RoamlessFix, and when should I use it?

Roamless Fix is a prepaid data plan that gives you a fixed amount of data for a specific country or region. The plan stays valid for 30 days from the time you first use it. It works best if you already know where you're traveling and roughly how much data you'll need. If you don't use all your data within 30 days, the remaining balance expires.

Does Roamless offer unlimited data?

No. Roamless does not offer unlimited data plans. Roamless only offers Flex and Fix plans. Flex lets you pay only for the data you use, while Fix gives you a set amount of data that expires after 30 days. If you need unlimited data for streaming or heavy daily use, you'll need to look at another eSIM provider.

Can I receive banking OTPs with Roamless while traveling?

No. You should not rely on Roamless for banking OTPs while traveling. The Roamless eSIM is data-only, and Roamless Numbers uses virtual phone numbers instead of regular mobile numbers. While some services may send SMS to a virtual number, many banks and financial apps block VoIP numbers for security reasons. Your regular SIM card is still the safest option for banking verification.

Does Roamless support hotspot and tethering?

Yes. Roamless supports hotspot and tethering on all of its data plans. You can share your mobile data with a laptop, tablet, or another phone without paying extra. Any data used through hotspot is simply deducted from your Flex wallet or your Fix data allowance, just like data used on your phone.

Does Roamless work in China?

Yes. Roamless works in mainland China. Once your Roamless eSIM is installed, your phone connects automatically through Roamless' roaming partners when you arrive. You don't need to buy a local SIM card, making it a convenient option for travelers who want mobile data as soon as they land.

Do I need to buy a new plan for each country I visit?

No. You do not need to buy a new plan for each country if you use Roamless Flex. The same Roamless eSIM and Flex wallet work across more than 200 supported destinations, and your phone connects automatically when you cross a border. If you use a Roamless Fix plan, you'll only need to buy another plan when you travel outside the country or region covered by your current package.

A few years ago, landing in a new country usually meant hunting for airport WiFi, comparing local SIM cards, or paying roaming fees you would regret later. GigSky helps you avoid all that. The California-based eSIM provider has been at this since 2010, and what started as a tool for enterprise road warriors now serves over a million people across 200+ countries.

GigSky has added a subscription tier, dedicated cruise and ferry plans, in-flight data packages, and a Visa partnership that hands eligible cardholders up to 3GB free before they spend a single dollar. Here’s all that you need to know about GigSky.

GigSky: Pricing and plans

Gigsky's pricing model is very flexible, and that gives you the space to see what fits your needs best. Plans are not sold as fixed tiers the way a phone contract is. Instead, you browse by destination, choose your data amount and duration, and pay for exactly what you need.

There are no subscriptions you will accidentally roll into, or hidden roaming fees bolted on at checkout. The plans start from $3.99, with the actual price varying by country, region, how much data you need, and how long your trip runs.

• We've rounded up the best eSIMs for Europe.

The structure breaks into six main plan types:

Plan type

What it covers

Best for

Country plans

Single-country data, fixed duration

Short trips to one destination

Regional plans

Multi-country coverage within a defined region (Europe, Asia Pacific, Caribbean, etc.)

Multi-stop regional travel

Cruise + Land plans

At-sea coverage on 290+ ships plus land coverage in 200+ port destinations, in one eSIM

Cruise goers who also explore on shore

Ferry plans

Data on ferry routes

Island-hopping, cross-channel crossings

Inflight plans

In-air connectivity on supported airlines

Frequent flyers who work at altitude

Offshore plans

Maritime and offshore use beyond cruise ships

Offshore workers, sailing, remote maritime

Beyond those one-time plans, GigSky also offers subscriptions. The GigSky One plan is built for people who travel enough that buying individual plans starts to feel like a part-time job. It covers a broad set of countries under a single subscription, with monthly, quarterly, and annual billing options. The longer you commit, the better the per-month cost.

Every new user also gets a free 100MB plan with no credit card required. It is not enough for streaming or navigating a city all day. But it is more than enough for messaging, checking email, or pulling up directions in a pinch, which makes it an easy way to test the service before spending anything.

GigSky: Features

GigSky handles installation through the app or a QR code, activates automatically when you land, and works on any eSIM-compatible smartphone. There are no hidden steps and no manual network selection.

GigSky is a data-only service, but the plan includes more than just data:

• Hotspot included: Tethering is available on all plans at no extra cost. One plan covers your phone, your laptop, and whoever you are traveling with.
• Fastest available network: GigSky connects to whatever the local infrastructure supports, 5G, 4G, or 3G, without capping your speed based on plan tier.
• Fair use on unlimited plans: After 2.5GB in a single day, speeds reduce until the following day. Messaging and email hold up fine at reduced speeds; streaming does not.
• Top-ups without reinstalling: Buy more data in the app and it loads onto the existing eSIM profile. No QR codes, no settings menus.
• Gift cards: GigSky credit is available as a gift if you want to sort someone's connectivity before they travel.

• We've rounded up the best eSIMs for USA.

GigSky: Installation

(Image credit: GigSky)

Getting GigSky onto your phone takes about five minutes, and there is nothing technically demanding about it as long as you do it before you leave. That last part matters more than it sounds. You need a Wi-Fi connection to download and install the eSIM profile, and the airport Wi-Fi at your destination is not the moment to find out you missed this step.

Once you are ready:

• Download the GigSky app on iOS or Android and create a free account.
• Browse plans for your destination and complete your purchase.
• Install the eSIM directly through the app, or scan the QR code that arrives in your email. The QR option is useful if you are setting up on a tablet separate from the device you used to buy the plan.
• When you land, switch the eSIM on in your phone's settings. It connects automatically to the strongest available local network from there.

• We've rounded up the best eSIMs for Turkey.

Is GigSky compatible with your device?

GigSky works across a wide range of phones, tablets, and laptops, but compatibility depends on whether your device supports eSIM and whether it is unlocked for international use. Here is how the most common devices stack up:

Device

Compatible models

iPhone

XR, XS, XS Max, and all models from iPhone 11 onward

iPad Pro

11-inch (1st gen through M4), 12.9-inch (3rd gen through 6th gen), 13-inch (M4)

iPad Air

3rd generation through M2 (both 11-inch and 13-inch)

iPad mini

5th and 6th generation

iPad (standard)

7th through 10th generation

Android

Most flagship and mid-range eSIM-capable handsets from the last few years

Windows

Microsoft Surface Pro X

Other

Fairphone 4, Honor Magic 4 Pro

GigSky: Support

Customer support runs around the clock, every day of the year. This matters for a travel product, since travelers rarely need help during business hours in their home time zone. You can reach support through the app or by email, and response quality is generally solid.

The FAQ section on the GigSky website is unusually thorough. Most practical questions a first-time user would have, from how to activate in a specific country to what happens when data runs out mid-trip, are answered there before you need to contact anyone. The Help Center covers troubleshooting, getting started guides, and announcements on recent service changes.

But I really liked their e-Sim Guide, which covered most of the basics that I needed to get started.

GigSky Cruise: Staying connected at sea

(Image credit: GigSky)

The standard experience for the internet on a cruise ship is either expensive, slow, or both. Cruise lines have historically charged per-megabyte rates that would have felt steep in 2005, and most travelers have just accepted it and treated sea days as a forced detox.

GigSky's cruise offering is a direct argument against that.

GigSky describes itself as the only eSIM built specifically for cruises, and the claim holds up. Cruise and Land plans cover 290+ ships from major lines alongside more than 200 land destinations, all on a single eSIM profile. At sea, your phone connects to satellite network infrastructure.

When you pull into port, the eSIM automatically shifts to land-based carrier networks. You do not switch plans, reinstall anything, or take any manual action.

Key features of GigSky Cruise

• One plan for sea and land: A single purchase covers both sea days and port days. On a multi-port itinerary, the alternative is managing a separate SIM or eSIM plan for every country you visit. GigSky collapses that into one.
• Automatic network switching: The handover between satellite at sea and cellular on land happens in the background. You do not manage it.
• Hotspot and top-ups work the same way: Tethering is included at no extra cost, and if you run through your data mid-voyage, you reload from the app without reinstalling the profile.

(Image credit: Gigsky )Who is the cruise plan actually for?

GigSky Cruise is not the right choice for everyone on a ship. If you are doing a week-long Caribbean sailing and your main use case is posting photos in port and checking the weather, the free 100MB trial might cover most of what you need, with a small paid top-up for the moments it does not.

For travelers who work remotely, need to stay in contact with family, or are on a longer voyage with multiple ports, this plan comes in handy.

On a two-week Mediterranean itinerary hitting eight countries, the alternative to a single GigSky Cruise plan is buying eight separate eSIM plans, installing them one by one, and managing the switches manually. There is also the category of cruiser who simply wants more than the ship's Wi-Fi, which tends to be throttled, expensive, and shared across hundreds of passengers.

GigSky's sea day coverage handles email, messaging, VoIP calls, and light browsing without the queue-and-throttle experience of onboard internet packages.

GigSky: Final verdict

When I first came across GigSky a couple of years ago, the knock on it was always price. You could find cheaper per-gigabyte rates from regional competitors, and for the average traveler doing a single-country trip, a local SIM bought at the airport often still won on cost. That critique is not wrong, but it has become less relevant as GigSky has built out additional features that local SIMs fundamentally cannot do.

A local SIM does not cover you when the ship leaves port. It does not automatically switch to the next country when your train crosses a border. It does not have a subscription model that prevents you from repeating the purchase ritual every three weeks. And it definitely does not come with a partnership that hands eligible Visa cardholders 3GB for free before they spend anything.

The lack of calls and SMS may matter for some travelers, but for the things that actually consume data on the road, GigSky covers most of the bases without the usual SIM-swapping routine. If you travel frequently, especially on cruises or multi-country trips, it starts feeling less like an alternative and more like the default setup.

FAQsDoes GigSky offer 5G connectivity?

Yes, GigSky offers 5G connectivity where the local network supports it. GigSky connects you to the highest available generation at your destination: 5G in cities that have deployed it, 4G LTE in most populated areas, and 3G in more remote regions. Keep in mind that 5G consumes data faster than 4G, so if you are on a limited plan, it is worth being conscious of what you are doing on a 5G connection.

What is GigSky One?

GigSky One is the subscription tier for frequent travelers. Instead of buying individual plans per trip, you pay monthly, quarterly, or annually for ongoing data coverage across a broad set of countries on a single eSIM. Longer commitments come at a better per-month rate.

Does GigSky work with Visa cards?

Yes. Eligible cardholders get up to 3GB of complimentary data across 175+ countries, discounts of up to 30% on every plan, and up to 7 days of unlimited data at curated Visa Destinations. Eligibility depends on your card and issuing bank, and you check it inside the GigSky app. Participating programs currently include the US, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Japan, Caribbean, and Latin America, among others.

What is the fair use policy on unlimited plans?

The fair use policy on unlimited plans says that after 2.5GB in a single day, speeds slow down until the following day from your plan's activation time. Email, messaging, and VoIP calls still work at reduced speeds. Heavy streaming and large file transfers are the activities most affected.

Most travel eSIMs ask you to pay before you even know if they work in your destination. Firsty flips that. You get a real, working data connection for free, supported by short ads, before spending a single euro. For a product category that's been moving toward higher prices and longer commitments, that's a genuinely different pitch.

Firsty is a Dutch eSIM startup founded in September 2023, built around one idea: give travelers free connectivity first and let the product sell itself. With a 4.1/5 on Trustpilot and over a million users, it's working. But the free tier has limits, the paid speeds are modest, and the company is still young.

Want more options? Take a look at our best eSims for international travel.

Firsty: Pricing and plans

Plan

Price

Speed

Data

Ads

Hotspot

Firsty Free

€0

256 Kbps - 1 Mbps

Unlimited (ad-gated)

Yes

No

Comfort+

From €1/day

Up to 5 Mbps (tiered)

Unlimited (tiered speed)

No

Yes

First Class

From €2/day

Extra high (up to 5G)

5GB full speed, then lower

No

Yes

Firsty Free

(Image credit: Firsty )

Free is exactly what it says. You pay nothing, watch a short ad every 59 minutes, and get data in return. The speed sits between 256 Kbps and 1 Mbps, enough for WhatsApp, Google Maps, email, and Uber. Not enough for Instagram Reels or a Zoom call, and Firsty isn't pretending otherwise.

On the downside, the free plan isn't available globally. It's currently limited to users in North America, Europe, and APAC. If you're traveling to regions outside those three, you'll need a paid plan from day one.

The free plan also has a referral perk. Invite a friend and you get 7 days of ad-free browsing added to your account. It's a small touch, but it shows Firsty is thinking about retention, not just acquisition.

• We've rounded up the best eSIMs for Europe.

Comfort+ (Daily plan, starts at €1/day)

(Image credit: Firsty)

Comfort+ is the entry-level paid option, and for most travelers it's probably the right call. At €1 per day, you get ad-free browsing, faster speeds, and access to social media and navigation without throttling out of the gate.

The speed structure is tiered:

• First 500 MB: up to 5 Mbps
• 500 MB to 1.5 GB: 1 Mbps
• Beyond 1.5 GB: 512 Kbps

You stay connected throughout. The speed just steps down as you use more data. For a travel day of maps, messaging, and light browsing, 500 MB at 5 Mbps is more than comfortable. Video calls are pushing it. Streaming is not what this plan is for.

You only pay for the days you actually use it. Pause it when you're back home, reactivate when you land somewhere new. Your unused days don't expire.

First Class (Daily plan, starts at €2/day)

(Image credit: Firsty)

First Class is for people who need their phone to work like it does at home. At €2 per day, you get 5GB of high-speed data, connecting to the fastest available local network, up to 5G where available. Streaming works, hotspot works, and if you need to get your laptop online through your phone, this is the plan for it.

After 5GB, speed steps down rather than cutting you off completely, which is the right call compared to providers who just shut you down.

Firsty: Features

Firsty keeps the experience deliberately simple. You are not choosing between regional bundles, juggling add-ons, or shuffling through settings to find hidden upgrades. The core product is straightforward, and a few features stand out more than the rest.

• Freemium model: Most "free" tiers in tech are either so restricted they're useless or so good they're unsustainable. Firsty's free tier threads the needle. You get enough connectivity for the moments that matter most after landing: booking a ride, pulling up directions, checking your hotel reservation, or messaging the person you're meeting. It is a simple idea, but a useful one, and the ad-supported model is what makes it possible.
• Single global eSIM: You install Firsty once and keep using the same eSIM wherever you go. There is no buying a new plan for every country, switching profiles, or sorting through a marketplace of regional options. The app handles the network side automatically, connecting to a local provider in the background. On the Daily plan, that coverage extends to more than 180 countries.
• Flexible daily billing: You pay only for the days you use a paid plan. If you're on Comfort+ and you spend a day on a beach with no need for more than basic speed, you drop back to Free and don't get charged. That flexibility is genuinely useful and separates Firsty from subscription-first competitors.
• Pause and save: Unused paid days do not disappear when your plans change. You can pause your plan and pick it back up later, with the remaining credit still intact. There is no pressure to burn through data just because you paid for it, which is especially useful if your travel schedule changes unexpectedly or you end up needing less connectivity than planned.

Firsty: Installation and activation

(Image credit: Firsty)

Getting Firsty running takes about five minutes, and most of that time is waiting for the eSIM profile to download.

Download the app from the App Store or Google Play, create an account using your phone number or email, answer a few quick questions about which apps you use most, and pick your plan. The app then walks you through the eSIM activation steps: labeling the new line, setting it as your data line, and toggling the right settings on your device.

Two things to get right before you start. First, do the setup on Wi-Fi. Installing an eSIM profile over mobile data is asking for trouble, and Firsty's own instructions flag this clearly. Second, once the eSIM is active, turn off automatic data switching. If your phone defaults back to your home carrier for data, you'll get hit with roaming charges and wonder why Firsty isn't doing anything.

After that, it's set and forget. You don't re-install for each trip or each country. The app handles network selection automatically wherever you land.

Firsty: Compatible devices

Firsty covers a solid range of devices across Apple, Samsung, Google, and a handful of other Android brands, which means most travelers won't have a compatibility issue before they even check.

That said, the official supported devices list hasn't been updated since December 2024, so newer releases like the iPhone 16 series, iPhone 17, Pixel 9, and Galaxy S25 are missing from it entirely. If you're on a recent flagship, chances are it works fine, but it's worth checking with Firsty's support team to confirm before you travel.

Brand

Compatible Models

Notes

Apple iPhone

iPhone XR, XS, XS Max, 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, SE 2 (2020), 12 / Mini / Pro / Pro Max, 13 / Mini / Pro / Pro Max, SE 3 (2022), 14 / Plus / Pro / Pro Max, 15 / Plus / Pro / Pro Max

iPhones purchased in China and Hong Kong are not eSIM compatible

Apple iPad

iPad Pro 11" (A2068, 2020+), iPad Pro 12.9" (A2069, 2020+), iPad Air (A2123, 2019+), iPad (A2198, 2019+), iPad Mini (A2124, 2019+), iPad 10th gen (2022)

LTE-capable iPads only

Samsung Galaxy S

S20 / S20+ / S20+ 5G / S20 Ultra, S21 / S21+ 5G / S21 Ultra 5G, S22 / S22+ / S22 Ultra, S23 / S23+ / S23 Ultra / S23 FE, S24 / S24+ / S24 Ultra

Some US, South Korea, China, and Hong Kong models are not compatible

Samsung Galaxy Note

Note 20, Note 20 Ultra 5G

Some US, South Korea, China, and Hong Kong models are not compatible

Samsung Galaxy Z

Z Fold, Z Fold2 5G, Fold3 5G, Fold4, Fold5 5G, Z Flip, Flip3 5G, Flip4, Flip5 5G

Some US, South Korea, China, and Hong Kong models are not compatible

Samsung Galaxy A

A54 (select model numbers only)

Some US, South Korea, China, and Hong Kong models are not compatible

Google Pixel

Pixel 2 XL, 3 / 3 XL / 3a / 3a XL, 4 / 4a / 4 XL, 5 / 5a, 6 / 6a / 6 Pro, 7 / 7a / 7 Pro, 8 / 8 Pro

Some Pixel 3 and 3a models from Australia, Japan, Taiwan, and those on US or Canadian carriers are not compatible

Huawei

P40, P40 Pro, Mate 40 Pro, P50, P50 Pro

Oppo

Find X3 Pro, Find N2 Flip, Reno 5A, Reno 6 Pro 5G, Reno 9A, Find X5, Find X5 Pro, A55s 5G

Sony Xperia

10 III Lite, 10 IV, 10V, 1 IV, 1 V, 5 IV, 5 V, Ace III

Xiaomi

12T Pro, 13, 13 Lite, 13 Pro, 13T Pro

Motorola

Razr 2019, Razr 5G, Razr 40, Razr 40 Ultra, Razr+, Edge+, Edge 40, Edge 40 Pro, Edge 40 Neo, G52J 5G, G52J 5G II, G53J 5G, G54 5G, G55 5G, G84

Firsty also lists compatible models from Sharp AQUOS, Rakuten, Honor, Vivo, and Nokia. These cover a smaller share of travelers but the full model breakdown is available on Firsty's supported devices page.

Firsty: Support

(Image credit: Firsty)

Firsty's support options are straightforward. You can reach the team via email at support@firsty.app, through the in-app help section, or through the online help center which covers the most common setup and troubleshooting scenarios.

The response quality holds up. App Store reviewers consistently describe the support team as responsive and easy to reach. On Trustpilot, where Firsty currently holds a 4.1/5 score with 283 reviews, customer support gets regular mentions as a positive.

Reddit tells a more mixed story. Most complaints are about device compatibility on unsupported Android models and connection issues during setup, nearly always caused by not installing on Wi-Fi.

For straightforward travelers, iPhone users and anyone on a mainstream Samsung, the setup is clean and support rarely needs to get involved after the first install.

Firsty: International calling

(Image credit: Firsty)

Most eSIM providers stop at data. Firsty added calling in 2025, and it is one of the more practical additions to the service. If you need to ring a hotel, contact a host, or make a quick local call, you can do it without relying on a separate app. The feature is currently available in the US, Canada, Singapore, Japan, and Europe, with additional regions expected over time.

The calling works through a credit top-up system that's separate from your data plan. You buy credits in flexible amounts from €1 to €50, they don't expire, and you pay per minute based on the destination. Calls go to 200+ countries, and you keep your own caller ID throughout, so whoever you're calling sees your regular number, not some unknown international line.

Rates are transparent and published openly on the website. Europe and North America average around €0.03 per minute. South America runs higher at around €0.07. Asia averages €0.12 per minute. Africa and Oceania are the most expensive at €0.56 and €1.08 per minute respectively. The app shows you the real-time rate before every call, so there's no bill shock at the end of a trip.

Firsty: Final verdict

For budget travellers, Firsty’s free plan alone is worth installing before any international trip. You land, you have Maps and Uber working, and you haven't spent anything. For people who need more, Comfort+ at €1/day covers a normal travel day without breaking the bank. First Class at €2/day handles everything, including streaming and hotspot.

The limitations are real but narrow. The free plan only works in North America, Europe, and APAC. Comfort+ isn't built for heavy data use. Plus, Firsty is still a relatively young company, founded in September 2023, which means its network depth in some regions won't match providers who've been at it for a decade.

But for what most travellers actually need, it delivers. And no other eSIM provider at this price point is offering a permanent free tier with this kind of coverage.

Firsty: FAQsWhat is Firsty?

Firsty is a Dutch eSIM provider founded in September 2023. It offers a permanent free data tier supported by short ads, alongside paid Daily plans for travelers who need faster speeds. One eSIM covers 180+ countries with no SIM swaps or regional plan purchases required.

How does the free plan work?

You watch a short ad every 59 minutes in exchange for data at speeds between 256 Kbps and 1 Mbps. That's enough for WhatsApp, Google Maps, email, and Uber. The free plan is available to users in North America, Europe, and APAC only.

What is the difference between Comfort+ and First Class?

Both are Daily paid plans. Comfort+ costs €1/day and gives you tiered speeds starting at 5 Mbps for the first 500 MB, stepping down to 1 Mbps and then 512 Kbps as you use more data. First Class costs €2/day and gives you 5GB of high-speed data up to 5G, plus video streaming and hotspot. After 5GB, you stay connected at a lower speed rather than being cut off.

Does Firsty work on my phone?

Firsty works on most modern eSIM-capable smartphones including iPhone XR and later, Samsung Galaxy S20 series and later, Google Pixel 2 XL and later, and select models from Huawei, Oppo, Sony, Xiaomi, Motorola, and others. iPhones purchased in China and Hong Kong and some Samsung models bought in the US, South Korea, China, and Hong Kong are not compatible. Check Firsty's supported devices page for the full list.

Can I make calls with Firsty?

Yes. Firsty supports international calling to 200+ countries through a pay-as-you-go credit system. Credits range from €1 to €50 and never expire. The feature works on all plans including Free, and your own caller ID shows on every call. It's currently available in the US, Canada, Singapore, Japan, and Europe.

Do I need to buy a new plan for each country I visit?

No. You install the eSIM once and it works across all supported countries automatically. The app connects you to the best available local network without any manual switching.

How do I install Firsty?

Download the app, create an account, pick a plan, and follow the in-app steps to activate the eSIM. Do the setup on Wi-Fi, not mobile data, and turn off automatic data switching on your device after activation to avoid accidentally falling back to your home carrier's roaming rates.

I ended up watching The Last House twice, just to confirm I hadn't hallucinated its truly head-scratching plot. I regret to inform you that it's just as bad the second time around, making it the biggest Netflix disappointment of the year.

It's unfair to call The Last House the worst movie of the year, but it's definitely not what I expected from the best streaming service, especially considering that Netflix had spent a lot of time promoting it, even creating a billboard featuring a live actor inside. The movie is being promoted everywhere, so it's a shame that it has received largely negative reviews, including mine.

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What has been hyped up as a tense thriller about a family sealed inside their home ended up being a massive letdown. I understand that being stuck at home is boring for the characters, but we shouldn't have had to suffer along with them.

The trailer for The Last House spoiled that the family spends years trapped inside their home, not just a few days. Had I not known about that reveal, I might've considered that to be an effective twist in the tale. But I went in already knowing it was about to happen.

I really am trying to find positives here, and the main one is the quality of the acting. Despite the fact that the story drags on, the family dynamic on show here is very believable, particularly from Greta Lee and Wagner Moura, who play parents trying to keep the house in order after a mysterious storm traps them at home.

They do their best to keep calm, even when the windows and doors can't even be opened, by smashing glass or forcing locks. The first 15 minutes of the movie seem promising as they begin to sort out a long-term plan, and then it completely loses control of itself as it trundles towards an unsatisfying conclusion.

The strength of the performances can't save the confusing script, however. The Last House suffers from an identity crisis where it can't quite decide what genre it wants to be. Though billed as a thriller, there aren't many thrills until the rushed final act. It's also not polished enough to be a thought-provoking drama, as I was left with more questions than answers.

There's also some unnecessary (in my opinion) cruelty towards animals, so those who frequent Does The Dog Die? will absolutely want to give this one a miss. I found this scene to be quite jarring, and not in the complimentary way I might apply to other thrillers or horror movies.

I really did expect more from The Last House, especially since the eventual creature design is well done. We don't see nearly enough of the threat, or learn anything about it or why it kept people trapped for years. If you want a proper answer at the end of the movie, you won't get it.

It's always a shame when a trailer or idea looks good, but the final product is not at all what you were expecting. Ultimately, that's my experience with The Last House; it could have been so much better but quickly ran out of steam.

There are far better movies to stream on Netflix, as well as an impressive line-up of new movies in theaters, so you might want to skip this one and find something that will actually deliver on its promise as a thriller.

Viltrox AF 26mm F2.8 EVO: one-minute review

If you're searching for a high-quality and compact lens for your Sony or Nikon mirrorless camera, then the excellent value Viltrox AF 26mm F2.8 EVO is well worth considering.

Compared to Nikon and Sony's own alternatives, the Viltrox 26mm f/2.8 strikes a balance of premium design, compact size and reasonable pricing most compellingly of all.

For $299 / £279 (approximately AU$500), you get a wide-angle prime with bright f/2.8 aperture, rugged metal body that measures just 25.8mm in length, rubber-sealed mount, twin dials and a fabulous magnetic lens cap design.

Not only is the Viltrox lens around half the price of the Nikon alternative, but it packs more features, while Sony's closest alternative is a physically larger and pricier 24mm F2.8.

Viltrox's lens isn't perfect, mind you; optically it's not the sharpest lens I've used and the maximum f/2.8 aperture setting is prone to flare, which reduces contrast. Autofocus can be a little fussy too.

Those drawbacks aside, the Viltrox AF 26mm F2.8 EVO is another high-quality hit from the established Chinese lens manufacturer that deserves to live on your Sony or Nikon camera.

A decent fit with the Nikon Z6 II, and even more so smaller full-frame bodies such as the Sony A7C (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Viltrox AF 26mm F2.8 EVO: price and availability

• Available in Sony E and Nikon Z-mount versions
• It costs $299 / £279 (around AU$500), with a 10% discount at launch
• A magnetic lens cap and filter is supplied

The Viltrox AF 26mm F2.8 EVO full-frame lens launched for Sony E-mount and Nikon Z mount mirrorless cameras. It can also be used with either's APS-C cameras, with which it has an effective 39mm focal length. The lens costs $299 / £279 (not directly available in Australia), but I regularly see 10-15% discounts on the Viltrox site and at Amazon. At the time of writing, there's 10% off the 26mm lens.

Viltrox has another autofocus pancake lens, the 28mm f/4.5, which is just one third of the price. However, that lens is much more basic, and for a fair comparison on value, consider Nikon's own 26mm f/2.8 pancake lens, which has a slightly simpler design yet is almost double the price.

Sony's choices are much more varied — there are low-cost (and lower quality) options such as the 20mm F2.8, while premium options such as the 24mm F2.8 are pricier and physically much larger. TTArtisan sells a AF 27mm f/2.8 pancake lens that costs around $130 / £110 less, but I've not tested that lens.

So while the 26mm F2.8 EVO is hardly cheap for a Viltrox lens, it is still excellent value considering its quality and the available alternatives. I think it's an excellent quality to size and price ratio. For other primes, check out my best Sony lenses and best Nikon lenses guides.

Viltrox AF 26mm F2.8 EVO: specsViltrox AF 26mm F2.8 EVO specs

Type:

Wide-angle prime

Mount:

Sony E, Nikon Z

Sensor:

Full-frame

Focal length:

26mm (or 39mm effective on Sony and Nikon APS-C cameras)

Aperture:

f/2.8 to f/16

Minimum focus:

0.2m, 0.2x magnification

Filter size:

43mm

Dimensions:

69.4mm x 25.8mm

Weight:

From 6oz / 170g (bare lens)

Viltrox AF 26mm F2.8 EVO: design

• Just 25.8mm in length and 6oz / 170g
• Metal components, rubber-sealed mount
• Clever magnetic lens hood

Tim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim Coleman

Lightweight, rugged and convenient, the Viltrox AF 26mm F2.8 EVO fits the bill for everyday photography.

It's clearly made from premium materials, with a metal barrel and rear mount with rubber seal to keep out moisture and dust.

And despite its compact dimensions, the lens fits an impressive number of controls, squeezing in focus and aperture control rings. Unsurprisingly, each ring is very narrow, and getting a secure grip on the focus ring is a little fiddly, but I certainly prefer having those shrunk-down controls rather than none at all.

The aperture ring is clicked with no option to de-click it for video use. Again, I'm not surprised about this given how small the lens is — there really is no spare space to fit this control.

Like all recent Viltrox lenses, the 26mm pancake features a USB-C port in its rear mount, through which firmware updates can be installed.

No lens hood attachedTim ColemanWith the lens hood, which takes 43mm threaded filtersTim ColemanAnd with the magnetic lens cap attachedTim ColemanProfile of the lens without hood or cap attachedTim ColemanAnd here both are attachedTim ColemanThe magnetic cap snaps securely into place, and is much more convenient than a pinch lock.Tim ColemanTim Coleman

The simple optical construction comprises eight elements in six groups, and includes two aspherical elements. The front lens element is tiny. In fact, the 43mm filter thread isn't even built into the lens itself, but the supplied lens hood.

Said dual-purpose lens hood is suitably compact, but I found it didn't provide the sort of protection against lens flare that I would hope for (more on this in the performance section).

The lens hood has a neat trick up its sleeve mind you — it's magnetic. The supplied lens cap snaps onto the lens hood magnetically, doing away with the traditional pinch lock lens cap design. The hood screws onto the lens, but you can bypass the hood because the front of the lens is also magnetic.

Viltrox's neat magnetic system is a revelation, and I hope other lens manufacturers follow suit. It might not be suitable for all lens types mind you, say those with floating lens elements which use electromagnetism, such as Viltrox's own 85mm F1.4 Pro.

Close focusing goes down to 0.2m, which delivers a maximum 0.2x magnification. This is no close up lens, therefore, but I've certainly tested plenty of lenses with a lesser maximum magnification factor.

(Image credit: Tim Coleman)

At launch, the 26mm lens is available in Sony E and Nikon Z-mount versions. There's no word yet on L-mount or X-mount versions (nor Canon RF, as per usual).

To truly appreciate the benefit of its compact dimensions and lightweight 6oz / 170g design, cameras such as the Sony A7C series and the Nikon Z f series are a good bet. And as a full-frame lens, you can also use it with APS-C cameras with a 1.5x crop factor, such as the Sony A6700 and Nikon Z50 II. It could be a fabulous option with the Lumix S9 or Sigma BF too, should an L-mount version land.

Viltrox AF 26mm F2.8 EVO: Performance

• Bright maximum f/2.8, but risk of strong lens flare at this setting
• Detail is impressively sharp for such a small lens
• Autofocus is decent, but I've used snappier lenses

Lens flare at f/2.8. Shooting towards the Sun without manually shielding the lens risks lens flare at any aperture setting, but especially so at f/2.8. I like the effect here, but it is strong. Tim ColemanAnother example at f/2.8Tim ColemanAnd here you can still see flare in the same scene at f/5.6 but it's less pronouncedTim ColemanStrong vignetting at f/2.8Tim ColemanEven at f/8 there's still some vignettingTim ColemanHere's the lens at f/2.8 againTim ColemanAnd at f/11Tim ColemanWhere the sun is out of the frame, detail is crisp in this scene shot at f/5.6Tim Coleman

Viltrox's smaller 28mm F4.5 lens wins for compact size and price, but for image quality, the 26mm F2.8 EVO is a step up.

True, it's not the sharpest lens I've ever used, but optical quality impresses, especially given how small and lightweight the lens is.

I regularly used the lens' maximum f/2.8 aperture setting, with which it's possible to get shallow depth of field and pleasant enough bokeh. There's no discernible drop in sharpness at this setting from the peak f/5.6 to f/8 settings, either.

However, lens flare is prominent at f/2.8 when shooting towards the sun and strong light sources, which massively reduces contrast. In some scenarios I rather liked the effect — it was at times characterful and dreamy. At other times, I wished the distortion was better controlled.

Tim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim Coleman

Vignetting (darker corners) is also visible at f/2.8, though nothing too dramatic, and remains even up to f/8. The worst of these lens distortions would be less noticeable when pairing the lens with an APS-C camera where the outer portion of the image is cropped out. Otherwise, using f/4 to f/11 aperture settings delivered impressively sharp images, generally free from severe lens distortion.

I tested the lens exclusively with a Nikon Z6 II camera. Not the latest mirrorless camera by any means (that'll be the Z6 III), but one with snappy autofocus and subject detection modes. Even still, I found myself fighting focus hunting more than usual when using the Viltrox lens, compared to a lens like, say, my Nikon 24-70mm F2.8 S.

I'll try the Viltrox 26mm lens with another camera when I get the chance, but so far I'm not fully impressed with its autofocus performance.

Tim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanShould I buy the Viltrox AF 26mm F2.8 EVO?

(Image credit: Tim Coleman)Buy it if...

You want a small lens for your small mirrorless Sony or Nikon camera
Viltrox's 26mm lens is a decent size match for mirrorless cameras like the Sony A7C, A6700, Nikon Z f, Z6 III and Z50 II.

You'd like a small lens to live on your camera
With its compact metal body, rubber seal mount and wide-angle perspective, the 26mm lens is always-on lens

Don't buy it if...

You're likely going to use the aperture wide open most of the time
The 26mm lens' image quality drops when the aperture is wide open at f/2.8.

You want super sharp detail
Detail is pretty good, but if you want a particularly sharp lens, you'll need to spend more on a larger, premium alternative.

How I tested the Viltrox AF 26mm F2.8 EVO

(Image credit: Tim Coleman)

• Viltrox sent me the Z-mount version of the 26mm lens
• I paired it with my own full-frame Nikon Z6 II
• I regularly used the lens for a month, across a wide range of scenarios

I used the Z-mount version of the Viltrox AF 26mm F2.8 EVO lens with my own Nikon Z6 II full-frame mirrorless camera regularly over the course of one month. My main focus was real world use over technical studio-based tests, though I typically use lenses in scenarios that test their technical capabilities.

For example, I took the same photo in a sequence to see how quality compares using each of the lens' full aperture settings, starting at f/2.8 through to f/16. I checked for bokeh, lens distortion and sharpness at each setting, too.

I was particularly keen to check quality of the maximum f/2.8 aperture, and how the lens copes in strong daylight, especially with such a small lens hood supplied. I photographed landscapes, portraits and documentary-style moments.

First reviewed August 2026

Baseus Bowie MC2: Two-minute review

I’ve tested a fair few of the more expensive options we recommend in our best open earbuds roundup, such as the Cleer Arc 5 and, more recently, the Shokz OpenDots Air.

But a new release has me wondering why you’d spend much more money on a form factor which, honestly, hasn’t changed that much.

When I tested the Baseus Inspire XC1 last year, I thought they were a great affordable alternative to the best on the market, but the brand said “hold my beer” with its newer, even-cheaper buds.

These are the Baseus Bowie MC2, which cost much less than the XC1; they’re some of the lowest-cost open earbuds I’ve tested to date, but you’re not getting too much of a feature or audio downgrade with the greatly-reduced price.

Is that because these are secretly super-buds, or because, at the end of the day, there’s really not much scope for variation in any earbuds of this form factor? I’m starting to come down in the latter camp, and the Bowie MC2 is a good example of why I’d personally pick a cheap pair of cuff-style buds over a premium proposition.

The Baseus do what you’d need for sports-targeted clip-on buds, and throw in precisely nothing you won’t need. The battery life is respectably long, netting you over 11 hours of listening on a single charge, and at least 55 hours when you factor in the charging case. Perfect.

The buds are comfortable to wear for long stretches, with the harder plastic arch of the XC1 swapped out for softer silicone, and a little soft pad around the bud making sure these don’t rub or scratch at all. They’re also pretty light, at 5.1g each.

While audiophiles won’t be impressed by the sound here, which emphasizes a hefty low-end over neutrality and sonic nuance (unusual in an open design, but it’s what you’d expect from workout-focused buds), I imagine many buyers will be happy with what they hear. The sound doesn’t match the XC1 though; there’s no Bose tuning or dual drivers.

One gripe I have is with the charging case. It’s a little bigger than I’m used to with clip-style buds, but it also has magnets that only let you use the right bud in the right gap, and the left bud in the left recess, which makes returning the buds a little finicky (unlike 'regular' wireless earbuds, most clip-style buds let you put 'em in either side to charge). Said case is also a serious fingerprint magnet, which might not annoy many people, but it quickly made my review sample look a bit grubby, and to me it matters.

A fingerprint-gathering charging case? Is that really what I’m complaining about here? The fact that that’s where I’ve gone suggests these are pretty decent for the price.

Baseus Bowie MC2 review: Price and release date

(Image credit: Future)

• Launched in early July, 2026
• Sells for $79.99 / £89.99 (about AU$180)
• Only a few more affordable options

The Baseus Bowie MC2 were released in early July 2026, less than a year on from the release of the XC1. I’m going to keep comparing these products, because that’s my reference point, but the Inspire line is slightly different to the Bowie lineup, so these aren’t direct siblings — more like cousins, if you will.

You can buy the Bowie MC2 for $79.99 / £89.99 (about AU$180, but they’re not available in Australia yet). In the US, I’ve already seen discounts on the buds, down to $59.99, a mere month after their launch.

The price makes the buds pretty affordable, sitting well below the $/£100 line that I usually to denote budget options. Their only serious budget rival is the Soundpeats Clip1, which go for $69.99 / £74.99 / AU$79.99.

Baseus Bowie MC2 review: Specs

Drivers

11mm

Active noise cancellation

No

Battery life

11.5 hours (buds), 55 hours (case)

Weight

5.1g (buds), 5.1g (case)

Connectivity

Bluetooth 6.0

Frequency response

20Hz-40kHz

Waterproofing

IP67

Baseus Bowie MC2 review: Features

(Image credit: Future)

• Fantastic 11+ hour battery life
• Baseus app has EQ and presets...
• ... but not much else

As someone who rarely remembers to charge tech, I love the battery life of the Baseus Bowie MC2. The buds are great for longer exercises; the case is great for longer holidays.

Baseus puts the buds battery life at 11.5 hours, but that’s if you use its bass boosting tech. Turn that off, and you get at least an hour more. That’s a surprisingly great stamina flex for these little buds. The case also has a fantastic life: 55 hours, or 60 if you’re not listening with super-bass. Those numbers are all much higher than average for this kind of product. You love to see it.

Your battery might drop quicker than expected, though. I found that putting the earbuds in the case didn’t turn them off, as with the vast majority of other buds out there. I had to manually stop the music playing for them to time out.

(Image credit: Future)

The features section is where we’d normally discuss ANC… except for open earbuds, which generally don’t include the tech. So why am I bringing it up? Well, call me crazy, but I feel like the ear cushion here does muffle surrounding sound a little bit. Not a huge amount, but as someone who’s tested ANC (and, more relevantly, bad ANC), I feel like it mutes a little sound.

You can use the Baseus app for some extra features, if you want — saying that, I don’t remember the last time I used a companion app for earbuds that feels this janky, with oddly-translated phrases and a layout that doesn’t cater for various phone sizes.

It’s a little barebones, as these apps go, but it has the basics. There’s an equalizer, with eight presets or an eight-band custom mode, a low-latency mode, set-up for multipoint connectivity, the ability to change what the on-ear controls do, and a few other small tweaks. The main one is toggling of Bass Boost, not that you’d ever want to turn that off.

I’d recommend downloading the app if you don’t like the Baseus Bowie MC2’s default sound profile, but if you’re happy, there’s not much need to take up the phone space.

• Features score: 3.5/5

Baseus Bowie MC2 review: Design

(Image credit: Future)

• Lightweight and comfortable
• Ear cushions bring some benefits
• A few minor charging case quirks

Let’s start with the case, shall we? It’s a 52g pebble which charges via a USB-C port and comes in white, black or blue (like the buds themselves).

I’m not sold on this case. It feels like it’s made from cheap plastic, and the lid feels a little fragile when you open it. I feel like I could snap it off if I'm not careful. The case is also a real fingerprint magnet, which admittedly won’t annoy many people, but I’d have liked something cleaner-looking.

The real annoyance of the case is in its magnets. You see, most cuff earbuds don’t assign one as the left and one as the right bud; they’re identical, after all, so you can put whichever bud you want in whichever slot. Not on the Baseus, though. Magnets stop you putting the wrong bud in the wrong gap, so when you return them to the case, it’s a game of trial and error to get the right one in the right slot. A game which only takes a matter of seconds, admittedly, but it’s a minor annoyance that I’ve not found in alternatives.

(Image credit: Future)

Now, onto the buds. They’re pretty light, at 5.1g each, and thanks to the soft material making up the arch, they’re more flexible than many alternatives I’ve tested. They’re IP67-rated too, so they should survive full immersion in shallow water for a limited time, along with a healthy dose of dust.

Like all cuff-style open earbuds, they consist of a large-housing counterweight which sits behind your ear, the arch, and a bud which rests in your ear well (never into your ear canal). But there’s something novel: the bud comes with an ear cushion, to stop it rubbing when you run. Admittedly, this is a problem I’ve never personally faced, but it’s good to see there are innovations yet to be made in this form factor. Like the case, the cushion picks up dirt, though. Swings and roundabouts.

There are touch controls on the earbuds, including a physical button, but I found it incredibly hard to press while on the go. I’d invariably end up twisting the bud or pulling it off my ear, instead of triggering the function.

• Design score: 4/5

Baseus Bowie MC2 review: Sound quality

(Image credit: Future)

• Single 11mm driver per bud
• Bass tech gives low-end heft
• LDAC support, but only if you deactivate bass

Baseus has loaded the Bowie MC2 with a custom-built 11mm dynamic driver, so you’re not getting the dual-driver system of some alternative Baseus open-ears. Instead of using a dedicated low-end driver, the brand is using what it calls ‘SuperBass 3.0’ to solve the ear problem.

What ear problem? Well, while all open-ears use directional audio to beam sound into your ear, it’s a little harder with lower frequencies which aren’t conducted as well by air (and remember, there's no seal betwixt ear tip and ear canal in this design). Different brands use different solutions to ensure their open earbuds still offer some level of bass in playback, and Baseus has gone for something it calls SuperBass. This ramps up the power of the low-end frequencies, while trying to retain some clarity.

As you can imagine, then, the sound profile of the MC2 heavily favors the lower-end. Bass is prominent, and fairly well-rounded too, offering a reasonably energetic rhythm to accompany your workout.

(Image credit: Future)

I won’t pretend that bass doesn’t sit above other instruments here. In something like Michigan Rattlers’ Time to Move On, the bass guitar is audible above the acoustic guitar it’s meant to accompany. Kasabian’s Superpowers sounds like a duet between a man and his bass guitar. These buds aren’t for people who like a neutral sound profile.

Whether or not you use the EQ to remove some bass, you’ll be surprised to learn that there are no significant audio trade-offs in the mid-range or high-end. Both retain more detail and clarity than you’d expect from bass-heavy buds… mostly. They can sometimes struggle with dissonance from hi-hats or twangy guitars in certain songs, but for the most part, I was impressed.

If you have a good Android phone, you can listen via LDAC, but this’ll drop the battery life somewhat. However you can’t use it if you’ve got that bass-boosting mode enabled, so you’ll have to make a choice about which you opt for.

• Sound quality: 3.5/5

Baseus Bowie MC2 review: Value

(Image credit: Future)

• Undercut key rivals from Shokz and Bose
• A few alternatives cost even less though…

These are some of the cheapest open earbuds I’ve tested, and they do all the same things that premium options do. They’re comfy, they last for a while, the play music. Tick, tick, tick. Why shell out twice as much for a name-brand model?

Honestly, there’s not really much reason to pay more for other buds. However that goes both ways: there’s a more affordable version of these called the Bowie MC2 Air, which is even cheaper, and it’s worth checking that model out too (though I haven’t tested it).

• Value: 4/5

Should I buy the Baseus Bowie MC2?Baseus Bowie MC2 score card

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

The fantastic battery life helps you forget that there's not a whole lot else.

3.5/5

Design

The buds are comfy and lightweight, though the case isn't perfect.

4/5

Sound quality

It's definitely for bass fans, but music on these sounds pretty fine.

3.5/5

Value

Only a few options cost less, without cutting too many corners.

4/5

Buy them if…

You’re on a budget for the clippers
These are lower-cost open earbuds that work just as well as pricier ones. If you’re on a budget, or would rather save what budget you do have, they’re a good pick.

You need something that lasts a while
The 11-13 hour battery life per bud is certainly above-average, so if you listen for long stints of time, they’re a great option to consider.

You have sensitive ears
Clip-style buds can sometimes be annoying for those with sensitive ears. But with its soft arch and ear cushion, these are probably the most gentle such options I’ve tested.View Deal

Don’t buy them if…

You’re fastidious about cleanliness
Both the ear cushions and charging case noticeably picked up dirt and fingerprint smudges during my testing — nothing major, but enough that clean freaks might be put off.

You need on-ear controls
If you’re, say, running without a smartphone, you might find that the on-bud button controls are too difficult to touch to give you control of your music. Other options work better this way.

You don’t want bassy music
Hey, some fitness fans don’t just want bass. You can strip it out to a decent degree in the Bowie MC2, but some other open earbuds don’t offer as much in the first place.View Deal

Baseus Bowie MC2 review: Also consider

Looking for other affordable clip-style earbuds? Here are a few we've tested and would recommend.

Baseus Bowie MC2

Soundpeats Clip1

Anker Soundcore AeroClip

Drivers

11mm

12mm

12mm

Active noise cancellation

No

No

No

Battery life (ANC on)

11.5 hours (buds), 55 hours (case)

8 hours (buds), 40 hours (case)

8 hours (buds), 24 hours (case)

Weight

5.1g (buds), 51g (case)

5g (buds), 55g (case)

6g (buds), 42g (case)

Connectivity

Bluetooth 6.0

Bluetooth 5.4

Bluetooth 5.4

Waterproofing

IP67

IPX5

IPX4

Soundcore Clip1
This pair of open-ears undercuts the Baseus, with with slightly lesser specs to match: the IP rating and battery life are both lower. The bud is also more rigid, though fits perfectly well.
Read our full Soundpeats Clip1 review

Anker Soundcore AeroClip
These earbuds generally retail for the same price as the Baseus nowadays, even if they launched in 2025 to a higher cost. They sound great and have an app full of features, even if other spec aren't as impressive.
Read our full Anker Soundcore AeroClip review

How I tested the Baseus Bowie MC2

• Tested for two weeks
• Paired with Android phones for music, podcasts, movies and games
• Used during multiple activities, including sports

I tested the Baseus Bowie MC2 for just over two weeks to put them through our paces. That's the minimum time we'd take to test out an audio product like this.

Over this period I tested them for a range of activities including gym sessions and runs, as well as on walks around my local area and trips further afield on public transport.

The earbuds were paired to two different Android phones over the testing process, and were mainly used for Spotify and Tidal tracks. I did conduct some calls, play some games and watch some TV using them though.

I've been reviewing tech for TechRadar since early 2019, and have tested countless open earbuds in that time. That includes past models from Baseus, and some of the rivals I cite in this review.

• First reviewed in August 2026

• Read TechRadar's reviews guarantee

I've been intrigued by AI photo editors for a while now. Some work well, some not so well. Photoroom falls into the former camp. By and large, I found the AI tools to be very impressive and intuitive to use. There are some caveats to that which I'll get into, but overall, Photoroom delivered what it promises.

But what does it promise, exactly? Now, compared to a lot of AI photo editors, things here are a little different. This isn't a platform for touching up your holiday snaps or brightening up social media posts.

The emphasis here is on business use. Effectively, if you run an online store or similar, then you use Photoroom to transform staid, dull product shots into more enticing and engaging imagery that pops off the page.

Keen to see how it's developed since we last reviewed it three years ago - AI has come a long way since then - I tried out the platform to see what I could create.

Photoroom: Pricing & plans

• Online service via browser, iOS and Android app
• Aimed at businesses large and small
• Reasonably priced subscriptions and free trial

You can check out Photoroom by clicking here.

The platform is available online through a dedicated app for your iPhone or Android phone, or if you’re working on a computer, via your favourite web browser. Unlike many I've tested, you're not restricted to either Chrome or Edge here.

As with any online service, you need to subscribe to it to use it with a monthly cost billed annually. Photoroom comes in three tiers.

‘Pro', recommended for ‘solopreneurs’, will cost you $13 per month, billed annually. This level grants you 4,250 AI credits monthly, allows you to perform 1,000 exports, and comes with Photoroom’s standard set of tools.

The middle tier is ‘Max’ and is designed for small businesses. For $35 a month (again, billed annually - all tiers are), your credits are upped to 12,000, your exports to 3,000, and the advanced ‘Video Generator’ tool is now available.

Finally, there’s 'Ultra', for “growing brands”. You’re given 20,000 AI credits,10,000 exports, and can create videos and images in 4K, all for $100 a month.

If you’re looking for a more bespoke option, there’s a tailor-made Enterprise tier, with a tailor-made cost to match.

I recommend checking prices as Photoroom often offer discounts on those standard prices. Plus, you can try any of these tiers free for seven days, although don’t forget to cancel your trial before that should you decide not to carry on with the service and you’re needlessly charged a hefty sum for your forgetfulness.

Photoroom was generous enough to grant me access to their Ultra tier, so let’s see what it’s capable of, and what you can do with all those AI credits.

• Pricing & plans: 4 / 5

Photoroom: Interface

(Image credit: Future)

• Simple, well designed, and clear interface
• Easy ways to import images and work on them
• For an online service, I was impressed

The interface is simple and well organised. Once you’ve logged in to your account, you’ll find a sidebar to the left which contains various tools you need.

Thiss includes all the AI tools in your arsenal, templates, a direct link to your Shopify account if you have one, a batch tool so you can work on up to 250 images at once, a Brand Kit where you keep all your assets, and a Design section where your products’ photos are stored.

All the AI tools, which are essentially all your editing tools, are easy to use: you select one, upload a new photo or select one already in your account, apply the effect and you’re done.

There is one thing that I found surprising: Photoroom supports HEIC, the High Efficiency Image Container. It’s a highly compressed image format that’s been around since 2015 and has been increasingly prevalent since Apple made it the default image format for their iPhones in 2017.

The reason I make a point of mentioning this is because far too many services still do not support it, forcing any image or photo saved as an HEIC to be converted into either a JPEG or PNG prior to import. There is no such issue here, saving you time and frustration.

• Interface: 4.5 / 5

Photoroom: Tools

(Image credit: Future)

• On the whole, the AI tools do an absolutely excellent job
• Impressive ways to transform passable shots into something potential customers will love
• But... not all tools are created equal

Such a service succeeds on the strength of its tools, and Photoroom iss betting the farm on AI for this. But AI is a very generic term these days. Is it really artificial intelligence to remove an image’s background?

I’d put it more in the “complex algorithm does a very good job with what it’s given” category. Same with removing objects or people from a photograph and replacing it with an artificially generated background that blends with the existing one.

Such tools already existed before “AI” became an all-encompassing marketing brand. Or, taking inspiration from Monty Python's The Life of Brian, “it’s not AI, it’s a very clever tool”.

But whether it’s AI or not is less important than how these tools fare: I found the achieved results to be excellent. More often than not in apps like Photoshop or Pixelmator Pro, I end up having to touch up the output of similar tools, but here, it was essentially a one-click wonder.

Tools that really impressed me were definitely more AI based. Say you want to sell a shirt, which you’ve photographed on a surface, with as few wrinkles as you can manage… except you know how it is: such layouts are never really good enough.

(Image credit: Future)

Well fret no more: Photoroom has a tool that digitally irons your shirt for you, transforming your amateurish-looking photo into a meticulously smooth out product. Couple that with the background remover tool, and you’re well on your way to have a professional looking photograph.

But why stop there? Photoroom has a bunch of AI-generated models who can wear your outfit for you. There’s even what they call a ‘ghost mannequin’ to puff up your shirt so customers can see what it would look like on someone, without being distracted by an actual (or virtual) person wearing it.

I found all this pretty incredible, and that’s just scratching the surface. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows though: for instance, Photoroom has a Video Generator.

Select a photo, browse through all available templates, maybe even type in a prompt if you need, and the AI will get to work… this is where I encountered the familiar “AI tries way too hard yet fails miserably” syndrome.

Some templates removed my test products from the usual confines of physical reality, sometimes in a most disturbing way. Or they just didn’t work at all as expected. I trust the team working hard on this aspect of the service (what I was able to use bore no relation to their intro video about it, so things are moving fast in this arena), but for now, maybe stick with still images, where the results are truly impressive.

Photoroom: AI credits

(Image credit: Future)

• Set number of monthly credits, so use them wisely
• Many common AI tools don't cost any credits at all
• However, sometimes, the requested action won’t work, so try, try again

As you’d expect, most AI tools will cost you credits. A video generation goes for 500 (money not well spent for now), Exporting an image at 2K or 4K will cost you 135 and 240 credits respectively, adding an AI background to an image is worth 5 credits, and so forth.

Thankfully though, some tools you’ll use most often, like removing the background of a shot, retouching a photo or performing some image enhancements won’t cost you a thing (beyond your subscription).

You’ll just have to balance what you are given each month with what you hope to achieve in that time period, with the relief that when an action doesn’t work, you won’t have lost any credits - yes, sometimes an error occurs.

However, I found that if I request the same action again - and again - it finally does what I asked it to. Teething problems, I’m sure, and at least it does work impressively well eventually.

Should I buy Photoroom? FutureFutureFutureBuy it if...

You’re looking to sell a ton of product and want the images advertising your wares to look their best, using a service that is well designed, and is easy to use (when it works)

Don't buy it if...

You don’t want to encourage the proliferation of AI, know your way around Photoshop anyway, and can’t justify yet another subscription, no matter how great some effects are.

How I tested Photoroom

I tested this service on my trusty Apple MacBook Pro. Generally I do my best to check how software works on a variety of devices, both Macs and PCs and portable devices, when needed.

But as this was an online service, whose tools are dependent on servers the main bottleneck would be my fibre connection. I experienced no issues on that score.

Everything was extremely responsive. The free tools were nearly instantaneous, and depending on the complexity of what I was asking the AI to do, it took gradually longer.

Video creation took the longest amount of time, clocking in at around 4 minutes for me. Still, that didn't feel like a long time, when I got it working.

For more creative tools, we tested the best photo editors.