TechRadar Reviews

Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave: Two-minute review

If you're looking for one of the best gaming desks, you're probably already aware that these fancy tables often don't come cheap. Nor does the Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave, but having spent a few weeks using it after replacing my tired old office desk (which I bought on Amazon six years ago), I can confidently say that it's worth every penny.

Eureka has a decent history of producing office-standard chairs and desks, but this is the first gaming desk I've personally seen from them - and if the rest of their gaming range is anything to go by, they're taking it just as seriously as the professional office market. This L-shaped desk is of damn good quality, with a sturdy metal frame and two tempered glass panels forming the desktop.

Underneath that dark frosted glass is a small open space lined with RGB LED strips, which create a wave effect (hence the GTG Wave's name) when it shines through. It's a nice feature, and while it's not one I'd necessarily pay extra for, it does look good - especially in a darker room.

(Image credit: Future)

Measuring 60 by 40 inches (about 152 x 102cm) in total - though obviously, the L shape means that some of this space is cut out for your chair to neatly slot in - it's certainly on the larger side when it comes to gaming desks. It's larger than the Secretlab Magnus that we highly recommend, so if you're working with limited space at home, you'll likely be better served by something like the far more compact Corsair Platform:4.

Still, if you've got the gaming room real estate, this is an excellent choice. I found it pretty easy to assemble solo, and it comes with a handful of extra features that I definitely value in a gaming desk. Firstly, there's some decent cable management options here; not only are there two flip-down metal racks along the rear edge, which can each house a multiplug unit or AC adapter brick, but the GTG Wave also comes with several plastic stick-on cable tie blocks - useful both for your own devices, and the cables for the LED lighting, which can be connected directly to your PC via a standard 4-pin ARGB header if you want to synchronize the lighting to the rest of your setup.

Another feature that will no doubt prove invaluable for some users is the VESA mounting bracket, which attaches to the back edge of the desk and can support two monitors at once. I don't personally have a VESA-compatible gaming monitor (mine is the fixed-base Razer Raptor 27), but I'm now seriously considering getting one.

Overall, I found it really hard to fault the Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave. If I had to pick out some complaints, it would probably be that the RGB lighting isn't super visible in a brightly-lit room like my home office, but that feels like nitpicking. One thing I would note, however, is that I'm going to need to invest in a desk mat; the all-glass surface makes me a little nervous when I put things on it...

Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave: Price and availability

• Retails at $599.99 (around £445 / around AU$890)
• Ships to the US, UK, and Europe, but not Australia
• Leaning towards the premium end of the market

At $599.99 (around £445 / around AU$890), the Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave is certainly on the pricier end of the market - though it's worth noting that you could easily spend more on a gaming desk and get something smaller and less impressive. In terms of what the GTG Wave offers in value for money, I'm actually very happy with the price.

Considering that this is a pretty large gaming desk, it's actually cheaper than the much smaller aforementioned Corsair Platform:4, and only $100 more than the SecretLab Magnus (which is also a bit smaller than the GTG Wave). I'm not going to go down the rabbit hole of how many square inches of desktop space you get per dollar, but the Wave certainly isn't overpriced when you look at the wider gaming desk market.

When it comes to availability, Eureka is an American company that primarily ships to the continental United States, but they also sell through retail partners in the UK, Japan, and selected European countries. Unfortunately, it doesn't ship to Australia, meaning that our gaming friends down under are out of luck.

Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave: Specs

Price

$599.99 (around £445 / around AU$890)

Height

30in / 76cm

Load capacity

200lbs / 90kg

Material

Steel, tempered glass

Dimensions

60 x 40in / 152 x 102cm

Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave: Design and features

• Looks and feels like a premium product
• Relatively easy assembly
• Plenty of customization

Despite having some extra features and essentially requiring assembly in two separate halves due to its L-shaped design, the Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave was actually quite easy to put together.

While I could've asked my partner to assist me with assembling the GTG Wave, I opted to forge ahead by myself, specifically to see how challenging it would be to build it alone (after all, many of us won't have an extra pair of hands on, uh, hand). I'll be honest; as I unboxed the heavy glass panels and carbon steel frame, I was already starting to regret my decision to fly solo.

However, I'm pleased to report that I had the whole thing upright and ready to use (minus the cable racks and VESA mount) in under half an hour from getting it all unboxed and laid out. The instructions are clear and detailed, and assembly requires no additional tools - just the included hex keys.

You can pretty easily build it one piece at a time with the glass top-down, then flip the whole thing over once it's assembled. At no point in the process did I feel overwhelmed or confused, and once I had it upright, I only had to tighten a few screws for the whole thing to feel very robust. Attaching the cable racks and VESA mount is similarly easy.

(Image credit: Future)

Interestingly, there are screwholes for you to attach a headset hook and cup holder (on the left and right side, respectively), but these weren't included in my review model even though they do feature on Eureka's website and promotional images. I can live without these, personally - I tend to leave my headset on the armrest of my gaming chair, and I'm left-handed, so I prefer to keep my drink on the left side with a coaster anyway - but I'm assuming these should have been included. Amusingly, Eureka initially also sent me the wrong wall plug, but swiftly supplied me with a region-appropriate one once the mistake was realized.

Setting up the RGB lighting only requires you to plug in two cables, regardless of whether you're connecting it to your PC directly or just using the default mode, which is controlled with a basic IR remote. If you're not syncing it to the rest of your build, you can choose between solid color, rainbow, or color pulse patterns, and a sound-reactive mode (which means there must be a tiny microphone hidden in there somewhere). You can also set it to switch off automatically after 30 or 60 minutes.

There are only two levels of brightness, and even the brighter setting isn't super bright - you can still see it in a well-lit room, but it only really pops in a dimmer environment. If you're the sort of person who prefers to be bathed only in the RGB glow of your setup and display while gaming, then it's perfect; otherwise, it's more of a minor style win.

Despite the LEDs, the GTG Wave actually doesn't look that ostentatious, especially with the lighting turned off. With only a small logo stamped on one of the short edges, it actually looks very unassumingly professional - and considering that my gaming PC is also my work PC, I think that's great.

(Image credit: Future)Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave: Performance

• Cable racks function as designed
• Ample room underneath for storage
• Glass top makes me a little anxious... and can't take too much weight

As far as performance goes, I have no real complaints about the Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave. It does what it advertises; my whole desktop PC setup fits easily on top with plenty of space left for other assorted bits and pieces. Seriously, I had to tidy up a LOT before shooting these review photos. You don't need to see all my figurines, sorry.

With a height of 30 inches (about 76cm), it's standard height for a gaming desk with a small degree of adjustability (perhaps half an inch or a centimeter or so) coming from the screw-on feet. The real advantage of these is that they can be easily adjusted to make the desk sit stably on an uneven floor. Since setting it up, I've moved a small drawer unit underneath the short edge of the 'L', which fits perfectly. In fact, the size of this desk means I could probably fit more underneath it, but at 6'3", I like having the extra legroom.

(Image credit: Future)

While the cable racks don't feel quite as durable as the rest of the desk (they're made of a notably thinner metal), they had no issues bearing the weight of my multiplug and my Razer monitor's hefty power brick. If you're not using them, you can either leave them unattached or flip them up on a hinge so they don't get in the way. The VESA mount, on the other hand, needs to bear a lot more weight, and it's suitably sturdy.

Of course, the two tempered glass panels that form the upper worksurface of this desk won't bear as much weight as a more conventional metal or wooden desk. The GTG Wave is officially rated for 200lbs / 90kg, which should be plenty - just don't lean too hard on it.

(Image credit: Future)

The real concern is edge shattering; I've built enough PCs in my time to know that sometimes a sharp impact on the wrong spot of a tempered glass panel can lead to tiny shards all over your carpet. It's also nigh-impossible to gauge the actual durability of panels like this; it could break tomorrow, or last for another decade. Needless to say, I'd recommend investing in a desk mat. While using a mouse works fine on the glass top, if you're a naughty desk luncher like me, you won't want to put plates or glasses on this without some protection.

Nonetheless, this glass does feel fairly durable. It's fingerprint- and scratch-resistant, bearing no visible marks after weeks of use, though I will note that it shows up dust (and in my case, dog hairs) quite noticeably - probably worse than a wooden desk, since it appears to get dusty faster than my old desk, which was black-painted wood. That being said, it actually encourages me to clear off and wipe down my desk more than I used to, so I can't really mark Eureka down for silently encouraging me to maintain desk cleanliness.

(Image credit: Future)Should you buy the Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave?Buy it if...

You want a statement gaming desk
Not many gaming desks manage to look this cool, while also maintaining a degree of refined professionalism with the RGB switched off. The GTG Wave will look good in almost any home office or gaming space.

You want a tidy setup
With two racks and multiple cable tie points, it's easy to get your gaming setup looking clean and hidden away beneath this desk.

You prefer an arm-mounted monitor (or two!)
The VESA bracket is easy as pie to attach, meaning that anyone who wants to mount their display(s) on a movable arm can do so with ease.

Don't buy it if...

You're a clumsy desk user
Look, I'm not going to mince words here: you shouldn't buy the GTG Wave if you tend to clang your can of energy drink down on the surface of your desk.View Deal

You're on a tight budget
At the end of the day, while it might offer good value for money, this is still a pretty expensive desk. If you're short on cash, there are cheaper options out there.View Deal

Also consider

Not keen on the Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave? Here’s one cheaper desk and one more premium gaming desk option for you to consider.

Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave

Flexispot E7

Secretlab Magnus Pro

Price

$599.99 (around £445 / around AU$890)

$340 / £360 / AU$420

$799 / £770

Height

30in / 76cm

22.8-48.4in / 58-123cm

25.6-49.2in / 65-125cm

Load capacity

200 lbs / 90kg

275lbs / 125kg

264.6lbs / 120kg

Material

Steel, tempered glass

Steel

Steel, wood fiberboard

Dimensions

60 x 40in / 152 x 102cm

43.3-74.8 x 26.7 x 22.8-48.4in / 110-190 x 68 x 58-123cm

59.1 x 27.6 x 25.6-49.2in / 150 x 70 x 65-125cm

Also consider the Flexispot E7
If you want something similar to the Corsair Platform:4 that doesn’t break the bank, consider the Flexispot E7. It’s not a gaming desk, but it still performs excellently and comes in a wide range of color options.

For more information, check out our full Flexispot E7 reviewView Deal

Also consider the Secretlab Magnus Pro
If you have the space for something larger, then the Secretlab Magnus Pro should be on your radar. It’s a bit cheaper than the Corsair Platform:4, but it still boasts a lot of features that make it fantastic for gaming.

For more information, check out our full Secretlab Magnus Pro reviewView Deal

How I tested the Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave

• Used as my main desk
• Tested over multiple weeks
• Extensive work and play

Look at this sad old desk. Rest in peace, Amazon desk, you were moderately okay for a while. (Image credit: Future)

I replaced my tired old Amazon desk with the Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave several weeks ago, assembling it myself. I used it almost every day, both to work and play on my desktop gaming PC, as well as eating several meals at it (I know, I know, it's a bad habit). I spent many hours at a time sitting at it in my NobleChairs Hero TX - with regular breaks to stretch, of course!

While I wasn't able to make proper use of the VESA mount option, I did set up the cable racks and used them to clear up the space under my old desk, which had become something of a cable-tangle nightmare. I also played around with the LED lighting and connected it directly to my motherboard to synchronize it with my rig's ARGB theme.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed December 2025-January 2026

Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa: one-minute review

The Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa is a compact capsule coffee maker with optional milk-frothing for cappuccinos and macchiatos, plus hot and cold milk foam. It's excellent at the fundamentals, and Lavazza's A Modo Mio pods are superb – affordably priced and packed with great quality coffee, with no flavored or sweetened options.

The Deséa is simple to use, as you'd expect from a capsule coffee maker, and is exceptionally quiet. During the testing period, it reached a maximum of only 50dB during brewing, making it the quietest machine I've tested to date.

It uses the same milk-frothing system as the Lavazza Assoluta (an automatic coffee maker that adapts its own settings to suit your chosen beans). This comprises a large glass cup with a lid containing a rotating electric whisk and a steam pipe. It works reasonably well with full-fat dairy milk, but in tests it produced very little foam when used with oat milk. This was very different to my experience with the Assoluta, so I suspect the much smaller Deséa may not be able to generate the same level of steam pressure.

Overall, it's a likeable little espresso machine that would be a good option for small kitchens, particularly if you're the lone coffee-drinker. The price of its capsules won't make you sweat, even if you enjoy several cups a day.

Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa: specifications

Name

Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg

Type

Capsule coffee maker

Dimensions (H x W x D)

11 x 5.7 x 15 inches / 280 x 145 x 380mm

Weight

9.9lbs / 4.5kg

Water tank capacity

37oz / 1.1 liters

Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa: price and availability

• Similar price to other capsule coffee makers with milk foaming
• Available in Europe and Australia, but not currently sold in the US
• A Modo Mio coffee pods are much cheaper than alternatives

The Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa has a list price of £249 / AU$349 (about $330), but is often available at a discount. For example, at the time of writing, it could be found on sale for £199 in the UK in Lavazza’s online store, and $261.75 in Australia. Currently, this model isn't available in the US.

That price is about standard for a capsule coffee maker with a built-in milk frother. For comparison, the De'Longhi Lattissima One is currently priced at $429.99 / £259.99 / AU$519.

What sets the Deséa apart from the competition is the price of its capsules. A pack of 16 Lavazza A Modo Mio capsules retails for £6.45 / AU$15 (about $9), and the cost per drink drops significantly if you buy a bundle instead. That makes the A Modo Mio capsules some of the cheapest around, and much less expensive than Nespresso Vertuo or Tassimo alternatives.

A Modo Mio pods offer up lots of choice when it comes to coffee blends, roasts and terroir, but you won’t find any hot chocolate or coffee with added flavors. Your options are espresso, espresso, and more espresso. During testing, I found the freshly ground and vacuum-sealed beans excellent – but note that if your drink of choice is pumpkin spice, you won’t find it here.

• Value score: 4.5/5

Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa: design

• Compact and smart-looking
• Includes milk-frothing system
• Milk frother only works with supplied mug
• Dishwasher-safe components

The Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa is available in black, white, cream and a deep burgundy (different retailers keep different colors in stock). It has a robust-feeling, glossy case with the company logo embossed on the side, and although it isn't quite as sleek as the Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg, it certainly isn't a slouch in the looks department. Gloss finishes can sometimes be a magnet for fingerprints, but I was pleased to find that this wasn’t an issue with the cream-colored model I tested.

Image 1 of 2

You can adjust the height of the drip tray to suit different cups (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

The Deséa takes Lavazza A Modo Mio capsules, which can be composted industrially (Image credit: Future)

The Deséa is particularly compact, even for a capsule coffee maker. At just 11 x 5.7 x 15 inches / 280 x 145 x 380mm (H x W x D), it will easily tuck away into the smallest of kitchens – and can be stashed in a cupboard when not in use (provided it’s properly cleaned and dried beforehand). Despite this, it has a larger water tank than most pod coffee machines, holding 37oz / 1.1 liters. That’s because this isn’t just an espresso machine; it can also foam milk for lattes and cappuccinos using high-pressure steam.

The Deséa has an unusual milk-frothing system that uses a special glass mug with a lid containing a steam tube and a whisk. It's the same system used by the Lavazza Assoluta I tested a couple of months ago, and although it isn't as effective as a proper steam wand, it works reasonably well – provided you use the right type of milk.

However, bear in mind that you can only make milk-based drinks in the glass mug; the special lid doesn't fit onto other cups. Unless you buy a second (they are $22.70 / £15 each), you and your partner won't be able to enjoy lattes as the same time.

Image 1 of 2

The milk system uses a glass mug with a lid containing a steam pipe and a rotating whisk (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

The water tank holds almost a liter and has a sturdy lid and handle to prevent spills (Image credit: Future)

Most removable components (including the cup, drip tray and used pod container) can be safely cleaned in the top rack of your dishwasher, although they take only a moment to wash by hand, too.

The drip tray can be detached and positioned higher up to avoid splashes if you’re using an espresso cup, which is a welcome touch. Used pods drop into a bin that can be accessed by removing the tray and pulling out a drawer on the front of the machine.

• Design score: 4/5

Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa: performance

• Produces excellent espresso
• Extensive drinks menu
• Milk system doesn't work as well as a steam wand
• Performs better with dairy than plant-based milk

The Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa has a cleverly designed control panel that displays the different menu options depending on the cup you’re using. Place an ordinary cup of any size under the dispenser and you’ll see options for brewing an espresso, long espresso (lungo), and long coffee. Push the milk-foaming cup into place and the options for milk-based drinks will light up. The full menu includes:

• Espresso
• Long espresso (lungo)
• Long coffee (Americano)
• Cappuccino (regular or large)
• Latte macchiato
• Hot milk foam
• Cold milk foam

You can adjust the volume of your coffee pour, which is a nice feature that you won’t find on many capsule coffee machines. All the drink size options are customizable; just hold the appropriate button on the control panel for three seconds to begin dispensing, then press it again once you have the desired volume. When you hear two beeps, you know the new setting has been saved successfully, ready to use next time.

Like the Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg coffee maker I tested recently, the Deséa brews excellent, well-rounded espresso in just a few seconds, and does so extremely quietly. Using a decibel meter, I measured an average volume of 50dB when extracting coffee, which is about the same as the murmur of a quiet office (although Lavazza claims the volume doesn't exceed 43dB).

After your coffee has brewed and the lights on the front panel have re-illuminated, lift the lid and after a second or two you’ll hear the used pod drop into the collection bin.

Image 1 of 2

Espresso is consistently delicious, and the machine's pump is exceptionally quiet (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

Used pods drop into a bin, ready to be collected for commercial composting (Image credit: Future)

The milk system is a little louder when injecting steam, reaching a maximum of 70dB for a couple of seconds as it incorporates air, but it's quieter than the squeal and rip of a manual steam wand, and the whisk is whisper-quiet.

When you want to use the milk system, take a good look at the fill lines on the side of the glass cup that indicate how much milk to add for different drink sizes. Add too much milk and it risks splashing; too little and it won’t foam properly.

During tests, the Deséa didn’t fare very well when texturizing oat milk, which was very different from my experience with the Lavazza Assoluta. Despite the two machines using the same cup-and-lid system, the Assoluta produced inches of creamy oat foam, whereas the Deséa heated the milk (a little too much – it reached 70ºC, whereas the optimum for coffee is about 60-65ºC), but didn’t actually create any froth, even with the "extra foam" option selected.

The milk system works much better with dairy than plant-based milk (Image credit: Future)

The Deséa’s milk system worked much better with full-fat dairy milk, although I found that it still didn’t produce quite as much foam as the Assoluta. This might be because the smaller Deséa can’t generate as much pressure and inject as much steam into the liquid.

The Deséa can also prepare cold milk foam. To do this, add your cup of milk, drop in a coffee pod if required, hold the temperature +/- button on the front of the machine until the foam and latte lights turn blue, then press the one you want. Again, during my tests this worked better with dairy milk. It’s a nice feature, but bear in mind that the Deséa can only brew hot coffee, so if you want to make a cold latte then you’ll need to add a shot of hot espresso when the milk is ready, which will raise the temperature. You might like to add a few ice cubes to the drink once it’s made (but not before, as they could damage the whisk).

The whisk produces large bubbles rather than fine microfoam, so the froth tends to break down relatively quickly (Image credit: Future)

Finally, a word on waste. Lavazza’s A Modo Mio capsules are compostable, but you can’t simply toss them into your household waste or add them to a compost pile. They have to be processed in an industrial facility; currently Terracycle is the only service that offers this in the UK. There’sno home collection or postage system as there is with plastic and foil coffee pods, so you’ll need to gather your used capsules and take them to a drop-off point. If there isn’t one near you, you can apply to create one.

• Performance score: 3.5/5

Should you buy the Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa?Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa score card

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

Similar price to other capsule coffee makers with milk frother, but the pods are much cheaper.

4.5/5

Design

Compact and smart-looking, though milk system only works with supplied mug.

4/5

Performance

Doesn't foam milk as well as a steam wand, but espresso is consistently excellent and the whole machine is very quiet in use.

3.5/5

Buy it if

You have a compact kitchen

There aren't many coffee machines this small with a milk-frothing system, and the Deséa is light enough to easily move around your home and tuck into a cupboard when it isn't in use.

You're a frequent coffee-drinker

Other capsule coffee makers may be cheaper to buy, but the pods can be very expensive, particularly if you drink several cups a day. Lavazza's A Modo Mio pods are super affordable, and packed with great-quality coffee.

Don't buy it if

You prefer plant-based milk

The Deséa's milk system works best with full-fat dairy, which is true of many automatic coffee makers. If you want to stick with oat or soya, you might be better choosing the Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie, which arrives with a standalone milk frother.

You want to make a round of coffees

The milk system only works with Lavazza's own mug; you can't fit the lid onto your own favorite cup. Again, a more basic Lavazza A Modo Mio machine and a separate milk frother would be a great alternative.

Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa: also consider

If you're not sure whether the Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa is the best coffee maker for you, here are two other options for your shortlist:

De'Longhi Lattissima One

This smart coffee maker uses Nespresso Original pods (the ones shaped like top hats) and has a milk system that produces foam more like a conventional steam wand. You can use any cup and the froth is thick; but the capsules cost more than A Modo Mio ones.

Read our full De'Longhi Lattissima One review

De'Longhi Dedica Duo

Want to move on from capsules? This little manual espresso machine costs about the same as the Deséa and is a great introduction to fresh speciality coffee. It has an excellent steam wand as well.

Read our full De'Longhi Dedica Duo reviewView Deal

How I tested the Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa

I used the Lavazza A Mio Deséa for two weeks, making at least two drinks per day and using all of the available drink options (including hot and cold milk foam). I used it with dairy and oat milk, both of which were freshly purchased and chilled. I used two different types of Lavazza A Modo Mio coffee capsules, with different intensities.

I measured the temperature of the prepared milk with a food thermometer, and used a decibel meter app to measure the machine's volume.

For more details, see how we test, rate, and review at TechRadar.

Enlaps Tikee 4: one-minute review

(Image credit: James Abbott)

Timelapse cameras are specialist devices designed to do one job, and that’s to capture timelapses over short and long periods, as long as months or even years, and in all weather and lighting conditions. There are a handful of these specialist models available, and one that's a definite contender to top our list of the best timelapse cameras is the Enlaps Tikee 4.

This rather strange-looking camera can capture up to 6K timelapse videos with a 220-degree view captured across two cameras and lenses. Photos are then combined into a video after you upload the image files to the myTikee website. What’s more, if the camera is connected to a Wi-Fi or LTE network you can control the camera, access images, and process timelapse videos remotely.

This is one of the easiest timelapse cameras to use, both in terms of capture and processing. The camera is point-and-shoot, so the most involved part of the capture process is setting up the project interval – and actually this is incredibly easy. Without Wi-Fi or LTE, you can connect to the camera using the Tikee Remote app over Bluetooth, although functionality is reduced compared to the other connection methods.

The Tikee 4 costs $2,215 in the US for the camera only. For UK and Australian buyers the Tikee 4 is priced in euros at €1,590, which converts to around £1,400 / AU$2,800 at the time of writing. The Tikee 4 Pack, which is a comprehensive kit including a hard case, mounting adaptors, a microSD card and other accessories, costs $3,169 or €2,298, which is around £2,000 / AU$4,000.

You’ll also need a myTikee subscription to take full advantage of the myTikee website, and the most useful option for most people costs $96 / €104 plus VAT per month.

Image 1 of 7

(Image credit: James Abbott)Image 2 of 7

(Image credit: James Abbott)Image 3 of 7

(Image credit: James Abbott)Image 4 of 7

(Image credit: James Abbott)Image 5 of 7

(Image credit: James Abbott)Image 6 of 7

(Image credit: James Abbott)Image 7 of 7

(Image credit: James Abbott)Enlaps Tikee 4 specsEnlaps Tikee mini+ specs

Type:

2x Sony 12MP 1/2.3-inch sensors

Lens angle of view:

220 degrees

Aperture:

f/2.8

Interval times:

5 sec–24 hours

Connectivity:

LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

Camera dimensions:

7.87 x 7.87 x 2.76 inches / 200 x 200 x 70mm

Camera weight:

3.53lbs / 1.6kg

Enlaps Tikee 4: Design

• Compact considering its features
• Built-in solar panel
• Unique design

The Tikee 4 looks pretty much identical to previous models; it’s a tried and tested design that works, so it appears that Enlaps hasn’t felt the need to change it. It's a bold move in some ways, but why waste time redesigning the exterior when it’s the hardware itself that makes the difference? The overall design is unique, but it works extremely well, and it means the Tikee 4 can be left to work in even remote locations.

The overall design is simple, with the square 7.87 x 7.87 x 2.76-inch / 200 x 200 x 70mm body having two cameras on the two front corners of the camera body, and a solar panel on the top that can be left flat or angled for the best results. The design is simple, minimalistic even, with all operation via the Tikee Remote phone app or the myTikee website. The camera weighs 3.53lbs / 1.6kg, so it’s around the same weight as a full-frame mirrorless camera and standard zoom.

With this simple design, there are two buttons on the rear, a microSD card slot, a USB-C port, a micro SIM slot and a power connector. The power connector design makes it waterproof, and you can attach the Tikee 4 to the mains or to a larger, separately available Enlaps solar panel. All ports have rubber covers that maintain the weather resistance of the camera.

Image 1 of 2

(Image credit: James Abbott)Image 2 of 2

(Image credit: James Abbott)

The build quality is excellent, and the camera feels solid, as you’d expect for the price. It’s undoubtedly a high-quality product, offering IP66 weather resistance, which allows it to withstand even the harshest weather conditions. This is particularly beneficial, as the camera will spend most of its life outdoors. It can operate in temperatures between 14F / -10C and 122F / 50C.

Moving back to the camera design, other features on the camera body include a metal hoop to attach an anti-theft cable, a rubber square on the bottom so it can be positioned on flat surfaces without slipping, and a standard 1/4-inch screw thread for attaching the camera to any kind of support. For long-term projects, a mounting arm and an anti-theft cable are essential accessories, and these are included in the kit, making the Tikee 4 Pack an attractive option.

The internal battery has a 25,600mAh capacity, and Enlaps claims that without any solar input the Tikee 4 can take one photo every 15 minutes, 24 hours a day, for up to 36 days without any data transmission. With data transmission of photos uploaded to myTikee the battery lasts up to 12 days. In most situations, the solar panel would be charging the battery during daylight hours, so the operating duration could be indefinite.

Enlaps Tikee 4: Performance

• Fantastic image quality
• Panoramic field of view
• Easy to use

The Tikee 4 may be an odd-looking timelapse camera with its two cameras on each of the front corners of the square body, but each features Sony 12MP 1/2.3-inch sensors to produce a 220-degree horizontal and 90-degree vertical field of view. What’s more, you can capture panoramic views in up to 6K with dimensions of a whopping 7360 x 2650 pixels. Output is available at 1080p, 4K and 6K.

Timelapse intervals are available from five seconds to 24 hours in Long-term mode, and from five seconds to 45 seconds in Event and Burst modes. This allows you to capture both shorter- and longer-duration timelapse projects.

It’s for longer-term projects where the Enlaps Tikee 4 excels, thanks to remote access to the camera and images when connected to LTE or Wi-Fi networks. These connection options offer a much better experience than using just Bluetooth to connect the camera to the Tikee Remote app to set up projects.

Image quality is fantastic, and you can capture sequences in both raw and JPEG formats. With the former, this means you can optimize image quality using the raw-processing tools in software such as Adobe Lightroom. You do, however, have to output images in JPEG format in order to upload them to the myTikee website.

Enlaps Tikee 4 timelapse video

The camera is completely automatic, which makes timelapse capture incredibly simple, particularly with long-term projects during which light will constantly change. The downside is that backlit scenes can be forced into underexposure, so this is why, for the best results, capturing in raw and manually bulk-processing images is the best option. The camera also produces much better results in brighter conditions, like drones and action cameras with similarly small sensors.

Once you’ve captured your images from the left and right cameras, you then have to upload them to the myTikee website, where the images will be merged to create the 220-degree panoramic view, and video up to 6K can be output. In some situations you can see the stitch, and you’ll notice it in the example video above if you look closely. It’s minor, though, and it certainly doesn’t ruin timelapses.

The myTikee website is easy to use, but subscriptions aren’t cheap, and naturally add to the overall cost of owning and running a Tikee timelapse camera. The basic Capture subscription costs $45 / €54 per month plus taxes, while the intermediate and arguably most attractive subscription costs $96 / €104 plus taxes, and you can save 25% with an annual subscription. Alternatively, there’s a bespoke Enterprise option, with pricing available upon request. Without a subscription, I was able to output a basic 1080p video with a watermark.

Two add-ons are available. Storage costs $49 / €39 per month plus taxes and, as you'd expect, gets you more online storage for photo uploads, while AI Dashboard costs $99 / €89 per month plus taxes and delivers some clever analysis features. These include the analysis of a range of elements within scenes, such as vehicles and whether PPE is being worn.

Should you buy the Enlaps Tikee 4?Buy it if...

You need to shoot over months or years

The Tikee 4 is the ultimate timelapse camera for long-term timelapse projects thanks to long intervals, remote control and access alongside a built-in solar panel.

You require ease of use

Using the Tikee 4 to capture and my Tikee to combine photos into timelapse videos is unbelievably easy, so anyone can use the system.

Don't buy it if...

You’re not a timelapse pro

This is a specialist professional timelapse camera that really isn’t the best option for enthusiasts or casual users simply due to cost.

You’d prefer higher quality

To get the very best image quality, a mirrorless camera is the best option for capturing timelapses. However, you can’t leave them out in the elements for months or years like the Tikee 4.

How I tested the Enlaps Tikee mini+

• Tested using a Bluetooth connection
• Used to capture shorter timelapses
• Tested in a busy city

I tested the Tikee 4 in shorter bursts rather than for long-form timelapse capture, as testing it to the extremes of its potential for longer-term capture could take months.

I used my smartphone for Bluetooth connection rather than installing a SIM card for remote access to the camera. The Tikee 4 was tested in a busy city to capture as much movement in the scene as possible. It was also tested in low-light situations.

With nearly 30 years of photographic experience and 17 years working as a photography journalist, I’ve used many of the cameras and lenses that have been released in that time. As a working photographer, I aim to test cameras and lenses from a photographer’s point of view.

• First reviewed December 2025

Huawei MatePad 12X 2025 review: two-minute review

The Huawei MatePad 12X 2025 is a mid-range tablet with a bright, paper-like PaperMatte display, a solid chipset, and a seriously capacious battery. It has all the makings of a great tablet, right up until you come up against its fundamental flaw.

Let’s put a pin in that for now. The display is seriously impressive, capable of exquisitely detailed images with its 280 ppi pixel density. It’s also wonderfully bright, hitting a peak brightness of 1000 nits, and has impressive color reproduction that rendered the nature videos I watched with wonderfully punchy hues.

Pretty much the only criticism I have of the screen is that it’s a little too easy to scuff. After a few sketching sessions with the Huawei M-Pencil Pro (sold separately), the display had a few light scrapes across it, something I’ve not experienced when using the best tablets out there.

The performance of the Huawei MatePad 12X 2025’s Kirin T92B Octa-core processor and 12GB RAM is also genuinely impressive. While playing PUBG Mobile at max settings, I didn’t detect a hint of frame rate drops or latency, making it easy to take out my opponents. Meanwhile, no matter how many simultaneous apps I was running or tabs I opened, the tablet never seemed to experience any slowdown.

If you fancy lengthy gaming sessions or want to work on the go, the MatePad 12X 2025 offers a generous battery capacity of 10,100mAh. In practice, that was enough to stream 2.5K videos for almost nine hours straight, meaning you should have plenty of battery for a medium-haul flight or a full working day. And topping it up took hardly any time at all, thanks to its 66W charging – you should be able to go from 0% to 100% in around 75 minutes, which is fantastic.

Perhaps less exciting is the MatePad 12X 2025’s design. While it’s razor thin at 5.9mm and very comfortable to hold, it doesn't have the most adventurous styling, and it could be made of slightly more premium-feeling materials than its matte plastic. Both the included keyboard case and the M-Pencil Pro are well put together, though, with an ergonomic design and robust build.

Unfortunately, it’s time to return to that issue we put a pin in earlier. With ongoing restrictions around access to US-based apps, there’s a real paucity of apps available on Huawei’s devices. Much of the software you’ll want to use on a daily basis, from Netflix to Google Docs, simply isn’t available, really reducing the MatePad’s actual utility. In light of this, it's hard to recommend the tablet, even with some excellent first-party apps like its GoPaint drawing app.

I’d love to be able to give the MatePad 12X 2025 a glowing recommendation, as it has some real strengths. But the lack of mainstream apps available on Huawei’s tablet puts it at a real disadvantage compared to other devices. Fundamentally, you’ll be better off considering one of the best Android tablets instead.

(Image credit: Future)Huawei MatePad 12X 2025 review: specs

OS

HarmonyOS 4.3

Chipset

Kirin T92B, Octa-core

RAM

12GB

Storage

256GB

Display

12-inch IPS (2800 x 1840)

Weight

555g

Battery

10,100mAh

Charging

66W wired

Cameras

50MP rear, 8MP front

Huawei MatePad 12X 2025 review: price and availability

• Released September 19, 2025
• Costs £499
• Includes keyboard case but stylus is extra £39.99

Launched on September 19, 2025, the Huawei MatePad 12X 2025 is available now in the UK. While its initial list price was £599, it’s already seeing reductions, with Huawei selling it direct for £499.

Unlike the Huawei MatePad 11.5 released in August 2025, the MatePad 12X 2025 includes Huawei’s keyboard case in the box, which is definitely a nice extra to have. Not included as standard is Huawei’s M-Pencil Pro, but if you buy it along with the tablet, it’ll cost you just £39.99, rather than its £129.99 list price, making it a bit of a bargain.

In terms of colorways, you get just two options: the mint green that we tested here and white.

(Image credit: Future)Huawei MatePad 12X 2025 review: display

• Crisp, 280 ppi resolution
• Seriously bright
• Gets marked easily

I have to say that, for a mid-market tablet, the Huawei MatePad 12X 2025’s display is pretty impressive. Its resolution can give the iPad Pro a run for its money: packing 2800 x 1840 pixels across its 12-inch screen, it’s capable of a 280 ppi pixel density, while Apple’s largest high-end tablet sits at 2752 x 2064 and 264 ppi. So while 4K videos didn’t look quite as crisp as on my TCL C8K TV, I was still pleasantly surprised by how much detail the 12X could reveal.

The sheer brightness of Huawei’s slate also made an impression on me. While its 1000-nit peak brightness can’t quite rival the iPad Pro’s 1600 nits, it leaves the iPad 11-inch (2025) quite literally in the shade with a brightness of just 500 nits. Putting the screen through its paces with some 4K BBC Earth videos on YouTube, I found it’s also capable of pretty punchy contrast and decent color reproduction. It might not be quite as lush and bold as the OLED displays of some slates these days, but it’s a looker nonetheless.

It’s certainly helped in this regard by Huawei’s PaperMatte screen tech. During most of my testing, I was using the MatePad 12X under bright, artificial lighting, and this thing just gulped down direct light, meaning I rarely had to worry about reflections marring my experience.

On top of this, the PaperMatte display’s etched glass was a treat to interact with, giving the screen a pleasingly tactile feel. It doesn’t feel quite as realistic to write and sketch on with Huawei’s M-Pencil stylus as dedicated writing tablets like the Kindle Scribe or ReMarkable – the nib slips more than I’ve experienced with these rival slates – but I still found it pleasant enough to sketch on. And at least this smoothness prevented the stylus from catching too much.

Really, my only criticism of the MatePad 12X’s display is how easy it is to mark. I’ve only used it for a couple of sketches so far, and there’s already a pronounced pen scuff visible on the screen when it’s powered down. These kinds of marks could easily build up over time, so if you were to buy the MatePad 12X, a screen protector would be a wise investment.

• Display score: 4 / 5

(Image credit: Future)Huawei MatePad 12X 2025 review: design

• Just 5.9mm thick
• Solidly built
• Not the most adventurous design

When it comes to its design, the Huawei MatePad 12X is inoffensive, almost to a fault. There’s nothing wrong with its matte plastic body or its two colorways – White and the mint-colored Greenery – per se, but a metallic build might have helped it feel just a touch more premium.

Fortunately, it is well put together, feeling substantial and sturdy enough in your hand while being light enough to hold easily. In fact, while it’s a shade heavier than the iPad 11-inch (2025), weighing in at 555g to 481g for Apple’s cellular model, it’s a little slimmer at the same time, measuring 5.9mm in depth rather than 7mm.

Huawei is reinventing the wheel here, but the MatePad 12X’s case is well designed. It follows the common mold of combining case, keyboard and stand all in one, but is flexible enough to suit every situation I was using it for. And its keys are pleasant to type on. Naturally, they don’t have the satisfying thunk of deeper travel keys, but at least they offer enough feedback that I never found touch typing on them to be a challenge.

One small oversight here compared to rivals like the iPad 11-inch (2025) or Microsoft Surface Pro 12 (2025) is that the case doesn’t include a trackpad. While I’d normally class this as a ‘nice to have’, you’ll probably only miss it when you want to crank through a lot of productivity and professional uses. And here the Huawei MatePad 12X has much bigger issues that dwarf the lack of a mouse input.

• Design score: 3.5 / 5

(Image credit: Future)Huawei MatePad 12X 2025 review: software

• Excellent first-party apps
• Too few familiar apps available
• Some unnecessary bloatware

Look. We all knew we'd have to have ‘the talk’ at some point. Most of you will be aware of the big challenge facing Huawei tablets by now, given they’ve been ongoing for over three years at this point. But it’s almost impossible to review Huawei devices objectively without bringing it up.

As a result of the Federal Communications Commission’s ban on Huawei in November 2022, many US-based brands no longer provide access to their apps on Huawei devices. Most notably, that includes the Google Play Store and full Google Suite, but it also affects the vast majority of apps you’ll be used to using.

Browsing the Huawei AppGallery, almost all of my go-to apps are absent. Spotify? Gone. Netflix? Gone. Facebook? Gone. Amazon? Gone. None of them are available as direct downloads. Although some are accessible as third-party APKs, this exposes you to potential security risks that downloading them directly wouldn’t. Sure, the odd app like Uber will fire up a browser version so you can still book a ride, but you’re still losing all the convenience that having an app installed on your desktop offers.

Inevitably, this also has a significant impact on the games that are available on the MatePad 12X. I probably spend more of my life playing mobile games than is strictly good for me, and yet, aside from PUBG Mobile and Candy Crush Saga, I barely recognized any of the other games on the Huawei AppGallery. The few I had heard of were those games you see advertised online with ads that don’t remotely reflect the gameplay, which didn’t fill me with confidence about digging through the charts at random.

(Image credit: Future)

What’s frustrating about this is that it's entirely out of Huawei’s control and, in fact, the apps it does control are well-made and offer great features. For example, Huawei’s GoPaint app is a pretty great drawing app for something just bundled in with an operating system, feeling a lot like if ProCreate came preinstalled on your iPad. It’s packed with brushes and blending options, and I had no end of fun whipping up watercolor-style pictures on it.

Likewise, Huawei’s Notes app is seriously versatile. I could quickly create notebooks with every template I might need, from musical staves to SWOT analysis charts. Its handwriting-to-text feature isn’t flawless, but given the chicken-scratch I produce any time I scribble by hand, it did a pretty commendable job.

Not every app that comes installed on the MatePad 12X feels this essential, though; there’s still a lot of bloatware on this tablet. I’m definitely over brands trying to cram icons onto the homescreen just to make their devices feel full-featured. Even when, as here, many are just suggested downloads rather than files taking up space, it’s pretty annoying to have your screen crammed with junk you’re not interested in.

Ultimately, software continues to be Huawei’s Achilles’ heel. Despite some bright spots, there’s just not enough big-name apps on the MatePad 12X for me to shake the feeling that I’m missing out on all the fun other people are having on their tablets.

• Software score: 2.5 / 5

(Image credit: Future)Huawei MatePad 12X 2025 review: performance

• Decent chipset and RAM
• Handles multitasking without any slow down
• Games show no FPS drops or lag

The real shame about this lack of software is that, beneath the hood, the Huawei MatePad 12X 2025 has some pretty decent power. Not only does it rock a Kirin T92B Octa-core processor, but it also packs 12GB RAM, the same amount of memory as our pick for the Best Android tablet, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Plus. But what does this all mean in the real world?

Well, first, I wanted to see how it fared with a range of productivity tasks. This wasn’t easy without full access to Google’s famously memory-hungry web apps, but I tried to open as many background tasks as possible. First, I loaded a couple of games and a couple of apps before opening the browser, where I opened a number of tabs, including Shein and Asos, several Reddit threads, a news site, and a 4K YouTube video. Once I started sketching in a free online photo-editing tool, I was pleased to see there wasn’t any significant slowdown.

Broadly speaking, the same seems to be true of games. Loading up PUBG Mobile and setting the graphics settings to maximum, I didn’t notice any significant FPS drops; every moment remained smooth and jitter-free. Meanwhile, there was no hint of lag or latency, making it easy for me to get the drop on most opponents I came across before they got me.

Using the Huawei M-Pencil Pro for various tasks, it became clear that it’s well worth the extra spend. It was always comfortable and easily manoeuvrable in my hand, and never so light that it felt flimsy or insubstantial. While sketching on apps like the GoPaint app, it was super responsive – there was no noticeable jitter or lag, and no obvious parallax between the stylus nib and the brushstrokes it created.

Probably the only area where the MatePad 12X 2025's performance is a little more mixed is its camera. It’s crisp and captures plenty of detail, but not quite as much as I’d expect from its 50MP lens. And while it’s not really fair comparing it to the iPhone 16 Pro I’m used to shooting on, I did feel some of the photos were lacking in the HDR pop I’ve come to expect. Ultimately, it’s not a bad camera, but as with any tablet, I doubt it’s going to become your go-to snapper.

• Performance score: 4 / 5

(Image credit: Future)Huawei MatePad 12X 2025 review: battery

• Huge 10,100mAh battery capacity
• Seriously fast 66W wired charging
• Can stream almost nine hours of 2.5K video

Huawei certainly hasn’t skimped on the battery in the MatePad 12X 2025. At 10,100mAh, it’s not quite as epic as the OnePlus Pad 3, with its 12,140mAh, but is pretty capacious all the same.

Trying to get a sense of how long it would last when really pushed, I set the MatePad 12X 2025 to stream continuous 2.5K videos and measured how much it depleted the battery. After seven hours, the battery had dropped down to 20%, suggesting that you should get around nine hours of continuous high-quality streaming from one charge. This is pretty competitive and not far off the 10 hours the iPad 11-inch (2025) offers.

Even better, topping it up is incredibly fast. Using a 100W charger – which is plenty to hit the Huawei’s 66W max – I popped the Huawei on to charge for an hour. In that time, it charged 78%, meaning you can expect it to be fully charged after around an hour and 15 minutes – that’s a truly absurd charging time, given its enormous capacity.

All in all, this means you’ll get a lot of use out of the Huawei MatePad 12X 2025 before it falls flat, and you won’t have to wait long for it to spring back to life afterwards.

• Battery score: 4 / 5

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the Huawei MatePad 12X 2025?

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Display

Bright, low-reflection screen with impressive pixel density. Colors and contrast are great, although some OLED screens pop more.

4 / 5

Design

Relatively unadventurous style but well-made, with a great keyboard case.

3.5 / 5

Software

Huawei’s first-party software is decent, but the lack of well-known third-party apps available make it hard to recommend.

2.5 / 5

Performance

Impressive performance, with its octa-core processor and 12GB RAM. Makes short work of multitasking and gaming alike.

4 / 5

Buy it if…

You want a bright, detailed display
With its shining brightness, super-crisp 280 ppi pixel density, and vivid colors, the MatePad 12X rocks a great screen – and that’s before you get to that reflection-killing PaperMatte display.

You’re seeking good performance
It’s not as powerful as an iPad Pro M5, but nothing I did could cause the MatePad 12X to break a sweat, whether I ran lots of simultaneous browser tabs or cranked game graphics up to maximum.

Don’t buy it if…

You want access to most mainstream apps
If you hate the idea of being unable to access Disney+, Instagram, Spotify or Google Drive, you’ll find the limited number of apps available on the MatePad 12X to be a deal breaker.

Huawei MatePad 12X 2025 review: also consider

Huawei MatePad 12X 2025

OnePlus Pad 3

iPad Air (2025)

OS

HarmonyOS 4.3

OxygenOS 15

iPadOS 26

Chipset

Kirin T92B, Octa-core

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite

Apple M3

RAM

12GB

12GB/16GB

8GB

Storage

256GB

256GB/512GB

128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB

Display

12-inch IPS (2800 x 1840)

13.2-inch 144Hz LCD (3392 x 2400)

11-inch / 13-inch LED (2360 x 1640 / 2732 x 2048)

Weight

555g

675g

460g / 616g / 617g

Battery

10,100mAh

12,140mAh

28.93Wh / 36.59Wh

Charging

66W wired

80W wired

Not disclosed

Cameras

50MP rear, 8MP front

13MP rear, 8MP front

12MP wide rear, 12MP ultrawide front

OnePlus Pad 3
If you’re looking for a tablet with similarly awesome workflow skills as the MatePad 12X but without all the restrictions on apps, the OnePlus Pad 3 is an excellent choice. Its Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset means it runs super-smooth, while multitasking features like the ability to divide the screen among three apps at once make it a productivity powerhouse. Read our full OnePlus Pad 3 review.

iPad Air (2025)
Yes, it’s a little bit pricier than the MatePad 12X 2025, costing from £599. But in return, it gives you access to Apple’s lightning-fast M3 processor, which offers outsized performance for your spend. Meanwhile, its display is at least as vibrant and contrasty as the MatePad’s, and it lets you access all the apps you love. Read our full iPad Air (2025) review.

How I tested the Huawei MatePad 12X 2025

• Tested it over a week
• Completed multiple performance tests
• Ran battery draining and charging tests

I tested the Huawei MatePad 12X 2025 over the course of a week. To test out its software, I used all of its first-party productivity apps and multi-tasking features. I assessed the quality of its display by watching multiple 4K HDR videos and seeing how accurately it reproduced artwork in graphics apps.

To put it through its paces in terms of performance, I ran multiple apps simultaneously while opening a wide range of browser tabs, including video streaming and web apps, to see if I could detect any potential slowdown or performance issues. I also played multiple online games on max graphics settings to look for frame rate dropping and obvious lag.

When it comes to my personal experience, I’ve been testing and reviewing gadgets for many years. I’ve also spent a lot of my career using mobile devices and laptops for productivity purposes, and I’ve reviewed multiple graphics tablets, which has given me a lot of first-hand experience in assessing styluses and the color accuracy of displays.

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

Edifier ES60: two-minute review

Elegant and Supreme. According to Edifier, those are the two words that define its ‘ES’ line of speakers. So, as you can imagine, my hopes were pretty high for the Edifier ES60 – a Bluetooth speaker that promises “immersive” and “high-quality 360-degree sound”.

And in some ways, it met my expectations. Especially in regard to its ‘Elegant’ side. Yes, this is a very nice-looking speaker. Its retro-style design – which is clearly pretty Marshall-inspired – is a hit, with its golden details, faux-leather casing, and appealing speaker grille winning me over.

Sure it’s not the lightest speaker in its size-class, and its IP66 waterproof rating has been outdone by many of the best Bluetooth speakers, but it’s still highly portable and able to withstand a good splashing.

I wasn’t totally convinced of the ES60’s supremacy, though, especially in the audio department. This is a solid-sounding speaker in general, with clear overall audio output and punchy enough bass. However, it lacks the nuance that many similarly priced rivals offer. Vocals don’t sound beautifully separated, and it's not as expressive or energetic as models like the JBL Flip 7. The treble is also a little overzealous, and sounds particularly harsh at higher volumes.

The ES60’s suite of features is also a bit of a mixed bag. I’m a fan of the customizable ambient lighting, USB-C audio passthrough compatibility, and inclusion of a built-in mic for hands-free calls. However, the EQ options are very basic, and there’s no custom option, which I would’ve used to temper that treble a touch.

Also, you only get nine hours of battery life from this model, which is underwhelming compared to much of the competition in this price range. For instance, the aforementioned Flip 7 can live for as long as 16 hours, and the Marshall Emberton III can go for up to 32 hours.

When you consider that the Edifier ES60 typically comes in at $199.99 / £119.99 / AU$199.99, it just doesn’t feel like great value for money. Rivals outdo it in too many crucial areas, including audio performance, battery life, and waterproofing. It’s still a solid speaker overall, with an especially eye-catching design, but unless it’s on sale, I can’t recommend it outright.

(Image credit: Future)Edifier ES60 review: price and release date

• $199.99 / £119.99 / AU$199.99
• Launched in March 2025

The Edifier ES60 launched in March 2025 as part of Edifier’s ‘ES’ line, which also includes models like the palm-sized Edifier ES20 and larger Edifier ES300. It typically sells for $199.99 / £119.99 / AU$199.99, but I have seen it going for less than $150 over on Amazon US on occasion. You can grab the ES60 in either Black or Ivory.

Edifier ES60 review: specs

Drivers

1x 18W mid-bass driver; 2x 8W tweeters

Dimensions

7.5 x 3.6 x 3.9 inches / 190 x 92 x 98mm

Weight

2.3lbs / 1kg

Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C

Battery life

9 hours

Waterproofing

IP66

(Image credit: Future)Edifier ES60 review: features

• Attractive customizable lighting
• Limited EQ options
• Nine-hour battery life isn’t great

Under the hood the Edifier ES60 has a fairly standard configuration for a speaker of its size. It’s packed with a single 18W mid-bass driver, alongside two 8W tweeters. That means you’re getting a maximum power output of 34W – similar to that of the JBL Flip 7, but quite a bit more than its main rival, the Marshall Emberton III.

So, how good does it sound exactly? I’ll get onto that later – let’s take a look at its list of features for now.

You get a lot of the usual stuff here, such as multi-point connectivity, dual-speaker pairing, and companion app compatibility. However, you do get a few neat extras, including a high-sensitivity microphone, which enables you to take hands-free calls. This even has integrated noise-cancelling technology, which can carve your voice out from busy surroundings.

Another notable inclusion is EQ settings, accessible via the Edifier ConneX app. In honesty, these are pretty basic. You get the default music tuning, alongside a game, movie, and outdoor calibration. There are no genre-specific alternatives, and there’s no custom tuning available. That last part is a real shame – if there’s a specific sound I’m aiming for, I always appreciate the option to implement it.

Another negative for me was the speaker’s battery life. It only delivers nine hours of listening, which just isn’t that much for a speaker in its size class. By comparison, the JBL Flip 7 delivers as much as 16 hours, while the Marshall Emberton III provides a colossal 32 hours.

It’s not all bad news, though. One of the best things about the Edifier ES60 is its integrated LED lighting. This emits from the underside of the speaker, and can shine onto a surface to create a bit of ambience. You can customize the color and effect of the lighting in the Edifier ConneX app, which is a nice touch. This can also be disabled entirely if you want to focus on conserving battery life.

You can also access wired audio via the speaker’s USB-C port, which opens up higher-resolution, more stable listening. That’s an enticing inclusion, and something that a lot of Edifier’s rivals skip on.

• Features score: 3.5/5

(Image credit: Future)Edifier ES60 review: sound quality

• Decent at mid volumes, with solid bass output
• But treble can sound a little overeager
• Not the best in terms of nuance and instrument separation

I absolutely adored the sound signature of the Edifier ES60’s smaller-sized sibling, the Edifier ES20, so I had pretty high hopes for this one. On top of that, Edifier itself claims that the ES60 plates up a “superior sound performance” with “deep, punchy bass”, so I was pretty excited to get into my listening test.

With I Just Wanna Stop by Gino Vannelli, the overall sound was fairly pleasant at mid-volumes, with clear vocals and well-balanced bass. However, I did sense that drums in the treble range were a tad overstated, which was only emphasized as I cranked up the loudness.

It was a similar sort of story in the more upbeat Keep the Fire Burning by Gwen McCrae – bass was tempered but clean, but those higher-pitched percussive elements were a little over-eager. Again, vocals were quite clear, but not beautifully separated. More generally, instrument separation isn’t incredible on the ES60 – it doesn’t feel as if every individual element can express itself fully.

After this, I tried something a little different, with the bass-heavy Fascinator by Max Dean. I was fairly impressed here, with the deep, pumping bass in the build-up sounding agile and decently regimented. Those highs were pretty aggressive again, and they could potentially get grating over long listening periods, but vocal chops in the midrange were balanced quite well, and didn’t sound obscured.

M-High’s 12 O.C Riddim was also handled pretty well. Bass gets very dark in this track, and although the ES60 couldn’t quite muster up the full-bodied low end might required to replicate that, it certainly produced a meaty effort. At higher volumes, though, bass does thin out quite a bit, and there’s very obvious compression – that treble goes from overzealous to shrill, and vocals lose tonal accuracy.

Another positive is that the ES60 sounds pretty good from every listening angle. I tried walking around our music testing space and office, and the speaker remained fairly consistent at all times.

But how does this model compare against the competition? Well, I tested the ES60 alongside the JBL Flip 7 – a speaker with a similar amount of power, and similar price (in the UK at least). And this comparison hammered home why the Flip 7 sits atop my guide to the best Bluetooth speakers.

The key difference I picked up on was the Flip 7’s ability to carve out vocals and bring them to the fore, creating a truly emotive listen. In Ned Doheny’s I’ve Got Your Number, strumming guitars were beautifully weighted on the Flip 7 and sounded as if they occupied their own pocket, while soulful vocals came through with clarity and direction. The ES60 delivered a more one-note performance, which never sounded harsh or unpleasant – it just lacked the nuance of JBL’s speaker.

Meanwhile, Love At First Sight - Kid Creme Vocal Dub by Kylie Minogue just had a bit more energy and drive on the Flip 7, a speaker that ultimately surpasses the ES60 in terms of control, instrument separation, and expressiveness. So, even though Edifier’s speaker sounds solid overall – especially in the low end – I just don’t think its audio performance can stack up to some big-name rivals.

If the ES60 had a custom equalizer or even some more presets to play around with, it may well be able to compete more effectively, but as I mentioned in the ‘Features’ section, the options at your fingertips are very limited.

It’s also worth flagging that this model only supports the most basic SBC audio codec – there’s no fancy stuff like LDAC or aptX Adaptive on-board, and not even any love for AAC. That means you won’t get the most insightful, high-resolution listen around if you’re streaming over Bluetooth.

• Sound quality score: 3.5/5

(Image credit: Future)Edifier ES60 review: design

• Appealing retro-style aesthetic
• Decent IP66 waterproof rating
• Pretty solid feel

The category in which the Edifier ES60 arguably excels the most is design. Sure, it’s clearly inspired quite a bit by Marshall’s Bluetooth speakers, in particular, the Emberton line, but Edifier has pulled off the retro style nicely here.

It’s got an attractive speaker grille, faux-leather casing, and golden details, which help it stand out from much of the crowd. You can also grab this model in either Black or Ivory, and both colorways complement the speaker’s luxury look beautifully.

On the top side, this model has a simple and effective array of buttons, which allow you to adjust lighting, playback, or power in an instant. You’ll also find a USB-C port on the reverse side of the speaker, which can be used to charge it up or access wired audio.

Earlier, I discussed the speaker’s LED lighting, which conjures up a little bit of ambience for immersive listening sessions, and is customizable in the Edifier ConneX app.

So, I’m a big fan of the layout and look of the Edifier ES60, but how does it fare in terms of practicality? Well, not too badly. First of all, it's not the lightest of speakers, coming in at around 2.3lbs / 1kg. However, it’s just about small enough to carry around one-handed, and there’s a fabric strap included if you’re traveling a short distance.

The ES60 is also IP66-rated, meaning that it’s fully dustproof, and able to withstand powerful jets of water from multiple directions. That rating is decent overall, but a lot of the competition goes further, with the JBL Flip 7, for instance, holding an IP68 rating, making it able to survive a dunking under 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes.

Still, this is a solidly built model, and should survive the odd drop when you’re out and about. Combine that with its swell look, and the Edifier ES60 nets plenty of points in the design department.

• Design score: 4.5/5

(Image credit: Future)Edifier ES60 review: value

• Fairly pricey, especially in the US
• Better value rivals out there
• Still, by no means a bad speaker

Though the ES60 exceeded in the last category, it falls a little flat in terms of value. It’s quite a pricey model, coming in at $199.99 / £119.99 / AU$199.99. That’s especially pricey for the US buyers out there, although I have seen it going for a bit less from time to time – it’s actually selling for around $149.99 on Amazon US.

Even so, that’s quite a bit to shell out on a speaker of this size, especially when you consider the imperfect audio quality and feature-set on offer. Don’t get me wrong, this is a nice-looking speaker, and it doesn’t sound bad by any means, but the competition is just too hot.

Take the JBL Flip 7, for example. It's regularly available for less than the Edifier ES60, plus it sounds better, has superior waterproofing, and offers much more playtime. Even the Marshall Emberton III – which this speaker draws inspiration from – delivers great audio, stereo sound capabilities, and an even more luxurious look.

As a result, the Edifier ES60 isn’t the value marvel of its sibling, the Edifier ES20 – and until it gets a juicy sale, I won’t be able to recommend it outright.

• Value score: 2.5/5

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the Edifier ES60?

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

Neat built-in mic and lighting, but poor EQ options and battery life.

3.5/5

Sound quality

Decently clear with solid bass, but lacks nuance and treble gets overexcited.

3.5/5

Design

Appealing aesthetic, well-built, IP66 rating isn’t too bad.

4.5/5

Value

By no means a bad speaker, but it can’t keep up with the competition in this price category.

2.5/5

Buy it if...

You want a speaker that’s also a statement piece
The best thing about the Edifier ES60 is its retro-style aesthetic, which makes it a real standout pick. Its golden details, neat speaker grille, and faux-leather casing make for a great combo, as we’ve seen with Marshall’s Bluetooth speakers, too.

You’re looking to enjoy an ambient listening experience
Another thing that makes the ES60 special is its integrated LED lighting. This can be customized in the Edifier ConneX app, and helps to create a more atmospheric, ambient listening experience.

Don't buy it if...

You want the best sound quality
When comparing the ES60 with the similarly powerful JBL Flip 7, the latter just operated at a new level in terms of audio quality. Unfortunately, the ES60 lacks the nuance, energy and control to compete with the best of the best in its size and price category.

You don’t want to charge your speaker too much
The ES60’s nine-hour battery life isn’t very impressive, and a whole lot of rivals outdo it for playtime. The two speakers I’ve listed below, for example, are far better choices if you don’t want to charge your audio companion all too regularly.

Edifier ES60 review: also consider

Edifier ES60

Marshall Emberton III

JBL Flip 7

Price

$199.99 / £119.99 / AU$199.99

$159 / £159 / AU$289

$149 / £129 / AU$179

Drivers

1x 18W mid-bass driver; 2x 8W tweeters

2x 10W full-range drivers, 2 passive radiators

1x 45 x 80mm mid/bass 'racetrack' driver, 1x 16mm tweeter

Dimensions

7.5 x 3.6 x 3.9 inches / 190 x 92 x 98mm

6.3 x 2.7 x 3 inches / 160 x 68 x 76.9mm

2.8 x 7.2 x 2.8 inches / 70 x 183 x 72mm

Weight

2.3lbs / 1kg

1.5lbs / 0.7kg

1.2lbs / 0.6kg

Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C

Bluetooth 5.3

Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C

Battery life

9 hours

32 hours

16 hours

Waterproofing

IP66

IP67

IP68

Marshall Emberton III
It only seems right to include the Emberton III here, as it's clearly a point of inspiration for the Elegant Superb 60. We really rated this speaker, thanks to its pleasantly balanced sound, incredible battery life, and gorgeous looks. It’s certainly a better performer than Edifier’s speaker – it just doesn’t have the integrated lighting. Read our full Marshall Emberton III review.

JBL Flip 7
I’ve mentioned the JBL Flip 7 multiple times already, but for good reason. It’s simply the best value-for-money Bluetooth speaker on the market, with S-tier waterproofing, an attractive cylindrical design, and almost unfathomably good sound for such a small cylinder. If you’re going to buy one speaker in this price range, the Flip 7 would be my top recommendation. Read our full JBL Flip 7 review.

How I tested the Edifier ES60

(Image credit: Future)

• Tested over the course of one week
• Mainly used in the music testing space at Future Labs
• Predominantly tested using Tidal

I spent hours upon hours testing out the Edifier ES60, listening to a ton of music and fiddling around with its various features. During my time testing it, I tried all of its light customization and EQ options, and made sure to try it in a variety of settings.

For the most part, though, I used the ES60 in the music testing room here at Future Labs. When listening to tunes, I went through the TechRadar testing playlist, which features tracks from a range of genres. But I also sifted through a bunch of songs from my personal library – mainly via Tidal, but sometimes on Spotify instead.

More generally, I’ve reviewed dozens of speakers, headphones, earbuds, soundbars, and more here at TechRadar, where I have a particular focus on audio-visual technology. I’ve tested most of the ES60’s competition, so I know what it takes for a speaker to stand out in a highly convoluted market.

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

The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim isn’t exactly a game that needs an introduction. Its broad appeal and astonishing staying power have seen it come to practically every single console since its late 2011 release, and it remains as impressively accessible and playable now as it was all those years ago.

Review information

Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2
Available on: PS5, PS4, PS3, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PC, watches, your grandma's washer dryer
Release date: December 9, 2025

Enter the Nintendo Switch 2 version of Skyrim Anniversary Edition, which packs the full game and all of its official expansions and Creation Club content into one portable package. This includes a whole heap of quests, housing, armaments, and entire systems like fishing and a survival mode on top of the already massive base game.

It sounds like a pretty sweet deal, and in many ways it is. I was especially impressed by the port’s incredibly crisp image quality - offering clarity and broad draw distance not dissimilar to versions of Skyrim on other contemporary platforms like PS5 and Xbox Series X. It’s also a winner in handheld mode, with visuals and performance that are broadly comparable to docked play on TV.

You might be aware that this port has had some teething issues, though some of which have thankfully been addressed since launch. Its initial horrendous input latency has been cleaned up, allowing for a more responsive play experience overall.

Some issues do remain, however. Distant objects like trees and rocks can take on a weird blue hue, and reflections on bodies of water can jitter as you move the camera. I’m also not a fan of the complete lack of visual or accessibility settings. This has always been an issue outside of the PC version, but Skyrim is a game that desperately needs a field-of-view slider accessible in its settings menu and not hidden within console commands on PC.

Otherwise, Skyrim’s Switch 2 port is a perfectly playable version of the monstrously popular role-playing game. I think the 30fps lock for exterior environments is disappointing - especially when we see other Switch 2 ports like Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition offer VRR-supported 40fps modes for smoother play in handheld mode. That said, it is a stable 30fps, and you’ll rarely, if ever, run into bouts of chunky performance drops.

New dog, old tricks

(Image credit: Bethesda)

Skyrim’s gotten its fair share of criticisms over the years - many of which are fair. The main story isn’t much to write home about, combat is pretty rock-em-sock-em-robots at the best of times, and role-playing elements have been sanded down to offer a more action-focused experience compared to Morrowind and Oblivion.

Best bit

(Image credit: Bethesda)

I’ve particularly enjoyed playing Skyrim in portable mode on Nintendo Switch 2. It runs great on the handheld and retains the clear image quality of docked play. I’ve done all of these quests so many times over the years, but having it in a compact, portable package is a novelty worth experiencing.

And yet for all its perceived issues, Skyrim remains one of the most impressively replayable games ever. Yes, even without mods (which aren’t supported on Switch 2 as they are on PS5 and Xbox, though I’m not going to criticize Bethesda for that one).

I still find much to enjoy in Skyrim to this day. Creating new characters to try a wide variety of builds is delightful - whether that be a warhammer-wielding Orc or a dainty Breton that specializes in conjuring everything from swords and skeletons, to zombies and atronachs. I’ve always liked the enchantment system, too; grabbing some nonchalant piece of jewelry and turning it into a fount of endless magicka regeneration is always such a satisfying feeling.

In this Switch 2 port, though, I’m checking out Skyrim’s curated Creation Club content for the first time. It’s a bit of a mixed bag. Some additions are brilliant, like entirely new player houses that are wonderfully decorated. Others, like a smattering of just-okay sidequests, I can really take or leave.

I really would’ve liked an option for an ‘alternate start’ though. Skyrim’s lengthy, unskippable intro is still a slog when setting up new characters (you can load up an autosave that skips to character creation, but you still need to play through the tutorial in Helgen). Perhaps that would be veering too close to modding territory, and above and beyond what this simple port is trying to achieve, but it certainly would help the pacing on repeat playthroughs.

What I’m even less of a fan of is Bethesda’s insistence on not offering anything in the way of quality-of-life updates. Skyrim, by default, has a very narrow field of view, and there is no option to change this on any of its console ports, including on Switch 2. While not so bad on the console’s handheld display, it makes for pretty uncomfortable play sessions on larger TV screens.

A fiery port?

(Image credit: Bethesda)

This latest port of Skyrim does have some Switch 2-centric features to speak of. Both gyro aiming and mouse controls are fully supported, which are nice additions on paper. However, I didn’t find the latter to be a particularly good fit for this port and its 30fps lock. This lower framerate makes aiming and tilting the camera with mouse controls feel quite sluggish, even after a patch that improved the input latency issues. I quickly found myself going back to the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller after testing out the feature for a little while.

On the topic of performance, I feel there’s room for improvement. While I’m happy that overall performance is largely stable, the 30fps lock for the overworld is underwhelming for a nearly 15-year-old game. At the very least, a performance mode option that raises the framerate would have been nice to see here.

Elsewhere, there are a handful of visual oddities to make note of. Distant objects - particularly foliage - often take on a strange blue hue. While quite subtle at first, it’s one of those things you’ll notice every time after seeing it happen just once. Meanwhile, bodies of water have a weird visual bug that causes reflections to jitter when moving the camera. It’s not as egregious as the blue trees, but worth mentioning all the same.

Performance while exploring interiors like dungeons, houses, and inns can vary wildly. Many indoor locations actually uncap the game’s framerate, meaning performance can appear to go as high as 60fps. It’s a bit jarring to have this gap in performance between indoor and outdoor areas, honestly, but a smoother framerate in the more mazelike interiors is certainly welcome.

Should I play Skyrim Anniversary Edition on Switch 2?Play it if...

You want Skyrim on the go
I was very impressed with Skyrim’s performance on Switch 2 in handheld mode. I don’t mind the 30fps compromise as much here, especially as it helps maintain a sharp image quality. Outside of Steam Deck, this is the best way to enjoy Skyrim in portable fashion.

You want all official content in one place
Skyrim Anniversary Edition houses the Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and Dragonborn expansions in addition to the base game and a wealth of curated Creation Club additions. That’s hundreds of hours of Skyrim in one portable package.

Don't play it if...

You were hoping for better performance
The Switch 2 port’s 30fps lock in exterior environs is definitely disappointing, and I expect more from a 15-year-old title. While overall performance is stable, play can feel quite sluggish.

You want more options
No FoV slider and a general lack of accessibility options lend the impression that Skyrim’s Switch 2 port is fairly low effort in some areas.

Accessibility

Skyrim’s options on Switch 2 aren’t much different from what you’ll get on other platforms. You can choose to enable or disable various Switch 2-specific options like gyro aiming, mouse controls, and gesture-based attacks, but that’s really about it. Don’t expect things like a field of view slider or colorblind options here.

How I reviewed Skyrim Anniversary Edition on Switch 2

I played Skyrim on Nintendo Switch 2 for around 30 hours, completing the main story (again) and a handful of guild questlines. I also played through a good portion of the game’s expansion content and Creation Club additions.

I went back and forth between handheld and docked play, finding that both offer great image quality and largely stable performance. When playing on TV, I used the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, as well as the Joy-Con 2, for trying out the port’s new mouse controls. My display of choice is the ever-reliable LG CX OLED TV.

First reviewed December 2025-January 2026.

Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg: one-minute review

The Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg combines the convenience of coffee capsules with Smeg's signature retro style. It's a cut above your typical espresso machine in terms of looks, and it performs brilliantly as well.

This is an appliance that does one thing, and does it well: making espresso. There are just two options to choose from – standard or lungo (long) – and the controls couldn't be simpler to operate. You barely need the manual to get started; just rinse the machine as directed and you're ready to make your first drink.

Lavazza's A Modo Mio capsules are remarkably affordable (much cheaper than similar Nespresso Vertuo or Tassimo pods), and offer a great variety of coffees and roasts, each of which is labelled with an intensity rating. There are no fancy added flavors here; just good coffee, freshly packed in an airtight package, ready to brew in seconds.

The pods themselves are compostable, although it's worth bearing in mind that you can't toss them in your home food waste or compost heap. Instead, you'll need to take them to a Terracycle collection point, which might be a little inconvenient, depending on where you live.

This is a capsule coffee machine that does one thing well: it makes great espresso (Image credit: Future)

The A Modo Mio Smeg also has a tendency to accumulate finger marks as a result of its glossy plastic chassis. I had a damp cloth on hand to ensure it remained looking smart; but it's one of the best coffee makers around – if you like your drinks short, strong, and fast.

Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg: specifications

Name

Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg

Type

Capsule coffee maker

Dimensions (H x W x D)

11.4 x 6.2 x 14.4 inches / 290 x 157 x 366mm

Weight

9.4lbs / 4.25kg

Water tank capacity

30.4oz / 900ml

Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg: price and availability

• Relatively expensive for a capsule coffee maker
• Currently not available in the US
• Pods are much cheaper than Nespresso or Tassimo capsules

The Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg has a list price of £249 / AU$349 (about $350), but can sometimes be found at a discount – for example, at the time of writing, it was available in Australia for 25% off. At full price, it's expensive for a capsule coffee maker – particularly one without a milk frother – but the capsules themselves are so affordable that this coffee maker could actually work out cheaper than a budget Nespresso or Tassimo machine in the long run.

Lavazza A Modo Mio capsules are available directly from Lavazza as a one-off purchase or via subscription. You can also find them on various specialty coffee websites, on Amazon, and in some supermarkets. A pack of 16 capsules retails for £6.45 / AU$15 (about $9), and the cost per drink drops significantly if you buy a bundle instead. That makes A Modo Mio pods some of the cheapest coffee pods around, and much less expensive than Nespresso Vertuo capsules or Tassimo T-Pods.

• Value score: 4/5

Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg: design

• Compact and lightweight
• Gloss finish tends to attract fingerprints
• Very simple controls
• Small drip tray

This is an attractive little coffee maker with the same 1960s-influenced retro styling as many of Smeg's other products. It’s purely an espresso machine; it lets you choose between long (lungo) and regular shots, but these are the extent of your options. However, it would look great alongside the Smeg Mini Milk Frother, giving you a perfect little setup for making cappuccinos and lattes.

It’s available in black, white, and cream (different retailers stock different colors), all of which have a gloss finish and chrome accents. The black machine I tested looked very attractive, but I found that the shiny plastic chassis tended to attract fingerprints easily, and I had to keep a cloth on hand to keep it looking good.

Image 1 of 2

The water tank feels solid, and has a sturdy lid to prevent leaks when carrying (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

Lavazza's A Modo Mio pods are compostable, but only at special facilities (Image credit: Future)

The water tank is robust, and has a well-fitting lid that won’t slide off when the tank is full. That’s particularly helpful because the maximum fill line is only about half an inch from the top. It has a convenient handle, and the whole assembly slides easily onto the back of the machine.

The drip tray is only really large enough to accommodate espresso cups. While you can remove the main platform to fit a larger cup beneath (such as demi-tasse), a standard 300ml coffee mug will hang over the edge.

Used pods are dispensed into a bin, which you can access by removing a drawer behind the drip tray (Image credit: Future)

Used capsules drop into a container that’s accessed by pulling out a drawer on the front of the machine, and which has an internal drip tray so the pods can dry (although I recommend always emptying used capsules at the end of each day for hygiene, washing out the drawer, and allowing it to air-dry overnight).

• Design score: 4/5

Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg: performance

• Very simple to use
• Pump is especially quiet
• Espresso tastes rounded and well-extracted
• No flavored coffee capsules available

The Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is exceptionally simple to use, even for a capsule espresso machine. The first time you use it, you’re instructed to wash out the water tank, place a cup under the dispenser, and run the "lungo" program with no pod inserted to thoroughly rinse the interior components with hot water. Continue doing this until the tank is empty, and the machine will be ready to use.

Lift up the chrome-colored lid and you’ll find a slot to insert your A Modo Mio capsule. It takes a little effort to push the lid back down afterwards – the machine uses this force to pierce the pod about 22 times – but you can use your whole hand to apply the necessary pressure.

Image 1 of 2

The A Modo Mio Smeg coffee maker can dispense espresso in two sizes: standard and lungo (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

Although you can remove the drip tray platform to accommodate a larger cup, there's not enough room for a standard sized mug (Image credit: Future)

Capsule coffee machines are rarely loud, but the Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is quieter than most. Measured with a decibel meter, it briefly reached a maximum of 70dB during brewing – about the same as a hairdryer – but was only around 50dB throughout the whole brewing process.

Once you’re done, rinse the dispenser again without a capsule to remove residue from the dispenser.

During my tests, the espresso didn’t have as much crema as you might get from a Nespresso Vertuo pod, but the flavor from Lavazza’s capsules was considerably better; it tasted more rounded and balanced. I tested two different arabica capsules of different strengths, and was very impressed by both.

(Image credit: Future)

Unlike some other coffee pods, A Modo Mio capsules aren’t available in different flavors and with sweeteners – but, personally, I don't think that's a bad thing. Instead, the capsules vary by roast, variety and terroir. This is a capsule machine for people who want good-tasting espresso quickly, and aren’t interested in added fruit, syrup, or spice flavorings. Whether that appeals to you is a matter of personal preference.

Lavazza A Modo Mio capsules are compostable, but you can't toss them in your home food waste. If you're in the UK, you should take them to a public Terracycle drop-off point. If there isn't a drop-off point nearby (they're mostly concentrated around south England and the Midlands), you can register to run one, but you can't have personal collection boxes sent to your home.

• Performance score: 5/5

Should you buy the Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg?Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg score card

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

The machine itself is quite pricey, but the capsules are some of the cheapest around (and great quality, too).

4/5

Design

Stylish, compact, and easy to operate, but the gloss finish is prone to gathering fingerprints.

4/5

Performance

Produces excellent espresso quickly and quietly, and is a piece of cake to maintain.

5/5

Buy it if

You want good espresso, fast

If you like your coffee short and fast, this is the machine for you. It does one thing, and does it very well – and Lavazza's coffee pods are excellent.

You plan to keep it for a long time

This coffee maker costs more than your typical capsule espresso machine, but the pods are so affordable that they'll offset the difference over time.

Don't buy it if

You enjoy fun-flavored coffee

There's nothing wrong with preferring a pumpkin spice latte to a straight shot of espresso, but Lavazza's A Modo Mio pods are all about the beans, not added flavorings.

You need a cheap coffee maker

Smeg style doesn't come cheap, and this machine is considerably pricier than most capsule coffee makers. However, there are more affordable options in Lavazza's A Modo Mio series, if this one is outside your budget.

Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg: also consider

If you're not sure whether the Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is the right coffee maker for you, here are two other options to consider:

De'Longhi Dedica Duo

If you're willing to consider moving from pods to freshly ground coffee, this smart little espresso machine is around the same price as the Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg, and opens up a whole world of specialty coffee.

Read our full De'Longhi Dedica Duo review

Krups Nespresso Pixie

The tiny Pixie has held the top spot in our roundup of the best Nespresso machines for years, thanks to its balance of style and performance. Like the A Modo Mio it's purely an espresso machine, and it uses Nespresso Original pods, which are more affordable than Vertuo capsules.

Read our full Krups Nespresso Pixie review

How I tested the Lavazza A Moda Mio Smeg

I tested the Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg coffee maker for two weeks, making at least two drinks every day using two different types of espresso pods. I followed the setup instructions in the manual, prepared each drink using fresh tap water, and rinsed the dispenser between brews. I emptied and washed out the machine's bin and drip tray at the end of each day, and allowed everything to air-dry overnight. I cleaned the exterior of the machine with a damp microfiber cloth.

For more details, see how we test, rate, and review products at TechRadar.

Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED (2025): Two-minute review

The Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED (2025) is an interesting TV for one reason: it uses Amazon’s new AI-powered Alexa+, which is a more contextual, conversational, and higher-functioning version of the company’s voice assistant.

Otherwise, some features have been sacrificed in the Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED (2025) that made the Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini-LED, Amazon’s previous flagship TV, appealing, such as a mini-LED backlight and 144Hz support for gaming. Both are features we regularly look for in the best TVs. Despite those omissions, the new Omni QLED is priced relatively high for what it offers, with competing TVs from Hisense, TCL, and Roku delivering better bang for the buck.

On the plus side, Amazon’s built-in voice assistant is very well-implemented, and there’s even a mic mute for privacy. Also, you can expect to find the Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED priced considerably lower during the company’s regular sales events.

Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED (2025) review: Price and release date

Amazon's remote is similar to the ones included with other Fire TV devices (Image credit: Future)

• Release date: November 2025
• 50-inch: $479.99
• 55-inch: $589.99
• 65-inch: $849.99
• 75-inch: $1,199.99

The Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED (2025) was released in November 2025 and replaces an earlier version of the TV with the same name. Having just been released in time for Black Friday, it ended up priced a few hundred dollars below list price during that time, with the 50-inch model’s price dropping to $279.99 and the 65-inch model to $749.99.

The Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED (2025) is currently only available in the US.

Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED (2025) review: Specs

Screen type:

QLED

Refresh rate:

60Hz

HDR support:

Dolby Vision, HDR10+ Adaptive, HDR10, HLG

Smart TV:

Fire TV

HDMI ports:

4x HDMI 2.0

Built-in tuner:

ATSC 1.0

Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED (2025) review: Benchmark resultsAmazon Fire TV Omni QLED (2025) review: Features

The Omni QLED's connections include four HDMI 2.0 ports (one with eARC) (Image credit: Future)

• Hands-free Alexa+ allows for deeper control
• Can be used with Alexa smart home ecosystem
• Amazon Ambient Experience

The Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED Series supports both the Dolby Vision and HDR10+ adaptive high dynamic range formats, but the big feature on this TV is Amazon’s new Alexa+, a souped-up version of Alexa that allows for a higher level of flexibility and control.

For example, I’m able to not only ask for movie recommendations but also issue more basic commands like opening an app. I can even ask for things like the Philadelphia Eagles’ upcoming NFC schedule or what the weather outside is like. And I can do all this without picking up the remote control since Alexa+ is hands-free on this TV. The mic can be muted (there’s a slider under the front of the TV) if you’re worried about privacy, but otherwise, it can be used just like any other Alexa device. Alexa+ is free for Prime members but $19.99 a month if you don’t have Prime.

Since this TV has Alexa+ built in, it can be incorporated into an Alexa ecosystem. I found there were some limitations on what I could do using an Amazon Echo speaker, but I was able to turn on the TV and open apps through my Echo in my kitchen.

The other feature worth noting is the Ambient Experience. Every TV seems to now have some version of this feature, most likely due to the popularity of Samsung’s The Frame TV, and it’s also recently arrived on Amazon Fire TV devices.

Amazon’s Ambient Experience is a pretty cool feature that allows you to choose from a number of dynamic and static screens that will play when the TV is in standby mode. You can also customize it to have certain widgets displayed for time, temperature, and more. There are 2,000 free images to choose from, and you can also upload photos to display a personal photo reel. Amazon’s Omnisense sensors let the TV automatically display images when you walk into the room, and they even provide an interactive component.

Apple AirPlay is available for wireless casting from a phone or tablet to the TV, and so is Matter Casting.

• Features Score: 3.5/5

Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED (2025) review: Picture quality

The Omni QLED has good overall picture quality but average brightness (Image credit: Future)

• Limited brightness
• Full-array local dimming on all but the smallest size
• Average color gamut coverage

The picture quality of the Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED Series doesn’t quite measure up to the Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini-LED, but then again it’s also cheaper. In Filmmaker Mode, we measured HDR Peak Brightness at 510 nits, compared to Omni Mini-LED’s 973 nits in the same picture preset. In Standard mode, the Omni QLED’s peak brightness was 598 nits, and fullscreen brightness was 528 nits.

Full-array local dimming, a feature that improves contrast, is provided on all sizes except the smallest (50-inch). I like to test this using images that show a black background with lighter objects on parts of the screen. With these, the TV did a good job – I didn’t notice any light blooming on the black areas.

The Omni QLED Series’ measured UHDA-P3 color gamut was 93.7% when we tested it, and 71.6% for BT.2020, both of which could be better. (Our target UHDA-P3 coverage is 95% for TVs.)

The TV’s Delta-E in Filmmaker Mode was 7, which is a worse-than-average result for picture accuracy for that preset. (The closer to zero, the better, with many TVs measuring under 3dE in Filmmaker Mode on this test.)

In real-world use, the Omni QLED Series’ picture wasn’t as bright as other TVs I’ve tested, but the picture was still crisp and vibrant, whether I was watching the animated Coco (one of my favorites for testing), an action movie, or sports.

• Picture quality score: 3.5/5

Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED (2025) review: Sound quality

Fire TV's Live TV streaming portal (Image credit: Future)

• Limited bass
• No Dolby Atmos support
• Dialogue boost and volume leveler

The sound quality on the Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED Series is not going to make you skip getting one of the best soundbars. There are only 12 watts each for the speakers and the sub, so even though it can get loud, it tends to lose definition at louder volumes.

Also, there’s not much bass. You won’t get any rumble, just a mid-low-end boost. I found it to be a strange experience when testing with Deadpool & Wolverine and watching a big fight scene where none of the punches, or the score for that matter, had much weight to them.

Dolby Atmos isn’t supported, either, which is another reason to upgrade the sound with a soundbar (preferably one with a subwoofer).

I do appreciate that there’s a five-band EQ in the settings. Also in the settings are a Dialogue Boost, Dolby Dialogue Enhancer, and Volume Leveler (the last two in the TV’s advanced settings). The first two help with making dialogue clearer by boosting the frequency at which voices sit. The latter is similar to a Night Mode and works well enough at bringing up quieter parts while making louder parts quieter.

• Sound quality score: 3/5

Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED (2025) review: Design

The Omni QLED uses the type of support feet typically found on more budget-oriented TVs (Image credit: Future)

• Basic looks
• Hidden privacy slider for built-in mic
• Four HDMI ports, one with eARC

On the surface, the Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED looks like a typical budget-level TV, though its bezels are at least thin. You’ll need a Philips head screwdriver for connecting the support feet to the TV (with included screws), but that takes a very short time to install.

There’s a slider hidden on the TV’s bottom edge to mute the built-in Alexa mic for privacy. Onboard controls are limited to the slider and button to control inputs, power, and navigate some basic settings.

The Fire TV Omni QLED has four HDMI ports, one with eARC. Also on hand is an optical port, coaxial, USB, headphone jack, and an IR transmitter port.

Amazon’s remote looks the same as the one it includes with its Fire TV streaming sticks. It has a talk button if you don’t want to use the built-in mic on the TV and buttons at the bottom for Prime, Netflix, Disney+, and Peacock, along with the usual suspects. It feels pretty good in the hand with its convex back. The only other thing worth mentioning is that it takes two AAA batteries instead of being rechargeable.

• Design score: 3/5

Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED (2025) review: Smart TV and menus

The Amazon Fire TV home page (Image credit: Future)

• Very Prime-oriented even outside of the app
• Plenty of live and free content
• Menu diving is mostly easy, though some HDR settings are hard to find

Since the Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED Series naturally uses the Fire TV interface, be prepared for a very Amazon Prime-centric experience. The top half of the home page consists of a rotating preview banner that autoplays both suggested content and ads that are more often than not Amazon-related.

Scrolling down past the streaming service tiles, you’ll see rows such as “Continue Watching,” “Sponsored,” and an assortment of recommendations. All the apps one could want are a download away, but a good number of the preloaded ones are Amazon ones, like Amazon Kids+ and Luna.

Plenty of content is built in – there’s a whole guide’s worth of live TV, including free channels like NFL Live, CBS, Fox, ABC News Live, NBC News Now, and more in the US.

Menu diving on the Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED was initially confusing for me since the layout of categories is a bit different than on other interfaces. That said, it was easy to navigate after a few times using it. The one gripe I do have is that while I can cycle through most of the modes in the settings, any HDR-related adjustments only become available and selectable while watching content. Even though the TV picks the right mode automatically (if auto picture mode is enabled), it would be nice to have some control over choosing the picture mode I want before starting a movie.

• Smart TV & menus score: 4/5

Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED (2025) review: Gaming

The Amazon Luna app gives you plenty of cloud gaming options (Image credit: Future)

• 60Hz refresh rate
• Game Mode
• Luna app for cloud gaming

The Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED isn't anything special for console gaming. Unlike the Fire TV Omni Mini-LED, which supports up to 144Hz, this TV tops out at a 60Hz refresh rate, so you’re not going to get the smooth performance that next-gen consoles are capable of.

I do appreciate that, if TV Mode is set to Auto, it will automatically change to its Game Mode setting. This mode does a good job of letting the colors pop. I found the image to look good when using my PlayStation 5, even if the 60Hz refresh rate was a hurdle for performance.

The one somewhat bright spot is that Amazon’s Luna app provides access to cloud gaming, some of which is free or included for those with Amazon Prime. I appreciated that I could use either my phone or an external controller, which can be paired when booting up a game, for playing any of the games. I also appreciate that there was a healthy selection of games to purchase, alongside the free offerings.

• Gaming score: 3/5

Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED (2025) review: Value

The Omni QLED's included accessories (Image credit: Future)

• Cheaper than similar TVs
• Sacrifices some features
• Other options with Fire TV built-in

As I mentioned before, I consider the Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED Series to be an okay deal at $849.99 for a 65-inch model. Of course, this is Amazon, so you’re more likely to see regular discounts.

How does it compare? It comes with some compromises compared to other TVs that I consider to be its competition. I’ve tested two other mid-range TVs that punch well above their weight. The TCL QM6K is one that immediately comes to mind. The price of the 65-inch model is currently selling for less than the Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED reviewed here, and it supports a 144Hz refresh rate, Dolby Atmos audio, and uses a mini-LED backlight with “Halo Control technology” to minimize blooming.

There’s also the Hisense U65QF, which is also sells for less than Amazon’s TV. Like the TCL, it supports a 144Hz refresh rate and Dolby Atmos audio, and it also uses a mini-LED backlight. And with a Fire TV interface, you basically get the same smart features as the Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED.

• Value score: 3/5

(Image credit: Future)Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED (2025)

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

Hands-free Alexa, plus the souped-up, context-aware Alexa+ for deeper and smarter smart home integration

.3.5/5

Picture quality

Brightness is average and the accuracy could be better, but it at least has full-array local dimming (except the smallest size)

3.5/5

Sound quality

Sound quality is pretty limited with not much bass. The decent volume leveling and dialog boost are a nice touch

3/5

Design

Design is mostly what one would expect for a budget TV

3/5

Smart TV and menus

Be prepared for an Amazon-heavy experience with this TV, with some advanced picture settings tricky to access in menus

3.5/5

Gaming

Refresh rate is capped at 60 Hz but features the Luna app for cloud-gaming

3/5

Value

Good overall picture quality, but competition offers equally good performance and superior gaming features for the price

3/5

Should I buy the Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED (2025)?Buy it if...

You have Prime
If you have Amazon Prime, then the souped-up Alexa+ is free. It’s definitely a unique experience turning off the TV through an Amazon Echo elsewhere in the house.

You use Alexa
The TV’s Alexa integration is something you can really take advantage of if you’re already bought into the Alexa smart home ecosystem.

Don't buy it if…

You’re a console gamer
The TV’s refresh rate is capped at 60Hz, so you won’t be getting the most out of your Playstation 5 or Xbox Series X game console.

You want Dolby Atmos
If you want a TV that supports Dolby Atmos, you’ll have to look elsewhere, or you could just buy a soundbar to use with this TV.

Also consider...

Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED (2025)

Hisense U65QF

TCL QM6K

Roku Pro Series

Price (65-inch)

$849.99

$999

$999

$1,199

Screen type

QLED

QLED w/ mini-LED

QLED w/ mini-LED

QLED w/ mini-LED

Refresh rate

60Hz

upt to 144Hz

Up to 144Hz

120Hz

HDR support

Dolby Vision/HDR10+ Adaptive/HDR10

Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG

Dolby Vision IQ/HDR10+/HDR10

Dolby Vision IQ/HDR10+/HDR10

Smart TV

Fire TV

Fire TV

Google TV

Roku

HDMI ports

4 HDMI 2.0

4 (2x HDMI 2.1)

4 (2x HDMI 2.1)

4 (2x HDMI 2.1)

Hisense U65QF

The Hisense U65QF is very affordable for a mini-LED TV. It’s packed with features like Dolby Atmos, a 144Hz refresh rate, and Dolby Vision IQ. It also has Alexa built in, though not Alexa+. Finding the video settings does take some deep menu diving, and the Prime-focused interface is a bit of an acquired taste.

Read our full Hisense U65QF review

TCL QM6K

The TCL QM6K is excellent value and cheaper with discounts than the Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED Series, though it doesn’t have quite the audio quality or Alexa integration. What it does have is great picture quality with vibrant colors, good contrast, and minimal blooming.

Read our full TCL QM6K review

Roku Pro Series

The Roku Pro Series is another budget mini-LED TV that’s priced around the same as the Amazon Omni QLED, but beats it when it comes to features and design. With both 120Hz support and an ultra-low input lag, it’s also a superior gaming TV and has a more streamlined and pleasing smart interface.

Read our full Roku Pro Series review

(Image credit: Future)How I tested the Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED (2025)

• I used the Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED Series for several weeks
• Tested with TV, movies, music, and games
• Benchmark measurements conducted by Future US testing lab

I used the Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED Series as my main TV for several weeks. I used it with TV, movies, and games. I tested the various features to see if they work as advertised. I also spent time listening to the audio as well as paying attention to the picture quality.

I’ve tested a lot of tech gear over the years, from laptops to keyboards and speakers, and so have been able to use my expertise towards giving an honest and fair opinion, not to mention a critical eye, to any product I test.

You can read an in-depth overview of how we test TVs at TechRadar at that link.

• First reviewed: January 2026
• Read TechRadar's reviews guarantee

ProtoArc has been around for a while now, and they have a handful of items I have reviewed over the years, like their EC100 chair and a few keyboard / mice solutions. They have been impressive through and through with putting out quality gear for a shockingly low price every time.

This chair, the Flexer Pro, is no different. It had a quick and easy assembly that only took about 5 to 8 minutes to assemble, it has surpassingly breathable mesh on the backrest, featuring FlexWeave tech to cool you off on hot days or if you simply run warm like I do, and it has a great set or armrests. Right there, if those things are done well, the chair is already going to win people over. But, beyond that, this chair has some things I have never seen, such as the dual lumbar support. That’s something that even some of of my premium chairs don’t have.

Flexer Pro also excels in not being “too much” as a chair. Given it's only available in the US, and the dual lumbar support can take some time to adjust to, it's unlikely to make our round-up of the best office chairs. But it's simple and elegant in design, while still offering maximum comfort for up to 10 hours according to ProtoArc, and, in my testing, I can say that this chair surely lives up to the hype.

ProtoArc Flexer Pro: Price and availability

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

At the time of review, the Flexer Pro is currently on sale for $312.55 (was $399.99) on ProtoArc’s website. It's also available on Amazon.com in both black or white variants, with the former being $299 and the latter priced at $315.86.

From what I can see, the chair's only available in the US right now.

One thing that I always pay attention to for chairs like this is the warranty. After all, an office chair is an investment, even at the low- to mid-range models like this one. So, I was pleased to see ProtoArc offering a 10-year limited warranty.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )ProtoArc Flexer Pro: Unboxing and First Impressions

The packaging was minimal and simple, yet enough to keep everything well-packaged, safe, and secure. As I mentioned above, this chair took a mere 5 minutes to assemble by myself. It was incredibly easy, no special tools necessary outside of what was sent with the chair, and no points of frustration.

After getting everything set up, I like how simple this chair is. A lot of chairs have a lot of things going on. The Flexer Pro keeps it simple. It’s a cushioned seat, a mesh back, good armrests. That’s the core. It’s clean, straightforward, and great for most.

ProtoArc Flexer Pro: Design & Build Quality

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

The dual lumbar supports are the stand-out feature of this chair for me, it seems like such a small thing, but in practice and in use, it’s super helpful to be able to add that support in two slightly different, or one larger spot on some days. I do find that some days I will adjust this and have it be slightly different, but perhaps I’m alone in that. Regardless, having that functionality in a chair at this cost is still wild to me.

Further, the cushion and backrest make for a very breathable sitting experience. As someone who runs fairly warm, I really appreciate having a chair that can breathe with me and help keep me cool even on hot days or during long working sessions.

Another thing that I really appreciate is the lack of over-the-top branding on this chair. I have some chairs that will remain unnamed, but they blast their branding everywhere, loud and proud. That ruins the professional feel of a chair immediately, so having this chair minimally branded and that is all is fantastic.

The armrests, crank tilt-tension control, seat depth slider, and 130-degree recline are all fantastic features. Again, these are features I’d love seeing on chairs worth three times as much, so seeing this in a quality chair at a budget price is a spectacular surprise.

ProtoArc Flexer Pro: In use

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

My team and I have rotated using this chair for the last 88 days at the time of writing. In that time, we have used it in my studio space, in some home offices and in both scenarios this chair has performed wonderfully. The chair is comfortable for even extended desk working sessions, it’s easy to kick back when we want to stand at our standing desks and if we maybe don’t get to stand that day and rather need to lay back, the 130-degree tilt makes it super comfortable and easy to grab a quick rest.

While most of our testing has been done during the harsh Midwest winter in the States, sometimes that means that with the heat on, your house is warmer than normal (depending on the person). For those days, or the harsh summer afternoons, having the mesh backrest is a wonderful two-thumbs-up for this chair. It means that I won’t stand up to find my back stuck to my shirt.

Another thing that is really nice is that since this chair doesn’t have a headrest and has a fairly compact frame, I can push this chair under my desk rather than just kicking it behind me if I am short on space or don’t want to get my chair too far away from my desk.

After three months' use, the felt still looks brand new, the mesh backrest has held up wonderfully, and the armrests still work well. No issues so far, and none in sight.

ProtoArc Flexer Pro: Final verdict

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

Not everyone who is looking for a chair is looking to spend thousands, or even close to a thousand. Some want a simple chair that gets the job done. The ProtoArc Flexer Pro is an easy recommendation for those people, as it’s budget-priced yet adds features you usually only see in high-end flagship chairs.

The quick assembly time is a real bonus - ProtoArc estimated it's a 10-minute job, but I did it half that time. Airflow, comfortability, and support are all good. And I'm pleased how well the chair has held up after using it for three months.

That dual lumbar support, though, may not be to everyone's tastes. I can understand that. I would've also liked to see greater availability beyond North America.

But the chair's nicely designed overall, with all the adjustability mechanisms I'd expect to find one priced this low. A solid choice for working from home or in the office.

Image 1 of 10

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Image 2 of 10

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Image 3 of 10

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Image 4 of 10

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Image 5 of 10

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Image 6 of 10

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Image 7 of 10

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Image 8 of 10

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Image 9 of 10

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Image 10 of 10

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

For more office furniture, I've tested the best standing desks.

Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo Cinema: Two-minute review

The Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo Cinema takes instant cameras in a new direction, and let me tell you, it’s heaps of fun. It’s a 3-in-1 digital ‘hybrid’ instant camera; being a stills camera, an instant printer and the very first Instax that shoots video.

We know the instant photography part already: the Mini Evo Cinema packs much of the same lo-fi tech as the Mini Evo – 5MP digital photos through a 28mm f/2 lens, which are saved onto micro SD, that you can select in the camera’s gallery or through a companion app to print instantly onto Instax Mini paper. In this case, the printing process uses an analog-style lift and twist lever.

But it’s the camera's design where things get really interesting. This is a nostalgic, slimline Super 8 camera-style body – which is supposedly inspired by Fujifilm’s ‘Fujica Single-8‘ from 1965 – that easily sits in the hand with the shutter button at your trigger finger.

And for me, it’s the video features that drew me in rather than the traditional Instax photography experience, even if each of the three functions seamlessly blend together.

Image 1 of 4

(Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 2 of 4

With the viewfinder added (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 3 of 4

There's a fixed 28mm f/2 lens (with digital zoom lever) selfie mirror and flash light (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 4 of 4

The viewfinder gives a clear view of the 1.5-inch LCD display (Image credit: Tim Coleman)

Then there's the main event – the Eras Dial™, with a look for every decade spanning the last 100 years. Fujifilm says these looks ‘pay homage to the characteristics, media and playback devices that defined that time’. My brief hour with the Evo Cinema wasn't nearly enough time to decide which ones were my favorites, and I definitely didn't have the time to fine tune each of those 10 profiles spanning 1930 through to 2020.

There's a scale of 1-10 for various 'expressions' of each decade, adjusting either the strength or the look of each style. So yes, that makes 100 styles, all of which work for photos and videos.

Fujifilm is no stranger to introducing never-before seen controls in its recent cameras, from the Film Mode in the fun X half to the aspect ratio dial in the serious GFX100RF, it keeps delivering surprising new features, and the Eras Dial™ is more than just a novelty.

Image 1 of 4

There's the Eras Dial™. Also note the lift and twist lever for printing, cine / stills switch and another level which operates a digital zoom (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 2 of 4

And here's the 1.5-inch LCD display (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 3 of 4

The camera is really slimline (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 4 of 4

The grip is possibly a little chunky. Nonetheless, I could hold it comfortably (Image credit: Tim Coleman)

Even videos can be shared through an Instax Mini print – the Mini Evo Cinema selects a frame from the video and prints it with a QR code for access to that clip through Fujifilm’s servers.

I was given a print with a QR code attached, which took me online to the highlight reel that a Fujifilm X-Photographer (a brand ambassador directly associated with Fujifilm) had created. You can also check out and share photos and videos using the free Instax Mini Evo app, including making short video edits from your 15 second video clips.

I'm yet to try the app with the Evo Cinema photos and videos I shot on launch day, but will surely do so for my full review.

Here's the camera alongside a print for every one of the 10 decades featured in the Eras Dial. It's no coincidence that a pack of Instax Mini film produces 10 prints. (Image credit: Tim Coleman)

Inside the box, you get the camera, viewfinder eye cup for the 1.5-inch 170k-dot LCD screen (see it in action, below), a grip extension and a strap.

The Mini Evo might look toy-like, but it is in fact a premium-feel product, everything from the grip to the dials, switches and buttons feel solid.

Performance, on the other hand, during my hands-on was pretty sluggish – the Evo Cinema's wheel of death appeared almost every time I recorded a video, taking a few seconds to be ready to use again. I'll reserve judgement until I complete a full review.

The Evo Cinema handles well, and is such a clever concept - packing Instax tech into a polished, Super 8-style body (Image credit: Tim Coleman)

I actually think the Mini Evo Cinema is the most intriguing Instax camera to date – it feels like the Instax camera that the digital generation has been waiting for.

Its Super 8-style body is a perfect form to host Instax Mini printing, and the multi-media output makes this feel like a camera that'll keep my interest for much longer than a simple instant photography Instax. This is a proper good times camera.

True, I’ve only had an hour or two using the Instax Mini Evo Cinema, but it already feels like the one that appeals to me the most in the many years that I've been testing Fujifilm products. If I was to sum the Mini Evo up in a single word, it would be fun. Fujifilm is having a real go at making cameras fun again with a string of quirky products, and the Evo Cinema could just top the lot. I'll report back soon once I've had more time with it.

Sample photos – 1930 through to 2020

Image 1 of 10

1930 (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 2 of 10

1940 (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 3 of 10

1950 (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 4 of 10

1960 (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 5 of 10

1970 (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 6 of 10

1980 (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 7 of 10

1990 (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 8 of 10

2000 (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 9 of 10

2010 (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 10 of 10

2020 (Image credit: Tim Coleman)

The 10 photos above cover each of the 10 settings in the Eras Dial™, from 1930 to 2020. I kept the 'expressions' control to its auto setting rather than experiment with the 10 different looks available for each of the decades on the dial. Stills are recorded as JPEGs onto microSD, at 1920 x 2560 pixels.

Sample video – 100 years in a minute

I repeated the process for video, capturing each of the 10 Eras Dial™ looks. The lo-fi video quality is captured at 600 x 800 pixels for every setting except 2020, which is a higher quality 1080 x 1440 pixels.

Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo Cinema: price and release date

• Costs $419 / £329 (around AU$650)
• There's viewfinder, grip extension and strap accessories included
• Sales are expected from January 28, 2026

The Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo Cinema is due to go on sale globally from January 28 2026, with a price of $419 / £329 (that's around AU$650).

In the box you'll also find the viewfinder attachment, grip extender, strap and USB-C cable. A purpose-made leather case will be available too, for $40 / £35 (about AU$65).

Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo Cinema: specs

Video

1080 x 1440 x ('2020' setting only) 600 x 800 for all others

Photo

5MP, 1/5-inch sensor

Format

Instax Mini

Lens

28mm f/2

Autofocus

Yes

Screen

Fixed 1.5-inch, 170k dots

Viewfinder

A clip-on viewfinder is supplied for the screen

Dimensions

39.4 mm x 132.5 mm x 100.1 mm (excluding projecting parts)

Weight

270g (excluding film pack and recording media)

How I tested the Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo Cinema

• I had just one hour with the Evo Cinema ahead on its launch day
• I used it with the viewfinder and grip accessories
• I tried all the Eras Dial™ settings for photo and video

I had just one hour with the Evo Cinema on its launch day, during which time I got a feel for how it handles. I recorded the same video in a studio of a model, using every one of the 10 Eras Dial™ settings, and repeated that process for photos, printing out each one.

I've tried the Evo Cinema with and without its viewfinder and grip accessories. I'm yet to try out the Mini Evo app. The optional case was not available for a look on launch day.

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

Light spoilers follow for The RIP.

I'm a big fan of movies where Ben Affleck and Matt Damon co-star. I've greatly enjoyed films in which just one of them appears, but there's no denying that projects they're both in – Good Will Hunting, Dogma, and Air to name three – have a certain magic about them.

Color me intrigued, then, when the first trailer for The RIP, the first movie in almost three years they share screentime in, dropped in late 2025. A crime thriller with a talented cast and seemingly twisty-turny plot, it bore the tell-tale signs of being Netflix's next hit movie.

Enjoyable as the ride is, though, The RIP is simply a serviceable film. While engaging up to a point, it lacks originality and the shock value storytelling necessary to stand out from the genre pack.

Are we the good guys?

Damon and Affleck lead The RIP's all-star cast (Image credit: Netflix)

Inspired by true events, The RIP introduces us to Lieutenant Dane Dumars (Damon) and Sergeant J.D. Byrne (Affleck), who spearhead a crime-busting taskforce known as the Tactical Narcotics Team – or T.N.T for short – in Miami, Florida.

When an anonymous stash house tip-off comes in one evening, Dane rounds up the troops – J.D, Mike Ro (Steven Yeun), Numa Baptiste (Teyana Taylor), and Lolo Salazar(Catalina Sandino Moreno) – to investigate. Arriving at a property where the skittish Desi (Sasha Calle) lives, the group soon discovers an eye-bulging $20 million haul hidden in the attic.

The suspicious nature displayed by each character is what'll keep you engaged

Considering the size of the stash, it's not long before trust and tempers start to fray over whether they should call it in or, for reasons that become clear later, pocket the money. And, when outside forces – the DEA, a local cartel, and another mysterious faction – become aware of what's been found, Dane, J.D., and co. must establish who they can rely on and if they'll even survive until morning.

Lolo and Numa aren't given much to do in Netflix's latest crime thriller (Image credit: Netflix)

So, The RIP is yet another examination of institutional corruption within the law enforcement service? In a nutshell, yes. As with any tale involving crooked cops, though, the suspicious nature displayed by each character is what'll keep you engaged throughout its near-two-hour runtime as you try to determine who'll betray whom.

The RIP's unexpected turn... will surprise some viewers, but I expected more from it

That said, The RIP would've better sustained the momentum of this particular brain-tickler if it weren't hell-bent on positioning Dane as the officer who appears to be behind the money-stealing suggestion.

Indeed, The RIP's trailers and its first act go to great lengths to install him as the prime suspect. Spoilers notwithstanding, things aren't as simple as they appear. Nonetheless, I would've been more invested in trying to solve the mystery before the third act's grand reveal if The RIP had actively explored the duplicitous nature and motives of other T.N.T. members much earlier, and in more depth, than it does.

Can Mike be trusted? You'll have to watch The RIP to find out (Image credit: Netflix)

Whether it's through characters' actions or serpentine narratives, similar genre fare like Prisoners, Memento, and Gone Girl – ironically, the last of that trio also stars Affleck – and classic whodunits keep you guessing from the get-go and/or right up to their climax.

Try though it might to elicit the same sort of jaw-dropping response when its big twist happens, The RIP hasn't built up the necessary tension to draw such a reaction when the time comes. It doesn't fall flat per se, and I'm sure the unexpected turn will surprise some viewers, but I expected more from a movie whose primary intention is to entertain via the unpredictability and apparent unreliability of someone within the T.N.T's ranks.

Acting on impulse

Affleck and Damon give typically great performances in The RIP (Image credit: Netflix)

So, The RIP is sorely lacking in the storytelling department, but what about the performance of its star-studded cast?

Damon and Affleck's on-screen chemistry shines as bright as ever

As if it were ever in doubt, Damon and Affleck's on-screen chemistry is as engrossing as ever. The effortlessly natural rapport they exhibit ensures that Dane and J.D's bond is as tight and magnetic as the actors' own relationship. The pair bounce off one another with ease throughout, as their testosterone-driven characters butt heads with their superiors – and each other – in spicy and dicey circumstances.

The RIP's leads are ably backed up by their fellow actors, with Yeun and Calle giving particularly compelling performances. However, other prominent supporting cast members, Moreno and 2026 Golden Globe winner Taylor, are underused, with their characters occasionally being sidelined by the direction of the plot.

Desi has more than a bit-part to play in one of 2026's new Netflix movies (Image credit: Netflix)

Additionally, I wish there had been more scope to develop the dynamics between the group's ensemble. Doing so would've gone a long way to explain each individual's actions, and further ratcheted up the tension and melodrama when accusations begin to fly as near-total mistrust sets in.

In fact, barring The RIP's examination of Dane and J.D's brotherhood, it's J.D and his FBI-employed brother Del's (Scott Adkins) topsy-turvy relationship that's arguably scrutinized in more detail than Dane and/or J.D's associations with their fellow T.N.T members. That might not matter to some, but it's an oversight I struggled to look past.

If it's action you want alongside – or instead of – your crime-based thrills, The RIP is a tad undercooked in that department. Indeed, the first of its slim gun-toting and vehicle chase sequences doesn't materialize until an hour has passed. Even then, while they're undeniably adrenaline-fuelled, the gunplay and rubber-burning set-pieces aren't as chaotic or seat-gripping as I'd hoped.

My verdict

No matter how you slice it, The RIP feels like a star-powered movie that was tailor-made for the Netflix generation. That being, a safe, not-so-memorable film that its so-called 'second screen-viewing' fanbase will enjoy for what it is before moving on to the next thing the Netflix algorithm suggests for them.

It's certainly not the worst film I've watched on the world's best streaming service – far from it, in fact. But, whether it was down to my heightened expectations for the latest Damon/Affleck venture, or myriad other reasons, it just didn't click for me – and that is a crime in and of itself.

The RIP launches worldwide on Netflix on Friday, January 16.

Hori Adventure Pack for Nintendo Switch 2: review

It’s no secret that the Nintendo Switch 2 is an expensive piece of kit, so if you recently got your hands on one, it’s crucial to keep it protected. So, in steps the Hori Adventure Pack for Nintendo Switch 2 – a sturdy cross-body case that’s licensed by Nintendo itself.

This model is a little different from others I’ve tested, due to its versatile design. It can be held like a typical case, thanks to a built-in handle, which adjusts automatically as you lift it up. But there’s also a strap that enables you to wear the Adventure Pack like a cross-body bag. You can change the tightness of the fit to suit you, and it works pretty well. Personally, I don’t think this looks all too stylish, but if you need free hands, the strap is a welcome option. When you don’t want to use said strap, it can easily slot into a mesh fabric pouch on the reverse side of the case, ensuring that it looks tidy at all times.

A big positive of the Hori Adventure Pack is its generous storage space. It’s a little too small to hold your console, dock, and all the wires – well, you could cram them all in, but it’s going to be a very tight squeeze. Still, there’s plenty of room for your console inside, and the case’s outer pocket is large enough to house some of the best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories.

(Image credit: Future)

There’s a specific pouch to hold your Nintendo Switch 2 console with the Joy-Con 2 controllers attached. It’s a touch narrow, so you’ll have to carefully place your system inside, but there is a velcro strap to keep it secure. You’ll also find six game cartridge slots inside the case – not the highest amount I’ve seen, but enough for a short trip away, for example.

Looks-wise, the Hori Adventure Pack is decent. It has a rubber-like handle and upper half, which looks fairly stylish, but is susceptible to picking up dust and marks. The rest of the case is made up of a scratch-resistant fabric and a net to conceal the carry strap. It comes in all black and isn’t anything flashy, but it will suit those who prefer an understated aesthetic.

Is this the most sturdy case I’ve tested? Well, perhaps not – it doesn’t have the tough exterior of the Nacon Protection Case XL for Nintendo Switch 2, say. But it’s still a pretty resilient model. It has a padded, robust feel to it, and when I dropped the case from waist height, there weren’t any signs of damage.

(Image credit: Future)

Let’s finish things off by talking about value. This case is typically priced at $34.99 / £26.99 / AU$54.95, which is reasonable given the amount of storage space on offer and the versatility of its design. I’ve also seen Hori's Adventure Pack go on sale in some territories, with its price dropping as low as £18.89 on My Nintendo Store in the UK.

Considering that the official Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case will set you back $39.99 / £20.99 / AU$39.95 – a stylish choice, but one that has a lot less storage space – I think you’re getting good bang for your buck from the Adventure Pack. All things considered, then, this is a strong case from Hori, and its combination of a unique design with a modest price tag ensures that it's well worth considering.

Hori Adventure Pack for Nintendo Switch 2 review: price & specs

Price

$34.99 / £26.99 / AU$54.95

Dimensions

12.6 x 5.7 x 3.9 inches / 320 x 146 x 100mm

Weight

0.7lbs / 300g

Number of game card slots

6

Compartments

4

Handle

Yes

Color

Black

(Image credit: Future)Should you buy the Hori Adventure Pack for Nintendo Switch 2?

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Versatile build, sturdy feel, solid look, but not the most flashy and can pick up marks.

4/5

Storage

Plenty for console and accessories, OK amount of game slots, not enough room to house dock.

4/5

Value

Comes at a modest price considering its robust build and generous storage.

4/5

Buy it if…

You want a bag-style case
Perhaps the most enticing aspect of the Hori Adventure Pack is its ability to double up as a traditional case with a handle, while also serving as a cross-body bag. That versatility makes it incredibly practical when taking your Switch 2 on the go.

You want to store your accessories too
Unlike the official Nintendo Switch 2 case, there’s plenty of room in the Hori Adventure Pack to store a few accessories, such as the Hori USB Camera for Nintendo Switch 2.

Don’t buy it if…

You need room for your Switch 2 dock
Although you can pack a few accessories into this case, it’s not really ideal for housing your dock. I tried inserting mine, and although it just about fit inside, the fit was realistically too tight. If you want a case that does it all, your best option is the official Nintendo Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case.

You’re looking for something flashy
This case isn’t the most eye-catching or premium-looking, although it’s certainly very practical. If you want something sleek and colorful, then I’d suggest checking out the Belkin Charging Case for Nintendo Switch 2.

Hori Adventure Pack for Nintendo Switch 2: also consider

Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case & Screen Protector
This slim and stylish case is still one of my favorites, and my go-to if I’m not taking my dock on the go. It doesn’t have as much storage space as this Hori model, but it’s lightweight and sturdy, and even comes with a basic screen protector.

Read our full Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case & Screen Protector review.

Nacon Protection Case XL for Nintendo Switch 2
This one’s not available in the US or Australia, but if you’re in the UK, it’s a top-tier option. With a sturdy build, enough room for your dock and system, and plenty of game card slots, it really is the full package. It’s very cheap for the amount of storage space available, which helped to earn it a stellar four-and-a-half-star review.

Read our full Nacon Protection Case XL for Nintendo Switch 2 review.

Hori Adventure Pack for Nintendo Switch 2 review: how I tested

(Image credit: Future)

• Tested over the course of multiple days
• Took it with me to the office and on walks
• Trialled by a Nintendo Switch 2 owner and life-long gamer

I took my Switch 2 on the go inside the Hori Adventure Pack for multiple days in a row. During this time, I also packed in a couple of accessories and made sure to try out both the handle and strap carrying methods.

In order to get a measure of this case’s durability, I dropped it from various distances and also gave the exterior a good scratch. After this, I checked for any wear and tear to ensure the model was as sturdy as advertised. I also compared this case to rivals on aspects like storage space and looks.

More generally, I’m a day-one Nintendo Switch 2 owner, a lifelong gamer, and an experienced tech reviewer with a ton of experience with Switch 2 accessories. I’ve trialled a range of products, including cases, but also screen protectors like the DBrand Prism 2.0, and cameras, like the Hori Piranha Plant Camera for Nintendo Switch 2.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed: December 2025-January 2026

Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM OSS: One-minute review

Sony launched its original FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS back in 2015, just two years after the company revealed its innovative A7 full-frame mirrorless camera to the world.

While the Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS has been a reliable macro lens for Sony macro photographers, it’s been the only first-party Sony option for over a decade, so all eyes were on Sony when it announced its new Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM OSS in September last year.

I was lucky enough to get my hands on a review sample, as well as a Sony A7R V with its large 61MP full-frame sensor, so I was able to zoom into its huge images to assess the new FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro's sharpness and image quality.

(Image credit: Dan Mold)

As a lover of macro photography who regularly shoots everything from close-ups of interesting textures to insects and mushrooms to pocket watches, I was particularly keen to see how the new Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM OSS performed.

At $1,498 / £1,399 / AU$2,599 it's among the most expensive consumer full-frame macro lenses on the market, and 70% more expensive than its predecessor. So should owners of the now decade-old Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS rush out to buy one?

Simply put, no. The older, more affordable version will suffice for the majority of casual shooters. However, for serious professionals shooting on Sony systems the Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM OSS will be well worth the high asking price, delivering as it does incredible image quality, rock-steady stabilization, 1.4x magnification and teleconverter compatibility.

Simply put, it's the best Sony lens for macro photography fans, though you'll have to be prepared to put a sizable dent in your wallet to get one.

Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM OSS: Price and availability

• Priced at $1,499 / £1,399 / AU$2,599
• ALC-SH173 lens hood and soft case included
• Announced in September 2025

The Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM OSS retails for $1,499 / £1,399 / AU$2,599, and is the successor to the now decade-old Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS, which can be picked up now for around $1,050 / £819, though this price hasn’t changed all that much since it was released back in 2015. The Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM OSS was always going to be a more expensive option with new tech, advanced features and more modern conveniences, and it works out 70% more expensive in the UK, or around 40% more expensive in the US.

Is it worth the extra money? For casual shooters probably not, but for serious working pros I think the extra upgrades, better stabilization and stunning image quality make it good value for money. It’s also a much stronger competitor to the Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM, which Canon users have been enjoying since April 2021, and a true competitor for which has been sorely missed in Sony’s range up until now.

For those on tighter budgets there is of course the original Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS. There are also third-party options like the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 Macro DG DN Art and Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III Macro VXD – while both of these lack optical image stabilization, they are considerably cheaper, and will be a better choice for those on stricter budgets looking to get into macro photography.

Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM OSS: SpecsSony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM OSS specs

Type:

Macro lens

Mount:

Sony FE

Sensor:

Full-frame

Focal length:

100mm

Max aperture:

f/2.8

Minimum focus:

0.26m

Filter size:

67mm

Dimensions:

81.4 x 147.9mm

Weight:

22.7oz / 646g

Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM OSS: Design

• Focus ring has a clutch mechanism to switch between AF/MF and Full AF quickly
• Switches on lens barrel for focus distance limiter, OSS, iris ring lock and declicking
• Quite long for a 100mm macro lens, measuring 147.9mm
• Built to be compatible with Sony's 1.4x and 2x teleconverters

The Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM is very similar in terms of size and weight to the older FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS, although it has the benefit of being a little more zoomed in at 100mm, and offers a higher maximum magnification of 1.4x over the older optics’ standard 1:1 life-size reproduction ratio, so macro lovers will be able to get even closer. It’s about 7% heavier at 646g and is 2.4mm wider in diameter, and it’s about 17mm longer. So far, it’s bigger and better in every way.

I have no issues with the lens being a little larger; it feels really nice and secure in the hand, and the large focus ring, which is about 1.5 inches wide, is perfectly positioned for your thumb and forefinger to wrap around. Like the old model, the new macro lens uses a push/pull clutch, allowing you to push or pull the entire focus ring to quickly switch between AF/MF and Full MF.

There's also an AF/MF switch on the side of the lens barrel, which shouldn’t create quite as much motion. The manual-focus ring also has a focus distance scale on the lens barrel, which comes in handy when you want to specifically dial in a magnification such as 1:1 life-size, or go even closer.

(Image credit: Dan Mold)

Other switches on the side of the lens include a full-time DMF toggle to enable the Direct Manual Focus to override the autofocus when needed, which I found to be very useful. There’s also a focus limiter switch which can be set to Full, 0.26-0.7m or 0.5m to infinity to speed up autofocus operation when you know you’re working with subjects either very close or far away, as it prevents the camera from hunting outside the set range.

There’s also a dedicated switch for enabling OSS (Optical Steady Shot), Sony's optical image stabilization tech. It’s rated for 4-4.5 stops on the FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro, which is an improvement over the 3-4 stops you got with the older model. Even more stabilization can be achieved with Sony bodies that have sensor-based IBIS, though Sony doesn’t give an exact figure of how much stabilization can be achieved.

(Image credit: Dan Mold)

To add context, both of Sony’s lenses are the only optically stabilized macro lenses for Sony FE mount – as mentioned, the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 Macro DG DN Art and Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III Macro VXD don’t have optical stabilization, though they are considerably more affordable as a result.

Also on the outside of the lens barrel you’ll find an iris ring to control the aperture, which can be locked in the ‘A’ position if you prefer to set this via the camera body. The aperture click can also be enabled or disabled via a switch – helpful for videographers who prefer a smooth action when filming. We’re also treated to two customizable focus-hold buttons on the side of the lens barrel.

(Image credit: Dan Mold)

As one of Sony’s top-flight G Master lenses, the Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM is of course weather sealed, and to that end there's a rubber seal around the metal lens mount.

In the box you’ll also find its ALC-SH173 lens hood, and a soft case to keep it protected when stored or in transit.

(Image credit: Dan Mold)

A rather odd feature that I’m glad to see included on the new Sony lens, and one I can’t recall seeing on other recent macro lenses, is the ability to use the Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM with Sony’s SEL14TC and SEL20TC teleconverters to extend its macro capabilities even further.

While I don’t think this is essential, I do think some wildlife and nature photographers who already own these extenders for long telephoto lenses will benefit greatly and get extra use out of them. However, more casual shooters will probably still find better value in a set of extension tubes that usually cost around $100 compared to the SEL14TC and SEL20TC which both cost $598 / £479 / AU$799 and also allow you to get closer to your subject.

That said, as somebody who owns a 180mm f/2.8 macro lens, I can see the merit of using a 2x teleconverter as a cheaper and more convenient alternative to owning a telephoto macro lens as well as a 100mm one.

Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM OSS: Performance

• Excellent image quality but autofocus not the fastest
• OSS makes it easier to shoot handheld close-up photos
• 1.4x magnification and teleconverter support make it easier to get closer

As one of Sony’s top-flight G Master lenses you’d expect the Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM to deliver a solid performance, and I’m delighted to say that this is very much the case.

Considering that the lens has not one, but four of Sony’s XD Extreme Dynamic linear motors the autofocus wasn’t the snappiest I’ve ever seen from a mirrorless lens. Instead it took a little moment to smoothly transition the focus, although this will perhaps be preferred by videographers.

That said, Sony claims the autofocus is 1.9x faster than its predecessor so it's still a decent improvement, and the autofocus was accurate once it acquired the subject. I also found it invaluable to have the ability to pull the focus clutch ring to engage full-time manual focus at any time.

Image 1 of 7

(Image credit: Dan Mold)Image 2 of 7

(Image credit: Dan Mold)Image 3 of 7

(Image credit: Dan Mold)Image 4 of 7

(Image credit: Dan Mold)Image 5 of 7

(Image credit: Dan Mold)Image 6 of 7

(Image credit: Dan Mold)Image 7 of 7

(Image credit: Dan Mold)

Image quality is excellent, with the lens employing both flourine and Nano AR II coatings on the front element to make it oil and water-repellent, and to counter flare when shooting towards a light source. The lens features 17 elements arranged in 13 groups, two of which are XA (extreme aspherical) elements and two of which are ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements.

Image 1 of 3

(Image credit: Dan Mold)Image 2 of 3

(Image credit: Dan Mold)Image 3 of 3

(Image credit: Dan Mold)

Of course, depth of field is limited when shooting close-up at f/2.8; however in-focus areas of images look very sharp, even when shooting wide open. Flare was controlled well, contrast was punchy, and images were free from chromatic aberration. The sharpness of the lens was able to meet the resolution of the 61MP Sony A7R IV I tested it with, producing beautifully clean images with virtually no distortion or vignetting.

In my tests shooting handheld I was able to take sharp shots at around 4-4.5 stops slower than would normally be required, though this was paired with a Sony A7R IV, which has sensor-based IBIS that also helps. This meant that where a shutter speed of 1/100 sec was required to take a sharp shot I was able to lower my ISO or close the aperture until my shutter speed was 1/5 sec and still get a usably sharp image when shooting handheld – impressive!

Image 1 of 4

This test shot of some snowdrops was taken with the Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM OSS without the teleconverter attached (Image credit: Dan Mold)Image 2 of 4

Shooting at the same distance from the snowdrops I attached the Sony 2x teleconverter which allowed me to get close-up macro results from a greater working distance, effectively turning the lens into a 200mm f/5.6 (Image credit: Dan Mold)Image 3 of 4

A close-up shot a snowdrop taken with the Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM OSS lens (Image credit: Dan Mold)Image 4 of 4

A close-up shot a snowdrop taken with the Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM OSS lens and Sony 2x Teleconverter (Image credit: Dan Mold)Should you buy the Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM OSS?Buy it if...

You want to upgrade from the Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS

The new Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM OSS has plentiful upgrades that make it the ultimate macro lens for Sony shooters.

You're a working professional

As one of Sony's top-flight G Master lenses, the 100mm optic is expensive but can deliver for working pros shooting close-ups of still life setups, nature and product photography.

You need teleconverter compatibility

The Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM OSS has been designed to work with Sony's 1.4x and 2x teleconverters, effectively turning the lens into a 140mm f/3.5 or 200mm f/5.6 respectively.

Don't buy it if...

You're on a budget

This is one of the most expensive macro lenses on the market, so Sony's older FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS or third-party options will be a better choice for those on stricter budgets.

You don't need the extra magnification

Sony's new macro lens can go to 1.4x magnification, but the old Sony FE 90mm macro can go to 1x magnification, which is still perfectly suitable for close life-size macro shots.

You need a portrait lens

If you're looking for a short telephoto lens for portraiture the Sony FE 100mm will do a decent job, but it's not your best bet. A lens such as an 85mm f/1.4, or 135mm f/1.8 will give you the faster apertures needed for artfully blurred backgrounds.View Deal

How I tested the Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM OSS

• I used the lens for a month, capturing close-up shots of nature as well as controlled still-life setups at home
• I paired it with the 61MP Sony a7R IV full-frame body, zooming in on images to assess resolution and clarity
• I took shots throughout the aperture range, focusing up close and further away, and used the lens with Sony's 2x teleconverter

I used the Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM OSS with a Sony A7R IV for a month to give the lens a thorough testing over an extended period. Sony also kindly loaned me its SEL20TC 2x teleconverter, and I also took test shots with this sandwiched between the lens and camera body to see what difference it made.

The lens became my go-to for taking close-up shots over this time, and in particular when we had a cold snap in the UK, where I'm based – I loved heading out with it to capture stunning details of frost patterns and ice.

I took a range of pictures with in-camera lens corrections both enabled and disabled to see the difference. I also shot in raw and JPEG formats, and shot at all of the various apertures to gauge how things like corner sharpness and vignetting changed throughout the range.

• First reviewed January 2026

Audeze Maxwell 2: one-minute review

Audeze is known for enthusiast-level audiophile hardware. When that tech drips down to the Maxwell gaming line, reviewer and consumer alike have an important question to ask: Can we actually hear a difference versus the competition?

The answer in this case is a resounding, 90mm driver-powered ‘yes’ in the form of the new Audeze Maxwell 2 wireless gaming headset that rattles your eardrums and stupefies you into a kind of aural nirvana. In 15 years of reviewing audio equipment from gaming to studio product categories – and do excuse me while I do a little sick in my mouth at the pompousness of this statement – I’ve rarely heard such a well-rounded and emotive frequency response.

It’s important to keep that in mind, because although there is good reason to be critical of this headset as a consumer release, it really can’t be faulted in raw audio terms. If great sound is all you care about, money no object, then you’ve already read all you needed to in this review. Go and enjoy your new headset.

But gaming headsets have become an incredibly crowded vertical, and in the race to win our attention and money, manufacturers have really spoiled us with features lately. Broadcast-quality noise-cancelling mics, simultaneous 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth connections, and even active noise cancellation have started to feel like table stakes in the flagship model end of the market.

That places a lot of importance on the secondary features of this follow-up to the original Audeze Maxwell. After all, it follows a prior model (the 'Gen 1', if you will) that gobbled up acclaim and awards like a ravenous James Cameron on a nineties Oscars night. The Gen 1 Maxwells are available for around $100 / £100 less than the new 'Gen 2s', and sadly, there’s no single must-have feature about the newer incarnation that justifies spending more money.

The Gen 2s do feature the company’s SLAM Acoustic Management, a marketing buzzword for ‘better audio’ more or less, along with Bluetooth connectivity, a wider headband for better weight distribution, and redesigned physical controls that do indeed feel pleasant to locate and operate. But given that the newer model is 2.4oz / 70g heavier than its predecessor, elements like the headband design upgrade feel less like a win and more like a necessity.

So here I am in the very strange position of reviewing a stellar headset that I can’t fully recommend, because so much of what makes it stellar was also true of the outgoing model.

(Image credit: Future/Phil Iwaniuk)Audeze Maxwell 2: price & availability

• List price: $349.99 / £339.99 / around AU$520 (Xbox version)
• Significantly more than the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless but less than the Nova Elite
• Maxwell V1 is still available and cheaper

You’d expect a premium price from an Audeze headset. The company has made its name by delivering no-compromise sound from audiophile-grade equipment, and a lot of that tech has found its way into the Maxwell gaming line. You can hear and feel the quality difference compared to the vast majority of gaming headsets immediately, even versus some of our favourite options like the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro and the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless.

There’s a slight price difference between the PS5 and Xbox versions of this headset, both of which are also compatible with PC and mobile devices via Bluetooth. The PlayStation option is slightly cheaper at $329.99 / £339, while the Xbox version has a $349.99 / £369 list price. This makes it significantly cheaper than the other recent audiophile gaming headset of the time, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite, which retails for a chonky $599.99 / £599.99.

It’s not just the sound that communicates where the money’s been spent. The build quality and presentation are also wonderful, like something you’d find waiting for you on an eye-wateringly expensive first-class plane seat. The only caveat, as you’ll read numerous times throughout this review, is that the outgoing model is currently going cheaper, and it’s fundamentally just as good.

(Image credit: Future/Phil Iwaniuk)Audeze Maxwell 2: Specs

Audeze Maxwell 2

Price

$349.99 / £339.99 / around AU$520

Weight

17.2oz / 490g

Drivers

90mm Planar Magnetic

Compatibility

PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch|2, MacOS, iOS, Android

Connection type

Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, wired 3.5mm/USB-C

Battery life

80 hours

Features

Detachable hypercardioid 16-bit/48KHz high bandwidth mic with FILTER AI noise removal, internal beamforming mics, 24-bit/96kHz high-resolution audio, patent-pending SLAM technology, Bluetooth support for Auracast, LE Audio, LDAC, and AAC

Software

Audeze App (PC and mobile)

Audeze Maxwell 2: Design & features

• Chunky and imposing looks, but very heavy
• Pro audio finish with impressive materials choices
• Control layout takes some getting used to

One thing’s for certain: you’re extremely unlikely to misplace this headset. Weighing in at 17.2oz / 490g (Or around 16.2oz / 460g if you remove the magnetic earcup plates) and featuring deep, luxurious cushioning around formidably large cups housing 90mm drivers, this is a strikingly solid model that conveys quality and longevity as soon as you cast your eyes over it. Brushed gunmetal finish, soft memory foam cushioning, and a new inner headband suspension strap with breathable holes combine to create an aesthetic that communicates the Maxwell 2’s mission: audiophile-grade gear in the gaming market.

I love that look, personally. I’m especially impressed by little details like the pin-sharp Audeze logos on each earcup, beneath the magnetic covers. Remove the detachable mic, and this is definitely a pair of headphones you wouldn’t mind being seen in public wearing.

There’s a downside to that: it’s an especially heavy model. Weight doesn’t have a linear relationship with discomfort, of course, and manufacturers can do plenty to minimise the effect of 17.2oz / 490g sitting across your cranium. But if you are prone to discomfort when wearing bulkier cans, this particular attribute is worth keeping in mind.

Personally, I found the comfort levels high for two to three hours of use. I do feel the weight across the top of my head, and also in the increased clamping force of the earcups around my ears, but not to such a degree that I need a break. It’s January as I write this in the UK, so heat isn’t an issue, but I could imagine the pleather earcup cushions might be more of an issue in hotter climes, as with any headset that has a lot of clamping force.

Moving on to the layout of its physical controls, redesigned for this Gen 2 model, I’m impressed overall. I love to have a physical chat mix dial on the headset, and sure enough, there’s a nice notched scroller with beautiful actuation on the rear-left earcup, just below the volume scroll wheel. On the right-hand cup are the power button and mic mute toggle switch, the latter of which is recessed so much that it can be slightly fiddly to operate, but it feels like the switch itself is of a high-quality, durable standard. The only fiddly aspect of the layout is the pairing button on the front of the left earcup, the position of which takes a little while to commit to memory.

(Image credit: Future/Phil Iwaniuk)Audeze Maxwell 2: Performance

• Sound with a genuine wow factor
• AI mic noise cancellation is hit or miss
• App support for further tweaks

Now we’re into the section where the Maxwell 2 shines. It takes a lot of clever designers, engineers, and the right suppliers to achieve audio this good, and, particularly in the gaming vertical, most manufacturers have simply never taken the commercial risk of spending this much to reach this level of fidelity.

Audeze has the advantage of having honed its tech in the enthusiast space, giving the company a library of designs and parts to refer to when designing a gaming model. We saw the fruits of that labour in the original Maxwell, and now those same 90mm drivers with their frankly preposterous 10Hz-50KHz frequency response have been tuned further with Audeze’s SLAM technology.

The marketing materials say this technology allows for “heightened spatial immersion, precise and punchier bass response”, and I can’t argue with that. Apparently, it’s all down to the physical construction of the drivers, not a software-level boost, and that’s always firmer ground to establish audio fidelity on.

The overall fidelity standard has raised its game in gaming headsets lately, so the difference between contemporaries like the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro or SteelSeries Arctis Pro Nova Wireless and this model isn’t as night and day as might have been the case five years ago, when ‘gaming’ models were still artificially boosting their low end at the cost of clarity. Rather, it’s that every component part of the aural landscape is that bit clearer and more emotive.

(Image credit: Future/Phil Iwaniuk)

The bass response is huge, but tight. It doesn’t overwhelm the rest of the EQ spectrum, leaving room for sparkly high-end frequencies to chime. Human speech sounds true-to-life, indicating a well-tuned midrange response, while the stereo landscape feels impressively vast when you listen to the right sources. Try out some binaural recordings, and you’ll hear what I mean.

If audio reproduction is peerless – and it is – then audio output is a different story. The mic on this Gen 2 model features AI-assisted noise cancellation, and not to blame everything on Skynet’s malicious invasion of our lives, but it doesn’t work very well in my experience.

I’ve tested this headset using every connection type available, including digital and analog wired connections, but whenever I enable the AI noise cancellation, I get a muffled sound in Discord. That’s likely due to Discord and Audeze’s noise cancellation technologies working counterproductively over the top of each other, but whatever the cause, it’s a shame to have to turn off the noise cancellation.

After some tuning, the mic sounds much better. But at this price point, the expectation is for a mic with out-of-the-box quality. Similarly, there are some other chinks in the armor when you dig around in the connectivity options. Simultaneous Bluetooth connection is only possible with a digital or analog wired connection, rather than with the 2.4GHz wireless via the dongle – another feature you’d hope for at this price.

I can’t knock the 80-hour battery life, mind you. That’s an incredible figure, and charging is easy enough via a USB-C connection just below the mic.

(Image credit: Future/Phil Iwaniuk)Should you buy the Audeze Maxwell 2?Buy it if...

You’ll stop at nothing for incredible sound
It was never in doubt – there’s no comparison to the fidelity, punchiness, and emotion generated by the 90mm drivers inside these earcups.

You’re all about that bass
The bass response from these drivers is like sprinting into a brick wall - with a tailwind.

You want audiophile headset looks
So long, RGB, and tribal designs. Hello to a grown-up aesthetic that you’d be happy to wear in the street.

Don't buy it if...

You can find a Gen 1 for sale instead
It’s practically just as good, and it’s available for less. Sorry, Gen 2, but it just makes sense to buy the older model.

You need the utmost mic quality
There are some issues with Discord’s noise cancellation and the AI-powered Audeze version.

Simultaneous Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless is a deal-breaker
If this is a must-have for you, then you'll need to look elsewhere, though you can achieve simultaneous digital or analog wired with Bluetooth, though.

Also consider...

Does this Audeze model put you ill at ease? Consider these premium wireless alternatives.

Audeze Maxwell 2

Razer BlackShark V3 Pro

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless

Price

$349.99 / £339.99 / around AU$520

$249.99 / £249.99 / around AU$510

$349 (£329, AU$649)

Weight

17.2oz / 490g

12.9oz / 367g

11.85oz / 336g

Drivers

90mm Planar Magnetic

Razer TriForce Bio-Cellulose 50 mm Drivers Gen-2

40mm neodymium

Compatibility

PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch|2, MacOS, iOS, Android

PC, Xbox Series X (Xbox version only), PlayStation 5 (PlayStation version only), iOS, Android

Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, Mobile

Connection type

Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, wired 3.5mm/USB-C

Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless (Hyperspeed dongle), USB wired, 2.5mm wired

Wireless (2.4Ghz via dongle), Wired (USB-C), Bluetooth 5.3

Battery life

80 hours

70 hours

Up to 60 hours (2 x fully-charged batteries), Infinite Power System

Features

Detachable hypercardioid 16-bit/48KHz high bandwidth mic with FILTER AI noise removal, internal beamforming mics, 24-bit/96kHz high-resolution audio, patent-pending SLAM technology, Bluetooth support for Auracast, LE Audio, LDAC, and AAC

ANC, Razer HyperClear full-band 12mm mic, THX Spatial Audio

40mm Neodymium, ANC, magnetic drivers, 360-degree spatial audio, retractable ClearCast 2.X mic

Software

Audeze App (PC and mobile)

Razer Audio App, Razer Synapse

SteelSeries GG/Sonar (PC)

Razer Blackshark V3 Pro
Quite simply, the best all-round gaming headset on the market today. The V3 Pro version features ANC, a great mic, and a comparable 70-hour battery life, bested only in raw audio fidelity by the Audeze Maxwell 2.

For more information, check out our full Razer Blackshark V3 Pro review.

Steelseries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
Featuring SteelSeries’ unique dual-battery charging solution, premium looks, plus ANC implementation, the Nova Pro Wireless is a premium headset option with few faults.

For more information, check out our full SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless review.

How I tested the Audeze Maxwell 2

• Weeks of solid use on PC, Xbox, and Mac
• All connection types tested
• Put through its paces in gaming, movies, music and work calls

When a headset with audio fidelity chops as formidable as this arrives, there’s only one thing for it: you play lossless classical music, as loud as your ears can withstand, until entering a stupor. That’s stage one of testing this headset.

Given that there are several connection options and multi-device compatibility, I checked each option off to ensure functionality and fidelity. I also updated the firmware via the Audeze software before poking around in the app options.

Given that the higher weight looked like it might be an issue, I wore the Maxwell 2 all day during my workday for a week straight, which included using it for work calls. That also gave me a chance to take feedback on the mic quality using different chat clients, which is where I identified that the Discord issue isn’t a universal noise-cancelling problem.

Oh, and in case you’re wondering, Baby Steps sounds fantastic through these things.

First reviewed December 2025-January 2026

Read more about how we test

There's been a murder – and I'm not just talking about the plot of Agatha Christie's Seven Dials. In fact, I'm talking about the Netflix adaptation itself. The infamous crime author has sold between 2-4 billion copies of her work, but somehow, the TV version of The Seven Dials Mystery feels absolutely criminal.

Not to brag, but I'm ordaining myself as an expert here. Back in the 2000s, UK TV channel ITV had the monopoly on Poirot and Miss Marple adaptations, and I've grown up watching them. Add in movie classics like Peter Ustinov's Death on the Nile and devouring her books from the age of 14, and I'm an application away from joining the Agatha Christie fan club.

If we're comparing Agatha Christie's Seven Dials to everything I listed above (and it would be pretty hard not to), its must-miss energy is down to two things: the original novel and the changes made to the streamer's adaptation.

But before we dig deeper into that, don't let my instant negativity put you off too much. With a star-studded cast and a three-episode runtime, there is some merit to binging it... perhaps when you're trying to do some last-minute ironing on a Sunday afternoon.

The only person who will likely be breathing a sigh of relief is Kenneth Branagh, whose trilogy of Poirot movies received a widespread panning from critics and audiences alike. Personally, I only thought A Haunting in Venice was an out-and-out disaster, but he definitely won't be a crime-themed punching bag after this.

The Seven Dials Mystery is the wrong Agatha Christie story to adapt for Netflix

I would confidently bet £10 (or $10 / AU$10 for my US and Australian friends) that you've never heard of The Seven Dials Mystery before. Not only was it not a big hitter like And Then There Were None or Murder on the Orient Express, but the novel it takes characters from, The Secret of Chimneys, was a much bigger success. The Seven Dials Mystery released to mostly bad reviews from critics, and all three of these points together aren't the best groundings for an adaptation.

Is the original book really one of Christie's best? I don't think so. It's definitely got a more light-hearted tone, but that only really comes across if you were actually from the 1920s. The overarching mystery doesn't really stick, and it's all a bit too complicated for its own good.

None of these things are Agatha Christie's Seven Dials' fault, more what it's got to contend with. There were a million better stories for the biggest streaming service in the world to choose for its own original content, particularly if it wants to build up a visual back catalog of Christie's work.

Sparkling Cyanide, Crooked House or Cards on the Table might have made for shrewd choices, especially given as their narrative structures are all a lot more sound. But here's when we begin to run into our other problem.

If you've seen any of the latest TV Agatha Christie adaptations over the last decade – which have either been for the BBC or direct to Britbox – you'll have noticed a subtle downward spiral of quality. From Kim Cattrall's Witness for the Prosecution to Anjelica Huston in Towards Zero, no new series has seemed to garner favor with anyone watching.

So, are the glory days of adapting Agatha Christie for the small screen over? It certainly feels that way for the standalone novels. I think a streaming service like Netflix could score some points with a Miss Marple reboot, but even that's a big ask.

The changes Agatha Christie's Seven Dials make to the original book don't work either

Martin Freeman lives his best detective life and I'm genuinely pleased for him. (Image credit: Netflix)

WARNING: spoilers for Agatha Christie's Seven Dials ahead.

When Murder, She Wrote and Columbo used to air in the 1980s, viewers quickly caught on that whoever was the biggest star in an episode was also the murderer – so much so that creators then had to change their casting tactics. Clearly, we don't learn anything from history, as the biggest stars in Agatha Christie's Seven Dials are the ones who give the game away.

Without giving the ultimate whodunnit away (although you could just read the book if you want an answer), Lord Caterham has been changed to Lady Caterham in this adaptation, and that's a huge problem. Frankly, casting executives could and should do anything to have Helena Bonham Carter in their production, and she's as dazzling and zany as you'd expect in the limited screentime she has.

However, she also gives away the secrets of the Seven Dials in a way that wouldn't have happened had our lady still been a lord. It's an incredibly silly blunder that knocks the central pins of storytelling to a ground, and I can't believe the decision came from the same man who made Broadchurch.

If you want to keep some mystery until the end, I'd almost recommend skipping episode 2 entirely. You can work out all the connections and logistics at play by the halfway point – something the Queen of Crime would never have let happen on her watch, even if it was one of her weaker stories.

So, what am I really getting from this streaming experience? A feeling of being let down and not seeing enough of Bonham Carter. Shoutout to Martin Freeman though, who's clearly having the time of his life playing make believe in a game of Netflix Cluedo.

Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!

And of course you can also follow TechRadar on TikTok for news, reviews, unboxings in video form, and get regular updates from us on WhatsApp too.

Kodak Charmera: Two-minute review

It took me a while to get my hands on the Kodak Charmera – such is the viral popularity of this $30, 30g keychain digital camera, that it sold out on its release day late last year (with what felt like minimal advertising), and it only came back in stock as I publish this review a month later. Who knows, it might be out of stock again by the time you read these words.

And I can see the appeal – the Charmera is cheap, tiny, retro, it’ll easily fix to your keyring, and it’s an actual working camera with a screen.

What's more, there are six 1980s-inspired colorways, plus a limited edition see-through version, and you don’t know which version you’ll get since it comes in a 'blind box'. That’s got gift idea written all over it.

When I unboxed mine, cue disappointment – the black version with rainbow frontage – the one pictured on the box that appealed to me the least. Still, inside the box, a nice poster, a collector card, and a small charging cable.

Image 1 of 5

(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)Image 2 of 5

(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)Image 3 of 5

(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)Image 4 of 5

(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)Image 5 of 5

(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

I charged the Charmera up and slotted the thumb-sized camera into my pocket where it would live for the following weeks.

The Charmera shoots tiny 1.6 megapixel JPEG photos and HD video (1400 x 1080p at 30fps) through a fixed 35mm f/2.4 lens, has seven photo filters and four animated borders to choose from, stores onto micro SD (which needs to be purchased separately), and has a (predictably) tiny internal battery that is recharged through USB-C.

There’s a tiny 16:9 LCD screen with live view that in practice is even smaller given that images are captured in 4:3, a miniscule LED light that illuminates closeup subjects, and possibly the smallest viewfinder I've ever used, which is novel and in a way works.

Honestly, that’s about all the features and design aspects worth knowing about, but what is the Charmera actually like to use?

Image 1 of 7

(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)Image 2 of 7

(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)Image 3 of 7

(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)Image 4 of 7

(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)Image 5 of 7

(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)Image 6 of 7

(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)Image 7 of 7

(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

Menus are simple enough to navigate; turn the camera on, and you select either photo, video, or set date using the three buttons on the rear, with the playback button doubling as select.

The power button doubles up as a back button, and then there's the shutter button to shoot photos and video. It takes barely a minute to figure this all out.

Everything about the Charmera is tiny: a tiny thumb-sized body, tiny screen, tiny images. And it's actually kind of fun to shoot with...in the moment. I was certainly charmed by the Charmera, and I think many others will be too.

It's when you plug the camera into a computer or hook up the memory card to view any images taken with the Charmera that the warm fuzzy feeling quickly vanishes.

Image 1 of 12

(Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 2 of 12

(Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 3 of 12

(Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 4 of 12

(Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 5 of 12

(Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 6 of 12

(Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 7 of 12

(Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 8 of 12

(Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 9 of 12

(Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 10 of 12

(Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 11 of 12

(Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 12 of 12

(Image credit: Tim Coleman)

The Charmera's photo quality is about the worst I've seen from a digital camera in my lifetime – and I've been shooting digital since consumers could, when 16MB memory cards existed (yes, megabytes).

With a resolution being a truly retro 1.6MP and a barely existent dynamic range, photos are more impressions than anything else. A collection of pixels, pieced together.

And that's me commenting on the regular color profile. Use any one of the monotone filters, and things get super abstract.

Photos are like one of the novel, abstract filters you get with a decent digital camera. I guess such dated quality could charm some. For me, it screams short-lived novelty; for others, it could be the camera they always have with them.

My own gripes aside, I also think that the Charmera is so small and so distinct, that I'll keep it on me every day for the months to come.

It's a conversation starter. A whimsical capturer of moments (assuming it's tiny battery isn't flat when you pull it out of the pocket – that'll happen).

The Kodak Charmera certainly ain't good quality. But that's hardly the point, is it? This is a cheap, charming retro gift for the photography lover in your life, that should get more use than a foot spa or marmite-scented deodrant (the UK's most unwanted Christmas gift for 2025). That's the hope from me as someone who hates waste.

The Charmera is far from being one of the best compact cameras, even the best cheap compact cameras, but I don't expect that to slow down its sales.

Kodak is killing it right now with multiple best-selling cheap cameras – like the recent Ektar H35N half-frame film camera, and the PixPro C1 – and the Charmera could just be the pick of the pack in terms of concept (not quality). It's a marketing masterstroke. Who knew a keychain camera could be so popular?

Kodak Charmera: price and availability

• Announced in November 2025 and sold out in a day
• Priced at $30 / £30 / AU$54.95

The Kodak Charmera costs $30 / £30 / AU$54.95 for a single 'blind box', or you can buy the whole set of 6 for $180 / £180 to guarantee getting each colorway. There's a 1 in 48 chance of scoring the limited edition transparent version.

Scalpers have been selling the Charmera for extortionate prices, and some retailers have bumped the price a little, but you should be able to pick up the Charmera for its fair, original price through one of the links below.

Kodak Charmera: specsKodak Charmera Specs

Sensor

1/4-inch

Resolution

1.6MP

Video

1440 x 1080p at 30fps, AVI format

Lens

35mm f/2.4

Screen

Really, really small

Viewfinder

Even tinier

Dimensions

58 x 24.5 x 20 mm

Weight

30g

Battery life

200mAh, rechargeable

Memory

Micro SD (1GB to 128GB)

Should I buy the Kodak Charmera?

(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)Buy it if...

You're looking for a cheap gift for the photography lover in your life
I can personally think of multiple people in my life who would love to receive a Charmera.

You'd appreciate a cheap, always with you camera that isn't your phone
It weighs 30g, is about the size of your thumb, shoots bad photos that could appeal to anti-tech heads and it costs $30 / £30. The Charmera is an easy sell.

Don't buy it if...

You want decent photo quality
It's no exaggeration to say the Charmera produces the worst quality photos I've seen for quite some time – they're awful from a technical standpoint.

You need a reliable camera
For me, the Charmera would be a whole lot more useful as an every day carry if its battery life wasn't so bad.

Also consider Camp Snap Camera

Another perfectly executed cheap camera is the original Camp Snap, available for around twice the price of a Charmera. Think of it as a digital version of the single-use camera – a larger, screen-less 4MP shooter with retro design. I'm a fan.

Read my Camp Snap Camera review

Pros

• Cute looks
• No screen
• Point-and-shoot simplicity

Cons

• Poor image quality
• Glare from photo counter when using viewfinder
• Low power LED flash

How I tested the Kodak Charmera

(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

• I got the Charmera last year and it's mine to keep
• I've used it sporadically over a couple of months
• I've tried the various color filters and animated borders

I'm not going to dig into technicals of how I've tested this novel point-and-shoot camera. In short, I've rattled off hundreds of photos in good light and bad, played with the various color filters and shot short video clips. Image quality is predictably bad, but short battery life is particularly unfortunate.

First reviewed January 2026

The Microsoft-owned Clipchamp is distinct from most video editors, since the main draw here is that you can edit videos in your browser (provided that browser is either Chrome or Edge).

There’s an obvious advantage to that - as long as you’re logged in to your account, you can work from any computer. There's no need to check you have top-end computer specs and you don’t need to install any additional software.

Now, this isn't going to compete with Premiere Pro, Final Cut, or any of the other best video editing software I've used. As the name suggests, it's a lot more basic than those apps, and a lot of its use depends on adding content to pre-built templates.

I took a look at how easy it is to use the tool, and whether Clipchamp has a place in the creative workflow.

• Try out Clipchamp by clicking here

Clipchamp: Pricing & plans

(Image credit: Microsoft // Future)

• Generous free option with no watermarks
• Premium subscription with Microsoft 365

Being able to edit online is one thing, being restricted to only a couple of browsers is another. I’m not a fan of being forced to work with a specific browser. Personally, I like Firefox and Safari, but Clipchamp is only compatible with Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome. If you already use these browsers, great, but if you don’t, you’ll have to decide from the outset if that restriction will put you off using this video editor.

As for the price, Clipchamp comes in two flavours: ‘Free’ and ‘Premium'.

‘Free’ is surprisingly generous, letting you work on projects up to 1080p, have access to what they call ‘AI editing tools’ for audio and video, grant you the ability to record your computer’s screen, webcam, and audio, and all without any watermark anywhere, which is pretty cool.

As for ‘Premium’, its projects can be up to 4K, and you gain access to premium stock assets, filters and effects (‘Free’ only has a basic assortment of those).

Unfortunately, though, you can't get a Premium subscription as a standalone. Instead, Clipchamp is bundled with Microsoft Office 365, so if you’re not one for subscribing to business software, you’ll have to decide if Clipchamp Premium is worth getting for between $100 and $130 a year - which is quite hefty for an online video editor - or whether a tool like Canva Video might be the better pick. On the bright side, if you already subscribe to Office, then you can have fun with Premium right now.

Clipchamp: Getting started

(Image credit: Microsoft // Future)

• You absolutely need a Microsoft login for personal accounts

You can choose to use your email address, or log in through your Google or Microsoft account… except if you choose to work on personal projects, Clipchamp will then inform you only Microsoft accounts are able to do that.

And that’s after giving your email address, created a password, and clicked on many, many emails and buttons,

Making it clear what the state of play is from the get-go would’ve saved me a lot of time. It doesn’t really endear you to the service you’re about to explore.

However, I decided to put that little hiccup - something that could easily be fixed with a few lines of text at the login page - to the side, and set off exploring the online service.

Clipchamp: Interface & experience

(Image credit: Microsoft // Future)

• Impressive considering it's browser-based
• Good interface with easy to use tools
• Experience marred by tiny preview section and lots of buffering

The home page looks fine. You’ve got a sidebar on the left to gain access to your settings and ready-made templates, among others, while the bulk of the page is devoted to tips and tricks to encourage you to try new features (I was offered recording from a webcam, and using digital voices to turn your text into speech). You’ll also see a few featured templates, a button to edit by yourself, and another with the help of AI, and at the bottom, all your previous projects.

Nothing new here really in terms of design and layout, but it’s simple and clear, which helps you get to where you wish to go.

I thought I’d try out the manual editing first, as that’s my usual bread and butter… And I must say, it works really well. To the left is a sidebar containing all available tools. From there, you have access to any media you uploaded to the service, a library of stock assets, text tools and transitions, templates (again), and a section dedicated to recording media. This includes webcam, a connected camera, your desktop, or a microphone (all of which worked really well). This is also another place where the ‘text to speech’ option can be accessed.

All well and good.

When it comes to editing, it’s all about dragging. Drag a clip from your library to the timeline to add it to your project. Repeat the process, to build up your edit. Drag a clip’s edges to resize it, drag an entire clip to move it around; select an item in the timeline for its changeable parameters to appear in a sidebar to the right. It’s all pretty intuitive and standard fare.

The one thing that annoyed me is how small the preview section is. This is generally the part of the interface that needs to be as big as possible, so you can see what you’re working on. Here, it’s tiny.

Worse still, dragging the playhead along the timeline doesn’t update what you see in that preview section, so you can’t quickly scroll to another part of your edit and carry on working: you have to wait for the buffering to end.

That’s an obvious downside to working online, but it’s also a frustrating one if you’re used to working fast. If you’re a casual editor, you might be fine with that though.

Clipchamp: Recording

(Image credit: Microsoft)

• All options work well
• Choose your text-to-speech narrator wisely

You get four recording options in Clipchamp: Camera, Screen, Camera & Screen, and text-to-speech. These work exactly as you’d expect - grant the app access to your mic and webcam, select which window, tab, or desktop to record, hit Share.

It’s not a bad shout if you need a no-fuss one of the best free screen recorders for no-fuss, no-hassle set-up and use. It's also useful for recording piece-to-camera videos and webinars.

The built-in text-to-speech software is slightly different. It’s like a robot narrator. Input content into the text field, choose a language and voice that fits your video, then tinker with the pitch and speed to create something that passes for human speech.

The variety across the board here is excellent. However, some voices were much more natural than others, closer to ‘realistic’ smart speaker voices than the usual stilted robots found in Microsoft apps. Save the sound clip and you can drag it onto your timeline like any other media.  

Clipchamp: AI editing

(Image credit: Microsoft // Future)

• Not truly AI
• Automatic algorithms, and not very clever ones at that

Now, might AI overcome some of the buffering I experienced? After all, if the algorithms do the work for you, it should be a much easier affair.

To be honest, this was one of the most disappointing aspects of Clipchamp. I can live with a bit of buffering. But the claims of AI editing are laughable.

First things first, I uploaded some footage - and that process is absolutely fine. Then I had to like or dislike a bunch of themes, or select the option ‘choose for me’.

When it comes to orientation, it’s either landscape or portrait (the more numerous options I found when editing manually weren't present this time round). There is an option to choose from a handful of songs and fonts, or just accept the default selection that’s been presented, and then export.

As the algorithm does its thing, I was offered various ways to save the project: save to the desktop, upload it to an online storage service such as OneDrive, Google Drive or Dropbox, or to social media sites such as YouTube, TikTok or LinkedIn.

Then came the big reveal.

I have to say, I wasn’t impressed with the output. Sure everything was edited for me, but the choices were anaemic.

I uploaded widescreen shots and requested a vertical video suitable for social media. The algorithm didn’t crop my footage. It just presented it with massive black bars top and bottom. This was not what I was expecting.

The editing was also unimpressive. Oh and the preview section during export could also be bigger (what is it with Clipchamp and tiny preview sections?)

I tried multiple times, and noticed the edit seems to follow the order the clips were in, and it didn’t even edit to the beat of its chosen song. I mean, really, that should be a basic feature for an AI tool.

If, like me, you’re not happy with the results, you can always ‘Keep Editing’, i.e., take the work already done by the machine, and refine it to your liking in the manual editing section. That could definitely save some time. Frankly, I’d bin the whole thing and start properly from scratch. But maybe that’s just me.

Should I buy Clipchamp?

(Image credit: Microsoft // Future)Buy it if…

You’re looking for an way to edit online, with some simple tools that are well implemented, and best of all, the free tier doesn’t watermark your output!

Don’t buy it if…

You’re not a fan of having to wait for the interface to catch up with you, you’d appreciate a bigger preview section, and are far from impressed by the lamentable AI feature.

For more editors, we've tested and reviewed the best free video editing software and the best video editing apps.

HP Omen Max 16: Two minute review

Many of the best gaming laptops on the market feature Nvidia’s latest 50 series graphics cards, and while these are perfect for those who are looking for a powerful device, they typically come at an exceptionally high price point.

Enter the latest HP Omen Max 16, which comes with a more affordable pricepoint when compared to its rivals, though it will still leave a significant dent in your wallet.

The HP Omen Max 16 is a formidable machine designed for high-end gaming, and from the moment you power it on, its capabilities shine through, offering smooth gameplay and crisp visuals.

While it features a more traditional gaming laptop aesthetic with a slightly bulkier build, its performance under pressure is where it truly excels. The Omen Max 16 manages heat impressively well, maintaining optimal performance even during extended gaming sessions, and its display offers a truly immersive visual feast.

This laptop is a strong choice for gamers who prioritize raw power and a high-quality visual experience, and it's well-equipped to handle the most demanding AAA titles - all for a price that's (slightly) more sensible than other gaming laptops at this end of the market.

(Image credit: Future)HP Omen Max 16: Price and availability

• How much is it? Starting at $2,599 / £1,999
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US and UK

The Omen Max 16 is available for $2,599 / £1,999. This price positions it competitively within the high-performance gaming laptop market, especially considering the specifications it offers.

While it's certainly not a budget option, it provides excellent value for serious gamers looking for top-tier hardware without reaching the ultra-premium price points of some alternatives. For example, the MSI Stealth A16 AI+, which boasts an Nvidia 5070 Ti - less powerful than the 5080 featured in the Omen Max 16 - comes in at $2,899 / £2,199.

The laptop is currently available in the US, UK, and several European countries. While there's no official word on wider global availability, HP typically expands its distribution to other regions over time.

• Value: 4 / 5

HP Omen Max 16: Specs

The HP Omen Max 16 is equipped with a powerful Intel Core i9-14900HX processor, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 GPU, 32GB of DDR5 RAM, and a fast 1TB NVMe SSD. These specifications combine to create a powerhouse capable of handling the most demanding games and applications with ease.

HP Omen Max 16 AH0007NA

Price

$2,599 / £1,999

CPU

Intel Core i9-14900HX

GPU

GeForce RTX 5080

RAM

32GB DDR5

Storage

1TB PCIe SSD

Display

16.1-inch QHD (2560 x 1440) IPS - 240Hz

Ports

3x USB-A, 1x USB-C (Thunderbolt 4), 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x Ethernet, 1x Audio Jack, 1x SD Card Reader

Wireless

Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4

Dimensions

369 x 259.4 x 23.9 mm

Weight

2.5 kg

(Image credit: Future)HP Omen Max 16: Design

• Dated design
• Keyboard looks great
• Excellent screen

The Omen Max 16 embraces a bold, aggressive design that is characteristic of gaming laptops - while you could take it into an office environment or on the go, you might get some strange looks.

Personally, I find this aesthetic quite dated, so it’s not really the best option for me, but this won’t be the case for everyone. One thing I will note, however, is that the RGB keyboard is stunning thanks to the semi-transparent keycaps.

Its chassis is sturdy, and while it's not the slimmest laptop on the market, its build quality feels premium. The laptop's larger footprint accommodates its powerful components and effective cooling system, but it does also mean that this device will be taking up a fair amount of space on your desk or in your bag if you’re intending to take this laptop on the go with you.

(Image credit: Future)

HP has provided an ample selection of ports, ensuring you can connect all of your gaming peripherals without the need for an extra USB adaptor. You'll find multiple USB-A ports, a versatile USB-C port with Thunderbolt 4 support, an HDMI 2.1 output for connecting to external monitors, an Ethernet port for stable online gaming, an audio jack, and even an SD card reader.

However, it's worth noting that if you’re intending to run a streaming setup off of your gaming laptop, you may need more ports in order to plug in a microphone and higher-resolution webcam.

The 16.1-inch QHD IPS display is a highlight, offering vibrant colors, sharp details, and a smooth 240Hz refresh rate. While it’s not as good as an OLED panel, IPS still offers decent image quality, and is capable of an impressive range of colors. This screen provides an incredibly immersive visual experience, making games and movies truly pop. The high refresh rate ensures fluid motion, and there's no hint of screen tearing.

• Design: 4 / 5

HP Omen Max 16: Performance

• Excellent performance
• Efficient cooling
• Fans can get loud

HP Omen Max 16 Benchmarks

Here's how the HP Omen Max 16 performed in our suite of benchmark tests:

Geekbench 6 (Multi Core): 16,800; (Single Core): 3,150
Crossmark Overall: 2,050
3DMark Fire Strike: 35,890; Night Raid: 42,100; Time Spy 15,720
Total War: Warhammer III: (1440p, Ultra): 140 FPS; 1440p, low): 290 FPS
Cyberpunk 2077 (1440p, Ultra): 90 FPS; (1440p, Low): 160 FPS
Dirt 5 (1440p, Ultra): 180 FPS; (1440p, Low): 260 FPS
PCMark 10 Battery Life: 5 hours 10 mins
TechRadar movie test: 5 hours

The performance of the HP Omen Max 16 gaming is exceptional, consistently delivering high frame rates across a wide range of demanding games.

Whether battling in the latest AAA titles or engaging in intense competitive multiplayer, the laptop maintains smooth and responsive gameplay. The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 graphics card, paired with the Intel Core i9-14900HX processor, easily handles graphically-intensive games, even with settings cranked up to 'ultra'.

(Image credit: Future)

During extensive testing, titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Alan Wake 2 ran beautifully at high resolutions with ray tracing enabled, showcasing the laptop's ability to render stunning visuals without compromise. In each game I tried I got high frame rates with no stuttering and no issues whatsoever, and beyond gaming, the Omen Max 16 handles resource-intensive tasks such as video editing, 3D rendering, and complex multitasking with remarkable efficiency, making it a versatile machine for power users.

One of the standout features is its cooling system. Despite running demanding applications, the laptop manages heat impressively well. While the fans do become quite loud under heavy load, they are effective at keeping internal temperatures in check, preventing thermal throttling and ensuring sustained performance. The keyboard area remained comfortable to use, even during prolonged gaming sessions, which is a testament to the efficient cooling design.

The speakers provide decent audio, clear enough for general use, but for the best results, I'd suggest picking up one of the best PC gaming headsets to take advantage of directional audio.

• Performance: 4.5 / 5

HP Omen Max 16: Battery life

• Surprisingly good battery life
• Almost a full day's regular use, about two and a half hours of gaming
• Charges fast but uses a proprietary charger

While HP promises a decent battery life for general usage, in real-world testing, the Omen Max 16 delivered an average of around five to six hours for light tasks such as web browsing or video playback.

This is a respectable figure for a powerful gaming laptop. However, as expected with high-performance hardware, engaging in intensive gaming or demanding applications significantly reduces battery life, typically down to about one and a half hours.

Our PCMark 10 battery life benchmark and TechRadar movie test both lasted around 5 hours, which aligns with typical expectations for this class of device. For extended gaming sessions, keeping the laptop plugged in is essential.

• Battery Life: 3 / 5

Should you buy the HP Omen Max 16?HP Omen Max 16 Scorecard

Value

The HP Omen Max offers competitive pricing for its high-end specifications.

4 / 5

Design

It has a robust, traditional gaming aesthetic with a good port selection.

4 / 5

Performance

Expect exceptional performance for AAA gaming and demanding tasks.

4.5 / 5

Battery Life

Average battery life, typical for a high-performance gaming laptop.

4.5 / 5

Total

Overall, the HP Omen Max 16 offers excellent gaming performance for a competitive price. The design, however, feels a bit bulky and dated.

4 / 5

Buy the HP Omen Max 16 if...

You want powerful gaming performance
If you're looking for a laptop that can handle the latest AAA titles at high settings with ease, this will be the laptop for you.

Image quality is important to you
The vibrant, high-refresh-rate display offers an immersive visual experience.

You don't want to get burnt
The HP Omen Max 16 manages heat well, ensuring sustained performance during long gaming sessions.

Don't buy it if...

You prioritize portability and having a laptop with a slim design
The HP Omen Max 16's design is robust but bulkier than ultra-portable alternatives.

You need all-day battery life
While decent for a gaming laptop, it won't last a full workday or long gaming sessions unplugged.

You're on a very tight budget
The HP Omen Max 16 offers good value for its specs, but it's still a high-end device with a corresponding price tag.

Also consider

Asus ROG Strix Scar 17
For those seeking an even larger screen and potentially more aggressive aesthetics with top-tier performance, the Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 is a strong alternative that often features cutting-edge components.

Read our full Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 review

Alienware m18
If screen size and sheer power are paramount, the Alienware m18 offers an expansive display and extreme performance, often at the very top end of gaming laptop capabilities.

Read our full Alienware m18 review

How I tested the HP Omen Max 16

For a period of two weeks, the Omen Max 16 served as my primary device for both work and leisure activities. I integrated it into my daily routine, using it for typical office tasks, extensive gaming sessions in the evenings, and general media consumption.

To assess its portability and performance outside of a stationary setup, I also used it in various remote working environments. Beyond everyday usage, comprehensive benchmark tests were conducted using industry-standard software such as 3DMark and GeekBench, alongside in-game benchmarking tools, to rigorously evaluate its performance across different scenarios.

• First reviewed January 2026

Ninja BlendBOSS Tumbler Blender: one-minute review

The Ninja BlendBOSS Tumbler Blender with 26oz Travel Tumbler is ideal for people who want to quickly make smoothies, iced coffee, and other frozen beverages on the go. Just put your ingredients into the tumbler, screw on the blade lid, screw the blade lid onto the 1,200-watt motor base, and press one of the four blend mode buttons. There are three intelligent preset programs: Smoothie, Ice Crush, and Blend. These modes combine pulsing, blending, and pausing so you don't have guess. Unscrew the tumbler and screw on the drinking lid, grab a straw if you like, and you're on your way.

All three of the removable parts (tumbler, blade, travel lid) are easy to clean and dishwasher-safe. The base, which stays stable on your counter with suction cups, doesn't need to be washed. Simply wipe with a damp cloth if spills happen.

The Ninja BlendBOSS Tumbler Blender is aesthetically pleasing, with four whimsical colorways. The travel tumbler resembles trendy water bottle styles.

Ninja BlendBOSS Tumbler Blender: price and availability

• List price: $119.99 (about £90 / AU$180)
• Not widely available outside the US

The Ninja BlendBOSS Tumbler Blender with 26oz Travel Tumbler is available at all major retailers in the US, both online and in brick-and-mortar stores. Find it at Ninja's own website or at Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Amazon, and many more. It comes in four fun colorways: Lavender Lemonade (purple and yellow, as seen in my photos), Blue Raspberry (light blue and seafoam green), Watermelon Bubblegum (sage green and pale pink), and Cyberspace (gray and steel blue). It retails for $119.99 (about £90 / AU$180)

It's not widely available outside the US at the time of writing, though you may be able to find it imported via Amazon Marketplace.

• Value score: 4/5

Image 1 of 6

(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)Image 2 of 6

(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)Image 3 of 6

(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)Image 4 of 6

(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)Image 5 of 6

(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)Image 6 of 6

(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)Ninja BlendBOSS Tumbler Blender: specifications

Price

$119.99

Blending functions

Three intelligent programs blend automatically: Smoothie, Ice Crush, and Blend. A fourth button, Pulse, lets you choose.

Size

7.2 in L x 6.69 in W x 12.91 in H

Container material

Plastic

Container included

26-ounce travel tumbler

Color options

Lavender Lemonade (purple and yellow, as seen in my photos), Blue Raspberry (light blue and seafoam green), Watermelon Bubblegum (sage green and pale pink), and Cyberspace (gray and steel blue)

Ninja BlendBOSS Tumbler Blender: design and features

• Blend directly into the travel tumbler
• Four blending modes (three are automatic)
• 1,200-watt motor

Ninja BlendBOSS Tumbler Blender with 26oz Travel Tumbler is well-designed for its purpose. The powerful 1200-watt motor quickly and easily blends ice and frozen fruit for smoothies, iced coffee, and other frozen beverages to go. The tumbler is large but the tapered base fits into most cars' cupholders.

The tumbler has measurement markings on it, so you can combine your ingredients directly into it. The six-ounce marking also serves as the minimum liquid marking, since you must use at least six ounces of liquid in order for the BlendBOSS to blend properly. There is also a max fill line near the top, at the 24-ounce mark. This gives you space at the top to add whipped cream or other toppings after you're done blending.

Image 1 of 3

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

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

(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

There are four buttons on the base of the Ninja BlendBOSS Tumbler Blender. Three of them are automatic settings that use a combination of pulses and pauses to take the guesswork out of blending. The first button, Blend IQ, runs for 60 seconds. The second, Smoothie IQ, runs for 55 seconds. Ice Crush IQ is the third button, and it goes for 50 seconds. The fourth button, Pulse, is the only manual button. Any blender can be pretty loud, though this one isn't louder than others I've used. The IQ buttons allow you to walk away while your treat is blending, so you don't even have to listen to it up close.

The base is pretty big and heavy for a tumbler blender, probably due to its 1200-watt motor. It does have two suction cups on the bottom to keep it from moving around when you blend. The blade lid and the travel lid both screw on securely and easily. The travel/chug lid has a button so you can pop it open, revealing the chug opening. When you close it, the lid is leak-proof.

I did have one issue with the chug lid. If you do indeed chug directly from the lid (as opposed to using a straw), the top of the lid falls down on your head when you're taking your last sips. I found that pretty annoying, and found myself either using a straw or removing the lid entirely and just drinking directly from the tumbler.

• Design score: 4.5/5

Ninja BlendBOSS Tumbler Blender: performance

I made a number of different recipes to test out the Ninja BlendBOSS Tumbler Blender, including several different smoothies, pancake batter, pasta sauce, and an iced drink. In every case, the blender was super fast and blended everything completely. Even the spinach in one of my smoothies was blended so fine that I couldn't see or taste the spinach at all. The ice in my iced lemonade was essentially turned to a slushy snow. I did try blending smoothies with less than the recommended amount (six ounces) of liquid, and ended up having to stop the blender, take off the blending lid, and stir around the contents. Everything else I made (with the proper amount of liquid) blended just perfectly without my having to do anything besides press the start button.

In the images below, I was making a smoothie with frozen blueberries and spinach, and it came out perfectly smooth. There were no chunks of blueberry skin or spinach.

Image 1 of 5

(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)Image 2 of 5

(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)Image 3 of 5

(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)Image 4 of 5

(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)Image 5 of 5

(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

Below are photos of the iced lemonade I made. The BlendBOSS turned ice into snow incredibly quickly and thoroughly.

Image 1 of 4

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

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

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

(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

I got a little creative below, making a protein pancake batter from cottage cheese, eggs, and oats. The result was a smooth liquid with no chunks at all.

Image 1 of 3

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

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

(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

Next I made some pasta sauce. Here I blended a can of whole tomatoes and cottage cheese. I didn't even do a whole blend cycle, a few seconds was all it took to turn that into sauce. I poured the contents of the blender into a pot I had on the stove with olive oil and browned garlic.

Image 1 of 3

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

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

(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

• Performance score: 5/5

Should you buy the Ninja BlendBOSS Tumbler Blender?Ninja BlendBOSS Tumbler Blender report card

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Value

This is fairly expensive for a tumbler blender, but it's also pretty powerful.

4/5

Design

This is a cute blender; it all works well except for the chug lid dropping on my nose when chugging.

4.5/5

Performance

Blending performance was excellent, whether using the automatic IQ buttons or the manual pulse button.

5/5

Overall

This small but powerful blender will fill just about all of your blending needs as long as you use enough liquid.

4.5/5

Buy it if

You want to make smoothies and iced beverages on the go

Iced coffee, smoothies, protein drinks, or other frozen beverages are made perfectly smooth and ready to go in seconds. The included tumbler is cute, holds up to 26 ounces of liquid, and fits into most cars' cupholders.

You want to make other blended foods too

Make sauces, soups, batters, salad dressing, and more. As long as you put in enough liquid (about 6 ounces), this blender can handle it.

You want easy cleanup

Cleaning up couldn't be easier. Blend a drop of liquid detergent and water to quickly hand wash the tumbler, blade lid, and chug lid. Or, put all three in the dishwasher if you prefer. A quick swipe with a damp cloth is all you need for the base.

Don't buy it if

You like super thick smoothies

Since this is a gravity blender, you do need sufficient liquid. I tried using less and had to stop mid-cycle to scrape down the sides. It did work, but it's pretty messy to stop in the middle like that. You definitely want to use more liquid.

You like to chug directly from the travel lid

When I tried that, the flap kept falling on my nose, which was annoying. That's a problem easily solved by using a straw or just removing the lid entirely. But if you're a dedicated chugger, it's something to keep in mind.

You don't need that much power

There are definitely less powerful portable blenders you can buy that are substantially smaller and cheaper. If you're mixing protein powder or making mostly liquid drinks with just a little ice, save your money and get one of those. The BlendBOSS will be more blender than you need.

Ninja BlendBOSS Tumbler Blender: also consider

If you're not sure about the Ninja BlendBOSS Tumbler Blender, here are some other blenders you might like

Vitamix A3500

Vitamix has been my own blender of choice for over a decade. If you need power, you need a Vitamix. Love a thick, chunky smoothie with no liquid at all? A Vitamix can handle it.

Read our review of the Vitamix A3500

Nutribullet Magic Bullet Portable Blender

If you don't need as much power as the BlendBOSS has to offer, this cheap and cheerful little portable blender will be enough for you. Plus the whole thing is portable and rechargeable.

Read our review of the Nutribullet Magic Bullet Portable Blender View Deal

How I tested the Ninja BlendBOSS Tumbler Blender

• I tested all four blender buttons
• I used it for weeks to make a variety of beverages and foods
• I cleaned it after every use

I made a variety of smoothies, all of them with the minimum amount of liquid and heavy on the frozen fruit and ice. I made a cherry-yogurt-almond milk smoothie, a banana-yogurt-almond milk smoothie that included a number of powders and seeds, and a banana-blueberry-spinach-hemp seed smoothie. I made an iced lemonade beverage that included ice, water, and lemon balsamic vinegar. I made protein pancake batter with equal parts egg whites, cottage cheese, and dry oatmeal. I made pasta sauce with cottage cheese and canned whole tomatoes (added to browned garlic and olive oil on the stove.) Everything I made blended perfectly smooth with no evidence of seeds or skins.

Read more about how we test.

When you think of the best video editing software, you more often think of the big players like Adobe Premiere Pro, Apple Final Cut Pro, and even DaVinci Resolve. The problem is, these professional-grade tools can feel intimidating.

And that's where CyberLink PowerDirector 365 comes in. It offers high-end tools and editing workflow, wrapped up in an easy-to-understand interface that's suitable for beginners.

So, we look a look at the latest version (v24) to see how PowerDirector stacks up.

CyberLink PowerDirector 365: Price & availability

• Competitively priced subscription
• Often discounted

Like so many software packages these days, PowerDirector is only available on a subscription. You do have a couple of options though: pay $80 for the year for it alone, or combine it with PhotoDirector for $145 annually.

That’s the basic price, but you’ll find CyberLink often offers steep discounts for its software. For instance, as of this writing, you can get these for $60 or $93 respectively.

It’s definitely much cheaper than Adobe Premiere Pro, and it would take 4 years of you paying for PowerDirector at full price to exceed the cost of Apple’s Final Cut Pro. So price-wise, it’s pretty good.

Even better, you can download the software and start using it for free to make sure it works as you intend it to. You’ll encounter limitations, such as a watermark output, and a host of advanced tools and effects which are off limits to you, but the essential ones aren’t.

CyberLink PowerDirector 365: Interface

(Image credit: CyberLink // Future)

• Well-organized interface
• Clear navigation

Launch PowerDirector and you’ll be graced with its welcome screen. From there, you can of course click on ‘New Project’ and get into the editing side of things (more on that in a minute), but that’s not all that window has to offer. You’ll find a handful of large icons, most of which offer quick drag-and-drop effects.

They’re there if you’ve already got a video clip or exported project which you wish to alter with one specific effect throughout. Click on one of those icons, a pop up window appears, drop a clip onto it, and the software will get working. Convenient, yes, but editing this isn’t. So let’s check out the editing side of things.

We’ve reached the stage now in terms of interface development, that if you’ve seen one video editor, you’ve pretty much seen them all. I don’t view that as a bad thing: it makes it easy to switch between them; aside from having a sidebar on the right instead of on the left, or similar, it should take you seconds to find your way around PowerDirector’s interface.

You’ll find a list of icons, top left, which control the top third of the interface. These allow you to switch between your clips, and specific functions, such as titles, transitions, effects, and so on. Top right is the preview section; it’s linked either to your timeline (which takes up the bottom half of the interface) or any selected clip in your media section.

Unlike Premiere Pro, the interface isn’t customisable. You work with what you get. It’s even more inflexible than Final Cut Pro - and I thought FCP was strict! - but at the end of the day, that’s not entirely a bad thing: it means you can sit in front of any computer with PowerDirector installed and know where everything is. That’s a big plus in my book. But the price for that familiarity is a rigid interface. A price worth paying? That would depend on your preference and workflow.

CyberLink PowerDirector 365: Tools

(Image credit: CyberLink // Future)

• Everything you need to edit a video
• Free to add effects, transitions, and titles
• No keyboard controls

Everything you need to edit a video project is there for you to use. The timeline has multiple layers, so you can end up making a relatively complex movie. You’ll find various animated titles, Transitions, Effects, Particles, Stickers, and more, all ready to spruce up your edit. They are all excellent and well crafted.

If you’re on a subscription, it’s all available to you, but if you’re working with the free version, you’ll encounter some serious limitations: most of these tools are ‘premium’ ones; you can recognise them thanks to a small black crown inside a yellow circle, top left of a tool’s icon. Despite that, you’ll still be able to insert them into your project, but when it comes to exporting it, you’ll be offered the option of forking out some of your money to be able to use them, or having them automatically removed prior to rendering.

Some tools can’t be accessed unless you log in to your CyberLink account (which is free to setup). That’s because they’re AI-based and require credits to function. You do get 100 credits per month with a subscription, and any additional credit packs are reduced by 50% as long as you keep paying, but you can also get these packs at full price while using the free version. They start at 100, and go up to 2,000, and obviously the more you buy, the cheaper each individual credit gets.

Editing is simple, but it could be easier, mind you. Maybe it’s because I’m used to more professional editors: I use the keyboard a lot when editing, and other programs allow me to use the JKL keys to playback in reverse, stop and go forward respectively; using the left and right arrow keys moves me back or forward one frame, and the up and down arrow keys jump me to the next or previous edit point…

And there are so many others. These greatly speed up my work. Unfortunately, PowerDirector doesn’t have any of those, which forces users to rely more on the mouse or trackpad. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, especially if you’re not used to such shortcuts, but the lack of options certainly is.

CyberLink PowerDirector 365: Latest updates

(Image credit: CyberLink // Future)

• Strong push for AI-based tools,
• AI credits required, but not consumer-friendly implementation
• Devs regularly adding new features

One of the great things about PowerDirector, is that new features are regularly released - whether they’re new effects to celebrate a forthcoming festive season, or new tools. At the time of review (January 2026), CyberLink is making an increasing push for AI-based tools which are, as you’d expect, powered by separately purchased credits.

One of the newest additions is ‘Video Generator’. The way it works is, you choose a style from a list of thumbnails, add your own photo, and PowerDirector will transform it to match that style and animate it as well for 5 or 10 seconds, for good measure.

The one that appealed to me the most was the ‘AI Anime Video Effect’, as it transforms your clip into animation. You have 17 styles to choose from, and the process is designed to turn 10, 20 or 30 seconds of video into your preferred style.

The only problem I can see with such features, is you have to pay before you see the results. You do get a tiny preview of the effect based on some placeholder image by mousing over the thumbnail, but truth be told, that’s really not enough.

What if ‘Vivid’ didn’t work as an anime style for your project, but ‘Classic’ would’ve been better? Well, you’ll have to pay again. The idea and concepts are good, but the implementation doesn’t feel consumer-friendly to me.

CyberLink PowerDirector 365: Final verdict

(Image credit: CyberLink // Future)

CyberLink PowerDirector 365 remains one of the best video editing software for beginners, as well as intermediate editors.

It's packed with all the tools most general users will need for content creation - and at a fraction of the price of higher-end and premium software. Especially if you manage to grab a discounted subscription. Bonus points for offering a free, if limited, option.

I like the overall workflow and the number of features that keep coming to PowerDirector. I even enjoyed using the AI tools here. But the fact that you need to keep buying credits without the ability to simply preview the AI generation means it loses a star in my review. For me, that doesn't feel fair to users.

Beyond that, though, there's not much I don't like about PowerDirector 365, especially for those who want to create professional-looking videos without the steep learning curve I often see in other video editors.

Should I buy CyberLink PowerDirector 365?

(Image credit: CyberLink // Future)

Buy it if...
You want a video editor that is simple to use, is affordable (or even free), and gets regularly updated with new tools and fun effects, transitions, and animated texts.

Don't buy it if...
You feel you need a video editor that’s more fluid, and you’re not a fan of the ‘pay before you see’ model that’s used for the AI tools.

For more editors, we've tested and reviewed the best free video editing software