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Elegoo, known for its hobbyist 3D printers, is changing, and its more recent hardware shows big changes in both design and manufacturing quality. The M1 Ultra is one of the signs of this change yet, with a premium design and build that put it firmly in competition with established 3D scanning manufacturers such as Creality.

The M1 Ultra combines blue laser and infrared structured-light scanning, with five main scanning configurations that cover everything from small mechanical components and intricate objects to larger structures and even humans. The scanner offers a top accuracy of 0.02mm in the finest blue laser mode, and other standout features include full wireless operation, a 3-inch touchscreen and a swappable battery.

I’ve recently tested quite a few handheld 3D scanners, and there’s no doubt the market is getting competitive; however, whilst it’s a surprise to see Elegoo launch into the market, it’s even more surprising when I lifted the scanner from the hard case to discover the quality of the design and build.

The M1 Ultra is beautifully finished with a well-balanced design, with part rubberised grip that makes it comfortable to manoeuvre around objects. If anything, I would have liked the grip to be slightly longer, but otherwise the physical design is excellent.

The scanner connects through either wired USB or Wireless connection, with a slide switch enabling you to quickly switch between the two. This link connects you to the software, which initially guides you through the scanning process, and for first-generation software it’s all extremely well thought out.

The most important factor is scan quality, and while scanning a selection of household ornaments, mechanical components, and structural parts, it produced detailed, dimensionally accurate models that I could then export for direct 3D printing or import and edit within Blender.

One of the biggest surprises that I had during the scan process was firstly the speed and then the difference between the initial scanning preview that appeared in the software and the processed model. The preview scans looked OK, if a little rough, but after completing the scan and running the first processing stage, the detail suddenly appeared.

The Elegoo Scan software, being an early release, is surprisingly good and avoided any freezes or glitches through the testing. Scan processing typically took a couple of minutes, depending on complexity and the size, while editing and removing unwanted geometry was straightforward, partly due to my ever-increasing familiarity and use of these scanners. The usage and workflow of the software is very similar to other systems.

Wireless scanning on a scanner of this price is great to see, and I was quickly able to connect to the scanner over Wi-Fi. Once that connection was made, I found the live preview on the scanner’s touchscreen made moving around larger objects much easier.

Through the test, I did find many of the usual limits, such as scanning glossy black plastic and highly reflective surfaces still requiring scanning spray. In all cases, how easily something scans rests solely on careful preparation and marker placement. When using the scanner wirelessly, the scanner also takes over the computer’s Wi-Fi connection, preventing access to a normal workshop wireless network, which I also found was a little inconvenient.

Considering that this is Elegoo's first 3D scanner, the speed, quality and ease of use make it feel like a product that has already undergone several iterations. This is a great option for small businesses, makers, enthusiasts, and other 3D professionals looking for a decent 3D scanner at a reasonable price.

ELEGOO M1 Ultra: Price and Availability

The Elegoo M1 Ultra has a recommended retail price of $1,699 in the US, £1,399 in the UKand €1,699. The scanner is being sold through the official website here.

Elegoo M1 Ultra: Design

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

One of the first things that impressed me about the M1 Ultra was the physical design and quality of the build. In contrast to their range of hobbyist 3D printers, Elegoo has clearly aimed this at a more professional level, and it feels significantly more refined than many of their previous product lines.

Elegoo's hardware design improved dramatically, as I saw with its H1 HT filament dryer a few months back and again when it comes to finish and build quality; this feels premium and much like the quality that I’ve come to expect from companies like Bambu Lab.

Weighing in at just over half a kilogram, the M1 Ultra is relatively compact compared with several scanners I’ve used recently. The weight is well balanced for the size, and it's comfortable to hold while moving around objects, with the grip featuring a rubberised texture that provides excellent purchase.

Grip in the scanner is especially important when scanning smaller mechanical components, where controlled movements can affect tracking and the quality of the capture. If anything, I do feel that the grip could have been slightly longer, but overall it’s comfortable enough to handle.

The front of the scanner features the optical system, including the laser emitters, cameras and illumination; these all look like lenses. These are neatly integrated into the casing, while the controls on the large touch screen enable you to start, pause and access the hardware settings.

The 3-inch touchscreen is more than just a monitor for settings and enables less reliance, in some situations, on using a computer screen when scanning. An example is when using the scanner wirelessly, and the display provides a live scan preview; you can also use it to adjust the exposure and zoom.

Additional hardware settings can also be accessed through the touchscreen, including Wi-Fi hotspot information, display brightness, screen rotation, language, prompt sounds and sound alerts. I also liked the fact that I could access the onboard user guide.

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Not all aspects of the user interface are as polished as the hardware itself. The start and pause controls, exposure adjustment, and zoom interface use a slightly dated visual style, with gradient effects that feel more like enthusiast equipment than professional; still, the actual functionality is there.

As I’ve seen with many of these scanners, it arrives in a hard carrying case which is identical in design to the one that arrived with one of the Creality scanners recently; the only difference is the logo on the front and the equipment inside.

Inside, the scanner is neatly laid out, with the scanner, batteries, calibration board, USB cable, tripod, and reflective markers. In contrast to some other scanners, the cables are kept to a minimum, with power and data handled through the same USB connection when using wired.

• Design: 4/5

ELEGOO M1 Ultra: Features

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)Specs

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Dimensions: 191 × 50 × 76mm

Weight: 511g (including battery)

Scanning Accuracy: Up to 0.02mm (blue laser)

Scanning Modes: Five, including blue laser and infrared

Scanning Speed: Up to 100fps (USB), 60fps (Wi-Fi)

Scanning Resolution: 0.05–2mm (blue laser)

Scanning Volume: 5 × 5 × 5mm to 4,000 × 4,000 × 4,000mm

Display: 3-inch HD touchscreen

Connectivity: USB-C 3.1 and Wi-Fi 6

Battery: 4,800mAh removable

The M1 Ultra features five scanning modes designed to enable you to scan different materials, object sizes, and most importantly, levels of detail.

A quick run-through, and you have the 34-line crossed blue laser, which is designed for fast scanning of medium-to-large objects. The seven-line parallel mode is better suited to smaller parts and more detailed areas. The single-line configuration lets the scanner capture recessed features, deep holes, and narrow gaps.

Alongside these are infrared structured light mode, designed for larger objects, faces, and bodies, and the marker-free blue laser option for situations where reflective markers can't be applied, such as when scanning valuable museum artefacts.

Within each mode, there are a variety of options that you can configure through the Elegoo Scan software, which offers adjustments to tracking, field of view, capture resolution, as well as the main scan quality settings.

This does take some time to get your head around, and depending on the mode, you can select marker-assisted or marker-free tracking, standard or wide-angle fields of view, global marker workflows and different laser patterns. This sounds complex, but Elegoo have created guides for each type and practice is definitely needed in order to fully understand what type and size of object needs what type of scan and settings.

The software does go some way to make things easy, with an example being the infrared scanning mode that offers dedicated presets for normal objects, faces, and bodies, plus geometry-based and texture-based tracking options.

Although the number of settings is considerable, the software is generally well organised. If you are new to 3D scanning, there’s also plenty of guides and visual prompts in the software to explain how the different options work.

• Features: 4.5/5

ELEGOO M1 Ultra: Performance

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Getting started, the first step is the hardware setup. After installing Elegoo Scan on my MacBook Pro, connecting the scanner through USB and selecting the connection option, it was almost ready to go aside from a quick initial firmware update.

Before the scanning process could begin, I needed to run through the calibration process, and this was all surprisingly easy with the calibration chart sitting on the table and the software directing me through a series of manoeuvres with the on-screen guide. This style of calibration used to take me ages; however, here I found the process pretty quick and straightforward.

I started the test using the wired connection, but to switch to wireless there’s a small switch on top of the scanner that enables the change from USB to WLAN. As the switch is moved, the system restarts, and then you can select the scanner’s hotspot from the computer’s Wi-Fi connections, enter the on-screen password, and again it’s ready to go.

The process is easy enough, though wireless operation means the scanner creates its own Wi-Fi hotspot, which the computer must connect directly to. That meant disconnecting from the workshop Wi-Fi, and there was no option to keep both connections active at once.

This isn’t an issue during scanning, especially since the software works offline, but it becomes a bit annoying when switching between scanning and anything that I needed to do online.

When everything was set and ready, I was able to start the scanning process, starting with the 34-line cross blue laser options, which proved to scan objects at speed. Once a scan was captured, it was then possible to clean up the point cloud, as well as easily align multiple scans, and move through mesh wrapping and optimisation before exporting the finished model.

The M1 Ultra and the software effectively give you an easy scan-to-model process, and when finished, you just click export.

For testing, I scanned a variety of objects, ranging from household and office ornaments to mechanical components and structural parts that I needed to reproduce or work around when creating brackets and replacement pieces.

These included objects made from tarnished metal, matte ceramic, plastic, and wood, and the scanner performed exceptionally well across these materials. As with other 3D scanners I’ve tested, good results come down to preparation. While marker-free scanning sounds appealing, I have found that reflective markers remain the most reliable approach.

My usual setup includes a rotating platform, custom 3D-printed marker blocks positioned around the object, and adhesive reflective markers attached directly to the object wherever practical. I also use acrylic blocks to raise the object above the surface. This helps separate the subject from the surrounding environment, especially the platform it sits on, and makes the captured data easier to cut out and process.

The whole preparation process generally takes around five minutes, but it makes an enormous difference to the ease and reliability of scanning. Through the setup process, I aim to keep at least five reflective markers visible to the scanner at any one time, and this generally meant that tracking was straightforward. Scanning objects without markers proved less reliable, even with the scanner’s marker-free configuration.

Once I had properly prepared the subject, most objects took around five to ten minutes to scan from each orientation. Where possible, I tried to capture the object in just two orientations, as this made alignment quicker and generally produced better results.

The scanning process itself was fast, and it was good to see the preview build up the model. When scanning, I started off with the crossed blue laser pattern as this tended to provide the best overall coverage, and then switched to the seven-line mode when scanning more complex objects. For recessed features and deeper holes, switching to the single-line laser again helped to fill in some of the gaps.

After scanning, each model is previewed on the screen, and then you can go through the various processing modes. One point to make here is that the initial scanning is surprisingly fast and the initial point-cloud preview can look a little rough, giving little indication of the level of detail that has actually been captured. However, after you finish the scan and move through the first refinement stage, the model's detail suddenly snaps into place, and it’s impressive.

The M1 Ultra reproduced fine surface features and dimensional accuracy extremely well. One example of the accuracy came when I scanned the car's EV charger, with the model generated being imported into CAD software as a template for a wall-mounted holder. The finished product, while needing some refinement, fitted the EV charger perfectly.

The software is able to export OBJ files that can then be used in applications such as Blender for further editing. The range of available export formats also makes it relatively straightforward to move finished models into other design and manufacturing workflows, with 3MF and STL alongside OBJ.

Not every object's surface was easy to capture, and as ever, while tarnished metal, wood, ceramic and plastic surfaces generally scanned very well, glossy black plastic gained mixed results.

Essentially, any surface that reflects or absorbs the scanning light causes a bit of an issue, and you can get matte scanning sprays to help with the scanning of this type of object.

Infrared scanning also produced ok results, and making sure you work in a well-lit, soft-light environment definitely helps. Again, as with any scanning mode, practice and skill often play a large part in the scanning success.

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

One of the main skills when scanning is alignment, essentially when you take a couple of scans of an object from different angles and then align them into one. The alignment option worked well and was surprisingly fast to process between scans, provided the reflective markers' position was maintained. This works by completing the first scan; then the object could be repositioned to capture another side without moving any of the base markers, and the resulting scans could then be selected and aligned within Elegoo Scan.

The important point here is that the markers used as reference points must remain in the correct positions. If you move markers on the platform between scans, alignment will be much harder, and in most cases it's easier to start again.

Mesh processing generally took a couple of minutes per scan, though the time varied considerably with the model's size and complexity. There is still a need to remove unwanted surfaces and sections of the surrounding environment manually, but the software proved effective. Throughout testing, Elegoo Scan remained solid, with no crashes, freezes, or other problems that I have come across in the past with scan software.

For a first-generation Elegoo scanner, and with software at such an early stage of development, this level of reliability is excellent.

At the start of the test, I stuck to a wired connection, mainly due to having to check guides, etc., but over the weeks of the test I switched to the wireless option. There are some sacrifices that you make as you switch over to the wireless connection, most notably that the scanner has a lower quoted maximum frame rate; however, I didn’t notice much of a difference.

The real improvement going wireless was the ergonomic feel of scanning alongside the obvious effect of no longer having trailing wires. The main benefit is that instead of looking back at the laptop monitor to check scan progress, the wireless connection let me monitor the preview directly on the handheld scanner’s touchscreen. This made scanning far more natural, especially when moving around larger or awkwardly positioned objects.

Through the test, I found that the battery runtime was about 60 minutes, shorter than Elegoo's advertised maximum of 90 minutes, but still enough for several typical scans, and I also discovered I could hot-swap the battery with the second battery that was included. I experimented with swapping the battery while USB power was connected, which appeared to work, though this wasn't officially covered in the material I had.

• Performance: 4 / 5

ELEGOO M1 Ultra: Final verdict

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The Elegoo M1 Ultra shows the direction that the company is moving, and this is an impressive start for them in the 3D scanning market. The arrival in the hard case, with the premium build and design, is far removed from their hobbyist machines, and it all has a decidedly higher-quality feel.

The overall ergonomics and build are excellent, and this quality of design comes across in use, with it being easy to handle and with the ability to switch between wired and wireless scanning.

As ever, there are the usual issues with the time taken to prepare the scan, but this is part of the course for all 3D scanners and the more time you put in, the better the scan you get. However, the speed of the scans that the M1 enables is impressive, and more importantly, the quality of those scans was exceptionally detailed.

The Elegoo Scan software is also well thought out, although I do feel there needs to be a little more thought on the design of both the scanning software and the touchscreen interface. The old Elegoo is still apparent in both, giving that hobbyist rather than slick professional aesthetic.

Wireless scanning is another point, and while this works exceptionally well, it does lock your computer out of the normal Wi-Fi network. There are then the usual points about scanning highly reflective or glossy surfaces, which will require scanning spray.

While good results can be achieved with what's in the box, I would, as always, highly recommend the following: turntable, reflective markers, marker blocks, acrylic supports, and scanning spray; these are all relatively inexpensive but will save you hours.

Should you buy the Elegoo M1 Ultra?

Value:

Exceptional first-generation scanner at a very reasonable price considering the alternatives.

4.5

Design:

Premium build and ergonomics highlight Elegoos investment in design.

4

Features:

Packed with scanning modes and plenty of options to refine your scanning

4.5

Performance:

Fast and very capable with one of the easiest workflows yet

4

Total:

Excellent scanner for everyone from enthusiasts to professionals.

4.5

Buy it if...

You need detailed scans.

If you regularly design replacement components, custom brackets, or work with existing physical objects, the M1 Ultra delivers excellent scan quality that you can update in CAD.

You want wireless flexibility.

The integrated touchscreen, direct Wi-Fi connection, and removable batteries make the M1 Ultra much easier to manoeuvre around objects than scanners that rely on wired connections.

Don't buy it if...

You expect instant results.

Despite the ease of use, successful 3D scanning still requires preparation, reflective markers and practice. If you expect to point the scanner at an object and instantly produce a perfect model, you’ll be disappointed.

You scan difficult surfaces.

Highly reflective, transparent or glossy black objects remain difficult to scan. While the M1 Ultra is more versatile than some alternatives, you may will need additional scanning spray and lighting to get good results.

For more crafting essentials, I've also tested out the best 3D printers and best laser engravers

Elegoo, known for its hobbyist 3D printers, is changing, and its more recent hardware shows big changes in both design and manufacturing quality. The M1 Ultra is one of the signs of this change yet, with a premium design and build that put it firmly in competition with established 3D scanning manufacturers such as Creality.

The M1 Ultra combines blue laser and infrared structured-light scanning, with five main scanning configurations that cover everything from small mechanical components and intricate objects to larger structures and even humans. The scanner offers a top accuracy of 0.02mm in the finest blue laser mode, and other standout features include full wireless operation, a 3-inch touchscreen and a swappable battery.

I’ve recently tested quite a few handheld 3D scanners, and there’s no doubt the market is getting competitive; however, whilst it’s a surprise to see Elegoo launch into the market, it’s even more surprising when I lifted the scanner from the hard case to discover the quality of the design and build.

The M1 Ultra is beautifully finished with a well-balanced design, with part rubberised grip that makes it comfortable to manoeuvre around objects. If anything, I would have liked the grip to be slightly longer, but otherwise the physical design is excellent.

The scanner connects through either wired USB or Wireless connection, with a slide switch enabling you to quickly switch between the two. This link connects you to the software, which initially guides you through the scanning process, and for first-generation software it’s all extremely well thought out.

The most important factor is scan quality, and while scanning a selection of household ornaments, mechanical components, and structural parts, it produced detailed, dimensionally accurate models that I could then export for direct 3D printing or import and edit within Blender.

One of the biggest surprises that I had during the scan process was firstly the speed and then the difference between the initial scanning preview that appeared in the software and the processed model. The preview scans looked OK, if a little rough, but after completing the scan and running the first processing stage, the detail suddenly appeared.

The Elegoo Scan software, being an early release, is surprisingly good and avoided any freezes or glitches through the testing. Scan processing typically took a couple of minutes, depending on complexity and the size, while editing and removing unwanted geometry was straightforward, partly due to my ever-increasing familiarity and use of these scanners. The usage and workflow of the software is very similar to other systems.

Wireless scanning on a scanner of this price is great to see, and I was quickly able to connect to the scanner over Wi-Fi. Once that connection was made, I found the live preview on the scanner’s touchscreen made moving around larger objects much easier.

Through the test, I did find many of the usual limits, such as scanning glossy black plastic and highly reflective surfaces still requiring scanning spray. In all cases, how easily something scans rests solely on careful preparation and marker placement. When using the scanner wirelessly, the scanner also takes over the computer’s Wi-Fi connection, preventing access to a normal workshop wireless network, which I also found was a little inconvenient.

Considering that this is Elegoo's first 3D scanner, the speed, quality and ease of use make it feel like a product that has already undergone several iterations. This is a great option for small businesses, makers, enthusiasts, and other 3D professionals looking for a decent 3D scanner at a reasonable price.

ELEGOO M1 Ultra: Price and Availability

The Elegoo M1 Ultra has a recommended retail price of $1,699 in the US, £1,399 in the UKand €1,699. The scanner is being sold through the official website here.

Elegoo M1 Ultra: Design

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

One of the first things that impressed me about the M1 Ultra was the physical design and quality of the build. In contrast to their range of hobbyist 3D printers, Elegoo has clearly aimed this at a more professional level, and it feels significantly more refined than many of their previous product lines.

Elegoo's hardware design improved dramatically, as I saw with its H1 HT filament dryer a few months back and again when it comes to finish and build quality; this feels premium and much like the quality that I’ve come to expect from companies like Bambu Lab.

Weighing in at just over half a kilogram, the M1 Ultra is relatively compact compared with several scanners I’ve used recently. The weight is well balanced for the size, and it's comfortable to hold while moving around objects, with the grip featuring a rubberised texture that provides excellent purchase.

Grip in the scanner is especially important when scanning smaller mechanical components, where controlled movements can affect tracking and the quality of the capture. If anything, I do feel that the grip could have been slightly longer, but overall it’s comfortable enough to handle.

The front of the scanner features the optical system, including the laser emitters, cameras and illumination; these all look like lenses. These are neatly integrated into the casing, while the controls on the large touch screen enable you to start, pause and access the hardware settings.

The 3-inch touchscreen is more than just a monitor for settings and enables less reliance, in some situations, on using a computer screen when scanning. An example is when using the scanner wirelessly, and the display provides a live scan preview; you can also use it to adjust the exposure and zoom.

Additional hardware settings can also be accessed through the touchscreen, including Wi-Fi hotspot information, display brightness, screen rotation, language, prompt sounds and sound alerts. I also liked the fact that I could access the onboard user guide.

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Not all aspects of the user interface are as polished as the hardware itself. The start and pause controls, exposure adjustment, and zoom interface use a slightly dated visual style, with gradient effects that feel more like enthusiast equipment than professional; still, the actual functionality is there.

As I’ve seen with many of these scanners, it arrives in a hard carrying case which is identical in design to the one that arrived with one of the Creality scanners recently; the only difference is the logo on the front and the equipment inside.

Inside, the scanner is neatly laid out, with the scanner, batteries, calibration board, USB cable, tripod, and reflective markers. In contrast to some other scanners, the cables are kept to a minimum, with power and data handled through the same USB connection when using wired.

• Design: 4/5

ELEGOO M1 Ultra: Features

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)Specs

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Dimensions: 191 × 50 × 76mm

Weight: 511g (including battery)

Scanning Accuracy: Up to 0.02mm (blue laser)

Scanning Modes: Five, including blue laser and infrared

Scanning Speed: Up to 100fps (USB), 60fps (Wi-Fi)

Scanning Resolution: 0.05–2mm (blue laser)

Scanning Volume: 5 × 5 × 5mm to 4,000 × 4,000 × 4,000mm

Display: 3-inch HD touchscreen

Connectivity: USB-C 3.1 and Wi-Fi 6

Battery: 4,800mAh removable

The M1 Ultra features five scanning modes designed to enable you to scan different materials, object sizes, and most importantly, levels of detail.

A quick run-through, and you have the 34-line crossed blue laser, which is designed for fast scanning of medium-to-large objects. The seven-line parallel mode is better suited to smaller parts and more detailed areas. The single-line configuration lets the scanner capture recessed features, deep holes, and narrow gaps.

Alongside these are infrared structured light mode, designed for larger objects, faces, and bodies, and the marker-free blue laser option for situations where reflective markers can't be applied, such as when scanning valuable museum artefacts.

Within each mode, there are a variety of options that you can configure through the Elegoo Scan software, which offers adjustments to tracking, field of view, capture resolution, as well as the main scan quality settings.

This does take some time to get your head around, and depending on the mode, you can select marker-assisted or marker-free tracking, standard or wide-angle fields of view, global marker workflows and different laser patterns. This sounds complex, but Elegoo have created guides for each type and practice is definitely needed in order to fully understand what type and size of object needs what type of scan and settings.

The software does go some way to make things easy, with an example being the infrared scanning mode that offers dedicated presets for normal objects, faces, and bodies, plus geometry-based and texture-based tracking options.

Although the number of settings is considerable, the software is generally well organised. If you are new to 3D scanning, there’s also plenty of guides and visual prompts in the software to explain how the different options work.

• Features: 4.5/5

ELEGOO M1 Ultra: Performance

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Getting started, the first step is the hardware setup. After installing Elegoo Scan on my MacBook Pro, connecting the scanner through USB and selecting the connection option, it was almost ready to go aside from a quick initial firmware update.

Before the scanning process could begin, I needed to run through the calibration process, and this was all surprisingly easy with the calibration chart sitting on the table and the software directing me through a series of manoeuvres with the on-screen guide. This style of calibration used to take me ages; however, here I found the process pretty quick and straightforward.

I started the test using the wired connection, but to switch to wireless there’s a small switch on top of the scanner that enables the change from USB to WLAN. As the switch is moved, the system restarts, and then you can select the scanner’s hotspot from the computer’s Wi-Fi connections, enter the on-screen password, and again it’s ready to go.

The process is easy enough, though wireless operation means the scanner creates its own Wi-Fi hotspot, which the computer must connect directly to. That meant disconnecting from the workshop Wi-Fi, and there was no option to keep both connections active at once.

This isn’t an issue during scanning, especially since the software works offline, but it becomes a bit annoying when switching between scanning and anything that I needed to do online.

When everything was set and ready, I was able to start the scanning process, starting with the 34-line cross blue laser options, which proved to scan objects at speed. Once a scan was captured, it was then possible to clean up the point cloud, as well as easily align multiple scans, and move through mesh wrapping and optimisation before exporting the finished model.

The M1 Ultra and the software effectively give you an easy scan-to-model process, and when finished, you just click export.

For testing, I scanned a variety of objects, ranging from household and office ornaments to mechanical components and structural parts that I needed to reproduce or work around when creating brackets and replacement pieces.

These included objects made from tarnished metal, matte ceramic, plastic, and wood, and the scanner performed exceptionally well across these materials. As with other 3D scanners I’ve tested, good results come down to preparation. While marker-free scanning sounds appealing, I have found that reflective markers remain the most reliable approach.

My usual setup includes a rotating platform, custom 3D-printed marker blocks positioned around the object, and adhesive reflective markers attached directly to the object wherever practical. I also use acrylic blocks to raise the object above the surface. This helps separate the subject from the surrounding environment, especially the platform it sits on, and makes the captured data easier to cut out and process.

The whole preparation process generally takes around five minutes, but it makes an enormous difference to the ease and reliability of scanning. Through the setup process, I aim to keep at least five reflective markers visible to the scanner at any one time, and this generally meant that tracking was straightforward. Scanning objects without markers proved less reliable, even with the scanner’s marker-free configuration.

Once I had properly prepared the subject, most objects took around five to ten minutes to scan from each orientation. Where possible, I tried to capture the object in just two orientations, as this made alignment quicker and generally produced better results.

The scanning process itself was fast, and it was good to see the preview build up the model. When scanning, I started off with the crossed blue laser pattern as this tended to provide the best overall coverage, and then switched to the seven-line mode when scanning more complex objects. For recessed features and deeper holes, switching to the single-line laser again helped to fill in some of the gaps.

After scanning, each model is previewed on the screen, and then you can go through the various processing modes. One point to make here is that the initial scanning is surprisingly fast and the initial point-cloud preview can look a little rough, giving little indication of the level of detail that has actually been captured. However, after you finish the scan and move through the first refinement stage, the model's detail suddenly snaps into place, and it’s impressive.

The M1 Ultra reproduced fine surface features and dimensional accuracy extremely well. One example of the accuracy came when I scanned the car's EV charger, with the model generated being imported into CAD software as a template for a wall-mounted holder. The finished product, while needing some refinement, fitted the EV charger perfectly.

The software is able to export OBJ files that can then be used in applications such as Blender for further editing. The range of available export formats also makes it relatively straightforward to move finished models into other design and manufacturing workflows, with 3MF and STL alongside OBJ.

Not every object's surface was easy to capture, and as ever, while tarnished metal, wood, ceramic and plastic surfaces generally scanned very well, glossy black plastic gained mixed results.

Essentially, any surface that reflects or absorbs the scanning light causes a bit of an issue, and you can get matte scanning sprays to help with the scanning of this type of object.

Infrared scanning also produced ok results, and making sure you work in a well-lit, soft-light environment definitely helps. Again, as with any scanning mode, practice and skill often play a large part in the scanning success.

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

One of the main skills when scanning is alignment, essentially when you take a couple of scans of an object from different angles and then align them into one. The alignment option worked well and was surprisingly fast to process between scans, provided the reflective markers' position was maintained. This works by completing the first scan; then the object could be repositioned to capture another side without moving any of the base markers, and the resulting scans could then be selected and aligned within Elegoo Scan.

The important point here is that the markers used as reference points must remain in the correct positions. If you move markers on the platform between scans, alignment will be much harder, and in most cases it's easier to start again.

Mesh processing generally took a couple of minutes per scan, though the time varied considerably with the model's size and complexity. There is still a need to remove unwanted surfaces and sections of the surrounding environment manually, but the software proved effective. Throughout testing, Elegoo Scan remained solid, with no crashes, freezes, or other problems that I have come across in the past with scan software.

For a first-generation Elegoo scanner, and with software at such an early stage of development, this level of reliability is excellent.

At the start of the test, I stuck to a wired connection, mainly due to having to check guides, etc., but over the weeks of the test I switched to the wireless option. There are some sacrifices that you make as you switch over to the wireless connection, most notably that the scanner has a lower quoted maximum frame rate; however, I didn’t notice much of a difference.

The real improvement going wireless was the ergonomic feel of scanning alongside the obvious effect of no longer having trailing wires. The main benefit is that instead of looking back at the laptop monitor to check scan progress, the wireless connection let me monitor the preview directly on the handheld scanner’s touchscreen. This made scanning far more natural, especially when moving around larger or awkwardly positioned objects.

Through the test, I found that the battery runtime was about 60 minutes, shorter than Elegoo's advertised maximum of 90 minutes, but still enough for several typical scans, and I also discovered I could hot-swap the battery with the second battery that was included. I experimented with swapping the battery while USB power was connected, which appeared to work, though this wasn't officially covered in the material I had.

• Performance: 4 / 5

ELEGOO M1 Ultra: Final verdict

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The Elegoo M1 Ultra shows the direction that the company is moving, and this is an impressive start for them in the 3D scanning market. The arrival in the hard case, with the premium build and design, is far removed from their hobbyist machines, and it all has a decidedly higher-quality feel.

The overall ergonomics and build are excellent, and this quality of design comes across in use, with it being easy to handle and with the ability to switch between wired and wireless scanning.

As ever, there are the usual issues with the time taken to prepare the scan, but this is part of the course for all 3D scanners and the more time you put in, the better the scan you get. However, the speed of the scans that the M1 enables is impressive, and more importantly, the quality of those scans was exceptionally detailed.

The Elegoo Scan software is also well thought out, although I do feel there needs to be a little more thought on the design of both the scanning software and the touchscreen interface. The old Elegoo is still apparent in both, giving that hobbyist rather than slick professional aesthetic.

Wireless scanning is another point, and while this works exceptionally well, it does lock your computer out of the normal Wi-Fi network. There are then the usual points about scanning highly reflective or glossy surfaces, which will require scanning spray.

While good results can be achieved with what's in the box, I would, as always, highly recommend the following: turntable, reflective markers, marker blocks, acrylic supports, and scanning spray; these are all relatively inexpensive but will save you hours.

Should you buy the Elegoo M1 Ultra?

Value:

Exceptional first-generation scanner at a very reasonable price considering the alternatives.

4.5

Design:

Premium build and ergonomics highlight Elegoos investment in design.

4

Features:

Packed with scanning modes and plenty of options to refine your scanning

4.5

Performance:

Fast and very capable with one of the easiest workflows yet

4

Total:

Excellent scanner for everyone from enthusiasts to professionals.

4.5

Buy it if...

You need detailed scans.

If you regularly design replacement components, custom brackets, or work with existing physical objects, the M1 Ultra delivers excellent scan quality that you can update in CAD.

You want wireless flexibility.

The integrated touchscreen, direct Wi-Fi connection, and removable batteries make the M1 Ultra much easier to manoeuvre around objects than scanners that rely on wired connections.

Don't buy it if...

You expect instant results.

Despite the ease of use, successful 3D scanning still requires preparation, reflective markers and practice. If you expect to point the scanner at an object and instantly produce a perfect model, you’ll be disappointed.

You scan difficult surfaces.

Highly reflective, transparent or glossy black objects remain difficult to scan. While the M1 Ultra is more versatile than some alternatives, you may will need additional scanning spray and lighting to get good results.

For more crafting essentials, I've also tested out the best 3D printers and best laser engravers

If you celebrate Halloween, you'll no doubt be on the lookout for some things to entertain you this weekend. With this in mind, I checked out three of the biggest new horror releases in October to see if they're any good.

Scream or Skip

Scream or Skip, that is the question. With so much horror out there to watch and play, our senior entertainment writer, Lucy Buglass, is here to help you decide what's worth your time (or worthy of a Scream) and what's not (so you might want to Skip). Her goal is to help you spend less time scrolling and more time enjoying some great TV shows, movies, and games. Read the full series here.

There have been some real highs and lows this month, and I found myself especially disappointed by one movie in particular. Thankfully, there's a great TV show and game to keep you occupied, so it's not all bad.

So, what do I recommend checking out this spooky weekend? Scroll down to find out.

TV — Crystal Lake

Where to watch: Peacock (US); Sky (UK); Stan (AU)
Lucy's verdict: Scream

Crystal Lake is the anticipated Friday the 13th prequel, and it's a great choice if you want a binge-worthy series to watch over the Halloween weekend. With all eight episodes streaming at once, how could you resist?

I did have my reservations about this series, but it is an excellent entry into the horror franchise. In my full Crystal Lake review, I noted there's a clear love for the original movies here, and that it expands upon the lore by focusing on Pamela Voorhees, an under-explored character in the Friday the 13th universe. Played excellently by Linda Cardellini, it's very worth your time.

Movie — Other Mommy

Where to watch: Theaters worldwide
Lucy's verdict: Skip

As someone who loved the book Incidents Around the House and was genuinely freaked out by it, I was excited to hear it was getting a movie adaptation. I was even more excited to hear that Jessica Chastain would star in a dual role as a woman and an entity that emulates her, known as "Other Mommy".

Unfortunately, the movie ended up being a massive letdown. Not only does it suffer from the cliché of tired and overused jump scares, but it also deviates from the book to the point that it loses the psychological dread and tension that had me looking over my shoulder. Other Mommy does very little to stand out from similar supernatural movies like it

Game — Clive Barker's Hellraiser: Revival

Where to play: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC
Lucy's verdict: Scream

Hellraiser has been everywhere recently, from its haunted house at Universal's Halloween Horror Nights to a new video game. I was very impressed with Clive Barker's Hellraiser: Revival and would highly recommend it this Halloween weekend.

It's clear it's been made by people who have a genuine appreciation for Hellraiser, as the atmosphere and the willingness to stick to canon are excellent. Iconic character Pinhead returns too, and the result is a gripping game with puzzles and heart-pounding moments.

The latest developments come amid allegations, first reported by The New York Times, that Democrats recruited a spoiler candidate in the toss-up U.S. Senate race.

(Image credit: Chloe Anderson)

The iPhone Duo has a palm-size build, but how does that measure up against Apple’s other current phones?

Former President Obama caused a kerfuffle with his comments about President Trump's interior decorating at the White House. But maybe state dinners should happen at The Cheesecake Factory.

(Image credit: Timothy Hiatt)

The Siena Drone Photo Awards for 2026 offer breathtaking bird's-eye views of our planet, revealing landscapes, livelihoods and human stories often invisible from the ground.

(Image credit: George Steinmetz)

My husband was assimilated at an Emerald City Comic Con, and even the Borg adored him. Thank you, Patrick Stewart.

• OpenAI CEO Sam Altman would rather have RAM put into data centers
• Altman says it's 'quite terrible' that RAM is sitting in individual PCs
• The comments haven't gone down well with consumers online

The increasing demands from data centers powering AI engines has plunged us into a global RAM shortage crisis, and the CEO of one of the companies responsible thinks the memory that is available should be in data centers rather than individual PCs.

Offering up an opinion that's unlikely to add to his popularity among the general public, OpenAI boss Sam Altman told the Cheeky Pint podcast (via IGN) that "from a global allocation perspective, actually, it's quite terrible to have everybody have a bunch of the world's limited supply of DRAM sitting in their own computer."

Individual PCs rarely make full use of their RAM, was Altman's larger point, whereas data centers often do. "You want maximum utilization in the cloud if you're trying to deal with this very supply constrained environment," the OpenAI CEO continued. "And somehow many people's intuition is the opposite of that."

The PC owners Altman was referring to have had to deal with rising prices, job insecurity, and data center pollution thanks to the rise of AI chatbots like OpenAI's ChatGPT, so the opinion he's shared is unlikely to be supported by the masses.

Not a popular opinionOpenAI CEO Sam Altman Thinks It's 'Terrible' for You to Have RAM in Your Gaming PC from r/technology

As you would expect, consumers aren't particularly pleased with what Altman has had to say. A Reddit thread discussing the comments is packed with pushback against AI, data centers, and the RAM shortage.

"It's only 64GB but he can pry it from my cold, dead hands," writes one commenter in the thread, while another is of the opinion that "[tech company executives] will destroy the planet by continuing with this mentality and then they'll promptly blame everyone else for the downfall".

The out-of-touch mentality of AI company bosses gets several mentions — as do their ethics, with bots like ChatGPT having built up their training data on vast amounts of information, often copyrighted, without paying for it. It's fair to say Altman's comments haven't gone down well.

Most analysts expect RAM to be in short supply for years to come, which is going to mean prices for consumer gadgetry continue to rise, and anyone thinking about building their own PC will have to pay top dollar for its components.

The past four weeks have been, frankly, a wild time for our product testers. Each month I put together a Reviews Recap of the gadgets that have impressed us most; the products that have endured our tough tests and come out with a score of 4.5 or 5 out of 5. And this month there's a bumper crop, with dozens of great gadgets and gizmos to explore, across a variety of different product categories.

It won't surprise you to see Apple amongst the standouts of the past month: the Duo won us over with its "exquisite engineering" and "vibrant, virtually crease-free screen", but it was the Apple Watch Series 12 that earned perfect marks, with our tester dubbing it "the best mainline [Apple Watch] in years".

We also reviewed several excellent laptops, some sublime speakers, and many a magnificent TV. If you're not sure we're branching out enough, we also gave the stamp of approval to an innovative, podless pod coffee machine and a microwave that moonlights as an air fryer.

Scroll down to browse all the most impressive tech we've tested over the past four weeks. Tap the View details button for a run-down of what we thought, plus a link to read the full review for each. Note: only the products that are available in your region will display as cards.

5-star products

Apple Watch Series 12

Read our full review

Pros

• Readiness Score is terrific and not locked behind a paywall
• Refreshed Health Sensing System
• S11 Chip ensures smooth, responsive performance
• Still delivers all-day battery life

Cons

• No major design changes

Sony Bravia Theatre Trio

Read our full review

Pros

• Exceptional sound quality for both films and music
• Excellent adaptation to any room layout
• It’s a perfect partner for really big TVs
• Good expansion options

Cons

• It’s… reassuringly expensive
• Needs optional rear speakers for a proper surround sound effect
• Rather limited listening ‘sweet spot’
• Limited physical connectivity

Logitech Yeti 2

Read our full review

Pros

• Exceptional audio quality
• Solid build quality
• Automatically adjusts the polar pattern as needed
• Auto-gain is a useful extra

Cons

• All-in-one dial can be a bit finicky
• More expensive than the original Yeti

Sony ULT TOWER 5 speaker

Read our full review

Pros

• Bass might that almost defies belief
• Excellent connectivity options
• Sleek design with customizable lights
• Great value for money

Cons

• Middling IPX4 waterproofing
• Fairly hefty

4.5-star products

Apple iPhone Duo

Read our full review

Pros

• Excellent design
• Best folding hinge ever?
• Flat, matte folding screen that hides the crease
• Excellent performance
• Split-screen multitasking

Cons

• Cover screen loses too much space to the dock placement
• No telephoto camera
• Needs more third-party app support
• Missing Face ID

Hisense XR10 4K projector

Read our full review

Pros

• Wonderfully bright and colorful
• Incredibly flexible optics
• Gorgeous looks and classy carrying case
• Punchy speaker
• Adaptable for bright and dark rooms

Cons

• Missed out on VRR and 4K/120Hz modes
• VidaaOS could be better
• Pricey

Oppo Pad 5 Pro tablet

Read our full review

Pros

• 13-inch screen is great for movies and games
• Huge battery = multiple days of use
• Great tools for productivity

Cons

• RAM down to 8GB vs predecessor
• Available in just one color
• Heavier than key 13-inch rivals

Apple Watch Ultra 4

Read our full review

Pros

• Another battery life increase
• Readiness Score makes your activity data actionable without a monthly price
• S11 chip ensures a responsive experience
• Still a very rugged build

Cons

• No major design changes
• Not a night-and-day performance boost over Ultra 3

Acer Swift Air 14 laptop

Read our full review

Pros

• Very long battery life
• Portable and attractive
• Budget-level pricing

Cons

• Not a lot of power
• The two USB-C ports are on the same side
• Audio quality is mediocre

Bissell CrossWave Reach Plus wet and dry vacuum

Read our full review

Pros

• Great job vacuuming and mopping
• Gets to edges (along the right side)
• Lies almost flat to get under furniture

Cons

• Can’t pick up larger pieces of debris
• Solid and wet debris in same tank

Audeze Maxwell 2 ANC gaming headset

Read our full review

Pros

• World-class game audio
• Excellent feature set
• Strong noise cancellation
• Great design and build quality
• Has all the same excellence as the non-ANC model

Cons

• ANC might not be enough for existing Maxwell 2 owners to upgrade
• Battery life takes a big hit
• Head tracking feature still feels a little niche
• A price jump up from the non-ANC version

Lavazza MilkEasy Plus

Read our full review

Pros

• Incredibly easy to use and clean
• Hot and cold milk options
• Great results with dairy and plant-based milk

Cons

• A little difficult to make out max fill markings
• Foamed milk takes a good while to froth
• Lacks a handle for maximum ease when pouring

Fourth Frontier Frontier X2 heart rate monitor

Read our full review

Pros

• Highly accurate HR compared to other wearables
• ECG livestream functionality super useful
• Screen and tactile button enormously helpful
• Rechargeable

Cons

• No ANT+
• Very premium price tag
• Some features locked behind subscription paywall

JBL Bar 800MK2 soundbar

Read our full review

Pros

• Excellent performance across the frequency range
• Impressive virtual Dolby Atmos
• Strong feature-set and connectivity options

Cons

• Lacks up-firing speakers for true Atmos
• Middling looks with very bulky sub
• HDMI input supports 4K, but only at 60Hz

Razer Reclusa X Mini 65%

Read our full review

Pros

• Surprisingly sturdy plastic chassis
• Excellent tactile switches built-in
• Lots of customisation potential

Cons

• Software can be a little basic
• ABS keycaps have the potential to get quite shiny
• No flip-out feet feels like a missed feature

Oppo Find X10 Pro Max smartphone

Read our full review

Pros

• Zero-compromise triple 200MP camera system
• Incredible video features
• Great performance and battery life
• Slick, feature-packed software

Cons

• It's more expensive than the X9 Pro
• ... and has less RAM

Sony ULT Tower 7 speakers

Read our full review

Pros

• Gigantic bass output with clear mids and highs
• Versatile connectivity options
• Attractive design with fantastic lighting
• Strong battery life

Cons

• 360-degree sound could be more convincing
• Heavy and a little cumbersome to move
• IPX4 waterproofing is just OK

Lavazza Tabli Automatic Tab Coffee Machine

Read our full review

Pros

• No coffee capsules to recycle
• Extremely simple to use
• Coffee tastes better than rivals like Nespresso
• Mobile app works well, allowing customization and remote brewing

Cons

• Google Home connectivity didn't work during my tests

Sony Bravia 9 II RGB LED 4K TV (2026)

Read our full review

Pros

• Excellent picture quality
• Effective anti-glare screen
• Great for gaming

Cons

• Expensive
• Some blooming when viewed off-center
• Only two HDMI 2.1 ports

Sony ECM-W5 wireless mic

Read our full review

Pros

• In-camera 32-bit float recording
• Huge transmission range and rock-solid signal
• 3.5mm lav mic input with screw lock

Cons

• Much pricier than its key rivals
• Noise reduction is fairly mild
• No audio cable included

Marshall Bromley 150 portable speaker

Read our full review

Pros

• Stunning design and build quality
• Exceptional bass output
• Tasteful, customizable lighting

Cons

• Thin companion app
• Mids could be a little more articulate
• No LDAC as seen on other Marshall speakers

Acer Swift Spin 14 AI

Read our full review

Pros

• Surprising performance
• Great battery life
• Attractive build with 360-degree hinge

Cons

• Not exactly cheap
• Sound quality is mediocre

Logitech G Pro X3 SuperStrike gaming mouse

Read our full review

Pros

• Upgraded sensor delivers superior sensitivity
• Improved weight distribution
• HITS sensors are still second to none
• Excellent battery life

Cons

• Few upgrades to justify the X3 name
• Comes with a (modest) price hike

Braun OptiBrew Pro

Read our full review

Pros

• Great range of coffee styles and sizes
• Makes seven sizes ranging from a single serving to a carafe
• Makes cold brew and coffee over ice
• Makes concentrated coffee shots
• Built-in milk frother
• Has timed auto-brew function
• Has a keep-warm feature
• Can pause brewing
• Easy to use and clean up
• Makes great coffee

Cons

• Must use pre-ground coffee
• Milk frother only froths, does not heat milk
• Somewhat pricey

Technics EAH-A1000 wireless over-ear headphones

Read our full review

Pros

• Layered, expansive audio quality
• Still the only company regularly offering triple-device connectivity
• Competent spatial audio and ANC
• Supreme comfort

Cons

• Occasionally a little polite-sounding
• Physical buttons sometimes fail to register presses (including playback and power)

Astell & Kern PD5 DAP

Read our full review

Pros

• Staggeringly clean, open and revealing sound
• Thoroughly specified
• Plenty of scope for user influence

Cons

• Some operational quirks
• Looks and feels less premium than the price demands

Ninja Crispi Microwave

Read our full review

Pros

• Brilliantly versatile as air fryer and microwave
• Premium, modern design and controls
• Large capacity is great for families

Cons

• Large footprint not good for small kitchens
• No steam function
• Internal light a little too dim

Cambridge A100 SE earbuds

Read our full review

Pros

• Spacious, informative and disciplined sound
• Dynamic and punchy presentation
• Impressive specification

Cons

• Not the most accomplished when it comes to rhythmic expression
• Don’t look or feel in any way special
• Touch controls could be more reliable

Ruark Audio Talisman R

Read our full review

Pros

• Direct, unified, organized and informative sound
• Easy-going where partnering equipment and room positioning are concerned
• Compact and attractive
• Exemplary standard of build and finish

Cons

• Lack outright scale compared with similarly priced, but physically larger, rivals
• Not as impressive as some alternatives where on-paper specification is concerned

OM System PEN camera

Read our full review

Pros

• Excellent value
• In-body image stabilization and neat computational photography modes
• Classy design
• Splash-proof, as is the new kit lens

Cons

• Basic video features
• Some controls are fiddly
• Design less suitable for long lenses
• Lower rated weather resistance than the OM-5 II

Noble FoKus Artemis wireless headphones

Read our full review

Pros

• Conjure up an impeccable sense of space
• Beautifully balanced, nuanced sound
• Premium design and feel
• Unique feature-set with personalised EQ

Cons

• Average ANC and looser fit allow quite a bit of sound in
• The price is undoubtedly steep
• Spatial audio modes aren’t class-leading

TCL QM7L TV

Read our full review

Pros

• Very good picture quality
• Great for gamers thanks to high refresh rate and AMD Freesync Pro
• Lots of value for those looking for premium-adjacent viewing

Cons

• Google Gemini is still a disappointment
• Limited bass
• Picture lacks a little depth

RunStar 8E SmartScan Pro smart scale

Read our full review

Pros

• Quick results
• Measurements across five body zones
• Well designed and engineered
• Easy-to-use app

Cons

• TFT-LCD display feels cheap
• Pretty basic app
• No heart health tracking

Focal Mu-so Hekla home theater system

Read our full review

Pros

• Big, detailed, full-range sound with an appreciable ‘spatial’ effect
• Great control app
• Impressive build and finish

Cons

• Overplays its low-frequency hand on occasion
• Can't switch off spatial audio algorithms entirely
• Better Bluetooth compatibility would be nice

LG Gram Pro 16 2-in-1 (16T90SP)

Read our full review

Pros

• Under three pounds thanks to the use of a new type of material
• Impressive performance considering the package
• Long battery life
• Has some interesting LG specific apps

Cons

• So expensive
• Comes with McAfee
• USB-C ports all on the same side

Razer Blade 16 (2026) gaming laptop

Read our full review

Pros

• RTX 5090 delivers exceptional performance
• Stunningly clean aesthetic design
• Impressive battery life given the spec
• Crisp, punchy, OLED display

Cons

• No Ethernet port on a gaming laptop
• Very high price

Corsair Harpoon V2 Wireless

Read our full review

Pros

• Ergonomic design
• Fast, accurate sensor
• Long battery life
• Versatile connectivity

Cons

• Too small to be comfortable for larger-handed users
• Removable rear foot has a tendency to trap debris

HP OmniBook X 14 AI PC

Read our full review

Pros

• Thin and light
• Great performance
• Easy keyboard to type on

Cons

• Inconvenient ports
• Display can be a little reflective
• Not exactly cheap

Apple AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging review

Apple's second-cheapest new AirPods are a fantastic little buy. But you'd be forgiven for overlooking them given Apple's curious naming strategy. After all, the last time Apple unveiled two sets of entry-level AirPods, one had ANC and the other didn't — easy to work out where the extra money went there. But with AirPods 5, both the base model and the step-up option tote ANC. So what's the deal?

It's not as simple as it first appears. As the name implies, AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging offer a better case that charges wirelessly. But what the name doesn't tell you is that here there are a few other perks the cheaper model lacks, which I think makes this set far worthier of the nominal extra fee.

Said case also includes a speaker for audible pairing status pings and Find My help, for instance, which you won't get with the cheaper set. Then, there's the force sensor with volume swipe functionality in both stems, for playback and call handling. To clarify, you can't change the volume on-ear with the cheaper model, which for me is a huge deal — as a woman who often commutes alone at night, I don't want to be digging my phone out if I don't have to, thank you very much.

Lastly, there's an extra hour's playback available to you in this model, with ANC deployed. Don't get overly excited; said figure is only upped to five hours from the buds (or up to 22 with the case) from four and, for me, this is AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging's biggest issue. Almost any price-competitive rival can beat that, in 2026.

But now that I'm done with my main criticism, let's get to the praise — there's plenty of it. Some of the best budget earbuds around? Oh definitely. For iPhone owners, there's nothing else that can cut through the noise for this money.

(Image credit: Future)

• More on differences between AirPods 5 and AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging

Kicking things off with their design, the case is tiny. I've put it next to my regular reference Technics EAH-AZ100 below, but even that doesn't really do its neatness justice. The magnets also snap shut reassuringly so you won't lose an earbud; I've slung this charging nest in my pocket for a few weeks now without issue.

The buds are Apple's open-fit option (think a much-tweaked update on the company's wired EarPods) so there are no ear tips to switch out. You either love this design or hate it. I love it since it means the buds sit slightly less intrusively in the ear, with no 'twist to lock' screwing them into my ear canals to contend with. However, I wouldn't recommend this slightly more relaxed fit for energetic sports use. AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging are secure in the ear, but only to a point. Why? Because you're not creating a seal between a silicone ear tip and the skin of your ear canal.

Also, I occasionally found switching between iOS devices, even using the same Apple account, wasn't as seamless as billed. I actually had to reset them once (it's simple, you just double-tap the front of the case a few times, 'til the light glows orange) and even then, the promised pop-up telling you, 'AirPods used on another device. Connect?' isn't always forthcoming. It's a small issue at this level but still, it's my job to notice.

(Image credit: Future)

Another note on the buds: I find that making a 'pinch' shape with my thumb and index finger to swipe up or down along the indent/force sensor of the stem is the best way to change the volume on these particular AirPods. Apple suggests keeping your thumb on the bottom of the stem to steady them, then swiping up using only your index or middle finger. What I'm trying to say is, there's a knack to this and you need to find your own path with it, but it'll be worth the rehearsal.

Said stems also can be squeezed in a more traditional way, to perform every action you'll want. To play or pause audio, you press a stem once; to skip forward (next track) you double-press a stem; skipping back (previous track) is a triple-press. You can also press a stem when a call comes in to answer it, press and hold to summon Siri (or not, in your settings), start a Live Translation by pressing and holding both stems, or scroll through Noise Cancellation profiles with a press and hold of one stem.

It's a comprehensive solution — and since I've just hit on Live Translation, let's send some more praise that way, shall we?

(Image credit: Future)

Thanks to the inclusion of Apple's H2 chip, not only do these buds offer Personalized Spatial Audio, you can also chat about the bus timetable in Northern Spain with a local Asturian. You'll need an iPhone 15 Pro or newer and you need to download certain language packs (one for the prep-and-packing stage of your trip, rather than when you're on vacation and without wi-fi) on iOS 26 or later with Apple Intelligence turned on. It's largely a case of opening the Settings app on your iPhone, tapping your AirPods, tapping 'Live Translation (Beta)' and going from there, but worth knowing you can't simply have it from the box.

Once up and running, though, it's a dream. I used it with ANC on and Conversation Awareness also toggled on (this, while not exclusive to AirPods 5, is an excellent feature that lowers your music's volume and pipes in external voices when you start speaking). I happen to have a partner who speaks fluent Spanish. Squeeze both stems of the AirPods 5 and behold! See some snippets of our conversation, which is also piped into the buds vocally with very little lag.

Apple Apple Apple Apple Apple Apple Apple Apple

I mention my conversation with my partner because, when I deployed ANC to try to talk to him (in either of its Adaptive or Regular variants) I simply couldn't hear his voice. It was quite astonishing. I cannot explain the wizardry Apple's invoked to make the ANC 50% better over the AirPods 4 any more than I can explain the driver size under the hood, because Apple hasn't said. But I can at least vouch for the truth in the company's statement. Most household noises, street life or hubbub of your everyday will melt away here at the tap of a finger, if you want them gone.

Call handling? Good and clear during my testing, both for callers and for me, the wearer. Head gestures regarding said calls? They're fine, but you need to be quite animated with your head nods and I tend to operate on a more subtle level — when AirPods can respond to an eyebrow raise over who's decided to pick up the phone after all this time, we'll be in business.

And sonically, they're a triumph for the level — yes, despite their lack of hifalutin codec support. Fontaines D.C.'s Six Shot Morning is as darkly vivacious as it is foreboding, with Grian Chatten's oddly angelic bass registers coming in centrally and conveying knowledge that belies his years. In Brandon Flowers' Tiger's Blood there's a delightful accuracy to the various guitars in my left and right ear. Sure, they're not for critical listening — if you wanted flat, untouched detail you won't look to these earbuds — but for expanse, impetus and good old-fashioned fun, AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging won't let you down. There's space around each musical instrument, underpinned by the kind of layering you'd normally find in much pricier options.

Yes, if I switch out to my much pricier Technics buds, there's an extra ounce of detail to the intake of Flowers' breath or the inflections at the end of his new-found (to us) country vocal, but that's hardly a fair test. For an energetic listen that has you living in your head and reveling in music, these unassuming little Apple buds have really surprised me. And given my 'good, not fantastic' take on AirPods 4, I hadn't expected to like them as much as I do. Bravo, Apple.

Apple AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging review: price & release date

• $149 / £139 / AU$249
• Announced on September 9, 2026 (released September 18, 2026)

This is 2026, I don't need to tell you that there's a lot of competition at the $149 / £139 / AU$249 level for a set of wireless earbuds.

And it's not just 'traditional' sets now, open earbuds such as the similarly priced Sennheiser Accentum Clip are taking up a significant chunk of the market too. And in the over-ear arena, the also-new Sony WH-CH730N can be yours for a little more or a little less, depending on where you live (at $179 / £99.99 / AU$229).

In all honesty, Apple's closest competition here is probably its own entry-level AirPods 5, at a slightly cheaper $129 / £129 / AU$219 or possibly even its AirPods Pro 3, which will set you back a little under $249 / £219 / AU$429 now and add a heart-rate monitor, Apple's extensive Hearing Health suite and, er, ear tips…

The bulk of this review should serve to explain why I think Apple's AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging outdo the former for sound-per-pound value. And unless you want to use them for workouts or for the excellent hearing-help tech, I'd even suggest you go for these over the Pro set.

(Image credit: Future)Apple AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging review: specs

Waterproof rating

IP57

Drivers

'Custom high-excursion Apple driver and high dynamic range amplifier, powered by the H2 chip'

Battery life

5 hours (buds, with ANC on, or 7 without ANC), up to 22 hours with charging case

Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.3

Weight

4.3g (per bud)

Frequency range

20Hz-20kHz

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the Apple AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging?

Attribute

Notes

Score

Features

At this level, there's nothing more you should reasonably expect — and ANC and Live Translation get special praise

5/5

Performance

Sonically and for ANC I cannot pick fault here — but the disappointing battery life means they lose a full mark

4/5

Design

Tiny case that makes sounds; gloriously fuss-free buds that fit well — unless you're doing more extreme sports

5/5

Value

In every area except stamina, these buds are class-leading for iPhone owners

4.5/5

(Image credit: Future)Buy them if…

You want the cheapest iPhone ANC around
I know, I know. Before you write in: the basic AirPods 5 also tote ANC. But here, you get it for an extra hour — and believe me, it's so good you want that extra 60 minutes for a $20 / £20 surcharge.

You think small is beautiful
The case is remarkably pocketable, but it's neither flimsy nor insignificant. There's a beauty to the simplistic, function-first design here.

You often start conversations while wearing your buds
In case I haven't emphasized the point enough, Apple's Conversation Awareness is beautifully implemented here. Pipe up and your music pipes down, while voices of others nearby are subtly amplified so you can hear them. View Deal

(Image credit: Future)Don’t buy them if…

You own an Android
I hope it goes without saying, but I feel the need to say it anyway: these Apple buds are designed to keep you ensconced in an iOS ecosystem. Outside it, you'll be better served by products such as the slightly older Nothing Ear (a) or Earfun Air Pro 4 Plus.

You want Apple's Hearing Health and heart-rate perks
No dice here, friend. If you're looking to get a handle on your heart-rate or would like to have your buds boost certain frequencies where you need them, you'll need to seek out Apple's AirPods Pro 3 instead.

You want your earbuds to outlast a long-haul flight
The ANC will certainly be good enough to drown out cabin noise, but if you're flying from LAX to London Heathrow, their five-hour stamina means you won't get to use them for the duration of the flight without popping them back in the case for a charge (and thus, enduring a jolt back to reality). View Deal

(Image credit: Future)Apple AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging review: also consider

Apple AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging

Apple AirPods 5

Nothing Ear (a)

Price

$149 / £139 / AU$249

$129 / £129 / AU$219

$99 / £99 / AU$169 (possibly even cheaper)

Drivers

Custom high excursion

Custom high-excursion

11mm custom driver

Waterproof rating

IP57

IP57

IP54 buds / IPX2 case

Battery life

5 hours (buds, with ANC; 7 hours without), 22 hours (with charging case)

4 hours (buds), 20 hours (with charging case)

Buds: 5.5hrs (9.5hrs without ANC)
Total with case: 24.5hrs (42.5hrs without ANC)

Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.3

Bluetooth 5.3

Bluetooth 5.3 with LDAC

Weight

4.3g (per bud)

4.3g (per bud)

4.8g per earbud

Frequency range

20Hz-20kHz

20Hz-20kHz

Not stated (other than 5000Hz range)

AirPods 5
Apple's even cheaper AirPods 5 launched at the same time as the set you came here to read about. They are also open-fit earbuds (rather than the Pro's design that seeks to create a seal betwixt its ear-tips and your ear canal), and there's still ANC to block out the outside world. They’re just as waterproof as the set with wireless charging, at IP57, and they are beautifully lightweight as well. Again, non Apple-users may find their functionality limited, and their battery life is even more disappointing at only four hours. But if volume swipes on the stems, a chirpier case and an hour of extra stamina don't seem worth an extra $20 / £20, they could be for you. Read more about the Apple AirPods 5.

Nothing Ear (a)
They're a little older, but this simply means you'll likely get them for even cheaper than their $99 / £99 original asking fee. They're also gloriously good-looking and offer better stamina, especially if you switch off the ANC. Android owners will be happy to note that you get LDAC support too (none of that with AirPods) and although the noise-nixing isn't quite as good as Apple's latest batch of AirPods and you're sacrificing a waterproof design for a water resistant one, they're very nearly as energetic and engaging, sonically speaking.
Read my full Nothing Ear (a) review View Deal

How I tested Apple AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging

(Image credit: Future)

• Tested using an iPhone 15 Pro (running iOS 27.2) and MacBook Pro
• Streamed Apple Music (with Spatial Audio and without) also Qobuz and Tidal
• Compared against AirPods 4, Nothing Ear (a), AirPods Pro 3 and Technics EAH-AZ100

I spent four weeks testing the AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging, using a wireless charger to recharge (they juice up very well on it, too, although of course at a slower rate compared with direct USB-C charging) and streaming Apple Music tracks, a music platform of which I was an early adopter.

As always, I used the TechRadar reference playlist, but I also listened to a lot of newer music — I don't know you, dear reader, but I know that human beings have vastly varied music tastes and all are valid here.

I've been testing audio products as my full-time job since 2019, alongside occasional freelance jobs as a performer and dancer/singer. My love of music means I will never tire of trying to find the best audio kit to suit fellow music lovers, whatever their budget. Believe me, I have been a starving artist, too. Music always helps us get through challenging times.

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

Apple AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging review

Apple's second-cheapest new AirPods are a fantastic little buy. But you'd be forgiven for overlooking them given Apple's curious naming strategy. After all, the last time Apple unveiled two sets of entry-level AirPods, one had ANC and the other didn't — easy to work out where the extra money went there. But with AirPods 5, both the base model and the step-up option tote ANC. So what's the deal?

It's not as simple as it first appears. As the name implies, AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging offer a better case that charges wirelessly. But what the name doesn't tell you is that here there are a few other perks the cheaper model lacks, which I think makes this set far worthier of the nominal extra fee.

Said case also includes a speaker for audible pairing status pings and Find My help, for instance, which you won't get with the cheaper set. Then, there's the force sensor with volume swipe functionality in both stems, for playback and call handling. To clarify, you can't change the volume on-ear with the cheaper model, which for me is a huge deal — as a woman who often commutes alone at night, I don't want to be digging my phone out if I don't have to, thank you very much.

Lastly, there's an extra hour's playback available to you in this model, with ANC deployed. Don't get overly excited; said figure is only upped to five hours from the buds (or up to 22 with the case) from four and, for me, this is AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging's biggest issue. Almost any price-competitive rival can beat that, in 2026.

But now that I'm done with my main criticism, let's get to the praise — there's plenty of it. Some of the best budget earbuds around? Oh definitely. For iPhone owners, there's nothing else that can cut through the noise for this money.

(Image credit: Future)

• More on differences between AirPods 5 and AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging

Kicking things off with their design, the case is tiny. I've put it next to my regular reference Technics EAH-AZ100 below, but even that doesn't really do its neatness justice. The magnets also snap shut reassuringly so you won't lose an earbud; I've slung this charging nest in my pocket for a few weeks now without issue.

The buds are Apple's open-fit option (think a much-tweaked update on the company's wired EarPods) so there are no ear tips to switch out. You either love this design or hate it. I love it since it means the buds sit slightly less intrusively in the ear, with no 'twist to lock' screwing them into my ear canals to contend with. However, I wouldn't recommend this slightly more relaxed fit for energetic sports use. AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging are secure in the ear, but only to a point. Why? Because you're not creating a seal between a silicone ear tip and the skin of your ear canal.

Also, I occasionally found switching between iOS devices, even using the same Apple account, wasn't as seamless as billed. I actually had to reset them once (it's simple, you just double-tap the front of the case a few times, 'til the light glows orange) and even then, the promised pop-up telling you, 'AirPods used on another device. Connect?' isn't always forthcoming. It's a small issue at this level but still, it's my job to notice.

(Image credit: Future)

Another note on the buds: I find that making a 'pinch' shape with my thumb and index finger to swipe up or down along the indent/force sensor of the stem is the best way to change the volume on these particular AirPods. Apple suggests keeping your thumb on the bottom of the stem to steady them, then swiping up using only your index or middle finger. What I'm trying to say is, there's a knack to this and you need to find your own path with it, but it'll be worth the rehearsal.

Said stems also can be squeezed in a more traditional way, to perform every action you'll want. To play or pause audio, you press a stem once; to skip forward (next track) you double-press a stem; skipping back (previous track) is a triple-press. You can also press a stem when a call comes in to answer it, press and hold to summon Siri (or not, in your settings), start a Live Translation by pressing and holding both stems, or scroll through Noise Cancellation profiles with a press and hold of one stem.

It's a comprehensive solution — and since I've just hit on Live Translation, let's send some more praise that way, shall we?

(Image credit: Future)

Thanks to the inclusion of Apple's H2 chip, not only do these buds offer Personalized Spatial Audio, you can also chat about the bus timetable in Northern Spain with a local Asturian. You'll need an iPhone 15 Pro or newer and you need to download certain language packs (one for the prep-and-packing stage of your trip, rather than when you're on vacation and without wi-fi) on iOS 26 or later with Apple Intelligence turned on. It's largely a case of opening the Settings app on your iPhone, tapping your AirPods, tapping 'Live Translation (Beta)' and going from there, but worth knowing you can't simply have it from the box.

Once up and running, though, it's a dream. I used it with ANC on and Conversation Awareness also toggled on (this, while not exclusive to AirPods 5, is an excellent feature that lowers your music's volume and pipes in external voices when you start speaking). I happen to have a partner who speaks fluent Spanish. Squeeze both stems of the AirPods 5 and behold! See some snippets of our conversation, which is also piped into the buds vocally with very little lag.

Apple Apple Apple Apple Apple Apple Apple Apple

I mention my conversation with my partner because, when I deployed ANC to try to talk to him (in either of its Adaptive or Regular variants) I simply couldn't hear his voice. It was quite astonishing. I cannot explain the wizardry Apple's invoked to make the ANC 50% better over the AirPods 4 any more than I can explain the driver size under the hood, because Apple hasn't said. But I can at least vouch for the truth in the company's statement. Most household noises, street life or hubbub of your everyday will melt away here at the tap of a finger, if you want them gone.

Call handling? Good and clear during my testing, both for callers and for me, the wearer. Head gestures regarding said calls? They're fine, but you need to be quite animated with your head nods and I tend to operate on a more subtle level — when AirPods can respond to an eyebrow raise over who's decided to pick up the phone after all this time, we'll be in business.

And sonically, they're a triumph for the level — yes, despite their lack of hifalutin codec support. Fontaines D.C.'s Six Shot Morning is as darkly vivacious as it is foreboding, with Grian Chatten's oddly angelic bass registers coming in centrally and conveying knowledge that belies his years. In Brandon Flowers' Tiger's Blood there's a delightful accuracy to the various guitars in my left and right ear. Sure, they're not for critical listening — if you wanted flat, untouched detail you won't look to these earbuds — but for expanse, impetus and good old-fashioned fun, AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging won't let you down. There's space around each musical instrument, underpinned by the kind of layering you'd normally find in much pricier options.

Yes, if I switch out to my much pricier Technics buds, there's an extra ounce of detail to the intake of Flowers' breath or the inflections at the end of his new-found (to us) country vocal, but that's hardly a fair test. For an energetic listen that has you living in your head and reveling in music, these unassuming little Apple buds have really surprised me. And given my 'good, not fantastic' take on AirPods 4, I hadn't expected to like them as much as I do. Bravo, Apple.

Apple AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging review: price & release date

• $149 / £139 / AU$249
• Announced on September 9, 2026 (released September 18, 2026)

This is 2026, I don't need to tell you that there's a lot of competition at the $149 / £139 / AU$249 level for a set of wireless earbuds.

And it's not just 'traditional' sets now, open earbuds such as the similarly priced Sennheiser Accentum Clip are taking up a significant chunk of the market too. And in the over-ear arena, the also-new Sony WH-CH730N can be yours for a little more or a little less, depending on where you live (at $179 / £99.99 / AU$229).

In all honesty, Apple's closest competition here is probably its own entry-level AirPods 5, at a slightly cheaper $129 / £129 / AU$219 or possibly even its AirPods Pro 3, which will set you back a little under $249 / £219 / AU$429 now and add a heart-rate monitor, Apple's extensive Hearing Health suite and, er, ear tips…

The bulk of this review should serve to explain why I think Apple's AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging outdo the former for sound-per-pound value. And unless you want to use them for workouts or for the excellent hearing-help tech, I'd even suggest you go for these over the Pro set.

(Image credit: Future)Apple AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging review: specs

Waterproof rating

IP57

Drivers

'Custom high-excursion Apple driver and high dynamic range amplifier, powered by the H2 chip'

Battery life

5 hours (buds, with ANC on, or 7 without ANC), up to 22 hours with charging case

Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.3

Weight

4.3g (per bud)

Frequency range

20Hz-20kHz

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the Apple AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging?

Attribute

Notes

Score

Features

At this level, there's nothing more you should reasonably expect — and ANC and Live Translation get special praise

5/5

Performance

Sonically and for ANC I cannot pick fault here — but the disappointing battery life means they lose a full mark

4/5

Design

Tiny case that makes sounds; gloriously fuss-free buds that fit well — unless you're doing more extreme sports

5/5

Value

In every area except stamina, these buds are class-leading for iPhone owners

4.5/5

(Image credit: Future)Buy them if…

You want the cheapest iPhone ANC around
I know, I know. Before you write in: the basic AirPods 5 also tote ANC. But here, you get it for an extra hour — and believe me, it's so good you want that extra 60 minutes for a $20 / £20 surcharge.

You think small is beautiful
The case is remarkably pocketable, but it's neither flimsy nor insignificant. There's a beauty to the simplistic, function-first design here.

You often start conversations while wearing your buds
In case I haven't emphasized the point enough, Apple's Conversation Awareness is beautifully implemented here. Pipe up and your music pipes down, while voices of others nearby are subtly amplified so you can hear them. View Deal

(Image credit: Future)Don’t buy them if…

You own an Android
I hope it goes without saying, but I feel the need to say it anyway: these Apple buds are designed to keep you ensconced in an iOS ecosystem. Outside it, you'll be better served by products such as the slightly older Nothing Ear (a) or Earfun Air Pro 4 Plus.

You want Apple's Hearing Health and heart-rate perks
No dice here, friend. If you're looking to get a handle on your heart-rate or would like to have your buds boost certain frequencies where you need them, you'll need to seek out Apple's AirPods Pro 3 instead.

You want your earbuds to outlast a long-haul flight
The ANC will certainly be good enough to drown out cabin noise, but if you're flying from LAX to London Heathrow, their five-hour stamina means you won't get to use them for the duration of the flight without popping them back in the case for a charge (and thus, enduring a jolt back to reality). View Deal

(Image credit: Future)Apple AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging review: also consider

Apple AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging

Apple AirPods 5

Nothing Ear (a)

Price

$149 / £139 / AU$249

$129 / £129 / AU$219

$99 / £99 / AU$169 (possibly even cheaper)

Drivers

Custom high excursion

Custom high-excursion

11mm custom driver

Waterproof rating

IP57

IP57

IP54 buds / IPX2 case

Battery life

5 hours (buds, with ANC; 7 hours without), 22 hours (with charging case)

4 hours (buds), 20 hours (with charging case)

Buds: 5.5hrs (9.5hrs without ANC)
Total with case: 24.5hrs (42.5hrs without ANC)

Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.3

Bluetooth 5.3

Bluetooth 5.3 with LDAC

Weight

4.3g (per bud)

4.3g (per bud)

4.8g per earbud

Frequency range

20Hz-20kHz

20Hz-20kHz

Not stated (other than 5000Hz range)

AirPods 5
Apple's even cheaper AirPods 5 launched at the same time as the set you came here to read about. They are also open-fit earbuds (rather than the Pro's design that seeks to create a seal betwixt its ear-tips and your ear canal), and there's still ANC to block out the outside world. They’re just as waterproof as the set with wireless charging, at IP57, and they are beautifully lightweight as well. Again, non Apple-users may find their functionality limited, and their battery life is even more disappointing at only four hours. But if volume swipes on the stems, a chirpier case and an hour of extra stamina don't seem worth an extra $20 / £20, they could be for you. Read more about the Apple AirPods 5.

Nothing Ear (a)
They're a little older, but this simply means you'll likely get them for even cheaper than their $99 / £99 original asking fee. They're also gloriously good-looking and offer better stamina, especially if you switch off the ANC. Android owners will be happy to note that you get LDAC support too (none of that with AirPods) and although the noise-nixing isn't quite as good as Apple's latest batch of AirPods and you're sacrificing a waterproof design for a water resistant one, they're very nearly as energetic and engaging, sonically speaking.
Read my full Nothing Ear (a) review View Deal

How I tested Apple AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging

(Image credit: Future)

• Tested using an iPhone 15 Pro (running iOS 27.2) and MacBook Pro
• Streamed Apple Music (with Spatial Audio and without) also Qobuz and Tidal
• Compared against AirPods 4, Nothing Ear (a), AirPods Pro 3 and Technics EAH-AZ100

I spent four weeks testing the AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging, using a wireless charger to recharge (they juice up very well on it, too, although of course at a slower rate compared with direct USB-C charging) and streaming Apple Music tracks, a music platform of which I was an early adopter.

As always, I used the TechRadar reference playlist, but I also listened to a lot of newer music — I don't know you, dear reader, but I know that human beings have vastly varied music tastes and all are valid here.

I've been testing audio products as my full-time job since 2019, alongside occasional freelance jobs as a performer and dancer/singer. My love of music means I will never tire of trying to find the best audio kit to suit fellow music lovers, whatever their budget. Believe me, I have been a starving artist, too. Music always helps us get through challenging times.

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

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The syndrome can make people feel like a "hibernating bear," says Dr. Norman Rosenthal, who published the first research on SAD. He explains how to identify the symptoms and what to do to feel better.

It's the largest cryptocurrency theft in history: hackers from North Korea allegedly swiped $6.36 billion in funds from Binance in the space of just 20 minutes, which has left customers reeling and the financial industry in shock.

The heist raises all kinds of questions about how this was allowed to happen, what might happen next, and whether Binance customers are going to get any of their stolen money back.

Even if you never owned any cryptocurrency before, there are bigger questions too — like what this means for global financial stability, and what the aftershocks might be for everyone outside the Binance world.

Looking for a quick five-minute primer on the Binance hack? We've been speaking to industry experts to get some answers...

1. What actually happened?

(Image credit: Getty Images / Dan Kitwood)

The basics are now pretty clear — $6.36 billion in cryptocurrency was stolen from the Binance exchange in the space of just 20 minutes. Security analysts are pointing the blame at North Korea's TraderTraitor hacking group, which has a history of this kind of heist. What's less clear is exactly how the hackers got access. Early reports identified a Binance employee's compromised laptop as a potential way in, though it now seems there's more to the story.

"A compromised laptop may explain where an attack started, but it does not, on its own, explain how billions of dollars could leave an exchange," Pieter Arntz, researcher at cybersecurity firm Malwarebytes, told TechRadar. "The real question is what allowed that initial foothold to become access to withdrawal systems — and which safeguards failed to stop unauthorized transactions."

"According to blockchain analysts, the attacker spent at least a day and a half preparing, including testing their tools on public blockchains where anyone could see," Ben Bernstein, manager of cybersecurity advisors at Huntress, told TechRadar. "Then most of the $6.3 billion left Binance's wallets in about 20 minutes. That's common in attacks we investigate. The attacker does most of the work long before anything is stolen."

2. Will anyone get their money back?

Binance says customers will be refunded (Image credit: Shutterstock / Diego Ioppolo)

Binance has promised to reimburse customer losses through its backup and emergency funds, but in the meantime we're seeing deposits and withdrawals frozen on the platform while the hack is investigated. It's a warning that even the largest and most sophisticated exchanges can still be vulnerable.

"Binance says it'll cover every cent," Nigel Green, CEO of the deVere Group, said in a press statement. "I hope so. The emergency fund is around $1.2 billion and the gap is several times bigger, so the rest has to come from the company’s own balance sheet. The market will want to see the numbers, and the new proof of reserves can’t come soon enough."

"Long term holders have just been reminded, very expensively, why keys kept offline matter. Crypto has spent years pushing back against heavy regulation, and plenty of those arguments were fair. This one's harder to argue with. Platforms holding billions of other people's money need enforceable security standards. I expect regulators in the US, Europe and Asia will likely move faster after this week," he added.

In the meantime, the US Secret Service has said in a statement that it's "working around the clock" with partners in the private sector "to identify, freeze, trace, and recover funds" that have been stolen from Binance.

3. What follow-up scams might appear?

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Whether you're a Binance customer or not, you need to keep your wits about you over the next few days. It's likely that scams trying to literally cash in on the hack will start appearing — perhaps warning you that you need to quickly claim refunds, lock your account against a particular threat, or go through a bogus verification process.

"Criminals routinely use major breaches as a hook for phishing campaigns," Dray Agha, senior manager for tactical response at Huntress, told TechRadar. "Consumers should be highly suspicious of any emails or messages claiming to be from Binance offering urgent account recovery steps. You must only check your account status through the official application or website rather than clicking links in unsolicited messages."

According to the team at Huntress, you should watch out for social media posts, emails, and text messages that use the Binance hack as a hook — perhaps a fake news story suggesting that now's the time to buy crypto, while prices are down.

As always, think twice about following links or entering sensitive information into online forms and portals you're not familiar with.

4. How does this affect the average consumer?

The hack shouldn't give you any financial surprises (Image credit: Getty Images)

If you don't own any cryptocurrency, the good news is that you're largely going to be unaffected by what's happened here. There's not going to be a stock market crash, or a run on the banks, or a global recession — not because of this hack, at least. However, it's always worth weighing up your own personal privacy and security setup.

"If you don't own crypto, the direct impact on you is small," Ben Bernstein from Huntress told us. "Your bank account and your card are not affected by this. The bigger takeaway for consumers is that attackers often get in by targeting people rather than technology, through a convincing email, a fake login page or a phone call from someone posing as IT support," he said.

"That makes security awareness everyone's job, at home and at work. If you pause before you click a link, approve a login or share a code, you're making it harder for an attacker, whether they're after your savings or your employer's systems," he added.

5. What does this mean for the future of money?

(Image credit: Getty Images / Dan Kitwood)

This clearly raises a lot of questions about the safety of cryptocurrency and the exchanges that it sits on — and of course it's far from the first crypto heist we've seen. In the longer term, it may lead to less confidence in crypto as a whole, but the experts we spoke to don't think it will bring the industry down. What will be important is making sure the risks of this happening again are minimized as much as possible.

"Despite the scale of the theft, this is not a threat to global financial stability," Feike Hacquebord, Principal Threat Researcher at TrendAI, told TechRadar. "Around half of the stolen funds have already been frozen, while the regulated banking system is well equipped to absorb a shock of this size. This is a major crisis for Binance, not a crisis for the global financial system."

"The change I’d like to see, for crypto firms, banks and every other business, is working on the assumption that someone will get in eventually," Ben Bernstein told us. "Keeping attackers out matters, but it isn't enough on its own. Companies also need someone watching around the clock, especially for logins and account activity that don't look right, so they can find and remove an intruder before the money starts moving," he added.

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