Feed aggregator

Hoover HL2 TurboStyle: one-minute review

The Hoover HL2 TurboStyle is a budget corded upright that's clearly been designed for people who don't want to think too hard about their vacuum cleaner. It’s one of the best upright vacuum cleaners for those that just want something that picks stuff up, doesn't cost much, and won't break their back carrying it upstairs. At under 5kg it's one of the lighter corded uprights you can buy, and the 850W motor delivers consistent suction that doesn't fade the way a cordless stick does when the battery starts dropping off.

Hoover's Anti-Twist brushbar technology works well in practice, keeping hair from wrapping around the roller in a way that genuinely saves you the grim job of cutting it free every few weeks, and the dual-speed setting means you can dial the brushbar back for hard floors without it scattering debris everywhere. The LED headlights are also a nice touch for spotting dust under furniture, and the push-and-lift handheld mode makes it easy enough to get at stairs and upholstery without detaching half the machine.

(Image credit: Future)

Where the budget shows is in the build quality and the finer details. The plastic has that slightly hollow feel that makes you handle it a bit more carefully than you probably should have to. There's no app, no sensors, no clever features – which is fine if you don't want any of that, but it does mean you're paying purely for cleaning performance and not much else.

For the price, the HL2 TurboStyle does the fundamentals well and the suction holds up across carpets and hard floors without any complaints. It's not that exciting to look at but it does what it promises as a sensible, no-frills upright. If that's all you're after, look no further.

Hoover HL2 TurboStyle: price and release date

• Available now in the UK priced at £169.99 RRP, currently on sale at £129
• Also available from retailers such as Currys
• Colours: Pastel Pink, Teal

The HL2 TurboStyle is only available in the UK, where it sits at a very accessible price point. The standard Home model is available in pastel pink or teal colourways and has an RRP of £169.99 (about $230 / AU$320). However, at the time of writing, it’s currently priced at £129 (about $180 / AU$240) either direct from Hoover or Currys. The Pet variant (which adds a mini turbo brush for upholstery) can be picked up for £179.99 (about $240 / AU$340).

For context, that's significantly cheaper than a cordless Dyson, which will set you back at least £300 / $400 / AU$600 for something entry-level, and around the same price as a lot of budget cordless sticks that'll give you 20 minutes of runtime before needing a charge. If you're happy being tethered to a plug, the HL2's price is hard to argue with.

• Value score: 4/5

Hoover HL2 TurboStyle: design

• Lightweight and nimble for a corded upright
• Bin release button is far too sensitive
• Color choices could do with a rethink

The HL2 is a compact, slim upright that doesn't look like much out of the box, and that's OK. It's not trying to be anything it’s not – it's a mid-range vacuum cleaner that gets the job done with very little faff. At under 5kg, it's noticeably light for a corded machine, and the swivelling floorhead makes it easy to steer around furniture without needing to do that awkward three-point-turn you get with bulkier uprights.

The eight-meter working radius is generous, too. I was able to do most of a room without having to unplug and move to a different socket, which takes the annoying part out of a corded setup. The cable itself is long enough that I stopped thinking about it after a while (apart from needing to move it out of the way to change direction).

FutureFutureFuture

Build quality is where you start to see why this machine has the price point it does. The main body is fine, sturdy and sensibly laid out, but the attachments feel a bit cheap. The crevice tool and dusting brush have that thin, hollow plastic feel and while nothing broke during testing, I’m not sure if it would survive being bashed around over time.

The bin is a good size at 2.5 liters, and the one-click emptying is supposed to make disposal straightforward but in reality I found the release button to be a little too trigger happy. On one occasion, when I was carrying the bin across to the kitchen, the button rested gently on my hand and the hatch popped open spilling the entire contents across the floor. It's a design quirk that will likely catch you out at least once.

FutureFuture

As for the colours, I tested the teal version, which is inoffensive enough. The pastel pink is clearly aimed at a specific buyer, and fair play. But I do think a simple black, dark grey or more neutral option would go better with any home, and it feels like Hoover missed a trick not offering one.

• Design score: 3.5/5

Hoover HL2 TurboStyle: features and performance

• Impressive pickup, especially on carpet
• Anti-Twist tech works well with hair
• Push-and-lift handheld mode is useful but basic

After trying it across multiple floor types, I found the HL2's 850W motor does a genuinely good job. When running it over a high-pile wool rug that I'd already gone over with my Dyson cordless, the Hoover pulled up a surprising amount of extra lint, dust and general debris that the Dyson had clearly missed. There's something to be said for the raw, consistent power of a corded motor, and the HL2 reminded me why uprights still exist.

There are two brush bar speeds, controlled by a rocker switch on the floorhead: one for hard floors and one for carpet. The carpet mode is pretty aggressive, digging into the pile with enough energy that you can see it lifting as the vac passes over it. Meanwhile, hard floor mode dials things back so you're not flinging dust around. It's a simple setup that works well, but it’s worth flagging how a lot of modern, premium models have sensors which can detect a change in floor type and switch between these modes automatically. This is definitely missed here.

FutureFutureFuture

Hoover's Anti-Twist technology does a good job, too, as I didn't end up with any hair wrapped around the brush bar during my testing period. The LED headlights on the floorhead are a nice touch as well, lighting up darker areas under the sofa and bed where dust loves to hide.

The push-and-lift conversion to a handheld is perfectly functional, too. You press the button, lift the main unit off the base, and you've got a handheld vac for stairs and above-floor work. It's fine for quick jobs, but the unit is a bit unwieldy for extended handheld use, and the stretch hose, while reaching two metres, doesn't give you quite as much flexibility as a proper dedicated handheld.

FutureFutureFuture

For day-to-day use, the HL2 is pleasingly smooth to push around. There's very little effort needed to glide it up and down, and the swivel head handles corners and furniture legs without too much fuss. Suction is consistent throughout, which is the benefit of being plugged in, and I didn't run into any blockages, overheating or performance dips during testing.

If there's a complaint about performance, it's that the HL2 doesn't really do anything beyond the basics. There's no auto-adjust for floor types, no dirt sensors, no display showing you anything useful. That's expected at this price, but it does mean you're relying entirely on your own eyes and judgement, which, after using smarter vacuums, can feel a little old-school.

• Features and performance score: 4/5

Should you buy the Hoover HL2 TurboStyle?Buy it if

You want reliable suction without battery anxiety

The corded motor gives you consistent, strong cleaning power for as long as you need it.View Deal

You have a mix of carpet and hard floors

The dual-speed brushbar handles both well, and the Anti-Twist tech keeps maintenance lowView Deal

You're after a budget-friendly upright that stores easily

This vacuum is under 5kg and compact enough to tuck away without taking up half a cupboard.View Deal

Don't buy it if

You're used to cordless freedom

The cord is long, but it's still a cord, and once you've gone cordless it's hard to go back.View Deal

You want premium build quality

The attachments feel a bit flimsy and the bin release is far too easy to trigger accidentally.View Deal

You care about smart features

There's no auto-adjust, no useful display and no meaningful app integration here.View Deal

Hoover HL2 TurboStyle: also consider

Shark Navigator Lift-Away
If you want a more robust corded upright with better build quality and a proper lift-away canister for stairs, the Shark is a top notch alternative that doesn’t cost all that much more.

Dyson Ball Animal 3
An extremely powerful option from Dyson that might cost a bit more, but is especially effective on carpets and has a massive bagless bin that doesn’t need emptying daily.

Hoover HU300
Hoover's own step-up model adds multi-cyclonic technology and a HEPA H13 filter for better filtration, and is generally a bit more refined than the HL2.

How I tested the Hoover HL2 TurboStyle

I used the Hoover HL2 TurboStyle as my main vacuum cleaner for several weeks across carpet, rugs and hard floors in a multi-level home. I tested it alongside my regular Dyson cordless to compare pickup, used the handheld mode on stairs and upholstery, and assessed the build quality, bin emptying, storage and day-to-day usability throughout.

First reviewed: April 2026

This corded vacuum cleaner is very reasonably priced, and punches well above its weight despite a few quirks.

After using Google's popular mapping app for the best part of two decades, I've learned a thing or two — here are my top tips and features.

May 2026 has another big list of 4K Blu-ray releases, so I've picked the top 4 I'm most looking forward to testing.

Star Wars Day is here and with it comes fantastic deals, new products and sometimes new announcements. We will be here with you, picking the best of the bunch.

Celebrate Star Wars Day with some merch that absolutely no one asked for.

The 14-inch MacBook Pro (M4) and 16-inch MacBook Pro (M4) are almost the same, but key differences remain.

OpenAI has been using Yubico keys internally already – with its Advanced Account Security program, now its users can too.

Apple says Mac mini and Mac Studio shortages could last months as AI demand, memory costs, and chip constraints pressure supply.

The post Apple Warns Mac mini, Mac Studio Shortages Could Last Months appeared first on TechRepublic.

Here are the Mother’s Day gifts that active and wellness-focused moms and mother figures can enjoy year-round.

Creative Sound Blaster GS5: One-minute review

The Creative Sound Blaster GS5 is a gaming soundbar that can be used with all sorts of devices, with a form factor that’s suitable for desktops, according to the brand.

Its plain appearance won’t set hearts ablaze, but it has a certain minimalist charm that’s unlikely to offend. Customizable RGB lighting is on hand for those who want to brighten their setup, too.

The build quality of the GS5 is reasonable. It feels quite solid without being too heavy, although the chassis material doesn’t feel particularly premium. It falls short of the best soundbars in this regard, and no doubt contributes to its relatively low price tag. And while it’s a compact unit, I still think it’s a bit too large to sit comfortably on your desk.

(Image credit: Future)

The remote is similarly compact and functional. It’s well made and easy to use, although it can be slow to respond, especially when trying to adjust certain parameters with quick, repeated presses.

The GS5 produces a good sound for gaming. Audio effects are impactful, but overall fidelity is lacking somewhat, which is especially noticeable when listening to music or watching movies.

Altering the sound in Creative’s desktop app can help, though. There are plenty of adjustments here, including a 10-point EQ graph and other audio-enhancing features. Some of these improve clarity and impact, while others, such as the volume-leveling function, are less effective.

It’s a shame that these alterations only take effect when listening to the GS5 on PC via USB, and it’s also disappointing that the mobile app offers nowhere near the same number of adjustments as the desktop app.

I have fewer complaints about the connectivity of the GS5, though. Bluetooth works very well, pairing quickly to my devices and making it easy to hotswitch to wired connections. Speaking of which, you get many options here, with USB, Optical, and AUX ports on board. There’s even a 3.5mm headphone jack on the side of the unit.

All these options and features are impressive for a soundbar of this price. Many of its rivals are a lot more expensive, and while they may offer better audio quality, the GS5 is still worth considering if you’re on a budget. Just don’t expect a space-saving desktop unit with pristine sound.

Creative Sound Blaster GS5 review: Price & availability

(Image credit: Future)

• $99.99 / £74.99 / AU$129.95
• Available now
• Cheaper than many rivals

The Creative Sound Blaster GS5 costs $99.99 / £74.99 / AU$129.95 and is available now in one colorway: black.

This is a reasonable price for a gaming soundbar, especially one that offers so many features. For something even cheaper, there’s the GS3, the younger sibling to the GS5. However, this is smaller, less powerful, and lacks the same features.

For more premium options, there’s the Creative Katana SE, which has a similar feature-set and audio quality, while the Razer Leviathan V2 Pro has more advanced features, including an infrared camera with AI tracking to keep the sound centered on where you are.

Creative Sound Blaster GS5 review: Specs

Frequency range:

65–20,000Hz

Drivers:

3.35 x 2.16 inch full-range racetrack drivers

Dimensions:

510 x 102.7 x 82.6mm / 20.07 x 4.04 x 3.25 inches

Weight:

1.5kg / 3.3lbs

Audio Inputs:

Bluetooth 5.3, Optical-in (TOSLINK), 3.5mm AUX-in, USB Audio (Type C)

Audio Outputs:

3.5mm Headphones-out

Creative Sound Blaster GS5 review: Design

(Image credit: Future)

• Restrained looks
• A little too big for desktops
• Feature-packed desktop app

The GS5 has a rather functional appearance; the all-black design looks smart, but also a little dull. The RGB lighting, however, does impart some interest, with its keen luminescence and plenty of customization options on tap.

Although the GS5 is smaller than your typical soundbar, it’s still a bit too cumbersome for desktop use, despite Creative’s intentions for it. It mightn’t be particularly wide but it's quite tall and deep, so it takes up more space than you might think. At least the overall form is sleek and minimal, lacking unnecessary angles or protrusions.

Build quality is reasonable, too. It feels solid in the main, and although the materials employed don’t feel particularly upmarket, they’re sufficient for the job. I also appreciated the soft rubber feet, which help to stabilize the soundbar, as well as protect the underlying surface.

The LED display is limited to just two characters, but it’s clear enough without being distracting, and is sufficient for conveying information. The side knob is similarly discreet, and rotates smoothly with light notching. Also operating well, the surrounding buttons only require a light press to work. They’re coated in a soft rubber that feels comfortable, although it's a little pointless in my view.

(Image credit: Future)

Feeling of a similar quality, the IR remote control is compact and sits nicely in the hand. The buttons operate with a satisfying solidity, too, and there are plenty of adjustments available, from volume and track skipping to toggles for various audio features.

However, not every feature and function that the GS5 has to offer is present here. To gain access to further tweaks, you’ll need to install Creative’s free desktop app. Here you’ll find plenty of in-depth options to tinker with, including EQ graphs and various enhancements.

It’s clearly laid out for the most part, although adjusting some of the functions for the sound mode are a little confusing. It’s not immediately clear how the Sound Mode, Acoustic Stage, and Equalizer sections are linked, but they are. What’s more, adjustments made in the app fail to sync up with the GS5’s LED readout. For instance, if you’ve selected Gaming mode via the app, this won’t show up.

The app’s interface isn’t the most appealing, with certain UI elements looking a little low-res. Also, some clickable objects, such as drop-down boxes, didn’t always respond properly in my experience. What’s more, I was disappointed that the app won’t recognize the GS5 if connected wirelessly via Bluetooth; you must have a wired USB connection. Ultimately, though, these are minor niggles, and overall the software is stable and usable.

It’s frustrating that the mobile app is far more limited than its desktop counterpart. It only offers a few adjustments, and these are ones that are already present on the remote, although I understand it may be more convenient for some to use their phone rather than the remote to control the GS5.

Creative Sound Blaster GS5 review: Performance

(Image credit: Future)

• Impactful and punchy sound
• Lacks fidelity
• App settings only take effect on PC

The GS5 is an effective companion to your gaming sessions. Sound effects are punchy and impactful, adding real bite to sword swings when I played The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered and gunfire in Counter-Strike 2. Sadly, the overall fidelity of the GS5 isn’t particularly great, which is especially noticeable when listening to music. It’s certainly not in the same league as the best speakers for audio enthusiasts, nor is it on a par with the best gaming headsets.

There’s plenty of volume, although it’s a shame that the increments aren’t very precise; you’ll find the sound hardly changes as you increase or decrease the volume by one or two digits, before it suddenly jumps on the third or forth.

You can make several adjustments to tailor the sound of the GS5 to your needs. You can control the tone by seven levels: 0 is the neutral point between the two extremes of ‘warmth’ and ‘brilliance’ (as Creative terms them), with three either side for more bass or more treble.

(Image credit: Future)

The brighter tones were impressive, enhancing the clarity of that aforementioned punch to game sound effects. However, the lower tones were disappointing, muddying the bass rather than making it fuller.

On top of this, there's also a SuperWide setting, which promises a more expansive soundstage. You can toggle between Near and Far modes (or disable it altogether), based on your distance from the bar. I found this to be an effective feature, as it really does impart a greater sense of space. The Far setting adds some unwanted airiness, but not to the extent that it undermines clarity and depth entirely.

Then there are the plethora of what Creative calls Sound Modes. On the remote, you can only toggle between two of these: Gaming and Movie. The latter seemed to offer greater fidelity at the expense of impact, whereas the former had the opposite effect, emphasizing mids and lows at the expense of clear trebles.

In the Creative desktop app, there are many more of these modes to choose from, including those designed for specific games. You can even design and save your own custom profiles, with independent sections for speaker and headphone settings, should you wish to connect one via the 3.5mm jack on the side of the GS5.

(Image credit: Future)

To shape your sound, there’s an EQ graph with a range of 31Hz to 16KHz, plotted with 10 points that you can drag to boost or cut frequencies by 6dBs. For convenience, there are additional sliders for overall bass and treble, allowing you to adjust multiple frequencies in those domains simultaneously. There’s also a Preamp slider that can be used to alter overall volume.

Alongside this traditional EQ, the app also has a feature that Creative calls Acoustic Engine. Here, you can adjust more sound-related aspects. There are further sliders for enhancing bass and treble frequencies, which stack on top of what can be achieved with the EQ. There’s also a setting called Dialog+ that’s designed to make dialog clearer, and in my experience this does indeed achieve its aim.

I found the Smart Volume setting less effective. This claims to intelligently ride levels to prevent loud and unpleasant spikes in volume. Unfortunately, in action, it sounds like an unsubtle audio compressor, causing a slight pumping effect but not actually taming peaks all that well.

All these options are a little overwhelming at first, but on the whole they’re welcome and meaningful additions. However, it’s a shame that any custom sound mode you create can’t be selected via the remote. Worse still, these only work on PC via USB — you won’t be able to use them when connected via Bluetooth, or when connected to consoles and other devices, wired or wirelessly.

Connecting to various devices via Bluetooth was as quick and as painless as I could’ve wished for. I couldn’t discern any difference in sound quality between USB and Bluetooth connections, either.

What’s more, switching between Bluetooth and USB connections was also seamless. I could switch between them without needing to unplug and replug the cable, which made hot-switching that much easier. There are also ports for AUX and optical connection, which means that overall the GS5 has an impressive range of connectivity options.

The performance of the IR remote was somewhat disappointing. I often experienced delayed inputs, especially when adjusting the Tone parameter, for some reason. And while I appreciated the media controls for play / pause and track skipping, these only worked on PC via USB, not on console.

Should I buy the Creative Sound Blaster GS5?Scorecard

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

It offers quite a lot for its relatively unassuming price tag.

4 / 5

Design

The unfussy and compact form are positives, but it’s still too large to sit on desktops comfortably.

3.5 / 5

Performance

The GS5 doesn’t have the best fidelity, but there are plenty of sound-enhancing features to somewhat make up for this.

3.5 / 5

Overall rating

The GS5 packs in plenty of features and connectivity options, but the lack of audio quality compared to hi-fi alternatives is clear. It’s also a little too big for desktops, but at this price, it’s still worth considering if you’re on a budget.

3.5 / 5

Buy it if…

You’re on a budget
As soundbars go, the GS5 is quite cheap, yet it still has a lot of features and connectivity options.

You want plenty of customization
Using the GS5 on PC unlocks a wealth of tweaks, most of which make meaningful changes to the sound.

Don't buy it if…

You want the best sound quality
The lack of clarity compared to top-tier rivals is apparent, and music and movie lovers might be especially disappointed.

You want something discreet
Although Creative does say the GS5 is fit for desktops, it’s still a little too large, in my view.

Creative Sound Blaster GS5 review: Also consider

Creative Katana SE
Another Creative model, the Katana SE is a powerful, bass-heavy unit that, like the GS5, features plenty of customization and connectivity options. Unfortunately, though, it also shares the same lack of fidelity, so it still can’t compete with audio-focused soundbars and speakers. Read our full Creative Katana SE review.

Razer Leviathan V2 Pro
The Razer Leviathan V2 Pro impressed us with its powerful low-end and wide sonic landscape, although we did find mid and high frequencies to be a little disappointing. It does have a Virtual Headset mode for increased immersion, though, as well as an infrared camera with AI tracking to make sure you’re always at the center of the soundstage. Read our full Razer Leviathan V2 Pro review.

How I tested the Creative Sound Blaster GS5

• Tested for several days
• Used for various content on various devices
• Plenty of gaming and audio experience

I tested the GS5 for several days. I used it for all kinds of content, from gaming to watching videos and listening to music.

I also used it with various devices via its various connections. I used it with my PS5, gaming PC, Nintendo Switch, and Android phone, with a mixture of USB and Bluetooth connections.

I have experience testing a range of audio gear, including headsets designed for gaming and headphones and speakers designed for audiophiles. Such products have spanned a range of price points, form factors, and feature sets.

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

The Creative Sound Blaster GS5 promises a lot for relatively little money — but how good does it really sound?

It's finale week for Daredevil: Born Again season 2 — and this is when you can watch the Marvel TV show's next entry.

Many of the changes Trump wants to make to the White House and the city are facing legal challenges. Some are reversible, while others could reshape the nation's capital for generations to come.

(Image credit: Tom Brenner, Rahmat Gul, Mark Schiefelbein, Jon Elswick)

Instructure confirms a Canvas breach involving user information and messages as hackers claim 275M users and nearly 9,000 schools were affected.

The post Canvas Breach May Put 275M Users, 9,000 Schools at Risk appeared first on TechRepublic.

President Trump announced that the U.S will "guide" stranded ships through the Strait of Hormuz. And, Democrats face an uphill battle to gain Senate control. Here are the key races to watch.

(Image credit: Roberto Schmidt)

Company insides pose a bigger risk than ever to company cybersecurity, and attackers know this.

A good price for a budget gaming laptop

I cobbled together a constellation of 12 $10 Ikea speakers to see how they compared to a single $120 JBL one.

Splatica revealed a hidden talent in my Insta360 X5 camera and Antigravity A1 drone – and you can try it too