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After the Census Bureau issued a report tied to a Trump-aligned think tank, the bureau's parent agency cut language banning political interference from its scientific integrity policy, NPR learned.

(Image credit: Michael Zamora)

Every F-35 pilot in the US Air Force gets their own custom-fitted $400,000 helmet, which lets them peer through the cockpit mid-flight to see what's going on in the surrounding airspace and the ground below.

This is possible through six infrared cameras embedded on to the flight's exterior, broadcasting a 360-degree video stream straight into the pilot's visor. Pilots say it's like being able to see through the hull of the aircraft, as if it were made of glass.

No expense spared

Lockheed Martin's F-35 Lightning II is one of the world's most expensive fighter jets, priced anywhere between $80-110 million USD. These are single-seat, supersonic, stealth fighter jets designed for air strikes and electronic warfare.

Each fighter jet also comes equipped with a Gen III Helmet Mounted Display System (HMDS). A single F-35 Gen III helmet costs four times more than what the older F-16 jets came equipped with. To be more specific, an investigation by Air Force Times in 2015 put their per-unit pricing at roughly $400,000.

Given that the United States Air Force has a contract with the helmet manufacturer, Collins Elbit Vision Systems, to build thousands of these helmets — that makes the combined project cost for the headgear alone in the billions of dollars.

What do Air Force pilots get for the exorbitant price tag? When looking down through the visor, they get a real-time view of the airspace and ground below, the closest that the US military has come to X-ray vision.

Mark Welsh III, a retired four-star general who served as the Air Force's 25th Chief of Staff, remarked that "the helmet is a workspace," adding "It's an interpretation of the battle space. It's situational awareness. Calling this thing a helmet ... we've got to come up with a new word."

(Image credit: United States Air Force)What makes the helmet special

The new F-35 Gen III helmets were designed by Collins Elbit Vision Systems, a joint venture between Collins Aerospace and Elbit Systems of America. Through their contract with the F-35 Joint Program, Collins Elbit has so far shipped more than 3,000 units of these helmets to the United States Air Force.

Each helmet is custom-built to match an individual pilot's skull and facial structure, assigned right away during training, and retained by the pilot for all future flight runs.

The flagship feature of the Gen III helmets is that they let Air Force pilots see through the floor of their aircraft, using a Distributed Aperture System (DAS) designed by Northrop Grumman. This system consists of a set of cameras and built-in sensors, all connected using a software module that lets pilots track nearby aircrafts or missiles. Pilots can even lock on to targets as far as 800 miles away simply by looking at them.

Apart from the mounted display system and cameras, F-35 helmets are also equipped with digital night vision and thermal imaging. The visor uses high-resolution LCD lenses for improved picture clarity, plus the helmet itself is equipped with head and eye tracking systems to adjust to the pilot's motions.

A vast improvement over previous models

Earlier versions of the F-35 helmet suffered from jittery visuals and ejection issues, so much so that the Pentagon funded a backup program with BAE Systems in case Lockheed Martin wasn't able to deliver.

It took years for the joint venture to get the helmet designs right. There were multiple design iterations and several rounds of reviews before the Pentagon finally cleared the helmets for Air Force use, with the current version improved in mobility and vision.

Bob Hess, a senior director at Elbit America, went on record claiming that the Gen III HMDS was "the most advanced helmet-mounted display system in the world" in a 2024 press release. "The system’s next-generation user interface serves as a pilot’s primary display system, providing them with vital flight, tactical and sensor information day or night," he said.

The MSI PRO MP243 is a slim-bezel monitor that delivers nearly everything you would want from a low-cost display. At the same time, it’s exactly what you would expect when you hear the words “budget monitor.”

It’s not going to impress you with flashy features, and it’s not going to win any performance awards. It's not the very best business monitor we've ever tested. But what it does offer, however, is a sleek design, an easy setup, and enough of what most people need to make it a practical choice for everyday work in the office or home.

Maybe you need a larger screen for your home office, or perhaps you just bought a mini PC or Mac mini and need an affordable display to go along with it. It could also work well as a second monitor in a dual-screen setup. In those cases, the MP243 does the job.

MSI PRO MP243: Price and availability

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

The price is where the MP243 really starts to make sense.

At around $120, you are getting a 23.8-inch IPS panel, a 144Hz refresh rate, Adaptive-Sync, HDMI, DisplayPort, built-in speakers, VESA support, and a clean white design.

That is a good group of features for a monitor in this price range.

One of the closest alternatives is the Dell SE2426HS. It has a similar 23.8-inch Full HD IPS panel, 144Hz refresh rate, Adaptive-Sync, and VESA support. The Dell also has a height-adjustable stand, which is a real advantage over the tilt-only stand on the MSI.

The MSI does have a few advantages of its own. It includes built-in speakers and DisplayPort, and the white finish gives it a cleaner look than most budget monitors.

At a lower sale price, the MSI is an easy monitor to recommend. At around $120, it is still a good option, but there are more competitors worth considering.

It really comes down to what matters more to you. If you want the white design, built-in speakers, and DisplayPort, the MSI is a good pick. If you care more about stand adjustment (and a higher resolution), there are better options.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )MSI PRO MP243: Unboxing and First Impressions

Most of the monitor and stand are plastic, but they don’t really feel cheap. It’s lightweight enough that I’d still be careful when putting it together and taking it apart.

Everything included in the box is white, even down to the cables, which gives the setup a uniform look. If you’re someone who likes a certain aesthetic, I think you’ll appreciate that everything matches.

The monitor is really simple to put together. Everything just clicks in, and then you’re good to go. The back of the stem includes a cable-management clip for routing your power and display cables. It is a small feature, but it helps keep the back of your desk a little cleaner.

The top of the base includes a simple organizer slot. It’s big enough that you can put a USB adapter, thumb drive, or anything else in there that would otherwise just be sitting on top of your desk. It's an unexpected little feature that actually turned out to be useful.

MSI advertises it as a spot to hold your phone. You can place your phone in landscape and, depending on your workflow, use it as a secondary screen or simply keep it visible for notifications, your calendar, or something similar. It’s not a huge feature by any means, but it’s another small touch I appreciated that adds to the overall practicality of the monitor.

MSI PRO MP243: Design & Build Quality

The monitor’s control button is on the back right side. It doubles as both the power button and the joystick for navigating the menu.

The monitor keeps things simple when it comes to connectivity. It has one HDMI port, one DisplayPort, and one 3.5mm headphone jack. Both display inputs support 1080p at refresh rates up to 144Hz.

Honestly, support for up to 144Hz is a nice bonus for this price range, even if it’s clearly built for office work first. It's not necessary, but it's handy and opens up the customers for this monitor a little bit as well.

The MP243 has the standard settings you would expect, including brightness, contrast, sharpness, volume, and color controls. It also includes a few MSI-specific features that are worth mentioning.

MSI’s EyesErgo features include Less Blue Light, Anti-Flicker, and an anti-glare coating. These are all meant to make the monitor easier on your eyes during longer work sessions. If you spend most of your day reading emails, writing, or working through spreadsheets, they are nice features to have.

There is also an Eye-Q Check feature that gives you basic reminders for posture, eye fatigue, and taking breaks. It is not a feature I would buy the monitor for, but it makes sense on something that is primarily designed for office use.

The monitor supports Adaptive-Sync, HDR Ready, and refresh rates up to 144Hz. Adaptive-Sync can help reduce screen tearing, while 144Hz makes scrolling through webpages and moving things around the screen feel smoother than it would on a basic 60Hz monitor.

One of the more useful features of this monitor is its support for VESA mounting. The obvious benefit is that the monitor can be attached to a compatible wall mount or monitor arm. However, I think the more interesting use case is mounting a compatible mini PC directly to the back of the monitor.

Pairing this monitor with any of the best mini PCs is a more affordable alternative to a prebuilt all-in-one desktop. The computer stays out of sight, you can use shorter cables, and the whole setup takes up less space and looks cleaner.

I’m a stickler for cable management and keeping electronics as organized as possible. Being able to mount a mini PC behind the monitor, hide most of the hardware, and cut down on visible cables really adds to the value of this monitor.

The MP243 uses a 24-inch IPS panel with a claimed viewing angle of 178 degrees.

The bezels are thin along the left, right, and top edges, while the bottom bezel is slightly thicker. Combined with the white finish, the slim borders give the monitor a more high-end appearance than its price might suggest.

That is where this monitor arguably shines the most. It looks sleek, occupies relatively little space, and can blend naturally into a clean home-office environment.

The actual display is more conventional. Its 1080p resolution and standard image-quality features are appropriate for email, web browsing, documents, spreadsheets, and other everyday office tasks.

You can do just about anything with it, of course, but if you're trying to edit photos or creative content on this, you may miss some things you would catch on a higher end monitor, it also just won't look as clear.

MSI PRO MP243: In use

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

One thing I actually didn’t mind was virtual meetings on this monitor. While I didn't have the clearest images of everyone, I didn't feel the virtual meeting was degraded or compromised in any way when using this screen.

The monitor includes two built-in 2W stereo speakers. The best comparison I can make is that they sound like basic laptop speakers without Dolby features or any other processing trying to make them sound better than they are.

It was good enough to hear clear audio, but I won't be listening to music through this anytime soon. If you do not already own desktop speakers, they are enough to get started. You can always add better speakers or headphones later.

I also connected an Xbox Series X and tested the monitor with Overwatch. It worked and the game was “playable.” However, the deficiencies were pretty noticeable when compared to my dedicated gaming monitor, which was already around five years old.

The 144Hz refresh rate may make it seem gaming-friendly on paper, but refresh rate alone doesn’t define the overall experience. For casual gaming, especially with a system limited to Full HD, it gets the job done.

I would not buy it specifically for gaming, though. Anyone shopping primarily for gaming should look elsewhere, which makes sense as this is more of a budget business monitor, despite the 144Hz tag that will get gamers excited.

MSI PRO MP243: Final verdict

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

The MSI PRO MP243 is best suited to someone who wants to upgrade or expand a home-office setup without spending much money.

Its strongest qualities are its clean design, compact footprint, useful stand, cable-management features, built-in speakers, and support for VESA mounting systems. It provides the basic features most people need for regular office work while looking better than many inexpensive monitors.

Its limitations are just as clear, though. It’s only 1080p, the build is lightweight, and while it supports 144Hz, I wouldn’t recommend buying it specifically for gaming. That doesn’t make it a bad product. It just means it should be purchased for the right reasons.

This is a practical choice for emails, documents, web browsing, secondary-screen use, casual media consumption, and compact desktop setups. If you’re not concerned about having 4K, it offers a straightforward and affordable way to add more screen space to your desk.

Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future

The MSI PRO MP243 is a slim-bezel monitor that delivers nearly everything you would want from a low-cost display. At the same time, it’s exactly what you would expect when you hear the words “budget monitor.”

It’s not going to impress you with flashy features, and it’s not going to win any performance awards. It's not the very best business monitor we've ever tested. But what it does offer, however, is a sleek design, an easy setup, and enough of what most people need to make it a practical choice for everyday work in the office or home.

Maybe you need a larger screen for your home office, or perhaps you just bought a mini PC or Mac mini and need an affordable display to go along with it. It could also work well as a second monitor in a dual-screen setup. In those cases, the MP243 does the job.

MSI PRO MP243: Price and availability

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

The price is where the MP243 really starts to make sense.

At around $120, you are getting a 23.8-inch IPS panel, a 144Hz refresh rate, Adaptive-Sync, HDMI, DisplayPort, built-in speakers, VESA support, and a clean white design.

That is a good group of features for a monitor in this price range.

One of the closest alternatives is the Dell SE2426HS. It has a similar 23.8-inch Full HD IPS panel, 144Hz refresh rate, Adaptive-Sync, and VESA support. The Dell also has a height-adjustable stand, which is a real advantage over the tilt-only stand on the MSI.

The MSI does have a few advantages of its own. It includes built-in speakers and DisplayPort, and the white finish gives it a cleaner look than most budget monitors.

At a lower sale price, the MSI is an easy monitor to recommend. At around $120, it is still a good option, but there are more competitors worth considering.

It really comes down to what matters more to you. If you want the white design, built-in speakers, and DisplayPort, the MSI is a good pick. If you care more about stand adjustment (and a higher resolution), there are better options.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )MSI PRO MP243: Unboxing and First Impressions

Most of the monitor and stand are plastic, but they don’t really feel cheap. It’s lightweight enough that I’d still be careful when putting it together and taking it apart.

Everything included in the box is white, even down to the cables, which gives the setup a uniform look. If you’re someone who likes a certain aesthetic, I think you’ll appreciate that everything matches.

The monitor is really simple to put together. Everything just clicks in, and then you’re good to go. The back of the stem includes a cable-management clip for routing your power and display cables. It is a small feature, but it helps keep the back of your desk a little cleaner.

The top of the base includes a simple organizer slot. It’s big enough that you can put a USB adapter, thumb drive, or anything else in there that would otherwise just be sitting on top of your desk. It's an unexpected little feature that actually turned out to be useful.

MSI advertises it as a spot to hold your phone. You can place your phone in landscape and, depending on your workflow, use it as a secondary screen or simply keep it visible for notifications, your calendar, or something similar. It’s not a huge feature by any means, but it’s another small touch I appreciated that adds to the overall practicality of the monitor.

MSI PRO MP243: Design & Build Quality

The monitor’s control button is on the back right side. It doubles as both the power button and the joystick for navigating the menu.

The monitor keeps things simple when it comes to connectivity. It has one HDMI port, one DisplayPort, and one 3.5mm headphone jack. Both display inputs support 1080p at refresh rates up to 144Hz.

Honestly, support for up to 144Hz is a nice bonus for this price range, even if it’s clearly built for office work first. It's not necessary, but it's handy and opens up the customers for this monitor a little bit as well.

The MP243 has the standard settings you would expect, including brightness, contrast, sharpness, volume, and color controls. It also includes a few MSI-specific features that are worth mentioning.

MSI’s EyesErgo features include Less Blue Light, Anti-Flicker, and an anti-glare coating. These are all meant to make the monitor easier on your eyes during longer work sessions. If you spend most of your day reading emails, writing, or working through spreadsheets, they are nice features to have.

There is also an Eye-Q Check feature that gives you basic reminders for posture, eye fatigue, and taking breaks. It is not a feature I would buy the monitor for, but it makes sense on something that is primarily designed for office use.

The monitor supports Adaptive-Sync, HDR Ready, and refresh rates up to 144Hz. Adaptive-Sync can help reduce screen tearing, while 144Hz makes scrolling through webpages and moving things around the screen feel smoother than it would on a basic 60Hz monitor.

One of the more useful features of this monitor is its support for VESA mounting. The obvious benefit is that the monitor can be attached to a compatible wall mount or monitor arm. However, I think the more interesting use case is mounting a compatible mini PC directly to the back of the monitor.

Pairing this monitor with any of the best mini PCs is a more affordable alternative to a prebuilt all-in-one desktop. The computer stays out of sight, you can use shorter cables, and the whole setup takes up less space and looks cleaner.

I’m a stickler for cable management and keeping electronics as organized as possible. Being able to mount a mini PC behind the monitor, hide most of the hardware, and cut down on visible cables really adds to the value of this monitor.

The MP243 uses a 24-inch IPS panel with a claimed viewing angle of 178 degrees.

The bezels are thin along the left, right, and top edges, while the bottom bezel is slightly thicker. Combined with the white finish, the slim borders give the monitor a more high-end appearance than its price might suggest.

That is where this monitor arguably shines the most. It looks sleek, occupies relatively little space, and can blend naturally into a clean home-office environment.

The actual display is more conventional. Its 1080p resolution and standard image-quality features are appropriate for email, web browsing, documents, spreadsheets, and other everyday office tasks.

You can do just about anything with it, of course, but if you're trying to edit photos or creative content on this, you may miss some things you would catch on a higher end monitor, it also just won't look as clear.

MSI PRO MP243: In use

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

One thing I actually didn’t mind was virtual meetings on this monitor. While I didn't have the clearest images of everyone, I didn't feel the virtual meeting was degraded or compromised in any way when using this screen.

The monitor includes two built-in 2W stereo speakers. The best comparison I can make is that they sound like basic laptop speakers without Dolby features or any other processing trying to make them sound better than they are.

It was good enough to hear clear audio, but I won't be listening to music through this anytime soon. If you do not already own desktop speakers, they are enough to get started. You can always add better speakers or headphones later.

I also connected an Xbox Series X and tested the monitor with Overwatch. It worked and the game was “playable.” However, the deficiencies were pretty noticeable when compared to my dedicated gaming monitor, which was already around five years old.

The 144Hz refresh rate may make it seem gaming-friendly on paper, but refresh rate alone doesn’t define the overall experience. For casual gaming, especially with a system limited to Full HD, it gets the job done.

I would not buy it specifically for gaming, though. Anyone shopping primarily for gaming should look elsewhere, which makes sense as this is more of a budget business monitor, despite the 144Hz tag that will get gamers excited.

MSI PRO MP243: Final verdict

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

The MSI PRO MP243 is best suited to someone who wants to upgrade or expand a home-office setup without spending much money.

Its strongest qualities are its clean design, compact footprint, useful stand, cable-management features, built-in speakers, and support for VESA mounting systems. It provides the basic features most people need for regular office work while looking better than many inexpensive monitors.

Its limitations are just as clear, though. It’s only 1080p, the build is lightweight, and while it supports 144Hz, I wouldn’t recommend buying it specifically for gaming. That doesn’t make it a bad product. It just means it should be purchased for the right reasons.

This is a practical choice for emails, documents, web browsing, secondary-screen use, casual media consumption, and compact desktop setups. If you’re not concerned about having 4K, it offers a straightforward and affordable way to add more screen space to your desk.

Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future

Review: I wanted to love Onimusha’s return, but I got tired of engaging the same fight over and over again.

Just in time for Labor Day weekend, Google launches upgraded travel features to book flights, hotels and more.

iFi iDSD GR 2: one-minute review

With the iFi iDSD GR 2, a seemingly arduous task was at hand. British hi-fi brand iFi had to produce a portable DAC/amp that could improve on the spectacular xDSD Gryphon, which we handed a rave five-star review. But boy, did they pull it off.

The iDSD GR 2 provides upgrades that feel meaningful, practical, and tangible. It delivers around 50% more amplification power than its predecessor, making it easier to drive more demanding headphones, all while providing enhanced dynamic range and lower distortion. What’s more, it adds K2HD tech, licensed from JVC Kenwood, which helps to restore warmth and musicality that digital recordings sometimes lose.

Oh, and it fixes our only major gripe with its predecessor, by adding a vivid OLED touchscreen display, making it feel intuitive and easy to use when switching sources, toggling XBass and XSpace processing, or accessing settings. As a result, it easily competes with the best headphone DACs that money can buy.

It's a fantastic performer, delivering articulate, layered, and balanced sound. I paired the DAC/amp with the Astell & Kern A&ultima SP4000 music player and a range of headphones/IEMs, including the Sennheiser HD 600, and the results blew me away. The GR 2 supplied intricate instrument separation, punchy bass, phenomenal mid-range clarity, and expressive treble, making for a captivating listen, no matter what genre I threw at it.

What’s more, the DAC/amp has higher battery capacity (4,900mAh) with adaptive power, meaning I could indulge in long listening sessions without interruption. Combine that with a neat companion app, numerous connectivity modes, and a lightweight feel, and the GR 2 is the ideal device for audiophiles to carry while on the move.

At launch, the iFi iDSD GR 2 is cheaper than its predecessor was at the point of release, despite making a whole host of improvements. And while it would’ve been nice to see a case bundled in at this price-point, and while there are cheaper options on the market, I still think this model offers impeccable value for money when considering the sheer volume of tech crammed into this little device. As a result, it’s all too easy for me to recommend the GR 2.

(Image credit: Future)iFi iDSD GR 2 review: price & release date

• List price of $529 / £529 / AU$849
• Released in June 2026

The iFi iDSD GR 2 released in June 2026, and is the spiritual successor to the brand’s popular portable DAC/amp, the iFi xDSD Gryphon — a model that hit the market back in 2021. Despite offering a number of upgrades over its predecessor, the GR 2 is cheaper at launch, coming in at $529 / £529 / AU$849.

(Image credit: Future)iFi iDSD GR 2 review: features

• Brilliant OLED touchscreen display
• 4,900mAh battery capacity with adaptive power
• K2HD tech opens up even more textured, subtle playback

The iFi iDSD GR 2 is rammed with features, and improves significantly on its already impressive predecessor.

Some of the most captivating options are back, including XBass and XSpace filters, which you can use in tandem or individually. XBass provides a tasteful bump to low-end sounds, while XSpace aims to deliver a more expansive soundstage — both work brilliantly, and I found myself using them often for more hard-hitting hip-hop and dance tracks.

You can select these via a new OLED touchscreen interface, which is phenomenally responsive and very easy to use. Here, you can access a range of settings, including Bluetooth pairing, dual charge mode, a voice prompt toggle, volume sync and more. The main menu also enables you to sift through the GR 2’s vast array of sources, such as Bluetooth (with higher-res aptX Lossless and LDAC support), USB-C, optical, coaxial, and line in. There’s also a lock button if you want to avoid accidental screen touches.

On top of this, the model features dedicated 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone ports and a USB-C charging slot. Speaking of charging, it will take about 3.5 hours to get to 100% from flat, which isn’t particularly impressive, although I still found that I got quite a lot of playtime from the GR 2 without having to juice it up. That’s because the model features an upgraded battery capacity of 4,900mAh, which should be good for around 7 hours of use — though this will vary depending on volume and if you’re using sound filters.

You can use the GR 2 while charging it via its dedicated USB-C port, a very useful feature if you find you’re indulging in long listening sessions (as I did during testing). The DAC/amp also brings a new adaptive power feature to the table, which balances external power and battery operation. So, if you’ve got the GR 2 hooked up to an external supply, it can prioritize mains power, and in the case that additional power is required, it can be drawn from the device’s battery. The GR 2 will also automatically return to external power if demand drops.

Perhaps my favorite new feature on the GR 2, though, is its K2HD tech, which we saw before in iFi’s considerably pricier and larger iDSD Phantom desktop DAC. This is intended to restore harmonic detail, and bring a track closer to its intended sound, and is exclusively licensed to iFi by JVC Kenwood. I’ll speak more about the sonic benefits of K2HD in the ‘sound quality’ section, but for now, just know that it is indeed a brilliant addition.

Finally, it's worth noting that you can control the GR 2 with the iFi Nexis app, which is incredibly easy to use. It displays all of the options you’d typically see on the device’s touchscreen display, enabling you to easily switch between connectivity modes, adapt volume, toggle on the XBass / XSpace modes and more.

• Features score: 5/5

(Image credit: Future)iFi iDSD GR 2 review: sound quality

• Balanced, articulate, and nuanced sound
• K2HD adds beautiful depth and detail, XBass / XSpace fantastic too
• 50% more headphone drive, but less distortion and greater dynamic range

The original Gryphon was a great performer, delivering impeccable detail, precision, and dynamism, so it should come as no surprise that its sequel is phenomenally talented as well.

Although I tried the GR 2 with a few pairs of IEMs, I conducted most of my testing with the Sennheiser HD 600 headphones, and iFi’s DAC/amp got the very best out of them.

When tuning into a 24-bit 192kHz FLAC of Doralice by Stan Getz, João Gilberto, and Antonio Carlos Jobim, the GR 2 provided a beautifully balanced, insightful listen. Vocals were textured and carefully defined, and the K2HD feature added a nice dosage of warmth. Acoustic guitars were brilliantly separated too, and sounded as if they were operating in a discrete pocket within a broad and nuanced soundstage. Subtle percussion worked away in the right channel and expressive, leading sax also flowed through with personality and natural tonality.

With a more energetic track, Rocking Chair by Mr Scruff, the GR 2 continued to impress. The resonance of bongos in the intro was striking, higher pitched percussion in the treble range came through with vibrancy and precision, and there was an incredibly warm and textured quality to the squelchy bass, which hit with impressive impact — especially with XBass active. Individual instruments, like keys and tambourines were again fantastically weighted and separated, and K2HD added a delicious layer of subtlety and detail that effortlessly restored the richness of the tune’s low end.

Even compared to a strong portable rival, like the FiiO BTR17, the iFi iDSD GR 2 proved to be exceptional. In Felini by Venerus and Marco Castello, the trickling of water was true-to-life and acoustic guitars were expertly separated from emotive vocals. On that subject, iFi’s model just added a bit more detail and depth to the vocals compared to its (still impressive) FiiO rival. The GR 2 exhibited a markedly delicate, raw quality with the vocals and I felt as if I was getting the sort of listening experience the artists had intended.

The capability of the GR 2 to serve up punchy bass, articulate mids, and expressive treble while maintaining such excellent balance across the frequency range has to be applauded. Combining this with its nuanced and precise soundstage — with or without XSpace — and impressive handling of dynamics, it truly feels like the full package.

What’s more, the GR 2 has around 50% more power to drive headphones with (up to 1,513mW RMS) than its predecessor, but it still offers even greater dynamic range and less distortion. So, whether you’re looking to upgrade from the OG Gryphon or get a portable DAC/amp with serious audiophile credentials, I think the GR 2 is one of the best options on the market right now.

• Sound quality score: 5/5

(Image credit: Future)iFi iDSD GR 2 review: design

• Excellent OLED touchscreen display
• Lightweight and pretty portable
• Case can be purchased separately

In terms of design, the iFi iDSD GR 2 is a considerable upgrade over its predecessor, largely as a result of one major change: its touchscreen.

Not only is the OLED color display vivid and clear, but it's incredibly easy and intuitive to use. The touchscreen is responsive and enables you to easily make any changes you want or switch to a different source. You can also adjust the screen’s brightness to your liking, or lock the screen entirely if you want to prevent accidental commands.

Otherwise, the GR 2 has all of the qualities you’d want from a portable DAC/amp. It’s lightweight (at just 0.6 lbs / 268g), has a wide range of connectivity ports, and has a good standard of build. It also has a tactile volume control knob with a small set of physical buttons — all of which are well-sized and effective.

Some may find that there are more ‘portable’ options out there. The FiiO BTR17 I compared to the GR 2 has a considerably smaller footprint, and will fit in just about any pocket. But for the tech stuffed inside iFi’s new model, I’d still argue it’s portable enough, and I had no issue slotting it into my short pockets or a small bag. Oh, and in case you're wondering, no, my review sample never ran hot — not that the OG did either, you understand, but it's often a question we're asked. These products bear plenty of power squirrelled away within a small enclosure, so it's important to mention.

The only thing I would have liked is a case, which has to be purchased separately. But otherwise, the GR 2 is a certified hit in the design category.

• Design score: 4.5/5

(Image credit: Future)iFi iDSD GR 2 review: setup & usability

• Incredibly easy to get set up and started
• iFi Nexis app only adds more seamless usability
• Easy to use interface

The iFi iDSD GR 2 is incredibly easy to start using. Just power the device on and it’s ready to go — no overlong login process, no confusing pairing requests, just plug and play design at its best.

Even if you’re not a seasoned user of DACs or amps, everything is labelled clearly, making it very simple to navigate. The iFi Nexis app also helps you tap into any settings you need on the fly, only heightening the device’s versatility.

• Setup & usability score: 5/5

(Image credit: Future)iFi iDSD GR 2 review: value

• Not the cheapest option around, but still great value
• Less pricey than predecessor at launch
• Impeccable all around quality makes it feel worth the investment

Look, I’m not going to pretend that the GR 2 is a cheap piece of tech. It comes in at $529 / £529 / AU$849, which is a considerable investment to make into your audio setup — but I still think it more than earns its price.

First of all, it's cheaper than its predecessor at launch, but offers 50% more amplification power, a much-improved user interface, K2HD tech, and more. It does all of this while remaining highly portable and delivering stellar sound, and there can be no doubts over the quality you get in return for your outlay.

Yes, you could grab a model like the aforementioned FiiO BTR17 for around $219 / £179 / AU$349, and while that’s a nifty small pick with strong performance and features to match, it can’t deliver the depth of the GR 2, which stuns with its excellent sound filters, wide connectivity options, top-tier audio, and mighty portable power.

• Value score: 5/5

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the iFi iDSD GR 2?

Attribute

Notes

Score

Features

Excellent new display, K2HD and XBass / XSpace work a treat, neat adaptive power with upgraded battery capacity.

5/5

Sound quality

Balanced, layered, precise sound with beautiful detail from K2HD with tasteful bass and soundstage boost options.

5/5

Design

Fantastic touchscreen display, great build quality, lightweight, would be even better with a case bundled in.

4.5/5

Setup & usability

Quick setup, easy to use interface, neat control app.

5/5

Value

More affordable than its predecessor while meaningfully improving upon it in almost every way.

5/5

Buy it if…

You need a powerful and portable amplification solution
The GR 2 provides around 50% more output power than its predecessor, meaning it can fuel some harder-to-drive headphones, and even some speakers. So, if you need a powerful amplification tool to take on the go, look no further.

You're looking for premium performance
I was wowed by the quality on offer from the iFi iDSD GR 2. Music sounds textured and layered, especially with K2HD tech activated. If you want premium on-the-go performance, this is the model I’d go for.

Don’t buy it if…

You’re on a budget
Although it still offers great value for money, there’s no denying that the iFi iDSD GR 2 is quite the investment. In addition, there are plenty of lower-priced alternatives that we’ve rated highly — if you’re interested, check out the ‘also consider’ section.

You want an ultra-compact model
The GR 2 is still a very portable device, and will slot into some pockets and any small bag. But there are even more compact alternatives out there, like the FiiO BTR17, for instance.

iFi iDSD GR 2 review: also consider

Chord Mojo 2
The Chord Mojo 2 provides phenomenal audio quality, which we described as “eloquent, engaging and endlessly listenable” in our glowing five star review. It also offers plenty of connectivity options, strong build quality, and a standout design. It doesn’t have the most intuitive interface, though. Read our full Chord Mojo 2 review.

FiiO BTR17
The tiny FiiO BTR17 is a great little DAC/amp. I used it as a point of comparison for the GR 2, and while iFi’s model sounds a bit more nuanced, FiiO’s rival is still a fantastic sounding option, with a tiny footprint, stylish look, and wireless connectivity. Read our full FiiO BTR17 review.

How I tested the iFi iDSD GR 2

(Image credit: Future)

• Tested across multiple days
• Used with Sennheiser HD 600, Beyerdynamic IEMs, and more
• Compared against rival model

I spent multiple days intensively testing the iFi iDSD GR 2, during which time I spent countless hours listening to music and exhausting its various features.

Most of the time, I used the Sennheiser HD 600 headphones to test the GR 2 out, although I did also use a few pairs of IEMs from the likes of Beyerdynamic. I used the Astell & Kern A&ultima SP4000 as my main source device, and played a range of file types. And when listening to music, I tuned into tracks from a wide variety of genres, and made sure to compare the GR 2 against a rival from FiiO.

More generally, I’ve spent years testing audio gear here at TechRadar, where I serve as a resident Senior Reviews Writer. I’ve reviewed a range of products, from hulking party speakers like the Marshall Bromley 750 through to reference-grade IEMs, like the Sennheiser IE 600.

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

iFi iDSD GR 2: one-minute review

With the iFi iDSD GR 2, a seemingly arduous task was at hand. British hi-fi brand iFi had to produce a portable DAC/amp that could improve on the spectacular xDSD Gryphon, which we handed a rave five-star review. But boy, did they pull it off.

The iDSD GR 2 provides upgrades that feel meaningful, practical, and tangible. It delivers around 50% more amplification power than its predecessor, making it easier to drive more demanding headphones, all while providing enhanced dynamic range and lower distortion. What’s more, it adds K2HD tech, licensed from JVC Kenwood, which helps to restore warmth and musicality that digital recordings sometimes lose.

Oh, and it fixes our only major gripe with its predecessor, by adding a vivid OLED touchscreen display, making it feel intuitive and easy to use when switching sources, toggling XBass and XSpace processing, or accessing settings. As a result, it easily competes with the best headphone DACs that money can buy.

It's a fantastic performer, delivering articulate, layered, and balanced sound. I paired the DAC/amp with the Astell & Kern A&ultima SP4000 music player and a range of headphones/IEMs, including the Sennheiser HD 600, and the results blew me away. The GR 2 supplied intricate instrument separation, punchy bass, phenomenal mid-range clarity, and expressive treble, making for a captivating listen, no matter what genre I threw at it.

What’s more, the DAC/amp has higher battery capacity (4,900mAh) with adaptive power, meaning I could indulge in long listening sessions without interruption. Combine that with a neat companion app, numerous connectivity modes, and a lightweight feel, and the GR 2 is the ideal device for audiophiles to carry while on the move.

At launch, the iFi iDSD GR 2 is cheaper than its predecessor was at the point of release, despite making a whole host of improvements. And while it would’ve been nice to see a case bundled in at this price-point, and while there are cheaper options on the market, I still think this model offers impeccable value for money when considering the sheer volume of tech crammed into this little device. As a result, it’s all too easy for me to recommend the GR 2.

(Image credit: Future)iFi iDSD GR 2 review: price & release date

• List price of $529 / £529 / AU$849
• Released in June 2026

The iFi iDSD GR 2 released in June 2026, and is the spiritual successor to the brand’s popular portable DAC/amp, the iFi xDSD Gryphon — a model that hit the market back in 2021. Despite offering a number of upgrades over its predecessor, the GR 2 is cheaper at launch, coming in at $529 / £529 / AU$849.

(Image credit: Future)iFi iDSD GR 2 review: features

• Brilliant OLED touchscreen display
• 4,900mAh battery capacity with adaptive power
• K2HD tech opens up even more textured, subtle playback

The iFi iDSD GR 2 is rammed with features, and improves significantly on its already impressive predecessor.

Some of the most captivating options are back, including XBass and XSpace filters, which you can use in tandem or individually. XBass provides a tasteful bump to low-end sounds, while XSpace aims to deliver a more expansive soundstage — both work brilliantly, and I found myself using them often for more hard-hitting hip-hop and dance tracks.

You can select these via a new OLED touchscreen interface, which is phenomenally responsive and very easy to use. Here, you can access a range of settings, including Bluetooth pairing, dual charge mode, a voice prompt toggle, volume sync and more. The main menu also enables you to sift through the GR 2’s vast array of sources, such as Bluetooth (with higher-res aptX Lossless and LDAC support), USB-C, optical, coaxial, and line in. There’s also a lock button if you want to avoid accidental screen touches.

On top of this, the model features dedicated 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone ports and a USB-C charging slot. Speaking of charging, it will take about 3.5 hours to get to 100% from flat, which isn’t particularly impressive, although I still found that I got quite a lot of playtime from the GR 2 without having to juice it up. That’s because the model features an upgraded battery capacity of 4,900mAh, which should be good for around 7 hours of use — though this will vary depending on volume and if you’re using sound filters.

You can use the GR 2 while charging it via its dedicated USB-C port, a very useful feature if you find you’re indulging in long listening sessions (as I did during testing). The DAC/amp also brings a new adaptive power feature to the table, which balances external power and battery operation. So, if you’ve got the GR 2 hooked up to an external supply, it can prioritize mains power, and in the case that additional power is required, it can be drawn from the device’s battery. The GR 2 will also automatically return to external power if demand drops.

Perhaps my favorite new feature on the GR 2, though, is its K2HD tech, which we saw before in iFi’s considerably pricier and larger iDSD Phantom desktop DAC. This is intended to restore harmonic detail, and bring a track closer to its intended sound, and is exclusively licensed to iFi by JVC Kenwood. I’ll speak more about the sonic benefits of K2HD in the ‘sound quality’ section, but for now, just know that it is indeed a brilliant addition.

Finally, it's worth noting that you can control the GR 2 with the iFi Nexis app, which is incredibly easy to use. It displays all of the options you’d typically see on the device’s touchscreen display, enabling you to easily switch between connectivity modes, adapt volume, toggle on the XBass / XSpace modes and more.

• Features score: 5/5

(Image credit: Future)iFi iDSD GR 2 review: sound quality

• Balanced, articulate, and nuanced sound
• K2HD adds beautiful depth and detail, XBass / XSpace fantastic too
• 50% more headphone drive, but less distortion and greater dynamic range

The original Gryphon was a great performer, delivering impeccable detail, precision, and dynamism, so it should come as no surprise that its sequel is phenomenally talented as well.

Although I tried the GR 2 with a few pairs of IEMs, I conducted most of my testing with the Sennheiser HD 600 headphones, and iFi’s DAC/amp got the very best out of them.

When tuning into a 24-bit 192kHz FLAC of Doralice by Stan Getz, João Gilberto, and Antonio Carlos Jobim, the GR 2 provided a beautifully balanced, insightful listen. Vocals were textured and carefully defined, and the K2HD feature added a nice dosage of warmth. Acoustic guitars were brilliantly separated too, and sounded as if they were operating in a discrete pocket within a broad and nuanced soundstage. Subtle percussion worked away in the right channel and expressive, leading sax also flowed through with personality and natural tonality.

With a more energetic track, Rocking Chair by Mr Scruff, the GR 2 continued to impress. The resonance of bongos in the intro was striking, higher pitched percussion in the treble range came through with vibrancy and precision, and there was an incredibly warm and textured quality to the squelchy bass, which hit with impressive impact — especially with XBass active. Individual instruments, like keys and tambourines were again fantastically weighted and separated, and K2HD added a delicious layer of subtlety and detail that effortlessly restored the richness of the tune’s low end.

Even compared to a strong portable rival, like the FiiO BTR17, the iFi iDSD GR 2 proved to be exceptional. In Felini by Venerus and Marco Castello, the trickling of water was true-to-life and acoustic guitars were expertly separated from emotive vocals. On that subject, iFi’s model just added a bit more detail and depth to the vocals compared to its (still impressive) FiiO rival. The GR 2 exhibited a markedly delicate, raw quality with the vocals and I felt as if I was getting the sort of listening experience the artists had intended.

The capability of the GR 2 to serve up punchy bass, articulate mids, and expressive treble while maintaining such excellent balance across the frequency range has to be applauded. Combining this with its nuanced and precise soundstage — with or without XSpace — and impressive handling of dynamics, it truly feels like the full package.

What’s more, the GR 2 has around 50% more power to drive headphones with (up to 1,513mW RMS) than its predecessor, but it still offers even greater dynamic range and less distortion. So, whether you’re looking to upgrade from the OG Gryphon or get a portable DAC/amp with serious audiophile credentials, I think the GR 2 is one of the best options on the market right now.

• Sound quality score: 5/5

(Image credit: Future)iFi iDSD GR 2 review: design

• Excellent OLED touchscreen display
• Lightweight and pretty portable
• Case can be purchased separately

In terms of design, the iFi iDSD GR 2 is a considerable upgrade over its predecessor, largely as a result of one major change: its touchscreen.

Not only is the OLED color display vivid and clear, but it's incredibly easy and intuitive to use. The touchscreen is responsive and enables you to easily make any changes you want or switch to a different source. You can also adjust the screen’s brightness to your liking, or lock the screen entirely if you want to prevent accidental commands.

Otherwise, the GR 2 has all of the qualities you’d want from a portable DAC/amp. It’s lightweight (at just 0.6 lbs / 268g), has a wide range of connectivity ports, and has a good standard of build. It also has a tactile volume control knob with a small set of physical buttons — all of which are well-sized and effective.

Some may find that there are more ‘portable’ options out there. The FiiO BTR17 I compared to the GR 2 has a considerably smaller footprint, and will fit in just about any pocket. But for the tech stuffed inside iFi’s new model, I’d still argue it’s portable enough, and I had no issue slotting it into my short pockets or a small bag. Oh, and in case you're wondering, no, my review sample never ran hot — not that the OG did either, you understand, but it's often a question we're asked. These products bear plenty of power squirrelled away within a small enclosure, so it's important to mention.

The only thing I would have liked is a case, which has to be purchased separately. But otherwise, the GR 2 is a certified hit in the design category.

• Design score: 4.5/5

(Image credit: Future)iFi iDSD GR 2 review: setup & usability

• Incredibly easy to get set up and started
• iFi Nexis app only adds more seamless usability
• Easy to use interface

The iFi iDSD GR 2 is incredibly easy to start using. Just power the device on and it’s ready to go — no overlong login process, no confusing pairing requests, just plug and play design at its best.

Even if you’re not a seasoned user of DACs or amps, everything is labelled clearly, making it very simple to navigate. The iFi Nexis app also helps you tap into any settings you need on the fly, only heightening the device’s versatility.

• Setup & usability score: 5/5

(Image credit: Future)iFi iDSD GR 2 review: value

• Not the cheapest option around, but still great value
• Less pricey than predecessor at launch
• Impeccable all around quality makes it feel worth the investment

Look, I’m not going to pretend that the GR 2 is a cheap piece of tech. It comes in at $529 / £529 / AU$849, which is a considerable investment to make into your audio setup — but I still think it more than earns its price.

First of all, it's cheaper than its predecessor at launch, but offers 50% more amplification power, a much-improved user interface, K2HD tech, and more. It does all of this while remaining highly portable and delivering stellar sound, and there can be no doubts over the quality you get in return for your outlay.

Yes, you could grab a model like the aforementioned FiiO BTR17 for around $219 / £179 / AU$349, and while that’s a nifty small pick with strong performance and features to match, it can’t deliver the depth of the GR 2, which stuns with its excellent sound filters, wide connectivity options, top-tier audio, and mighty portable power.

• Value score: 5/5

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the iFi iDSD GR 2?

Attribute

Notes

Score

Features

Excellent new display, K2HD and XBass / XSpace work a treat, neat adaptive power with upgraded battery capacity.

5/5

Sound quality

Balanced, layered, precise sound with beautiful detail from K2HD with tasteful bass and soundstage boost options.

5/5

Design

Fantastic touchscreen display, great build quality, lightweight, would be even better with a case bundled in.

4.5/5

Setup & usability

Quick setup, easy to use interface, neat control app.

5/5

Value

More affordable than its predecessor while meaningfully improving upon it in almost every way.

5/5

Buy it if…

You need a powerful and portable amplification solution
The GR 2 provides around 50% more output power than its predecessor, meaning it can fuel some harder-to-drive headphones, and even some speakers. So, if you need a powerful amplification tool to take on the go, look no further.

You're looking for premium performance
I was wowed by the quality on offer from the iFi iDSD GR 2. Music sounds textured and layered, especially with K2HD tech activated. If you want premium on-the-go performance, this is the model I’d go for.

Don’t buy it if…

You’re on a budget
Although it still offers great value for money, there’s no denying that the iFi iDSD GR 2 is quite the investment. In addition, there are plenty of lower-priced alternatives that we’ve rated highly — if you’re interested, check out the ‘also consider’ section.

You want an ultra-compact model
The GR 2 is still a very portable device, and will slot into some pockets and any small bag. But there are even more compact alternatives out there, like the FiiO BTR17, for instance.

iFi iDSD GR 2 review: also consider

Chord Mojo 2
The Chord Mojo 2 provides phenomenal audio quality, which we described as “eloquent, engaging and endlessly listenable” in our glowing five star review. It also offers plenty of connectivity options, strong build quality, and a standout design. It doesn’t have the most intuitive interface, though. Read our full Chord Mojo 2 review.

FiiO BTR17
The tiny FiiO BTR17 is a great little DAC/amp. I used it as a point of comparison for the GR 2, and while iFi’s model sounds a bit more nuanced, FiiO’s rival is still a fantastic sounding option, with a tiny footprint, stylish look, and wireless connectivity. Read our full FiiO BTR17 review.

How I tested the iFi iDSD GR 2

(Image credit: Future)

• Tested across multiple days
• Used with Sennheiser HD 600, Beyerdynamic IEMs, and more
• Compared against rival model

I spent multiple days intensively testing the iFi iDSD GR 2, during which time I spent countless hours listening to music and exhausting its various features.

Most of the time, I used the Sennheiser HD 600 headphones to test the GR 2 out, although I did also use a few pairs of IEMs from the likes of Beyerdynamic. I used the Astell & Kern A&ultima SP4000 as my main source device, and played a range of file types. And when listening to music, I tuned into tracks from a wide variety of genres, and made sure to compare the GR 2 against a rival from FiiO.

More generally, I’ve spent years testing audio gear here at TechRadar, where I serve as a resident Senior Reviews Writer. I’ve reviewed a range of products, from hulking party speakers like the Marshall Bromley 750 through to reference-grade IEMs, like the Sennheiser IE 600.

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

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Philips 5000 Series Megabasket with Steam Air Fryer: 30-second review

The Philips 5000 Series Megabasket with Steam Air Fryer is an air fryer and then some.

Sure it does a great job at being an air fryer, and so it should for the premium price tag it comes in at. The sizable 9.5L basket offers plenty of space for family-sized portions, while the handy divider allows you to cook two different foods, at differing durations and temperatures, simultaneously. It’s pretty par for the course these days, but the 5000 Series Megabasket is only just getting started.

Things are turned up a notch with the steam functionality Philips has built in. Being able to perfectly steam vegetables, fish and dumplings without the need for a separate appliance saves on counter and cupboard space, and the results here are just as good as the air fryer.

However, the versatility is kicked into overdrive with the streamfry function, allowing you to bring the best of both worlds to your food. The crispy finish of an air fryer combined with the moisture locking abilities of steam. The result? Some of the best chicken wings I’ve ever made.

(Image credit: Future)

All this functionality not only comes at a cost to your wallet, but also your counter top. This is a wide, tall air fryer that requires plenty of space — especially when using the steam or steamfry function, as the water vapor vents from the rear.

I’m a big fan of Philips’ controls though. The touch buttons are intuitively laid out, with easily recognizable icons that require little reference to the manual to work out - that can’t be said of all air fryer brands.

(Image credit: Future)

The basket, trays and divider are dishwasher safe, and you can also use the steam function to give the appliance its own steam clean. You will need to give the top a wipe every now and then, as the glossy finish attracts grime — but it’s a minor point in what is an overwise excellent appliance.

Whether you’re looking to make cakes, cookies, sausages, chicken wings, fish, vegetables, fries, dumplings or pretty much anything else, the Philips 5000 Series Megabasket delivers consistently great results.

Philips 5000 Series Megabasket with Steam Air Fryer price and availability

• At £259.99 (about $350 / AU$490), it’s at the premium end of the air fryer market
• Available in the UK, but not in the US or Australia

The Philips 5000 Series Megabasket with Steam Air Fryer price is £259.99 (about $350 / AU$490), putting it at the premium end of the market, and pits it against the Ninja Foodi FlexBasket in the larger-basket arena.

There are cheaper, big-basket air fryers on the market that also perform well, with the Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket and Tower Elite 11 Litre Flexi Drawer both coming in at around half the price of the 5000 Series.

This exact model (the NA465) isn’t available in the US and Australia, with these regions instead getting the $349.99 / AU$499 5000 Series Dual-Basket Airfryer with Steam (NA551) with two separate drawers, rather than one large one.

• Value score: 4/5

Philips 5000 Series Megabasket with Steam Air Fryer: specifications

Review Model

NA465/92

Number of baskets

1

Number of cooking programs

8

Cooking programs

Frozen fries, mixed vegetables, chicken drumsticks, tray bakes, fish, dumplings, reheat, favorite

Extra functions

Steam, Steamfry, Shake reminder, SteamClean, Adjustable basket size

Smart control

No

Wattage

2750W

Capacity

9.5L

Temperature range

40-200 degrees C

Time range

1-180 minutes

Dimensions

496mm (L) x 329mm (W) x 355mm (H)

Dishwasher-safe

Yes

Weight

8.2kg

Philips 5000 Series Megabasket with Steam Air Fryer: design

• Wide and tall, but for good reason
• Set of tongs included in the box is a nice touch
• Touch controls are easy to understand and well laid out

The Philips 5000 Series Megabasket with Steam Air Fryer is big, it’s almost as if a UFO has landed on your worktop. Wide and tall, it dominates the kitchen counter — but for good reason.

The spacious 9.5L basket provides great flexibility as one large cooking space big enough for 2.5kg of fries, 1.9kg of ribs, or whole chicken, but can easily be split into 3L and 6L baskets with the included divider. This allows you to cook two separate things, at different temperatures and durations, at the same time.

You can even just choose to use one of the sides only, saving on power consumption when cooking smaller portions.

The only small issue with the basket is its handles, which consist of two small protrusions on either side. It means you have to use two hands to open the drawer, and to lift and carry it.

(Image credit: Future)

When the basket is fully loaded with food, it’s heavy so you’ll be using two hands anyway, but for times when you want to quickly check on cooking progress, you can’t open it with just one.

The additional height of this air fryer is down to the inclusion of Philips’ clever steam function, giving you more ways to cook from a single machine. You can steam food in this air fryer, as well as 'Steamfry', which combines both cooking methods.

What this means is you’ll need to consider where you want the air fryer to go, and whether you have suitable space for this 496mm x 329mm x 355mm model to fit - especially if you have low-hung wall cabinets over your worktops.

(Image credit: Future)

Hot air vents from the rear of the machine, so you need to leave space between it and the wall, and when using the steam function water vapor will also rise from the back of the machine.

The one meter power cable will be long enough for most kitchen setups, and the Philips 5000 Series comes with a clip-on cable tidy for the rear to keep things neat if you like to store your air fryer in a cupboard when not in use. Although, it’ll need to be a sizable cupboard.

A nice inclusion in the box was a set of tongs, a particularly useful addition when cooking with an air fryer, as it makes tossing food and removing it from the basket much easier.

(Image credit: Future)

There’s also a paper manual in the box that covers all the basics, mainly via pictorial guides, but for those who want a more detailed breakdown of functionality you’ll need to download the free HomeID app on your phone.

What isn’t made obvious out of the box is the need to run the air fryer empty initially to burn off the protective shipping coating.

Diving into the app deeper, Philips advises to wash the basket and accessories with a soft sponge, water and washing up liquid, dry them, and then run the air fryer empty, a 200C, for the maximum cook time (which for this model is 180 minutes).

(Image credit: Future)

That seemed excessive to me. I did an initial four minute cycle at 180C, allowed the basket to cool down, and then washed it, the divider, and the crisp trays, and set the machine at 200C for 50 minutes. The smell did get very strong during this time, but it did the trick.

When I came to cook with the air fryer for the first time, there was a slight smell during cooking, but it didn’t transfer to the food.

(Image credit: Future)

The controls here are excellent, just as they are on the Philips 4000 Series Stacked Dual Basket Air Fryer. The illuminated touch buttons on the top of the machine make it really easy to select the basket size you wish to cook with, and to set the temperature and time.

The only slight negative against this design is the glossy black surface quickly gets dirty, and shows up finger smudges. Plus, if your hands aren’t clean it can sometimes struggle to pick up your presses.

There are a number of presets to pick from too (frozen fries, mixed vegetables, chicken drumsticks, tray bakes, fish, dumplings, reheat), if you want to just press and play.

While the presets are useful, I did find during my weeks of testing they sometimes needed to be fine tuned to my preferred cook level. It’s all part of the early trial and error of using a new air fryer to work out the times and temps that work best for the food you’re cooking regularly.

(Image credit: Future)

When it comes to cleaning, the good news is the basket, trays and divider are all dishwasher safe. If you don’t have access to one, hand washing also works - although the sheer size of the basket means it can be tricky to clean in smaller sinks.

Another nice feature is the steam cleaning function. Simple to enact - just make sure the water reservoir is full and select the steam clean mode - it does a good job of loosening grease and marks in the basket. It means you can just run a cloth or paper towel round the basket and it’s pretty much clean. No need for hard scrubbing. It’s not going to remove stubborn marks or pieces of food debris, but it’s a handy option when only lightly used.

• Design score: 4.5/5

Philips 5000 Series Megabasket with Steam Air Fryer: performancePerformance

• Steam and SteamFry functions are excellent
• Quiet operation
• Great all-round cooking performance

The Philips 5000 Series Megabasket with Steam Air Fryer is one of the quieter models I’ve tested, making it an excellent cooking companion, especially in smaller kitchens as the noise doesn’t dominate the room.

As well as the presets, there are a couple of other useful features here. First is the shake reminder, where the 5000 Series will work out how many shake intervals are required based on the cook duration you’ve set, and will beep at set times to alert you to the fact you need to shake or turn the food in the basket.

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This allows you to ensure an even cook, be it fries, chicken wings, vegetables, or pretty much anything else you’re cooking. If you’re not using a preset, you will need to manually enable the shake reminder by pressing the icon on the control panel.

The second handy feature is sync, allowing you to utilize the dual basket setup, and cook two different foods, at different temperatures, for different lengths of time, but have them finish at the same time.

The air fryer delays the start of the side with the shorter cook time, starting it when its duration matches that left on the other side. It’s simple to set up, and works really nicely.

FutureFutureFuture

The 5000 Series Megabasket is certainly well equipped, but how does it actually perform when it comes to cooking food?

As this is a large basket air fryer, and given my penchant for consuming pizza, I decided to kick things off with a simple, store-bought margarita. When I reviewed the Tower Elite 11 Litre Flexi Drawer, I was able to fit a whole round (admittedly small) pizza into the basket.

With the Philips, the basket isn’t as deep, which meant I had to slice my circular pizza in half and lay the two halves at an angle in the basket. It worked fine, but if this pizza was frozen rather than fresh, I would be forced to use the oven.

After warming up the air fryer for a couple of minutes first, I cooked the pizza at 190C for nine minutes. It turned out this was a minute or so too long, as the topping came out a little overdone. It was still fine to eat, but a glass window on the basket would have allowed me to keep a better eye on the progress being made. Alas, there’s no window on the basket.

I returned a few days later however with an oval shaped pizza. This easily sat in the basket, and having learned my lesson I cooked it for seven minutes at 180C.

The final cook was much better, with a crisp base and juicy toppings, although I noticed the part of the pizza towards the back of the basket was slightly more cooked than that at the front.

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You don’t always get a completely even cook from this air fryer, but it wasn’t a problem during the weeks of cooking I did.

Fries came out great with this air fryer, whether they were frozen or fresh. Crispy on the outside, fluffy in the middle, and using the frozen fries setting I got automatic reminders to shake the basket a few times during the 24 minute cook at 200C.

For the fresh fries I had to set the temperature (200C) and time (21 minutes) manually, as well as enable the shake reminder. Still, the results were great.

Baking is another highlight when using the Philips 5000 air fryer, with a simple banana bread recipe producing a moist inside, crunchy-topped loaf with an excellent texture. I cooked it at 160C for 25 minutes, and then 20 minutes at 140C.

I also produced delicious, gooey-centered chocolate cookies, with an eight minute bake at 175C doing the job nicely. The chicken breasts, mixed green vegetables and sausages I also cooked using the air fryer mode all came out well.

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But air frying is only part of the story. The reservoir atop this device is the signal this device has more tricks up its sleeve. The Steamfry function, that utilizes both the air frying components along with generating steam, aims to lock in moisture and enhance tenderness, creating juicy and golden textures. Basically, the best of air frying and steaming in one.

And it works really well. I used the entire basket to Streamfry large, hand-seasoned chicken wings on the chicken preset (32 minutes at 200C).

During the cook there are periods of air frying and periods of steaming, the latter of which are obvious as you can hear the steam being produced, and see it vent out the rear of the machine. If you have it up close to a wall, or under a kitchen cabinet, expect significant condensation. I’d recommend giving it plenty of breathing room when using a steam function.

The results were superb. Wonderfully crisp skin, and juicy meat made for a delicious dinner, and had me returning the next day for lunch to cook the rest of the wings I didn’t need the night before.

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And when it comes to solely steaming, the 5000 Megabasket performs well yet again. Popping a selection of Japanese chicken and vegetable gyoza into the right side of the basket (steam and steamfry are available in the whole basket, or the right side only) and using the preset dumpling mode produced perfectly steamed, silky pillows.

A word of warning on the presets though, they aren’t a sure-fire win every time. When I cooked some green beans, broccoli, sugar snap peas, I split the batch between the two compartments. The veg I put in the smaller side I air fried, while I opted for steam on the larger side.

I selected the vegetables preset for both, which gave me settings of 200C for 30 minutes for the air fried veg, and 100C for 14 minutes for the steamed side. I also selected the sync option, so both sides would finish at the same time. However, at the first shake reminder for the air fried side (after 15 minutes) it was clear my veg was already overcooked.

(Image credit: Future)

I completed the full cycle for both sides, and the air fried veg was cremated. Thankfully, the steamed side had cooked very well, with tender broccoli stems, beans and peas.

Put bigger, chunkier pieces of veg in the air fry side (such as roughly chopped carrots and parsnips) and the preset is closer to what you need. It’s a good reminder that you need to spend time with your air fryer in the initial weeks to find out which settings work best for the food you cook - even with premium models such as the 5000 series.

• Performance score: 4.5/5

Should you buy the Philips 5000 Series Megabasket with Steam Air Fryer?Report card

Attribute

Notes

Rating

Value

There’s a premium price tag, but you’re getting a premium product. The 5000 Series Megabasket is packed full with features, includes a set of tongs in the box, and is well built.

4/5

Design

If you have the space, this is a premium air fryer with excellent controls and plenty of features. The set of tongs included in the box is a nice touch, but the handles on the basket can be a little awkward.

4.5/5

Performance

Whether you air fry, steamfry or steam, you’ll get excellent results from the 5000 series. Its easy operation and impressive versatility delivers consistently great cooks.

4.5/5

Buy it if

You want excellent versatility

The steam and streamfry modes on offer here are excellent, so if you often use steam to cook, want an additional healthy way to cook, or want to reduce the number of appliances in your kitchen, the 5000 Series has you covered. The removable divider provides more flexibility too, with the ability to cook two separate foods simultaneously. You even get a set of tongs included in the box.View Deal

You want to feed a family

The large 9.5L ‘Megabasket’ provides plenty of space, allowing you to easily cook family-sized portions. It’s great for a large helping of chips, or a bunch of chicken wings.View Deal

You want consistent, delicious results

The Philips 5000 Series Megabasket produces great results in all cooking modes, and you’ll be thoroughly impressed with what it can do. From fluffy cake and gooey cookies, to crispy and moist chicken wings, crunchy fries, and wonderfully steamed veg.View Deal

Don’t buy it if

You’re on a budget

If you’re after a large capacity air fryer that still performs well and costs significantly less than this Philips, there are cheaper options available. They won’t look quite as sleek, nor will their controls be so well thought out, but you can pick up a budget, large basket air fryer for around half the price of the 5000 series.View Deal

You’re only after air frying capabilities

The steam and streamfry modes are excellent, but if you don’t see yourself ever using them, save yourself some money and go for an air fryer without them.View Deal

You’re limited on counter space

The Philips 5000 Series Megabasket is a big airfryer. Wide and tall, it will dominate small kitchens with limited counter space. It also needs to be positioned away from wall-mounted units and walls, to allow the hot air and the steam to properly vent from the rear.View Deal

Philips 5000 Series Megabasket with Steam Air Fryer: also consider

Ninja Foodi FlexBasket Dual Air Fryer

An immense air fryer with one of the largest capacities on the market and the flexibility to cook in either two independent zones or convert the drawer into one tray for larger meals.

For more information, check out our full Ninja Foodi FlexBasket Dual Air Fryer review

Tower Elite 11 Litre Flexi Drawer

If you’re after a big-basket air fryer on a budget, the Tower Elite 11 Litre Flexi Drawer has a larger basket than the Philips and is almost half the price. There’s no steam function here though.

For more information, check out our full Tower Elite 11 Litre Flexi Drawer review

How I tested the Philips 5000 Series Megabasket with Steam Air Fryer

• I used the Philips 5000 Series air fryer for multiple weeks in my kitchen
• I cooked a wide variety of food with it, including fries, cakes, vegetables, pizza and meat
• I tested the various cooking functions, and the cleaning process

I spent multiple weeks using the Philips 5000 Series Megabasket with Steam Air Fryer in my kitchen. During that time I cooked using the air fry, steamfry and steam settings, and used the various preset modes, along with manual setting.

I cooked a wide variety of food, including baking cakes and cookies, air frying chips, pizzas, sausages and chicken, steaming vegetables and dumplings, and steam frying chicken wings.

I also tested the steam cleaning function, and cleaned the basket, trays and divider both by hand, and with the dishwasher.

First reviewed August 2026