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• A Windows-to-Linux migration tool has been revealed
• It's still in development, but looks very promising, providing a seamless way of transitioning to Linux
• Only one distro is supported, but there's the possibility of multiple options in the future

Those whose PC doesn't support Windows 11 - or people who just plain don't like Microsoft's newest OS, and don't want to leave Windows 10 for it - could, at some point down the line, have another option in terms of a way to switch to Linux instead.

Neowin picked up on a project that's a Windows-to-Linux migration tool, enabling you to shift across all your files and settings - as well as installed apps - from Windows 10 over to Linux.

Now, there are a few caveats for this concept, and I'll lead with the most notable, namely that this isn't a finished product yet. The software is still under development, in an "early" form, and all we can see of it now is a demo on YouTube.

The tool, called Operese, is being put together by 'TechnoPorg', an engineering student at the University of Waterloo (in Canada), and the utility has been under development for some time.

Another sizeable catch is that it only allows Windows 10 users to switch to one particular Linux distro, Kubuntu (which is based on the popular Ubuntu, so it's far from a bad choice - and I'll come back to this shortly).

Otherwise, you can see how the process works in the 'Program Demo' section of the YouTube clip below. The app takes care of the whole migration, extracting the relevant data from Windows 10, then installing Kubuntu, and reapplying the correct settings, your files, and so on (achieving this using some clever trickery with drive partitions).

Analysis: In-place upgrade to Linux

Essentially, Operese is like an in-place upgrade, the same as you might perform to shift to Windows 11, except in this case, you're going from Windows 10 to Linux. It's a very smart idea in that respect for those who are intimidated by the idea of migrating to Linux - you can do it straight from your existing Windows 10 PC, with no fuss whatsoever, just sit back and let the tool do all the hard work.

I'm not sure how the transfer of apps will be facilitated, and obviously, that could get tricky where software isn't available on Linux (or doesn't work on the platform). Indeed, the program migration aspect remains unfinished in Operese at this point in time, as the developer tells us in the YouTube clip, so this is still rather up in the air.

Another issue is that, given that we're told it's still relatively early in development, is this app going to be ready for Windows 10's End of Life? TechnoPorg says it'll be full steam ahead working on Operese until October, which suggests that the dev is trying to hit that deadline, when support for Windows 10 ceases. He may need help to that end, and talks about making the code open source, too (not a bad thing in terms of security, either).

Still, even if that deadline is missed, remember that Windows 10 users can get an extra year of support just by syncing PC settings via the Windows Backup app (not a high price to pay in my view). The app could still be very useful even as a late arrival, then, given that breathing space. And even if this project isn't realized, it does show that this kind of streamlined Linux migration is perfectly possible - and that it might show up in some form, hopefully sooner rather than later.

For those grumbling that there's only one choice of distro, TechnoPorg observes that Kubuntu was selected for some good reasons. Its stability, third-party driver support, and the KDE Plasma desktop environment will make those who are used to the Windows desktop feel somewhat at home. Also, Ubuntu offers a great set of tools for automated installations, apparently, which makes it suit this project nicely.

All that said, the developer indicates that supporting some of the other best Linux distros is a possible long-term goal, and that "based on the overwhelming community feedback, I will be making the internals [of Operese] more distro-agnostic". Meaning other options aside from Kubuntu - hopefully, alternatives well-suited to Windows users - could be in the cards eventually.

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• Hyundai Glovis is betting $6.5 billion on autonomous tech reshaping global shipping routes
• Avikus is no longer testing - its self-steering system is moving into commercial deployment
• AI autonomy on the open ocean is moving beyond research and into practical application

South Korea’s Hyundai Glovis is taking a major step into uncharted waters with the launch of the world’s first artificial intelligence-based autonomous navigation systems for car carrier ships.

Working in partnership with Avikus, the autonomous vessel technology arm of HD Hyundai, Glovis is set to retrofit seven of its large pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs) with Level-2 Maritime Autonomous Surface Ship (MASS) platforms by mid-2026.

If successful, this could mark a shift in maritime logistics, where fully integrated AI navigation remains largely theoretical.

Technological leap or calculated risk?

The AI-based system in question, developed by Avikus and branded as HiNAS, allows for partial remote control and real-time AI route optimization.

While this doesn’t yet amount to full autonomy, supporters believe it could lead to fuel savings and better operational efficiency.

“An autonomous ship is particularly effective for PCTCs, which operate on long-haul, point-to-point routes linking Asia to Europe or North America,” a Glovis official noted.

However, the decision to rely on Avikus rather than develop proprietary tech raises questions about long-term flexibility and control over future software updates.

Glovis plans to install the system on vessels including the 229.9-meter-long Sunrise, which can carry up to 7,000 vehicles.

That vessel alone may become the largest ship ever outfitted with AI-driven autonomy.

“While competitors have added what amounts to smart navigation, Glovis is effectively giving ships the ability to make decisions and optimize performance on their own,” said a shipping analyst familiar with the project.

Avikus, which gained attention after completing the world’s first transatlantic voyage by an LNG carrier using its Level-2 autonomous system in 2022, is part of this project.

The company has been striking deals with firms like Sinokor and H-Line, and is now targeting Level-3 and Level-4 capabilities, which would allow for full unmanned operation by 2027.

Hyundai Glovis, meanwhile, sees this initiative as central to its transformation into a smart logistics solutions company, having committed 9 trillion won (approximately $6.5 billion) in investment through 2030.

Although Glovis and Avikus belong to different branches of the Hyundai family - Hyundai Motor Group and HD Hyundai, respectively - the partnership reflects a deeper convergence between South Korea’s legacy industrial giants.

Japanese and European competitors have already tested AI-enhanced routing, but Glovis’ approach is the first to involve the wide deployment of integrated decision-making systems on multiple car carriers.

Whether this results in meaningful industry disruption remains to be seen, but for now, the 750-foot-long, nearly 100,000-ton vessels could become symbols of what’s to come or a cautionary tale of overreach.

Via The Korean Economic Daily

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• Foundation season 3 just introduced a character who may be central to its biggest plot twist
• The individual in question appears at a lavish party being thrown on Kalgan
• Fans of Isaac Asimov's book series namesake will know where the story goes from here

Foundation season 3 episode 3 has landed on Apple TV+ – and it introduces a character who seems destined to play a major role in this season's biggest story twist.

This season's latest entry, titled 'When a Book Finds You', sees Han Pritcher (Brandon P Bell), along with Toran and Bayta Mallow (Cody Fern and Synnøve Karlsen), attend a lavish party that's being thrown by The Mule on Kalgan. Remember: Pritcher asked the newly-married Mallows to accompany him as he goes undercover to try and learn more about Foundation season 3's primary villain, and it's during this soiree that we finally meet the individual I'm alluding to.

Full spoilers immediately follow for Foundation season 3's newest episode and Isaac Asimov's book series, which the Apple TV Original is based on. Turn back now if you haven't streamed it yet.

Magnifico Giganticus (right) has more ties to The Mule (left) than you might realize (Image credit: Apple TV+)

Magnifico Giganitcus, a musician who works for The Mule (Pilou Asbaek) – seemingly against his will, given how The Mule treats him – and who's portrayed by Tómas Lemarquis, is the character we're introduced to. Viewers may recognize Lemarquis from by Caliban in X-Men: Apocalypse, the third entry in 20th Century Fox's now-defunct X-Men reboot film franchise.

Despite the fact he's treated unfairly (read: physically abused) by The Mule in Foundation, Magnifico is a key part of the former's inner circle. Indeed, Magnifico 's music not only keeps The Mule calm, but also has an emotionally intoxicating effect on people who aren't used to hearing it. We see as much in this season's third episode, with numerous people hypnotized by his electronic beats on the dance floor.

Anyway, long story short: Magnifico flees Kalgan with Toran and Bayta after the latter convinces him to leave with them. The pair think they can learn more information about The Mule from Magnifico , which could aid The Foundation in its attempts to stop The Mule from becoming the galaxy's new tyrant.

Bayta takes pity on Magnifico and helps him escape Kalgan (Image credit: Apple TV+)

But all is not what it seems, because Magnifico isn't a real person, nor is he someone who actively wants to help The Foundation.

In 'Foundation and Empire', the second novel in Asimov's original 'Foundation' book trilogy, it's eventually revealed that Magnifico is The Mule in disguise. Indeed, it's all a facade so that The Mule can learn the location of Second Foundation, aka the secret collective of Mentalics – essentially, people with psychic abilities like The Mule – that's led (in one of the best Apple TV+ shows, anyway) by Gaal Dornick.

Foundation's TV adaptation looks like it's slightly tweaked this storyline, with Magnifico likely being some sort of holographic projection created by The Mule. That way, the psionic warlord can be in two places at once, with Asbaek playing The Mule and Lemarquis tackling the role of Magnifico.

If Apple's live-action reimagining follows the rest of this storyline as it's outlined in Asimov's literary works, the reveal that Magnifico is actually The Mule will be a hugely shocking moment for anyone who's watching the show but hasn't read the books. Well, it would be if I hadn't just spoiled it – but hey, that's your fault for reading an article that warned you there were big spoilers ahead!

We'll see if The Mule and Magnifico are one and the same as the tech giant's space opera progresses. In the meantime, read more exclusive season 3 coverage below.

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TCL QM8K: Two-minute review

The TCL QM8K is the company’s flagship mini-LED TV for 2025, and it brings several refinements over last year’s TCL QM851G, which was the brightest TV we’d ever tested at the time. The QM8K also delivers high brightness via a new Super High Energy LED Chip. Still, that brightness is now balanced with a Halo Control System, a 23-bit backlight controller, and a Dynamic Light Algorithm to ensure that pictures also have solid contrast and deep, detailed shadows.

The improvements made to the TCL QM8K make it one of the best TVs for movies, but its anti-reflection screen and new Ultra Wide Angle feature also make it perfect for sports. Not only do you get a very bright picture, but its anti-reflection coating lets you watch without having to worry about screen glare, while the Ultra Wide Angle feature means that groups can gather around the screen and everyone will experience the same picture quality no matter where they are sitting.

TCL tapped speaker Danish speaker maker Bang & Olufsen to design the QM8K’s built-in speaker system, which supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X. Audio by Bang & Olufsen on the QM8K entails a ‘Beosonic’ equalization interface that lets you tune the sound using categories like Bright or Relaxed, as opposed to typical EQ options. Overall, the QM8K’s built-in sound is good for a TV, though it’s unsurprisingly light on bass and dynamics.

The QM8K’s Ultra Slim design uses a Zero Border bezel that reduces the distance between the TV’s edge and the actual picture to a mere 3.4mm. It has a more premium look than many TVs, and models up to 85 inches all get a sturdy pedestal stand with adjustable height to clear space for a soundbar.

Google TV is used for the QM8K’s smart TV platform, and it’s a serviceable one, but also one that serves up ads. A quick menu lets you easily access basic picture and other settings, and Google TV’s Live program guide can incorporate broadcast channels pulled in by the QM8K’s ATSC 3.0 ‘NextGen TV’ tuner.

Gaming is well represented on the QM8K with 4K 144Hz support, though that refresh rate is only supported on two of the TV’s four HDMI ports. A Game Accelerator 288 VRR feature also lets you double the TV’s native 144Hz refresh rate for 1080p resolution gaming. The QM8K’s 13.2ms input lag would be considered an average level for most TVs, though most gamers should be perfectly satisfied with its gaming performance.

Value is a strong point with the QM8K. TCL’s current discounted $1,599 price for the 65-inch model is several hundred dollars less than the 65-inch Samsung QN90F, and it offers many of the same features, including an anti-reflection screen and Ultra Wide Angle feature. But it's also more expensive than the Hisense U8QG, another super-bright mini-LED TV with impressive picture quality.

TCL QM8K review: Price and release date

The QM8K's powerful contrast and wide color gamut coverage results in rich-looking color (Image credit: Future)

• Release date: May 2025
• 65-inch: $2,499.99
• 75-inch: $3,199.99
• 85-inch: $3,799.99
• 98-inch: $6,499.99

Similar to its TCL QM851G predecessor, the new TCL QM8K series is available in 65- to 98-inch screen sizes. All QM8K sizes launched at a higher list price than the preceding models, but have since dropped significantly, with the 65-inch version I tested now widely selling for $1,599.

With its reduced pricing, the QM8K is now more competitive with the Hisense U8QG, which is that company’s flagship mini-LED TV series. The 65-inch U8QG dropped to $1,299 during the time I was reviewing the TCL QM8K. Another close mini-LED competitor for the QM8K is the Samsung QN90F, a 2025 model that has since dropped in price to $1,999 for the 65-inch model.

TCL QM8K review: Specs

Screen type:

QLED with mini-LED

Refresh rate:

144Hz

HDR support:

Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG

Audio support:

Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual:X

Smart TV:

Google TV

HDMI ports:

4 (2x HDMI 2.1)

Built-in tuner:

ATSC 3.0

TCL QM8K review: Benchmark resultsHisense U8QG review: Features

The QM8K has two HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 144Hz support, plus two HDMI 2.0 ports (Image credit: Future)

• Ultra Wide Viewing Angle
• Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG support
• Audio by Bang & Olufsen

The TCL QM8K series uses a new CrystGlow WHVA Panel with TCL’s Halo Control System. To decipher all that, it’s a QLED display with a mini-LED backlight that uses a Super High Energy LED Chip for increased brightness, along with a reduced optical distance between the light modules and display panel. The Halo Control System in QM8K series TVs also feature a 23-bit backlight controller for more precise local dimming, which is helped by a Dynamic Light Algorithm.

Two other CrystGlow WHVA Panel features are a Zero Border display that reduces the distance between the TV’s edge to the actual image down to 3.4mm, and Ultra Wide Viewing Angle, which provides a 40% improvement in off-axis picture uniformity compared to last year’s TCL QM851G series, according to TCL.

QM8K series TVs feature up to 3,800 local dimming zones and up to 5,000 nits specified brightness. An anti-reflective screen is also provided to reduce screen glare when viewing in bright rooms.

HDR support on the QM8K series includes the Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG formats. The TVs are also IMAX Enhanced and they provide a Filmmaker Mode picture preset – a new feature for TCL TVs in 2025.

The Audio by Bang & Olufsen built-in speaker system on QM8K series TVs supports Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X. No specific speaker configuration or wattage information is supplied in TCL’s specifications, but there are upfiring Atmos speakers on the TV’s top edge, along with dual subwoofers on the rear panel.

Like other TCL TVs, the QM8K series uses the Google TV smart TV platform, and it also features a built-in mic for hands-free Google Assistant voice control. If you don’t want to deal with Google Assistant, other control options include Amazon Alexa and Apple HomeKit.

Gaming features on the QM8K include 4K 144Hz support on two of the TV’s four HDMI inputs. A Game Accelerator 288 VRR feature lets you double the TV’s native 144Hz refresh rate to 288Hz for 1080p-resolution gaming, and there’s also a Game Bar menu for easy onscreen access to gaming-related adjustments.

The QM8K’s connections include an ATSC 3.0 tuner input. This lets you connect one of the best indoor TV antennas to receive both standard and ‘NextGen’ digital TV broadcast channels, and there are options to view channel data either in a dedicated program grid guide or integrated in the Google TV Live TV guide along with free streaming channels.

• Features Score: 4.5/5

TCL QM8K review: Picture quality

The QM8K's picture looks great for both light and dark room viewing, and it has has an effective anti-glare screen (Image credit: Future)

• Excellent brightness
• Accurate out-of-the-box picture
• Impressive off-center picture uniformity

When I tested the QM8K’s predecessor, the TCL QM851G, it was the brightest TV I’d yet measured. The QM8K doesn’t hit the same brightness heights as that model, but it still has very high brightness even by flagship mini-LED TV standards.

In Filmmaker Mode, the QM8K hit 2,268 nits peak brightness (measured on a 10% HDR white window pattern) and 584 nits fullscreen brightness. Standard mode brightness was even higher, at 3,176 and 629 nits, respectively.

For comparison’s sake, the Samsung QN90F measured 2,086 and 667 nits, respectively, on the same tests in Movie mode when I reviewed it, while the Hisense U8QG – 2025’s current reigning brightness king – hit 2,888 nits peak brightness and 744 nits fullscreen brightness in my tests.

Color gamut coverage was also excellent, with the QM8K measuring 97% for UHDA-P3 and 78.7% for BT.2020. Picture accuracy was also notably good, with the QM8K delivering Delta-E (the margin of error between the test pattern source and what’s shown on-screen) averages of 1.9 for grayscale and 0.8 for color, which means both are indistinguishable from perfect to the human eye.

The QM8K features an Intelligent picture preset that uses AI to determine the proper picture settings based on content. I used this for casual TV viewing with generally good results, though I’d recommend the more accurate Filmmaker or Movie modes for movies. Upscaling was impressive, with the QM8K presenting older TV shows and other lower-resolution content with a good level of clarity.

Brightness is one of the QM8K’s main advantages, and it helped sports come to life on screen, and also made highlights in movies like Alien: Romulus visually pop. In dark movies like that one, the QM8K’s refined local dimming ensured that shadows looked deep and detailed. Contrast was consistently strong, and, true to the promise of TCL’s Halo Control System, there was virtually no sign of backlight blooming.

An Ultra Wide Angle features means the QM8K's picture looks good from a range of seating positions (Image credit: Future)

Motion handling on the QM8K was average, with a reference scene from the James Bond film No Time to Die showing a fair amount of blur and judder as Bond traversed a rocky hillside cemetery. Selecting the Custom Motion Clarity option in the Motion menu and setting both the judder and blur settings to 2 reduced this, however, and it didn’t add any soap opera effect to the picture in the process.

The QM8K’s anti-reflection screen proved effective when viewing with bright overhead room lights turned on. I could see mirror-like reflections when a lamp was placed in the way of its screen, but otherwise, general ambient room lighting didn’t harm picture contrast, even when watching movies.

Equally impressive is the QM8K’s Ultra Wide Viewing Angle feature. During my testing, pictures retained their contrast and color saturation even when viewed from a far-off-center seat. That’s a big step up from last year’s QM851G, which performed poorly in the same test.

Less impressive was a faint vignetting, an effect that is likely related to the QM8K’s Zero Border design, which places the LCD panel driver circuitry along the outer edges of the screen. The effect was minor, and I mostly saw it only on gray full-field test patterns during my initial testing, but during normal viewing, I occasionally noted it on flat fields of color, such as an empty blue sky.

• Picture quality score: 4.5/5

TCL QM8K review: Sound quality

Dual bass drivers on the TV's back panel deliver extra low end, but certainly not subwoofer-level bass (Image credit: Future)

• Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X
• Audio by Bang & Olufsen built-in speakers
• Good overall sound quality

The QM8K’s Audio by Bang & Olufsen built-in speakers support both Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X. TCL doesn’t provide any specs about speaker configuration or power, but there are upfiring drivers on the TV’s top surface, and bass modules on the back panel.

Sound features are mostly limited to presets such as Speech, Movies, Game, and Night. There’s also a Custom preset that lets you make adjustments using Bang & Olufsen’s Beosonic interface, which involves moving a cursor between Relaxed, Energetic, Bright, and Warm options until you settle on a sonic mix that you like. Using this, I found it useful for taking off the bright edge that’s typical for built-in TV sound.

I did most of my viewing using the TV’s Movie preset, which provided a good level of spaciousness with Dolby Atmos soundtracks while retaining speech clarity. The QM8K’s sound was good overall, with accurate positioning, but bass was limited, and soundtracks could also get a bit muddied when pushed to higher volume levels. Movie fans will want to consider pairing the QM8K with one of the best soundbars.

• Sound quality score: 4/5

TCL QM8K review: DesignImage 1 of 2

The QM8K's pedestal stand uses an aluminum base and a plastic top panel (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

A contoured design gives the QM8K a slimmer look when viewed from the side (Image credit: Future)

• Ultra Slim design
• Adjustable height pedestal stand
• Full-sized, backlit remote control

The QM8K’s “Ultra Slim” design features a sloping back panel that gives the impression the TV is thinner than it actually is. A sturdy plastic-capped aluminum pedestal stand is used for all sizes except the 98-inch model, and it has an adjustable height to clear space for a soundbar. Many TVs claim to have a “bezel-free’ design, but the QM8K with its 3.4mm, Zero Border bezel comes closer to presenting an all-image look than most I’ve seen.

Connections are located on a side-mounted input section and include four HDMI ports (including one with eARC and two HDMI 2.1 with 4K 144Hz support), an optical digital audio output, RF antenna, two USB type-A, and Ethernet.

TCL’s remote control strikes a nice balance between the more minimalist ones that come with TVs from LG and Samsung and the button-heavy remotes included with Hisense TVs. The buttons are backlit so you can actually see what you’re doing in the dark, and there are dedicated controls for input selection and for accessing Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, and the ad-supported TCLTV free streaming channels portal.

• Design score: 4/5

TCL QM8K review: Smart TV and menusImage 1 of 4

The QM8K's Google TV homescreen (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 4

Ads, such as this one from Coca-Cola, are part of the Google TV experience (Image credit: Future)Image 3 of 4

The QM8K's digital TV channel grid guide (Image credit: Future)Image 4 of 4

The main Google TV Live guide also incorporates broadcast TV channels (Image credit: Future)

• Google TV
• Live program grid integrates FAST and broadcast channels
• Quick settings menu

TCL TVs use the Google TV smart TV platform, which features a homescreen with a large banner at the top with rotating show recommendations and a few sponsored ads. A ‘Top picks for you’ row of recommended programs is located directly below, and the options can be determined by your Google search activity and viewing history when you’ve signed in with a Google account. The final component of the homescreen is a ‘Your apps’ row at the bottom of the screen, which can be edited to reflect your most-used apps.

Tabs located at the top of the homescreen let you access the following: Live (a program guide with Google TV Freeplay channels and channels pulled in by antenna), Apps (a portal for downloading and organizing apps), Library (for purchasing and renting shows and movies on Google TV), and TCL (TCL’s own TCLtv free, ad-supported channels).

As usual with Google TV, picture adjustments and other settings can be accessed by clicking the gear icon onscreen, or its equivalent on the remote control. There are a fair number of adjustments available, including advanced ones such as 2- and 20-point white balance and variable gamma settings.

A quick menu can also be accessed via a dedicated remote control button, and this presents an overlay at the bottom of the screen for easy access to a range of settings, including essential ones like brightness and picture mode.

• Smart TV & menus score: 4/5

TCL QM8K review: Gaming

The QM8K's Game Menu in action (Image credit: Future)

• Two HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 144Hz support
• Game Accelerator 288 VRR
• 13.2ms input lag is an average level for TVs

Gaming features on the QM8K include two HDMI 2.1 ports with support for 4K 144Hz, ALLM, and FreeSync Premium Pro. There’s also a Game Accelerator 288 VRR feature that doubles the TV’s native 144Hz refresh rate for 1080p-resolution gaming (which may be of interest to PC gamers), and an onscreen Game Menu that lets you make quick gaming-related adjustments without having to exit the main screen.

I measured the QM8K’s input lag in Game mode at 13.2 using a Bodnar 4K meter. That’s an average level, and below the 15ms threshold most gamers look for, but other TVs we’ve recently tested from Samsung and LG, and also the new Hisense U8QM, yielded under 10ms lag times when we measured them.

• Gaming score: 4/5

TCL QM8K review: Value

The QM8K's full-size, fully backlit remote control (Image credit: Future)

• Great value at current price
• Cheaper options available with similar brightness
• You’ll pay considerably more for premium brand options

At its current reduced $1,599 price for the 65-inch model I tested, the TCL QM8K is an excellent value.

That price is more than what you’ll pay for the Hisense U8QG, that company’s flagship model, but the TCL arguably has better overall picture quality and also better built-in sound. It’s also less than what you’ll pay for the Samsung QN90F, another flagship mini-LED, and one that offers a better smart TV platform and gaming features, along with a slimmer design.

Taking all that into consideration, the TCL is a solid middle mini-LED option, and perhaps the best value of the three.

• Value score: 4.5/5

Should I buy the TCL QM8K?

(Image credit: Future)TCL QM8K

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

Comorehensive HDR support and Audio by Bang & Olufsen built-in speakers

4.5/5

Picture quality

High brightness, refined local dimming, an anti-reflective screen, and a wide viewing angle make this a great all-purpose TV

4.5/5

Sound quality

Good overall sound quality but limited bass. A Beosonic interface allows for fine-tuning audio

4/5

Design

A literally bezel-free design with a sturdy pedestal stand and solid, backlit remote control

4/5

Smart TV and menus

Google TV is a serviceable smart interface plus the quick menu provides easy access to basic settings

4/5

Gaming

4K 144Hz and FreeSync Premium Pro supported, but only on two HDMI ports

4/5

Value

At its current discounted price, the QM8K is a great value

4.5/5

Buy it if...

You want a great TV for movies
The QM8K’s high brightness, refined local dimming, and comprehensive HDR format support make it an excellent choice for watching 4K movies.

You also want a great TV for sports
An anti-reflection screen on the QM8K effectively reduces screen glare during daytime sports viewing, and an Ultra Wide Angle feature means its picture looks solid even from off-center seats.

You don’t want to pay top dollar for a mini-LED TV
The QM8K offers much the same performance level as other flagship mini-LED TVs from brands like Samsung, while costing several hundred dollars less.

Don't buy it if…

You want the best gaming TV
While the QM8K has a strong set of gaming features, including 4K 144Hz and FreeSync Premium Pro support, those features are only supported on two of its HDMI ports. Also, there are other TVs with lower input lag time than the TCL.

You want the best smart TV platform
Google TV is a generic, serviceable smart TV platform, but it's been eclipsed by the smart platforms on LG and Samsung TVs, which have seen strong improvements over the past few years.

You want to watch movies, but don’t want a soundbar
The QM8K has good built-in sound, but movie soundtracks can get congested at loud listening levels, making a soundbar a necessity for best audio quality.

TCL QM8K: Also consider...

TCL QM8K

Samsung QN90F

Hisense U8QG

Sony Bravia 9

Price (65-inch)

$2,499.99

$2,499.99

$2,199

$2,999

Screen type

QLED w/ mini-LED

QLED w/ mini-LED

QLED w/ mini-LED

QLED w/ mini-LED

Refresh rate

144Hz

165Hz

165Hz

144Hz

HDR support

DolbyVision/HDR10+/HDR10/HLG

HDR10+/HDR10/HLG

DolbyVision/HDR10+/HDR10/HLG

DolbyVision/HDR10/HLG

Smart TV

Google TV

Tizen

Google TV

Google TV

HDMI ports

4 (2x HDMI 2.1)

4x HDMI 2.1

3x HDMI 2.1

4 (2x HDMI 2.1)

Samsung QN90F
The QN90F is pricier than the QM8K, but it has better gaming features and performance and a superior smart TV platform. Its Glare Free screen is also more effective at reducing reflections in bright rooms.

Here’s our Samsung QN90F review

Hisense U8QG
Hisense’s flagship mini-LED TV is currently a cheaper option than the TCL QM8K. It has a similarly bright picture plus refined local dimming, but it lacks the QM8K’s Ultra Wide Angle feature and has less impressive built-in speakers.

Here’s our Hisense U8QG review

Sony Bravia 9

The Sony Bravia 9 is significantly more expensive than the other TVs listed here, but it has a bright picture with refined local dimming plus excellent built-in sound and audio-related features.

Here’s our Sony Bravia 9 review

How I tested the TCL QM8K

Measuring a 10% HDR white window pattern during testing (Image credit: Future)

• I spent about 15 viewing hours in total measuring and evaluating
• Measurements were made using Calman color calibration software
• A full calibration was made before proceeding with subjective tests

When I test TVs, I first spend a few days or even weeks using it for casual viewing to assess the out-of-the-box picture presets and get familiar with its smart TV menu and picture adjustments.

I next select the most accurate preset (usually Filmmaker Mode, Movie or Cinema) and measure grayscale and color accuracy using Portrait Displays’ Calman color calibration software. The resulting measurements provide Delta-E values (the margin of error between the test pattern source and what’s shown on-screen) for each category, and allow for an assessment of the TV’s overall accuracy.

Along with those tests, I make measurements of peak light output (recorded in nits) for both standard high-definition and 4K high dynamic range using 10% and 100% white window patterns. Coverage of DCI-P3 and BT.2020 color space is also measured, with the results providing a sense of how faithfully the TV can render the extended color range in ultra high-definition sources – you can read more about this process in our guide to how we test TVs at TechRadar.

For the TCL QM8K, I used the Calman ISF workflow, along with the TV’s advanced picture menu settings, to calibrate the image for best accuracy. I also watched a range of reference scenes on 4K Blu-ray discs to assess the TV’s performance, along with 4K HDR shows streamed from Max, Netflix, and other services.

• First reviewed: May 2025
• Read TechRadar's reviews guarantee

Reports of starvation in Gaza raise the questions: Why the hesitation in labeling it a famine? And who are the authorities with the power to make that call?

(Image credit: Khames Alrefi/Anadolu)

Body-acceptance advocate Katie Sturino and Ronald Young Jr., host of the podcast Weight for It, answer listener questions about body image, weight loss drugs and bullying.

The images had been in a "legacy data system" that contained information from more than two years ago, the company says.

• New LG Gram Pro models now available with Intel Core Ultra processors and AI tools
• Ultra lightweight devices come in 16-inch and 17-inch variants, weighing 3.0 and 3.3 pounds respectively
• They feature Intel Core Ultra processors and Nvidia RTX 5050 GPU for enhanced performance

LG has expanded its super lightweight Gram Pro laptop series with two new models, the 16Z90TR and 17Z90TR, featuring refreshed hardware and built-in hybrid AI capabilities.

The 16-inch model weighs just three pounds, while the 17-inch version is among the lightest of its size, at just 3.3 pounds and 0.6 inches thick.

Both laptops use Intel Core Ultra 9 or Ultra 7 processors and include the Nvidia RTX 5050 GPU. The combination is designed for creative tasks, multitasking, and even a spot of immersive gaming.

LG gram AI

The two models come with 32GB of RAM, a 2TB SSD, and Windows 11 Home. LG includes Intel Evo certification and advertises up to 27 hours of battery life when playing video.

On-device and cloud-based AI features are built in - LG's system, known as gram AI, provides local processing through gram chat On-Device and connects to GPT-4o through gram chat Cloud (free for the first year).

The company says this dual approach allows the laptop to adapt to users’ needs. Features like Time Travel enable playback of recently viewed content, while calendar and email integration streamline scheduling and communication.

Another feature, gram Link 2.0, helps users connect their laptop with mobile devices. It supports file transfers between platforms and can also relay phone calls directly to the laptop.

Thermal limits and sustained performance under load have not been fully tested, but the inclusion of newer silicon suggests better efficiency than past models.

Pricing begins at $2,799.99 for the 16-inch model and $2,549.99 for the 17-inch version.

Both are now available at LG’s online store, with broader retail availability expected later in 2025.

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• Netflix's new documentary Storm Area 51 is released on July 29
• It follows what happened when a viral joke went too far and people showed up at the Nevada airbase
• This is the latest installment in Netflix's Trainwreck documentary series

I've been so invested in Trainwreck recently. From the unhinged story of Balloon Boy to the upsetting Astroworld tragedy, this series has taken us on a wild ride.

It's about to get even wilder, too, as we explore one of the biggest viral incidents of the past decade. Storm Area 51 is all about a meme that spiraled out of control, resulting in people responding to an online joke invite and then actually showing up at the base.

The base, of course, is highly classified, so the whole affair was very much a trainwreck as the series' name suggests. Take a look at the Netflix trailer below to see what to expect.

Why I'm excited for Storm Area 51

(Image credit: Netflix)

What isn't there to love about this story? It's as whacky as they come, and I'm excited to get sucked into another incident that shocked the world.

When millions of people responded to the Facebook event invite called "Storm Area 51, They Can't Stop All of Us", the event's creator, Matty Roberts, had just assumed it would be a meme and nothing more.

Joke events happen all the time, whether it's attending a Prime Minister's "leaving drinks" or other topical references, we've all seen our fair share of events on social media that are quite clearly not meant to be taken seriously.

Unfortunately, Roberts didn't expect people would actually show up at the base, but around 150 people did. Thankfully, it wasn't the millions that responded to the event, but it was enough for it to become newsworthy.

Outside of this, people arranged two music festivals called Alienstock and Storm Area 51 Basecamp, building attractions and encouraging people to attend. The entire situation lasted around 96 hours, and there were seven arrests made.

As someone who spends a lot of time online, I'm keen to understand how the situation spiraled so rapidly, and hopefully get some more insight into how things went down from the people who were there.

Trainwreck has been a great documentary series so far, and I do recommend checking out the other titles on Netflix.

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Are you too good for your home? Answer me!

Tired of sluggish airline internet? You’re not alone. Starlink is changing the game with faster in-flight speeds. Find out which carriers are offering this service right now.

• AMD reportedly has a high-end RDNA 5 GPU ready to challenge Nvidia's next-gen flagship graphics card
• The leak shows a placeholder name for the GPU, as the 'Radeon RX 10090 XT'
• It comes after AMD's shift away from high-end offerings this generation

AMD and Nvidia's fierce GPU battle this generation has been largely situated in the mid-range market, with AMD reserving its high-end GPU options for the future – and a new leak suggests that future may not be as far away as anticipated.

According to a reputable leaker, Moore's Law Is Dead (MLID), AMD's next-gen RDNA 5 GPU, the 'Radeon RX 10090 XT', is projected to challenge Nvidia's next flagship GPU, the 'Nvidia RTX 6090'. It's expected to use 36GB of GDDR7 VRAM, 154 compute units, on a 384-bit memory bus.

Of course, neither of these GPUs is confirmed, but according to the leak, they're purported to launch between 2026 and 2027. MLID states that the 'Radeon RX 10090 XT' and other Radeon RDNA 5 GPU model names are placeholders, as there's no word on what they'll be called.

The 'AT0' die is supposedly being used for the rumored GPU, with a power consumption of 380W. Again, MLID suggests nothing here is final, so adjustments to the reported 36GB of GDDR7 VRAM clocked at 36 Gbps can change by the time it launches.

We don't know what Nvidia has planned for its next-gen flagship GPU, but based on the specs of the Nvidia RTX 4090 (128 compute units) and the upgrade to the Blackwell RTX 5090 (170 compute units), the jump to an RTX 6090 would likely be a sizeable one.

The Radeon RX 10090 XT's reported specs would put it in pole position to clash with the next flagship GeForce GPU, at the very least challenging it closely enough. More importantly, if this is legitimate, it puts AMD back on the map in battling it out with Team Green in the high-end GPU market.

Analysis: I'm hoping this is true, but I won't hold my breath

While it can be argued that AMD has held up well in its mid-range GPU battle with Nvidia, inflated prices have ultimately ruined the appeal of GPUs like the Radeon RX 9070 XT and RX 9060 XT, as they were considered the best alternative to expensive Nvidia graphics cards.

That's beside the point, though; Nvidia has desperately needed more competition within the GPU market, and I've mentioned this several times before. Even when AMD still had a focus on high-end GPUs, Team Green's flagship GPUs would always lead in power and performance.

Now, if the AMD Radeon RX 10090 XT (for the record, I really hope that's not its name) is planned and has the rumored specifications from MLID, then it's great news. I wouldn't expect it to beat an RTX 6090 card, but at the very least, come close enough to challenge it.

Hopefully, by 2026 or 2027, the market inflation won't be a big issue, and AMD can release a new powerful lineup with affordable pricing. If AMD can't beat Nvidia in terms of hardware on the GPU side, the best solution is to make their GPU prices more approachable. However, who am I kidding? It's wishful thinking after all.

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More new movies and shows are scheduled to be added to HBO Max, and now that the streaming service has revealed its selection of August titles, we're frantically picking out which ones to add to our watchlists.

Last month, HBO Max brought new cinema releases Sinners and A24's Death of a Unicorn to the platform, which is part of Max's nature. If you missed The Legend of Ochi (another recent A24 release) when it was in cinemas, HBO Max is giving you the chance to finally catch it on August 15.

As for TV shows, the upcoming series The Yogurt Shop Murders lands on August 3, and we think it could be one of the best crime series this year so far. In addition to the arrival of Abbott Elementary season 4, Max is stacked for new TV shows just as it is for movies – so get bingeing!

Everything new on Max in August 2025

Arriving on August 1

Alien: Covenant (movie)
Barbershop (movie)
Barbershop 2: Back in Business (movie)
Couples Retreat (movie)
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul (movie)
Enter the Warrior’s Gate (movie)
Get a Job (movie)
Gremlins 2: The New Batch (movie)
House Hunters International volume 9, season 203 (TV show)
House Hunters volume 10, season 244 (TV show)
It Happened in Brooklyn (movie)
It's Always Fair Weather (movie)
Jamboree! (movie)
Kung Fu Panda 2 (movie)
Let’s Go Bananas season 1
Lili (movie)
Macao (movie)
Madame Bovary (movie)
Madame Curie (movie)
Marc Maron: Panicked (comedy special)
Martha Marcy May Marlene (movie)
Millie (movie)
Miss Pinkerton (movie)
Mogambo (movie)
Mr. Skeffington (movie)
Mrs. Miniver (movie)
Mrs. Parkington (movie)
My Favorite Wife (movie)
Neptune's Daughter (movie)
New Moon (movie)
Pride and Prejudice (movie)
Quo Vadis (movie)
Random Harvest (movie)
Roughshod (movie)
Rules Don’t Apply (movie)
Smarty (movie)
Stonewall (movie)
Storm over Wyoming (movie)
Survive the Night (movie)
The Last Time I Saw Paris (movie)
The Life of Vergie Winters (movie)
The Long, Long Trailer (movie)
The Nun (movie)
The Peanut Butter Falcon (movie)
The Racket (movie)
The Reluctant Debutante (movie)
The Water Diviner (movie)
Three on a Match (movie)
Till the End of Time (movie)
Two Weeks with Love (movie)
Union Depot (movie)
Unlocked (movie)
War on Everyone (movie)
Waterloo Bridge (movie)
Where Danger Lives (movie)
Yogi Bear (movie)
You Hurt My Feelings (movie)

Arriving on August 2

Deadliest Catch season 21 (TV show)

Arriving on August 3

The Yogurt Shop Murders (TV show)

Arriving on August 4

Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile (movie)
The Great Food Truck Race season 18 (TV show)

Arriving on August 5

Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Buffalo Bills (TV show)
“The Case Against Diddy,” The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper (TV show)
“The Idaho Murders,” The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper (TV show)

Arriving on August 6

Extreme Detailing (TV show)
Red Bull Soapbox Race season 1 (TV show)
See No Evil season 14 (TV show)

Arriving on August 7

Mysteries of the Abandoned: Hidden America season 4 (TV show)

Arriving on August 8

Freaky Tales (movie)

Arriving on August 11

Marooned with Ed Stafford season 3 (TV show)

Arriving on August 12

The Bus Driver: Britain's Cocaine King (TV show)

Arriving on August 13

A Body in the Basement season 2 (TV show)
Chef Grudge Match season 1 (TV show)
The Woman King (movie)

Arriving on August 14

Hop season 1 (TV show)
Marcial Maciel: The Wolf of God (TV show)

Arriving on August 15

Stand Up To Cancer
The Legend of Ochi (movie)
The Prince season 2 (TV show)

Arriving on August 17

Mammals season 1 (TV show)
The House (movie)
The Serial Killer's Apprentice (documentary)

Arriving on August 18

Women Wearing Shoulder Pads season 1 (TV show)

Arriving on August 19

“Climate Change Amplified: Live Music and the Climate Crisis,” The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper (TV show)

Arriving on August 21

Bargain Block season 5 (TV show)
Peacemaker season 2 (TV show)
Peacemaker: The Official Podcast with James Gunn (season 2 companion podcast)

Arriving on August 22

The Heritage season 1 (TV show)

Arriving on August 23

Abbott Elementary season 4 (TV show)
The Cleaning Lady season 4 (TV show)

Arriving on August 24

Toad and Friends season 1 (TV show)

Arriving on August 28

Bitchin' Rides: Road to Ridler season 1 (TV show)

Arriving on August 29

Horses & Hangmen (TV show)
Silly Sundays season 1 (TV show)

Arriving on August 31

Iyanu season 1 (TV show)

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FromSoftware's roguelike gets a two-player mode, solving one of its biggest annoyances.

Questions persist about how Jeffrey Epstein, who once moved among the world's elite, was able to avoid federal prosecution for so long. A timeline suggests some answers.

(Image credit: Stephanie Keith)

• Crooks are sending out customized Google Forms notification emails
• The emails bypass filters and land in people's inboxes
• They state victims can claim crypto if only they pay commission fees

Cybersecurity researchers Kaspersky have flagged that Google Forms is being abused in phishing emails targeting cryptocurrency owners.

Google Forms is a free web-based application which allows users to create surveys, quizzes, and forms.

Since it is a Google product, any notifications it generates generally bypass email protections and land into people’s inboxes - and cybercriminals are now exploiting this fact to try and get people to pay for a non-existing crypto transaction.

Fake crypto site

In these attacks, crooks create a questionnaire with a single slot for the email address. They submit the address themselves, after which the victim receives an emailed submission notification.

This notification can also be customized, and the threat actors create it to look like a notification from a crypto transaction service. The email says the recipient has a pending payment that needs to be finalized before it “expires”.

Clicking on the link provided in the email sends the victim to a fake crypto exchange site, where they need to contact “support” and make a “commission” payment to receive the transfer.

Obviously, there is no support, no commission, and no transfer - the money they give away goes straight to the scammers and is lost forever.

"This campaign demonstrates a cunning exploitation of a trusted and widely used platform to deliver scam attacks on cryptocurrency users,” said Andrey Kovtun, Email Threats Protection Group Manager at Kaspersky.

“By crafting fraudulent submission confirmation emails that mimic legitimate notifications from crypto exchanges, attackers used the platform’s credibility to bypass email filters, and also the victim’s unfamiliarity with its format to lure them into divulging sensitive wallet credentials. There is a critical need for users to verify email sources, scrutinize links and adopt robust security measures to protect their digital assets.”

With phishing emails, an old adage still stands - if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

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• VPN demand soared in the UK starting from Friday, July 25, 2025
• Proton VPN recorded a +1400% hourly increase in signups over the baseline, starting from midnight
• All platforms displaying adult content and potentially harmful materials must now enforce robust age checks for all users

VPN demand is soaring in the UK as Britons get ready to work around new age verification checks.

One of the best VPN services on the market, Proton VPN, confirmed to TechRadar an hourly increase in sign-ups of over 1,400% starting from Friday, July 25, 2025.

This coincides with new age verification requirements under the Online Safety Act, which force all platforms displaying adult content and potentially harmful materials to ensure users are over 18 via robust identity checks.

A Proton VPN spokesperson told TechRadar that a rise in sign-ups began immediately at midnight on Friday, with a second spike starting from 9 am (see graph below).

"We expect to see further increases over the coming days," Proton said.

Other VPN services are also likely to have recorded a similar surge in demand. Data from Google Trends shows that the search for the term 'VPN' has skyrocketed across the country since.

Proton VPN's signups have spiked in the wake of new age verification checks in the UK (Image credit: Proton)

Ofcom, the UK's regulator responsible for enforcing the new age requirements, however, is suggesting against using a VPN.

Talking to the BBC, the regulator said that it will be illegal for platforms to encourage the use of VPNs, while warning parents that their children won't benefit from these protections when using a VPN.

Nonetheless, according to Proton, such a spike in VPN usage rather suggests that Britons are worried about the privacy implications that these requirements could have.

"This clearly shows that adults are concerned about the impact universal age verification laws will have on their privacy," a Proton spokesperson told TechRadar.

Some digital rights experts have indeed raised concerns about how new age verification requirements could negatively impact people's privacy and their data security.

Age verification isn't just for adult-only content websites, either. These requirements are set to change how people in the UK will interact with their social media, gaming, and dating apps, among others.

Privacy and VPN experts previously told TechRadar their concerns about getting rid of anonymity on social media, warning that invasive identity checks may lead to higher surveillance, censorship, and data breaches.

What's certain is that mandatory proof of age checks are now a reality for people in the UK, with the likes of Reddit, Bluesky, X, and Grindr having already introduced age verification for users in the UK. More services are now expected to follow suit.

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DreamHost has recently revamped its approach to website building. Instead of competing with other no-code builders on our best website builders roundup, they now focus on two separate but complimentary services.

TechRadar reviewers have spent thousands of hours testing 140+ website builders, giving us deep insight into what works. While Wix remains our top pick for 2025, DreamHost's revamped service is unique enough to deserve a spot and a mention.

DreamHost now offers both an AI-powered website builder called Liftoff and a professional website service for WordPress. Both come free with any hosting plan, including the shared hosting that starts at just $2.59/month for the first year. Plus the company has been hosting websites since 1997 and powers over 1.5 million sites, so you know you're in good hands.

DreamHost Website Builder: 2-minute review

DreamHost takes a refreshingly different approach to website building. Rather than creating another traditional drag-and-drop tool, they've developed two complementary services that address different user needs. The AI-powered Liftoff builder creates complete sites in under 60 seconds, while their professional service delivers custom 4-page websites built by experts that integrate with WordPress.

Both services excel at what they do, but they're not for everyone. You're locked into WordPress, which limits flexibility compared to platform-agnostic builders. However, for small business and professional users who want WordPress, DreamHost's approach works quite well. And it's completely free if you're subscribed to any DreamHost hosting plan, which is great value.

What is DreamHost Website Builder?

Think of DreamHost's website builder as two different services rolled into one package. First, there's Liftoff, an AI assistant that asks about your business and builds a complete WordPress website automatically. You simply describe what you need, and in less than a minute, you have a fully functional site with content, images, and design.

The second option is their professional service, where DreamHost's team builds a custom 4-page website for you. You provide your content and branding, but they handle all the technical work. No dragging elements around screens or learning design principles. Everything still runs on WordPress, so you get powerful blogging features and can expand your site later if needed.

Features

You get access to hundreds of WordPress block patterns and page templates through their Design Library, plus an AI-powered help center for support. (Image credit: DreamHost)

DreamHost's feature set focuses heavily on WordPress integration and AI assistance over traditional website building tools. The AI builder includes content generation, image creation, and automatic site structuring based on your business description. You get access to hundreds of WordPress block patterns and page templates through their Design Library, plus an AI-powered help center for support.

On the other hand, the professional service delivers more hands-off features — expert design, mobile responsiveness, SEO optimization, and hosting setup. Both services include free domain registration, SSL certificates, and unlimited traffic. WordPress integration also means you get built-in blogging capabilities, plugin support, and the ability to scale up later.

Missing features include advanced customization using animations and interactions, built-in ecommerce tools beyond WooCommerce, and support for other platforms besides WordPress. However, the pricing justifies these limitations since everything comes free with hosting plans starting at $2.59 monthly.

DreamHost's approach works best for small businesses, bloggers, and anyone who prefers WordPress over proprietary platforms. AI-powered workflows suit tech-comfortable users who want speed, while the professional service appeals to those who'd rather outsource everything. The feature set feels intentionally focused rather than comprehensive.

Tools

DreamHost's content generator integrates directly with the WordPress editor for seamless workflow. (Image credit: DreamHost)

DreamHost provides several integrated tools designed to work seamlessly with WordPress to simplify the website creation process. Each tool focuses on a specific aspect of building and managing your online presence.

Liftoff AI builder

DreamHost's new AI-powered tool creates complete WordPress websites in under 60 seconds. Simply answer questions about your business purpose and goals. Liftoff generates a personalized site with content, images, and design elements. It can also add ecommerce functionality or appointment booking systems based on your input. You maintain full ownership and can continue editing later in WordPress.

Site assistant dashboard

A personalized guidance system helps you refine your site after the initial AI-generated results. Your dashboard provides smart tasks and next-step recommendations, making it easier for beginners to improve their sites progressively. This tool bridges the gap between automation and manual customization.

Design library

Access hundreds of WordPress-native block patterns and page templates for visual customization. These professionally designed elements help you quickly modify layouts and add visual appeal without starting from scratch. The library focuses on WordPress blocks, ensuring compatibility and performance.

Professional website service

DreamHost's new human-powered service assigns a team to create a custom 4-page website (Home, About, Services, Contact) using your content and branding. This service includes mobile optimization, SEO setup, and professional design - delivered ready to launch. Perfect for those who prefer expert handling over DIY headaches.

Content creator

DreamHost offers AI-powered writing assistance for creating blog posts, product pages, and website copy. This tool helps maintain consistent messaging across your site and speeds up content creation. It integrates directly with the WordPress editor for seamless workflow.

Ease of use

For advanced customization, you transition from DreamHost to WordPress's familiar interface. (Image credit: DreamHost)

DreamHost's website builder prioritizes simplicity over complexity. Once in, the control panel features a modern interface that's easy to navigate, though it heavily promotes paid add-ons which can feel pushy. Setting up a website takes less than five minutes, with an additional few minutes for server-side processing.

The AI-powered Liftoff tool eliminates traditional learning curves entirely, because you just answer a few questions about your business and it builds your site automatically. You can use DreamHost's editor to customize your AI-generated results, which uses a block-based system where you drag elements to reorder them, remove sections, or insert new ones.

You can't drag objects anywhere on the page like traditional builders, although you get decent layout control through column adjustments and block spacing. For advanced customization, you transition from DreamHost to WordPress's familiar interface.

Pricing

DreamHost offers three different plans for its website builder (Image credit: DreamHost)

Plan

Starting rate (paid annually)

Renewal rate (paid annually)

Shared Starter

$2.59/month

$5.99/month

Shared Unlimited

$3.95/month

$10.99/month

DreamPress Basic

$16.95/month

$19.95/month

DreamPress Plus

$24.95/month

$29.95/month

DreamPress Pro

$71.95/month

$79.95/month

VPS Basic

$10.00/month

$24.99/month

VPS Business

$20.00/month

$39.99/month

VPS Professional

$40.00/month

$79.99/month

VPS Enterprise

$80.00/month

$159.99/month

DreamHost's pricing structure follows the industry standard of significant discounts for long-term commitments. The Shared Starter plan at $2.59 monthly offers excellent value for beginners, including the free AI website builder and professional service. DreamPress plans cater to WordPress enthusiasts who want managed hosting with enhanced performance and security features.

But it's the renewal rates that tell the real story. Prices can double or triple after your initial term ends. VPS plans see the steepest increases, jumping from $10 to nearly $25 monthly for the basic tier. But, DreamHost offers a generous 97-day money-back guarantee, giving you plenty of time to test their services. Also, monthly payments cost up to 60% more than 12-month+ commitments, making longer terms essential for budget-conscious users.

Security

(Image credit: DreamHost)

DreamHost covers security basics well across all plans. You get free Let's Encrypt SSL certificates, web application firewalls, automated daily backups, and domain privacy protection. Their server-side security includes intrusion detection systems, malware scanning, and 24/7 monitoring. And the user management system lets you create role-specific accounts, so team members only access what they need.

But the catch is DreamShield, their premium malware removal tool, which costs extra at $29.99/year. With the latest updates, this offers impressive additional features like real-time threat monitoring, 30-day scan history, and color-coded security status indicators. Their new centralized dashboard gives you instant visibility into your site's security health, making it easier to spot problems early.

Support

DreamHost won both 2025 Stevie Gold and Globee Awards for customer service excellence. (Image credit: DreamHost)

DreamHost won both 2025 Stevie Gold and Globee Awards for customer service excellence. You get 24/7 live chat and email tickets, plus a comprehensive knowledge base that's actually useful. Chat support typically connects you within 2-5 minutes, where agents explain things clearly without robotic scripts. Their knowledge base covers most common issues with step-by-step tutorials.

Phone support exists but works differently, as it's callback-only and costs extra for most plans. Shared hosting users pay $9.95 for one callback or $14.95 monthly for three callbacks. Only managed hosting and dedicated server customers get free callbacks included. Email tickets get responses within an hour, though some can take up to a whole day during busy periods.

DreamHost's community forum provides additional help, though responses aren't always quick. Professional services are available for hands-on assistance with site management, SEO, and development work. Overall, support quality is solid if you're comfortable with chat and email, just don't expect free phone calls unless you're on premium plans.

Alternatives

DreamHost occupies a unique position by focusing entirely on WordPress rather than competing with general-purpose builders. This works well for users who specifically want WordPress sites but limits appeal for those seeking platform flexibility. Their dual approach targets different user types within the WordPress ecosystem effectively.

Main competitors include traditional hosts like Bluehost, HostGator, and SiteGround, all offering similar WordPress-focused services. Bluehost provides stronger beginner tools and phone support, while SiteGround excels at performance and security. For pure website building, Wix and Squarespace offer more design flexibility.

DreamHost Website Builder: Summary

DreamHost's reimagined website builder succeeds by doing something different rather than trying to beat everyone at the same game. The AI-powered approach creates WordPress sites instantly, while the professional service handles everything for users who prefer expert help.

Both options eliminate traditional building complexity, though you're locked into WordPress. Pricing remains competitive with generous renewal terms, while security and support quality cover the basics well.