EZVIZ’s EP3x Pro Doorbell is a smart device that allows you to view and respond to those knocking at your front door at any time. This doorbell has two cameras - one at a 2K resolution to see the person at the door, and another at 1080P that’s angled to display any parcels on your doorstep. The video from these cameras is super clear, especially at night. The doorbell also emits a bright light when it’s dark, providing a colorful night vision video, allowing you to see who was at your front door while you were fast asleep.
Granted, the EP3x Pro looks like a bigger, chunkier cousin of the Ring Video Doorbell Pro, but when you start looking at what EZVIZ’s doorbell offers, you can forgive the bigger size. First off, it’s battery powered, which lasted around four weeks during our tests. You can recharge the doorbell via a USB-C port, but it also comes with a solar charger that you can place beside it to keep it charged. This also means that you can place the doorbell anywhere you want, without having to worry about connecting it to a power cable.
The built-in 32GB storage is another standout feature, allowing the doorbell to record video straight away without a subscription. It’s a breath of fresh air compared to many of the best video doorbells, which often lock cloud services and exclusive features such as recording behind a paywall. It's a welcome approach, especially for users who may be buying a smart doorbell for the first time.
The EZVIZ app guides you through the process of installing the doorbell, and we had it running within minutes (Image credit: Future)
Throughout our time with the EP3x Pro, we used the EZVIZ app, available on both Apple’s App Store and Google's Play Store. The app was required for setting up the smart doorbell, which was a seamless affair. We had it up and running within minutes. The app provides a guided tour of its features, as well as how to maintain the doorbell with software updates and manage the video and audio settings.
One feature worth mentioning is the record list, which lets you play back video clips showing anyone who knocked at your door over the last 30 days. This can be very handy if you need to check on a missed delivery.
The EP3x Pro has two cameras, one of which is angled down to record packages left by your door (Image credit: Future)
EZVIZ EP3x Pro: price and availability
List price: $149.99 / £129.99 (about AU$220)
You can buy EZVIZ’s EP3x Pro Doorbell from Amazon, or direct from EZVIZ. It’s a great price for what this doorbell offers: dual cameras, night vision, great battery life, 32GB internal storage, and the ability to save video clips without a subscription.
The EP3x Pro is a particularly good option if you’re looking for a video doorbell that doesn’t need to be connected to the mains in order to work. Its price tag of $149.99 / £129.99 (about AU$220) and lack of membership fee mean it's also one of the more affordable battery-operated options around.
Value score: 5/5
EZVIZ EP3x Pro: specs
The doorbell can be charged using its USB-C port (Image credit: Future)
EZVIZ EP3x Pro review: design
Dual-lens cameras to get a good view of the person and the package
Battery can be recharged via USB-C or solar charger
Very easy to install
The EZVIZ’s EP3x Pro has a minimalist design that reflects its main purpose: to show you who’s knocking on your door, and let you see packages on your porch.
The dual-lens cameras are very useful when you’re away from home to see who’s visited with a delivery, no matter if it was during the day or the night. Thanks to the EP3x Pro's bright light, visibility was never an issue during my tests.
I also appreciated the solar power attachment, which saves you the hassle of having to charge the EP3x Pro when it’s low on power. Some people may think it's an ugly thing to have beside their front door, but it’s a very useful one.
Installing the EP3x Pro is very straightforward, thanks to the supplied adhesive and mount. Combine that with the very handy dual-lens cameras and you’ve got a smart doorbell that will be a fixture outside any home for years to come.
Design score: 4.5/5
EZVIZ EP3x Pro review: performance
Setting up the EP3x Pro is easy enough, from charging the doorbell via USB-C to mounting it near your front door. The EZVIZ app gives you a helpful step-by-step guide to what the doorbell is capable of, with annotated pictures that describe every button and function in detail to prevent you from pressing the wrong setting.
You can use the EZVIZ app to see up to six months of video clips, thanks to the 32GB of storage that’s built into the EP3x Pro. It’s a welcome addition, as many smart doorbells usually require you to buy a microSD card as well as a monthly subscription to use similar features.
The EZVIZ app sends you notifications when the doorbell detects motion, and allows you to review videos captured by its two cameras (Image credit: Future)
When the doorbell detects motion, it will send a notification to your phone that you can tap to open the app and play any video that the EP3x Pro has captured. It’s a useful feature, and we were able to respond to visitors in real time. However, notifications were sometimes delayed, meaning that we missed someone who had pressed the doorbell. We experienced this when connected to a public Wi-Fi network or 5G, so we suspect this is a bug that EZVIZ should look into.
The built-in battery with the supplied solar attachment is a standout feature. Unlike many other doorbells, which have to be connected to the mains, you can have the EP3x Pro run on solar power without having to worry about it, especially if there are power cuts.
Overall, the EP3x Pro is a fantastic smart doorbell that doesn't require a monthly subscription. Once you’ve bought it, you can take advantage of everything it offers. From that alone, it’s a smart doorbell that’s worth considering.
Performance score: 4.5/5
The EZVIZ EP3x Pro has a clean, minimalist design (Image credit: Future)
Do you think EZVIZ's EP3x Pro isn't for you? Try out one of these alternatives instead...
EZVIZ’s EP3x Pro review: How I tested
I tested the EZVIZ’s EP3x Pro for several weeks, using the EZVIZ app on my iPhone 15 Pro Max on Wi-Fi and cellular connections
I attached the EZVIZ’s EP3x Pro beside my front door with the supplied adhesive. I enabled ‘Intelligent Detection’ to allow the doorbell to spot anyone outside my apartment, so it could send me a notification to my phone if it did.
I used the EZVIZ app to view the video feed on a Wi-Fi, public Wi-Fi, and 5G Cellular connection through my iPhone 15 Pro Max in order to test the quality of the feed. I also tried out the audio when family knocked on to see how clear my wife, son, and I sounded across the different internet connections.
Video was captured thanks to the 32GB built-in storage of the EP3x Pro Doorbell, which was Replayed on my iPhone and Apple TV to see how well it looked.
Blackview, a Hong Kong-based company known for its rugged smartphones, but recently also expanded its lineup with the Hero 10 flip foldable. Now, we got to try its Blackview BL9000 Pro - a more traditional for the company rugged smartphone that stands out for its FLIR (Forward-Looking Infrared) camera, providing thermal imaging capabilities.
Blackview BL9000 Pro
What's impressive, particularly when you consider the prices of FLIR cameras, is that this phone is priced at just $430 and that's for an very generous 12 GB RAM and 512 GB storage version.
The retail package includes...
The vanilla Google Pixel 9 and the flagship Pixel 9 Pro XL launched in late August, now in early September we welcome the other two members of the family – the small Pro and Google’s second generation foldable.
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold costs the same as last year’s model, which is to say that it is not cheap. But few of the horizontal foldables are (and none that are available in the US).
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
(Google) $350 store credit (ends Sep 7)(Best Buy) $350 gift card
...
Huawei will introduce its first tri-folding smartphone called Mate XT on September 10. The company recently dropped a video teaser showing us the rear side of the Mate XT. Now, we are looking at the Huawei Mate XT's official image, which shows us the smartphone's tri-folding, dual-hinge design. You can check it below.
This image was shared on Huawei's online store, which revealed the Mate XT will have 16GB/512GB and 16GB/1TB memory configurations. Huawei is also taking pre-orders for the Mate XT until September 19, with sales beginning the next day.
Huawei hasn't...
The Morel Biggie is the smaller sibling of Morel’s Högtalare (Swedish for speaker) – and is ironically named, given its compact size. But don’t let that fool you, because sonically it packs a punch.
It oozes class thanks to its superb engineering, evident from the perfectly planned surfaces on every side. It’s hard to imagine it looking out of place in any home, especially given the myriad colorways available. But home is where you’ll want to keep the Biggie, because even though Morel describes it as a portable speaker, it’s still too big and heavy to be carried around easily.
True to form, the Biggie’s feature set is similarly spartan, even for a Bluetooth-only speaker. One for our best Bluetooth speakers buying guide? Well, there’s no app to control or alter its settings, which is a pretty big omission and one the bulk of the competition (even at much lower price-points) does offer in 2024. There are five buttons for operation, but the only additional interface feature is the battery level indicator. And this is poorly implemented, requiring you to hold both volume buttons to reveal the level via the LEDs of all five buttons, which is far from precise.
As for audio features, the biggie (sorry) is Auracast compatibility, which allows you to join Auracast audio streams, designed for broadcasting to an unlimited number of playback devices. You can also use two Biggies in unison for stereo playback, although I was unable to test this feature as I was only given one unit to review.
The Biggie makes a strong impression on first listen, bellowing out the bass notes and creating a sense of space that rivals some of the best Bluetooth speakers out there. Mids and highs are mostly clear and detailed, but there are too many occasions when that low-end dominates the sonic space, masking the subtleties of other frequencies.
Morel’s dynamic EQ also fails to achieve its goal of optimizing the listening experience depending on volume, and the lack of hi-res codec support means there’s no way to improve the audio further.
Battery life is also average, and during my tests it failed to live up to its claimed 20 hours, ending up closer to 16. Fast charging is available, though, which means going from empty to full takes just two hours and only 20 minutes to get four hours of playback.
As for price, the Biggie is undeniably costly, and it seems most of your money is going towards the superlative build quality. The lack of features could be forgiven if the sound was truly exceptional, but it fails to deliver on that front too.
If it’s features you’re after, Sonos’s range of speakers, including the Sonos Roam 2 and Sonos Era 100, offer a ton of options and customizations plus wi-fi support, and cost less than the Biggie. If you want a standout sonic performer, the Audio Pro C20 is one of the best in that department.
(Image credit: Future)
Morel Biggie review: Price & release date
$299 / £299 / $AU499
Multiple colorways
Available worldwide
The Morel Biggie is available now for $299 / £299 / $AU499. It comes in several colorways, ranging from monotones and oak to shades of blue, green, and red. The faux leather strap is either black or brown, depending on the colorway.
It sits towards the higher end of the market, making it more expensive than the Sonos Era 100, our current pick as the best wireless speaker. It is considerably cheaper than the Era 300, though, which is slightly bigger than the Biggie, and features Dolby Atmos support plus multi-room audio using your home wi-fi network, among other technologies.
There are also cheaper alternatives that offer better portability, such as the Sonos Roam 2, our number one pick overall for Bluetooth speakers, and the B&O Beosound A1 Gen 2, which we think is the best for sound quality.
Morel Biggie review: specs
(Image credit: Future)
Morel Biggie review: Features
Bluetooth and 3.5mm AUX playback
Stereo playback possible
No app
In terms of functionality, the Biggie is about as simple as wireless speakers get. There are only five buttons on the Biggie: one for power, two for volume, one for pairing, and one for switching between wired or wireless connections. On the back is a single USB-C port for charging the speaker, which can also be used for charging a phone (although this didn’t work with my Google Pixel 7a). The port doesn’t allow for wired playback, though – there’s a 3.5mm AUX input for that.
There’s also very little in the way of audio enhancements, with no support for Dolby Atmos, Spatial Audio, and hi-res codecs like aptX. It is Auracast compatible, which lets you join audio broadcasts that can potentially reach an unlimited number of playback devices. You can use two units together in stereo, but as I only had one test unit, I couldn’t try this out.
There’s only one way to use the Biggie wirelessly and that’s via Bluetooth. While it paired instantly with a FiiO M11S music player, it struggled to connect to my Pixel 7a. It remained stuck in pairing on the first attempt, and on the second it paired but failed to establish a connection, with the Biggie’s pairing button flashing interminably. After pressing the mode select button twice it connected successfully. Of course, minor glitches like this can occur when pairing devices, but I’ve never had an issue pairing the latest audio devices with my phone before, and it’s a blemish on a speaker of this price.
To check the battery level, you have to hold both volume buttons for two seconds. The lights of all five buttons indicate the battery's remaining charge, making for an imprecise measurement – and since there’s no app, it’s the only option. Again, it’s an oversight on a modern-day premium wireless speaker to have no mobile app of any kind.
(Image credit: Future)
There are other issues with the battery indicator too. When I tried checking the level on a full charge, all five buttons flashed very quickly and faintly, which seemed like a glitch of some kind. Also, when holding the two volume buttons together they’re obscured, so when the battery is between 21-40% or 10-20% – which is when only the volume buttons will light – you can’t see the readout until you’ve taken your fingers away. Suffice to say, it’s not the most elegant solution – ironic given it’s designed to preserve the Biggie’s minimalist design.
Morel claims the battery will last up to 20 hours, which is reasonable for a wireless speaker. Things didn’t get off to a good start during my tests, though: after only one hour of continuous playback, it dropped to four lights, indicating a level of between 61-80% (I believe it was closer to the latter figure).
However, for the next five and a half hours of playback, it remained at this level before dropping to about 60%, so thankfully the battery’s rate of depletion didn’t follow its initial trajectory. Extrapolating beyond this figure, though, the Biggie still falls short of its purported lifespan: realistically, it’s closer to 16 hours.
Features score: 2/5
(Image credit: Future)
Morel Biggie review: Sound quality
Full and rich sound
Excessive boom
No hi-res codec support
Given the compact size of the Biggie, the bass sounds are surprisingly full and powerful, with plenty of punch. Highs are crisp and mids are clear for the most part. What’s most impressive is the sense of space the Biggie imparts, doing an admirable job of rendering the kind of experience you’d expect from a much larger speaker.
However, the Biggie is all too prone to excessive amounts of boom, even with the volume low; the so-called dynamic EQ fails to keep the sound in check at all levels as is claimed, and it’s unable to rein in mild distortion at higher levels. The speaker is definitely best experienced at a distance, but even then, that boominess all too often masks the finer details, especially in classical and other string-heavy music.
It’s also a shame that a speaker aiming for the premium end of the market only supports lossy SBC and ACC codecs, losing out on the higher fidelity offered by LDAC, aptX (which the larger Högtalare supports), and others. Using a wired connection via the 3.5mm AUX input doesn’t improve matters either, sounding near-identical to its wireless counterpart.
The volume controls don’t offer enough increments, with the lowest possible setting still too loud and boomy for more discreet listening. They also frequently clash with the volume controls on playback devices, with one overriding the other. A dedicated app could’ve kept volume levels consistent between speaker and source. It could’ve also offered an adjustable EQ for those who like to dial in their preferred settings.
Sound quality score: 3/5
Morel Biggie review: Design
(Image credit: Future)
Brilliant build quality
Ultra-minimalist
Weight compromises portability
It’s clear the Biggie is going for the sleek, ultra-minimalist look, with a hint of tradition courtesy of the large faux leather handle – which, together with the strap locks, serves to imitate a pair of headphones, a design choice I have to believe was intentional.
The overall engineering of the Biggie is impeccable, even down to the included USB-C cable. Every edge and fixture is solid and seamless, although the fitting of the back panel in my test model wasn’t quite perfect. Still, it was more than acceptable and barely a cause for complaint.
Every side of the Biggie is completely flat, making it easy to fit anywhere in your home. The four rubber feet are thick and sturdy, keeping the Biggie firmly planted. However, despite Morel claiming it to be a portable speaker, it’s too cumbersome and heavy to take on your travels. Really, this is an indoor speaker meant to be kept in place.
The aforementioned strap can be removed if you want to streamline the Biggie even more, simply by unscrewing the side clamps. There’s an optional wall mount available from Morel, should you wish to declutter your space even more.
The magnetic cloth grill is incredibly slick and, again, feels engineered to the highest standards. A small yet sturdy leather tab can be used to pull the panel off, although it's a little surplus to requirements, more of a style accessory than anything else. The fit and finish of the panel are faultless, and it's an incredibly elegant solution to masking the buttons that sit behind, invisible until the LEDs shine through once powered on.
But despite the quality of the grill, I do worry that the thin cloth will degrade after repeated button presses through it. After only a few days with the Biggie, I began to notice a crease running up the cloth from repeated compressions against the large button panel.
Another issue is that you can’t see the power button when it’s off. Muscle memory will take hold quite quickly, but it’s still a quirky design choice to hide it from view completely and illustrates just how committed Morel is to the Biggie’s minimal aesthetic.
True to the rest of the speaker, the Biggie’s buttons are solid yet light to the touch, with a pleasing clack to the presses. Their fit isn’t quite as perfect as other aspects of the Biggie’s overall construction, but I’m nitpicking here; they’re certainly up to the standards you would expect from a speaker of this price.
Design score: 3.5/5
Morel Biggie review: Value
At $299 / £299 / AU$499, there’s no denying the Biggie is an expensive wireless speaker. It’s more expensive than the Sonos Era 100, our number one pick for the best wireless speaker, which has more features and the brand’s unique ability to create a network of speakers for a complete home setup.
If you’re looking for a more portable experience, then our current pick for the best Bluetooth speaker, the Sonos Roam 2, is cheaper than the Biggie and fits in your luggage nicely thanks to its pill-like shape. It also has an IP67 waterproof rating, making it ideal for travel. Overall, it’s a more versatile performer than the Biggie.
Other similarly premium speakers include the Bose SoundLink Max, which is sturdy and portable but $100 more than the Biggie. Being a hardy, go-anywhere speaker, though, it’s also got an IP67 rating, and a battery life that actually lasts the 20 hours it claims, according to our tests.
Should I buy the Morel Biggie?
(Image credit: Future)
Buy it if...
You adore minimalism If you want zero fuss in your speaker, then look no further than the Biggie. It’s as clean as they come and fits in virtually any space in any home.
You want a sense of space For such a small unit, the Biggie impresses with its all-encompassing soundscapes. The low-end response is also powerful.
Don't buy it if...
You want the best sound The Biggie gets boomy all too easily, and the lack of any hi-res codec support is a real shame on a speaker this premium.
You want plenty of features There are no extras on the Biggie: you get Bluetooth and wired playback, and a few buttons for control. There’s no app or settings to adjust.
You want portability Despite what Morel says, you’ll struggle to carry the Biggie around comfortably. There are plenty of Bluetooth speakers out there that are much better suited for this purpose.
Morel Biggie review: Also consider
Sonos Era 100 The Sonos Era 100 is at the top of our wireless speaker list for a reason – and that is stellar sound that’s improved even over its sibling, the Sonos One, including better bass tones and a wider broadcast for optimal listening across a larger area. It also undercuts the Biggie on price. Find out more in our Sonos Era 100 review
Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 If you’re after something more budget-friendly, the Tribit is one of the best Bluetooth speakers around. The sound quality belies its tiny size and it comes packed with features, including a power bank function, a built-in strap that can fit on your bike, and a microphone. Read our full Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 review
How I tested the Morel Biggie
I tested the Morel Biggie for about a week and tried it with a variety of playback sources, including my phone, a laptop and a music player. I tested both its Bluetooth and wired capabilities.
I mainly listened to music via Tidal, a streaming service that allows for hi-res playback, although this wasn’t applicable in the Biggie’s case, reverting to the SBC/ AAC formats instead. I used TechRadar’s specialized playlist, designed to put audio devices through their paces with a comprehensive mix of genres and sonic styles, ranging from pop and electronic dance, to jazz and classical across multiple eras.
I tested the battery by letting the Biggie run continuously for six hours and took readings about every hour. Since there’s no volume readout, I can’t say exactly what levels I had set but suffice to say, I would describe my sessions as being comfortably loud.
Oppo partnered with UEFA in 2022 to advertise its products in multiple tournaments. Building on its collaboration in the previous seasons, Oppo has announced the renewal of its partnership with UEFA as the Official Smartphone Product Partner for the next three seasons, providing more fans with opportunities to experience Oppo's technology and enjoy football matches.
Group Photo of OPPO and UEFA Representatives
This partnership will cover multiple UEFA competitions, including the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, UEFA Futsal Champions League finals, and the UEFA Youth League...
The PlayStation Pulse Elite is the next official headset from Sony for the PS5, offering a more premium wireless audio companion for the current-gen console.
The new features and tech inside the Elite, its superb audio quality, depth, and detail, and its ease and speed of connectivity across the PS5 and PlayStation Portal connectivity mean it’s an easy recommendation to make and gives many of the best PS5 headsets a run for their money.
Like its gaming earbud brethren, the PlayStation Pulse Explore earbuds, there are some hugely enticing selling points with the Pulse Elite headset. The first is the inclusion of planar magnetic drivers to provide stellar gaming audio, and the second is the PlayStation Link connectivity compatibility. Both are excellent features and make for a compelling gaming headset package for those looking to upgrade their audio game, make a jump up from 2020’s Pulse 3D headset, and certainly those that are enjoying the PlayStation Portal too.
The planar magnetic drivers provide some of the best audio I’ve experienced on PS5. All the way up the sound spectrum, from booming bass, to rich middles and pitch-perfect highs, and in all game genres and scenarios the audio absolutely sings.
The Elite’s PlayStation Link connectivity is a feature that’ll be attractive to some - though it admittedly does remain somewhat niche right now. However, what it does mean is that the Elite is a perfect companion for the PlayStation Portal and will connect directly to it wirelessly via Sony’s new proprietary wireless connection, PlayStation Link; a huge bonus given there are only two devices that offer this (officially) - the other being the Pulse Explore buds.
It’s not all roses though as I personally find the design and build strangely shaped and of a bulbous form when it's on your head. Plus the set is a bit heavy compared to its direct competition. Even though you won’t see this bulbous shape when you’re wearing it, you’re reminded of it by anyone you live with, as well as the overall weight of the headset.
The mic isn’t a world-beater but it’s still wonderfully clear and crisp and has a very tidy retractable design that means it disappears into the headset when you don’t need it. The same plus point on design impacts the controls too, all of which are neatly and intuitively positioned for interaction.
Overall, if you’re looking for a PS5 headset upgrade or something to buy that’ll service your gaming on the console and on PlayStation Portal then the Pulse Elite is easy to recommend.
(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)
PlayStation Pulse Elite: Price and availability
List price: $149.99 / £129.99 / AU$239.95
Faces stiff competition at this price point
Widely available in most regions
Launching in February of 2024, the price point of the PlayStation Pulse Elite is about right for what it offers - a premium official PS5 headset with more than its predecessor, the Pulse 3D. However, it does still face extremely stiff competition, particularly from third-party brands such as SteelSeries and Turtle Beach.
Facing direct competition from the former’s Arctis Nova 5 (priced at the same point) and the Arctis Nova 7P (a little bit more expensive) means the Elite is in a crowded room. The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX and slightly cheaper Stealth 600 Gen 2 MAX also provide direct matchups.
As I say, however, with the Elite offering a superior experience compared to the other official model, the Pulse 3D, the pricing feels about right - especially with those planar magnetic drivers, which are usually reserved for super-premium headsets like the Audeze Maxwell.
The Elite will also benefit hugely from any price cuts or sales - if it ever drops to the $100 / £100 mark - therefore almost the same level as a Pulse 3D - then the proposition becomes a no-brainer for PS5 owners.
PlayStation Pulse Elite: Specs
(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)
PlayStation Pulse Elite: Design and features
Bulbous design won’t be for everyone
Great connectivity to PlayStation Portal as well as PS5
Neat retractable mic and button set
The Pulse Elite shares the same design aesthetic and language as the PS5 family of consoles and accessories. Sweeping white curves and contrasting black elements work together once again to make for a striking design that’s easy on the eye and very slick. It’s a solid and pleasing evolution of the Pulse 3D design and looks immediately like a worthy successor.
Overall the shape and design of the headset do mean it’s much bulkier in mass and weight than its predecessor. When wearing it on your head the Elite has a distinctly bulbous appearance which is not flattering, to say the least. While you may not see it yourself, it’s enough for me to make it noteworthy and bring it to attention. You’re also reminded of that design when examining its weight. Coming in at 12.2oz / 347g, it’s nearly two ounces (almost 60 grams) heavier than the Pulse 3D and weightier than the likes of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 too (9.5oz / 266g).
Completing the minor qualms I have with the design is a tiny note about the leatherette material on the cups. I noticed it slides around (against the harder plastic underneath) under your fingers when you hold the cups which is slightly disconcerting and detracts from the premium feel of a headset that costs comfortably north of $100 / £100 - though ultimately makes no impact on use or experience.
(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)
However, beyond these issues, the headset’s build is robust and can survive a bump, while it’s also flexible enough to find the right fit to wear for hours.
The buttons and onboard controls are also a success. The retractable mic is housed in one of the wireless gaming headset’s ‘arms’ (the narrow white plastic parts which the cups are attached too) - the slightly longer one on the left-hand side - and features slick textures in the form of the PlayStation face button shapes to give it grip. It’s also got a visible-but-not-distracting LED and a mute button. On the right-hand headset arm, there’s a dual-purpose power and PlayStation Link connection button, volume controls, and the USB-C and 3.5mm audio jack ports. The underside of the top headband also has a charging port that can connect to the included wall-mountable charging dock which is a welcome feature to have thrown in.
While it’s made for PS5 and PlayStation Portal (via PlayStation Link) it can be taken to PC too with the use of another Link dongle (or the same, if you don’t mind unplugging it and replugging the dongle in all the time) which makes it very convenient when moving between the two platforms. Note that an extra dongle would require another purchase of $20 / £20 from PS Direct or a go-to online retailer. The headset’s Bluetooth connectivity is a good bonus too for pairing with mobile devices, and there’s also an audio jack connection to make it truly multiplatform if you don’t mind being tethered.
(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)
PlayStation Pulse Elite: Performance
Stupendous audio from brilliant planar magnetic drivers
Neat and tidy, and crystal clear retractable mic
Solid battery life and reliable quick charge function
Cutting to it, the Pulse Elite is a brilliant-sounding PS5 headset, and produces some of the best audio I’ve experienced on the console. There was much hype and chatter about the inclusion of planar magnetic drivers in an official PS5 gaming headset, and the move is something that has paid off in spades.
The smallest environmental details in Stalker: Shadow of Chernobyl - a game rightly praised for its audio work - were beautifully and hauntingly conveyed to me. Meanwhile, the comic book-like sounds in Assassin’s Creed Chronicles were crisp and punchy; and the bombastic soundscapes of sci-fi adventure Star Wars Outlaws and power fantasy bullet-fest Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 were out of this world.
Of course, neodymium drivers from brands like SteelSeries, Razer, and Turtle Beach sound spectacular too, especially with tuning via each set’s dedicated apps, but there’s something extra rich and detailed about the planar magnetic ones in the Pulse Elite which always had me coming back for more.
In terms of multiplayer, and the microphone, I was treated to similar joys in Ghost Recon Breakpoint and Saints Row with weapon noises, voices, and vehicle roars sounding beautiful while my voice easily carried over them to my teammates. On that note, the mic is very solid but unspectacular - it won’t blow your teammates away or have you recording podcasts with it, but it’s easily clear enough for flawless communications, even in the busiest of Diablo 4 encounters.
(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)
In terms of comfort and use, the Pulse Elite shines brightly too. On the latter, being an official set has its advantages, and using it with the PS5 and Portal is easy, seamless, and so intuitive. Everything from changing EQ settings on the PS5 to connecting to the Portal via PlayStation Link is super easy. Even using the mic is easy given those aforementioned grips ensuring you hold it a particular way, away from the mute button.
Comfort-wise, I did notice my ears getting a bit warm in the Elite’s cups in the hotter weather recently, but otherwise, I never had to take off the headset due to ear or headache and could keep it on all day happily.
The battery life of the Pulse Elite won’t win any prizes, but its quoted 30 hours is a decent and very welcome improvement on the Pulse 3D that’ll easily have you covered. From a full charge on day one of my testing, I easily reached the 30-hour mark and had juice to spare. The quick charging feature is a welcome addition too and can get you back up and running in minutes - I experienced more than two hours of juice when charging the headset for just 10 minutes to test Sony’s quoted numbers.
All in all, the Pulse Elite is a very capable and attractive headset for PS5 users (or prospective PS5 Pro owners) - and especially those who also use the PlayStation Portal. If you’re after the latest in gaming headset driver tech and something to cover those two devices the Elite is a great fit. It’s simply a superbly easy, convenient, and excellent PS5 headset to use on both the console itself and the handheld Portal, and combining that with some of the best audio available on the market is a truly winning combination.
How I tested the PlayStation Pulse Elite headset
Buy it if...
You want some of the best drivers for audio in gaming going The planar magnetic drivers in the Pulse Elite headset are the real deal: the headset has given me some of the finest PS5 gaming audio I’ve ever listened to. The audio is rich, super detailed, and just a joy at every turn. If you want the best or latest in gaming audio drivers, then the Pulse Elite is right up there.
You want something that’s a perfect PlayStation Portal companion If you’re embracing the PS5 remote play device and want a headset that’s perfect for it, having been designed with it in mind - and one that will be a brilliant PS5 headset too - then the Pulse Elite is a no-brainer.
You want a headset that’s tuned and designed to be integrated into the PS5
If you like official, then this is the best official PS5 headset available today, and its integration into the PS5 family is a worthy point of attraction - out of ease and convenience but also audio-wise, as the headset can make the most of the Tempest 3D audio capabilities in the machine, as well as the built-in EQ settings now on the PS5.
Don't buy it if...
You need true multiplatform connectivity For this price, you can now get truly multiplatform wireless gaming headsets, like the Arctis Nova 5 from SteelSeries, that will cover you across all the major consoles. If you need this type of connectivity then the Elite won’t scratch that itch.
You need a lightweight, sleek gaming headset The Pulse Elite has quite a bulbous design which isn’t that appealing aesthetically, and is also on the heavier side of the gaming headset spectrum so might be one to avoid if those are sticking points for you.
You don’t play on PlayStation Portal While we love the direct connection to Sony’s remote play device the Elite offers, and its performance just on PS5, if you don’t have the Portal and can remove this feature from your list of needs then the rest of the PS5 headset market opens up to you.
Also consider...
If you’re still not entirely sold on the PlayStation Pulse Elite then check out these two excellent similar products for comparison and consideration.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless You might not get the Portal compatibility with the Nova 5 headset but you get compatibility with almost everything else, particularly with the 5X version. This is a superb one-and-done wireless gaming headset that augments all of SteelSeries’ excellence with a new companion app with hundreds of game audio presets to choose from on the fly.
Sony PlayStation Pulse 3D Wireless headset The Pulse 3D headset that launched in 2020 alongside the PS5 offers a more streamlined option to the Elite. If you’re not fussed about PlayStation Link or planar magnetic drivers, then it’s still a brilliant wireless PS5 headset that offers great comfort, awesome audio, and reliable mics - for less money.
How I tested the PlayStation Pulse Explore earbuds
Tested for around two months
Compared it directly to other headsets and earbuds
Tested across game types and compatible devices
I’ve used the Pulse Elite headset for a couple of months now, and have learned to live with it as my daily driver for gaming and work purposes.
For gaming, I have embraced it as a single-player companion and have put it through many game types including the first Stalker game, a full playthrough of Assassin's Creed Chronicles, my full review playthrough of Star Wars Outlaws, and some parts of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2. It was in these games that I also tested the headset directly with the PlayStation Portal. I also used it online with friends playing Ghost Recon Breakpoint, Diablo 4 and the Saints Row reboot.
Elsewhere I used the headset for work regularly, both in meetings and calls, and music listening throughout the day. I also tested the Bluetooth functionality with my phone and listening to music and have been able to compare it to other headsets in my setup such as the Pulse Explore earbuds, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X, and the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless.
The Anker Soundcore Space One Pro are the most expensive headphones Anker has ever released. Sure, they're still a lot cheaper than the likes of the Sony WH-1000XM5, but it does pile on a bit of pressure for these headphones to deliver, especially considering top-rated headphones like the Sennheiser Accentum Plus come in at nearly the same price. Happily, though, the Anker Soundcore Space One Pro are a great-sounding pair of wireless headphones that kept me listening for hours on end, day in, day out.
Thanks to LDAC codec compatibility, you’re getting hi-res audio, which helps the Soundcore Space One Pro to deliver rich, well-weighted all-round sound. If you appreciate some depth, these will likely pique your interest, thanks to the impressively weighty bass and sub-bass on offer. More generally, audio is to a high standard – it's not always as sharp as it could be or as clean-sounding as some top-of-the-range headphones, but it'll satisfy the vast majority of listeners.
Thanks to the Soundcore app, you can also find the perfect sound for you. There are classic EQ settings, which include a huge array of presets and a custom option too. But what’s really exciting is the HearID setting which assesses your personal tastes and hearing capabilities to suggest the perfect calibration – something that even some of the best headphones don’t offer. Not only that, but there’s a Dolby Audio mode available for those looking for a more expansive soundstage when watching movies or TV shows on the go.
More broadly, you’re getting a strong feature-set here. There’s Easy Chat for having conversations without needing to pause your tunes, multi-point connectivity and adjustable active noise cancellation settings. Speaking of ANC, you’re getting cancellation that’s a cut above some of the best cheap headphones. Some high-pitched sounds will still creep through, even when listening at higher volumes, but overall, you’re not going to get too distracted by the outside world when using the Space One Pro.
You’ll also be able to listen pretty much unbroken thanks to two key factors: battery life and comfort. Firstly, you’re getting plenty of playtime with the Space One Pro, which can go for 40 hours with ANC on and 60 hours with ANC off – although beware, with hi-res audio switched on, this number will be significantly cut. In terms of comfort, it really doesn’t get much better. Wearing the Space One Pro is never grating, even after listening for multiple hours consecutively – a fantastic plus given a lot of over-ear headphones fall at this hurdle.
It’s not all sunshine and rainbows, though. One of the Space One Pro’s biggest flaws for me is their looks. Although when folded they’re ultra-compact, in use they appear chunky and a little bit disappointing quality-wise – especially the button controls. This might not be a deal breaker for many, but Soundcore has increased its asking price for these headphones. Don’t get me wrong, these are good quality cans, but with this amount of cash, there are some outstanding alternatives from the likes of Sony and Sennheiser available to you – are the Space One Pro better than these? I’m not too sure.
Still, they sound great and you’ll happily keep playing your favorite tracks for hours on end. The main issue is the strength of the competition. For example, in our Sennheiser Accentum Plus review, we gave these similarly priced headphones 4.5 stars, thanks to their impeccable sound quality – although their fit isn’t suited to every head. Some people may find the Soundcore more comfortable, and prefer them for that reason, but most people will probably want to go for the better sound quality.
Anker Soundcore Space One Pro review: Price & release date
$199.99 / £149.99 (about AU$300)
Launched on September 5 2024 in UK/US
Launching in Australia in October 2024
With the Anker Soundcore Space One Pro headphones, the brand has ventured into slightly more premium territory. These cans will set you back $199.99 / £149.99 (about AU$300) – that puts them in the same ballpark as the Sennheiser Accentum Plus, which retail for $179.95 / £169.99 / AU$299, and the Sony ULT Wear, which go for $199.99 / £149 / AU$348.
It’s a significant price jump on the classic Soundcore Space One, which were just $99 / £99 at launch. Of course, the newer model is more compact, has more mics and higher-quality audio, but that’s still a big jump considering the Space One still has ANC, a very similar battery life and hi-res audio capabilities.
(Image credit: Future)
Anker Soundcore Space One Pro review: Specs
(Image credit: Future)
Anker Soundcore Space One Pro review: Features
Solid active noise cancellation
Hi-res audio capability
Feature-rich companion app
Something I love about the Space One Pro is that they boast a pretty expansive feature-set. You get the classic options you’d expect from modern wireless headphones, including multi-point connectivity and EQ settings, but there’s a good amount more to uncover.
One of my favorite features was Easy Chat, which lowers the music volume playing and makes voices clearer. This was incredibly useful in an office setting, especially when I had to respond to questions or chat with colleagues briefly, making for a seamless transition from listening to talking. You can easily adjust the time it takes for music to fade back in after using Easy Chat in the Soundcore app, with 5, 10 and 15 second wait times available, although I found the default 5 was ideal. Sensitivity here was just right too; for instance, the sound of typing wouldn’t set off Easy Chat, making for a near-flawless user experience. You will have to resist singing along to the music, though…
Another neat little feature is Safe Volume. When I listen to music, I like to listen at loud volumes – maybe a bit too loud sometimes. However, the Soundcore app has a decibel reading meter that displays whether your volume level is normal, acceptable (ie, a bit on the loud side but probably okay), or too high. This is useful for keeping yourself in check, and you can set a high volume limit too, if you want to be on the cautious side, or to keep kids' hearing safe if you give the headphones to them.
As I mentioned, there are classic EQ settings here, including a bunch of neat presets for various genres and the option to make a totally custom sound. However, one of the coolest settings available is HearID Sound, which assesses your hearing capabilities at various frequencies and asks you to pick your preferred sound through a small handful of multi-choice questions to find your perfect sound. This worked fantastically well and gave me some added depth in the bass department, a little bit of additional height in the treble, with a dip in the mid-range – a calibration that suited my taste very nicely.
One more feature that enables you to customize sound is Dolby Audio. This is useful if you want a more immersive, expansive sound from your headphones, but is likely better suited towards people watching videos. I found that this did add a bit of width to the soundstage, but I rarely used it when listening to tunes. When you are blasting your favorite songs, though, you can activate the LDAC audio codec (compatible with most Android phones), which delivers richer, more detailed hi-res audio – something I kept turned on throughout most of the testing process.
(Image credit: Future)
Another part of the Space One Pro that’s decently customizable is ANC. You can toggle on Wind Noise Reduction when out and about and switch between full, normal, and transparent levels of noise cancellation. But how is the ANC itself? Pretty good actually.
In a café, I could still hear a conversation on my table with music at half volume, but at a more realistic listening level of 65-70%, I could barely hear any words at all. When listening to more mellow classical music, however, sounds like plates being placed down crept through sometimes, even at high volumes.
At around 60% with Wind Noise Reduction on, traffic was barely audible, although some higher pitched noises did seep through from time to time. Similarly, when using a hairdryer, the screech-like noise it emitted was still audible when listening to a bass-heavy track.
With the lower-frequency tones of a microwave, I heard almost nothing at 50-55% volume, although this didn’t surprise me a lot as the Space One Pro seemed to be very competent at blocking out lower-frequency sounds, as is common with the best noise cancelling headphones.
I compared this to the more budget 1More Sonoflow and Sony WH-CH720N in the same environments, and the Space One Pro were a clear upgrade over them both.
To top everything off, the Space One Pro have a very respectable battery life of 40 hours with ANC on and 60 hours with ANC off. This is, of course, reduced if you’re using hi-res audio. When testing battery life with ANC on, I found the 40-hour claim to be accurate.
Sure, there are some headphones out there, such as the Cambridge Audio Melomania P100, that can go for up to 60 hours with ANC on, but they’re about $80 / £80 more expensive. And this battery life is 10 hours longer with ANC on (and 20 hours with ANC off) than the considerably pricier Sony WH-1000XM5. So, all in all, it's fair to say the Space One Pro are a top choice if longevity matters a lot to you.
Features score: 4.5/5
(Image credit: Future)
Anker Soundcore Space One Pro review: Sound quality
Full-sounding hi-res audio
Satisfying bass
Audio isn’t perfectly sharp
Overall, we were pretty positive about the original Anker Soundcore Space One’s audio, particularly because of its ability to offer strong bass, clear vocals and LDAC support. Thankfully, all of this holds true for the Pro model, which more generally delivers great audio quality.
Let’s start with bass: if like me you’re someone that appreciates lots of depth, these are gonna hit the spot. Sub-bass in Backseat Freestyle by Kendrick Lamar was perfectly weighted, never feeling overly dominant in the mix – a lot of cheaper headphones struggle to handle this level of depth, but not the Space One Pro. When listening to Black Eye by Allie X, the dynamism of the bass connecting up to the mid-range was impressive too, although the kick of the drum machine was slightly lethargic.
Mid-range sounds come through clearly and with solid levels of detail. When comparing these to the cheaper Sony WH-CH720N, the Space One Pro achieved a fuller sound, helping to expose a few more sonic intricacies. This is, of course, helped further if you activate the LDAC codec for hi-res audio.
Like the ‘non-Pro’ edition, these produce a pleasingly wide soundstage experience, which is ideal for atmospheric tracks like Rains again by Solji. This track sounded a little bit constrained with the CH720N, but when using the Space One Pro, the intro’s rain sound effects were natural and quieter vocal segments were more controlled. The soft vocals maintained their intended levels of delicacy too and highs often sounded sweet when using these headphones. From time to time, vocals could be a little harsh at top volumes, something I discovered when listening to the opening of SICKO MODE by Travis Scott, but this wasn’t too common.
All in all, I found the Anker Soundcore Space One Pro to be very good in the audio department. They’re not going to deliver the incredible accuracy, intricate detail and flawlessly clean audio that super-premium competitors can offer, but for some headphones below the $200 / £150 / AU$300 mark they perform well. Bass is the star of the show here, but there’s excellent customizability if you’re more of an avid podcast fan looking for an emphasis on clear vocals, for example.
Sound quality score: 4/5
(Image credit: Future)
Anker Soundcore Space One Pro review: Design
Ultra-compact foldable design
May be a little chunky looking for some
Super comfortable fit
When I first unboxed the Anker Soundcore Space One Pro, I got more of an earmuff than headphone vibe. Initially, I was struck by how chunky they were – even the headband is pretty thick and padded. Don’t get me wrong: the Space One Pro aren’t horrible looking, but I don’t think there’s gonna be a rush to hang them in the Louvre.
Even in terms of build quality, I wasn’t massively impressed. That’s mainly because the buttons and silver detail on the headphones look and feel a bit cheap. I did, however, quite like the Cream White color that these cans came in, though a Jet Black alternative is also available.
It’s not all about the looks, of course, and thankfully these headphones are incredibly comfortable. Every day I’ve tested the Space One Pro, I’ve used them for at least five hours and have not once felt a smidge of discomfort, so if coziness is the number one thing for you, these are absolutely perfect.
Another smart aspect of these headphones is their compact nature. Thanks to what Anker calls a FlexiCurve Structure, these can halve in size when fully folded, perfect if you’re a bit limited for space in your backpack or tote bag.
A case is available for them (added free for initial order, but that may not be the case if you buy in the future) that's also waterproof, unlike the headphones themselves, which don’t have a dust or waterproof rating.
Something these do lack is touch controls – which may be pleasing to some, but I would’ve personally appreciated them. Instead, you’re stuck with plain old button controls and unfortunately they’re a bit lacking. I already mentioned they’re not the prettiest, but I also found the volume controls to be quite unresponsive and I had to hold down the power button for quite a while to switch the headphones on or off. You can customize which button controls do a little bit in the Soundcore app, but options are pretty limited.
Overall, I don’t love the Space One Pro’s button controls and I’m not an enthusiast when it comes to their looks either. However, what I can’t deny is that they’re massively comfortable and super-compact, making them totally user-friendly. Fashionistas – you’re probably best served elsewhere I’m afraid, but otherwise I’d urge you not to rule these out on looks alone.
Design score: 3.5/5
(Image credit: Future)
Anker Soundcore Space One Pro review: Value
Anker’s most expensive headphones ever
Stack up to similarly-priced competitors on features and sound
Still a tad too costly at launch
I’ll be real, reader, I’m conflicted here. I’ve really enjoyed my time with the Anker Soundcore Space One Pro; they’re a great-sounding, ultra-comfortable pair of wireless headphones that have kept me listening for hours on end. But there’s a massive amount of competition in this price range from some of the most well-respected tech companies in the game.
For example, the aforementioned Sennheiser Accentum Plus offer confident, punchy sound, a longer battery life and a more attractive design for a similar price. And the Sony ULT Wear are also super comfortable and offer the LDAC codec – although in our Sony ULT Wear review we had a mixed response to its bass-boosting ULT button. Good options abound at this price point, making any one choice harder to justify.
And there are often bargains available on more premium options: for instance, the legendary Sony WH-1000XM4 are regularly available at a similar price to these these headphones, and they are going to offer almost everything you get here, but with even better audio and a classic design. However, it is worth noting that this only applies to when the Sonys have their price cut, and the Space One Pro will inevitably also see strong discounts, probably as soon as Black Friday, shortly after launch.
What I’m more confident in stating, though, is that these outperform the stronger budget wireless headphones, such as the Sony WH-CH720N and 1More Sonoflow, both of which we’ve spoken about highly on numerous occasions. These have considerably better ANC, audio quality and features. So, although I wouldn’t expect these to be listed at a way lower price, I think these will be extremely attractive on sale, when they’re closer to the $150 / £120 mark.
Value score: 3.5/5
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the Anker Soundcore Space One Pro?
Buy them if…
Comfort is a priority for you A lot of over-ear headphones tend to get uncomfortable after a while, but not these. The Anker Soundcore Space One Pro are a delight to wear, even for hours on end, thanks to their soft ear cushions and well-padded headband. Say goodbye to headphone fatigue, and hello to hours of back-to-back bangers.
You want highly customizable audio If you have specific tastes when it comes to audio, these headphones are a good pick. That’s mainly because of the HearID feature, which provides a custom EQ configuration suited to your ears. There’s also Dolby Audio for a more expansive sound and LDAC compatibility for hi-res output.
Don’t buy them if…
You’re on a budget These aren’t ultra-premium headphones or anything, but they’re not the most affordable cans out there either. If you’re on a budget there are so many fantastic cheap options out there for under $100 / £100 / AU$200, check out our guide to the best cheap headphones for some recommendations.
Style is your main concern Everyone’s entitled to their own opinion, but I think many will agree with me here – the Space One Pro aren’t the most attractive cans out there. If you want some sleeker headphones, the likes of Sony and Bose have plenty of excellent options that avoid the chunky look that Anker has adopted here.
(Image credit: Future)
Anker Soundcore Space One Pro review: Also consider
Sennheiser Accentum Plus The Sennheiser Accentum Plus are a fantastic pair of mid-range over-ear headphones. They offer beautiful sound quality, a clean design, decent ANC and an epic battery life. And once you factor in their price, which is scarcely any higher than the Space One Pro, they become a very attractive option indeed – as you can see from the fact we granted them 4.5 stars in our Sennheiser Accentum Plus review.
Sony WH-CH720N I’ve owned these headphones myself for about one year and can say they’re very good if you want a cheaper option than the Space One Pro. Sure, they don’t support LDAC or produce a super-expansive audio overall, but you still get a nicely balanced sound with solid detail. Not only that, but they have awesome battery life, 360 Reality Audio support, competent ANC and a lightweight design. Given they’ve gone on sale for less than $90 / £80 in the past, they’re an incredible option if you’re working with a tighter budget. Read our full Sony WH-CH720N review.
Anker Soundcore Space One Pro review: How I tested
Tested for one week
Used in the office, in a café and while on walks
Predominantly tested using Tidal on Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4
I tested the Anker Soundcore Space One Pro over the course of a week. During this time, I took to a number of environments including a café, built-up roads, the office and my apartment. I typically connected the headphones to Tidal on my Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 with the LDAC codec active in order to access the best quality audio. I also tested the headphones with the FiiO M11S hi-res music player, my Windows laptop, and an iPhone 13 Pro. When listening to music, I went through the TechRadar testing playlist, which includes tracks from a number of genres, before expanding to a wider music selection. When appropriate, I also compared the Soundcore Space One Pro directly to the Sony WH-CH720N and 1More Sonoflow.
First reviewed: September 2024 Read more about how we test
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