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I spent two weeks with the world’s first robovac with a mechanical arm, and I’m optimistic but not sold quite yet

4:00 pm | May 20, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Robot Vacuums Smart Home | Tags: AU, US | Comments: Off

Roborock Saros Z70: two-minute review

The Roborock Saros Z70 is the first robot vacuum on the market to feature a robotic arm, which means it can tidy away your clutter as well as clean your floors. That's the theory, anyway – my initial tests found the tech still has a little way to go, at least when it comes to autonomous pincering.

Most people I talk to about this robovac seem afraid that the OmniGrip will be over-zealous, and try to tidy away the cat. I had quite the opposite problem: I couldn't get it to automatically tidy away anything at all. The current list of objects it can handle is very short, and the "conditions" have to be perfect in order for it to be successful. However, there's potential: controlling the robotic arm remotely via the app works very well, and Roborock is busy improving the service, with more functions, bug fixes, and supported objects in the pipeline.

Elsewhere, the performance is up there with the very best robot vacuums on the market. Suction is excellent, the setup painless, and the dock takes care of the vast majority of maintenance tasks for you, including washing the mop pads with hot water. Speaking of which, I was especially impressed with the Saros Z70's mopping ability. It comes courtesy of two spinning mop pads, one of which kicks out to the side to clean right up to the edges of rooms, as well as under the perimeter of cabinets.

This bot uses Roborock's StarSight system for navigation, which means no raised puck, enabling the robot to venture under low-sitting furniture. I'm happy to report I didn't see any compromise in performance as a result of this new(ish) system – the Z70 navigated accurately and reliably throughout my review period.

That's all great, but the reason to buy this model will be for the robo-arm tech. (If you don't need that, you could go for one of the sister models launched at the same time – the Roborock Saros 10 and Saros 10R – and get the same excellent performance at a much lower price.) And while it shows plenty of potential, right now it's a little difficult to recommend the Z70 on that basis. That's the short version; read on for my full Roborock Saros Z70 review.

Roborock Saros Z70 robot vacuum holding a cloth — (Image credit: Future)

Roborock Saros Z70 review: price & availability

List price: $2,599 / £1,799 / AU$3,999
Launched: Jan 2025 (on sale May 2025)
Available: AU, US

The Roborock Saros Z70 was announced at CES in January 2025, and went on sale in Australia and the US in May 2025. At list price it costs $2,599 / £1,799 / AU$3,999.

While it's common for flagship robot vacuums these days to cost over a grand in the US and UK, this is the most expensive robot vacuum we've tested to date. (It's worth noting that US tariff changes have had a negative impact on pricing; the Z70 is more expensive now than Roborock had planned.)

I'm not overly surprised by its high price. Roborock is introducing a completely new technology, alongside an additional mechanical component. Based on the prototype models we saw at CES in January, there may well be more arm-equipped robovacs hitting the market over the next year or two, but currently the Saros Z70 is your only option. In terms of quality and innovation, it's a standout robovac; but you're paying a premium for the newness of the tech.

However, if you don't need the arm then I'd give it a wide berth. There are plenty of premium robot vacuums on the market offering the same features. They'll just as good a job of cleaning your floors, they just won't be able to tidy away your socks. Arm-less alternatives include Z70's sister model, the Roborock Saros 10, which costs $1,599.99 / £1,499.99, or a model such as the Dreame L40 Ultra for $1,499.99 / £999.

New robot vacuums are being launched all the time, and the competitiveness of the market means you can generally avoid paying list price if you're willing to be patient. However, I'm not convinced deals will be quite so forthcoming with the Z70, just because the offering is currently so unique. That said, there is early bird pricing available at time of writing.

Value for money score: 3.5 out of 5

Roborock Saros Z70 specs

Max suction:	22,000Pa
Robot W x D:	13.8 x 13.9in / 35 x 35.3cm
Robot height:	3.1in / 8cm
Dock dimensions (W x D x H):	15 x 18.7 x 19.2in / 38.1 x 47.5 x 48.8cm
Dust bin volume (bot):	180ml
Dust bin volume (base):	2.5L
Water tank volume:	4L (clean), 3L (dirty)
Base type:	Charge, empty dust, clean and dry mop pads, self-clean, dispense detergent
Max threshold height:	1.6in / 4cm
Mop pad lifting:	0.9in / 2.2cm

Roborock Saros Z70 review: design

Pincer arm can extend to pick things up, or retract when not required
StarSight navigation means there's no raised LiDAR puck
Comprehensive dock takes care of most maintenance

Let's start with the obvious here: the Roborock Saros Z70 comes with a big mechanical arm known as the OmniGrip. On the end of it is a pincer that's designed to gently but securely grip and lift objects weighing up to 300g. To avoid unwanted pincering, OmniGrip features are switched off my default. You'll need to define exactly what you want the arm to do, or else it won't do anything at all.

The idea is that it can pick small objects such as socks and tissues off your floor, and either move them out of the way for more complete vacuuming, or tidy them to a location of your choosing. Alternatively, because Roborock has recognized most of us are basically big kids, you can remote control the arm via the companion app, just for fun and frolics.

There's also a camera mounted on the OmniGrip's arm, to supplement the one on the front of the robovac. This helps with locating objects for grabbing and also expands the bot's security capabilities by enabling you to switch to the arm camera to get a higher-level view of your home. When not in use, the arm folds neatly back into the main body of the bot, to be hidden beneath a hatch. You'd never even know it was there.

Roborock Saros Z70 robot vacuum with arm out — (Image credit: Future)

This bot uses Roborock's StarSight technology for navigation, which also appears on models such as the Saros 10R and Qrevo Slim. Essentially it means that the bot is no longer reliant on a raised LiDAR puck. So with the arm tucked into its hidey-hole, the top of this robovac is completely flush, making the whole unit just 7.98cm tall. That means it can clean under low furniture that's inaccessible to taller bots.

Close up of hatch on top of Roborock Saros Z70 robot vacuum — (Image credit: Future)

The rest of the robot looks rather like many of Roborock's other premium models. Flip over the unit and you'll find a single, all-rubber roller and a side brush, both designed to avoid becoming tangled with long hair. This is achieved in the latter simply by positioning the brushes at an angle to the central axis, rather than radiating directly outwards, so the hair can slip off easily (hopefully into the main suction path). In mopping mode, both can lift up into the body of the robot, so they don't end up full of gunk.

As mentioned, as a hybrid model the Saros Z70 also has mopping abilities. These are courtesy of two spinning mop-covered discs, one of which can kick out to clean right up close to your room's baseboards. The mop pads can also lift when traversing carpet, or be dropped off in the base, so there's no danger of damp rugs at all.

Roborock Saros Z70 robot vacuum flipped over to show the underside — (Image credit: Future)

Over the past year or so, we've seen a focus on improving how robot vacuums tackle more raised room thresholds, and Roborock is included. Like most of the brand's newest models, the Saros Z70 has an "AdaptiLift Chassis" whereby the left, right and front wheels can all raise or lower independently, enabling the bot to traverse over thresholds up to 4cm in height.

Dock for Roborock Saros Z70 robot vacuum — (Image credit: Future)

On to the dock. The Saros Z70's dock contains two large water tanks – one for clean water, one for dirty water – plus a smaller tank into which you can add detergent. These sit at the top and are directly accessible, rather than being hidden behind a hatch. There's also dust bag, which is hidden away.

The base is designed to be able to take care of as much robot maintenance as possible. When the robot docks, it will automatically empty its small onboard dustbin, refill its water tanks with warm water, and dispense detergent (if you've added it). It can wash the mop pads with hot (176ºF/80ºC) water – intelligently determining how dirty they are and extending cleaning times if necessary – and dry them with warm (131ºF/55ºC) air. It will also clean itself with hot (176ºF/80ºC) water, and the base is detachable for when you want to give it deeper clean. Finally, it offers speedy charging in just 2hrs 30mins.

It's one of the better-looking docks on the market right now. I miss the mirrored front that features on sister model, the Roborock Saros 10, although this matte version does mean any mess or clutter isn't reflected back at you.

Design score: 4.5 out of 5

Roborock Saros Z70 review: performance

Arm works well when manually controlled, but automation is unreliable
Vacuuming, mopping and navigation all excellent
Review model emits a rattling noise when cleaning

I started by performing the "Quick mapping" process, which was fast and painless, as I've come to expect from Roborock. The bot wandered into each room, looked around a bit, and I could see the map forming on the app as it went. Once complete, it assigned suggested rooms. It was broadly correct, but I was able to edit to split the main living space into a kitchen and living room, and re-label any spaces that weren't quite right.

Then I sent the bot off on a whole-flat vacuum and mop, using the default modes. It did a stellar job of navigating its way around. Roborock bots are generally great at this, but this is the first one I've reviewed that uses StarSight for navigation rather than traditional LiDAR. I'm happy to report I couldn't see any compromises in performance with this new system.

However, less positive was the irritating rattling sound the Saros Z70 made as it went about its business. You can hear it in the video clip below. I assume this is the result of the retracted arm or the lid; either way, it's not ideal, and not a problem I've experienced with any of the other arm-less robovacs I've tested.

OmniGrip arm

It's the USP here, so let's get on to OmniGrip arm – and whether or not it does what Roborock says it will. At time of review, the list of items suitable for pickup is short: socks, sandals (not shoes, in general), crumpled tissues and towels under 300g. Roborock plans to add more objects in due course, via firmware updates.

I started by remote-controlling the bot over to a cloth. With the cloth in its peripheral vision, it had no trouble taking over the final part itself, successfully navigating over to it and picking it up, at which point I could resume control and move it over to where I wanted it. There's potential for this to be helpful for those with mobility issues.

For the most part, however, you'd want this robot to take care of moving things autonomously. These functions can be toggled on in the "Robotic Arm options" section of the app (all are off by default), and you can ask it to move objects out of its cleaning path, so it doesn't have to skip that area, and/or to move specific items into areas designated by you. At the moment, the suggestion is that you use a (provided) cardboard Roborock "bin" for socks and crumpled paper, and then set a "shoe zone" for footwear.

The trouble is that conditions need to be perfect for the bot to actually clear anything away... so much so, that I've yet to have a successful run. First, the robot has to correctly identify objects it can move. I found this was fairly accurate in bright light, but when I tried it one evening in a less well-lit room, it identified two sandals and a sock all as "Carry out bags" and thus didn't try to pick them up at all.

Next, it needs to be able to pick up said objects. It failed to pincer a strappier sandal, and on successfully picking up another, it swung it into a doorstop, causing the strap to become twisted. I had to reset it manually (on the robot itself) following a repeated warning message.

Finally, it has to find its way to the designated areas. It seems a little unsure on this front at the moment. On one more successful run, it identified, returned to and successfully pincered some socks – only to spin around once and then put them back down 14 inches from their original position.

As I said earlier, Roborock is working on improving the arm function and I'm optimistic about the potential of this tech and the brand's ability to deliver on it. This is a new technology and Roborock is the first to bring it to market, so it isn't surprising that there are kinks to be ironed out. However, these issues make the Z70 difficult to recommend.

I'll be continuing to test this robovac and will update this review with a more complete picture of the arm's functionality once I've had more time with it.

Vacuuming

Moving on to more mundane (but still important) functions. How well does the Saros Z70 clean?

Given that the Saros Z70 boasts a massive 22,00Pa of suction power – matching the very highest you'll see anywhere – I had high hopes for this bot's cleaning ability. In general use, it seemed to do a very efficient job of vacuuming my apartment's medium-pile carpet, low-pile carpet and lino.

For a more objective view of its cleaning powers, I ran TechRadar's standard suction tests. I started by sprinkling oats and loose tea on my carpet, and setting it on a selective zone clean. There are four settings to choose from: Quiet, Balanced, Turbo and Max.

I ran one clean on Turbo, with the bot clearing almost all the oats and most of the tea, leaving only a sprinkling nestled in the carpet fibers. (The tea test is purposefully very challenging.) I then bumped up the robovac's setting to Max for a second clean, and it sucked up all but a single oat flake, and a few particles of tea. This is an excellent result.

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Oats and loose tea on the carpet before the suction test (Image credit: Future)

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Remaining tea after a single pass in Turbo mode — The remaining tea after a single pass in Turbo mode (Image credit: Future)

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Results of suction tests using Roborock Saros Z70 on carpet — The remaining oats after a single pass in Turbo mode (Image credit: Future)

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Remaining tea after a second pass in Max mode — Close-up of the tea left after a second pass in Max mode (Image credit: Future)

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I repeated the test on a lino floor. Since clearing debris off a hard floor is far less challenging, this time I used Balanced mode. It cleared almost everything on the first pass, with the second required only to capture the remnants that had been flicked around on the initial run.

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Tea and oats on a lino floor before suction test (Image credit: Future)

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A few remnants of tea and oats on a lino floor after a single pass — What was left after a single pass in Balanced mode (Image credit: Future)

Mopping

Next, I moved on to the mopping test. For this, I spread a tiny amount of ketchup on a lino floor and left it to dry a little. You can select Low, Medium or High waterflow levels, or for more control you can opt for a "Custom" mode, which lets you select a waterflow between 1 (Slight) and 30 (extreme). That level of control is excellent, opening this bot up as an option for cleaning delicate floors that can deal with only a tiny bit of water, for example.

I used "High" waterflow, and instructed the Z70 to clean the selected zone twice. It removed some of the ketchup on the first pass, and most of the remainder on the second pass. However, a light film of ketchup remained, and needed wiping away manually. I've yet to find a robot vacuum at any price that can deal with challenging or dried-on spillages.

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Ketchup smeared on lino before mopping test (Image credit: Future)

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Remainder of ketchup smeared on lino after one pass (Image credit: Future)

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Remainder of ketchup smeared on lino after two passes — Remainder of ketchup after two passes (Image credit: Future)

In general use, I found the Z70's mopping very effective. The pads saturated fully, and I could see they were cleaning the whole floor, without leaving any gaps. One of the mop pads would also regularly kick out to clean up close to the edges of rooms and under the edge of my fridge or cabinets. I found it far more effective than the static, D-shaped pads found on some robovacs.

I also appreciated the way the robot would automatically drop off its mop pads in the dock when embarking on a vacuum run. While the auto-lifting was reliable, I'm always just a little more comfortable when there are no damp mops in the vicinity of my carpet.

Dock functionality

The dock is designed to take care of most of the Z70's maintenance needs, and in my tests I haven't had any issues with its effectiveness, save for the fact some of the functions can be a little noisy.

I'm on the fence about whether washing the mops with hot water is something that's really required of the dock – I'd still give the pads a run through the washing machine periodically, regardless of whether or not this function is included. Self-cleaning takes around 3 mins 21 secs, although it's programmed to take longer if it senses the mop pads aren't clean at the end of that.

One benefit is that charging is remarkably speedy. I was recharging a Dyson manual vacuum at the same time, and found that the Saros Z70 juiced up far quicker than the Dyson.

Performance score: 3.5 out of 5

Roborock Saros Z70 review: app

Easy to use OmniGrip arm via remote control through the app
Well-designed and usable app with lots of customization options
So many options it can be a little tricky to find them all

Most control of the robovac is like to take place via the Saros Z70's companion app. One welcome addition here is the ability to use it to remote-control the OmniGrip arm. You drive it like a remote control car, navigating by using the view from the bot that you can see on your screen. If you spot something you want it to move, you can maneuver it into the vicinity and ask the bot to pick it up. It will do this automatically, but it's also possible to precisely adjust the angles of both the arm and the pincer, if required.

In my tests, I found all this reliable and straightforward, although the incessant repetition of "Remote viewing active" will mean you won't want to play with it for too long. (I haven't yet been able to find a way to switch this off.)

You can also switch views between the camera on the front of the robot and the mounted on the arm, which offers a view from higher up. The idea is to make it more useful as a security bot while you're out of the house.

In general, Roborock has done a great job of integrating the OmniGrip options into the app, making it as easy as possible to get started using the arm. The settings are simple to find and to switch on and off; they're straightforward to understand, even if the automated performance is still a little patchy.

Screenshots from Roborock companion app — (Image credit: Roborock / Future)

Elsewhere, the app is well designed and intuitive. There are plenty of precise customization options – so many, in fact, that it can take a while to explore them all. If you don't want to mess around in Settings, there's a "SmartPlan" mode that automatically analyzes the environment and cleaning history and uses that information to apply the settings it thinks will work best. There's also a built-in voice assistant, which you activate by saying "Hello Rocky".

App score: 4.5 out of 5

Should you buy the Roborock Saros Z70?

Attribute	Notes	Rating
Value	Wildly expensive, but this isn't surprising given it's the only robovac with an arm right now. If you don't want the arm, you can get excellent bots for far less.	3.5 / 5
Design	Combines most of the advanced features from the best robot vacuums on the market and adds a retractible pincer arm for good measure.	4.5 / 5
Performance	Pincer works well when remote-controlled, but automation is unreliable at the moment. Vacuuming, mopping and navigation are excellent.	3.5 / 5
App	Well designed and intuitive, with arm functions front-and-center.	4.5 / 5

Buy it if...

You love a cutting-edge gadget
This is the first robot vacuum on the market to feature a mechanical arm. At present, this tech doesn't feature on any other model of robot vacuum.

You have mobility issues
The robotic arm has potential to be very useful for people with limited mobility. The remote-control options are straightforward and reliable.

You have a cluttered home
While the arm is in need of some refining, and assuming that happens, this bot could prove very useful in cluttered homes. It has the potential to tidy as well as clean, provided your mess isn't too heavy.

Don't buy it if...

You don't need a robotic arm
There's no reason to buy the Saros Z70 if you don't need the arm – Roborock (and other brands) make many other excellent arm-less bots that are significantly cheaper.

You want tried-and-tested tech
The arm technology is fresh on the market, which means there are some kinks to be ironed out. For reliable performance, it might pay to wait for a later generation (or at least until Roborock has had a chance to push out some firmware updates).

Roborock Saros Z70: alternatives to consider

	Roborock Saros Z70 (reviewed)	Roborock Saros 10	Dreame L40 Ultra
Max suction:	22,000Pa	22,000 Pa	11,000Pa
Robot W x D:	13.8 x 13.9in / 35 x 35.3cm	13.8 x 14in / 35 x 35.3cm	13.8 x 13.8in / 35 x 35cm
Robot height:	3.1in / 8cm	3.1in / 8cm	4.1in / 10.4cm
Dock dimensions (W x D x H):	15 x 18.7 x 19.2in / 38.1 x 47.5 x 48.8cm	16 x 17.3 x 18.5in / 41 x 44 x 47cm	18 x 13.4 x 23.3in / 45.7 x 34 x 59.1cm
Dust bin volume (base):	2.5L	2.5L	3.2L
Water tank volume:	4L clean, 3L dirty	4L clean, 3.5L dirty	4.5L clean, 4L dirty
Base type:	Charge, empty dust, refill water, dispense detergent, wash and dry mops, self-clean	Charge, empty dust, refill water, dispense detergent, wash and dry mops, self-clean	Charge, empty dust, refill water, dispense detergent, wash and dry mops, self-clean

Dreame L40 Ultra
The L40 Ultra is far more affordable than the Z70, but is still an outstanding robot vacuum. There's no arm, but the cleaning powers are excellent and the dock will take care of almost all maintenance for you, too. The suction specs are lower than on the Z70, but ample for most people's needs.

Read our full Dreame L40 Ultra review

Roborock Saros 10
The Saros 10 is the sister model to the Z70. It doesn't have a pincer arm and, as such, is cheaper (although still premium). This model uses traditional LiDAR navigation rather than the new StarSight system, but the navigation puck can pop up and down so it can still clean under low furniture.

Read our full Roborock Saros 10 review.

How I tested the Roborock Saros Z70

I used the Roborock Saros Z70 over the course of two weeks as my main vacuum. During this time, I tested all the OmniGrip arm functions, as well as assessing the bot's general cleaning powers and usability. I ran TechRadar's standard vacuuming and mopping tests, using oats and loose tea, to see how its cleaning compares to other models. I also spent time digging into the app and exploring the options available. Through all this, I compared my experience with other robot vacuums I've reviewed, from other brands and at different price points.

Read more about how we test robot vacuum cleaners

First reviewed May 2025

I tested the INIU P51L-E1 Power Bank and found its extra features very convenient, and it offers good value for money too

8:00 pm | May 19, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Phone Accessories Phones | Comments: Off

INIU P51L-E1 Power Bank: review

The INIU P51L-E1 Power Bank is a power bank with a large capacity and reasonable power output, capable of fast charging small and medium-sized devices. It cuts a rather inauspicious figure, although it’s sleek enough to stand out from the crowd – especially if you opt for one of the vibrant colorways. Meanwhile, its rounded edges improve ergonomics and portability.

The INIU P51L-E1 Power Bank features a screen for the battery percentage readout and nothing more, which is a shame since its large size would be able to contain more information besides, so it seems like a missed opportunity in this regard. The battery readout is also relatively small, although the digits are at least clear and bright, which makes them easy to read when glancing over from an angle.

It also feels reassuringly solid in the hand, with hardly any flex to the panels. The matte soft-touch material also feels quite premium, while the compact form factor places it alongside the best power banks for portability, given its aforementioned large capacity.

The INIU P51L-E1 Power Bank comes with some handy additional features: there’s a flashlight, which is easily toggled by double-tapping the power button, and an integrated USB-C cable that doubles as a carrying loop.

The latter feels quite durable, despite its thin size. However, the jack is prone to wobbling around while housed in its slot, which had me a little concerned that it might come loose, but it seemed to hold securely during my time with it.

This integrated cable can be used as an output or an input, as can the additional USB-C port. The USB-A port, however, is output only. The INIU P51L-E1 Power Bank has a maximum output of 22.5W, which is enough for fast-charging smartphones and other small devices, while three-way simultaneous charging is also possible.

When it comes to single charging, the INIU P51L-E1 Power Bank managed to charge my Google Pixel 7a, which has a 4,385mAh battery, from empty to full in just over 90 minutes, which is a credible performance. In the process, the battery dipped by 27%, meaning you should be able to get 3-4 charges out of it.

The INIU P51L-E1 Power Bank is a fair price considering its high capacity and additional features. It’s also very portable, which is a real boon for travelers. However, the equally capable Anker Zolo is about the same price, and also features an inbuilt cable – although it doesn’t have an integrated flashlight or a digital display.

It perhaps has the slight edge in terms of build quality, though, and offers slightly more power at 30W. But all things considered, the INIU P51L-E1 Power Bank is perhaps the more rounded choice in this sector.

Side view of INIU P51L-E1 Power Bank, on plinth with pink background — (Image credit: Future)

INIU P51L-E1 Power Bank review: price & specs

Price	$36.99 / £32.99 / AU$58.99
Capacity	20,000mAh
Total wattage	22.5W
Number of ports	3
USB-C	2 (1 x inbuilt cable)
USB-A	1
Wireless charging	No
Weight	11.5oz / 326g
Power-to-weight	61mAh/g

Close-up of ports on INIU P51L-E1 Power Bank, on block on desk with pink background — (Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the INIU P51L-E1 Power Bank?

Buy it if…

You want a small form factor
The INIU P51L-E1 Power Bank is impressively small considering its 20,000mAh capacity, and should slide into most pockets with ease.

You want handy features
The built-in flashlight and USB-C cable are certainly useful – the latter even doubles as a carrying handle for added convenience.

Don't buy it if…

You want detailed information
The integrated screen only displays the battery life, which seems like a missed opportunity given its real estate.

You have large devices
The 22.5W power output won’t be enough if you plan on charging laptops and other large devices.

INIU P51L-E1 Power Bank review: Also consider

Anker Zolo 20,000mAh 30W
The Anker Zolo 20,000mAh 30W is close to the INIU P51L-E1 Power Bank in many ways, with a similar price and the same capacity and port selection; it even has an inbuilt USB-C cable. It’s slightly more powerful, though, but misses out on a flashlight, which is a shame. It’s not quite as slender as the INIU P51L-E1 Power Bank either, which might be a dealbreaker for ultra-light travelers. Read our Anker Zolo 20,000mAh 30W review.

This $99 Acer business monitor I reviewed won’t impress anyone – and that’s why it’s a great budget display

9:02 pm | May 18, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Comments: Off

All around, the monitor world has continued to flourish. People want better displays to work on, create on, game on, and consume on, and the prices continue to rise. So, it's worth noting when I find a budget monitor that I don't hate. Not everyone, in fact, very few, needs the biggest and best display.

Even with what I do, I barely need a high-resolution display. I could get most of what I do done on a 1080p screen if needed, or if the budget required it. There are quite a few drawbacks for choosing this kind of display, like screen quality in both picture and frame, the speakers sound like someone whispering into a soup can, but at the same time, if it gets the job done, and saves me a ton of money, why wouldn't I consider it?

And with that in mind, it's not hard to recommend the Acer Vero B247Y as one of the best business monitors for anyone looking for a budget display.

Acer Vero B247Y: Unboxing & first impressions

I'm not going to lie, I didn't expect much when I started unboxing the simple cardboard box that held the Acer B247Y monitor.

But once I opened it up, I noticed it had a DisplayPort cable, an HDMI cable, a power cable, a stand, and some nice documentation. I could put it all together before I realized what I was doing, and I was using it after mere moments of unboxing.

The monitor is incredibly light, so light that it doesn't make sense. Once I got this display on my desk, I pretty quickly threw it on a VESA mount monitor arm to get it positioned right where I wanted it, then I got to work using the display.

While it may feel like the exact monitor (probably not), my mom grew up on a corner desk littered with receipts connected via VGA to a tower pc that weighed more than I did, but it's not half bad when you consider the price.

Acer Vero B247Y: Design & Build Quality

Specs

Display: 23.8" IPS
Resolution: 1920x1080
Refresh Rate: 120Hz (HDMI + DP)
Brightness: 250 nits
Inputs: HDMI 1.4, DisplayPort 1.2, VGA, Audio In/Out, Headphone jack
Speakers: 2x 2W (bless them for trying)
Adjustments: Height, tilt, swivel, pivot
Weight: 12.06 lbs with stand

The display build quality is mediocre despite the realization that this monitor can be found for under $100. It's super lightweight, which is great for moving it around, but it does not feel premium.

In fact, it feels like if I sneeze or cough too aggressively, it might fall down, which is why I added it to my monitor arm. The black plastic frame looks cheap, but it hides the cheap factor quite nicely since it's matted black.

The port layout is simple and easy to use. No frills, no add-ons, just video in. Sometimes, that's all you want, and with this guy, that's all you get.

Acer Vero B247Y: In use

Jokes aside, this monitor is good enough to get some business work done. I of course wouldn't use it for graphic design or much creative work, if any, but for Slack, documents, email, browsing the internet, Excel sheets, and so on, this display gets the job done for cheap. Especially if this monitor is not frequently used, sits in a high-traffic office area where it could get damaged, or if you are simply just working on basic tasks and don't require 4K at all.

Plus, since it's so cheap, you can spend that money on accessories, a better computer, or just simply save it for something else.

Moving on, I wouldn't recommend using this display for playing any audio of any kind. It's actually comical to me that they even tried adding speakers to this, coming in with a whopping two 2W speakers. I tried taking a video call through this and the speaking voices were terrible, music is worse, and I didn't dare try any sort of mixing audio levels for a video or project through this.

If you're looking for a simple monitor to get business work done that won't break the bank, then this is a monitor you should consider. It's a good budget option. But, if you're going to expect it to be great for gaming, consuming high-resolution content, color grading, or anything like that, I would look elsewhere.

Attributes	Notes	Rating
Design	Cheap and simple	⭐⭐⭐
Ease of use	Easy to use	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Practicality	Right for a budget	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Price	Very cheap	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Acer Vero B247Y: Final verdict

If you find yourself looking for "any monitor" within a budget, you should check out the B247Y as your budget solution.

It's great for budget setups, secondary setups, your old tower pc that just needs a display, a server display, replacing the monitor you just broke and don't want to pay for a replacement for, or for displays you are worried are going to quickly break for one reason or another.

Bump up the resolution with our round-up of the best 5K and 8K monitors for professional use.

This $99 Acer business monitor I reviewed won’t impress anyone – and that’s why it’s a great budget display

9:02 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Comments: Off

And with that in mind, it's not hard to recommend the Acer Vero B247Y as one of the best business monitors for anyone looking for a budget display.

Acer Vero B247Y: Unboxing & first impressions

I'm not going to lie, I didn't expect much when I started unboxing the simple cardboard box that held the Acer B247Y monitor.

Acer Vero B247Y: Design & Build Quality

Specs

The display build quality is mediocre despite the realization that this monitor can be found for under $100. It's super lightweight, which is great for moving it around, but it does not feel premium.

The port layout is simple and easy to use. No frills, no add-ons, just video in. Sometimes, that's all you want, and with this guy, that's all you get.

Acer Vero B247Y: In use

Plus, since it's so cheap, you can spend that money on accessories, a better computer, or just simply save it for something else.

Attributes	Notes	Rating
Design	Cheap and simple	⭐⭐⭐
Ease of use	Easy to use	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Practicality	Right for a budget	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Price	Very cheap	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Acer Vero B247Y: Final verdict

If you find yourself looking for "any monitor" within a budget, you should check out the B247Y as your budget solution.

Bump up the resolution with our round-up of the best 5K and 8K monitors for professional use.

I tested Dell’s new 27in 4K monitor and it’s as versatile as it comes for professionals

9:47 am |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Comments: Off

Dell is one of those companies you immediately think of when trying to develop solid business monitor makers. Dell has been in the game for so long that it feels like they have been around since the beginning. Dell recently renamed their line-ups with a new tiered structure, looping in Pro, to help give users a better idea of what kind of monitor it is.

My first monitor I have been able to check out from Dell since this name change is today's review, the Dell Pro 27 P2725QE Plus. In short, it's one of the best business monitors, with great ports, color, and pixel density, all with a target for the business professional needing a high-resolution display with versatile options for various workspace setups.

Dell P2725QE — (Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Dell Pro 27 P2725QE Plus: Pricing and Availability

The Dell Pro 27 P2725QE Plus is available for purchase at $519.99 on Dell's website and from many major retailers.

Interestingly, I spoke with Dell about where most customers typically buy their monitors and laptops, and I learned that only a small percentage of Dell monitors are sold directly through Dell's website. The majority of sales occur through other retailers - and luckily, this monitor is widely available from stores and online retailers.

Dell Pro 27 P2725QE Plus: Unboxing & first impressions

Unboxing the monitor was as I expected it to be. Though the nomenclature has changed, the monitor is the same as I've seen from Dell before in terms of style and aesthetic. The only changes are the specifics regarding resolution, ports, and size.

Within the box there is the monitor, the power cable, a DisplayPort Cable, a USB-C to USB-C cable for charging and displaying your laptop, computer, or tablet, a USB-C to USB-A cable that could connect the ports on the monitor to a computer you have connected via HDMI or DP, and also the proper documentation, along with the stand too, of course.

The monitor itself is packaged securely with a sheet of foam covering the screen and a thin foam bag to wrap the monitor in as well, all to ensure that the monitor makes it to you safely.

Right off the bat, this monitor looks sleek, professional, and of high quality. It has super-thin bezels, and the standard Dell stand has simple up and down, pivot, and rotation options. Additionally, ports are always easily accessible, making setups with Dell monitors super straightforward and easy to use and work with.

Dell Pro 27 P2725QE Plus: Design & Build Quality

Specs

Display: 27" IPS
Resolution: 3840 x 2160 resolution
Refresh Rate: 100Hz refresh rate
Ports: 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x USB-C upstream (90W PD), 1x USB-C downstream, 3x USB-A downstream, 1x RJ45 Ethernet.

The Dell P2725QE is a beautiful display in nearly, if not all, regards. It's minimalist with thin borders, a crisp picture, and great color profiles. For most people, this is one of those monitors that works well. There are a few people who would not significantly benefit from this monitor.

Part of this is due to its high quality and solid build, part of it is just because of the design and how seamlessly this could fit into any environment. It has VESA mounting points to allow it to fit on a third-party mount easily, and if you don't want to add a stand, the one that this monitor comes with allows for rotation, height, pivot, and twisting.

Dell Pro 27 P2725QE Plus: In use

I've had this monitor on one of my team's desks for a few weeks now, and it has gotten a lot of use in that time. This has easily transitioned into a display we love to use and enjoy. It's built in USB-C port and PD charging is excellent for laptops, making it a one-cable solution, and even expanding as a hub so you can plug in other devices, external drives, and so on without taking another port (especially helpful if you have a MacBook with only two ports to start with.

Beyond that, and only an input swap away, I love how easy this is to use with a desktop through HDMI or DisplayPort. I can hook up a handful of devices and run them through one powerful display, not compromising on any use case, but maximizing your device use and productivity.

Another thing that I realized right away was the anti-glare screen. It's not perfect, and if there is direct light it will be annoying, but due to the finish of the monitor you can have sunlight or a lamp or an overhead light shining on the computer and not have it slow you down, effect you, or even bother you like you would feel with a standard monitor with a glossy, glass front.

We've used this monitor for just about everything in our testing, and it has held up fantastically. We have used it for light gaming, some photo editing, some browsing, and a lot of heavy productivity work. It's not only a great monitor for during business hours work, but it's also great for those who would love a chance to use their big purchase of a quality monitor for gaming and after-hours adventures as well.

For most people, this monitor is fantastic. Those with a niche probably don't grab this monitor, and there is better for what you may need for your role, but for the rest of us, this monitor is great.

Attributes	Notes	Rating
Design	Simple and minimalist	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of use	Easy to use	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Practicality	Right for most people	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Price	Fairly expensive	⭐⭐⭐⭐

Dell Pro 27 P2725QE Plus: Final verdict

The Dell Pro 27 P2725QE Plus is a serious choice for professionals who want a high-resolution monitor that provides better image quality and includes an abundance of connectivity and ergonomic features designed to enhance user comfort.

Although it is in a higher price range, the great mix of 4K resolution, USB-C with Power Delivery capability, and highly adaptable stand makes it well worth the investment for users who place a premium on productivity in their workflow.

Need more than 4K? We've rounded up the best 5K and 8K monitors you can get right now.

I’ve been reviewing Dell laptops for years, and I’m still shocked at how much I like the Dell 14 Plus

10:00 pm | May 17, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets Laptops Windows Laptops | Tags: AI, Battery Life, CPU, GPU | Comments: Off

Dell 14 Plus: One-minute review

The Dell 14 Plus is one of the first rebranded Dell laptops to go on sale this year, and despite some growing pains it’s an auspicious start thanks to its solid performance, great portability and style, and an accessible price point.

The new 14 Plus is available now in the US, UK, and Australia, starting at $799.99 / £999 / AU$1,298, and features both Intel Lunar Lake and AMD Ryzen AI 300 processors. This makes it one of the best laptops for budget-conscious Windows users on the market right now without making too many compromises on style, portability, or features.

What you won’t get with the 14 Plus, however, is a professional workstation or one of the best gaming laptops, as the integrated graphics and processor options don’t have the kind of horsepower to churn through complex workloads like video editing or intense gaming at high settings.

But for those in the market for a new laptop for general productivity or school work, everyday computing tasks, video calls, or video streaming, and which offers good responsiveness, battery life, and portability, the Dell 14 Plus delivers pretty much exactly what you need to get the job done – and it even looks pretty good while doing it.

It’s not perfect (I’ll get to its faults soon enough), but for the price and the performance on offer the 14 Plus is easily one of the best Windows laptops going, and should be at the top of the list for students, remote workers, and just about anyone else who needs a solid notebook PC without breaking the bank.

Dell 14 Plus: Price & availability

A Dell 14 Plus on a desk with its lid facing outward — (Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

How much does it cost? Starts at $799.99 / £999 / AU$1,298
When is it available? It's available now
Where can you get it? You can buy it in the US, UK, and Australia through Dell’s website and other retailers.

The Dell 14 Plus is available now in the US, UK, and Australia, starting at $799.99 / £999 / AU$1,298 for its base configuration, the specs of which vary depending on your region, and maxes out at $1,479.99 / £1,299 / AU$1,498.20.

Compared to something like the Acer Swift 14 AI or the Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4), the Dell 14 Plus almost always comes in cheaper when similarly specced, and in a couple of instances you get better specs with the 14 Plus for a lower price than competing devices like the Asus Zenbook A14, making it an attractive option for value shoppers who don’t want to sacrifice too much in the way of performance.

Value: 5 / 5

Dell 14 Plus: Specs

The internal components of the Dell 14 Plus — (Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

Configurations vary considerably between the US, UK, and Australia
Options for both Intel Core Ultra 200V and AMD Ryzen AI 300 processors
No discrete graphics options

The starting configurations for the Dell 14 Plus vary slightly depending on your region, with the US and Australia sharing the same specs – AMD Ryzen AI 340 CPU with Radeon 849M graphics, 16GB LPDDR5X memory, and a 14-inch FHD+, 300-nit, non-touch display – while the starting setup in the UK uses an Intel Core Ultra 7 256V with second-gen Intel Arc graphics, 16GB of slightly faster LPDDR5X-8533 memory, and a 14-inch 2.5K (2560 x 1600p) 300-nit, non-touch IPS display. All starting configs come with 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD storage.

Dell 14 Plus Base Specs
Region	US	UK	Australia
Price:	$799.99 at Dell.com	£999 at Dell.com	AU$1,298 at Dell.com
CPU:	AMD Ryzen AI 5 340	Intel Core Ultra 7 256V	AMD Ryzen AI 5 340
GPU:	AMD Radeon 840M Graphics	Intel Arc Xe2 (140V)	AMD Radeon 840M Graphics
Memory:	16GB LPDDR5X-7500	16GB LPDDR5X-8533	16GB LPDDR5X-7500
Storage:	512GB SSD	512GB SSD	512GB SSD
Screen:	14-inch 16:10 FHD+ (1200p), 300-nit, non-touch IPS	14-inch 16:10 2.5K (1600p), 300-nit, non-touch IPS	14-inch 16:10 FHD+ (1200p), 300-nit, non-touch IPS
Ports:	2 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 w/ DP and Power Delivery, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x combo jack	1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C w/ DP 1.4 and Power Delivery, 1 x Thunderbolt 4 w/ DP 2.1 and Power Delivery, 1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x combo jack	2 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 w/ DP and Power Delivery, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x combo jack
Battery (WHr):	64 WHr	64 WHr	64 WHr
Wireless:	WiFi 7, BT 5.4	WiFi 7, BT 5.4	WiFi 7, BT 5.4
Camera:	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps
Weight:	3.35 lb (1.52 kg)	3.42 lbs (1.55kg)	3.35 lbs (1.52kg)
Dimensions:	12.36 x 8.9 x 0.67 ins \| (314 x 226.15 x 16.95mm)	12.36 x 8.9 x 0.67 ins \| (314 x 226.15 x 16.95mm)	12.36 x 8.9 x 0.67 ins \| (314 x 226.15 x 16.95mm)

The max spec for the Dell 14 Plus in the US and UK is identical: an Intel Core Ultra 9 288V with Intel Arc graphics, 32GB LPDDR5X memory, 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD, and a 14-inch 2.5K (2560 x 1600p) display with 90Hz refresh and 300 nits max brightness. In Australia, the max spec comes with an AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 processor with Radeon 840M graphics, 16GB LPDDR5X RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD storage, and a 14-inch FHD+ (1920 x 1200p) display with a max brightness of 300 nits.

Dell 14 Plus Top Specs
Region	US	UK	Australia
Price:	$1,479.99 at Dell.com	£1,299 at Dell.com	AU$1,498.20 at Dell.com
CPU:	Intel Core Ultra 9 288V	Intel Core Ultra 9 288V	AMD Ryzen AI 7 350
GPU:	Intel Arc Xe2 (140V) Graphics	Intel Arc Xe2 (140V) Graphics	AMD Radeon 840M Graphics
Memory:	32GB LPDDR5X-8533	32GB LPDDR5X-8533	16GB LPDDR5X-7500
Storage:	1TB NVMe SSD	1TB NVMe SSD	1TB NVMe SSD
Screen:	14-inch 16:10 2.5K (1600p), 300 nit, non-touch IPS	14-inch 16:10 2.5K (1600p), 300 nit, non-touch IPS	14-inch 16:10 FHD+ (1200p), 300 nit, non-touch IPS
Ports:	1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C w/ DP 1.4 and Power Delivery, 1 x Thunderbolt 4 w/ DP 2.1 and Power Delivery, 1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x combo jack	1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C w/ DP 1.4 and Power Delivery, 1 x Thunderbolt 4 w/ DP 2.1 and Power Delivery, 1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x combo jack	2 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 w/ DP and Power Delivery, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x combo jack
Battery (WHr):	64 WHr	64 WHr	64 WHr
Wireless:	WiFi 7, BT 5.4	WiFi 7, BT 5.4	WiFi 7, BT 5.4
Camera:	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps
Weight:	3.42 lbs (1.55kg)	3.42 lbs (1.55kg)	3.35 lb (1.52 kg)
Dimensions:	12.36 x 8.9 x 0.67 ins \| (314 x 226.15 x 16.95mm)	12.36 x 8.9 x 0.67 ins \| (314 x 226.15 x 16.95mm)	12.36 x 8.9 x 0.67 ins \| (314 x 226.15 x 16.95mm)

The configuration I tested for this review is only available in the US, but the UK has a very similar spec, just with a 512GB SSD rather than the 1TB in my review unit, while Australia doesn't yet have Intel-based coinfigurations for the 14 Plus at all.

Dell 14 Plus Review Unit Specs
Price:	$1,179.99 / £999 / (about AU$1,830, but Intel systems not yet available in Australia)
CPU:	Intel Core Ultra 7 256V
GPU:	Intel Arc Xe2 (140V) Graphics
Memory:	16GB LPDDR5X-8533
Storage:	1TB NVMe SSD (512GB NVMe SSD in UK)
Screen:	14-inch 16:10 2.5K (1600p), 300 nit, non-touch IPS
Ports:	1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C w/ DP 1.4 and Power Delivery, 1 x Thunderbolt 4 w/ DP 2.1 and Power Delivery, 1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x combo jack
Battery (WHr):	64 WHr
Wireless:	WiFi 7, BT 5.4
Camera:	1080p@30fps
Weight:	3.42 lbs (1.55kg)
Dimensions:	12.36 x 8.9 x 0.67 ins \| (314 x 226.15 x 16.95mm)

Generally, there aren’t a whole lot of configuration options available for the Dell 14 Plus right now, but the specs you do get – even with the base configurations – are all solid enough for general computing and productivity work, and some models can even manage some modest PC gaming and creative work.

Specs: 4 / 5

Dell 14 Plus: Design

The top lid of the Dell 14 Plus — (Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

Thin and light form factor
Trackpad can be tricky at times
Display isn’t stellar, especially in daylight

The Dell 14 Plus takes a number of design influences from earlier Inspiron laptops and merges them somewhat with the former Dell XPS laptop series, and the end result is a fairly attractive ultrabook for the price.

It doesn’t have the same kind of premium materials that more expensive laptops use, but the 14 Plus doesn’t necessarily feel like a cheap laptop either. Where its design does disappoint me, though, is its keyboard, trackpad, and display.

The keyboard on a Dell 14 Plus — (Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

The keys on the keyboard aren’t bad, but they’re not really great either, and can sometimes feel stiffer than they should. This problem is compounded by the trackpad that isn’t the smoothest, and I’ve found my fingers catching at times from even the light friction of swiping across its surface.

A Dell 14 Plus open to the TechRadar homepage — (Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

The more ‘premium’ 2.5K display on my review unit works fine in an office environment or when sitting on the couch at home, but its 300 nits peak brightness means that it's hard to use if you’re outside, so if you like to work at an outdoor cafe, or sitting in the grass of a college quad, the display is going to be difficult to see clearly in daylight.

Image 1 of 4

A man sitting in a computer lab — (Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

Image 2 of 4

The ports on either side of the Dell 14 plus — (Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

Image 3 of 4

The underside of the Dell 14 Plus — (Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

Image 4 of 4

A Dell 14 Plus on a desk in front of a house key to demonstrate its thinness — (Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

You get a decent selection of ports for a laptop this thin and a physical privacy shutter for the webcam, which I love to see. The webcam is 1080p @ 30 fps, which is good enough for most needs, as you can see from my selfie taken with the webcam.

The down-firing speakers aren’t very good, especially if the laptop is sitting on fabric like bedding. They work, though, and conference calls and general audio is fine in most cases. For music and movies, however, I recommend using headphones or one of the best Bluetooth speakers.

Design: 3.5 / 5

Dell 14 Plus: Performance

The Intel Core Ultra 7 sticker on a laptop — (Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

Very good productivity and general computing performance
Hardware isn’t suited for intensive workloads like heavy gaming or video editing
Lags well behind similarly specced MacBook Air models

The Dell 14 Plus is targeted toward office workers, students, and others who need a responsive everyday device for web browsing, video streaming, and the like. In that regard, this laptop does exactly what it should, and does it well.

That’s not to say it's the best, though, as you can see when comparing its benchmark results against something like the MacBook Air 13 (M4), which comfortably outperforms the 14 Plus at pretty much every task.

But the 14 Plus consistently comes in second or third place against several other competing laptops on the market, including the Acer Swift 14 AI, Asus Zenbook A14, and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, while also coming in at a lower price point, making it my top pick for the best student laptop of 2025 so far.

Overall, only the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch with M4 offers better value for your money than the 14 Plus, which is something I really wasn’t expecting when I started working with the 14 Plus earlier this month, but it's a very welcome surprise.

Performance: 4 / 5

Dell 14 Plus: Battery Life

The battery life indicator on the Windows corner panel — (Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

How long does it last on a single charge? 13 hours, 24 minutes
How long to full charge it to 100%? 2 hours, 30 minutes with the included 65W adapter (1 hour, 4 minutes to charge it to 50%)

If there’s one area in my testing where the Dell 14 Plus came in dead last, it’s battery life, but it’s not as bad as it might sound. While some laptops like the Zenbook A14 can run for just over 18 hours in our Web Surfing Battery Test, the Dell 14 Plus’s nearly 13 and a half hours isn’t terrible, especially given how we were praising laptops like the Inspiron 14 2-in-1 from 2022 for making it longer than eight hours on a single charge.

As for charging time, the 64WHr battery takes a little over an hour to get from fully depleted to 50% using the included 65W USB-C power adapter, but with its Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 ports capable of higher power delivery, a higher-wattage adapter will speed things up.

Battery Life: 4 / 5

Should you buy the Dell 14 Plus?

A Dell 14 Plus on a desk — (Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

Dell 14 Plus Scorecard
Category	Notes	Rating
Value	The Dell 14 Plus offers possibly the best value of any Windows laptop at this price.	5 / 5
Specs	The available specs are generally excellent, especially for the price	4 / 5
Design	Aesthetically, the 14 Plus looks more premium than it is, but its keyboard, trackpad, speakers, and display could be better.	3.5 / 5
Performance	General computing and productivity performance are very good, but it falters under medium-intensity workloads, much less heavy-duty ones like gaming.	4 / 5
Battery Life	Not the longest-lasting battery life on the market, but still capable of many hours of use before you need to recharge.	4 / 5
Final Score	The Dell 14 Plus is a solid general-use and productivity notebook that’s great for work or school, but it makes some compromises to keep its price affordable. The trade-off is generally worth it, in the end.	4.1 / 5

Buy the Dell 14 Plus if...

You want solid productivity and general computing performance
For everyday use, school work, and productivity, the Dell 14 Plus is very good, especially for its price.

You want a laptop that doesn’t look too cheap
Aesthetically, the 14 Plus is a pretty great-looking device for the price, though if you look closely, you can spot its shortcomings.

Don't buy it if...

You need a high-performance laptop
If you’re looking to game or do resource-intensive work like video editing, this laptop won’t get the job done.

You want a really good-looking laptop
While the 14 Plus doesn’t look bad, it can't hold a candle to the most recent MacBook Air or Surface Laptop models.

Also consider

If my Dell 14 Plus review has you looking at other options, here are three other laptops you should consider instead...

Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M4)
The most recent Apple MacBook Air 13-inch offers much better performance, battery life, and aesthetics than the Dell 14 Plus, though you’ll pay more for it.

Read our full Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M4) review

Acer Swift 14 AI
For roughly the same price as the 14 Plus, the Acer Swift 14 AI with Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chip offers similar performance as the Dell 14 Plus with better battery life, but still has Windows app compatibility struggles.

Read our full Acer Swift 14 AI review

Asus Zenbook A14
While its performance lags behind the Dell 14 Plus, the battery life on this thing is unreal, making it a great pick for those who need a laptop that can go the distance.

Read the full Asus Zenbook A14 review

How I tested the Dell 14 Plus

I spent about two weeks with the Dell 14 Plus
I used it mostly for general computing and work tasks
I used our standard laptop benchmark suite for testing, along with other productivity and creative apps

I used the Dell 14 Plus for about two weeks both as an everyday laptop and as a dedicated work device. This involved a lot of writing, general productivity work (like Google Sheets), and some light creative work like photo editing in Adobe Photoshop.

I also put it through our standard benchmark testing suite, which includes industry-standard tools like Geekbench 6, 3DMark, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider's built-in gaming benchmark.

I’ve been testing laptops for TechRadar for more than five years, with dozens of reviews under my belt, so I know what a laptop should be capable of at this price point. As a media professional and former student, I’m also the target audience for this kind of laptop, so I’m well positioned to assess the quality of this device.

First reviewed May 2025

I reviewed the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition and this beauty might be my favorite business laptop yet

9:01 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Comments: Off

I've had a special place in my heart for the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon series for a while now. I have personally reviewed Gen 11, Gen 12, and now Gen 13.

The Gen 12 was a nice upgrade from the Gen 11, and that trend continues with the Gen 13. So much so, that if I ever needed to move my primary machine away from Mac (stuck in Mac Ecosystem for many reasons for my primary machine), I would strongly consider this laptop as a business every-day machine.

It's got everything that a busy business professional could want or need. It has great ports, power, a good battery, excellent performance, and is lightweight and easy to carry. What more could you want from one of the best business laptops around?

I keep specifically saying that a business professional laptop is needed for a reason- that's what it is. With that being said, I will review this laptop. It's not meant to be a creative powerhouse, it's not meant for the developers who need maxed-out machines to process large warehouses and scripts, and it's not meant for the casual browser who might check their email and Google a few things.

This computer is intended for the business professional whose day-to-day work depends on their needs. Still, one thing is for sure: they need something reliable, able to jump in and out of work, portable enough to go from place to place, has a great port selection for what may come and whatever they may need, and the ease of use that comes with a ThinkPad. It might be one of the best Lenovo ThinkPad laptops around - and it's definitely my favorite yet.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition: Unboxing & first impressions

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 came in compact and secure packaging, much like all Lenovo devices I have reviewed. It came with a 65W USB-C charger, the proper documentation, and nothing else. It's pretty straightforward.

After my first look at this machine, I noticed that it reminds me of the other Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon laptops I tested. They are all clearly in the same family. Beyond the comparison, it looks very sleek and professional, it's lightweight, portable, and built from clearly high-quality materials that I don't have to worry about breaking every day I take it out of the house.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition: Design & Build Quality

Specs

Display: 14" 2.8K (2880 x 1800) OLED, 120Hz
Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 258V
Graphics: Intel Arc Graphics 140V
Memory: 32GB LPDDR5x-8533 (soldered)
Storage: Up to 2TB PCIe 5.0 SSD
Ports: 2 x Thunderbolt 4, 2 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, HDMI 2.1, 3.5mm audio jack
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
Battery: 57Wh
Weight: 2.2 lbs (0.99 kg)

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition is built from, as the name implies, carbon fiber and magnesium alloy, making a durable yet lightweight chassis while still allowing for a professional and premium feel as well.

The keyboard has the touchpoint in the middle as Lenovo Laptops do, and on top of that, it has a great backlit keyboard with excellent tactile feedback on every press, making it comfortable to use all day long. The ThinkPad's touchpad has integrated buttons on the top of the square, making it super easy to click, click and drag, right click, and so on from the touchpad or the touchpoint.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition: In use

I could go on and on about using this machine for the last 137 days. During this time, I have had the X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura in a rotation with my other workhorse machines, and even so, this one has stood out among the rest. It's been a favorite to grab quick for a day working out and about, using when working from home, or taking on a short trip due to it's compact size yet blazing performance.

So far, it has handled multitasking and productivity for business tasks with ease. I have thrown my plethora of Chrome tabs with project management tools and large documents at it without a problem. I've run basic prompts through Postman, done some light photo editing, a lot of writing, emails, and some fun benchmarks, and so far this machine has not skipped a beat.

One thing that makes this machine special with that Aura edition is the inclusion of security parameters like how it will blur the screen, suggest a VPN, and prompt me if someone is looking over my shoulder while I am working out at a coffee shop or in a co-working space.

I love the 14-inch platform for laptops. I have had 12-inch laptops, 13-inch laptops, 15-inch laptops, 11 iPads, and so on, but the 14-inch is my absolute favorite. It's just the right size, the sweet spot even, between easy to carry and still having plenty of room on the screen for all your tasks, project management, virtual meetings, writing, and so on.

Attributes	Notes	Rating
Design	Simple, compact, beautiful	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of use	Easy to use	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Practicality	Right for most people	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Price	Understandably higher price	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition: Final verdict

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition is a powerful option for professional individuals in need of a laptop that is not just lightweight but also durable and loaded with all manner of features. This computer is a fantastic component helping me do what I do.

I tested out the Lenovo ThinkCentre M90a Gen 5 and it’s an all-in-one computer that can’t do-it-all

4:01 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Comments: Off

Some people love all-in-one computers; some hate them. I've been in offices where every station has an iMac, in environments where everyone has a desktop with a monitor, in workspaces where everyone has a laptop, and in hot desk offices.

I always prefer to have what I need in my bag or a hot desk scenario, but for that workspace that makes sense, like a front desk, an admin's desk, or a simple in-room computer, for whatever reason, the best all-in-one computers make a lot of sense.

The goal is to have something that is simply all in one; there is no need for extra docks, monitors, adapters, or bulk. Just one display with a machine built into the casing is always there and ready to go. Simple.

That's where the ThinkCentre M90a Gen 5 thrives. It's a simple machine. However, that can also be its downfall if misused.

ThinkCentre M90a Gen 5: Price and Availability

The Lenovo ThinkCentre M90a Gen 5 is available on the Lenovo main site for $959.40. It's also widely available from online retailers, so you should have no trouble getting your hands on one.

ThinkCentre M90a Gen 5: Unboxing & first impressions

The Lenovo computers are always well packaged, ensuring no damage in transit or delivery. This model specifically had some odd instructions for assembly, though we were able to put the few pieces together to get this machine booted up and running as it should.

At first glance, this machine stood out as more modern-looking, with a professional leaning toward it. It's designed for an office space as a front desk unit or at a desk in a cubicle. The display, the center of an AIO unit, offers good color accuracy and brightness, though nothing ground-breaking with its FHD resolution.

The ThinkCentre M90a also comes with a bundled mouse and keyboard, though I'd suggest not using it, grabbing a decent Bluetooth mouse and keyboard, and freeing up those ports.

In my initial feel test, setup, and first impression of this machine, it seems capable of what it's designed for. With ports to spare, this machine could be a true all-in-one, not needing extra docks or hubs to get the basics done as many computers need.

ThinkCentre M90a Gen 5: Design & Build Quality

Specs

Processor: Up to 14th Gen Intel Core i7-14700
Memory: Up to 64GB DDR5
Storage: Up to 4TB PCIe SSD
Graphics: Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 770
Display: 23.8" FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS
Ports: Multiple USB-A and USB-C ports, HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet
Camera: 5MP with privacy shutter
Audio: Dual 3W speakers with Dolby Atmos
Operating System: Windows 11 Pro

The Lenovo ThinkCentre M90a Gen 5 has the build quality you'd expect if you have any experience with Lenovo products. It's built well, feels like it will last, and is relatively compact.

That compact design saves overall desk space because you don't need a monitor, a desktop, or a dock; all you have on the desk is the base to the AIO if even that. If you want to, you can VESA mount this machine and get it off the desk entirely.

If you choose to use the stand, it has adjustable tilt and height with some integrated cable management as well, helping to keep that tidy workspace even more.

ThinkCentre M90a Gen 5: In use

This machine is designed for basic admin and basic office work. In that sense, it handled those tasks efficiently and easily. I started trying to push it under the heavy load of my day, but I felt a bit slow. However, for the vast majority of users who could benefit from a Lenovo AIO machine, you'll be just fine with the ThinkCentre M90a Gen 5 capabilities.

I've been on a single monitor kick recently. I went through my phase of wanting as many monitors as possible, and many of my reviews around here will showcase some images from those days. However, recently, I have become a big fan of simplicity. I realized while using this machine that it doesn't get much simpler. It's just a machine that you can leave wherever you are. You have one power cable running into it, and you know it will always be there, ready to work when you are.

If you want to expand your screen real estate, there is an HDMI and a DisplayPort out, allowing you to plug into an external monitor and have even more room to work with. This would be great for a TV if you need to prep and present things in a conference room but don't want to mount a headless mini desktop behind the TV or if you have a desk running a menu board or display screen. Or, of course, it's also great if you just want to see what you are working on even better than before.

All around, this machine is solid for what it is; it's a simple productivity machine for business tasks that don't require a heavy computational load. For that, this computer is good, but this one feels a tad lacking in the world of high-performing, high-powered machines.

Attributes	Notes	Rating
Design	Simple, compact	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of use	Easy to use	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Practicality	Right for the right person	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Price	Mid range price	⭐⭐⭐⭐

ThinkCentre M90a Gen 5: Final verdict

Lenovo ThinkCentre M90a Gen 5 is an all-in-one desktop PC that blends nicely into professional settings.

It is an excellent model for use by someone with everyday computing demands since it makes for a streamlined and clean environment and gives users solid and steady performance one can rely on.

For people or professionals, though, who either need improved performance for their graphics or have specific requirements, this may not be the machine for you, and that's okay.

For more pro-level devices, we've reviewed the best business computers and the best business laptops for professionals.

My snaps looked great on the Aura Aspen – but not as great as the digital photo frame itself

4:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Smart Home | Tags: US | Comments: Off

Aura Aspen: review

The Aura Aspen is a 1600 x 1200 11.8-inch digital photo frame. Sitting slap bang in the middle of the market, it retails for $229 (around £175) – while it’s currently only available in the US, the company has confirmed it will launch internationally later in 2025. In return, it offers a polished performance, neat design and unlimited cloud storage, making it a pretty reasonable investment.

Setting up the Aspen could not be more straightforward. Once you’ve downloaded the Aura app, you just need to tap +New Frame and plug in the frame. To connect your frame to Wi-Fi, simply enter the numbers displayed on the frame into the app, and it’ll connect to your home network. You’ll then be able to add users to the frame or just get on with adding photos.

And that could not be easier. You can navigate through the app – just tap Add Photos and pick an unlimited number of snaps and videos from your gallery – or use the built-in share button in most photo apps to share directly with the frame. After a quick upload, they’ll start appearing on the frame's screen.

Once they do, you’ll immediately see how impressive the Aspen’s screen is. While its display isn’t the highest pixel density we’ve seen – at 11.8 inches and a 1600 x 1200 resolution, it sits at around 170ppi – its images subjectively look about as crisp as we’ve seen from any of the best digital photo frames. However, it does occasionally overstep the mark (it was pretty unforgiving of the artificial bokeh on some of my iPhone 16 Pro snaps), making me wonder if it subtly sharpens images to give them that extra-well-defined look.

The Aura Aspen with a black and white photo of a beach and windsurfers, on a table with a lamp, reed diffuser and plant in front of a pink background. — (Image credit: Future)

One area it absolutely nails, however, is color reproduction. Whether it’s the marbled turquoise and azure of the Ionian Sea or the riot of peach and magenta of rhododendrons in full bloom, the Aspen made every hue in my photos look rich and enticing. And it never strays into looking artificial; it’s steadfast in its accuracy, not once overstepping the mark into that lurid oversaturation that some screens are susceptible to.

To top off this strong performance, the Aspen also has a pretty decent feature set. Alongside the ability for friends and family to share their shots to your frame, the Aspen automatically detects the orientation of the frame and rotates images accordingly. Unfortunately, while you can manually crop images to center them according to your preferences, you can’t crop them differently for landscape and portrait, or select which images you’d rather appear in either orientation. Still, few digital photo frames I’ve tested handle this perfectly, so I can absolutely forgive this here.

And the Aspen has some innovative features that few other frames offer. Perhaps the most attention-grabbing is its colorization feature, which adds color back to black-and-white photos. The results are, inevitably, a bit hit and miss, as it tends to default to the most conventional colors for everything. For example, it rendered the rock and sand of Fuerteventura in drab khaki and dull beige, rather than their true colors of ochre and gold. Meanwhile, its in-app scanner allows you to ‘digitize’ – read ‘take photos of’ – existing physical pictures. Both of these are a lot of fun to play with, even if I suspect you won’t end up using them that much.

A hand swiping the touchbar on the top of the Aura Aspen, showing the photos on screen sliding from one to the next. — (Image credit: Future)

When it comes to controlling the Aspen, you can, of course, use the Aura app. However, for those who prefer a more tactile method of control, the frame has two touch-capacitive bars that sit on top of the frame in either orientation. These allow you to swipe left and right to select photos from your playlist, tap to hide photos or double-tap to see image info. While this is less futuristic than the Netgear Meural Canvas II’s touchless gesture control, it also feels much more intuitive and foolproof. Put simply, it’s one of the best control mechanisms I’ve ever used when reviewing digital photo frames.

And this kind of pragmatic yet refined styling is a design language the Aura Aspen seems fluent in. Its white 1.4-inch (35mm) bezels have a matte, textured paper effect, making them feel convincingly like an authentic mounting board. Meanwhile, rather than the flimsy stick some digital photo frames rely on, its stand is a sturdy arrowhead shape fashioned out of weighty metal, meaning I never had to worry about it tipping over. The device showcases this kind of dependable, considered build quality throughout, making it feel suitably premium.

If you’re already convinced and ready to pick up the Aura Aspen, I doubt you’ll be disappointed. For those on the fence, there is one more factor to consider: its price. Yes, at $229, it’s marginally pricier than the similarly impressive Pexar 11-inch Digital Picture Frame, which retails for $159.99 / £149.99 and offers a slightly higher 221 PPI pixel density. However, the Aura offers a more premium-feeling build and unlimited uploads and storage, so which frame edges out the other is a matter of your biggest priorities.

A closeup of the corner of the Aura Aspen showing its paper-like mount, in front of a pink background. — (Image credit: Future)

Aura Aspen review: price & release date

Launched April 16, 2025
Retails for $229 (around £175)
Currently only available in the US

Launched on April 16, 2025, the Aura Aspen is available in the US now. Customers elsewhere in the world will have to wait a little longer for it, as according to Aura, its international rollout is currently pencilled in for ‘later in 2025’.

The Aura Aspen retails for $229 (around £175), positioning it slightly above the $159.99 / £149.99 Pexar 11-inch Digital Picture Frame and far more than budget options like the Aeezo Portrait 01, which you can currently pick up for as little as $39.99 / £53.19 from Amazon. The Aspen is subscription-free, however, and that price includes unlimited transfers and cloud storage, so there aren’t any hidden costs or upgrade fees included.

It's available in a single size, but offers two colorways: Ink, the charcoal-hued frame we tested here, or Clay, a neutral beige color.

The rear of the Aura Aspen, showing off its triangular stand and rear speaker. — (Image credit: Future)

Aura Aspen review: specs

Dimensions	12.7 x 10.1 x 1.1 inches (323 x 257 x 28mm)
Display size	11.8-inch
Resolution	1600 x 1200, 170 pixels per inch
Aspect Ratio	4:3
Touch Screen	No
Sound	Built-in speaker
Orientation	Portrait or landscape
Storage	Unlimited cloud storage
Connectivity	Wi-Fi

A hand swiping the touchbar on the side of the Aura Aspen. — (Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Aura Aspen?

Attributes	Notes	Rating
Features	From a streamlined, user-friendly app to innovative features like photo recoloring, the Aspen has a decent feature set.	4/5
Design	Excellent build quality meet gorgeous aesthetics – it’s a work of art in its own right	5/5
Performance	Colors are vibrant yet faithful, the screen is bright and glare-free and the resolution is decent, even if bokeh occasionally looks a little sharp.	4/5
Value	Not the cheapest frame on the market, but its sturdy build and excellent finish more than justify the price.	4/5

Buy it if…

You’re looking for a lush, detailed display
While it doesn’t have the highest resolution on the market, what the Aspen is capable of is rather impressive, offering gorgeous color and crisp details.

You want a frame that looks as good as your snaps
Aesthetically, the Aspen is a gorgeous frame – not only is it made of premium materials, but its textured mount makes it feel like an authentic, high-quality picture frame.

Don’t buy it if…

You want the best bang for your buck
The Aspen is great quality, but in terms of sheer value, the $159.99 / £149.99 Pexar 11-inch Digital Picture Frame offers similarly stellar performance for marginally less investment.

You want a massive screen
At 11.8 inches, the Aspen is far from the largest screen on the market. If you want a frame that will occupy a decent amount of wall space, something like the gargantuan 27-inch Netgear Meural Canvas II might serve you better.

Aura Aspen review: also consider

	Aura Aspen	Pexar 11-inch Digital Picture Frame	Aura Walden
Dimensions	12.7 x 10.1 x 1.1 inches (323 x 257 x 28mm)	7.4 x 11.2 inches (18.9 x 28.4cm)	15.7 x 12.7 x 1.2 inches (399 x 323 x 30mm)
Display size	11.8-inch	11-inch	15-inch
Resolution	1600 x 1200, 170 pixels per inch	2000 x 1200, 212 pixels per inch	1600 x 1200, 133 pixels per inch
Aspect Ratio	4:3	5:3	4:3
Touch Screen	No	Yes	No
Sound	Built-in speaker	Built-in speaker	Built-in speaker
Orientation	Portrait or landscape	Portrait or landscape	Portrait or landscape
Storage	Unlimited cloud storage	32GB	Unlimited cloud storage
Connectivity	Wi-Fi	Wi-Fi, SD card, USB-A, USB-C	Wi-Fi

Pexar 11-inch Digital Picture Frame
One of my go-to recommendations at this price point, the Pexar offers an excellent balance of performance and price. Its true 2K resolution means it offers a staggeringly sharp 212 PPI pixel density, while colors are striking yet faithful. It’s not quite as gorgeous to look at as the Aspen, though. Read our full Pexar 11-inch Digital Picture Frame review.

Aura Walden
If you love what the Aspen is all about but fancy a little extra screen estate, the Aura Walden is a great option. After all, we named it our best premium digital photo frame for a reason: it has a larger 15-inch display while still offering the same premium build quality and ease of use. Bear in mind, though, that the increased screen size means you get a lower 133 PPI pixel density. Read our full Aura Walden review.

How I tested the Aura Aspen

Tested the product over multiple weeks
Uploaded a wide variety of photos
Have many years of experience working with photography

I tested the Aura Aspen over several weeks. First, I used its app to set up the frame, upload images, and explore its various features. I tried sending both individual snaps and bulk uploading whole folders to see how it coped in terms of transfer times.

I uploaded a variety of shots, from brilliantly hued blossoms to detailed monochrome compositions designed to help assess resolution and color performance. I also tried the frame in a range of settings to help assess its capabilities at different angles and distances, and in different light levels.

When it comes to experience, not only have I tested a wide range of digital photo frames for TechRadar, but I’m an experienced photographer, having taken over 40,000 photos on cameras from my Canon DSLR to my iPhone 16 Pro. I also spent many years working in print publishing, giving me a keen eye for image resolution and color accuracy.

First reviewed: May 2025
Read more about how we test

I was surprised by how cheap this wireless gaming headset is – and even more by its performance

3:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Comments: Off

OXS Storm G2: two-minute review

The OXS Storm G2 is a wireless gaming headset compatible with PlayStation and Nintendo consoles, as well as PC and mobile, thanks to its various connectivity modes. It looks sleek and quite understated, although there are a few flourishes that mark it out as a gaming peripheral, and these are its least attractive aspects. However, the RGB lighting does add some tasteful vibrancy to proceedings.

The buttons operate solidly and smoothly, and are well located to make for easy access. The volume wheel is placed underneath rather than behind the left driver, which prevents miscrolls when leaning back in a chair. However, it’s a shame that it’s awkward to use, owing to its low profile and rough notching.

It’s also pleasingly light and not as bulky as some of its rivals. However, it doesn’t feel as premium as the best wireless gaming headsets out there, with the plastics letting the side down somewhat. The fit and finish in certain areas is admirable, while it’s wanting in others.

The hooks for the drivers feel reassuringly solid, although their height adjustment mechanism is quite poor, as it’s difficult to move them smoothly. Still, at least they offer plenty of security.

The Storm G2's earcups fail to provide as much cushioning as you might expect based on their thickness: the inside of the drivers touched my ears, it felt as if the lower portion of my ears weren’t cupped sufficiently by the padding.

They also exerted a little too much pressure against the sides of my head. Admittedly, this is a problem I experience with many headsets, and the effect wasn’t too problematic here. However, the issue was made worse when wearing glasses, as the drivers pushed the arms of my frames into my head slightly too much. I found the Storm G2 comfortable for short and medium sessions, but for anything longer, I would experience fatigue.

Despite the lack of software, there are three EQ modes selectable via a dedicated button. These offer meaningful differences to audio quality, with Music and Surround modes being the highlights, as both provide enough fidelity and low end for an enjoyable experience, regardless of the kind of content being consumed. I was also pleasantly surprised by the microphone quality, which is clear and free from distortion.

What’s most impressive about the Storm G2, though, is its low price. There aren’t many gaming headsets with multiple wireless connectivity modes this cheap, still less those that perform as strongly.

There are better sounding gaming headsets out there with budget prices, but they’re still more expensive than the Storm G2 – although some offer software for accessing additional features and tweaks. But at this price point, the Storm G2 is a strong choice for those on the hunt for a decent and affordable gaming headset.

Close-up of right driver on OXS Storm G2, leaning on plinth on desk with pink background — (Image credit: Future)

OXS Storm G2 review: price and availability

$79 / £62 (about AU$123)
Available now in black and white finishes
Very good price for a wireless gaming headset

The Storm G2 costs $79 / £62 (about AU$123) and is available now in black and white colorways. It comes with a detachable microphone, carrying bag, USB charging cable, USB-C dongle (with USB-A adapter), and a 3.5mm AUX cable.

This is a very low price for a wireless gaming headset, especially one that supports both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz standards. If you’re looking for a similarly budget-friendly wireless headset, the Corsair HS55 Wireless is a great alternative, as we think it’s the best PC gaming headset in this category.

It’s still more expensive than the Storm G2, but it can be customized using the iCue software, while the Storm G2 lacks any such tool. It also has good sound, if lacking low-end response somewhat.

If you’re looking to save even more money and don’t mind being tethered, the Epos H3 is one of the best wired gaming headsets around in our view. It boasts superb sound and comfort levels, but like the Storm G2, it lacks software.

OXS Storm G2 review: Specs

Price	$79 / £62 (about AU$123)
Weight	9.9oz / 282g
Compatibility	PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS
Connection type	Wired (USB-A), Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth)
Battery life	Up to 40 hours
Features	Three EQ modes, detachable mic
Software	None

Close-up of mode switch on OXS Storm G2, clamped on plinth with pink background — (Image credit: Future)

OXS Storm G2 review: design and features

Sleek-ish looks
Passable build quality
No software

The Storm G2 has a mixed appearance, with sleek elements that are somewhat undermined by the gaming-oriented flourishes, such as a nondescript symbol and contoured drivers. The RGB lighting does inject some attractive dazzle, though.

It feels quite light, and the build quality appears durable enough. However, the plastics aren't the most premium, and some of the panels and their joins feel a little sharp and unrefined.

The stitching around the headband is more impressive, with its tight and precise execution, and the hooks for the drivers are reassuringly solid. Making height adjustments, though, isn’t the smoothest process, as they tend to grab when sliding them back and forth, but at least remain secure once in place.

The drivers themselves are pleasingly slim, with less bulk than those adorning some other gaming headsets. And while the buttons on the left driver don’t look particularly elegant, their simple layout makes for easy and intuitive operation when wearing the Storm G2.

I was also pleased to see the volume wheel located at the bottom of the driver rather than at the back, as this prevents it from accidentally jogging when leaning back in a chair or sofa – an issue I’ve experienced with other gaming headsets. However, I wish it protruded a little further, as it can be awkward to use at times.

On the issue of comfort, the Storm G2 is again somewhat inconsistent. Despite appearances, the earcup padding isn’t the plushest, which means it fails to buffer the pressure of the drivers pressing inwards, especially around the tops of the ears. This is especially bad news for glasses wearers, as I found the lack of cushioning pushed the arms of my frames into my head with more pressure than I would’ve liked.

Close-up of headband on OXS Storm G2, leaning on plinth with pink background — (Image credit: Future)

The effect isn’t as egregious as some other gaming headsets I’ve tried, and I was comfortable wearing the Storm G2 for an hour or so, but for anything longer, I would start to experience some mild aching and fatigue.

Curiously, the drivers didn’t feel as secure around the bottom of my ears as I was expecting; coupled with the fact that the inside of the drivers made contact with my ears, this made the Storm G2 feel more like an on-ear rather than an over-ear headset.

Thankfully, the headband has a better design; the outer material feels premium, although it still lacks cushioning. Again, this meant I would start to experience aching after long sessions, although I should say it wasn’t to the same degree as I’ve experienced with other gaming headsets.

The detachable microphone has a flexible gooseneck design, which I always welcome, although it doesn’t feel as stable as others I’ve tried. However, it remained in position during use, and it’s very easy to wrangle into the ideal position.

Unfortunately, there’s no customization software for the Storm G2, so those looking for extra features and tweaks will be disappointed. There’s also no way to check the battery level, which is another inconvenience.

Close-up of buttons and ports on OXS Storm G2, leaning on plinth with pink background — (Image credit: Future)

OXS Storm G2 review: Performance

Crisp and punchy sound
Useful EQ profiles
Good connectivity

The overall sound of the Storm G2 is quite admirable, with crisply rendered mids and highs without much distortion, although fidelity isn’t up there with headphones dedicated to audio playback. Still, in this sector, the Storm G2 acquits itself well enough for a pleasurable listening experience.

The various listening modes make a meaningful difference to sound as well. Music mode offers the most impact thanks to its punchy bass response, although sub frequencies aren’t as deep or sonorous as those of the best sounding headsets.

Meanwhile, Surround mode lives up to its name and imparts a greater sense of space, which I found helpful when trying to locate footsteps more precisely in Counter-Strike 2, for example. What’s more, this mode also retains the fuller sound of Music mode.

Game mode, however, is perhaps the weakest of the three modes, and only seems to take away fidelity and low-end, with no real benefit to balance this out.

No matter what connectivity mode you use, audio response is fast, and the audio quality is consistent. However, I seemed to detect a slight lag when using Bluetooth. Also, it’s a shame that in wired mode, the various EQ modes, the microphone, and the volume wheel all cease to function. It does seem to default to Music mode, though, which is something I welcomed.

The Storm G2 connected easily to the various platforms I tried it on via both Bluetooth and the 2.4GHz dongle, and is level with the best Nintendo Switch headsets in terms of setup with the console. Battery life is hard to discern, since there’s no indicator, although I can say that it at least lasted a whole day’s worth of testing.

Close-up of red wire on OXS Storm G2, leaning on plinth on desk with pink background — (Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the OXS Storm G2?

Buy it if...

You want to save money
There aren’t too many wireless gaming headsets around at this price, and it punches above its weight in terms of performance.

You want multi-platform compatibility
Thanks to 2.4GHz and Bluetooth modes, as well as a 3.5mm cable for wired play, the Storm G2 is compatible with various systems.

Don't buy it if...

You want the best comfort
The Storm G2 can get a little uncomfortable after long periods, especially for the bespectacled.

You want to tweak settings
The Storm G2 has no accompanying software, so the only adjustments you get are the three EQ profiles selectable via a button.

OXS Storm G2 review: Also consider

	OXS Storm G2	Corsair HS55 Wireless	Epos H3
Price	$79 / £62 (about AU$123)	$119.99 / £119.99 / $229	$119 / £109 / AU$179
Weight	9.9oz / 282g	9.4oz / 266g	10.5oz / 298g
Compatibility	PlayStation, PC, Nintendo Switch, Mobile	PlayStation, PC, Mac	Xbox, PlayStation, PC, Nintendo Switch, mobile
Connection type	Wired (USB-A), Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth)	Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth)	2 x 3.5mm jack / 1 x 3.5mm jack (GSA 30 PC Cable/GSA 30 Console Cable)
Battery life	40 hours	24 hours	N/A
Features	Three EQ modes, detachable mic	Omnidirectional boom mic, Dolby Audio 7.1	Lift-to-mute mic, EPOS BrainAdapt Technology
Software	None	iCue	None

Corsair HS55 Wireless
The HS55 provides detailed audio, if a little underwhelming in the bass department, and is light and comfortable to wear. Furthermore, customizations are available courtesy of the iCue software, which remedies one of the main drawbacks of the Storm G2. It’s considerably more expensive than the Storm G2, but relative to other gaming headsets, it’s still well-priced. Read our full Corsair HS55 Wireless review

Epos H3
If you want to save even more cash and can settle for wired-only connectivity, the H3 is one of the best around. We found its sound and comfort levels to be excellent, while the microphone is crisp and clear, if a little too large for our liking. But considering how low this headset now goes for, that’s a small price to pay. Read our full Epos H3 review.

How I tested the OXS Storm G2

Tested for a full day
Used with various platforms
Plentiful gaming experience

I tested the Storm G2 for a day, during which time I used it for gaming, listening to music, and watching video content. I connected to multiple devices via its various connectivity modes.

I played Counter-Strike 2, which is ideal for testing surround sound qualities and response times. I also played Gran Turismo 7 on PS5 and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom on Switch, which both offer different kinds of sonic experiences as they focus on different frequency ranges.

I have been gaming for over two decades, and during that time, I have experienced numerous headsets. I have also reviewed a number of them across a range of brands, varying in their price points, features, and form factors.

First reviewed: May 2025.
Read more about how we test

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Roborock Saros Z70: two-minute review

Roborock Saros Z70 review: price & availability

Roborock Saros Z70 specs

Roborock Saros Z70 review: design

Roborock Saros Z70 review: performance

OmniGrip arm

Vacuuming

Mopping

Dock functionality

Roborock Saros Z70 review: app

Should you buy the Roborock Saros Z70?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Roborock Saros Z70: alternatives to consider

How I tested the Roborock Saros Z70

INIU P51L-E1 Power Bank: review

INIU P51L-E1 Power Bank review: price & specs

Should I buy the INIU P51L-E1 Power Bank?

Buy it if…

Don't buy it if…

INIU P51L-E1 Power Bank review: Also consider

Acer Vero B247Y: Unboxing & first impressions

Acer Vero B247Y: Design & Build Quality

Acer Vero B247Y: In use

Acer Vero B247Y: Final verdict

Acer Vero B247Y: Unboxing & first impressions

Acer Vero B247Y: Design & Build Quality

Acer Vero B247Y: In use

Acer Vero B247Y: Final verdict

Dell Pro 27 P2725QE Plus: Pricing and Availability

Dell Pro 27 P2725QE Plus: Unboxing & first impressions

Dell Pro 27 P2725QE Plus: Design & Build Quality

Dell Pro 27 P2725QE Plus: In use

Dell Pro 27 P2725QE Plus: Final verdict

Dell 14 Plus: One-minute review

Dell 14 Plus: Price & availability

Dell 14 Plus: Specs

Dell 14 Plus: Design

Dell 14 Plus: Performance

Dell 14 Plus: Battery Life

Should you buy the Dell 14 Plus?

Buy the Dell 14 Plus if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

How I tested the Dell 14 Plus

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition: Unboxing & first impressions

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition: Design & Build Quality

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition: In use

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition: Final verdict

ThinkCentre M90a Gen 5: Price and Availability

ThinkCentre M90a Gen 5: Unboxing & first impressions

ThinkCentre M90a Gen 5: Design & Build Quality

ThinkCentre M90a Gen 5: In use

ThinkCentre M90a Gen 5: Final verdict

Aura Aspen: review

Aura Aspen review: price & release date

Aura Aspen review: specs

Should I buy the Aura Aspen?

Buy it if…

Don’t buy it if…

Aura Aspen review: also consider

How I tested the Aura Aspen

OXS Storm G2: two-minute review

OXS Storm G2 review: price and availability

OXS Storm G2 review: Specs

OXS Storm G2 review: design and features

OXS Storm G2 review: Performance

Should I buy the OXS Storm G2?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

OXS Storm G2 review: Also consider

How I tested the OXS Storm G2

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