As a press delegate at London Film Festival, your watchlist usually passes double figures – but after two weeks, the movie I'm still thinking about is Train Dreams. In all honesty, there's not a higher compliment you can give a film, especially one that most people haven't seen yet.
In an age where we want everything in an instant (including answers to the questions movies ask of us), it's a brave move to opt for a slow-burn story. It's even braver when said story isn't one familiar to most people, demanding that we go in with no prior knowledge to watch a deeply personal journey.
This is how to best experience the new Netflix movie, based on the Denis Johnson novella of the same name. Combined, the streamer and the story are demanding that we leave our brains and baggage at the door to live out the life and death of Robert Grainier, a lumberjack working on the railroads in the early 1900s.
Sure, there's plenty of steel being fashioned into tracks that ferry bemused passengers from A to B, but Grainier's occupation is the least interesting thing about his life. Joel Edgerton plays him with such an unguarded sense of masculinity that you cannot help being invested in his love of life, love, and the world around him (and that's just in a nutshell).
Train Dreams is the most beautifully understated Netflix movie of the year
On the whole, I cannot tell you how impressed I am with Netflix for gifting us Train Dreams. I was initially skeptical about whether a streaming platform would be the right fit, but being able to watch in the privacy of your own home echoes the personal intimacy we see reverberate through Grainier and the film itself.
Edgerton runs away with this, and it's all thanks to his commitment to vulnerability. On the surface, Grainier is the archetypal man's man – he routinely leaves his wife and kid at home to work seasonal lumberjack jobs, embodying the traditional masculine values of physical labor and strength, responsibility and self-reliance.
Yet Edgerton strips that all away to reveal a man who would do anything for his wife and daughter, revering them with just as much authority and respect as he would give to any man working alongside him. He's open about his emotions, letting himself break down in front of Gladys (Felicity Jones) and Claire (Kerry Condon) respectively as life becomes something he doesn't recognize and cannot grasp. He has wronged, and his conscience is restless because of it.
It's an astonishing portrait of a man enveloped in a lifetime of turmoil, and I cannot think of a better point in time for us to quietly unpack what it means to be a man than now. Life is tough, and Grainier has it a lot harder than most, and it all feeds into a beautiful invitation for introspection... something that's still actively shaping my worldview a few weeks on.
It's all about the meaning, but don't discount what you're seeing on screen
Felicity Jones and Joel Edgerton in Train Dreams. (Image credit: Netflix)
While the meditating on the not-so-brilliant fruits of Grainier's life of labor, what we're seeing on screen aptly reflects that. Train Dreams' aesthetic is one shrouded in mist, keeping secrets of the past and future at bay while we get lost in the present. The natural landscape of rural America is nothing short of astonishing, essentially becoming a secondary character or member of the Grainier family.
Train Dreams is a story tinged by longing, and I felt my heart and mind open up to something bigger while I was watching. I yearned for my love, my family, my sense of place, and of course to visit the film's gorgeous location, absorbing it with nothing else around me but my thoughts. While the subject matter is often provoking and difficult to process, these hope-filled moments – the kind we spend our whole lives looking for – act as a mental palette cleanser.
There are issues here too. For those who aren't a fan of the slow-burn, Train Dreams takes a noticeable length of time to properly stoke its fires, and that could be to its detriment once its release into the big wide world. I'd have like to have seen Condon's character Claire utlilized more evenly throughout the film (or at least give her more screen time after she's introduced), and I predict people may be left unsatisfied by the way Grainier's life ends. For me, it's the perfect salute to life's natural cruel streak.
Netflix is really hitting a stride of offering us everything in moderation this year, and Train Dreams is another successful string to its bow. In such a saturated release window (we're heading into Awards season, after all), I can see it being lost in the fanfare, but I cannot urge you enough to board this train for a ride that will leave you changed.
Train Dreams releases on Netflix on November 21, 2025.
Expectations are undoubtedly weighing heavily on the Marshall Bromley 750, which is the very first party speaker that the audio specialist has released.
Why? Well first of all, Marshall has had a pretty impressive run in 2025, nailing its typical Bluetooth speaker launches, like the Kilburn III, but also new product categories, like home theater. But also, Marshall’s first party speaker comes with a hefty price tag to match its hefty form factor. Specifically, it will set you back $1,299 / £899 / AU$1,799.
So, can the Bromley 750 maintain Marshall’s momentum in 2025 while also competing with the best party speakers around in spite of its considerable cost? Well yes, actually, it succeeds on both counts. Here’s why.
First of all, let’s talk sound – probably the most important aspect of any speaker! The Bromley 750 sounds as you’d expect. With its 500W of Class D amplification, you’ll get almighty bass output, but especially in Dynamic listening mode, you’ll still be treated to clear, defined mids and expressive, controlled treble.
One of the most interesting additions the Bromley makes is its sound character control. This lets you adjust audio on a scale of Dynamic to Loud. When you lean more towards a dynamic configuration, you’ll get a pleasingly nuanced, detailed listen, even in the absence of LDAC or aptX.
However, if you swing things the other way, there’s more of an emphasis on raw power. Bass is ramped up and you’ll get a less analytical listen, but this is very useful if you need maximum loudness for a giant outdoor area, for instance.
Whether you’re using Bluetooth, 3.5mm, or USB-C audio, you’ll be able to adapt EQ to suit your personal needs and taste – something I expect from all the best Bluetooth speakers. However, this doesn’t work with the XLR/6.35mm combo ports, which otherwise function without a hitch and offer delay/reverb effects via the speaker’s physical controls.
Perhaps my main criticism of the Bromley 750, though, is that its app is sort of disappointing. You can’t remotely adapt EQ for the speaker or alter sound characteristics, and there’s simply not that much to experience in there. That’s a shame given that the Marshall Heston 120 made great use of its revamped, feature-rich companion app.
Elsewhere, though, there’s still a lot to love about the Bromley 750. I was a big fan of its adjustable lighting, its impeccable 40-hour battery life and its high quality finish to name a few things.
Ultimately, the Marshall Bromley 750 makes for a fantastic debut in the party speaker world. It is expensive, even compared to some similarly-sized rivals, and app controls could be better. Still, this thing offers addictive audio, beautiful lighting, and plenty of playtime. As a result, I’d recommend it to those who have the cash.
(Image credit: Future)
Marshall Bromley 750 review: price and release date
$1,299 / £899 / AU$1,799
Launched in September 2025
The Marshall Bromley 750 released in September 2025 and is the audio specialist’s first ever party speaker. It has a list price of $1,299 / £899 / AU$1,799, meaning it's pretty pricey, but it is constructed of premium materials and delivers extensive battery life alongside powerful audio.
Marshall Bromley 750 review: specs
Weight
52.7lbs / 23.9kg
Dimensions
25.7 x 16.3 x 14 inches / 652 x 413 x 355mm
Connectivity
Bluetooth 5.3, 3.5mm, USB-C, RCA, 2x XLR/6.35mm combo jacks
Multiple ports, including XLR/6.35mm slots for karaoke / instruments
Entertaining range of lighting options
Impressive 40 hour battery life
The Marshall Bromley 750 is a versatile party speaker, and offers a range of connectivity options to help you keep things fresh. Of course, there’s Bluetooth 5.3, but there’s also USB-C and 3.5mm ports for wired listening.
Interestingly, though, if you look at the reverse side of the Bromley, you can also discover RCA ports for keyboards and turntables, as well as XLR/6.35mm combo ports for microphones and electro-acoustic guitars.
One of my colleagues performed Mama’s Broken Heart by Miranda Lambert using a mic, and it sounded great. The speaker has delay and reverb effects on-board too, and these worked very nicely indeed. The only other thing worth noting about this is that you can’t alter EQ while using the XLR/6.35mm combo ports, which some may hope for.
My favorite feature of the Marshall Bromley 750 is certainly its integrated stage lights. There are three different modes – an ambient setting, and two dynamic alternatives that react differently depending on audio output. The lights look absolutely fantastic, and really help to further immerse listeners in the music. You can also trigger a burst of strobe lighting by pressing the ‘M’ button.
Speaking of the ‘M’ button, its function can be altered in the Marshall app. But this isn’t the shiny new version of the app used by the Marshall Heston 120 soundbar: its the older variant. Unfortunately, the app feels a little underbaked. You can alter volume, listen to an Auracast broadcast, or adjust the standby timeout, but that’s about it.
I wish the app enabled EQ adjustment – something that you can access with physical controls. The app also omits control over the reverb and delay effects for karaoke and instrument use. It would also be good to have control over the new sound character feature – which enables you to tailor audio more towards a ‘dynamic’ or ‘loud’ style.
Back to the positives, though, and I have to say that the Bromley 750’s battery life is excellent. 40 hours of playtime for a speaker of this size? That’s phenomenal. A similar-sized rival like the JBL PartyBox 720 is capable of up to 15 hours, which is fairly standard – that really puts the Bromley’s massive playtime into perspective.
On top of that, the Bromley 750 has a replaceable battery, which means that even if your 40 hours of play run out, you can substitute another one in to extend the party. There’s no multi-speaker pairing, which some may miss, but otherwise there are a lot of features to enjoy on Marshall’s debut party speaker.
Features score: 4.5/5
(Image credit: Future)
Marshall Bromley 750 review: sound quality
Mighty 500W power output
Meaty yet regimented bass performance
Sound character control works great
The Marshall Bromley 750 isn’t necessarily the most powerful party speaker on the market, but believe me, it can get plenty loud enough for just about any setting.
I brought the speaker to the parking lot outside Future Labs and listened to some house tunes with my friends, and it was almost as if I threw my own mini-rave. In fact, one colleague inside the office noted that they could hear the Bromley while using ANC headphones – pretty impressive, right?
But it's one thing being powerful, and another sounding great. Luckily, the Bromley 750 does both.
When bumping Can’t Resist by Jamback, the high-pitched percussion cut through with intent, never sounding harsh, even at high volumes. Vocals in the mid range weren't obscured in the mix, either, even with the track’s deep bass pumping throughout. The rapid kick drum never sounded lethargic and low-frequency output was both textured and impactful. The speaker’s ability to reach down to 20Hz means that it can also handle sub bass with finesse.
Similarly, with Unknown Territory by Kolter, high-pitched percussive elements were expressive yet controlled, while the bass sounded seriously meaty – but also well-regimented. Spacey synths were also well separated, enabling a decently nuanced listen, even in the absence of higher-resolution audio codecs like LDAC or aptX.
The sound character control function works very well on the Bromley, and makes it a versatile speaker for more lowkey indoor occasions or busy outdoor gatherings. At the music testing room at Future Labs, I tuned into Are You Gonna Go My Way by Lenny Kravitz – it's only right to listen to some Rock on a Marshall speaker, after all.
Here, I set the dial almost entirely towards ‘Dynamic’. With this setting, bass was balanced, not overbearing, giving vocals the space to sound clear and defined. Now, when I tried cranking up loudness to the three-quarter mark and beyond, bass was too smothering for the setting, resulting in a more compressed, one-dimensional quality.
But again, this isn’t the sort of situation where you’ll need to depart too far from dynamic listening. And even outdoors or in large indoor spaces, you'll likely be able to keep the dial somewhere between Loud and Dynamic, where audio still sounds fantastic. Even if you do set loudness to the max, you’ll still be treated to almighty bass, and get all the power you need for use in a huge, busy outdoor environment.
One more thing – the Bromley 750 has an impressive soundstage thanks to the use of Marshall’s 360-degree true stereophonic sound. This works well, and creates a wide, well-adjusted sound from almost any listening angle.
Sound quality score: 4.5/5
(Image credit: Future)
Marshall Bromley 750 review: design
Classic Marshall look is a hit once again
Beautiful lights and physical controls
Very hefty, but handle makes it easy enough to transport
If you’ve read my Marshall Kilburn III review – or basically any piece about Marshall products – you’ll know that I typically love the way the audio specialist designs its products. And the story remains the same for the Bromley 750, which looks brilliant as well.
I adore the premium speaker grille and the way its shimmering lights beam behind it. I’m also partial to the faux-leather exterior, luxurious physical controls, and easily accessible connectivity ports.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room – the Bromley is one hefty lad. Yep, at 52.7lbs / 23.9kg, you may not think this thing is the easiest to lug around. But luckily, the Bromley is equipped with a suitcase-style handle and wheels, meaning you can roll it around to wherever you want to place it. Wheeling it rarely felt clunky, making it easy enough to transport.
On top of that, the Bromley has handles on either side if you need to lift it up some stairs, as I did.
Another aspect of design worth discussing is the Bromley 750’s IP54 rating. This means that it has some limited dust protection, as well as shielding against water splashes from any direction.
Now, is an IP54 rating anything special? Well, perhaps not. But still, for a speaker of this kind, it's certainly in-line with the competition. And it still goes a step further than many thanks to a drainage function, which dislodges any excess moisture in the case of a particularly rainy day, for instance.
Design score: 5/5
(Image credit: Future)
Marshall Bromley 750 review: value
Comes at quite the cost
But does offer plenty of quality in return for investment
Repairability can likely boost longevity too
The Marshall Bromley 750 is by no means cheap. It has a list price of $1,299 / £899 / AU$1,799, meaning that it will be a real investment – even compared to some rivals in this weight and size class.
For instance, the JBL PartyBox 720, which was released at around the same time, is not only more powerful than the Bromley 750, but cheaper too – $200 / £100 / AU$300 cheaper, to be exact.
In fairness, though, Marshall offers slightly better protection against the elements, much better battery life, and a more luxurious look than its rival from JBL. Is that worth the extra cash? Well, that will just depend on your needs and preferences.
Even if the Bromley is expensive, a couple of things make it well worth the investment. First of all, it's an absolute beauty. This thing is a statement piece – you won’t necessarily have to wheel it away to your garage for future use. It could conceivably fit into a living room set up for personal listening and for aesthetic purposes.
Secondly, the Bromley 750 is repairable, with Marshall offering authorized repair services as well as spare parts for its first party speaker. Pair that with the replaceable battery, and this model feels well protected against future wear and tear.
Of course, this is also an excellent-sounding, fairly feature-rich party speaker, so even if the price tag is high, you’ll get oodles of quality for the spend.
Value score: 4/5
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the Marshall Bromley 750?
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Features
I wish the app had more controls, but the lighting, connectivity options, and 40 hour battery life are excellent.
4.5/5
Sound quality
Powerful, regimented bass, effective sound character control, solid instrument separation.
4.5/5
Design
Mesmerizing lighting, luxurious exterior, splashproof with drainage system in place.
5/5
Value
Some more powerful rivals can cost less, but you get premium build and playtime in return.
4/5
Buy it if...
You’re a regular party host If you’re someone that loves to throw a good party every now and then, the Bromley 750 could be a great investment. Awesome audio, buckets of power, and karaoke capabilities… what more could you ask for?
You love the Marshall look If you’re a fan of the Marshall aesthetic, then you’ll almost certainly be rocking with the Bromley 750 as well. With an attractive faux leather exterior, high-quality grille, and gorgeous lighting, you’re in for a treat with this one.
Don't buy it if...
You’re looking for the ultimate value pick The Bromley 750 is an expensive beast, and a few similar-sized rivals are available for a little less too. Of course, you’re getting almost unbeatable battery life and fantastic build quality here, but you’ll have to assess whether that’s worth the additional spend over competitors.
You’re a little low on space If you don’t have a healthy portion of space, the Bromley 750 may be overkill for you. At 25.7 inches / 652mm tall and 16.3 inches / 413mm wide, this thing will require some serious room – and with a weight of 52.7lbs / 23.9kg, it's pretty heavy too.
Marshall Bromley 750 review: also consider
Marshall Bromley 750
JBL PartyBox 720
LG xboom Stage 301
Price
$1,299 / £899 / AU$1,799
$1,099.95 / £799.99 / AU$1,495
$299.99 / £299.99 / AU$449
Weight
52.7lbs / 23.9kg
68.3lbs / 31kg
14.7lbs / 6.7kg
Dimensions
25.7 x 16.3 x 14 inches / 652 x 413 x 355mm
16.4 x 37.1 x 16 inches / 416 x 942 x 406mm
12.3 x 12.2 x 11.1 inches / 312 x 311 x 282mm
Connectivity
Bluetooth 5.3, 3.5mm, USB-C, RCA, 2x XLR/6.35mm combo jacks
Bluetooth 5.4, 3.5mm, 2x XLR jacks
Bluetooth 5.4, 3.5mm, 6.3mm (mic/guitar) USB (MP3 playback)
JBL PartyBox 720 OK, we’ve not reviewed this one just yet (watch this space though), but it's one of the obvious rivals to the Bromley 750, so it's worth a comparison. The PartyBox 720 has much more in-your-face multicolored lighting, as opposed to the more ambient style of the Bromley 750 – some will like that, others may find it overbearing. As I mentioned earlier, this model is more powerful, yet still cheaper than the Bromley, though that comes at the cost of no dustproof rating and a significantly smaller (yet still solid) battery life.
LG xboom Stage 301 Here's something a little different (and significantly cheaper). The LG xboom Stage 301 is a wedge-style Bluetooth speaker that offers deep yet clean bass output, effective AI-assisted audio output, and immersive dual-bar lighting. It also supports karaoke and DJ modes. If you don't quite need all the power of the Bromley 750, this could be a strong smaller option for you. Read our full LG xboom Stage 301 review.
How I tested the Marshall Bromley 750
(Image credit: Future)
Tested across the course of one week
Used indoors at Future Lab and outdoors in a parking lot
Predominantly tested using Tidal
I tested the Marshall Bromley 750 across the course of one week, spending most of my time with it at the music testing space at Future Labs, but I also spent a while with it in the parking lot as well.
During the testing period, I spent hours on end blasting tunes from a variety of genres, with bass-heavy bangers and legendary rock ballads as starring players. I ran through the TechRadar testing playlist, which is standard practice for me when trialing audio gear, but I also tuned into some songs from my personal library.
When listening to music, I typically used Tidal, but I also tried bumping some tunes from my library on Spotify in light of the recent lossless update. I listened at a variety of angles and volumes, exhausted all of the lighting options, and messed around with the Bromley’s karaoke and instrument capabilities.
Light therapy is all the rage, with claimed benefits to reduce fine lines, acne and even skin conditions like rosacea, and a new brand has entered the fray in famed smart lighting brand, Nanoleaf. The immersive lighting brand’s all-new LED light therapy face mask offers seven light therapy modes (red, green, blue, cyan, yellow, purple and white), offering deeper penetration with near-infrared light (NIR).
There are perhaps quite a few better-suited parties than a smart home brand to wrangle the complex world of beauty, and that might just show in the soft landing of Nanoleaf’s first-ever LED light therapy face mask. Don’t get me wrong; I liked the device, but some refinements to its offering could have nudged it into a slightly higher score.
For instance, it lacks the cool product identity of Shark’s CryoGlow LED face mask, but it also doesn’t quite match up in the specs department. I’ll go more into depth in the performance section of this review, but in short, Nanoleaf’s light technology is just shy of recommended peak performance wavelengths across the board, and features some colored light therapies that haven’t been extensively studied that I wouldn’t want to evaluate without some research to refer to.
(Image credit: Future)
That being said, being a tech-first company does come with certain benefits, and Nanoleaf has clearly given some thought to how we use our devices. Unlike the CryoGlow and several other hard-shelled LED face masks on the market, Nanoleaf opts for a flexible silicone mask with cutouts for the eyes, nose and mouth, making it comfortable to wear and more easily portable.
Plus, you can detach the remote (which doubles as the battery housing), which means you can easily stow the mask in a suitcase when traveling, and it won’t bend or bruise as a result of being squeezed into your hand luggage.
As for the results; they’re not dramatic, but neither are the results I’ve seen from higher-grade LED face masks. If you want a value-focused LED mask, Nanoleaf will deliver, with some added frills you might not want or need. It’s a solid travel-friendly backup to a pricier model, too, if you’re an avid light therapy fan; but if you want to maximize results, you’re best off stretching your budget for a more effective mask.
(Image credit: Future)
Nanoleaf LED face mask review: Price and availability
Announced and released in early 2025
Costs $249 / £129 / AU$249
Affordable among LED face masks
The Nanoleaf LED light therapy face mask has a list price of $249.99 / £129.99 AU$249, though it’s worth highlighting that it's often listed at $199.99 in the US (which was its pre-tariff pricing). It can be purchased directly from Nanoleaf as well as third-party retailers such as Amazon.
Out of the box, the Nanoleaf LED light therapy face mask comes with eye socket cushions, the rechargeable controller, the charging cable, and velcro straps.
Nanoleaf is offering a much more affordable mask than much of its competition by cutting some corners when it comes to specs. My recommendations for the product are to use it as an entry point into light therapy, or as a travel-friendly stand-in for a more expensive and fully featured mask; that said, its US price is a little steep.
Value score: 4.5/5
(Image credit: Future)
Nanoleaf LED face mask review: Design
Flexible silicon
Detachable remote
Face fit will vary
Made from medical-grade silicone, Nanoleaf’s LED light therapy face mask offers a flexible form factor that’s nice and lightweight at just 258g. In use, it’s fairly comfortable; I found the eye holes to be too narrow and the mouth cutout to be too low, but for some, this won’t be an issue. The face fit otherwise is relatively good, though it’s pretty far from my chin.
The mask comes with silicone eye-socket cushions, which make the mask slightly more wearable and help to block out as much light as possible to protect your eyes during use; though some still seeps around. Its adjustable velcro head straps are fairly effective for keeping the mask in place, although if you have particularly silky hair or a lack thereof, it can slide around a little too much for my liking.
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(Image credit: Future)
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(Image credit: Future)
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(Image credit: Future)
On the underside of the mask are its 108 four-wick LED bulbs (432 LEDs total), which work across the mask's various light therapy programs to deliver results.
As the controller houses a lithium-ion battery, much like those for many light therapy masks, it’s unsuitable to be stowed in hold luggage during flights. This is where Nanoleaf’s understanding of tech-related lifestyle requirements is a benefit – you can unplug the controller to carry it in your hand luggage and stow the mask itself in your hold bag, making this one of the best LED face masks for travel.
Design score: 3.5/5
(Image credit: Future)
Nanoleaf LED face mask review: How it works
Nanoleaf’s LED light therapy mask has seven preset light therapy routines that address different skincare goals. However, it’s worth highlighting that there are very specific color wavelengths that have been studied and identified as potentially beneficial in skincare, those being blue (415nm), red (633nm), and NIR (830nm). In Nanoleaf’s LED face masks, these three treatments all fall just outside of the recommended range for peak performance. That doesn’t mean they won’t work, but as a budget mask, you shouldn’t expect it to provide quite as good results as a pricier model with better LEDs.
The only other direct color included is green, and the rest are combinations of these primary LEDs. These settings, including green, lack clinical evidence for efficacy and studies into potential risks, so use at your discretion. The mask is FDA-cleared, however, meaning it has been approved as safe for use by US regulators, but not for its efficacy.
Nanoleaf claims the mask offers the following treatments and benefits, each paired with an 850nm wavelength NIR:
Lights, wavelengths and benefits
Red
640nm
Stimulates collagen production and improves circulation to promote skin repair and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Green
520nm
Soothes sensitive skin, minimizes redness, and boosts lymphatic flow to reduce swelling.
Blue
460nm
Evens skin tone by reducing pigmentation of scars and age spots.
Yellow
640nm + 525nm
Calms irritation and redness to promote a refreshed, brighter complexion.
Cyan
460nm + 525nm
Kills bacteria and reduces oil production to treat and prevent breakouts.
Purple
640nm + 460nm
Combines red and blue light benefits to promote overall skin healing and reduce general skin imperfections.
White
640nm + 525nm + 460nm
Stimulates cellular activity across multiple layers of the skin to allow deeper penetration of skincare products, maximizing their effectiveness.
Nanoleaf recommends using the mask for 5-10 minutes three to five times per week, depending on your skin’s needs, and says that with consistent use, “a noticeable improvement in skin texture and tone should be visible after 4 to 6 weeks.”
(Image credit: Future)
Nanoleaf LED face mask review: Performance
Various treatments for different skin needs
Battery life sufficient
Decent results, but needs consistency
I tried two full cycles of Nanoleaf’s face mask in my testing: the blue and red light treatments, so I had a more solid comparison point against Shark’s Cryoglow. Worth highlighting up front is that these results are never permanent; all light therapy masks require continued regular use to reap the benefits.
Its red light therapy for inflammation reduction seems promising, and if that’s your priority, this more affordable mask might just be the best way to treat fine lines and wrinkles. After a 4-week cycle with four treatments per week, I noticed some small improvements to fine lines and repair to skin damage.
Blue light, for me, didn’t seem to work nearly as well, and I’d say overall there are better masks that offer more immediate results for acne sufferers; for me, I think my skin benefits from having room to breathe during treatment, which this skin-tight model doesn’t afford. After four weeks of use, my acne didn’t show any discernable changes as it had with the Shark Cryoglow, but there are of course ample outside factors that color results here.
As I’m writing this review I’m trying out the Cyan mode, as oily, acne-prone skin remains my biggest skincare challenge, but it’s too early to say if I’m seeing any significant results; however once again I feel the mask’s closeness to my skin might just negate any benefits from the light therapy here, as I’m often more oily after a treatment than before.
Where the Nanoleaf loses the most points is in comfort. It’s made of malleable silicone, which does make it more travel-friendly, but it’s a lot less enjoyable to wear. It gets a little warm under there, and especially given that I did some of my testing through sticky UK summer heat, that has made for some unpleasant me-time. It’s a bit loose around the jaw, too, and the velcro straps do slip around some.
As you can see, the mask sits naturally about 1cm lower on my face than where it should (Image credit: Future)
The eye holes are also too small, meaning the light can leak out a fair amount, which isn’t the best thing for your eyes. Add to that the fact that, for my face at least, the holes don’t quite line up, particularly around my mouth, and this ill-fitting design can lead to further discomfort.
Battery life, at least, is more than sufficient; it lasts around three hours (enough for around 15 10-minute treatments) on a full charge, and recharges in just over an hour.
Despite some moderate results from treatment and mild discomfort, Nanoleaf’s mask is, at its price point, a solid performer and a great choice for those first-time light therapy users.
Performance score: 4/5
Nanoleaf LED face mask review: scorecard
Category
Comment
Score
Value
A fairly affordable mask for its relatively good specs.
4.5/5
Design
Not the most comfortable, but travels well.
3.5/5
Performance
Noticeable results, but not peak effectiveness
4/5
Nanoleaf LED face mask: Should I buy it?
Buy it if...
You’re looking for a travel-friendly mask
With its detachable battery and controller unit, Nanoleaf’s LED face mask is much easier to travel with than some alternatives.
You’re on a budget
Nanoleaf’s LED face mask is a great budget option, especially if you can find it on sale.
Don't buy it if...
You want peak power and performance
With some of the light therapies falling outside of recommended wavelengths, you’re not getting peak performance from this mask, though it’s by no means bad.
You want a relaxing spa companion
Sure, beauty is pain, but I’m not sure self-care needs to be uncomfortable, and this mask can run pretty hot, and may not fit your face comfortably.
(Image credit: Future)
How I tested
I tried two full treatment cycles using Nanoleaf’s LED face mask with the scientifically backed Red and Blue light therapies in order to assess how well it performed over time.
Through my daily use, I was able to consider the comfort, design features and benefits for the device, but I also compared it against my experience with the Shark CryoGlow.
I’ve been testing beauty products for four years, informing myself on the latest trends and research in order to provide reliable, relatable recommendations based on my in-person experience.
The Epson Lifestudio Flex Plus follows up on last year's Epson EpiqVision Mini EF22 portable projector, but this time, Epson is leaning far more into the lifestyle aspect of the design with a more extensive fabric wrap, colorful LED underlighting, and a funky monopod stand.
Under the hood, the Epson Lifestudio Flex Plus offers a sizable upgrade over the EF22 thanks to the 4K projection system, but otherwise still uses the same 3LCD tech and has the same 1,000 ISO lumens brightness spec.
It’s nice to see the 4K resolution since larger images really benefit from it. But picture quality with the Lifestudio Flex Plus otherwise isn’t terribly impressive, with weak contrast, minor ghosting and motion hiccups, and a brightness level that really requires a dark room.
As for the rest of the package, having only one HDMI port is a limiting factor and the built-in Sound by Bose speakers provide just average sound quality. And even though the stand allows for flexible aim, it doesn’t offer anything that other examples of the best projectors with built-in stands don’t.
While the $999 price tag puts the Epson Lifestudio Flex Plus on the affordable side for a 4K projector, it still has to square off against the oft-discounted price of the brighter, more colorful JMGO N1S Pro 4K and the slightly brighter, slightly more expensive, but more versatile Hisense M2 Pro.
Epson Lifestudio Flex Plus review: Price & release date
The Lifestudio Flex Plus has built-in lighting that can change colors and lets it do double-duty as a mood lamp (Image credit: Future)
Release date: September 2025
MSRP: $999.99 / £1,149.99 / around AU$1,536
The Epson Lifestudio Flex Plus has just launched, and it lands with a retail price of $999.99. Given its newness, it’s unlikely to see any considerable discounts in the near term. This puts it in a tough spot as it has to face off against pricier rivals like the JMGO N1S Pro 4K, which has a retail price of $1,999 but has seen discounts as low as $1,099 since its launch.
Epson Lifestudio Flex Plus review: Design & features
Ports include HDMI with eARC and USB-C for powering the projector with a portable battery pack (Image credit: Future)
All-in-one system
Integrated stand with a unique lamp feature
Quick, automatic adjustments
Epson has attempted to make the Lifestudio Flex Plus a bit more than a simple piece of tech. While the main portion of the projector is a little box that’s pretty typical of lifestyle projectors, it sits on a unique pole stand that allows for flexible aim and raises it to showcase the bottom-mounted LED lamp.
With taps on the top of the projector, the lamp switches its lighting scheme, offering some fun and colorful light shows or settling into a basic white. It’s a kind of fun gimmick, though with ambient light being the enemy of dimmer projectors, it’s also an odd choice. Even more odd, there’s no controlling the LED lamp with the remote, so you’ll have to touch the projector if you want to turn it off while watching.
The projector has a stylish design with a fabric wrap on its lower half and a wood-grain top, leaning more into accent furniture than a typical piece of tech. Still, it looks a little awkward standing on its monopod leg.
The stand is functional with a sturdy base, easy rotation, and a 105-degree vertical tilt. This lets you aim the projector straight up to project on ceilings (though it requires moving a small plastic panel on the rear that doesn’t serve much purpose other than aesthetics). The stand can also tilt down slightly if you need to project from a high-up place.
While it’s nice to have an integrated stand, this one doesn’t prove as helpful as some of the others I’ve seen lately. The Hisense M2 Pro’s stand, for instance, provides similar vertical shifting but also allows the projector to flip upside-down, which is even more convenient for projecting from high places than having the ability to tilt down, as it can avoid keystone adjustment.
The Epson Lifestudio Flex Plus can make it easy to get up and running. It has automatic focus, keystone adjustment, and obstacle avoidance. This squares the image with the wall and crops it into the available space on your wall or screen. Cropping the image this way isn’t entirely ideal, as it sacrifices resolution and overall brightness in the process, but it’s quick and convenient if you move the projector around often.
Though the Lifestudio Flex Plus doesn’t have an internal battery, it does encourage portability with its small size and ability to run off a USB-C charger battery pack with 100-140W of USB PD output.
The projector features an eye-protection feature to avoid harming anyone’s eyes, pets included, if they walk in front of the projector’s path. While many projectors have similar features, on the Epson Lifestudio Flex Plus, they are quick to activate and conveniently pause video playback so you don’t miss a beat.
The Lifestudio Flex Plus integrates Google TV for easy streaming, and with Wi-Fi 6, it can get a consistent, high-speed connection. Google TV was generally responsive during my testing, though it had the occasional hitch when loading up video. The system includes its own stereo speakers as well for a complete all-in-one package.
If you don’t want to rely on the Lifestudio Flex Plus’s built-in streaming and speakers, the projector’s single HDMI port supports HDMI eARC to send out audio. There’s a 3.5mm audio port on the back as well, and a USB-A port to play back local media. If you plan to connect a game console to the projector, ALLM is supported, which automatically switches the projector to a low-latency Game picture mode.
The Lifestudio Flex Plus comes with a basic remote. It has the standard Google TV control wheel, which makes navigation pretty simple. Brightness and volume controls are on their own pill-shaped buttons that make them easier to locate. There are also a few app shortcut buttons and an input-selection shortcut, though that might as well just be a shortcut to HDMI. The remote doesn’t include any backlighting, which makes it harder to use in a dark home theater environment.
Design & features score: 4/5
Epson Lifestudio Flex Plus review: Picture quality
4K resolution
Limited brightness, color gamut, and contrast
Some motion handling issues
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The projector's color balance is natural, but blacks can look elevated in dark movie scenes (Image credit: Future)
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(Image credit: Future)
The Epson Lifestudio Flex Plus is a fine projector, but it doesn’t offer a remarkable home theater experience. With a brightness level that hits just 1,000 lumens, it’s simply not up to the task of delivering a dazzling picture, and it especially struggles with ambient light. To make the most of the Epson Lifestudio Flex Plus, you’ll need to turn out the lights and get blackout curtains or use it at night.
Even in the right conditions, picture quality with the Epson Lifestudio Flex Plus is still just average, though its 4K picture has impressive detail. Color looks fairly natural, though the projector’s color gamut isn’t as wide as with some triple-laser models I’ve tested in recent years. The plus side is that, with Epson’s 3LCD tech, there are none of the rainbow artifacts you’ll find with DLP projectors.
Blacks on the Epson Lifestudio Flex Plus are rather elevated. When watching relatively dark movie scenes, it fails to reach very dark levels, even with active contrast enabled. This harms the overall experience as dark scenes simply lack richness, and letterboxing is all too visible.
The projector also suffers a bit from ghosting. This doesn’t rear its head much in brighter scenes, but it shows up in darker ones. Watching Warfare, it cropped up big time after the IED explosion during the team’s first evac attempt, with the soldiers moving through the explosion of dirt and sand, followed by ghosting trails that made the scene a blur.
The projector's Google TV smart TV interface (Image credit: Future)
Motion interpolation is enabled by default on the Lifestudio Flex Plus. This can be useful in some limited contexts, such as panning shots, but it makes for unnatural motion from people and inaccurate smoothing in animation. Though it’s generally better with the feature disabled, the projector can stutter from time to time during panning shots, even with just light motion.
The mixed projection experience is matched by the middling Sound by Bose speakers. They can put out enough volume to get by in a 150-square-foot room without distortion. But, they suffer from the typical TVwq speaker issue: if the volume gets loud enough to hear the dialogue, the action and music are too loud. Conversely, if the action and music are at the right volume, the dialogue becomes too quiet to hear clearly.
Picture quality score: 3/5
Epson Lifestudio Flex Plus review: Value
Epson's remote control is serviceable but lacks backlighting (Image credit: Future)
High price tag
Price is still competitive for category
Performance equivalent to competition
The Epson Lifestudio Flex Plus puts everything you need for a modest home theater into a single, $1,000 package. Its performance is generally good, and while that would have gone a long way a couple of years ago, the portable projector space has gotten incredibly competitive since then.
Rivals from JMGO, Xgimi, Hisense, and Dangbei provide a ton of new options, while older projectors have had discounts. Some of these offer similar features and higher brightness without costing much more, and that reality hurts the Epson Lifestudio Flex Plus’s value.
Value score: 3/5
Should I buy the Epson Lifestudio Flex Plus?
The monopod stand provides upward and downward tilt motion (Image credit: Future)
Epson Lifestudio Flex Plus
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Design and features
Fun design with a useful stand that makes it easy to aim at a wall or ceiling. It’s an all-in-one device as well, giving you speakers and a streaming platform. While it has its own DC power adapter, it can also run on USB-C power
4/5
Picture and sound quality
Natural-looking color and a 4K resolution. But the brightness and color gamut are underwhelming, an an elevated black level limits contrast. Sound quality too is just average
3/5
Value
While it’s nice to get an all-in-one package, the picture and sound quality isn’t impressive compared to some recent competitors that fall in the $1,000-$1500 price range
3/5
Buy it if...
You struggle with rainbow artifacts If you look at projectors and see a frequent blend of rainbow colors, you’re experiencing a common issue with DLP projection technologies. Epson’s 3LCD tech avoids this issue entirely. View Deal
You like the style The Epson Lifestudio Flex Plus puts its best foot forward with a kind of fun and funky look. It’s part projector, part party lamp. View Deal
You want a projector that can run off USB-C power While USB-C ports are becoming widespread, very few projectors have used it. The Epson Lifestudio Flex Plus is one of the few to let you power it from USB-C, giving you a convenient option for pairing it with a portable battery pack, even if most won’t be able to run it for very long.View Deal
Don't buy it if...
You don’t have a dark viewing space Limited brightness holds the Epson Lifestudio Flex Plus back. If you want a good viewing experience, you’ll need a very dark space, and even then the contrast on this model is weak. View Deal
You want vivid colors Color on this projector looks natural, but triple laser projectors have a big edge when it comes to color gamut coverage, which especially benefits 4K HDR content. You can find similar models with triple laser tech at competitive prices. View Deal
Your projector placement is strict This projector’s automatic software adjustments are useful for frequent repositioning, but it doesn’t have optical zoom or lens shift, so you’ll sacrifice resolution and brightness if you can’t set the projector in the ideal spot and have to instead rely on its software correction. View Deal
With its far brighter and more colorful picture, the JGMO N1S Pro 4K is a serious threat to the Epson Lifestudio Flex Plus. It may have a list price double that of the Epson, but recent discounts bring it to a much more competitive $1,099.
A predecessor to the Epson Lifestudio Flex Plus, the EF22 is still flexible, equally as bright, and has mostly similar picture quality. It may not offer 4K resolution, but as an older model, it should be easy to find at a discount.
If the USB-C capabilities of the Epson Lifestudio Flex Plus catch your attention, then the Anker Nebula Mars 3 may be even further up your alley. Instead of convenient charging for on-the-go use, it has its own built-in battery. For home theater use, it falls a bit behind, though, with just 1080p resolution and a mono speaker.
Tested at home in multiple, real-world viewing conditions
Presented the display with a variety of media and formats
I have tested numerous projectors and displays over the last half-decade
I tested the Epson Lifestudio Flex Plus at home, in real-world conditions. This saw it faced with ambient light coming in from numerous windows, in-room lighting, as well as ambient noise that both the projector and speaker systems had to overcome. The projector was tested both with a bare, white wall and an Akia Screens CineWhite screen. It was presented with streamed content, both HDR and non-HDR.
My testing evaluates the projector’s performance with respect to its price and competition from other models I and colleagues at TechRadar have tested.
I have been testing projectors since 2021 and displays for even longer.
Once Upon is a photo book service designed around making photo book creation as accessible as possible. The idea is that having the Once Upon app on your phone will make it easier to build a photo book as things happen, rather than as an afterthought.
This “quicker and easier” approach means the photo book options on offer are fairly limited compared to other photo book services I’ve tested, as Once Upon only offers square books in two sizes: medium, which measures 20 x 20cm, or large, which is 27 x 27cm.
Both options are available in hardcover, with an additional softcover option for the medium size.
Prices start from $19 / £16 / AU$35 for a 20-page medium photo book with a softcover, rising to $25 / £21 / AU$45 for a hardcover.
Additional silk matte or semi-gloss pages can be added at a cost of $0.85 / 42p / AU$1.40. The larger photo book starts at $35 / £26 / AU$55, with extra pages costing $1.05 / 62p / AU$1.70 each, which is cheaper than many of the services in our best photo books guide.
In total, the cost for my large 28-page hardcover photo book with silk matte paper came to £30.96 (about $42 / AU$65), but I got it for £28.22 thanks to a 25% discount that was available at the time.
The shipping cost was perfectly reasonable, and it should be in the US and Australia too, as Once Upon also has manufacturing sites in those regions. There’s an estimated production and delivery timeline of five to seven days in the UK, potentially rising to 10 business days in the US and Australia.
There’s no option to expedite, but this is an acceptable turnaround and quicker than some photo book providers, which can take a couple of weeks depending on where the book’s manufactured.
In this photo book’s case, I placed the order on a Tuesday afternoon and received the finished article the following Monday, which is an impressive turnaround of four working days.
(Image credit: Future)
As the brand's ethos is centered around it, it made sense to use the Once Upon app on my iPhone to create this photo book, but I experimented with the browser-based app, too.
Both offer the same features; however, the app provided helpful tips in the form of pop-ups as I started building my photo book.
These included general hints about how to drag, drop, and swap photos, along with important tips like warning me to check that nothing important was positioned over the crease when I applied a photo across a spread.
I could tell from the outset that this photo book service is tailored toward those who want to keep things simple. There was a grand total of two layouts on offer for the front cover, which consisted of having the title at the top or the bottom.
It was fortunate I wanted the outer cover to be black, as Once Upon only offers black or white.
There was the option to crop and rotate the cover image, with portrait, landscape, and square presets with fixed ratios, but that was the closest I got to fine-tuning anything.
Needless to say, this isn’t the photo book service for you if you want to have any creative input.
(Image credit: Future)
When I tried to add our TechRadar twist to the front cover, I found there were only three editable elements: the cover image, title, and subtitle.
The features are so stripped back that I wasn’t even able to change up the font of the subtitle. I wasn’t exactly spoiled for choice when it came to the title font either, as there was a choice of just four styles to choose from.
While I can appreciate the allure of a simple design process, some flexibility is needed to ensure you can adjust the composition of your images.
The fixed ratios of the cropping tool and inability to tweak a photo’s position within its frame meant that our two-page spread of a rocky seascape was cut short, spoiling the shot.
One function I haven’t often seen from other photo book services is the ability to copy a page spread to other books I’m working on.
Rearranging the spreads was pretty easy, too, as I just needed to hold down the tab on the top right of the spread before dragging and dropping.
When adding photos, they’re automatically arranged by the date they were taken, rather than the date they were uploaded. This may not be a problem if you’re creating a memory book of all your holiday snaps, but if you’re collating photos taken on different dates, it could prove irritating.
(Image credit: Future)
Unlike other photo book builders, like the one from Mixbook, for example, images cannot be uploaded to an album first, and I couldn’t even select a layout before adding photos to the spread.
I could upload my photos to the spread one at a time or in batches, and they’d be arranged into a layout for me.
They also appeared in an image list at the bottom of the page, but it proved to be redundant, as I wasn’t able to drag and drop them onto the page; I could only select each photo to see the same options I’d get by clicking on the photo itself a smidge further up the page.
When I did want to swap photos, I could do so simply by dragging and dropping them within the two-page spread, though I could see this leapfrog approach getting a little tedious if I needed to swap more than a couple. As was the case with the cover photo, only basic image adjustments were available.
I had to repeatedly click on the layout button for the photos to cycle through different preset arrangements, of which there were only around ten, though there were technically a few more if I hit the mirror button to change what appears on the left or right page.
(Image credit: Future)
While some may appreciate this simplicity, I really didn’t enjoy not being able to compare the different layouts easily.
The basic features and restrictive layouts definitely weren’t my cup of tea, but they do at least keep the process of creating a photo book simple and make the Once Upon app easy to master.
I was pleased with how simple and efficient it was to share my Once Upon photo book, as it’s always nice to have the option to build a photo book with others, especially after a big event or holiday.
After I’d shared the link or QR code, I could see a list of active co-creators once they’d created an account. I also had the option to remove co-creators if required, and there was a simple but useful security feature that deactivated the shared link and generated a new one, offering more control over who has access to the project.
The book builder easily handled two people working on the photo book simultaneously. It took around a second to show the changes made by my co-creator, and it didn’t falter when new pages or photos were being added simultaneously.
(Image credit: Future)
My first impression of the finished Once Upon photo book was positive. The book arrived in good condition, and the colors of the aurora on the cover photo really popped.
Directly comparing the outer cover of the Once Upon photo book against the others we’ve reviewed revealed that the black of the book's outer cover lacks depth, has a slight yellow hue to it, and is a tiny bit streaky upon closer inspection.
All this being said, the front cover looks nice enough overall, and is satisfactory considering it cost less than £30 and was printed in the UK.
(Image credit: Future)
I was fairly happy with the paper quality overall. The paper didn't feel overly thin, but in lighter areas, I could see some show-through from black text and darker images from the opposite side of the page.
On the plus side, the satin finish performed as advertised – I didn’t need to wear museum-grade gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints on the dark cover or the book's pages, which is a bigger advantage than you may think.
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(Image credit: Future)
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(Image credit: Future)
The printed photos look satisfyingly crisp and bright, and are of a much higher standard than the printed results from the SnapFish photo book.
I was very pleased to see that there was minimal posterization, which was notable in quite a few of the photobooks we’ve received, particularly in shots showing subtle color gradients in the sky.
In fact, the print quality in this Once Upon book has been the most comparable to our photo book from top-of-the-class Blurb I’ve seen so far, which is high praise indeed.
The print quality in our Once Upon book (top) was pleasingly similar to the results from our favorite photo book from Blurb. (Image credit: Future)
But as eye-catching as the print quality was, other elements of the photo looked unnatural due to the automatic image improvements that had been applied.
In places, these caused our images to look overly enhanced, especially those featuring black clothing or dark backgrounds, which were overexposed to compensate.
The color accuracy of our shots was also affected by the auto enhancement, as the colors became a little too vivid, and may have been more so if I’d opted for semi-gloss, as the silk matte paper is advertised as delivering toned-down colors in comparison.
(Image credit: Future)
This isn’t glaringly obvious, but it was noticeable when I compared them directly against our other photo books and the original photographs.
These enhancements probably won’t cause any issues when applied to sunny holiday snaps or everyday photos, but it’s worth bearing this in mind if your photos feature a lot of dark elements.
Fortunately, this automatic image improvement is voluntary, and it’s easy to request that the shots in the photo book aren’t enhanced in pre-production by unticking a box at the editing stage.
The automatically enhanced prints from Once Upon book (top) didn't look true to life, but still looked great quality, even when compared to the Blurb photo book. (Image credit: Future)
In essence, Once Upon isn’t going to be the photo book service for you if you want to have any creative input.
It is, however, a great choice if you’re looking for a service that’ll make the decisions for you, as all you really need to do is pop your photos and captions in, and enjoy your low-cost photo book with fantastic print quality once it arrives.
Should I buy the Once Upon photo book?
Ease of use
As promised, it was really straightforward to create a basic photo book in the Once Upon app. The entire process is simple from start to finish, enabling you to create a photo-filled book from your smartphone.
5 / 5
Editing tools
To say the app was lacking in design tools would be a major understatement. Customization was severely limited, meaning you simply can't unleash your creativity with this photo book service.
2 / 5
Print quality
Automatic enhancements aside, the prints were clear and vibrant, with minimal posterization. Plus, the material finish proved delightfully resistant to fingerprints.
4.5 / 5
Value
While the Once Upon photo book service has its flaws, the quality of the prints is fantastic for the price, and superior to many of the more expensive photo book services we've tested so far.
4 / 5
Buy it if…
You want high-quality prints for less While not perfect, the print quality was pretty darn impressive, and not far off the results from the more expensive photo book that’s currently the top choice in our buying guide.
You want your photo book fingerprint-free Though marks may well build up over time, the finish on this photo book was noticeably more forgiving than the others I’ve tested, as the outer cover and pages didn’t collect fingerprints during my evaluation process.
You want a super simple design process Creating a photo book on the Once Upon app is about as far from complex as you can get, as all you need to do is upload your photos and click a button to cycle through layout options.
Don't buy it if…
You want to get creative While the basic design process may prove beneficial to some, it can feel incredibly restrictive if you want any control over composition and layout.
You want reliable automatic enhancements It’ll probably work perfectly well for sunny holiday snaps, but the auto image enhancement didn’t play well with our darker photos, so there’s a risk of some photos looking overexposed.
You want high-quality paper The print quality is great, but the show-through of darker elements from the other side of the page was disappointing. Plus, the images would look even sharper if the paper were of a higher spec.
Once Upon photo book review: also consider
Blurb If you want better color accuracy, and you’ve got a bit more to spend, then it’s well worth considering a photo book from Blurb. The app-based designer offers precise and flexible design tools, and the prints were detailed and vibrant, while still looking true to life, making this a particularly good choice for creatives wanting to showcase their work. If you’d like to learn more, take a look at our full Blurb review.
Printerpix If you’re keen to avoid complex design processes, but want a little more creative freedom, then Printerpix is the service for you. There are 163 layouts and 18 themes to choose from, and adding elements and photos was as simple as dragging and dropping, so it’s easy to customize the design. The printed result was also pleasing, though we did notice some posterization with subtle color blends. For more information, read our full Printerpix review.
How I tested the Once Upon photo book
I created a photo book from scratch to recreate our TechRadar photo book
I explored the Once Upon app, testing the different features and tools
I ordered a photo book and assessed the quality of the finished product
I explored the Once Upon app on my iPhone and the web browser on my MacBook. I assessed how easy the creation process was, starting with a blank canvas and using the tools available to recreate our TechRadar photo book. Recreating an existing design is important so that we can assess how capable the different services are when faced with different requirements.
I ordered my completed photo book and evaluated the finished product against the collection of photo books we’ve already tested, paying close attention to quality, print finish, alignment, and making notes of any imperfections.
When the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X (and its less powerful, slightly more affordable ROG Xbox Ally) handhelds were announced earlier this year, it came as a bit of a surprise.
For years, there had been rumors that Microsoft was working on an Xbox-focused handheld games console. The success of Nintendo’s handheld/home console hybrid Switch (and its follow-up, the Switch 2), plus the emergence of PC gaming handhelds like the Steam Deck, made those rumors seem even more likely.
However, the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X was a surprise because, despite the name, this is not a handheld Xbox console. It’s, in fact, yet another PC gaming handheld with Xbox branding and a few choice upgrades. This is not a bespoke bit of hardware built from the ground up with a dedicated gaming operating system that finally brings the ease-of-use of games consoles to PC gaming handhelds. Instead, its hardware is very similar to the existing Asus ROG Ally X, a powerful gaming handheld I reviewed last year, but it still uses that awkward combination of Windows 11 (an operating system designed for traditional PCs and laptops) with a console-like interface placed over it to make launching games using the handheld's controls easier.
In fact, the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X actually makes it a bit more awkward as it adds two interface overlays on top of Windows 11 – Asus’ Armoury Crate software, like its Ally and Ally X predecessors, which can be used to launch games, as well as the new Xbox Full Screen Experience, which adds a console-like interface to Windows 11. All of these extra layers, while essential for making Windows 11 usable on a handheld device, mean that the slick experience of using a console is again missing from the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X, especially when you start needing to update different bits of software at different times.
It almost seems like the Xbox brand could hinder the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X more than help it. Not just because of the negativity around the brand at the moment, but because, like other PC gaming handhelds, your enjoyment of this device will depend a lot on your expectations, and I worry that the Xbox connection could lead to people going in with the wrong expectations.
So, this isn’t a handheld console with games and software designed to maximise performance on a set hardware configuration, and sold at a loss to keep prices down and increase adoption.
Instead, the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X is very much a premium PC gaming handheld, with all the pros and cons that brings.
For existing fans of PC gaming handhelds, like myself, that means a huge amount of flexibility, especially if you’re comfortable with leaving the console-like interface and digging into Windows 11 for some good old-fashioned tweaking. So, you can install other game launchers, games from various sources, and as the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X is running the full version of Windows 11, you can even install desktop applications such as Microsoft Office.
Hook it up to a USB-C dock, including Asus’ own ROG Bulwark Dock, and you’ll be able to attach any peripheral (including monitors and TVs) that works with Windows PCs, rather than having to rely on officially licensed (and therefore expensive) accessories. You can even uninstall Windows 11 and install a rival operating system, such as the Linux-based SteamOS. These are all things you’d never be able to do with the Switch 2, or (I’m fairly sure) any future official Xbox handheld console.
On the cons side of things, being a PC gaming handheld means dealing with an operating system that still isn’t fully designed to be used with a handheld device, and this can mean menus and dialogue boxes opening with text that’s too small to read on the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X’s 7-inch screen, and some parts of the interface that are tricky to navigate via touch or controller. Usual PC annoyances, like various update requests and the occasional crash, are also present, and while PC gamers will no doubt roll their eyes and boot the game back up, console-only gamers probably won’t be as forgiving.
(Image credit: Future)
For example, while playing Cyberpunk 2077 on the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X (which initially involved me going through the Xbox app to launch Steam in Big Picture Mode – another interface – to then launch the game), Windows 11’s command prompt window opened up and loads of text appeared on the screen, before disappearing. As someone used to PC gaming, I wasn’t too annoyed. Obviously, some app was updating in the background, but it did mean that I could no longer control the game until I had made Windows 11 focus back on the game’s window. During that time, I was killed by enemies (in-game, I should add).
For a PC gamer, this is a frustration, but nothing too out of the ordinary. For a console gamer used to how things work with Nintendo or Sony consoles, this could be a truly baffling ordeal that makes them not want to pick up the device again.
It also means that to get the best gaming performance from the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X, you’re going to have to do some tweaking to a game’s graphical settings. For seasoned PC gamers, this isn’t a problem – and for some, it’s even part of the fun. For people used to consoles, where games are made to a limited number of hardware specifications, developers can set these options so the game launches with the best combination of graphical settings and performance. If you buy the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X knowing that this is a handheld gaming PC, you might not be disappointed, but as I mentioned earlier, the use of the Xbox brand might mean people aren’t getting what they expected.
Graphically demanding open-world games like Cyberpunk 2077 proved to be too much for the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X, unless you seriously drop some of the graphical settings. However, games like Forza Horizon 5 run brilliantly without too many compromises made to graphics settings, and less graphically demanding (yet still great-looking) games such as Hades II and Hollow Knight really shine.
However, perhaps the biggest stumbling block for people expecting a handheld console, rather than a handheld gaming PC, is that the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X comes with an incredibly high price tag - $999.99 / £799.99 / AU$1,599. Even the more affordable ROG Xbox Ally still comes with a $599.99 / £499.99 / AU$999 price tag.
In comparison, the Nintendo Switch 2 starts at $449.99 / £395.99 / AU$699.95, while the Xbox Series X (a much more powerful device) launched at $499 / £449 / AU$749.
In the context of handheld gaming PCs (and PC gaming in general), however, the price isn’t quite as much of a shock (though that doesn’t make it any better value). The ROG Ally X launched at $799.99 / £799 / AU$1,599, while the MSI Claw 8 AI+ costs $999, and neither of these aren’t quite as powerful as the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X. You’d also be hard-pressed to find a gaming laptop or gaming PC for under $1,000 these days.
While it's probably the best premium handheld device on the market, because of the high price and the feeling that the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X still fails to offer a truly console-like experience, this is a niche product in an increasingly competitive space, and the Xbox tie-in won’t be quite enough to make it stand out.
Asus ROG Xbox Ally X: Price & availability
How much does it cost? Starts at $999.99 / £799.99 / AU$1,599
When is it available? Goes on sale October 15, 2025
Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia
The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X goes on sale on October 15, 2025, for $999.99 / £799.99 / AU$1,599. This is an incredibly high price tag for a console, though it’s becoming increasingly common for handheld gaming PCs.
The Nintendo Switch 2, for example, starts at around half the price at $449.99 / £395.99 / AU$699.95. Even premium consoles like the PS5 Pro come in a lot cheaper at $699.99 / £699.99 / AU$1,199.
While the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X is more powerful than the Switch 2, offers portability that the PS5 Pro lacks, and features the versatility of a gaming PC (you’re not tied to a single storefront, can install full Windows 11 applications and even new operating systems) that consoles lack, it means for people expect console-like prices for a gaming device branded with the Xbox logo, the actual price will come as a shock.
To soften the blow somewhat, there’s also the lower-powered ROG Xbox Ally, which costs $599.99 / £499.99 / AU$999 and puts it closer to the Nintendo Switch.
In the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X’s favor, PC games are usually cheaper than console editions, and because you’re not tied to a single store, you can shop around for the best deals. Valve’s Steam, for example, often has huge sales, while the Epic Games Store gives away free games every week. Over the years, the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X could end up costing you less than a Nintendo Switch.
(Image credit: Future)
Due to the Xbox branding, it’s no surprise that the Xbox app that acts as the main interface pushes Microsoft’s Xbox store, and makes a big deal of Game Pass, Microsoft’s game subscription service, which was once dubbed ‘the best deal in gaming.’
‘Once’ is the operative word here, as Microsoft’s recent price hikes of Game Pass couldn’t really have come at a worse time, as it no longer feels like the huge deal it once was. Game Pass for PC now costs $16.49 / £13.49 / AU$19.45 per month, and while there are cheaper Game Pass tiers that include PC games, it feels like this is a service that will continue to offer less value.
Meanwhile, the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X seems a bit more competitively priced compared to PC gaming handhelds – though it’s still one of the most expensive you can buy. The ROG Ally X launched at $799.99 / £799 / AU$1,599, while the much lower-powered Steam Deck OLED costs $549 / £479 / AU$899.
As with other gaming PC handhelds, if you’ve already got a substantial library on Steam or Epic Games Store, for example, you’ll be able to install and play them on the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X without having to buy them again, which, again, could help lower the overall cost of the ROG Xbox Ally X over its lifespan. Xbox owners should also be able to play their games without having to rebuy them, and if you’re already subscribed to Game Pass, you can now use that subscription for both consoles and PC (even the cheapest ‘Essential’ tier).
Value: 2 / 5
Asus ROG Xbox Ally X Specs
There are two versions available: the high-end ROG Xbox Ally X and the more affordable ROG Xbox Ally.
Asus ROG Ally X specs
Component
Asus ROG Xbox Ally X
Asus ROG Xbox Ally
Display
7-inch FHD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 16:9
120Hz refresh rate
AMD FreeSync Premium (Variable Refresh Rate)
Corning Gorilla Glass Victus + DXC Anti-Reflection
7-inch FHD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 16:9
120Hz refresh rate
AMD FreeSync Premium (Variable Refresh Rate)
Corning Gorilla Glass Victus + DXC Anti-Reflection
CPU
Octa-core AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme Processor
Quad-core AMD Ryzen Z2 A Processor
Graphics
AMD Radeon Graphics
AMD Radeon Graphics
RAM
24GB LPDDR5X-8000
16GB LPDDR5-6400
Storage
1TB M.2 SSD
512GB M.2 SSD
Port selection
1x USB4 Type-C with DisplayPort 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.0, Thunderbolt 4 compatible, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DisplayPort 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.0, 1x UHS-II microSD card reader (supports SD, SDXC and SDHC; UHS-I with DDR200 mode), 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack
2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DisplayPort 1.4 / Power Delivery 3.0, 1x UHS-II microSD card reader (supports SD, SDXC and SDHC), 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack
Weight
715g
670g
Dimensions
290.8 x 121.5 x 50.7mm (WxDxH)
290.8 x 121.5 x 50.7mm
Battery
80Wh
60Wh
Asus ROG Xbox Ally X: Design
Similar design to Asus ROG Ally X
Grips make a big difference to comfort
microSD slot makes adding more capacity easy
Despite the branding, the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X is first and foremost clearly an ROG Ally device, and that means it share a lot of the design with the ROG Ally X. This includes the non-symmetrical analogue thumb sticks on either side of the screen (with LED rings around each one), left-hand D-pad, face buttons (X, Y, B and A, all in the same location, though not colored, unlike the ROG Ally X), front-facing speaker grilles, top USB-C ports, microSD port, volume controls and a power button that includes a fingerprint reader.
Triggers and bumpers are all in the same place, as are the Command Center, View, Library, and Menu buttons, so if you’re used to playing on a ROG Ally, you’ll find the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X very familiar. Asus’ ROG branding is still present on the body and on the bezel beneath the screen.
One of the biggest changes to the design is the addition of the Xbox button to the left of the Command Center and View buttons. While the Command Center button opens up Asus’ Armoury Crate interface to launch games, the Xbox button opens up Windows 11’s Xbox Game Bar, which lets you change settings and launch games from there. A long press of the button brings up the Task View, which lets you swap between open apps and games using the controls, which is handy.
(Image credit: Future)
Other than that, the Xbox button does a very similar job to the Command Center button – it just opens a different overlay.
The biggest difference in design, however, is with the two grips on either side of the ROG Xbox Ally X (and the non-X version), rather than the curved 90 degree angled corners of the Ally X. These make the ROG Xbox Ally X look and feel more like a game controller, and while I’m pretty used to the more boxy design of the standard ROG Ally X (which is similar to most PC gaming handhelds, including the Steam Deck), the grips make a big difference to how comfortable the ROG Xbox Ally X is.
Playing Sonic Generations (thanks to its mashup of classic 2D platforming and modern 3D, it’s a great game for playing on these powerful handhelds, especially for those of us who always dreamed of a follow-up to the Sega Game Gear handheld) felt comfortable and intuitive on the ROG Xbox Ally X, with the responsive-feeling buttons in easy-to-reach locations. I also found that the grips helped with overall comfort when playing, as it meant the corners of the device weren’t resting in my palms, as with the Ally X. The grips also meant it didn’t feel like my palms were taking the brunt of the weight of the ROG Xbox Ally X – instead the weight felt much better distributed, reducing fatigue during long play sessions.
(Image credit: Future)
When it comes to the 7-inch screen, it’s not the best you’re going to find on a handheld, but games look good.
The 1080p resolution hits the sweet spot between graphical fidelity without stressing out the hardware. Its 120Hz refresh rate and support for AMD FreeSync Premium Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) mean fast-paced games look and feel snappy and responsive, and during my time, I saw no sign of screen tearing in the games I played.
However, the IPS panel pales in comparison to the OLED panels found in the likes of the Steam Deck OLED. This means colors aren’t as vibrant, and contrast levels aren’t as striking. Viewing angles are also diminished, with the colors getting a bit more washed out when you’re not looking at the screen directly from the front. Of course, as this is a handheld device, that’s not much of an issue, as you’ll be holding and viewing the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X directly in front of yourself, but anyone hoping for a premium display to go alongside the other high-end components in the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X, as well as its very high price, may be disappointed.
Design: 4 / 5
Asus ROG Xbox Ally X: Performance
Better performance than ROG Ally X
Best suited to less graphically-intensive games
Xbox Fullscreen Experience doesn’t fix my main issues with Windows 11 on gaming handhelds
3DMark Port Royal: 2,006; Fire Strike: 9,141; Time Spy: 4,033 GeekBench 6.5: 2,788 (single-core); 12,883 (multi-core) F1 231080p (Ultra) 14fps Cyberpunk 2077: 1080p (Ultra) 8.49fps Web Surfing (Battery Informant): 7:53:15 hours PCMark 10 Battery Life (Gaming): 2:56 hours
The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X is noteworthy for being one of the first handhelds (along with the MSI Claw A8), which features AMD’s latest Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip, which has been built from the ground up for handheld PCs (the Xbox Ally comes with the lower-powered AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor).
The Z2 Extreme aims to offer a tempting mix of high performance and high efficiency, so modern games should run well without the battery depleting too fast. The 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM is certainly very generous (it’s more than a lot of gaming laptops come with), which keeps Windows 11 and all the various different launchers and interfaces feeling reasonably spritely. It even means multiple games can be open at once, making it quick to switch between them, though this has big repercussions for the performance and battery life of the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X.
(Image credit: Future)
The Z2 Extreme isn’t just a processor; it also has an integrated graphics processor. As far as integrated GPUs go, the Z2 Extreme is impressive, powered by AMD’s RDNA 3.5 technology, which again has been designed for gaming handhelds.
While this has exciting implications for the gaming performance of the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X (and other handhelds powered by the Z2 Extreme chip), it’s also important to keep expectations in check. If you’re a PC gamer, you’ll know that an integrated GPU will not provide as much performance as a discrete (dedicated) graphics card, and while it’s obvious that Asus was never going to be able to fit a desktop-class GPU into a portable handheld, laptop GPUs have come a huge way in recent years, allowing the best gaming laptops to rival gaming PCs when it comes to game performance.
(Image credit: Future / Microsoft)
The reason I bring this up is again to set expectations correctly. With its integrated graphics, the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X simply can’t offer the same kind of gaming performance that a gaming laptop around the same price (don’t forget, this thing retails for around $1,000) can achieve when playing demanding triple-A games.
For example, I loaded up Cyberpunk 2077, and on the default graphics settings, the game felt sluggish and unresponsive. Changing the graphical settings to the ‘Steam Deck’ preset, which was added to the game to make it run on a much less powerful handheld, got better results, with the game hitting an average of 30fps, which is playable, though not exceptional.
When compared to the Acer Nitro V 15, a budget gaming laptop that’s far from the most powerful laptop, and costs around the same price, you’re looking at around 230fps, with higher quality graphics settings.
Of course, it’s undeniably impressive that a game like Cyberpunk 2077 can run at all on a device that you can hold in your hands, but it’s also clear that if you want pure gaming performance for your money, you’re better off getting a gaming laptop.
A lot of the premium price tag is because of the handheld factor, and while it’s certainly a more portable and convenient way of playing PC games than a gaming laptop, you’ll have to weigh up if that’s enough to sacrifice gaming performance. When the Steam Deck launched in 2022, this sacrifice was much easier to make, as the handheld cost $399 / £349 for the model with the least amount of storage space, while the high-end model cost $649 / £569. The lesser performance was far easier to swallow as there simply was no competition – not just because PC gaming handhelds were in their infancy, but because there were no gaming PCs or laptops at that price point.
The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X has a much harder job of justifying its price – there are more handhelds to choose from, for a start, with Asus’ main rivals such as Acer, Lenovo, and MSI all having their own handhelds on the market, not to mention the recent Nintendo Switch 2.
The $999.99 / £799.99 / AU$1,599 price tag also means that there are gaming laptops that are viable alternatives.
In our benchmark tests, running Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p at Ultra settings, the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X managed a very spotty 8.49fps. The older ROG Ally X managed 4.94fps in the same test. Now, you could say that’s a near doubling of performance, but when the results are still that low, that’s not saying much. F1 2023 showed similar results, with the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X hitting 14fps at 1080p and the highest settings, while the Ally X scored 7fps.
While running these games at such high settings is done for stress testing the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X, in reality, you shouldn’t be trying to play these games with everything set to max, and with a bit of tweaking, these games can run much better, but at the cost of graphical quality. These benchmarks do show, however, that the Z2 Extreme chip offers a boost to performance over the Z1 Extreme in the ROG Ally X, at least. The performance difference isn’t enough, however, for ROG Ally X owners to feel like they need to upgrade.
The relatively disappointing AAA performance shouldn’t come as much of a surprise to anyone keeping an eye on PC gaming handhelds, but for newcomers who see the Xbox branding, along with the very high price tag, might expect a level of game performance that will lead to disappointment.
Forza Horizon 5 was a much better experience, with the optimized settings of the game allowing for solid and fluid performance whilst also looking really good, and is a fine showcase for the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X.
The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X excels, as with other gaming handhelds, with less graphically demanding games, especially from indie developers. Hades 2, for example, looks, plays, and sounds (thanks to the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X’s powerful speakers) utterly fantastic, as does Hollow Knight.
Games that focus on art direction rather than pushing the envelope when it comes to cutting-edge graphics, along with gameplay that suits the kind of pick up and play style that a lot of us use handhelds for, really do shine on the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X, and thanks to its support for a large range of stores, including Steam, Epic Games Store and GOG.com, you have access to thousands of great indie games, some of which you might have otherwise not played.
The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X is also a great device for revisiting older games, and no other gaming platform has the back catalogue of PC. As I mentioned earlier, playing Sonic Generations on the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X was a brilliant experience with fast, fluid action and graphics that still look great on a 7-inch screen.
As with many other PC gaming handhelds, the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X runs on Windows 11, and as I said in my ROG Ally X review, Microsoft’s operating system just isn’t suitable for gaming handhelds.
(Image credit: Future / Microsoft)
The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X attempts to fix that with the ‘Xbox full screen experience’ – an interface similar to the one found on Xbox consoles, and therefore much better suited to gamepad controllers (rather than a mouse and keyboard). Because the usual Windows 11 experience is so poor on gaming handhelds, this was the most exciting part of the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X for me.
However, while it’s a move in the right direction, the Xbox full-screen experience doesn’t go far enough and ends up being a disappointment.
This is because, rather than a bespoke version of Windows 11 designed for handhelds, which many of us have been wanting, the Xbox full-screen experience still runs on the standard Windows 11 operating system, and the Xbox full-screen experience is simply a full-screen app that opens on startup. If you stay within the Xbox full-screen experience, using it to buy games and launch games you’ve bought from the Microsoft Store, the experience isn’t bad at all.
(Image credit: Future / Microsoft)
However, there are still times when Windows 11 makes its presence known, usually when there’s a new update or the operating system encounters a problem. You’re then left trying to work with an interface designed for larger screens, and a mouse and keyboard combo, by jabbing the touchscreen.
There are some nice features of the Xbox Full Screen Experience – I particularly liked the idea behind the Handheld Compatibility Program, which highlights games in the Xbox Store that are optimized for gaming handhelds, and by loading them up, their settings should be configured so you can get playing without having to tweak.
It’s similar to what Valve does with its SteamOS operating system, with Steam Deck Verified games, and it’s a great way to bring a console-like simplicity to running games. Meanwhile, ‘Windows Performance Fit’ is designed to give you an idea of how well a game will play on your device (in this case, the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X) without having to look into specifications and minimum requirements (something us PC gamers are fine with).
(Image credit: Future / Microsoft)
The reason why I say I like the idea behind these features, rather than liking the features themselves, is that while reviewing the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X, most games I checked out in the Xbox Store didn’t have a rating for the Handheld Compatibility Program. This is something that will probably come later as the Xbox team works to validate games. To be fair, that’s the same thing that happened with Valve – it took quite a few months before enough games were given a Steam Deck Verified status for the feature to be useful.
Another issue is that this only seems to work with games on sale from the Xbox Store. Microsoft has, to its credit, allowed you to launch games that you’ve bought from rival stores, but it does feel like you’re not getting the full experience. None of the games from other stores appear to be part of the Handheld Compatibility Program, and icons are very basic; there’s no additional information about the games. For games bought from the Xbox Store, you get much nicer-looking icons, and the game pages that open when you launch the game are full of information.
Essentially, you feel like you’re being punished slightly for buying a game from anywhere other than the Xbox Store.
Buying from another store also means opening a new app, sometimes one that’s not designed for a handheld. Steam, at least, has its Big Picture Mode, but that means you have yet another, different interface running.
Asus’ own Armoury Crate SE interface, found in the regular ROG Ally handhelds, is also present and correct, and for some tasks, you need to use that. It can all get a bit confusing, and it is a far cry from the unified experience that consoles offer. Valve, with its custom SteamOS operating system, comes closest to this, but you’re limited to Steam games unless you start tweaking.
Because I’ve been playing on my ROG Ally X for quite a while, I’ve come to appreciate Armoury Crate SE. It’s not the best-looking interface, but it works with a controller and lets you run games from various sources, which means the Xbox Fullscreen Experience feels a bit superfluous, adding yet another interface on top of others.
It’s understandable that the Xbox interface pushes you to buy through the Xbox store, but be prepared to also get other Microsoft services forced onto you. Unsurprisingly, Game Pass is highlighted throughout the interface, and there’s a dedicated menu item for it. There’s also a Cloud gaming part of the interface, but this is exclusively for Xbox Cloud Gaming – which is a part of Game Pass. Adverts for games on the Xbox Store also appear on the home screen, and there’s a dedicated Xbox Store section of the interface as well.
This is all fine in principle – Valve does similar with SteamOS – and if you are already part of Microsoft’s Xbox ecosystem and signed up to the likes of Game Pass, then this interface will likely work really well.
But if you’ve got a big Steam library, are subscribed to a rival cloud gaming platform like GeForce Now, and have no interest in Game Pass, then you’ll again feel like you’re not getting the whole benefit of the Xbox Fullscreen Experience. You can run all of those, but you’d be better off using the Armoury Crate SE interface, which sort of undermines some of the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X’s selling points.
Overall, the performance of the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X when gaming is good but doesn’t blow away the competition (especially with demanding games), and outside of gaming, the problems with Windows 11 persist. The new Xbox Full Screen Experience is welcome (and is coming to other handhelds in the future), but it’s yet another overlay, rather than a brand-new operating system, and its usefulness will depend on how invested in the Xbox ecosystem you are.
Performance: 4 / 5
(Image credit: Future)
Asus ROG Xbox Ally X: Battery life
Improved power efficiency
Lasts just under three hours of intensive gaming
The AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip inside the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X has been designed to offer a balance between performance and energy efficiency, which means performance when using the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X on battery is better than the Z1 Extreme of the Ally X.
As with the Ally X, the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X features different ‘Operating Modes’ which change the amount of power the handheld uses depending on certain situations. For the most part, it uses the ‘Turbo’ setting, which runs the Z2 Extreme at 25W, giving more performance but at the cost of battery life (it automatically switches to this mode when plugged in, as obviously then battery life isn’t an issue). There’s also ‘Performance’ mode and ‘Windows’ mode, which both run at 17W, and ‘Silent’ mode, which offers the longest battery life, but at the cost of performance.
You can switch between these modes by pressing the Command Center button to bring up the Armory Crate interface and selecting the mode you want. This is a pretty easy process, but it does highlight the issue I have with the addition of the Xbox Fullscreen Experience – while you can use that interface for various tasks, you can’t use it to switch power modes, you need to use Armoury Crate, so rather than getting a unified and cohesive interface, you end up having a more disjointed experience as you switch between the various interfaces.
The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X comes with an 80Wh battery (the ROG Xbox Ally has a smaller 60Wh battery), and along with Armory Crate’s power profiles, the Xbox full-screen experience has been designed to pause certain processes and tasks, making Windows 11 use less power when you’re playing games.
All of this work to make the battery of the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X last as long as possible is great to see, as short battery lives are a common complaint with PC gaming handhelds, and to keep these devices as portable as possible, manufacturers are limited by how big a battery they can include, so maximising power efficiency is key.
In our battery benchmarks, the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X lasted just short of eight hours when browsing the web. This sounds pretty impressive, but this isn’t a device you’re going to be doing much web surfing on. In our gaming battery benchmarks, the battery depleted a lot faster, lasting just under three hours, which is about what we expect from a PC gaming handheld. With some tweaking, and depending on what game you play and how demanding they are, you may be able to eke out longer battery times.
If you play games via cloud streaming services like Xbox Cloud or GeForce Now, the battery life should be closer to the web browsing times.
However, it’s clear that while Asus, AMD, and Microsoft’s efforts to maximise efficiency are commendable, the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X doesn’t buck the trend of handheld devices that can’t go too long when playing games on battery.
Battery Life: 3 / 5
Should you buy the Asus ROG Ally X?
Asus ROG Xbox Ally X scorecard
Value
This is an incredibly expensive gaming device, with a price tag that's hard to justify.
2 / 5
Design
A premium design, plenty of ports and the addition of grips means it's a good looking (and feeling) device.
4 / 5
Performance
AAA open-world games struggle, but with some tweaking you can get good results, and indie games run fantastically.
4 / 5
Battery Life
Battery life is around what you'd expect from a PC gaming handheld.
3 / 5
Total
The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X is a capable gaming handheld, but it doesn't quite offer the console-like experience many of us were hoping for.
4 / 5
Buy the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X if...
You’re already in the Xbox ecosystem The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X really excels if you already have a games library bought through the Microsoft or Xbox stores, and if you’re signed up to Game Pass.
You want a powerful gaming handheld The Z2 Extreme is an impressive chip, which makes the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X one of the most powerful gaming handhelds on the market – and it’s certainly more powerful than the Nintendo Switch 2.
You want a secondary device to play your games when traveling Asus ROG Xbox Ally X’s performance might disappoint people who use it as their primary gaming device, but as a portable alternative that gives you access to your game library while you’re travelling, it’s a great (if expensive) choice.
Don't buy it if...
You’re on a budget The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X is incredibly expensive, making it hard to justify for most people. The less-powerful Asus ROG Xbox Ally is a more affordable option that, while still expensive, might be a better choice.
You want pure performance The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X is powerful by handheld standards, but it can’t compete with gaming laptops. If you want the best performance for your money, then this isn’t the device for you.
You want a console-like experience The new Xbox Fullscreen Experience is certainly a step in the right direction, especially if you stick with buying games from the Xbox Store, but Windows 11 remains an inelegant operating system for handhelds.
8.8-inch QHD+, 144Hz, 500 nits, 97% DCI-P3 color gamut
CPU
AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme Processor
AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme
AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme
Graphics
AMD Radeon Graphics
AMD Radeon Graphics
AMD Radeon Graphics
RAM
24GB LPDDR5X-8000
24GB LPDDR5X-7500
16GB LPDDR5X (7500Mhz)
Storage
1TB M.2 SSD
1TB M.2 2280 SSD
Up to 1TB M.2 2242 SSD
Port selection
1x USB4 Type-C with DisplayPort 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.0, Thunderbolt 4 compatible, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DisplayPort 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.0, 1x UHS-II microSD card reader (supports SD, SDXC and SDHC; UHS-I with DDR200 mode), 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack
2x USB Type-C ports, 3.5mm headphone jack, microSD slot
Weight
715g
678g
854g
Dimensions
90.8 x 121.5 x 50.7mm (WxDxH)
280.2 x 114 x 36.9mm (WxDxH)
298.83 x 131 x 40.7mm (WxDxH)
Lenovo Legion Go The Lenovo Legion Go comes with the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip. and a larger, higher-resolution, and faster 8.8-inch screen, and costs quite a bit less. It doesn't offer the same amount of RAM or SSD storage space, however.
Asus ROG Ally X The original ROG Ally X remains on sale, and is cheaper than the Xbox model. It features the older AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip, which still offers good performance for indie games, and the Z2 Extreme doesn't offer a big enough upgrade to make this model feel outdated.
I played various games on the ROG Xbox Ally X every day before writing this review. The games ranged from lightweight indies like Hades 2 to more visually-intensive games like Forza Horizon 5, Sonic Generations, and AAA games like Cyberpunk 2077.
I also ran various benchmark tests to stress the hardware, including game benchmarks with the highest graphical settings and upscaling tech disabled. When gaming, I tweaked the graphics settings and enabled upscaling to get the best possible performance – this often meant dropping the graphics to their lowest settings.
We pride ourselves on our independence and our rigorous review-testing process, giving attention to the products we review and making sure our reviews are updated and maintained, regardless of when a device was released – if you can still buy it, it's on our radar.
Let me cut right to the chase: the OneOdio Focus A6 are the best budget headphones I’ve ever used. Loud, bassy, attractively designed and sporting sturdy software support, they offer everything you could reasonably ask for from a pair of sub-$100 cans. And then some.
Just how much have OneOdio’s affordable (but definitely not cheap-feeling) over-ears impressed me over the course of a month's testing? I have such a high opinion of them, I’ve actively chosen to use these cans in my free time over my Apple AirPods Max. And for context, Crew Cupertino’s high-end headphones normally retail for over five times what OneOdio is currently asking for the Focus A6s – and yes, both models can do USB-C wired Lossless audio.
There’s so much to like here and, well… hear. I can honestly say the Focus A6s are comfortably the best headphones I’ve ever reviewed that clock in at well under $100 / $100. Incredibly well-balanced at both high and low ends, they can electrify your ears during searingly accurate vocal performances while also rumbling your lobes when you crave the deepest bass lines.
When it comes to software, OneOdio has gone above and beyond with these headphones. A simple-to-use yet pleasingly sophisticated companion app outshines the offerings of some far pricier cans, making the Focus A6s an ideal choice for music buffs or even gamers thanks to its software’s various tweakable features.
Though noise cancelling on the Focus is strong, but not quite class-leading, the A6s still do an admirable job of dampening down distracting outside sounds mid-hectic commute. Throw in AI-bolstered mic features that help strengthen vocal performance during calls while also quietening your surroundings, and you’re looking at a set of budget over-ears that overdeliver at their price point. And that’s before your factor in their support for Bluetooth 6.0.
Considering they cost less than 60 bucks, the Focus A6s really are astounding. There’s no other set of cans I’ve enjoyed reviewing more in 2025. With that said, there are other options at this price point that are seriously worth considering. Be it the near peerless 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 or the Sony WH-CH520. When it comes to the best cheap headphones, options are plentiful.
I currently have more pairs of headphones in my apartment than I do shoes and I don’t say it lightly when I declare the OneOdio Focus A6s are now my favorite. Yes, that does include the aforementioned Apples. I’m legitimately amazed the Chinese firm has delivered such an impeccable set of cans at a barely believable price for the quality on offer here.
Read on, and I’ll tell you exactly why the Focus A6s aren’t just the most pleasantly surprising set of headphones I’ve perhaps ever tested, but are also some of the best cans available right now. Holy smokes do I love these headphones.
(Image credit: Future / Dave Meikleham)
OneOdio Focus A6 review: Price and release date
Release date: July, 2025
Price: $55 / £55 / AU$112 (approx.)
The OneOdio Focus A6 have been on global release since July 7, 2025. Available in both Midnight Black and Ivory Blush, these cans retail for an extremely reasonable $55 / £55 / around AU$112 on Amazon and many other major sites.
I’ve already seen the A6s go for lower than the official MSRP in semi-regular sales here in the UK, so don’t be surprised if these excellent over-ears drop to even more bank balance-friendly prices when Black Friday season swiftly swoops around.
Aggressively priced isn't the half of it...
OneOdio Focus A6 review: Specs
Weight:
240g
Drivers:
40mm
Battery life:
75 hours; 40 hours (ANC on)
Active noise cancellation:
Yes
Connectivity:
Bluetooth 6.0; USB-C wired Lossless support
(Image credit: Future / Dave Meikleham)
OneOdio Focus A6 review: Features
Above average ANC
Intuitive to use, robust app
AI-enhanced call features
If the OneOdio Focus A6s were to cost $255 rather than $55, I’d still consider their feature set to be strong. But at the latter, ultra-attractive price? Damn, these over-ears are tough to top in the budget category.
First and foremost, they’re future-proofed up the wazoo. These are some of the earliest Bluetooth 6.0 headphones to hit the market, and though I didn’t have any such devices on hand to test them with, I massively appreciate OneOdio including such a forward-looking feature in such cheap cans.
Next up, Active Noise Cancelling (ANC). Here, the A6s once again prove they’re no slouch. While I have heard superior ambient sound-slaying features in the best noise-cancelling headphones, OneOdio has nevertheless delivered a set of over-ears that can subdue most of the distracting outside sounds most daily commutes bring about.
The firm claims that with ANC enabled, there’s a 98% increase in noise reduction. In real-world terms, on several noisy train journeys, that number seems generous in the extreme when comparing ANC On with Transparency modes. Still, enabling noise cancelling definitely does make a difference, even if it’s not quite a game-changing one.
As someone who loves the out-of-box audio the Focus serve up, I still appreciate the fact there’s an optional and extensive OneOdio app. Once installed, said software allows you to access additional Wind Noise Reduction and Wind-resistant Transparency modes. Even better? You can also enable three preset EQ modes, plus a further three custom ones, with little fuss.
Tweaking bass and treble sliders is very definitely my bag and I’m particularly fond of the A6s’ generous suit of custom EQ settings. The features don’t stop there, though. Thanks to this cleanly designed app, you can also enable a handy Find My Headphones mode, dual device connection settings and a Gaming Mode which reduces audio latency to just 0.065s.
The A6s’ AI-powered microphones also make these cans a top choice if you regularly make and take calls. Although I didn’t test them under the most glamorous conditions – most of my time with the Focus’ mic involved phoning the bank about my home insurance – I found that audio was always clear. Considering my apartment doesn’t always support the best data signal, the fact the people I was calling never had an issue hearing me didn’t go underappreciated.
With one foot in the future, and the other very firmly imprinted on all the audio features you expect in 2025, OneOdio has done a great job at offering users an option-rich set of headphones. The breezy yet broad-reaching companion software is very much the sumptuous cherry atop a delicious sonic sundae.
Features score: 4 / 5
(Image credit: Future / Dave Meikleham)
OneOdio Focus A6 review: Sound quality
Loud, bass-filled, detailed sound
Confident audio clarity at high, mid and low ends
Superb for songs, shows and movies
Ah, the biggie. The OneOdio Focus A6s utterly smash it here. From a pure performance standpoint, these are the boomiest, best-rounded over-ears I’ve listened to since my beloved Apple AirPods Max. There’s not much to fault on the A6s' sound quality.
To prefix the songs I tested on the Focus A6s, I battled against every fiber of my 40-year-soul and tried to embrace the kidz… with surprisingly ear-arousing results. Somewhat indebted to No Scrubs by TLC, Tinashe's No Broke Boys is a bass-bringing banger. Despite rocking a chorus with machine-gun-rapid lyrics that could shake tectonic plates, the A6s’ mightily impressive bass never overly distracts from the words being sung.
Sombr’s fellow chart-conquering mega hit 12 to 12 also thrills on OneOdio’s headphones. The retro-facing synth-pop star’s latest once again brings the bass big style, despite the astonishingly chinned musician’s larynx sounding like it could soar through clouds. It’s a spellbinding and complementary mix of frequencies that really shows off the A6s’ range. Yes, I’ll admit: I ‘might’ have a thing for the low end.
Seeing as my knees have yet to disintegrate, and I’m desperately trying to stay relevant, arguably the song of 2025 Golden by KPop Demon Hunters sounds utterly fabulous on the A6s. Somehow dovetailing between soul-stirring treble highs and a bassline that’s deeper than the Mines of Moria, it’s as strong an advert for the Focus’ incredibly assured all-round audio as I can think of.
Speaking of which… wow. I could not resist listening to my most beloved piece of movie music ever on the A6s. With the first teaser for The Rings of Power season 3 recently revealed, I simply had to relive my favourite movie musical moment from the 2001 epic that started it all. The great Howard Shore’s The Breaking of the Fellowship is one of the silver screen scoring's most uplifting orchestral pieces I’ve ever heard. Its swelling strings sound as sweeping as all of Middle-earth on OneOdio’s first-class headphones.
If you want a solid, sweaty workout worthy of the A6s’ all-round variety, and are interested in watching one of the best streaming shows of 2025, please consider Alien: Earth. I had a chest-bursting chuckle catching up with the sci-fi prequel’s first six episodes on the Focus.
In episode 2 Mr. October, the skittering high-frequency clawing of a Xeno’s ghastly feet, followed by the good ol’ squelchy mids of a barely alive victim, proceed with a straight-up WWE style move from H.R. Giger’s iconic beastie (that brings a glass-breaking frog splash) – all this is just electrifying audio. Looking to watch some of the best Disney Plus shows on your tablet? Definitely consider the Focus A6 based on Earth’s ear-delighting dread.
Sound quality score: 4.5 / 5
(Image credit: Future / Dave Meikleham)
OneOdio Focus A6 review: Design
Comfort is never an issue
Build quality exceeds the price tag big time
A winning retro look
The Focus A6s look classy without ever trying too hard to grab your attention. These are grown-up headphones for users who want minimalist cans that still rock some unique flair. They aren’t overly showy, but once you get used to their particular aesthetic, I’m sure you'll appreciate them.
Probably the most eye-catching aspect of the Focus are their “CNS-machined CD pattern, nano-sandblasted, anodized aluminum finish” earcups. Apologies if I’ve just made you want to regurgitate your most recent meal with some PR guff. In real world speak, some lovely materials combine to create cups that bring to mind the look of classic vinyl.
This bold build quality combines with classy flickers of gold on the Midnight Black model I’ve been testing. I had to look hard for the fine detail that has gone into the design of the Focus, which is to be applauded.
They're also very comfortable, which is important for headphones that boast such strong battery life. While I appreciate the stylish metallic top of the Focus A6, my lobes are bigger fans of some supremely comfy earcups.
Over dozens of hours of listening, the fit of the Focus never once bothered my ears. Not only do the cups provide constant comfort, the fact they also snappily rotate 90 degrees with minimal effort is another big box ticked.
The power on/off, volume up/down and ANC buttons are also easy to navigate on OneOdio’s latest cans. I almost never had difficulty discerning between the different controls after a brief period of getting acclimatized to their location.
My only slight criticism? On a few occasions, I found the on-cup controls to be a little too sensitive. Something I discovered when accidentally turning off these cans while leaning back a little too quickly on the reclining chair in my living room.
Overall, though, the A6s are confidently designed headphones that show a pleasing eye for detail if you really peer at their earcups.
Design score: 4.5 / 5
(Image credit: Future / Dave Meikleham)
OneOdio Focus A6 review: Value
Quality cans delivered with almost no cut corners
Sound better than over-ears that cost triple their price
The Focus A6 are nothing short of tremendous value for money. Packed full of features, well built, boasting both super-strong audio and top-tier battery life, the OneOdio Focus A6 are a stunning price at just $55 / £55. Heck, I’ve even seen them go for a tenner less in my native Blighty since their release just a few short months ago.
Let me make this as clear as I can: I’m struggling to think of a better value set of high-quality budget over-ear headphones I’ve ever had the pleasure to use… and I’ve been buying cans for a quarter of a century. Yes, I’m roughly as old as the Great Pyramids of Giza.
Value score: 5 / 5
(Image credit: Future / Dave Meikleham)
Should I buy the OneOdio Focus A6?
Section
Notes
Score
Features
Stacked at the price point; excellent, easy-to-use app for EQ setting tweakage.
4 / 5
Sound quality
Big, full bass; few are the cheap headphones that are this satisfying.
4.5 / 5
Design
Subtly gorgeous earcups and oh so comfortable.
4.5 / 5
Value
The new word in value, OneOdio does an incredible job for less than $60.
5 / 5
Buy them if…
You want great value, and even better audio It’s borderline unbelievable how good the Focus A6s sound for such a cheap price tag. Regardless of whether money is tight or not, you’re going to struggle to find a set of headphones in 2025 that deliver better audio than these awesomely rounded cans.
Strong software is key OneOdio’s companion app is utterly on point. Simple to use, yet fairly broad in the amount of tweakable options it provides, even some of the best headphones out there (regardless of cost) rarely provide such all-encompassing software.
Don't buy them if…
You don’t want to tweak settings Straight out of the box, these headphones’ audio performance underwhelms. To get the most out of them, tinkering with Earfun’s app settings is essential.
OneOdio Focus A6 review: Also consider
OneOdio Focus A6
1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51
Sony WH-CH520
Drivers:
40mm composite
40mm dynamic
30mm
Active noise cancellation:
Yes
Yes
No
Battery life:
75 hours ANC off; 40 hours ANC on
100 hours; 65 hours ANC on
50 hours
Weight:
240g
246g
137g
Connectivity:
Bluetooth 6.0, USB-C wired passthrough
Bluetooth 5.4; 3.5mm
Bluetooth 5.2; USB-C
Waterproofing:
N/A
N/A
N/A
1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 The current conquerors of the budget market remain the best cheap cans you can buy today thanks to their highly customizable, satisfying sound. ANC, build quality and battery life that also seriously impress for such affordable headphones. See our full 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 review
Sony WH-CH520 These well balanced cans from the iconic Japanese giant are some of the best cheap headphones you can buy, even a couple of years after their release. Strong battery life and an awesome app bolster their credentials. See our full Sony WH-CH520 review
How I tested OneOdio Focus A6
Tested for over a month
Used at home, outdoors and on public transport
I tested the OneOdio Focus A6 over roughly five to six weeks. Over that period I primarily paired these over-ears with my iPhone 14 Pro and Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (2024). To get a handle on how good these cans’ ANC is, I used the Focus A6 on outdoor walks in bustling city areas and on several busy train journeys.
As for content, I listened to a whole bunch of my favourite tunes, several movies, a couple of the best Apple TV+ shows, and a number of my regular go-to podcasts to judge the quality and versatility the A6s' audio is capable of delivering.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A feels like a mega evolution for the franchise.
It draws on elements from the core series of games, the battle mechanics ripped from the anime, the exploration and freedom pioneered by Legends: Arceus, and a story focus that I feel we haven’t seen since the Gamecube’s XD: Gale of Darkness – which, alongside its predecessor Colosseum, are my two favorite Pokémon titles.
REVIEW INFO
Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2 Available on: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2 Release date: October 16, 2025
The final concoction produces a game that lands perfectly between familiar and fresh. It’s so delightfully moreish, I have struggled to rip myself away to write this review – or really do anything else other than play it since being sent my copy to try ahead of the game’s launch.
While there are a few areas where Legends: Z-A narrowly missed the mark – namely, difficulty scaling, there’s some battle bugginess, and Lumiose City isn’t quite varied enough to carry a whole game on its back – Legends: Z-A is easily the best Pokémon game I’ve played in years. I’d go as far as to say that this title might be the best since Mega Evolution was last seen in a mainline game.
My hope is that we see the series lean more deeply into what makes Z-A excellent, as with only a few minor tweaks, its formula could be perfect rather than near-perfect.
The best city there ever was
Visiting Lumiose City – the largest in the Kalos region – for a vacation, the player character is drafted in to help save it from a phenomenon known as Rogue Mega Evolution, which sees wild pokémon randomly mega evolve and cause havoc without a trainer (which shouldn’t be possible).
There’s also brewing tension between the people of Lumiose and Quasartico Inc., a technology firm renovating the city and introducing new Wild Zones – spaces in the streets which have been converted into safe havens for wild pokémon (allowing you to find and catch a pokédex worthy array of critters without ever leaving the city).
(Image credit: Future / The Pokémon Company)
While I love the Wild Zones, and generally exploring rooftops, looking in trees, and delving into all sorts of hidden spaces to find new additions to my pokédex, the folks of Lumiose are not too pleased with their streets and parks being taken over by dangerous wild ‘mons.
When Legends: Z-A was announced, like many, I was skeptical that a single city could support a whole adventure, but it almost does.
There’s a lot more of Lumiose to explore since the last time we visited – I mean a lot, lot more – and its densely packed streets are filled with shops, side quests, parkour challenges, and the aforementioned wild pokémon, making it feel like a much more bustling space than any Pokémon game city has ever felt before.
Though the city can start to feel a little samey once you’re many hours into your journey.
The wild zones do mix things up, but they aren’t quite large enough to feel like truly distinct biomes – I’d love it if varied habitats much more drastically changed the landscape, or added a good range of exploration challenges to the space they overtake. This way, the map could feel like it evolves drastically as time goes on and would help sell the idea that Lumiose is being over taken by wild pokémon.
There are some changes, but in my playthrough so far, Lumiose has yet to feel unfamiliar.
Another minor gripe here: I wish the pokédex did a better job of highlighting specifically where non-Wild-Zone pokémon can be found – as there are a few ‘mons I know I’ve battled on a random rooftop somewhere, but now can’t locate again for the life of me.
(Image credit: Nintendo)
Battle time
Another departure for the game is its approach to battling – a core component of the franchise which has remained practically unchanged since its introduction all the way back in Red and Blue.
Much like Legends: Arceus, you are as much a part of the fight as your partners – take too many hits and you’ll be knocked out. However, the big change is rather than the usual turn-based affair, fights are now real-time.
You can select moves as quickly as they cool down – each attack has its own timer – and this allows for more aggressive as well as more reactive defensive tactics. You can spam damaging moves in quick succession with a faster ‘mon, or you could hold up a Protect to defend against a finishing blow as your foe goes to launch it rather than wasting it on a weaker or set-up move where it wouldn’t be as useful.
(Image credit: Future / The Pokémon Company)
There’s also some level of positioning. Based on where the player moves, your pokémon will follow – perhaps moving out of the way of attacks, which are now not only categorised as either physical or special, but also in how they materialise in different ways, such as ranged attacks, melee range attacks, charge attacks, and area of effect attacks.
With the debut of Pokémon Champions, the competitive scene will still focus on classic turn-based fights, but with Legends: Z-A’s online connectivity and a couple of battling competitions already planned, I am excited to see what new metas can be derived from this more anime-like approach to battle.
I do hope we see it return; however, I do think the battling needs two tweaks. For a start, I wish the type of attack (melee, ranged, etc) a move is was shown in the attack description to help remind me when I’m outfitting my Pokémon with its move pool – my current approach is somewhat trial and error.
I also found that because battles can happen anywhere, sometimes the environment causes some positioning bugs, including a Pokémon lining up for a ranged attack when a foe is much too far away, or Pokémon getting stuck on geometry, causing them to fight a wall rather than move to actually seek out their intended target.
Here I’ll throw in a mention of the Z-A Royale, this title’s alternative to the classic Gym Challenge. Instead of seeking out eight Gym Leaders for a badge, players must instead fight opponents in Battle Zones set up each night in Lumiose to earn a challenger ticket, to then take on a promotion match in order to progress to a new rank – starting at Z, and ending at A.
(Image credit: Future / The Pokémon Company)
Progressing through the 26 ranks is far less tedious than I thought it might be, and the Battle Zones keep me coming back every night.
That’s because to build up points (and cash to afford the game’s wide array of mega stones), you must not only win fights but also complete optional challenges, which ask you to use specific moves or tactics in battle.
This shift away from Gym Leaders also helps to keep your opponents generally feeling more varied, as even if they openly have affinity towards a specific type, their teams generally aren’t one-note – meaning you can’t simply sweep with one super effective partner.
Call this a challenge?
Pokémon titles aren’t known for their difficulty, but it’s quite easy to outpace Legends Z-A if, like me, you’re the sort of trainer who’s desperate to complete their pokedex and complete every side mission as it appears.
Even just by pushing yourself that bit further in a Battle Zone (especially with a high-tier Red Canari plush that boosts your EXP) can mean you quickly become 5-10 levels higher than your competition – unless you decide to regularly swap some ‘mons out as you discover new companions for your team.
Being so over-levelled can make standard trainer battles feel somewhat trivial, and I wish there was some kind of difficulty scaling option so that my foes kept pace with me better. Perhaps with larger or higher-level teams.
(Image credit: Future / The Pokémon Company)
At the same time, there are some challenges.
The Rogue Mega Evolution battles feel like proper boss fights, and the structure of wild zone brawls is a free-for-all – that is, if you disrupt five wild pokémon, then you’ll be faced with a five-on-one battle. In these boss and multi-mon brawls, it becomes apparent that as hardy as your team is, you, as a squishy human, aren’t as resilient.
I’ve not blacked out from my Pokémon being knocked out (so far), but I’ve definitely been bested by my player character being hit too many times while I still had a full team to protect me.
I get it’s a game aimed mostly at younger players so the difficulty can’t spike too high, but as the franchise persists as a game with a fanbase made up of kids and adults alike, and as the series pursues a more open-world design which can easily lead to over exploration and overlevelling, I’m firmly of the belief that difficulty options are more essential than ever.
(Image credit: Nintendo)
Let’s get mega
I’ve yet to finish Pokémon Legends Z-A – at the time of writing, I’m about 25 hours into my adventure, and counting – but I’ve yet to discover any new entries to the pokédex.
BEST BIT
(Image credit: Future / The Pokémon Company)
There’s a lot of excellent moments – the mega evolution cinematic, when it plays, is always hype – but I actually just love the music so much in this game. It really sells the changing vibes of Lumiose, and every track is an audio delight.
Perhaps understandable given this title is set in modern-day Kalos only five years after we last visited the region – rather than being somewhere completely new to us, or set in a region we know but in the distant past, like with Hisui in the last Legends game.
Instead, we’re treated to a grand selection of brand-new mega evolutions. Some, like Hawlucha and Victreebel, have been spoiled by trailers, but just know there are plenty more on top of all the megas we already know and love.
I won’t be spoiling how many new megas we’ve got – or which pokémon are lucky enough to receive a new final form – but the picks cover a surprisingly broad range of fan favorites and more niche picks, and every new mega I saw felt like an excellent addition to the lineup.
(Image credit: Future / The Pokémon Company)
There's also one other change to this mechanic. Rather than being able to mega evolve once per battle, and needing to recharge your bracelet at a Pokémon Center, you instead charge up your mega meter over time and can then mega evolve any of your pokémon, provided they have their corresponding mega stone in hand.
I love this change because it allows you to push on with your quests without constantly needing to heal, as well as allowing you to mix up your plans on the fly – even using two megas in one fight if needed.
That said, I did find this meant my teams generally gravitated towards almost exclusively mega stone-wielding ‘mons. A problem only exacerbated by Rogue Mega Evolution battles, which are near impossible to defeat without megas – and it’s not all that convenient to train up new mega pokémon as and when you need them, further cementing your team into one that generally ignores any item that isn’t a mega stone so that you're ready for any challenge.
No spoilers
Much like the new mega pokémon, I’m not about to spoil the game’s plot here, just know that I think it’s really fun.
Legends Z-A isn’t likely to win any awards for narrative design, but it succeeds in every metric for what I want from a Pokémon adventure.
(Image credit: Future / The Pokémon Company)
That is it puts you at the center of the narrative in a way that makes sense; the missions offer a good range of low, medium and high stakes action that keep you on your toes and the adventure feeling varied; and the game doesn’t waste your time at the start – you can get right into the action with thankfully minimal exposition front loaded unlike some recent Pokémon entries (*cough* Pokémon Scarlett / Violet *cough*).
I thought Legends: Arceus was what I always wanted from a Pokémon game, but I was wrong. What I wanted was Pokémon: Legends Z-A.
It finds a way to simultaneously mix things up while gripping perfectly to a few core Pokémon pillars such that the end result can feel very different yet very recognisable all at once.
Yes, there are a few bits of fine-tuning to be done on this new formula, but it’s one that I desperately hope we see more of in the future.
If you’re a Pokémon fanatic like me, who are we kidding, I know you’ve already preordered the game before reading any reviews. Everyone else with a Nintendo Switch 2, however, should definitely consider picking this title up – even if you’re a lapsed fan or never touched a Pokémon game before.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A feels like it could be the dawn of a new era for the series, one where the franchise understands what it wants to and should be – an understanding I sometimes wonder might have been lost since Pokémon games left 2D graphics behind with Pokémon Black 2 and White 2.
I desperately want to see more of what Pokémon Legends: Z-A delivered – and that one announced DLC won’t be enough, I’m certain of it. For now, I’m going to continue to savor this treat while I can, and I look forward to what the next Legends game and the Generation X games will bring when they’re ready.
(Image credit: Future / The Pokémon Company)
Should you play Pokémon Legends: Z-A?
You want a fresh take on a Pokémon adventure Pokémon Legends: Z-A feels like a one-of-a-kind pokémon adventure right now, in all the right ways.
You like limited open-world adventures This game’s manageable version of an open world is ideal for players who love to explore, but don’t want to try and find every nook and cranny in a map that is far too big for its own good.
You have a Nintendo Switch 2 I’ve tried a lot of what the Nintendo Switch 2 has had to offer so far, and this is easily one of the best games out there for the fledgling system.
Don’t play it if…
You crave a difficult game Pokémon Legends: Z-A is great, but it isn’t all that difficult, so those looking for a challenge may need to look elsewhere.
You’re a Pokémon purist While I love the ways Pokémon Legends: Z-A mixes up the formula, if you just want a classic Pokémon game, this isn’t what you’re after.
Accessibility features
Beyond the Switch and Switch 2's built-in accessibility features like text-to-speech, the ability to remap buttons, and to change text size, among a few others, Pokémon Legends: Z-A has no additional accessibility features.
How I tested Pokémon Legends: Z-A
I played Pokémon Legends: Z-A on my Nintendo Switch 2 for 25 hours – which has allowed me to experience a lot of what the game has to offer, including many side quests and a lot of story, though I have yet to roll credits at the time of writing this piece.
I played it in handheld and docked mode using standard Switch 2 hardware – though I do use an 8Bitdo Ultimate 2 controller when I’m playing a Switch 2 game on my TV – spreading my time fairly evenly between each method. The game ran fine throughout all my tests in both modes.
As this is an early preview, none of the online functionality works, but this was the only key feature I wasn't able to try.
The Eureka RapidWash 730 is a well engineered wet-and-dry hard floor cleaner that bridges the gap between traditional mopping and modern cordless convenience. Despite its higher-than-average weight and portly posture, this machine sports an excellent steering mechanism for easy maneuverability around furnishings and tight corners. Plus, its split toweled roller quite literally runs from edge to edge for complete cleaning along baseboards – something most of today's best wet and dry vacuums can't manage.
This model also surprises with a level of hard floor cleaning performance that matches the best of the opposition, while its suction power is extremely adept at removing most spilled liquids and debris in a single pass. With tanks large enough for multiple rooms plus 40-minute battery life, this one's an obvious candidate for busy households with extensive hard flooring.
However, while the RapidWash 720's roller provides natural forward momentum when spinning, the excessive 11 lb / 5kg weight of the unit makes it feel heavy when pulling it back. Also, the jury's out on how easy it would be for some users to haul it up a flight of stairs. Noise is another consideration, particularly in Turbo mode or during self-cleaning, where the volume spikes noticeably.
Nevertheless, for those with hard floors who want a single tool for daily debris and spill management, the RapidWash 730 is an effective choice. It saves a lot of time, cleans thoroughly and simplifies maintenance.
(Image credit: Future)
Eureka RapidWash 730 review: price & availability
List price: $499.99
Available: US, sometimes also Europe
The Eureka RapidWash 730 is predominantly available in the US, with a list price of $499.99. It's available purchase direct from Eureka, or via Amazon. At the latter, I've already spotted it on sale for $400, so you might be able to avoid paying full whack if you're tactical about when you buy.
Although Eureka does have some online presence in the UK, its eureka.com/uk website doesn't list this particular model. Likewise, there is only a smattering of Eureka products at Amazon UK. It has been available in various European countries in the past.
At its premium sticker price of around $500, is the RapidWash 730 good value for money? Not really, though it is unquestionably a very competent hard floor cleaner that performs well at general mopping and collecting large liquid spills. But for my money, there are better deals out there from the likes of Bissell, Ultenic and, of course, global market leader Tineco.
Value for money score: 3 out of 5
Eureka RapidWash 730 specs
Eureka RapidWash 730
Type:
Cordless wet-and-dry vacuum
Cleaner size (H x L x W):
45.7 x 9.3 x 10.6in / 116 x 23.5 x 27cm
Weight (empty):
11.5 lbs / 5.2kg
Clean water tank volume:
23.67 oz
Dirty water tank volume:
20.28 oz
Max runtime:
40 mins
Recharge time:
4 hrs 16 mins
Wattage:
350W
Suction power:
21,600Pa
Brush roller speed:
500RPM
Self-cleaning water temp:
185F / 85C
Self-drying water temp:
140F / 60C or 176F / 80C
Eureka RapidWash 730 review: design
Weighty and large wet-and-dry cleaner, with self-clean docking station
Mop extends the full width of the floorhead
Very decent maneuverability
Eureka is a brand you don't see much of in the UK or Europe but the US-founded, now Chinese-owned company has a long history in America as a leader floor cleaners. The brand's roster now includes an eclectic range of stick vacs, cylinder vacs, robot vacs, carpet cleaners and wet-and-dry hard floor cleaners like the model I'm looking at here.
This writer is used to testing products from European, Japanese and Chinese brands, whereas the Eureka RapidWash 730 has a distinctly American look and scale. For some reason, this particular model reminds me of a 1949 Studebaker, only with smoother lines.
(Image credit: Future)
The RapidWash 730 is the largest wet-and-dry vacuum I've reviewed, and that size also equates to more weight (11.46 lbs / 5.2 kg to be precise) which you will doubtless notice when lifting it out of its self-cleaning station or hauling it up a flight of stairs. The action of the roller brush helps pull the unit forward, making it really easy to push… although heavy to pull back. It's not the end of the world, mind, since that is the case with most hard floor cleaners bar the Tineco Floor ONE S7 Pro and Roborock F25 ACE, which both come with motorized wheels.
Like most high-end Tineco hard floor cleaners, this model features a large, angled circular LED on top of the main body that lets you know what mode you're in and how much battery is left. All controls are mounted on the handle and are easily accessed.
(Image credit: Future)
First you have a simple on/off button that defaults to Auto mode on start-up. This mode uses AI-powered smart detection to assess the amount of dirt being collected before adjusting the amount of suction power. In most instances you wouldn't need to select anything else. Next, there's Turbo mode which uses a little more water and a lot more suction for heavily soiled areas – this model's suction is rated at a suitably high 21,600 Pascals. Finally, select Dry mode if you need to clean up a nasty wet spill or something that spontaneously came out of the dog's mouth.
(Image credit: Future)
Like all wet-and-dry cleaners, the RapidWash 730 comes with two water tanks, a 23.67oz / 700ml clean-water reservoir and a 20.28oz / 600ml tank to collect all the dirty stuff. While you won't necessarily need to empty the dirty water tank and give it a rinse after a short cleaning session, you will still be bombarded with voice reminders on a regular basis. This will eventually become annoying enough that you'll give in, only to notice that the tank is just one eighth full. Many hard floor cleaners suffer from this over-zealous approach to maintenance, so the Eureka is not unusual in this respect.
(Image credit: Future)
The majority of hard floor cleaners like this one use a wet, towel-covered cleaning roller that spins at around 500rpm. However, because manufacturers need to fit a motor and spindle to one side of the brush head, most rollers end up with a gap of about 10mm on one side, which means you can only mop the very edges of a floor from one direction.
Eureka's tech team has managed to find a way around this by reducing the length of the brush roller on one side and adding a short magnetized roller sleeve that slips over the motor housing on the opposite end. This allows the roller to cover the entire width of the cleaning head. And by entire I mean right to the very edge – indeed the left side of the roller, when viewed from the front, actually protrudes beyond the housing.
This is a major bonus because it means that the RapidWash 730 can be used to clean along baseboards from the left or the right. Furthermore, there's a comb behind the roller that effectively collects almost all remnants of hair and other stuck-on muck before having it sucked into the dirty water tank.
(Image credit: Future)
Like all decent wet-and-dry mops, the RapidWash 730 comes with a large bathtub-shaped charging dock that also serves as a cleaning station. Admittedly, mounting the unit on the dock requires awkwardly lining it up so its connectors meet, but once it's docked it's ready to start its self-cleaning regime, and this is as easy as putting your foot on a cross bar to set it all off. I like that, a lot.
The cleaning process itself is comprised of two stages – spinning the mop roller while it's washed with fresh water at 185˚F (85˚C) and then gently drying it using hot air at around 140˚F (60˚C). You can also speed up the drying process by pressing the Dry button on the cleaning unit's handle and selecting Rapid Dry. This setting increases the drying heat to 176˚F (80˚C).
The cleaning process is noisy so you may want this model stored away in the utility room or elsewhere out of earshot, but the main part of the sequence – the part where the brush roller spins around – only takes about five minutes to complete.
(Image credit: Future)
Finally, this model thankfully features one of the best steering mechanisms since the Dyson Gen5detect cordless stick vac. It angles at around 50 degrees by twisting your wrist when cleaning around table legs and in hard-to-reach areas. Given the extra weight of this machine, I think having a widely articulating head like this makes it much easier to use than you might expect. This thoughtful design flourish also extends to the permitted angle of the main unit, which can be tilted 170 degrees to the floor, making cleaning under sofas and beds a relative breeze.
For the record, the Eureka RapidWash 730ships with a spare split toweling roller, a 15oz (450ml) bottle of Eureka Refresh Clean hard floor detergent, a spare filter and a cleaning brush.
Design score: 3.5 out of 5
Eureka RapidWash 730 review: performance
Impressive at collecting both liquid and solid spills
Heavy enough to make longer cleaning sessions a bit of a workout
Leaves only a thin film of water behind, and doesn't drip when turned off
When it comes to cleaning performance, the RapidWash 730 has proved to be extremely adept and thorough in the way it picks up dust, pet hair, crumbs and liquid spills in just a few passes. Also, I think that its edge-to-edge cleaning ability is a major advantage in kitchens and bathrooms, where dirt and pet hair always tend to gather along baseboards. However, the machine's weight and size did make extended cleaning sessions feel like a bit of a workout, even though its smooth forward movement offset some of the strain of pulling it back.
(Image credit: Future)
Before I get to my test results, one small but significant aspect I've been impressed with is the way the RapidWash 730's suction motor stays on for a few seconds after turning it off. This means any last vestiges of dripping water are sucked up, leaving the floor drier around the roller than most other models I've tested. I love this – I normally have to turn other models on again to collect any small pools of water before angling them back and turning them off a second time before quickly rolling the unit back to its dock for a clean. That's not the case with this model.
Right, let's get down to my cleaning test results. I first performed a few general cleans of my kitchen's engineered wood flooring and was pleasantly surprised at how well the RapidWash 730 completed the tasks, leaving a nice shiny appearance and only a very thin film of moisture in its wake. This was important to me because I'm always concerned about having too much water dispensed on my engineered wooden floors. Given the amount of water that's sucked up during this model's cleaning routine, I wouldn't have any concerns about using it on laminated flooring, which is known to easily warp if too wet.
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I then fashioned up a tortuous test using a range of ingredients one would never mix together in real life – a cup of muesli with raisins, some squirts of tomato ketchup and mustard, plus a cracked egg for good measure. I wanted to check for any snowploughing of ingredients and whether the loosely broken eggshell blocked any passageways in the system.
Unexpectedly, this monster gobbled up the vast majority of this humongous mess in one fell swoop and the rest of it in a second pass. I then ran the unit over the visually clean floor a few more times and then checked the area behind the easily-removed roller. As expected, some fragments of eggshell remained behind the roller, but I heard it all being sucked into the dirty water bin once I'd positioned it on the dock and tapped the cleaning mode with my foot.
Overall, it was an effortless experience in my opinion and proof positive that this is, indeed, an excellent floor cleaner that would do any kitchen or bathroom proud. I just wish it was smaller in stature and a few pounds lighter.
Performance score: 4 out of 5
Eureka RapidWash 730 review: battery life
Maximum of 40 minutes cleaning per charge in Auto mode
Recharge is slow at over 4 hours
Around 40 to 60 minutes is the magic time frame for most cordless floor cleaners. Given that this machine won't be used as often or as extensively as a cordless vac, I think its 40 minute running time in Auto mode is acceptable, and ample enough for a full downstairs clean without having to pause for a recharge. Mind, it did take 4 hours and 16 minutes to fully charge from empty, which is too long in my book.
Battery life score: 3.5 out of 5
Should you buy the Eureka RapidWash 730?
//section// Should you buy the Eureka RapidWash 730?
Section
Notes
Score
Value for money
Despite its efficiency at mopping and debris collection, I think $500 is too high a price when compared to much of the competition.
3/5
Design
I can't say I'm that enamoured of this model's bulky design or its overall weight.
3.5/5
Performance
Surprisingly excellent performance in all disciplines. Easy to use, too.
4/5
Battery performance
Average 40-minute battery performance though it takes ages to recharge.
3.5/5
Average rating 3.5/5
Buy it if…
You have more hard floor than carpet
This model isn't suitable for use on carpet or rugs
The RapidWash 730 is a sterling mopper, and the larger size is justified in big homes with lots of mess to clear up.
You're a pet owner
This wet-dry vacuum is exceptional at picking up liquid mess.
Don't buy it if...
You're not especially strong
The RapidWash 730 is the heaviest of all the wet-and-dry vacuums I've tested, and a bit of a workout to carry. There are lighter options on the market if you'd prefer.
You have a small household
The RapidWash 730 is rather large, so as well as being overkill for smaller households, you'll need to find somewhere to store its bulk.
How I tested the Eureka RapidWash 730
Like all TechRadar journalists, I spent an inordinate amount of time assessing this product and the process started right from the off when I unboxed it, assembled the handle, plugged in the charging dock and popped the RapidWash 730 on its plinth. Once fully charged, I subjected it to a variety of general mopping runs over a four-day period before setting up its main debris-collection test involving both solids and liquids. I also examined the unit's styling, assessed its weight and size, and monitored its battery usage and how long it took to charge.
Before I splashed out on the Philips i9000 electric shaver, I was putting up with a generic $35 / £30 one I picked up at Amazon. Forking out 10x the price for a premium model was a painful idea, but not as painful as my shaving experiences with the cheap model, so I went for it. (By the way, that shaver at Amazon had a 4.5 star average rating over hundreds of user reviews, many of which are clearly bogus. That's a risk in trusting unknown user reviews.)
Six months later, my face is still thanking me that I spent extra on the Philips i9000, especially for the 50% off sale price that pushed the base model closer to $300 / £230. (There are also pricier 'Prestige' models in the series, which I haven't tested.) The i9000's agile triple-head electric shavers easily navigate tricky contours, including the jawline, maintaining a close shave along the way. It feels great in the hand, too.
This is the first electric razor I've used with pressure indicators, which are a genuinely useful feature: if the shaver lights up green then you're applying the right amount of pressure, if blue you're too soft, while orange is too hard. I've generally found that following the pressure indicators delivers an effective shave while minimizing irritation – this feature is no gimmick.
Battery life is decent, too. For an average shave, I'm seeing a 3% reduction in battery life on the digital display, and that's even six months down the line. I'd say the i9000 is good for 30 shaves before needing a recharge, for which Philips provides a wall mounted USB-A charging base (a minor complaint is that USB-C would be more convenient for travel).
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
The razor is waterproof so can handle wet and dry shaves, while the flip-out trimmer on the razor's underside is a reasonable solution for tidying beard edges and precise cuts, which is something I regularly do (and deal with stray nose / ear hairs – apologies for the overshare).
I reckon the i9000's heads have gradually lost some of their cutting effectiveness over the 6 months, but they still cut fine, just with a little extra effort than was required on day one. Replacement heads are available for a not-too-unreasonable cost, but I suspect I'll need to swap mine yearly rather than every two years, as Philips suggests.
Don't buy into any user reviews on the brand's site about the i9000 being closer than a proper wet shave with a safety razor – it's simply not true. If you want the closest shave possible, with fewer missed hairs, old school is the way. However, I've been super happy with the i9000. I can't recall switching to a wet shave ever since, which definitely wasn't the case when I was using that cheap alternative.
You really do get more for your money with the Philips 9000 series, and my shaving routine has been a happier experience since I made the switch – for my money, this is one of the best electric razors on the market.
Philips i9000 electric shaver: price & availability
List price is $240 / £479.99 / AU$600
Regularly on sale for less than half the list price in the UK
Replacement heads available
I'm not sure anyone in their right mind would buy the Philips i9000 at full cost, but thankfully it's almost always available for less than half the list price, which is palatable. At the time of writing, I'm seeing the shaver for $240 / £225 on the Philips site. Even then, I'd hardly call it superb value, but then again you do get the better shaving experience versus a generic sub $45 / £35 model.
Replacement heads are available at the Philips site for $65 / £40 / AU$106 – prices will likely vary at independent stockists. The guidance is to replace the heads every two years, but on my experience I reckon every year is ideal, given 6 months use has seen a slight reduction in cutting efficiency. The product comes with a 5-year service warranty.
Value for money score: 3 out of 5
Philips i9000 electric shaver specs
Waterproof:
Yes
Battery life:
50 minutes
Charge time:
1 hour full, 5-min quick
Charger type:
Shaver/USB-A
Accessories:
Quick clean pod, charging stand, travel pouch, plus GroomTribe app
Suitable for:
Face or body
Philips i9000 electric shaver review: design
Ergonomic handle and handy pressure LED indicators
Pop-up trimmer for edges, or dedicated beard trimmer head
Charge dock and hard case for travel, but the latter only fits the razor
From the ergonomic handle to the agile heads and digital display plus LEDs, the i9000 is a premium shaving experience. Rightly so, given how pricey it is.
I've no real complaints in any area: the three heads pack what Philips dubs a triple action lift and cut system up to precisely 0.00mm skin-level, without the risk of cutting skin that comes with wet shaves – you'll certainly get a close shave, even if I found a few months down the line that the shaver regularly missed individual hairs.
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
The shaver integrates an LED light ring around the base of the shaver head. With the shaver active, those LEDs emit a blue light if the pressure your applying is too soft, orange for too hard, and green for the right amount of pressure.
Below that, an small non-touch color screen displays battery life and cycles through features such as the Philips app. I'll be honest, I didn't see the need to pair the shaver with my phone and explore the app, which Philips says will give you 'an even-better routine and technique' by offering 'real-time guidance and personalized shaving insights to help you look and feel your best every day'.
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There's a pop-up trimmer on the shaver's underside, which is pretty basic but works well enough for quickly tidying up beard edges. If that's the main task though, the main head can be removed and swapped with a proper beard trimmer, which is much more powerful and effective.
Practically, I'd like to see a USB-C port which would make on the go charging much more convenient than lugging the charging base, which uses the proprietary shaver connector, on a trip. Although Philips supplies a hard travel case for the shaver, this will only fit the razor itself, and not any of the shaver or trimmer heads.
Design score: 4.5 out of 5
Philips i9000 electric shaver: performance
Around 30 shaves from a full charge
Triple flexing shaver head and trimmer head options
Modest pop-up trimmer
One cutback made versus the pricier Philips S9000 Prestige is in the charging department – the i9000 features the proprietary shaver connector (USB-A) only, while the Prestige model offers convenient wireless charging.
Still, a full charge should deliver around 30 shaves, so it's no real inconvenience to place the shaver in the dock at home once you're back from being away. And it'll charge quickly too – just 5 minutes returns the lion's share of the power, or it's an hour to fully juice it up.
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
There are two heads supplied with the razor: the triple flexing head with what Philips says is 360-degree precision, plus a trimmer head to neaten edges. A basic pop-up trimmer in the shaver's underside supplements that trimmer head.
Overall, I've been really impressed with the performance of the i9000 electric razor. The flexing heads glide smoothly over every contour and have delivered close shaves, even if I'm getting stray hairs 6 months down the line, especially on my neck.
And the trimmer head is properly powerful, for doing the first stage of tidying edges, while the tiny pop-up trimmer take care of the finishing touches for a neat beard.
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Philips says the flexing heads are good for two years use before being replaced (you can buy replacement heads on the Philips website). I'm not so sure – more than six months down the line and after regular use, I'm already thinking of replacing them. Of course the numbers depend on how regularly you shave, but I reckon the average person would want to replace the heads after one year for the best possible performance.
Overall, the Philips i9000 has given me the best electric razor experience I've ever had and the proof is in the pudding – I feel good after a shave and my wet razor has been left unused the entire time.
Make sure you get it on sale – it's regularly available for less than half the list price.
3 / 5
Buy it if...
You want a premium electric shave experience Triple action lift-and-cut heads combine with LED pressure indicators for a close shave with minimal irritation.
You're looking for a versatile razor The triple heads are smaller than average and can cover relatively precise areas, while the powerful trimmer head can neaten edges.
Don't buy it if...
You want a cheap razor The i9000 is a pricey razor. If you're less fussed about its premium features, there are cheaper alternatives.
You want something for travel
The i9000 relies on a proprietary shaver connector, whereas many alternatives can charge conveniently through USB-C or even wirelessly. The travel case only fits the razor itself.
Philips i9000: also consider
Philips Shaver S9000 Prestige If you can spend a little extra, the 'Prestige' version in Philips 9000 tops the bill for features, including wireless charging and adaptive power tech.
Braun Series 9 Pro Even pricier, the Braun Series 9 Pro is also beautifully designed and boasts an excellent shaving performance. It's charge and run times are similar, and you'll get a close shave whether wet or dry. Another stellar premium choice.
I've used it most days, whether for shaves or trimming
Tested in both wet and dry environments
I used the Philips i9000 as my only shaver a few times a week over the course of six months. I generally tidy my neck and cheeks with the triple shaver head and trim beard edges daily with the trimmer head or pop-up trimmer, while full shaves are less frequent.
I have been able to use the razor in wet and dry shaving conditions, assessing how it performs in both scenarios and how effective its water resistance is. In general, I store the shaver in a wash bag and run the battery down to zero before docking it in the charging base to recharge. I have also used the supplied cleaning pod to give the device a deep clean.
