If you’re the kind of runner who prefers to head out to the trails for hours as opposed to tackling the same stretch of pavement, the Nike Ultrafly is made for you.
The Ultrafly is designed to handle up to ultra distances including racing, grabbing elements from Nike’s best running shoes like its ZoomX foam and a carbon plate, which on paper makes it sound like a Vaporfly for the trails.
I’ve used a bunch of Nike’s trail shoes including the long distance, off-road focused Nike Wildhorse 8 and the ZoomX-packing Nike Zegama Trail. While I’ve enjoyed my time in the new Ultrafly, it’s not quite the shoe I thought it would be: it's not zippy and quick like the Vaporfly is on roads, but it is a workhorse.
Nike Ultrafly: Specifications
Nike Ultrafly: Price and availability
Priced at $250 in the US
£229.95 in the UK
AU$330 in Australia
The Nike Ultrafly launched in July 2023 in limited quantities before going on wider release in August, priced at £229.95 / $250 / AU$ 330.
That put it around the same price as Nike’s Vaporfly road running shoe and also makes it pricier than standout trail shoes like the Hoka Speedgoat 5 and the Nike Wildhorse 8, another Nike trail shoe designed for long distance running.
Value score: 3.5/5
Nike Ultrafly: Design
(Image credit: Michael Sawh)
Vaporweave upper
Vibram Megagrip outsole
Nike ZoomX foam
While the Ultrafly is built for the trails, it definitely has the look of one of Nike’s road shoes. There’s just the two colourway options, both with a mostly white upper that thankfully hasn’t become caked in mud as the trails I’ve tested them on have been mostly the dry and hard kind.
Dealing with the key specs, it’s got a 8.5mm drop: that’s 38.5mm at the heel and 30mm at the forefoot, so it’s a chunky shoe. For comparison, the ultra-focused Nike Wildhorse 8 has an 8mm drop coming in at 35.5mm at the heel and 27.5mm at the forefoot.
Nike uses an upper made from Vaporweave, which is built from a mixture of plastics and is similar to the upper material used on its road running shoes like the Zoom Fly and the first generation Vaporfly. While the upper looks pretty low volume, there’s a nice bit of stretch to it and it’s nice and roomy up front, making it ideal for going long where feet can swell and you need that extra space.
While the Ultrafly opens up at the toes, it narrows at the midfoot and at the heel to offer a good lockdown with not overly generous padding at the heel collar to offer some comfort further back. The laces are the standard kind that sit on top of a skinny tongue that offers some padding on top to make sure you don’t feel those laces if they’re tightly tied.
For the midsole, Nike is using the ZoomX foam it uses on its successful Vaporfly, Alphafly and Invincible road shoes. That midsole is wrapped in fabric to protect the foam and is designed to make it feel more stable than Nike’s road shoes. Nike also places a Carbon Flyplate between that ZoomX and fabric-wrapped midsole to help deliver smoother transitions.
In an interesting move from Nike, it included a Vibram Megagrip outsole to deliver off-road grip. Nike typically uses its own outsole technology, which I’ve had mixed experiences with. The decision to go with Vibram on the Ultrafly seems like a wise move as it’s the same outsole technology featured on other standout trail shoes including the Hoka Speedgoat 5.
Weight-wise, the Ultrafly weighed in at 282g in my UK size 8, which is lighter than something like the Nike Wildhorse 8, which weighed in at almost 320g in a UK size 8. While not super-light, it definitely didn’t feel heavy during runs and was comfortable enough to walk around in as well.
Design score: 4/5
Nike Ultrafly: Performance
(Image credit: Michael Sawh)
Smooth, stable and consistent ride
ZoomX isn’t bouncy like Nike road shoes
Outsole works well on moderate trails and roads
If you’re hoping that the Ultrafly is going to give you that feeling of running in one of Nike’s carbon racing shoes, then that’s simply not the case here. This isn’t an aggressive, speed shoe that delivers an extremely bouncy feeling. It’s different, but in a good way.
I haven’t run an ultra in it, instead focusing on getting as much time on my feet as my current state of running fitness permits, maxing out a couple of hours on a mixture of trail surfaces. I’ve also been mixing in some road time and taking in some lighter, more challenging trail terrain. The first thing you notice about the Ultrafly is that it doesn’t feel built like Nike’s other trail shoes. That’s largely down to the roominess of that toe box.
The ZoomX foam typically delivers a very bouncy ride, just like it does in the Vaporfly and Invincible, but things are slightly more tempered here. Unfortunately, it just doesn’t deliver the same lively ride. What it does instead is provide comfort and that’s really what you need over longer distances.
As a package, it’s smooth and stable. It’s certainly not one that feels equipped for all-out speed and is better suited to cruising and moving at slightly more up-tempo speeds. It’s not super light or nimble, but it’s not overly heavy either to make it a taxing shoe to have on your feet as you roll through the miles.
It’s great to see that Nike has opted to plant on a Vibram outsole, which features on some of the best trail shoes in the business and feels like a step up in general on Nike’s trail shoe outsoles. The 3.5mm lugs aren’t exceptionally deep, which makes handling some road time in them absolutely fine, and in general, the grip was good across a mixture of terrain including mud, rockier surfaces, and tackling some hills. I do feel like on more technical trails and likely muddier ones, you’re going to want something a little more aggressive in the outsole department though.
In terms of protection on the trails, there doesn’t seem to be a huge amount going on here and plays into the idea that this is one best suited to lighter and more moderate routes as opposed to the more technical kind. Yes, the upper looks great and uses material that’s designed to prevent rips, but Nike does go pretty light on the protective features here.
Overall though, it’s a shoe that I’ve enjoyed spending time in. It does feel like a bit of a cruiser of a shoe that’s comfortable enough to wear outside of runs, and prioritizes offering a consistent feel from a not-too-heavy design that makes it ideal for long distance runs. It feels like a good start for the Ultrafly line with room to tweak things and for it to evolve to be a truly standout trail shoe to justify picking it up over other trail shoes that cost less.
When it comes to Nothing's earbuds output, it's hard to stop oneself from playing a game of Spot the Difference. That's quite a fun game here, though, since almost all of the differences are vast improvements over anything Nothing has achieved before. All these incremental gains become especially impressive when you consider that this entry-level option from Nothing comes in at $50 / £30 cheaper than the company's last effort.
For the money, these are some of the best noise-cancelling earbuds of the year thus far. Their closest rival? That would be Sony's class-leading WF-C700N. While there's no 360 Reality Audio support in the Ear (a) and a few Sony-specific features are, of course, off the menu, the Nothing earbuds look more premium and feel more foxy. Their noise cancellation is a touch more robust and the sound is every bit as energetic, detailed and zealous, and (dare we say it?) a tad more expansive to boot. Did I mention that the battery life is also impressive, although admittedly it's a lot better without the superb ANC processing deployed?
I have to admit that the Nothing Ear (a) performed far more admirably than I'd anticipated. I enjoyed them more and more as the listening tests cruised by. Gone is the fidget spinner case idea: my review sample might be a fun English mustard-yellow hue, but the Ear (a) is serious about bringing you music – proof that Carl Pei's 2020 startup finally hit its purple patch. The sound is incrementally better than the Nothing Ear (2), and it's backed up by a Nothing X app that's easier to navigate and offers plenty of scope for tweaking things to your liking, including via the newer pinch-control stems.
OK, let's get that moniker out of the way, shall we? I advise you to view Nothing's naming structure with a simple shrug and the raise of an eyebrow, but I'll try to explain it succinctly. Ear (a) is the model you're reading about now, Nothing's 2024 entry-level offering released in conjunction with the more expensive (by $50 / £30) Ear. Nothing tells me that the Ear (a) is effectively the upgrade for the Ear (Stick), while the Ear is the upgrade on the Ear (2). Good intel, but I'd say it does Nothing's newest entry-level earbuds a disservice because the Ear (a) are streets ahead of the Ear (Stick) in every regard.
Both the Ear (a) and Ear were unveiled simultaneously in April 2024. They supersede the inaugural July 2021 Nothing Ear (1), the October 2022 follow-up Nothing Ear (Stick), and the March 2023 Nothing Ear (2). So, aside from a few minor updates (including a Nothing Ear (1) Black Edition, which fared much better than the troublesome originals) the Ear (a) can also be considered the company's joint-fourth Nothing-branded release. That is, if we're not counting the super-cheap CMF by Nothing Buds, which arrived barely a month before the model we're reviewing here. Got it? Well done. (You're doing great, by the way.)
If you take nothing else away from this Nothing Ear (a) review, know that at $99 / £99 (or around AU$192) you'll not be disappointed with these lovely little yellow earbuds.
Nothing Ear (a) on the left, Ear (2) on the right. Yes, there are key differences (Image credit: Future)
Nothing Ear (a) review: Price & release date
Released on April 18, 2024 (hitting shelves on April 22, 2024)
Priced $99 / £99 / around AU$192
If the price above made you think 'Hang on, isn't that less than the older Ear (2)?' well done for paying attention. The Nothing Ear (a) are priced to sell – and sure as eggs is eggs, sell they will.
The Ear (a) earbuds come in three colorways – a warm yellow alongside the more ubiquitous shiny black or white finishes. Why go with yellow? It's a primary color, which Nothing says aligns with its stripped-back, transparent-wherever-possible design language (yes, the stems still feature see-through plastic too).
At this level, the Ear (a)'s closest competition aside from Sony's WF-C700N is perhaps the slightly more expensive Sony LinkBuds S, because remember, the class-leading Technics EAH-AZ80 come in at $299 / £259 / AU$499, and Apple's AirPods Pro 2 retail for $249 / £249 / AU$399.
Of course, that's hardly a fair comparison, since those two options offer premium perks, including triple device connectivity (Technics) and remarkably accurate head-tracked spatial audio from an iOS device (Apple).
That said, Nothing's relatively humble asking price is tempting, particularly when you consider the expressive sound quality and solid noise-nixing they can serve up.
Hello, yellow! (Image credit: Future)
Nothing Ear (a) review: Specs
The Nothing X App is a fuss-free, wholly positive experience (Image credit: Nothing)
Nothing Ear (a) review: Features
Bluetooth 5.3 with LDAC support
Greatly improved ANC
Pinch-to-speak ChatGPT integration coming, with Nothing Phones
The nominal price of these earbuds is listed above, so I won't keep banging on about it. But if you want listening gear that does the basics – good sound, great noise cancellation, clear calls, easy comfort, a bit of EQ wizardry, and reliable on-ear controls – and does them very well indeed, these are that gear. Also, they're a bit of a conversation starter if you want that, miles away from the black and gray pebble-like options often seen at their level.
Want something better than the basics? Well, Nothing's got an ace up its sleeve here too. Although I was unable to test it in my not-yet-public version of the Nothing X app (rollout will be gradual across Phone (2) followed by Phone (1) and Phone (2a) for the Nothing Ear and Ear (a) in the weeks after April 18, 2024) Nothing tells me it has integrated both Nothing earbuds and Nothing OS with ChatGPT, to offer users instant access to the chatbot directly from its devices. What this means is that users with the latest Nothing OS and ChatGPT installed on their Nothing phones should soon be able to pinch-to-speak to the popular consumer AI tool, directly from these entry level Ear (a) earbuds. However comfortable you feel with AI, it certainly adds value at the level.
Voice AI using ChatGPT is coming using Nothing Ear (a) using your Nothing smartphone… (Image credit: Nothing )
Back to the Ear (a) specifically and call handling is far better this time around, with recipients telling me my voice was unusually clear, which checks out when you see that the Clear Voice Technology has been upped from v2.0 in the Ear (2) – or 1.0 with Bass Lock software in the Ear (Stick) – to 3.0 here.
You're getting Bluetooth v5.3 and LDAC support for hi-res audio (the Sony-developed codec that lets you stream high-resolution audio up to 32-bit/96kHz over Bluetooth at up to 990kbps, if your device supports it and the file is up to scratch), which is a valuable inclusion at this level.
There's no onboard spatial audio wizardry and you don't get the Ear (2)'s splendid personalized hearing tests. However, you do get in-ear detection (to pause music when they're out and resume it when they're in), a low lag toggle for gaming, issue-free multipoint to two devices, an ear tip fit test and a Find My Earbuds feature, which issues a rattlesnake-style sound from whichever bud you're trying to locate.
Now, the noise cancellation. After deploying ANC (rather than 'Transparency' or 'Off'), you can select from High, Mid, Low, and Adaptive profiles. High is very good: the hairdryer we use in our meticulous and methodical testing was largely nixed. I can see why it drops the battery life from 9.5 hours without ANC to 5.5 with it, but when the near bubble-of-silence outcome is this good, it's a hit I'm willing to take. The quoted improvement is 45dB over 40dB of ambient noise nixing and if that's hard to quantify, let me tell you that when I sat down to do some work at home wearing Ear (a) with ANC on High, I didn't realize the oven extractor fan was on (my other half was making breakfast), but as soon as I switched to Ear (2) it became perceptible.
Heading over to the Transparency option, this is signified by a woman exhaling, which is fun. Although there's no slider to tweak the level of ambient sound you're letting in, it's perfectly acceptable and means voices can be heard without removing the Ear (a).
The Nothing X app takes the reins and it too is much improved, never faltering and always serving me what I need, without going round the houses to get there. The EQ tab is essentially a three-band offering presented in what I like to call a splodge, rather than sliders for each – think Nura True Pro's visual depictions rather than a mixing desk, with four presets for more bass, more treble, voice focus or a balanced sound – but of course, you can create your own. It's not the most fully-featured offering Nothing has in its arsenal (for that you'd have to opt for the Nothing Ear) but it certainly works.
Anything missing where it should be? Nothing. No sir.
Features score: 5/5
The new Ear (a) next to the Ear (2): a fun game of Spot the Difference (Image credit: Future)
Nothing Ear (a) review: Sound quality
LDAC handled very well indeed
Fun and zealous sound
Unusually expansive for this type of in-ear
If you've read the star rating at the top of this review and come this far (thank you for sticking with me), it will come as no surprise to learn that the Ear (a) doesn't lack in the sonic department.
Those with a Sony smartphone (I used the Sony Xperia 1 IV) will find LDAC codec files are delivered with expanse and pinpoint accuracy when it comes to the placement of each sonic article. In Aerosmith's Going Down / Love In an Elevator, a shaker sits comfortably in the well of my right ear as backing vocals come in through the left. When the heavily processed "Going down" vocal bridge sweeps across the soundstage like a freight train, it grazes the back of my brain en route.
Even when I stream lossy Spotify tracks (or much better Apple Music songs) the Nothing Ear (a) buds handle them admirably, with ample texture and space around Elton John's Rocket Man vocal, in a cohesive mix that brings forward the synths and bass plucks other earbuds at this price can't reach.
For dynamic build and nuance, the Nothing Ear (a) are best described as meaty and arresting. It's not that they lack refinement exactly, just that they prioritize fun and energy over that integrated hi-fi listen some might prefer. For me, there's so much here to celebrate sonically that I cannot pick fault. No, they're not better than something at nearly three times the price (such as the Technics EAH-AZ80, for example), but for the money, Nothing has tweaked its recipe to near perfection here.
Want to see what I mean? Play the intro of The Who's Substitute. Tell me those guitar strings and shaker aren't every bit as jangly and expressive as you could ever wish for at $99…
Sound quality score: 5/5
See how Ear (a) is just slightly bigger than Ear (2), across the board? (Image credit: Future)
Nothing Ear (a) review: Design
Smaller and more pocketable case
Pinch stems work really well, even when wearing gloves
Nothing's design language is beautifully realized
Holding the Nothing Ear (a) earpiece next to the Nothing Ear (2) is a fresh surprise. Nothing has tried hard to keep its popular design language constant, but these two earpieces are actually very different beasts. I've placed the Ear (2) next to the new Ear (a) in the images below to prove that the earpiece is just slightly bigger across the board – 1.5mm taller, 0.2mm wider, and 0.8mm deeper, to be exact. The Ear (a) earbud is also 0.3g heavier than the Ear (2), although the case is 12.3g lighter and quite a bit shallower.
I mention these facts and figures only to highlight that it is emphatically not a case of 'same buds, different box' from Nothing. They're different. They're better. Perhaps the only potentially disappointing stat here is the size of the driver, which is now 11mm – down from 11.6mm in the Ear (2) and 12.6mm in the Ear (Stick) – and the 11mm driver in the flagship Ear is ceramic, while this one isn't. Not so fast, though, as Nothing tells me that through tweaks to the dual chamber design under the hood, which now includes two extra vents for improved airflow, it's extracted 10%-15% more from Ear (a)'s driver. However Nothing has achieved it, I certainly agree that the sound from said driver is greatly improved.
After switching out to the smaller ear tips (you get three in total), I find the Ear (a) a breeze to wear – although if you've particularly small ears you may need to try before you buy, and my guide to the best earbuds for small ears is worth consulting.
The new case makes a lot of sense. It flips open as easily as it slips into and out of my pocket, and the earbuds are some of the easiest to retrieve I've ever tested – Nothing's right-red, left-white dots also help you match the colors for charging. You don't get wireless charging support at this price, but the IPX2 rating of this charging nest (for mild water resistance) is more than you get with plenty of pricier options. The earbuds themselves boast an IP55 rating, which is the same as Nothing's new Ear earbuds, although the Ear's case has an IP55 rating – so it's essentially dust- and water-resistant.
Nothing's pinch stems also work really well. You can customize what the morse code short- and long-press combinations do for each stem – yes, including volume. These stem-squeeze controls also work with gloves on, unlike many touch-capacitive solutions.
Design score: 5/5
Rarely have I had so many colleagues strike up a conversation with me over a set of earbuds (Image credit: Future)
Nothing Ear (a) review: Value
As good-looking as any earbuds can be for this money
Winning ANC at the level
LDAC for extra sound-per-pound value
I've sprinkled this liberally throughout the review, but I'll say it again, design-wise there's nothing better at the level. But don't be mistaken, these aren't style over substance: the sound quality is very good, and for noise-cancellation specifically, they're extremely hard to beat for the money.
As always, it's important to state that if you're prepared to spend $299 / £279 / AU$429 (aka three times the money) there's better noise-cancellation available in the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2, but that's hardly fair.
Prior to testing the Nothing Ear (a), for this price point, I would nudge you towards the Sony WF-C700N, but in my honest opinion, these entry-level Nothings give those a solid run for their money, across the board. And for premium looks for budget money, there's really no contest…
Value score: 5/5
Should I buy the Nothing Ear (a)?
Buy them if...
Don't buy them if...
Nothing Ear (a) review: Also consider
How I tested the Nothing Ear (a)
USB-C for juicing up, but there's no wireless charging (Image credit: Future)
Tested for two weeks, listened against the Sony WF-C700N, Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 and Technics EAH-AZ80
Listened at work (in the office, walking through Dorset, on a train) and at home
Listened to Tidal Masters, Apple Music Lossless tracks and Spotify on an iPhone 12 Pro, MacBook Pro and Sony Xperia 1 IV
The Nothing Ear (a) became my primary musical companions for five days – after a thorough 48-hour run-in period.
They accompanied me to work (walking brusquely to a train into our Paddington office or on the London Underground to various events) and on a flight to Copenhagen (I know, get me).
To better test the comfort levels (and battery life claims), I followed TechRadar's meticulous methodology testing.
To check the audio quality across the frequencies, I listened to TechRadar's reference playlist (spanning everything from pop to classical) on Apple Music and Tidal, and also my own musical selections and podcasts. I also wore them to watch YouTube tutorials (mostly about silversmithing: finessing bezel settings and working with art clay silver, since you ask) from my MacBook Pro.
I’ve been testing audio products for well over five years. As a dancer, aerialist and musical theater performer in another life, sound quality, fit, and user experience have always taken priority for me personally, but having heard how wonderful ANC can be when done well, I know what I'm listening to here also.
SEO optimization, also called Search Engine Optimization (SEO), involves enhancing both the quality and quantity of website traffic, from search engines to websites or web pages. This practice encompasses techniques to improve the visibility and ranking of content in organic search results.
Artificial intelligence has significantly simplified the process of offering SEO optimization solutions to users. It has facilitated the creation and management of content that is easily discoverable and beneficial for readers, both individuals and businesses.
MarketMuse is an example of a tool that leverages AI to provide objective insights for planning. The effectiveness of this tool in fulfilling its promise is something worth exploring further. Let's delve into it.
Like tools like Frase, Dashword, Clearscope, and other SEO optimization platforms, MarketMuse supports content creators and marketers in producing top-notch content. This AI-powered tool leverages machine learning algorithms to evaluate content quality, relevance, and depth while enhancing its potential for improved SEO performance.
Utilizing natural language processing capabilities, MarketMuse thoroughly examines a subject. Generates an overview of related topics, keywords, and queries that should be incorporated into the content to enhance its relevance and boost search engine rankings. Doing so offers users an analysis that aids in crafting more thorough and SEO-friendly content. Its seamless integration process also simplifies its incorporation into existing workflows.
As detailed on its website, MarketMuse offerings extend beyond keyword research and content evaluation. This includes access to on-demand inventory technology that enables customers to comprehend the strengths and weaknesses of their online content. Additionally, MarketMuse offers personalized metrics to demonstrate how challenging it may be for a website to rank for keywords. By considering a site's edge in content creation, MarketMuse delivers a precise assessment of the obstacles one might encounter and the opportunities available for leveraging success.
MarketMuse also provides a measure for determining the authority on a topic, emphasizing its importance in recognizing areas where a company thrives and where improvements are needed. This approach helps craft content that establishes an organization as a trusted source in a field.
Moreover, MarketMuse's research capabilities extend beyond keyword analysis. Using its topic modeling technology, MarketMuse sifts through pages to pinpoint essential concepts linked to a specific subject. This thorough investigation aids in identifying content deficiencies,, explore keyword suggestions,, and understand how competitors address these subjects. Furthermore, through the MarketMuse content cluster analysis tool, one can assess the depth and breadth of existing content on a topic. This process assists in spotting any gaps or oversights and guides in developing material or enhancing current pages to ensure comprehensive coverage and enhance the impact of the content.
How does Marketmuse use AI?
MarketMuse leverages AI to help content creators produce high-quality content that ranks well in search engines. The platform uses AI-powered algorithms to analyze massive amounts of data and provide insights on content gaps, topics, and suggested keywords. Additionally, MarketMuse offers a content brief that outlines the required topics, subtopics, and keywords for a given piece of content. This feature helps content creators create well-structured and comprehensive content that is optimized for search engines.
However, it's important to note that MarketMuse is not a replacement for human expertise. Content creators still play a crucial role in crafting engaging and informative content. The software is designed to assist content creators by automating some of the more tedious and time-consuming tasks, allowing them to focus on creating quality content. In summary, MarketMuse is a tool that empowers content creators to work more efficiently and produce better content, but it's the human touch that makes the content truly engaging and valuable.
Installation, setup, and compatibility
To access MarketMuse, all you need is an internet browser. First, you must input details, like your name, email, and a secure password on the company's website. Once you finish signing up, expect a confirmation email. Next, take some time to navigate through the MarketMuse dashboard. It offers tools for improving pages, researching topics, analyzing competitors, and generating content.
The Inventory feature is a starting point for newcomers to MarketMuse. It assists in identifying opportunities to enhance pages and develop content. Explore insights at the page, site, and search engine results pages (SERPs) to pinpoint areas for enhancement. Additionally, you can dive into topic research with MarketMuse. Gain insights into search intent and discover queries. Identify content gaps. The platform offers guidance for shaping your content strategy.
Both new and existing users can benefit from the MarketMuse Academy initiative, which offers learning resources, including blog posts and webinars about content strategy courses.
Plans and pricing
(Image credit: MarketMuse)
Based on the MarketMuse pricing summary, the company hopes to attract both individuals and companies. To that end, it offers four different plans: Free, Standard, Team, and Premium.
The first is a severely limited package that provides ten queries per month for a single user. New users to MarketMuse can try out the service free for seven days. During that time, freebie users will have access to the Standard plan. That plan, priced at $1,500/year when paid annually (or $149 per month), is for one user and includes 100 queries per month, full SERP results, and full results in the company’s Heatmap product, which offers site-level analysis. Standard users also get full results in Topic Navigator, link recommendations, and the ability to export content to Microsoft Word, Excel, or Google Docs. Standard users also receive MarketMuse AI for generative content creation. Unfortunately, you don’t receive content briefings at this level, and you can’t track managed topics.
For $3,900 per year (or $399 per month), you can purchase a Team plan. This includes everything you get in the Standard plan but for three users, plus unlimited content briefs. A Premium Plan, which you must contact MarketMuse for pricing information, includes everything noted in the premium plans for unlimited members, plus domain analysis, managed topics, and team training.
All plans require inputting a first and last name, company name, and your website’s domain. Additionally, there are add-ons available, including adding new users, inventory snapshots, and more.
Final verdict
One of the best things about MarketMuse is that it’s been designed to help individuals and small and large teams. This isn’t always the case with similar products that target individuals or large organizations, but not both. From a product standpoint, there’s much to love about MarketMuse. The AI-based guidance provided by MarketMuse ensures you create in-depth, high-quality content related to your chosen topic. It helps in developing the most comprehensive and authoritative content possible. By increasing the relevance and depth of the content, MarketMuse can dramatically boost the SEO success rate. A well-optimized, high-quality content can naturally rank higher on search engine results pages.
Additionally, with MarketMuse's ability to recognize related content, users can create a robust, interlinked content strategy. These linked clusters of content can significantly improve your website's domain authority.
There are a few things to criticize about MarketMuse, however. First, although I have no doubt users of all backgrounds can get started with MarketMuse with relative ease, there’s a huge learning curve to master the platform’s full range of platforms. For this, I’d strongly suggest looking into paid training through MarketMuse.
It’s important to note that SEO optimization tools like MarketMuse have another significant drawback. They have no control over the dynamic nature of search engine algorithms. This means that even the best tools will be affected if Google changes how it handles searches. As a result, companies like MarketMuse must adjust the data behind their offerings, and end-users will also need to make necessary adjustments. This can be a challenging process for everyone involved.
Overall, MarketMuse is one of the best SEO optimization tools available and worth considering. Take advantage of the free trial to see whether it’s worth the price of admission for you and your website.
The GameSir Nova Lite is a much better controller than its ultra-low price suggests. Yes, it’s a little on the basic side, lacking fancier premium features like RGB lighting and additional remappable buttons; but it makes up for this by simply being a very solid, long-lasting controller that's available at a fantastic price.
Despite the GameSir Nova Lite’s low price, the build quality is very solid, and the textured grips on the rear are a welcome addition. What’s more, the inclusion of Hall-effect thumbsticks help to give the controller a much longer lifespan by effectively eliminating the risk of stick drift, and while this is to be expected for the brand’s products, as we see with the GameSir T4 Kaleid and GameSir X2s Type-C, it’s very welcome at this price.
It’s not the most feature-rich controller, nor does it have the highest-quality modules. It is, though, excellent value for money, which makes the GameSir Nova Lite well worth considering if you’re looking to purchase a new (or spare) PC, Nintendo Switch, or Android controller without breaking the bank.
(Image credit: Future)
Price and availability
$24.99 / £29.99 (around AU$40)
One of the cheapest controllers we’d actually recommend
US and UK availability
The GameSir Nova Lite is available now for $24.99 / £29.99 (around AU$40) either from the brand’s official website or its Amazon store page. While US and UK availability is plentiful, folks in Australia may need to look at importing one, as it’s not officially available there at the time of writing.
It's easy to be suspicious of a controller with such a low price tag. However, in our testing across multiple products, we’ve found GameSir to be an highly reputable brand that consistently puts out some of the best Nintendo Switch controllers and best PC controllers.
So, while the Nova Lite sheds some advanced features in service to keeping its price point low, you can still expect to find a quality product here. That said, if you’d prefer a step up in quality and more robust features, we can also recommend the excellent GameSir T4 Kaleid ($41.99 / £41.99), though this is a wired-only option.
Specs
(Image credit: Future)
Design and features
There’s admittedly not much to discuss in terms of features for the GameSir Nova Lite; it’s a bare bones product by design. But at this price point, that’s to be expected. And the Nova Lite still impresses with its overall design and, albeit limited, feature set.
Build quality, while certainly not as sturdy as the Nacon Revolution 5 Pro or the 8BitDo Ultimate, is nonetheless impressive given the bargain price. Here, you’re getting a solid build that doesn’t feel overly hollow, and it rests nicely in the hands thanks to effective textured grips on the rear of the gamepad.
Buttons and modules are pretty serviceable across the board, with some rather nice-feeling membrane face buttons and triggers. However, the bumpers and d-pad leave something to be desired, feeling slightly chunky and not particularly satisfying to press. As a result, it’s not recommended for games that make liberal use of the d-pad, such as the best fighting games or menu-heavy RPGs.
As we’ve come to expect from GameSir products, though, the Nova Lite’s thumbsticks greatly impress. These are Hall-sensing thumbsticks, which you’ll now find in many third-party gamepads as the design helps to greatly reduce the risk of stick drift. This greatly extends the lifespan of the controller, and they’re a welcome addition here, especially considering the Nova Lite’s low price tag.
(Image credit: Future)
Performance
While straightforward in terms of design, GameSir has still provided the Nova Lite with a few nifty tricks up its sleeve. Chief among these is the robust function button, which again is surprisingly versatile for its budget price tag. The button, situated between the d-pad and right analog stick, can accomplish several things through various button macros.
For instance, holding the function button while pressing up or down on the d-pad lets you adjust the controller’s vibration intensity. You can also adjust each thumbstick’s dead zone by holding the button, moving a stick, then releasing. Lastly, you can switch the Nova Lite between XInput, Nintendo Switch or Android compatibility by holding the function button and pressing the Start and Select buttons simultaneously – though do note that the controller needs to be connected via USB-C in order for this last one to work.
Otherwise you’re getting unremarkable yet solid performance from the GameSir Nova Lite. I found it to be an excellent fit on PC, playing a range of games in my Steam library including Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania, Mega Man Zero/ZX Legacy Collection and Dark Souls 3during testing. It’s perfectly responsive via Bluetooth, too, and the controller felt at home with many of the best Nintendo Switch games, including Princess Peach: Showtime!and Super Mario Odyssey.
The only major drawback to note with the GameSir Nova Lite is its battery life. Via 2.4GHz, I managed just 10-11 hours of playtime from full charge, which lines up with GameSir’s own estimates. However, if you’d rather opt for Bluetooth connectivity via Nintendo Switch or mobile devices, you may be able to squeeze in up to 15 hours, which is slightly more palatable.
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the GameSir Nova Lite?
Buy it if...
Don't buy it if...
Also consider
Want to learn about a broader range of top PC controllers? Consider the following options, which are some of our favorite alternative picks.
How I tested the GameSir Nova Lite
Tested for 15 hours
Tested with PC and Nintendo Switch games
Compared with other recommended and affordable PC controllers
I tested the GameSir Nova Lite for roughly 15 hours, mixing wired and wireless play across Nintendo Switch and PC. I made sure to test the controller with a range of game genres, from fast-paced fighting games to slower, more deliberate platformers, puzzle games and RPGs.
I also compared the Nova Lite up to some of its budget-friendly peers, including the GameSir T4 Kaleid, Nintendo Switch Pro Controller and 8BitDo Ultimate. While the Nova Lite didn’t quite stack up to any of these options in either features or battery life, it still provided adequate performance given its ultra-low price tag.
Given that Xiaomi's T-series phones are normally considered 'mid-range' devices, you'd be forgiven for thinking that the Xiaomi 13T Pro's capabilities would be limited, its hardware poor, and its experience lacking, however, this is frankly no longer the case. The 13T Pro will, for many, provide the flagship experience you'd expect from devices sometimes twice the price, but will not only set you back significantly less, it will also, surprisingly, surpass them in many areas of day-to-day use.
Straight away, the visuals of the Xiaomi 13T Pro bear a striking resemblance to more premium competition; featuring a glass or vegan leather rear panel – both of which are more appetizing to look at than most – even if you disregard the enormity of the camera bump also present on the device.
Xiaomi chose to tailor the 13T Pro towards efficiency and performance improvements, and these couldn't have worked much better. The MediaTek Dimensity 9200 Plus ensures the Xiaomi 13T Pro sets the benchmark for what supposedly mid-range phones can achieve when pushed. Providing not only impressively smooth performance during gaming but also minimal battery drain; the performance of the 13T Pro is one of the most notable among phones in this price bracket.
This performance tailoring hasn't left the 13T Pro slacking in other areas, however, as Xiaomi's partnership with Leica proves. The Xiaomi 13T Pro boasts an impressive and authentic camera, featuring great detail and customizability to ensure a reliable experience in day-to-day usage. This does, however, mask some issues surrounding the night and selfie capabilities, which seem to have been somewhat left behind.
Rounding off its performance tailoring nicely is the 13T Pro's almost expected battery superiority; with a 5,000mAh battery, 120W wired fast charging, and numerous battery performance-based improvements over predecessors. Despite these initial wins for the 13T Pro though, it is let down by a surprising lack of wireless charging, even if the immense speeds of its wired charging do a good enough job of making up for this.
If you're able to take the Xiaomi 13T Pro's quirks as exactly that, and instead focus on the impressive performance across the majority of the device, it's easy enough to learn to love this phone and appreciate what can be possible in the mid-range market.
Xiaomi 13T Pro review: Price and availability
Unavailable in the US
256GB variant unavailable in the UK
Price impressively undercuts competitors
One of the biggest limitations of the Xiaomi 13T Pro – and the Xiaomi brand as a whole – is the availability of the device. Unfortunately, Xiaomi – alongside most other Chinese brands – is not sold in the US (when it comes to the company's smartphones at least). Alongside this, Xiaomi phones are not sold via any mainstream seller in Australia either (despite numerous attempts), limiting international availability to other countries across APAC, LATAM and EMEA, including the UK. That said, even there the cheaper 256GB + 12GB RAM model remains out of reach.
If you're not in a primary region for the 13T Pro but still curious about pricing, the 512GB model would cost approximately $880 / AU$1,350, based on the UK model's £699 asking price.
Value score: 3.5 / 5
Xiaomi 13T Pro review: Specifications
Xiaomi 13T Pro review: Design
(Image credit: Future // Rob Dunne)
Comfortable, if slightly long in the hand
Limited color choices, with one standout
Large rear camera bump
Standing out from the mid-range crowd comes in no better form than some of the design choices of the Xiaomi 13T Pro. The device opts for a 20:9 aspect ratio, with semi-rounded edges and a curved rear panel, giving the Xiaomi 13T Pro a comfortable, if slightly long, feel in the hand. With the phone using a 6.67-inch display at this ratio, you may find it occasionally problematic to use the phone one-handed if you need to reach the topmost areas of the display, and it may not be as easily pocketed as some other devices. Most noticeably, however, the curved rear panel does a superb job of making the phone look, and feel, thinner than it is, making the phone appear a much closer comparison visually to its more premium rivals.
(Image credit: Future // Rob)
Coming in three colors, the Xiaomi 13T Pro doesn't offer extensive variety in this department, however, both the black and the green glass paneled options are pleasant to look at and, in the case of the green, a nice switch from traditional colors. The standout option amongst the three available colors, however, is Alpine blue. Coming exclusively in Xiaomi's BioComfort vegan leather, the Alpine Blue variant is a fresh, and fabulous, take on how to make a premium device. The vegan leather not only looks superb on the device, but also provides added comfort over its glass counterparts, as well as significantly reduces the risk of those pesky finger marks, stains, and scratches that are almost inevitable with glass-backed phones.
As with most well-equipped phones in the current market, one of the biggest design talking points of the Xiaomi 13T Pro is the rear camera bump. The device comes with a triple camera setup made by Leica, and on this occasion, with big camera possibilities comes an even bigger camera bump. Although it's well-designed, and definitely not too big an eyesore, the camera bump does pose the phone some issues if you choose to use it without a case, as given its position on the left-hand side of the rear of the phone, as well as its protrusion from the rest of the device, the phone can become rather wobbly on flat surfaces, although this is fixed if you choose to use the free clear case you receive with the device.
Design score: 4 / 5
Xiaomi 13T Pro review: Display
(Image credit: Future // Rob Dunne)
6.67-inch AMOLED panel
Up to 144Hz refresh rate
HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support
The display on the Xiaomi 13T Pro is one of its most impressive attributes. The phone uses a 6.67-inch AMOLED panel at up to a 144Hz (with refresh rate intervals at 30, 60, 90, 120 and 144Hz), and supports both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ standards to create one of the most pleasant and visually appealing displays on a smartphone at this price. The display is capable of reaching a peak brightness of 2,600nits and offers rich color reproduction, meaning it doesn't struggle when it comes to creating superb visuals. That high nit count meant I never struggled with using the device in a full gamut of conditions; the screen even has a sunlight mode to help in especially bright environments. However, in day-to-day use, the visibility and viewing angles available on the phone proved sensational.
The 13T Pro's adaptive refresh rate is enabled by default, but you can also customize this in the settings to lock the screen at 60Hz if this is what you prefer, although I can't imagine many people will want to. When it comes to the capabilities of the adaptive refresh rate, the display copes impressively well with some of the more arduous mobile games currently available.
In testing, we enjoyed high refresh rates and crisp, detailed, and vibrant graphics; making it difficult to not applaud how enjoyable gaming on the Pro is, even without some of the device's additional gaming-oriented options activated. When using the Xiaomi 13T Pro across social media, browsing, and general usage, the phone sits comfortably at between 1Hz and 120Hz, to optimize power consumption, while still providing an impressively smooth experience.
The phone comes with three preloaded color profiles that dictate how visuals appear on-screen: Vivid, Saturated and Original. If you prefer to tinker with more precision though – whether that be for color accuracy or simply personal preference – you can also adjust a number of more advanced settings within the phone's deeper display control menu.
Display score: 4.5 / 5
Xiaomi 13T Pro review: Software
(Image credit: Future // Rob Dunne)
Upgradeable to Xiaomi's latest HyperOS atop Android 14
Small but appreciated generational user experience improvements
Four major Android updates promised from launch
Despite releasing on the company's MIUI 14 atop Android 13, at the time of review, Xiaomi had already upgraded the 13T Pro to its new and improved HyperOS user experience; creating responsive, minimalist environment atop the latest Android 14. Small tweaks across areas such as the main font, app icons and user menus give the Xiaomi 13T Pro a pleasing aesthetic, and improvements in performance over the previous MIUI 14 make sure that you aren't left with intractions that aren't as smooth as the redesign itself.
Personalization is improved but still somewhat fenced-in on the Xiaomi 13T Pro, with improved lock screen options that near-enough mirror the experience on the likes of the iPhone 15. Once past the lock screen, practically all of the visual and interaction tweaks you're likely make will pass through the preinstalled Themes app, which offers an array of different elements to make your device your own; even if the personalization process itself isn't necessarily the best.
One key downside of previous iterations of Xiaomi's user experience has bloatware and the inability to remove many of Xiaomi's own preloaded apps, but with the Xiaomi 13T Pro we see a small but appreciated change to this trend. There are now only eight first-party apps that you are unable to uninstall, which is frankly nothing compared to what we've been inundated with on prior generations.
Like many devices in its weight class, the Xiaomi 13T Pro was promised four major Android updates over the course of its lifespan, which while behind market leaders, should more than long enough based on the average user's upgrade frequency. Add to that improved OS performance and battery management and the Xiaomi 13T Pro is more than likely to last you while remaining a more than capable smartphone at the end of its life.
Software score: 4 / 5
Xiaomi 13T Pro review: Cameras
(Image credit: Future // Rob Dunne)
Camera system tuned in partnership with Leica
Triple rear camera and 20MP selfie snapper
Vast array of more advanced shooting modes
Xiaomi's partnership with Leica on the Xiaomi 13T Pro has resulted in a top-notch camera experience. The 13T Pro runs a triple rear sensor setup, featuring a 50MP main camera, 50MP telephoto camera, and a 12MP ultra-wide camera, whilst the display plays host to a 20MP selfie camera; all in all, a very solid start. The rear cameras can shoot in one of two visual styles, these being 'Leica Authentic' and 'Leica Vibrant,' both of which offer pleasing results under different conditions. Vibrant, as you'd expect, serves up more vivid, contrasting color in scenes, whilst Authentic leverages a more reserved, muted, true-to-life palette, just as we've seen from previous Leica-partnered phones.
Finding a balance between advanced photography controls and satisfying the everyday user is a challenging task, but one which the Xiaomi 13T Pro tackles with aplomb. Yes, there are a large number of menus and options, some of which might never see the light of day under standard usage, but equally, the features you need most are laid out simply and efficiently for quick access in a variety of scenarios. Thanks to both the Pro's large screen and some clever UI placement options, selecting relevant shooting settings is simple enough, even when using the Xiaomi 13T Pro's 'Pro Mode,' which opens up even greater control over conventional photography variables like ISO, exposure and white balance.
Camera samples
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(Image credit: Future // Rob Dunne)
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(Image credit: Future // Rob Dunne)
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(Image credit: Future // Rob Dunne)
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(Image credit: Future // Rob Dunne)
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(Image credit: Future // Rob Dunne)
The results we saw from the main camera system were impressive, finding a pleasant and effective blend of detail and color accuracy; especially for a device at this price point. The 13T Pro has three optical zoom levels – 0.6x, 1x, and 2x – and was impressive at retaining details and color science consistency throughout. I was positively surprised by the 13T Pro's video shooting from the rear camera, with an impressive level of image stabilization, however, it struggled when trying to zoom during filming, with some notable stuttering and clear color changes when moving from optical to digital zoom ranges; an understandable stumbling block for a phone not necessarily striving to push photographic boundaries. 10-bit LOG video capture is a novel inclusion too, that adds greater post-capture versatility to footage for those looking for an affordable but capable phone for videography.
Other shortcomings noticed during testing included an unnatural level of lighting correction when shooting in dimly lit scenarios, leading to color inaccuracies and limited detail. Detail issues also persisted when using the selfie camera, though this is one area which hasn't received much in the way of generational attention; understandable, if annoying. Overall, however, an the 13T Pro serves up an impressive array of photographic capabilities and provides results that any casual mobile photographer or videographer would no doubt be happy with.
Cameras score: 3.5 / 5
Xiaomi 13T Pro review: Performance
(Image credit: Future // Rob Dunne)
MediaTek Dimensity 9200 Plus chipset
Up to 1TB UFS 4.0 storage
Up to 16GB LPDDR5X RAM
For many, an Android device not running an ever-reliable Qualcomm Snapdragon chip might be a reason to worry, but the Dimensity 9200 Plus SoC powering the Xiaomi 13T Pro does nothing short of an impressive job at letting this phone go toe to toe with even some flagship competition. The intention of the 13T Pro's Plus-branded chip was to improve efficiency and performance over the standard 9200, with a focus on improved gaming performance and battery efficiency in day-to-day use, both of which the Xiaomi 13T Pro appears to excel at with reasonable ease.
While gaming, the phone was not only able to comfortably hold a consistent and high frame rate across the likes of Call of Duty Mobile, Genshin Impact, and Grid Autosport, but it was also able to retain an impressive amount of battery during longer gaming stints both thanks to the hardware – such as the improved Immortalis-G715 GPU – and the integrated performance optimizing software.
During testing, I did note some warmth across the device for the duration of my gaming stint, but nothing that was too uncomfortable or unexpected for the fidelity of games being played, and at no point did thermal throttling impact on competitive performance to any discernible degree.
The Xiaomi 13T Pro also stands as one of the first Xiaomi devices to dip its toe into the waters of AI. With its upgrade to HyperOS adding support for such functionality as an AI eraser tool and background editor – to help add to the already impressive camera capabilities mentioned earlier. What's more, that's only the start, with Xiaomi delivering even more AI enhancement on the Xiaomi 14 series. That said, to what extent of these will reach back to the 13T Pro remains unknown for now.
Performance score: 4.5 / 5
Xiaomi 13T Pro review: Battery
(Image credit: Future // Rob Dunne)
5,000mAh battery
120W wired charging
No wireless charging
One of the most impressive areas of the Xiaomi 13T Pro – on paper at least – is its battery and charging capabilities. The phone boasts a large 5,000mAh battery, with rapid 120W wired charging – when using the power adapter provided. Xiaomi's Surge Battery Management system is also onboard to help improve battery safety and elongate the lifespan of the device over prolonged use too.
Whilst I was unable to replicate Xiaomi's charging estimate of only 19 minutes to 100% when using 120W wired charging (paired with 'boost mode') during testing, the phone was still impressively quick to charge to 100% and was comfortably able to give me over 12 hours of active screen time before beginning to creep closer to needing a charge.
Somewhat strangely, the Xiaomi 13T Pro – whilst powerful in its wired charging solutions – lacks any form of wireless charging; which presumably is a side-effect of the T-series more affordable standing in Xiaomi's extensive smartphone portfolio. Even so, the impressive wired charging speeds possible meant the inability to rest the phone on a wireless charging pad rarely felt like an issue.
Battery score: 3.5 / 5
Should you buy the Xiaomi 13T Pro?
Buy it if...
Don't buy if...
Xiaomi 13T Pro review: Also consider
How I tested the Xiaomi 13T Pro
Review period: one month
Testing included: everyday use, such as web browsing, photography, gaming, calling and messaging, music playback, as well as some benchmarking tests.
True testing of the Xiaomi 13T Pro took place over the course of about a month, with the writing of the review occurring over an extended period afterwards. The Xiaomi 13T Pro reviewed here was a 512GB storage, 12GB RAM, Alpine Blue (with Xiaomi's BioComfort vegan leather) model. The Xiaomi 13T Pro was put through a variety of tests, not limited to daily usage, gaming, photography, streaming of music and video, and, as ever, benchmarking.
Having worked with phones for years – originally on shop floors and later by writing about them on TechRadar (including buying advice surrounding phones in this category) – I felt comfortable reviewing the 13T Pro, safe in the knowledge I had the expertise and context to do it justice.
I've said it before, and I will say it again: there is a reason Dell is the gold standard when it comes to the best business monitors. Dell has been at the top of the business monitor game for years and continues producing phenomenal monitors for reliability and usability.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
Over the last several years, it's no secret that many industries have moved to having virtual meetings throughout their work week. These increases in virtual meetings can be felt by those working in an office, especially those working remotely. If you've been to a few virtual meetings, you have probably experienced those who do not have a webcam, those who have a poor webcam, and those who have an excellent webcam.
In our experience, the best business webcams, especially when paired with quality audio, help set your best foot forward in presentation, much like if you are dressed well and present yourself well in an in-person meeting. It's not everything, but having a quality way to present yourself is essential when your primary or perhaps only interaction with people is through a virtual meeting.
Dell saw this value and paired it with their skill in creating professional displays for businesses to develop their line of Video Conferencing Monitors. This line-up comes in six sizes: 14-inch, 22-inch, 24-inch, 27-inch, 32-inch, and 34-inch. These sizes offer high-resolution, highly functional monitors with great built-in webcams, speakers, microphones, an onboard dock for your laptop, and Dell's classic adjustable monitor stand.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
Dell P3424WEB: Unboxing and First Impressions
As expected, the P3424WEB monitor came well packaged, just like all the Dell monitors I have tested over the years. I can always trust that any packages from the company will arrive securely and safely. All the cables, a stand, and the base were in the box. I set it up quickly and had it running in no time.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
This monitor is a standard 34-inch ultrawide monitor with a soundbar, mic, and camera factory-mounted to the top of the monitor. While that may not be surprising, how clean and seamless Dell has made this combination look astonishing. The soundbar spans the entire top of the monitor, though it does not have to, especially for the 34-inch model. Dell has made this look intentional and uniform across their vast monitor sizes. The camera has a physical shutter that I can open and close with a simple twist of a ring, and I can even angle the camera down a bit to get the perfect angle.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
Thanks to the built-in USB-C hub, I could quickly and easily plug in my M2 MacBook Pro and get to work without even needing to plug in another dock or adapter, making it one of the best monitors for MacBook Pro in this regard. In fact, thanks to the actual speakers built in, I can use these speakers to play background music, listen in on meetings, and so on without having to deal with terrible standard monitor speakers or only my laptop speakers. Granted, the built-in speakers are nothing incredible, but they are better than standard monitor speakers,
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
Dell P3424WEB: Design and Build Quality
As I mentioned earlier, the overall design of document number one can be described as a 34-inch Ultrawide monitor from Dell with a soundbar and camera placed on top. Although it's done well, that is what it is. It took me a moment to get used to the design once I turned everything on and connected it to what I humbly suggest is one of the best MacBook Pro laptops. That's because the large bezel on the top looked strange. However, I quickly got used to it.
The build quality is as high as expected; the stand works well but is still reasonably dull and works consistently. The camera is good enough for even those crucial virtual meetings, and it has built-in AI features that can track your movements to keep you center-frame. Through the free DDPM (Dell Display Peripheral Manager) app, I have complete control of the camera, the monitor, and even the built-in KVM settings. The mic is also clear enough for virtual meetings, and I can pick up my voice well while sitting back in my chair and talking usually. I do not need to raise my voice or speak a sure way to be heard clearly. Lastly, the speakers sound better than dedicated music speakers, Apple Homepods, or a legitimate soundbar.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
Dell P3424WEB: In use
In daily use, the monitor excels at productivity tasks and video conferencing. The ultrawide screen allows me to have multiple windows up and spread out or have a smaller number of windows all opened up super large. This helps me multitask efficiently, as I only sometimes have to rely on switching from window to window.
The high-quality camera and audio features greatly enhance video conferencing, making remote communication more effective and engaging. Yes, all the best business laptops have a decent webcam, but if you're using a business PC, don't have a decent webcam, or want to elevate your virtual meetings, this camera will do the trick and enhance those virtual meetings.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
Dell P3424WEB: Final verdict
Dell's P3424WEB Curved Video Conferencing Monitor is an excellent upgrade for anyone with many virtual meetings and needs a lot of screen real estate - it's easily one of the best curved monitors for professional use. The 34-inch ultrawide is a personal favorite of mine for my desks, where I get much work done all at once.
There is so much room to spread tasks in Windows, chat threads, and apps. On top of the monitor's abilities (see what I did there), the virtual meeting capabilities of this monitor allow it to do so much more than just a standard display. Instead of adding a camera or missing out on a quality virtual meeting experience, you can have significant, clear, and crisp video and audio on your next virtual meeting.
For those prioritizing virtual communication and productivity simultaneously, this monitor should absolutely be considered in your research and would be a worthwhile investment.
Vari, formerly VariDesk, is an impressive standing desk and accessory company. Their quality has improved steadily over the last several years, and the Electric Standing Desk with Comfort Edge is no exception.
We've tested, reviewed, and rated many of the best standing desks and were very impressed with the company's last offering, the Electric Standing Desk which we awarded 4.5 out of 5. This latest model has many similarities to the beloved original Electric Standing Desk, with some notable changes that make it unique in and of itself.
Vari Electric Standing Desk with Comfort Edge: Unboxing and First Impressions
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
Vari's packaging is simple and understated. The desk arrived well-packaged with clear instructions on how to build it. The instructions were so clear that my five-year-old son could look at the pictures and understand how to assemble most of the steps. Vari ensured that all the tools needed to assemble the desk were included in the package. The instructions were so simple that I didn't have to use a drill or electric screwdriver as usual.
Unlike other standing desks I've built in the past, this one already had the desktop and frame assembled, so I only needed to add the legs. Even adding the legs was incredibly simple. The mounting points slid into a groove and clicked down into place; all I did was add a few screws to ensure they stayed locked in place. In addition to this easy way to add the legs, the pre-assembled frame and desktop made the build process much easier and faster. It only took me 14 minutes to complete, even with two kids running around as "helpers."
I noticed the high-quality desktop and leg materials right out of the box. That's a big deal, especially since I have tested many desks. Going into testing this desk, one concern was that I wanted to avoid the ComfortEdge looking gimmicky in real life. It looks good in photos, but in person, I hoped Vari did this rounded edge perfectly, smoothly, and, most importantly, intentionally. Thankfully, that is exactly how it looks. The rounded bevel front looks like a featured element, not an add-on to a previous model.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
Vari Electric Standing Desk with Comfort Edge: Design and Build Quality
For a standing desk to be high-quality, the pieces must be made well and from the right materials. For my Vari Desk with Comfort Edge, I chose a walnut top, black legs, and a 48 x 30 desktop size. As I previously stated, the rounded front top edge of the desk stood out immediately, but not in a bad way at all. There was a clear front and back of the desk, and Vari had precisely created this desk version.
Specs
as tested
Type: Electric Standing Desk
Height Range: 25 - 50.5 inches
Desktop Size: 48 x 30 inches
Lifting Weight: 220lb
Storage Space: drawers and storage units are available for add-on
Warranty: 5 years
The desk, as a whole, has a very clean, minimalist, and modern look. There's nothing flashy, and while I am a big fan of the walnut finishes (no shame for jumping on that bandwagon), this looks good in any of the spaces in my house that I have tried. While moving this desk around to different areas in my house to get a feel for how it looks against various backgrounds, with other lights, and so on, I became very appreciative of the robust construction, the easy-to-remove legs, and height adjustability. I could get this set, plug in the legs, and hit my preset, and no matter what was going on, I could have the desk at the perfect height every time.
Vari Electric Standing Desk with Comfort Edge: In use
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
Coming from someone who has used many of the best office desks, both traditional and standing models, I expected to like the ComfortEdge less than I do. I did not think Vari would design this desk so well, nor did I come to appreciate it as much as I do. During long working hours, this ComfortEdge noticeably reduces wrist and arm fatigue as they are no longer resting on a 90-degree angle made of wood.
The rest of the desk is stable, has minimal wobble, and works excellently with the ComfortEdge at various heights. Both while sitting and standing, I appreciate the ComfortEdge design and the relief it brings to my forearms. The desk legs have an impressive height range that I can utilize to set the perfect four memory presets and then continue to choose any height I want manually. Having four presets is something that I took for granted early on in my standing desk journey. It's something that I did not realize how beneficial it was until I didn't have it for a few desks I have had.
With four presets, I usually set a seated height, a standing height, an ergonomic stool height, and an auxiliary height. The auxiliary height I set is perfect for me to tinker on my desk. Whether that is photo shoots of gear, building something, or opening a package. If I had a stationary desk or a standing desk without presets, I would never take the time to put the desk in this position, but since I can press a button, the desk will automatically go to that perfect height and then back to where I had it before the auxiliary height, it's a no brainer for me.
Vari Electric Standing Desk with Comfort Edge: Final verdict
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
The Vari Electric Standing Desk with ComfortEdge is a fantastic desk overall. Its smooth taper on the front top edge alleviates pressure from your forearms while you use it, and it looks clean and intentional. While it is expensive, quality standing desks come at a price. If you are looking for an excellent standing desk that will last you years and elevate your work from home or office space, make sure to check out the Vari Electric Standing Desk with ComfortEdge.
Kitting out the office? We tested the best office chairs and these are our favorite models for all-day comfort and productivity.
Several emerging Search Engine Optimization (SEO) tools are available in the market that are becoming increasingly reliant on artificial intelligence. These tools not only streamline a company's workflow but also effectively enhance its content's ranking potential.
For SEO tools to be successful, they must cover all aspects, be user-friendly, reasonably priced, and offer a feature or two that is missing from most competitors. How does Clearscope compare to them? Let's find out.
Clearscope is a powerful tool that caters to writers’, marketers’, and SEO strategists’ needs. It empowers its users to create content captivating to their target audience and optimized for search engines, such as Google Search. With some of the biggest names in the industry, such as Intuit, Adobe, Shopify, and YouTube, among its clients, Clearscope seems to be gaining in popularity.
Clearscope's features should sound familiar for anyone already familiar with SEO optimization techniques. It employs latent semantic indexing (LSI) keywords, which are terms and phrases closely related to your target keyword, to grade the relevance and comprehensiveness of your online content. Additionally, it provides Search Engine Results Page (SERP) analysis, giving you invaluable insights into user queries and the strategies you can use to optimize your content for better search rankings.
But that's not all - Clearscope is also an excellent planning tool. It suggests headings and terms that can be used to structure your content outlines, making your articles or blog posts more readable and SEO-friendly.
Clearscope recommends conducting a content inventory before getting started. This tool enables you to keep track of existing online content’s performance. The Content Inventory section also empowers you to take preventative measures to maintain or improve crucial metrics such as Content Grade, clicks, average position, and SEO value for your current content.
How does Clearscope use AI?
Using natural language processing (NLP), Clearscope generates a report of keywords and suggested headers to optimize your content.
This tool also provides real-time data from Google to help you write more relevant and comprehensive content. It gives you actionable recommendations to improve your content and track its performance over time, which can help enhance your SEO strategy.
Clearscope's AI-driven algorithm goes beyond just grading your target keywords. It suggests the best LSI keywords, content length, readability, and more. Additionally, it analyzes the top 30 content articles for a particular keyword to help drive search traffic to your website.
Installation, setup, and compatibility
Using Clearscope is a breeze and straightforward. All you need is a web browser; no fancy software is required. To kick things off, head over to the Clearscope website. Sign up by clicking either the "Get Started" or "Request a demo" button on the homepage. Fill in your company details, email, and team size on the form. Once you've entered your info, hit “Submit” or “Schedule a Demo,” depending on your preference.
Once you've selected a plan and made the payment, it's time for the real fun to begin. Log into your Clearscope account. Navigate to the dashboard. Take some time to explore the interface where you can create reports, connect with Google Docs, and more.
Linking Clearscope with your content creation platform is a crucial step. This integration is key to optimizing your content within these platforms, making your work more efficient. The process is seamless if you're using Google Docs or WordPress.
To access Clearscope, go to the “Integrations” section on the Clearscope website in Google Docs. Choose Google Docs. Follow the steps to install the Clearscope add-on. Once it’s installed, Google Docs. Locate the Clearscope add-on under "Add ons" in the top menu. You're now set to optimize your documents from Google Docs using the add-on.
Download the Clearscope plugin from your dashboard or the WordPress repository if you use WordPress. Install and activate the plugin, then connect it to Clearscope using your API key from the dashboard. With Clearscope integrated, you can start crafting content.
When creating content, generate a report on your dashboard by entering your target keyword. The report will provide insights into keyword usage, content grade, and readability score. Utilize these insights to shape your content creation process and ensure it aligns with SEO practices.
As you write and enhance your content, Clearscope provides invaluable real-time feedback. Keep an eye on your content grade to ensure it meets SEO requirements. Implement suggested changes, such as adding keywords and enhancing readability, to optimize your content.
Plans and pricing
(Image credit: Clearscope)
Clearscope is a powerful tool suitable for anyone who wants to take their content to the next level regarding SEO optimization. Yet, its target audience isn’t necessarily freelancers or small companies. Instead, its pricing clearly shows it’s targeting corporations, or at least larger companies, for better or worse.
Three plans are available for would-be Clearscope users: Essentials, Business, and Enterprise. The first package is $199/month for unlimited users working on unlimited projects. Its limits include 100 content inventory pages, 30 keyword discover credits, and 15 content reports per month.
At $599/month, the Clearscope Business plan features a dedicated account manager. Monthly limits with this plan include 500 content inventory pages, 100 keyword discovery credits, 50 content reports, and AI content generation. Finally, the Enterprise plan includes everything on the Business plan but adds a custom data pipeline, crawler allowlisting, geo-targeting, and a single sign-on. You must contact Clearscope to discuss pricing for this plan.
One area of contention I have had when reviewing SEO optimization tools is pricing and its relationship to limits. Dashword, for example, could have received a five-star rating in my review. However, I knocked this down considerably because its cheapest plan had too many monthly restrictions. Clearscope’s plans also contain restrictions, but there are fewer severe ones. For example, none of its plans limited the number of users using the system or the number of reports that may be generated. In other words, no points are lost here.
One area of contention I have with Clearscope is that there’s no free trial available. Instead, you must first request a demo, which is somewhat evasive. However, because Clearscope clearly targets teams instead of individuals, it shouldn’t come as a surprise.
Final verdict
Like other tools used for SEO optimization, Clearscope has pros and cons. However, the pros outweigh the cons.
The algorithm of Clearscope is finely tuned to provide suggestions for using keywords, which can significantly enhance the likelihood of a piece of content ranking well on search engines. Additionally, the platform offers a user interface that suits experienced SEO professionals perfectly. It's also commendable that Clearscope integrates seamlessly with two used software products: Google Docs and WordPress. Notably, Clearscope is appreciated for its reports and how real-time feedback can assist in crafting search engine-friendly and relevant content.
One major deterrent for some individuals might be the cost of using Clearscope. Providing a trial could attract a more extensive user base regardless of Clearscope's pricing structure. Moreover, beginners in SEO optimization might find it challenging to navigate Clearscope despite its user design. There is still a learning curve involved in using Clearscope.
Another downside is that AI content outline generation is exclusively available to customers on the business plan with Clearscope. This limitation may seem unreasonable, especially considering the pricing tiers, particularly for the essentials package.
Clearscope, it would benefit all your customers to access your AI tools.
Although Clearscope provides a variety of content optimization tools, it lacks some features that other comprehensive tools offer, such as backlink analysis and technical SEO audits.
Overall, Clearscope is a tool for individuals and organizations looking to enhance their content SEO potential with data-driven insights and optimization suggestions. While the pricing and learning curve may deter some users, the platform's accurate recommendations, user-friendly interface, and immediate feedback make it a valuable resource for content creators and marketers striving to create content that performs well in search engine results.
BenQ has gained a reputation for producing high-quality monitors that exceed their price point. Their success with some of the best business monitors is noteworthy, and the GW3290QT is no exception. The big standout part of this monitor is that while most monitors opt for a sleek black, the GW3290QT has a white bezel, frame, and stand with some tricks up its sleeve—but more on that later.
BenQ GW3290QT: Unboxing and First Impressions
Unboxing the BenQ GW3290QT felt a lot like unboxing other BenQ monitors. The packaging is done well, and the monitor is safely secured in the box for transit. Immediately upon opening the packaging, I was shocked at the white frame. I knew the monitor would have a white frame, but I was still stunned to see it in person. 32-inch monitors continue to feel massive for me, so that was another area that stood out from the unboxing.
Outside of that, the base is the other piece worth mentioning regarding this monitor. The base is where BenQ Decided to make this monitor incredibly unique. Most monitor stands blend in or are as minimal as possible. The white base on this G, W3290QT, draws even more attention when paired with the BenQ GC01 Yogi cover. There are two options: one white, which is more for productivity and organization, and one green, essentially a Lego brick pad.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
BenQ GW3290QT: Design and Build Quality
One thing that I appreciate about this monitor is the thin bezels all around the screen. Yes, the back of this monitor, the stand, and the color all intentionally pop and stand out, but BenQ understood that while that is great for the right person, nobody these days wants big, thick, chunky bezels on their monitor.
And, speaking of the color, I was initially apprehensive about the white. I have always been a fan of dark mode, and my tech has always favored a dark theme with lighter accents to freshen up my workspaces. I never considered that the monitor could be that fresh pop of white I was looking for. It took me a moment to get used to it, but in the proper setup, this monitor is just enough pop of white to lighten up a dark workspace, blend into a lighter, brighter workspace, or change it up a bit. So many monitors are black or grey.
Seeing a change-up that is done well is excellent. The overall design is quite minimalist and beautiful. Yes, the white makes the whole monitor stand out slightly, but this monitor is sleek and understated outside of the color. The stand is clean and solid. It is also highly adjustable, which most users will appreciate. BenQ built the ability to rotate the orientation, change height, and even change the angle.
Specs
Screen Size: 31.5-inch
Resolution: 2560 x 1440
Brightness: 350 nits
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Pixel Response: 5ms
Viewing Angle: 178/178
It's worth noting that this monitor features a 2K resolution, which means it's suitable for general or business use. However, we wouldn't recommend this as the best monitor for photo editing or the best video editing monitor for professional use.
Nevertheless, 2K is a higher resolution than many business monitors, so if you're upgrading from a lower-end monitor, you'll likely notice a significant improvement in clarity and pixel density. This monitor should be sufficient for tasks such as spreadsheets, emails, and forms.
Regarding ports, this monitor is well set up for essential and everyday use. The BenQ GW3290QT is a modern monitor with modern ports and connectivity in mind. Through one USB-C Cable, this monitor can run an entire hub worth of ports and deliver power to the connected device at 65W. Even further, if you have a laptop that supports MST (Multi-Stream Transport), you can use daisy chain monitors together, adding even more screen real estate.
If you have a Mac, depending on your processing chip, you can run multiple monitors through an external Thunderbolt dock to achieve a similar effect. The back of the GW3290QT hosts the IEC power input, an HDMI, DisplayPort In, DisplayPort Out, the host USB-C line, and two USB-A ports. Just below the monitor, built into the chin of the monitor, BenQ has added another two USB-A ports and a headphone jack for easy access. In short, for the average user, home user, or business user, this monitor could very well be both display and dock, operating as the desk centerpiece in aesthetics, design, and functionality.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
BenQ GW3290QT: In use
As mentioned in previous sections, this monitor has a 2K resolution. You will notice a difference if you are used to 4K or even higher resolution monitors, especially if you are working on graphical content. I noticed a difference in pixel density, sharpness, and color compared to a 4K or 5K monitor, but that is to be expected. This monitor is not designed to compete with those so that I won't go into comparisons there. The business world is where this monitor is designed to compete and thrive. I was delighted to use this monitor for my administrative work.
I could easily plug my laptop in and get straight to work without needing an external Thunderbolt Dock. I could plug in other devices as required, my computer was charging while displaying content, and I had a wonderfully expansive monitor to put emails up on, check my project spreadsheets, update Notion, take notes in a virtual meeting, and update the website. Writing content using this monitor is easy. I sat using this monitor for full days of work at a time and did not notice any eye fatigue, nor did I feel like I was missing anything when using this monitor for those purposes. I did enable the eye care features, which reduced the blue light and adjusted the brightness to the right level throughout the day. One thing I thankfully did not notice was any flickering. I cannot stand when a light or a monitor flickers at different brightness levels. BenQ makes sure to include flicker-free technology in their monitors to ensure this does not bother their users.
BenQ has a Yogi Base accessory I did not choose to get, but it might be interesting for users who want to add some fun to their workspace. The Yogi base is essentially a cover for the white, standout base of the BenQ GW3290QT that can either be a baseplate for legos or a great place to more efficiently store a phone, charger, and things of that nature.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
BenQ GW3290QT: Final verdict
The BenQ GW3290QT is a compelling choice for at-home offices, administrative use, business use, and those looking for a decent monitor for a great price. The 32-inch screen real estate feels quite expansive, and the build quality that BenQ brings to the table is fantastic, as always. If you are looking for a solid monitor that will not break the bank and does not need the best picture or color accuracy monitor, the BenQ GW3290QT is worth considering for your workspace.
Dimensions/Weight: 399 x 446 x 274 mm (WxDxH)/16.8kg
This professional desktop color printer is part of Brother’s lineup aimed at small to medium-sized business (SMB) so it comes with an impressive specification and all the trimmings. As with any of the best small business printers, that means a touchscreen display, NFC and a print speed over 30ppm (pages per minute). It’s also expandable with an optional paper tray available.
The Brother HL-L8245CDW (called the HL-L8240CDW in Europe) is a color LED device, which is to say that it uses a static LED array rather than a moving laser to guide toner particles onto the drums, but Brother still classifies it as a laser printer, as do we. At around US$350 (or about £280) it’s at the upper end of the market for single-function printer, but it comes with enough features and inbox toner to make this look like a good deal. What’s more, the high monthly duty cycle of 40,000 pages, triple-layer security and its availability under Brother’s MPS (managed print service) should attract the interest of any SMB with a busy print load.
Brother HL-L8245CDW/HL-L8240CDW: Design & build
(Image credit: Brother )
Single-function laser printers vary little from the square box form-factor and the Brother HL-L8245CDW/HL-L8240CD is no exception. At 16.8kg, it feels very heavy and robust with rounded corners and flaps that feel like they will stay attached with heavy use. It’s quite squat and compact, given that it can hold 250 sheets of A4/Letter paper in the main tray and another 30 in its front-loading multi-purpose tray. If you’re a heavy user of paper, you can buy Brother’s lower paper tray accessory for US$250 (or £155) to add another 250 sheets.
The out-tray on top holds 150 sheets of paper face down and beside that is a 2.7-in (6.8cm) touchscreen angled slightly up towards the user. There’s a USB Host port on the front panel and inputs for a USB data cable and gigabit Ethernet cable at the rear.
Brother HL-L8245CDW/HL-L8240CDW: Features & specifications
(Image credit: Brother )
The Brother HL-L8245CDW/HL-L8240CD is equipped for use in a shared office with heavy print demands so the spec-sheet is quite impressive. The print rate for Letter paper is given as 31ppm, or 30ppm for fractionally larger A4 paper. That’s slower than rivals like the Xerox VersaLink B600DN, but still fast. Perhaps more importantly, this machine can automatically turn the page quickly so two-sided printing is 12ppm, which puts it among the fastest printers for duplexing.
The paper capacity is average at 250 sheets in the main tray, but the option to expand that to a whole ream of 500 sheets makes it attractive to growing businesses. Many print-only devices lack a multi-purpose tray, but here we have one that can take 30 sheets of paper or envelopes of any size up to A4. 5GHz Wi-Fi with Wi-Fi Direct and AirPrint compatibility is built in, as you might expect, but the NFC module and USB Host ports are welcome extra features.
Even some of the best laser printers often come with setup cartridges which contain measly amounts of toner, but Brother has been generous here by bundling fully-filled carts yielding up to 2,600 black and white pages and 1,400 color. Even higher capacity cartridges are available for this model which can deliver up to 4,500 monochrome pages and 4,000 color and these super high yield carts bring the cost per page down to a very competitive rate.
To set up the Brother HL-L8245CDW/HL-L8240CDW you need to remove all the transport plastic, which involves opening it up then removing and reinstalling the four toner cartridges. That takes a few minutes, then the printer takes a few more minutes to warm up. Getting it onto your Wi-Fi network and ready to print is a case of following the instructions that appear on the touchscreen. There is also a companion app called Brother Mobile Connect to help you. This app is also good for checking the toner levels, or printing files from your smartphone or the cloud. Between the touchscreen interface and this intuitive app, operating the Brother HL-L8245CDW/HL-L8240CDW is a breeze.
Brother HL-L8245CDW/HL-L8240CDW: Performance
(Image credit: Brother )
The Brother HL-L8245CDW/HL-L8240CDW prints quickly and quietly, especially in quiet mode, which is just 43dB. The quoted print rates are accurate enough, which means duplex printing is especially impressive at 12ppm. Monochrome text pages were churned out with no paper jams or smudging and our test fonts were all clearly readable down to point size 4. It looks like a professional dark black too, unlike the dark grey you sometimes get with black toner.
(Image credit: Brother )
The C/M/Y toners are not especially vivid, so our mixed color documents looked fine rather than wow. The color balance looks right and there’s no sign of posterization which makes this a good printer for full color handouts with blocks of color. When it comes to photos, the muted colors make for a somewhat flat finish despite the accurate printing. Like most laser/LED printers, the resolution is 600 x 600dpi so the dots that make up the image are easily visible.
Printing on envelopes was perfectly fine, but heavy paper stock was a problem. Anything over 163g/m2, which is the surprisingly low recommended weight limit, got jammed inside while auto duplexing. I persuaded it to simplex print on some high quality 300g/m2 sheets, but it left quite a curl in the paper. In short, the print quality is perfect for text and mixed color documents, but not great for photos or heavy paper.
Brother HL-L8245CDW/HL-L8240CDW: Final verdict
(Image credit: Brother )
For a small print-only LED/laser device, the Brother HL-L8245CDW/HL-L8240CDW looks a little expensive, but despite the size, it could easily support a busy workgroup in a shared office thanks to its quick print speed, high-capacity cartridges and its expandability.
With a 250-sheet paper tray plus the optional 250-sheet tray, this high-spec machine would punch well above its weight. It is well equipped too, offering a 30-page multi-purpose tray, NFC connectivity and a USB Host port. Auto-duplex printing is among the quickest at 12ppm while the strong print quality gives you very professional-looking handouts.
Photo printing may not be such a strong suit and it’s not great at printing on thick paper (up to 163g/m2 is all it can handle) but overall, I was impressed by its output. Considering the generous amount of toner in the box, this premium printer has a low TCO (total cost of ownership).
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