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The Roborock Qrevo Edge adequately handles regular cleaning, but this robot vacuum stumbles in the one area it should shine
8:17 am | April 15, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Robot Vacuums Smart Home | Comments: Off

Roborock Qrevo Edge: Two-minute review

Roborock has been making excellent robot vacuums for a while now, with the Qrevo series stepping it up over the Q and S series bots. With more suction power and a wider feature set compared to older models, the Roborock Qrevo Slim and Roborock Qrevo Curv performed really well in our tests. The Roborock Qrevo Edge joined its siblings in January 2025 and is quite effective at autonomous cleaning… provided you use it for the daily (or regular) cleaning tasks.

It’s essentially the love child of the Curv and the Slim: it uses the exact same technology as the former with an identical bot, but inherits the self-cleaning dock design from the latter. So instead of a curvy dock, it’s a more traditional design that’s simple to set up and use.

It’s a nice-looking dock, but I question its lack of proper sealing. The lid of the dirty-water tank in the unit sent to me for this review had tiny gaps even after being clipped closed and I found that if I didn't clean it out soon after a mopping run, it would begin to smell.

It’s similar with the dust bag too, wherein I found that it can emit a slight odor when the bin in the bot is being cleaned out automatically. That means you might have to replace the dust bag sooner than necessary which, in turn, will increase the ongoing costs of running the Qrevo Edge.

There’s not a lot to complain about when it comes to the robot vacuum’s cleaning prowess as long as it’s not expected to handle tough spills. There’s 18,500Pa of suction power, which I found to be good enough to clean up a carpet with hair or fur tangled in the fibers, although a few strands always get left behind as robot vacuums are meant as ongoing maintenance cleaners rather than being the primary cleaning appliance.

It’s also quite good at picking up fine powders and slightly larger debris like oats, but it regularly misses room edges. That’s not unique to the Qrevo Edge but, given its name, I was expecting slightly better edge-cleaning performance.

Mopping, too, is also good when it comes to day-to-day cleaning on hard floors and I found it was excellent at sensing the change in floor type to raise its mop pads when necessary. However, despite the extending mop pads, it often missed about an inch along the edges of a room during my testing, and it can spread tough wet spills (like ketchup or milk) across a floor if you aren’t careful with setting up the correct cleaning routine.

Roborock claims that the Qrevo Edge can handle thresholds of up to 4cm, which is true, but it's worth noting that it takes time to cross over, trying to determine the best angle for it and the amount of power it needs to push itself over.

While it excels at being an effective autonomous cleaner for the daily or regular cleaning tasks – and its SmartPlan feature is a game changer in those circumstances – its inability to tackle tough spills when doing a zone clean and get to room edges consistently makes it hard to recommend at its premium price point.

Roborock Qrevo Edge on a colorful carpet

The Roborock Qrevo Edge is a good bot, but it belies its name when it comes to edge cleaning (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

Roborock Qrevo Edge review: price & availability

  • List price: $1,599.99 / AU$2,799 (“coming soon” to the UK)
  • Launched: January 2025
  • Available: In select markets, with wider availability later in the year

The Qrevo Edge was released a few days before the Roborock Saros 10 series was announced at CES 2025 in January. In fact, the Edge is now part of a duo, with the Qrevo EdgeC joining it in March at a lower price point and with some missing features.

The Roborock Qrevo Edge will set you back $1,599.99 / AU$2,799 in the US and Australia at full price, but it’s already discounted down to $1,299.99 / AU$2,499 when purchased directly from the Roborock online store. Some authorized retailers are also offering the same or a better discount in most markets where it’s already available.

UK pricing and availability is yet to be confirmed, but it’s definitely being added to the Roborock catalogue as it’s listed as “coming soon” on the British website.

Despite the discount, the Qrevo Edge is still an expensive robot vacuum cleaner. That’s exacerbated when you consider that the more powerful Roborock Saros 10 (22,000 Pa suction compared to 18,500 Pa in the Edge) is the same price in the US and AU$200 more in Australia. It costs £1,499.99 in the UK. In fact, the Saros 10 has a retractable LiDAR puck that allows it to go under furniture to clean, potentially making it a better investment.

You will need to consider ongoing costs as well. The dust bag will be the most frequent purchase you make but, at some point, you will need to replace the mop pads too due to wear and tear. These aren’t too expensive as you won’t need to replace them too often (the dust bag has a 2.7L capacity that could last you 2-3 months, depending on use), but if you take into consideration the Roborock detergent for mopping, that will quickly add up.

If you’re after good value, something like the Ecovacs Deebot T30 Omni (or the T30 Pro Omni) would be ideal. It cleans just as well as the Qrevo Edge, if not better, although it lacks some of the features you’ll find on the Roborock. Still, the bang for buck you get from similar models to the Deebot is a lot more.

• Value score: 3.5 out of 5

Camera and navigation sensors in the front of the Roborock Qrevo Edge

The front of the robot has a camera and a light, alongside navigation sensors (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

Roborock Qrevo Edge review: specs

Roborock Qrevo Edge review: design

  • Sleek, modern dock
  • Easy to set up, but may require frequent cleaning
  • Extending side mop and brush, anti-tangle split main roller

The Roborock Qrevo Edge’s design isn’t particularly standout – it’s nothing we haven’t seen before – however, its white body (dock and robot) makes it look sleeker than its actual footprint would suggest.

The robot is of a similar size to other models, and the dock’s tray – where it sits to get cleaned and recharge – barely extends out beyond its radius, giving the impression of not taking up too much space.

It’s quite a tall dock though, so you may not be able to tuck it under a countertop or kitchen island, like you can with the Ecovacs Deebot T30 Omni, and you’ll need a good amount of clearance to lift the two tanks out of the dock. So it’s going to need a little open space around it.

Roborock Qrevo Edge dock from the top

The dock is nice looking, but just doesn't exude 'premium-ness' (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

Robot design

The bot in particular will be very familiar to anyone who’s ever seen a robovac before, let alone used one. The most obvious feature on the circular robot is the puck-like LiDAR housing on the top. The puck has the Roborock logo in a silver-grey color that adds a touch of class.

Also on top is a magnetic cover to keep the 325ml onboard dustbin out of sight, with cutouts for the LiDAR puck and two buttons. You won’t need to access the dustbin much – only to clean the filter every once in a while or if the self-empty function fails. Even the buttons need to be used sparingly.

On the front there's a camera and additional navigation elements. You can use the camera to run security checks while you’re away or look in on your pets remotely. There’s also a light on the front that comes on automatically if the robot is cleaning in a dark area or room.

A semicircular bumper protects the front, and it’s got just enough give to absorb bumps into furniture and larger obstacles.

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The FlexiArm side brush on the Roborock Qrevo Edge

The side brush is attached to a flexible arm for better edge cleaning... (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
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The curved side brush of the Roborock Qrevo Edge

..and the bristle angle helps too (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

The undercarriage has a lot going on. Two large wheels catch your attention first and these help the Qrevo Edge traverse thresholds of up to 4cm high. Roborock calls this AdaptiLift, which has been inherited from the Curv and found its way into the newer Saros 10 as well. There’s also a smaller wheel towards the front of the robot for better maneuverability.

The main roller brush is quite unlike any other I’ve seen before. Instead of being a single bar, it’s made up of two pieces and split in the middle. Both halves have bristles and fins and, to avoid getting hair and fur tangled in said bristles, Roborock says the split design helps strands get pushed to the middle from where they’re sucked into the bin.

There’s also a spinning side brush and, again, it’s designed differently to what’s commonly seen on other brands. The brush has only two sets of long bristles (compared to the usual three), both curved to avoid hair entanglements and push dirt and debris towards the main roller.

The arm that the brush is affixed to can extend outward to give the bristles a longer reach. Roborock calls this FlexiArm technology and it’s also used to extend the mop pads as well.

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The central brush in the Roborock Qrevo Edge robot

The central brush is designed to push hair or fur towards the middle... (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
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The split central brush in the Roborock Qrevo Edge robot

..which means the roller is essentially two pieces (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

Again, it’s a familiar design for the mops – two circular pads attached to the plates via some seriously strong Velcro. During my testing I found that the pads extend out individually, never both at the same time as I’ve seen on other brands, and both can be raised 10mm to avoid medium and high-pile carpets from getting wet.

Unlike other premium models like the Dreame X40 Ultra, the mops don’t detach if you want a vacuum-only run.

There is, of course, a small water reservoir tucked away somewhere inside the robot, but the design is such that you can’t see it at all. It gets filled automatically from the clean-water tank in the dock every time the bot needs to do a mopping session.

The dustbin, puck and buttons under the magnetic lid of the Roborock Qrevo Edge

A magnetic lid covers the onboard dustbin, but has cutouts for the LiDAR puck and the control buttons (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

Dock design

Like many other premium all-in-one robot vacuums, the Qrevo Edge’s self-cleaning dock is a do-it-all pit stop.

It houses two water tanks inside, both of which can be pulled up from the top. They’re marked by different silver drops on a corner of their lids to differentiate them – one for clean water, the other collects dirty mop water.

Both look identical at first glance, but closer inspection reveals a small difference in shape, which allows the clean-water tank to have a larger capacity of 4L compared to 3.5L of dirty water. That’s quite a bit and should allow for two mopping runs of an average two-bedroom home, if not more.

If there's any issue with the tanks – whether the clean water needs refilling or one of them hasn't been placed back correctly – the indicator light on front of the dock turns red. You will occasionally get a voice prompt, plus there'll be a notification on the app.

The tanks close via a hinged lid that clips into place, but the seal isn’t as good as I’ve seen in other all-in-one robovac models. This allowed a bit of nasty odor to escape when I forgot to clean out the dirty water after one cleaning session, meaning you might want to ensure the left-hand tank is washed out as soon as possible.

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The inside of the Roborock Qrevo Edge dock

The internals of the dock are well designed, allowed it to be as low maintenance as possible (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
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An empty tank in the Roborock Qrevo Edge dock

The lid of the dirty-water tank doesn't close properly, which could lead to you smelling nasty odors (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
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The clean-water icon on a Roborock Qrevo Edge tank

Each tank is denoted by a droplet icon – one for clean... (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
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The dirty water icon on a tank in the Roborock Qrevo Edge dock

..and the other for dirty mop water (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

Below the water tanks is a covered nook for the dust bag. The cover comes off very easily and replacing the bag is also just as easy.

As with other all-in-ones, the base tray that the robot sits on has ridged sides, which allows the mop pads to be scrubbed when they’re being washed. Not only can the dock refill the bot’s onboard water reservoir, empty the bin, wash the mop pads with hot water (167ºF / 75ºC), then dry them with warm air (113ºF / 45ºC), but it can also self-clean that tray.

Overall build quality isn’t too bad, but the lids on the water tanks not closing properly takes away from the premium-ness of the whole design. Moreover, the plastic dock – a material that's not uncommon – just doesn’t quite exude oomph despite the silver details. It’s not that it looks cheap, it just doesn’t look… well, premium.

• Design score: 4 out of 5

A dust bag inside the Roborock Qrevo Edge dock

Access to the dust bag is easy, as it changing it out. It's the same bag as used in the S-series Roborock robovacs (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

Roborock Qrevo Edge review: performance

  • Excellent vacuuming on higher settings; can handle tangled hair in carpet fibers
  • Mopping also very good on higher settings, but regularly misses edges
  • SmartPlan is efficient in terms of navigation and battery life, but the automated cleaning may not suffice

If there’s one thing Roborock does well, it’s providing an easy setup for its robot vacuums. My colleagues have said previously that they’ve not faced any setup issues with other models from the brand and it was the same here. In fact, you don’t even need the manual to get you started, it’s all quite intuitive.

As soon as the robovac was connected to my Wi-Fi network, I checked how much battery it had and immediately sent it off on its initial mapping run. This took just six minutes to complete in a test space measuring approximately 40sqm and containing a carpeted bedroom and tiles in the rest of the apartment.

The initial map was quite accurate in the layout of the test space, and I was then able to edit the rooms: adding furniture and dividing open-plan spaces into their correct room names.

The test space was single-storey, so I wasn’t able to see how well the cliff sensors function. It also had no pets, so I can’t comment on how well the Qrevo Edge’s pet avoidance features work, but I conducted all the other standard TechRadar tests to see how it held up.

Roborock Qrevo Edge moving off a rug onto a tiled floor

The Qrevo Edge is very good at identifying changing floor types (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

Vacuuming

The Qrevo Edge’s 18,500 Pa suction power shows itself off quite well when it comes to its vacuuming prowess. I found it very hard to fault it, even when on lower suction settings – albeit on hard floors that aren’t too dirty. The higher suction options are very effective on carpets, even those with entangled hair within the fibers.

As with other Qrevo machines, there are five power levels to choose from: Quiet, Balanced, Turbo, Max and Max+. Importantly, the app allows you to choose from just a single vacuum-only run or two, meaning it can take on some tough jobs.

As good as the Qrevo Edge is at vacuuming, I do have to note that you shouldn’t expect perfection. I found that hair on carpets are mostly sucked up – say about 98% of the strands – but some will remain. This is more so if you happen to have hair, fur or dirt along the edges of a carpeted room as the side brush just doesn’t have the force to gather these up and pull them towards the central roller.

The proof is usually in the pudding and when I looked at how much dirt the Qrevo Edge collected after its first vacuum-only run (done at the Max+ setting) in a single carpeted room, I was impressed that its higher suction did a far superior job than the 11,000 Pa Ecovacs Deebot T30 Omni that it replaced in my home.

Even the Turbo and Max modes do a good job on carpets, provided you don’t have pets shedding on them copiously – they’re effective for the usual dust-sucking chores. And I had no issues with tangled hair on the main roller brush.

To test how well the Qrevo Edge can handle other kinds of dirt and debris, I conducted TechRadar’s standard tests by sprinkling some oats, tea dust (from a teabag) and tea leaves onto a mid-pile carpet.

I first set the Qrevo Edge to do just a Zone clean for the carpet only, which defaults to the SmartPlan setting wherein the bot chooses its own suction mode depending on floor type. As you can see from the video clip below, it does a pretty good job, although its navigation in this mode is a little erratic.

While all the oats and tea leaves were cleaned up, I could see some tea dust still on the carpet. As a comparison, I sprinkled a little more dust from a teabag and used my Dyson V15s Detect Submarine in Auto mode to clean it up and saw similar results. I repeated the tea dust test with the Qrevo Edge on the carpet in Max+ mode and found no reason to complain.

It’s a different story on hard floors though. For the exact same test performed on tiles, I found that the side brush scattered the larger debris (oats) when doing a Zone clean on the default SmartPlan settings. The scattering happens on all other settings, but when changed to doing a 2x vacuum at Max, it did a better job.

Where it fails quite badly is edge cleaning. I expected most of the tea dust I had scattered along a room edge on a hard floor to be picked up, but sadly that wasn’t the case. Even running it on a 2x vacuum-only run at Max+ made no difference. I had to use the crevice tool on my Dyson to clean up the tea dust remaining on the floor.

Moreover, if you have gaps between tiles or wood panels on your floor, fine dust will invariably get moved into the grouting or the gaps and even the Max+ setting does nothing to clean that up. Larger debris getting caught in those spots, though, will get cleaned, provided you use the maximum suction setting.

To be fair to the Qrevo Edge, though, robot vacuums weren’t designed to be your primary cleaner, but rather for ongoing day-to-day or regular cleans. You'll still want to have one of the best vacuum cleaners on hand for the more difficult jobs, particularly for carpets and sucking up dirt from nooks and crannies.

Mopping

Like its vacuuming prowess, the Qrevo Edge does a good job of mopping too – again, only if it’s not taxed by too many spills. The regular cleaning jobs of dusty footprints and spilt water is excellent.

This mopping performance is helped by four water-flow levels – Low, Medium, High and Custom/Gentle. I found the Low and Medium weren't very effective for the kind of tiles I had in my test space, as the pads didn’t saturate enough for my needs and barely dampened the floor. While this is excellent for sensitive floor types (like some wood panels), the High setting was perfect for me and that’s what I left it at for the various Routines I set up via the app.

The Custom setting, while allowing you to choose the water-flow level, doesn’t ‘scrub’ as well as the other three and that, again, is good for sensitive floor types. If you do need a better clean, you can set the robot to sense areas of excessive dirt and it will automatically return to do a second mop after it has washed the pads following the first attempt. During my testing, though, this feature failed most of the time.

Depending on your cleaning needs, you can set the bot to mop-only, vacuum then mop, or do both at once. Personally, I’m not fond of the last option as I'm a little paranoid that the mop pads will pick up more dirt and won't get washed properly.

I found that it was also a good idea to assign the order in which it cleans rooms as this can reduce track marks from its own wheels over an area it has just mopped – this can be done in the app by just editing the saved map.

Like I did for vacuuming, I performed a couple of mopping tests to see how well the Qrevo Edge does.

While we usually use ketchup in our standard mopping test, I had none at the time and used oyster sauce instead. I allowed a small spill to dry out a little, but also plopped some of the fresh viscous liquid on another part of the floor to test the scrubbing action on dry and wet messes.

Even with the water-flow rate set at High, the Qrevo Edge had minimal effect on the dried-out sauce on the Standard ‘route’. The route is how the robot moves through a space while cleaning and there are four options for both vacuuming and mopping. After setting the robot to do a 2x mop run in the Deep+ ‘route’ setting, though, most of the dried oyster sauce was cleaned, but not fully. I ended up wiping that spot myself.

A half-full dirty-water tank on the Roborock Qrevo Edge dock

No matter how often I mopped my floors, the dirty water was... very dirty (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

Cleaning up a wet spill was another matter altogether. On a default Zone run (which uses the SmartPlan option), the sauce was mopped but, of course, got stuck on the side brush (I’m glad I was able to rinse it), smeared the undercarriage and the mop pads left long, brown streaks as the bot moved on.

After allowing it to go back to the dock for a mop wash, I immediately set the Qrevo Edge to a 2x mop at the High water setting to clean up the remaining mess, which it did well.

I’d expect situations like these are extreme and most users wouldn’t allow their robot vacuum to encounter such messes, but it’s worth noting that it doesn’t handle bigger dry messes well either. For example, I sprinkled copious amounts of talcum powder on a wet bathroom floor, then allowed that to dry completely. On a High water-flow setting, white streaks were left on the bathroom floor, much like the oyster sauce.

While I can’t fault the Qrevo Edge’s mopping issues as it’s not unique to it, I regularly found that it didn’t go all the way to the edge of a room despite the extended mop pads. More often than not, about an inch of floor space along skirting boards would remain unmopped. And that was disappointing, particularly since this robot vacuum comes at such a high price and, conspicuously, has 'Edge' in its name.

Roborock Qrevo Edge chewing up a cable

Obstacle avoidance could be better – the Qrevo Edge couldn't identify a cable in its path (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

For a day-to-day regular cleaning run, I found the Qrevo Edge’s navigation to be impeccable. There are two Routes (or paths) you can select in the app when it’s vacuuming or vacuuming and mopping at once – Fast and Standard – but you’re provided four when you opt for mop only – Fast, Standard, Deep and Deep+. These Routes determine how much of the floor gets covered and, after testing all of them, I found that the Qrevo Edge follows the chosen Route correctly.

The Route you opt for will, of course, affect battery life and the app gives you a warning every time you change navigation. Despite that, I personally preferred the Standard (for vacuuming) and Deep for mopping as the results were the best.

Importantly, selecting a 2x cleaning run will automatically prompt the Qrevo Edge to clean in the opposite directions for the two sessions, which I thought resulted in even better results than a single Deep mopping session.

A sock stuck in the central brush of the Roborock Qrevo Edge

The only reason it didn't chew up the cable was because it had already partially swallowed a sock (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

The only time navigation was erratic was if I had chosen a Zone clean for a quick session, which defaults to the SmartPlan navigation. This uses deep learning to determine which part of the zone or room the Qrevo Edge should clean first and I found its movements weren’t as precise on a carpet. It was slightly better on hard floors though.

Still, the SmartPlan navigation is quite efficient. Having learned that there is a medium-pile rug in my living room, for example, the Qrevo Edge always did a vacuum-only clean first on the rug, then went back to the dock to wash its mop pads to clean the rest of the tiled living-room floor. On the rug, though, it wouldn’t always move in straight lines, but I didn’t see that it missed any spots.

Roborock Qrevo Edge pushing a flip-flop on a carpet

A lightweight obstacle just gets pushed around as it moves (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

The Qrevo Edge’s obstacle avoidance could be better though. While it manages to identify some obstacles in its path and place a marker on the map, this functionality wasn’t consistent. To test this further, I placed its own packing box in its path once and it didn’t add a marker on the map, but it did so for a chair I had moved from its original location.

To check its effectiveness avoiding smaller objects, I ran the standard TechRadar tests of placing a cable, a sock, a slipper (aka flip-flop or thong, depending on which part of the world you live in) and a shoe in the robot’s path.

It nearly swallowed the little sock, which got stuck on the central roller, and because of the sock taking up space on the undercarriage, it ran over the cable without getting entangled. The first time it encountered the slipper, it went over it, but the subsequent times it just pushed the lightweight rubber footwear along in front of it. The shoe was the only obstacle it managed to avoid each time it encountered it on its path.

Camera view of the Roborock Qrevo Edge

Its camera quality isn't the best, but it's good enough for a security check (or looking in on your pets if you have any). You can even use the call button to speak to your kids or pets (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

This shouldn’t come as a surprise though as most robot vacuums have difficulty with the smaller obstacles and would chew up a slim charging cable or a sock. That’s why all brands recommend you pick up the smaller items before you do a cleaning run.

That said, Roborock does call out the Qrevo Edge’s obstacle avoidance, so I expected more. It’s perfectly fine for general cleaning, but the performance doesn’t quite match its high price tag.

The robot can use its onboard camera to take a picture of the obstacle and, when you tap on the corresponding marker (if any) on the map in the app, it will come up. Every time I wanted to try this feature with a specific obstacle, it didn’t place a marker on the map. The only time it worked was for a chair that is permanently a part of the map.

Dock performance

Other than the bit of bad odor I could smell when I hadn’t cleaned out the dirty water the day of the cleaning run, I can’t fault the dock’s performance. There’s plenty of suction that pulls out nearly every bit of dust, debris and hair from within the onboard dustbin.

The only thing I found in the bin after a self-empty was a thin film of fine dust along the sides, which is perfectly normal and can be washed out. Just be sure to fully dry out the bin before placing it back into the robot again.

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A white indicator light on the dock of Roborock Qrevo Edge

A white indicator light on the dock says everything is A-OK... (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
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A red indicator light on the Roborock Qrevo Edge dock

..but turns red when you've removed a tank or it's not sitting correctly, or there's something else the matter (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

Even the washing seems adequate. At the time of writing, I’d used the Qrevo Edge for two months, running it a couple of times a week, and the mop pads still look good to me. That said, I found the mop pads looked a lot better after three months of using the Ecovacs Deebot T30 Omni, and I also found the air drying to be more effective in the competition as it uses hot air rather than warm as in the Qrevo Edge.

This means the mop pads take longer to dry on the latter and, if there’s not a lot of ventilation in the area you’ve positioned the robot vacuum, you could smell the pads if there's even a little dampness left. During my testing, I had to increase the air-drying time to eliminate any smells.

Another indicator of how well the mop washing works is the color of the dirty water in the tank – it was always dark brown, even if I ran the robot on subsequent days, thinking the floor wouldn’t be too dirty. Boy, was I wrong.

The dock’s self-cleaning features also includes one for the tray the robot sits on (and uses to scrub the mop pads). That can get grimy too and the 5-minute self-cleaning session means you need the least amount of work to maintain this machine.

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Brand new mop pads in the Roborock Qrevo Edge

The brand-new mop pads before the first use... (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
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Washed mop pads on the underside of the Roborock Qrevo Edge

..and their condition after about 8 weeks of use, two to three times a week (not too shabby) (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

Battery life

Battery life is where the Qrevo Edge truly shines. It’s got a 6,400mAh pack that easily did a full clean session on Max suction and Standard/High mop (on a vacuum-and-mop run) in one go in my test space and still had about 36% battery left.

If I set the robot to do 2x cleans at its highest settings, then it would run down to about 12% battery, head back to the dock for about three hours, top up till about 48% and finish the rest of its cleaning. That’s an impressive battery performance in my books considering it was doing power-intensive sessions.

Roborock says that the Qrevo Edge is capable of fast charging (up to 30% quicker than previous models apparently), but I saw no evidence of that during my testing. Considering it took about three hours to get just 40% topped up during my testing, I think the best time to run these kinds of modes is when you’re away for the day – that way, you can return to a clean home and not get impatient with half a job done.

• Performance score: 3.5 out of 5

Roborock Qrevo Edge with a light on in a dark room

A light can automatically come on if the Qrevo Edge is cleaning a dark room or under the bed (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

Roborock Qrevo Edge review: app

  • Very detailed app as compared to some of the competition
  • Offers plenty of precise control
  • Matches system dark mode that looks very classy

Roborock arguably has the best-designed app that I’ve used for a robot vacuum cleaner. When you first download it, it will ask if you want it to match your phone’s system settings, which means it will automatically convert into dark mode and I found that it looks very nice indeed – colors pop and everything is clearly laid out.

It will take time to get used to the app, though, but that’s only because there’s a lot going on. In fact, I kept discovering quirks and better ways to use the robot all through my two-month testing period and I don't think I've still completely figured it out at the time of publication. While my test space was a single-storey home, the Roborock allows you to save multiple floor maps and swap between them, although you will have to go through the Edit Map menu to do so.

Map editing is a lot more straightforward here than I’ve found with other robovac apps, and it identified carpets and hard floors in the test space correctly, requiring minimal intervention on my part. You can add furniture if you wish, but that can be fiddly. The usual features of adding no-go zones and virtual walls are also available.

Screenshots of the Roborock app for setting up the Qrevo Edge

The Roborock app is very detailed, starting from map building and editing (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

Diving into what the robot can actually do is time consuming, particularly if you plan to set up custom Routines. The app gives you some default options that you can edit, but it’s not always as straightforward as its map editing.

For example, a couple of full-home routines I tried to set up refused to show me a vacuum-only option, but only gave me a vacuum-and-mop. I had to then break up that option and have two Routines for a full-home clean.

You can always edit those Routines as you learn more about the app, but it really shouldn’t be as difficult as it is currently set up.

Screenshots of the Roborock app for setting up the Qrevo Edge

There are also plenty of options in the settings to go through (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

Perhaps the best part of the app is the SmartPlan option you’ll see as soon as you select the robot vacuum. While you can run this from the get go, you won’t get the best clean early on.

I found that it’s the most effective after you’ve run the robovac a few times throughout the home on specific Routines. It will use this information, leveraging some AI smarts, to customize the best cleaning path, suction and mop settings for subsequent runs.

There are some other advanced features in the app that you can use, including using the onboard camera to do a quick security check around your home while you’re away. You can guide it remotely using the app navigation, but you can also keep the camera on while it's cleaning.

Screenshots of the Roborock app for setting up the Qrevo Edge

You can set up custom routines or enable Rocky, the onboard voice assistant (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

You can even photograph obstacles or conduct a video call with your pet. The camera features are turned off by default, which is a good thing, and all photos and videos are saved locally, according to Roborock. Moreover, you’ll even need to be the primary account holder to enable these camera features, adding a layer of security.

Roborock has its own voice assistant called Rocky, which is available to use on the Qrevo Edge, but the prompts it can understand are very limited. There are more Siri voice prompts, but even these I found to be a little unreliable. You can connect the Qrevo Edge to Google Home or Alexa, which offers better control but, again, quite limited prompts. In general, I think the app itself should be your go-to for full control of the robot vacuum and its dock.

• App score: 4.5 out of 5

Roborock Qrevo Edge on a carpet

The mop pads lift up 10mm and I never found a damp streak on my living room rug (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

Should you buy the Roborock Qrevo Edge?

Buy it if...

You have thresholds around the home

The Qrevo Edge can tackle heights of up to 4cm and, even though it might look like it’s struggling, it takes time to figure out how much power it needs and the best angle to get over the threshold.

You want an efficient robovac for day-to-day cleaning

Despite its impressive specs and features list, the Qrevo Edge is better at tackling the easier regular cleans, rather than handling the tough jobs. It's navigation, though, is arguably its best feature, arguably being one of the most efficient I've seen.

You want a low-maintenance robot vacuum for the most hands-off experience

Other than having to regularly clean out the dirty-water tank, the Qrevo Ege is arguably the most hands-off robovac I’ve tested. Its dock can take care of a lot for you, including cleaning up the mop-pad washing tray. Even the 2.7L dust bag won’t need replacing too often thanks to the larger capacity, but be wary of smells.

Don't buy it if...

You want value for money

Given its issues, I’d be hard pressed to recommend the Qrevo Edge at its full price. There are plenty of other cheaper options available that perform just as well, if not better. Although be aware that you will need to make a few sacrifices if you opt for cheaper models, like not having the same amount of suction or a self-cleaning mop-washing tray.

You want a simple robot vacuum

The Qrevo Edge is a do-it-all robovac with an app that has a heck of a lot of detail. If you don’t need all its bells and whistles, and would prefer a simpler self-emptying option, there are plenty to choose from and you’ll also save money in the bargain.

You want the very best in mopping and edge cleaning

While the regular mopping runs with the Qrevo Edge are very good, its penchant for creating more messes on the tougher spills is disappointing. Other models like the Eureka J20 (with a roller mop) and the cheaper Ecovacs T30 Omni are better moppers, and even handle edge cleaning more efficiently.

Roborock Qrevo Edge: alternatives to consider

Dreame L40 Ultra/X40 Ultra

If money is no object and you’re after one of the best in autonomous cleaning, consider the top-of-the-range Dreame L40/X40 Ultra. The L model is widely available in most markets, but the X option is available in Australia. Both offer similar specs and performance, including excellent suction and mopping, plus a few smart features that make cleaning as hands-off as possible.

Read our full Dreame L40 Ultra review
Read our full
Dreame X40 Ultra review

Ecovacs Deebot T30 Omni

As one of the best robot vacuums representing excellent value for money, the T30 Omni might not have the same suction power as the Qrevo Edge, so it won’t be as good on a dirty carpet, but if you predominantly have hard floors, I can’t recommend this highly enough. The Pro model, which doesn’t cost much more than the standard, is just as good, but you get a couple of additional features – voice assistant support and better mopping.

Read my in-depth Ecovacs Deebot T30 Omni review

How I tested the Roborock Qrevo Edge

  • Used in single-storey, one-bedroom apartment with mixed flooring
  • Used two to three times a week for eight weeks
  • Tried various settings and modes, with specific tests for fine dust and larger debris

Roborock Qrevo Edge robot moving from a rug to hard floor

(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

I used the Roborock Qrevo Edge regularly for a period of two months in an approximately 40sqm one-bedroom apartment that has both full carpet and hard floors (tiles). This test space has no pets, but I did my best to make sure there was enough of my own hair on the carpet to make for tougher cleans.

I also set up several custom routines, running each at least two or three times to test for not just cleaning abilities, but also consistency. I even ran it on some default settings and modes, particularly testing the SmartPlan option several times for Room and Zone cleaning.

I ran TechRadar’s usual tests for suction, mopping and obstacle avoidance, plus did an extra test to test for cleaning fine dust and powder (using talc).

I compared its performance with other robot vacuums I’ve tested previously, having gone from the Ecovacs Deebot T30 Omni directly to using the Qrevo Edge.

Read more about how we test robot vacuum cleaners

[First reviewed April 2025]

I didn’t fall in love with the Apple Nike Sport Loop but I’d still recommend it – here’s why
9:00 pm | April 14, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness Smartwatches | Comments: Off

Apple Nike Sport Loop review

If you want to jazz up your Apple Watch, then look no further than the Nike Sport Loop. This lightweight, yarn-crafted strap has a woven design that’s a bit more charismatic than more basic silicone alternatives. But still, it’s not the cheapest option, coming in with a list price of $49 / £49 – so is that splash of pizzazz truly worth it?

Well, if you’re big into workouts or running, then the answer may well be a resounding ‘yes’. That’s because this durable band is constructed of a double-layer nylon weave, which forms a cushioned layer on the skin-side while still enabling moisture to escape. Its breathable design means you’re not going to be irritated by excess sweat, which is a big benefit.

Having said that, I didn’t personally find this band to be as comfortable as some of the best Apple Watch bands around. That’s due to its use of a nylon material that could sometimes feel a little bit fuzzy and overly noticeable on my wrist. Of course, that’s going to come down to personal preference – not everyone will love the fluoroelastomer material used on the Apple Sport Band, say, but I much preferred its smoother texture.

One thing that’s undeniable, though, is that this strap is ultra quick and easy to fasten. It comes in a loop shape and can be attached using its velcro strips. Simply stick the band down and you’re ready to go – just like that you’ve got a secure, hassle-free way to wear your Apple Watch. That’s a significant plus, especially given some cheaper alternatives, like the Yoohoo Adjustable Metal Strap can be a tad stiff to fix on.

As well as being quick to fasten, this strap has a flexible design, meaning it rarely feels too tight. The Nike Sport Loop’s inherent flexibility also means that it comes in one size only – though it will suit any wrist size between 145 and 220mm, meaning almost anyone can find a snug fit.

One last critique before I sum up: this strap is fairly playful, but isn’t exactly the most distinguished or premium-looking. Its use of a yarn material reminds me almost of a fabric watch I had as a kid – especially in colorways like Blue/Red and Green/Grey. There are some more low-key color options like Black/Blue, but if you want something classier, you’re better off with an option like the Apple Milanese Loop.

In the end, the Apple Nike Sport Loop is undoubtedly a practical, workout-friendly band that’s going to hit the spot for a lot of you out there. I didn’t adore the sensation of the nylon material or the aesthetic of the band, but that’s very much down to personal taste – I’m sure there will be plenty of you who disagree wholeheartedly! So, if you want a high quality strap and you’re into the Nike Sport Loop’s flexy, playful look, it’s certainly well worth considering.

Apple Nike Sport Loop on wrist

(Image credit: Future)

Apple Nike Sport Loop review: price & specs

Apple Nike Sport Loop on block with watch displaying the weather

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Apple Nike Sport Loop?

Buy it if…

You want a more flexible fit
The loop design and velcro strips mean that the Apple Nike Sport Loop is super easy to fasten. The flexibility of its material also means it won’t feel too tight or rigid, ideal for when you’re on a run or mid workout.

You need an option for workouts
The Nike Sport Loop’s flexible fit is only one aspect that makes it optimal for workouts. It’s also constructed of a fabric material that’s both breathable and sweat resistant. It doesn’t get much more practical than that!

Don't buy it if…

You want a more sophisticated look
This isn’t the most distinguished-looking Apple Watch strap on the market, in my view. If you want something a little more premium looking, check out the Apple Milanese Loop, for instance – though beware, this model will set you back $100 / £100.

You’re looking for an ultra-cheap option
At $49 / £49, this is far from the most expensive watch strap around, but there are a whole host of cheaper, third-party alternatives to consider too. For example, the CeMiKa Silicone Sport Straps will only set you back between £8.99 - £12.29 if you’re in the UK – though bear in mind, you won’t get the most stylish band around.

Apple Nike Sport Loop review: also consider

Apple Nike Sport Band
The Apple Nike Sport Band is still my go to Apple Watch strap and it’s going to take something special to push it off that pedestal. It has a smooth, comfortable design, exciting color options, a highly adjustable fit and plenty of breathability. This one’s made of fluoroelastomer, which I found to be a lot kinder on my skin, plus its sweat and water-resistant. You can’t ask for much more, really. Read our full Apple Nike Sport Band review.

Opera VPN Free Review
6:31 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets VPN Services | Tags: | Comments: Off

You might not be immediately familiar with the Opera web browser, but it has been around long enough to have settled down with a wife and kids. First released in 1995, Opera earned a name for itself as the browser that adhered the closest to web standards such as CSS, making it the go-to choice for web developers.

In 2016, the company released a VPN baked into its web browser; no separate app required. We had a look at the paid OperaVPN Pro version a couple of years ago, and found it somewhat underwhelming as a paid product, especially compared to the best VPNs on the market.

In a world where you can find full–featured free offerings from companies like Windscribe, Proton VPN Free, and PrivadoVPN Free, is there still an argument to be made for using OperaVPN? Let's find out.

Features

Opera's offering is rather sparse; users don't get more than the bare minimum in terms of features. There are three VPN server locations to choose from, and free users also get access to a split tunneling tool, which Opera VPN Free calls “bypass rules”, a feature which is, strangely, absent from the paid Pro version.

Bypass rules allow you to choose if you want specific websites to use your regular connection rather than the VPN connection. This comes in handy if you do a lot of online banking.

OperaVPN also comes with IP and DNS leak protection – but that’s it for features. There’s no support for streaming or torrenting, and no additional security tools beyond those that come as part and parcel of the Opera web browser. All the other features are for paying customers.

The biggest drawback is that Opera VPN Free only protects your browser and nothing else, unlike other free providers that protect all the apps on your device.

Features score: 3/10

An image of the OperaVPN interface

(Image credit: Shaun Rockwood)

Server network

The Opera VPN Free server network is, in a word, tiny. There are three server locations for free users to connect to, including the Americas, Asia, and Europe. By contrast, paid users get access to servers in over 60 locations worldwide.

There is another option called ‘Optimal location’, which automatically chooses the server it thinks offers the fastest connection. There is no ability to pick a more specific location, no cities on offer, though the ability to at least pick a certain point on the map puts OperaVPN above some free VPN providers, which connect you to a random server in a random location whenever you hit the connect button.

As OperaVPN only protects web traffic, there are no specific servers for torrenting or streaming.

Server network score: 3/10

Apps

To use Opera VPN’s free or Pro version, you must install and use the Opera web browser. The browser is available on a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and Chromebooks.

Apps score: 5/10

Ease of use

We found that Opera VPN Free was surprisingly intuitive to use. As basic an offering as it is, there’s little to confuse even those unfamiliar with VPNs.

You access the VPN by clicking the small “VPN” icon in the address bar. After that, you get the usual big power button style connect button with a message that reads ”Unprotected - Enable for enhanced privacy” when the VPN is off and “Protected - Your browsing is secured” when the VPN is up and running – and a map visual showing you where you're connected to.

An image of the OperaVPN icon in the address bar.

(Image credit: Shaun Rockwood)

Beneath that is a dropdown with four different connection options, which will show your chosen location and new IP address. The other settings for the VPN are accessed via a rather tiny cog icon that takes you to the settings menu.

There’s a handful of additional VPN-specific settings, mainly centered around whether or not you want certain sites to use the VPN, though there are no tool-tips to help beginner users understand why they might want to enable/disable any of these settings, nor is there any help given to explain how the split-tunneling/whitelisting feature works.

Ease of use score: 3/10

An image of the OperaVPN settings page showing the different options.

(Image credit: Shaun Rockwood)

Speed and performance

OperaVPN’s performance varies wildly depending on the time of day you access it. Our testing was carried out on a 1 Gb fibre connection during the morning and the evening.

The Asian location gave us a top connection speed of 249 Mbps down with an upload speed of 103 Mps.

An image showing the results of Opera VPN's Asia location testing

(Image credit: Shaun Rockwood)

The European and American locations were both equally as inconsistent, with top download speeds of 380 Mbps and 136 Mbps respectively. These tests were repeated over multiple days, and speeds varied from passable to barely usable, with the best results being returned in the evening GMT.

4K streaming, for instance, requires connection speeds of 25 Mbps, so while you could maybe stream high-def content via Opera VPN Free, it would be heavily dependent on the time of day you were trying to watch anything.

By contrast, Windscribe’s test results put it in the top ten fastest VPNs with a download speed of 785 Mbps using the WireGuard protocol and a top speed of 365 Mbps when connecting through the OpenVPN protocol. PrivadoVPN Free and Proton VPN’s free offering both returned download speeds that are faster and more stable than OperaVPN as well.

Speed and performance score: 4/10

An image showing a speed test of Opera VPN's USA location.

(Image credit: Shaun Rockwood)

Unblocking

While OperaVPN Pro was surprisingly competent when it came to unblocking streaming sites around the world, the same cannot be said for the free version.

It failed to access any content on Amazon Prime Video, couldn’t unblock Disney+, and attempts to get to Paramount+ led to a screen telling us that the service wasn’t available in our part of the world.

An image of an error message from Amazon Prime Video

(Image credit: Shaun Rockwood)

The same went for BBC iPlayer, with the service detecting that we were not based in the UK and denying us access. If accessing streaming content is a big selling point for you, then not only does this force you to use the websites to stream rather than the bespoke apps, which often leads to degraded picture quality, but you would simply be better off using a different free VPN, with both PrivadoVPN Free and Windscribe offering far better results.

While it was able to access a variety of different torrenting sites, Opera VPN Free offers no protection if you want to download any of these torrents, as you need to use an external client. If you’re looking to do any P2P file sharing, you’d be better off looking at one of the best torrenting VPNs instead.

Unblocking score: 0/10

Privacy and Security

The biggest issue we faced when talking about Opera VPN Free’s privacy and security features is that the provider shares so little definitive information anywhere online.

The client’s privacy and security settings are as bare bones as the rest of its offering, while also managing to be confusing by offering a variety of protocols depending on the platform you're using. On Windows and macOS, it uses the IPSec protocol. On Android, it uses either IPSec or OpenVPN, and on iOS, it uses the WireGuard protocol.

While other VPN providers offer up-to-date and speedy VPN protocols like WireGuard, OperaVPN free users are restricted to only the somewhat dated IPSec protocol on Windows and macOS.

There’s also no way for you to choose your protocol if you have issues connecting to a server or online resource. Opera does claim to have AES-256-bit encryption, but it's difficult to verify any of these claims when Opera itself is so tight-lipped about what the VPN is capable of.

We can confirm that there are no DNS, IP, or WebRTC leaks found in any of our testing, and the Opera web browser itself blocks malicious websites, as well as offering advert and tracker blocking.

That's great news, meaning that it provides some additional protection from intrusive websites trying to track what you’re doing, or wasting your bandwidth with annoying adverts. Beyond that, however, there’s none of the additional security or privacy features we would hope or expect to see, like multi-hop connections, anti-virus, obfuscated servers, or a kill switch.

The company has taken steps to assure both users and critics that it is committed to privacy and security. Towards the end of 2024, the company underwent an independent third-party audit, bringing in Deloitte to look at its systems and processes. The result of this was that Deloitte confirmed that Opera does live up to its no-logs policy and does not log or store any user data.

This is a big step toward proving that while it might be feature-light, Opera VPN Free doesn’t mess around with the privacy of its users.

Privacy and security score: 5/10

Track record

There’s not a great deal to say here, which is a good thing. OperaVPN doesn’t seem to have been involved in any major controversies or data breaches, though there have been some concerns voiced about Opera’s parent company, given that Opera is now majority owned by a Chinese company called Kunlun Tech Co., Ltd.

It also underwent a third-party audit last year that confirmed that its no-logs claim isn’t just an empty promise that can't be verified.

Track record score: 8/10

Customer support

The short answer is that there is not much in the way of support for Opera VPN Free. Opera VPN Pro has its own dedicated support site, but it’s about as basic as they come. There are a handful of short articles that are mostly concerned with the basics of getting the VPN configured and working.

One of the articles claims to detail the difference between the Pro and Free versions, but it’s little better than a marketing page that directs users to the respective sites for each product and offers only two sentences with an overview of the differences between them.

Free users get even less. There is no dedicated support portal for free users, and nothing more than a handful of extremely basic “how to use the VPN” entries in the overall Opera browser support pages.

If you can’t find any help there, then there are community forums you can use, but the VPN doesn’t even merit its own dedicated forum for queries! There’s one for the AI tools that Opera bundles in, but not for the VPN.

Again, this is in comparison to other free VPNs that boast full-featured knowledge bases and sometimes even a support team you can reach out to for help.

Customer support score: 1/10

A screenshot of the Opera forums showing the different categories.

(Image credit: Shaun Rockwood)

Pricing and plans

Opera VPN is available both as a free and a paid Pro version. The Pro version is priced as follows:

  • 1 year - $48
  • 6 months - $30
  • 1 month - $8

There are no bandwidth limits when using the free version of the VPN, and you can install the Opera browser on as many machines/devices as you like, with the understanding that only your browser traffic is going to be protected by the VPN.

The paid version supports up to 6 simultaneous connections for your devices, which is fewer than a lot of other premium VPNs.

A screenshot of the Opera VPN Pro pricing options.

(Image credit: Shaun Rockwood)

The company offers a 7-day free trial, but there seems to be some confusion over the length of the money-back guarantee.

On the Opera website, it appears to suggest that there is a 14-day money-back guarantee, which requires you to fill out a form, print it, scan it, and then send it to Opera’s support desk, which is hardly an intuitive or user-friendly procedure.

But if you look at the Opera VPN Pro forums, it claims that the company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, and that all you need to do is email the support team.

Pricing and plans score: 7/10

Should you use Opera VPN Free?

Opera VPN's free offering brings very little to the table that would see us recommend it over its competitors, and Opera seems almost embarrassed by its existence, judging by the dearth of information in its own official forums and support pages.

It has a tiny server network, it only protects your web browser, there’s no support for torrenting or streaming, no support site to help if you run into trouble, and its connection speeds range from the barely-usable to the just-about-adequate. There’s no killswitch, no ability to choose your VPN protocol, and basic whitelisting for URLs only.

It’s not all bad, though. The company passed an independent audit confirming its no-log claims, it’s about as simple a VPN as you could get, making it very easy for absolute beginners to get to grips with, and it does add at least some additional protection to your browsing by masking your IP and ensuring there’s no sneaky DNS leaks.

OperaVPN aims to be the most convenient way to encrypt your web browsing, and that approach does have some merits. The problem, though, is that other free VPNs are almost as simple to use, offer faster speeds, more features, and protection for all your other apps.

OperaVPN might appeal to those who aren’t particularly tech-savvy and want a truly simple product, but the argument could be made that a non-tech-savvy user isn’t going to be browsing the web through Opera to begin with.

Overall score 39/100

I gamed with the Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro and it was natural fit for my hand, but it won’t be for everyone
5:52 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets Mice Peripherals & Accessories | Comments: Off

HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro: Two-minute review

The HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro is the latest iteration of the brand’s line of elite gaming mice, promising stellar performance and design. It adopts a sleek form fairly typical for a gaming mouse, and it looks the part. The Slate Grey finish, which is the only available, doesn’t inject the Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro with much vibrancy, but it’s inoffensive enough, and the black accents side buttons and scroll wheel add some interest.

One aspect that sets it apart from many others is the prominent central hump, as the mouse buttons rake downwards sharply, creating a unique feel. In my hand this descent began almost flush with the second knuckles of my two forefingers, which was ideal as I could easily flex to click. However, there will no doubt be gamers who won’t find this quite so ergonomically sound.

I was also surprised by how much of a handful it is, with its width looking narrower than it feels. The subtle side bulges mean your thumb and ring finger are spaced further apart than you might imagine, and again I found this suited my grip style quite well.

Close-up of mouse buttons on HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro on desk

(Image credit: Future)

The Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro is solidly constructed too, and is on par with some of the best gaming mice out there. I also liked the subtle texture of its body, which feels smooth but provides just enough natural grip, although optional grip tape is included in the box.

The mouse buttons themselves feel engineered to equally high standards, as do the side buttons and scroll wheel. I was also glad to see the DPI button positioned topside, rather than hidden underneath.

At only 61g, the Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro is on the lighter end of the spectrum. There are certainly gaming mice out there that tip the scales even less, but it’s still very easy to maneuver, which is also aided by how evenly the weight is distributed.

The Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro can be customized using HyperX NGENUITY, the brand’s peripheral tool. Here you’ll find the usual RGB lighting and DPI tweaks, along with rebinding options. However, I was a little disappointed at the lack of shortcuts available for assignment, paling in comparison with other peripheral software. It also lacks multiple rebinding layers, which is a shame.

Close-up of side buttons on HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro on desk

(Image credit: Future)

Despite the Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro being a mouse designed for elite gamers, there’s a distinct lack of advanced tweaks too, with slam click filters, angle snapping, and the like absent. You can at least alter the lift-off distance, although only 1mm and 2mm options are offered.

You can also adjust the polling rate in NGENUITY (which can also be accomplished on board via a button combination), with a maximum of 4K available. This will please pro players, although those who obsess over such numbers might wish for 8K instead, as other elite gaming mice are capable of.

Regardless, I still found the Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro very accurate when gaming. Tracking is smooth and precise, and while it might not glide as effortlessly as some others (the skates are quite thin, after all), it’s still easy enough to swipe with.

The clicks are snappy and actuation is light, with just enough damping to make them satisfying. Both buttons have a deeper travel than you might expect, but I didn’t find this negatively impacted their responsiveness. I was also fond of their indentations, which helped to keep my fingers secure.

The side buttons are similarly responsive and offer more feedback and travel than I was expecting. However, they are a little narrow, which might not suit certain play styles. The scroll wheel has some quite pronounced notching, but it’s still swift enough in action, while the middle click is easy to actuate and provides enough stability to avoid mis-flicks.

I experienced no connectivity issues with the Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro during my time with it, and it switched easily between 2.4GHz and Bluetooth modes. The light, braided USB cable that’s included created only a minimal amount of drag during wired play.

HyperX claims the Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro can last up to 90 hours on a single charge, and based on my testing, I’m inclined to believe this figure. After a few days of testing, it only depleted by several percentage points.

The Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro acquits itself well in the main, thanks to its capable performance and design, although I’m not sure every gamer will like the shape. The multiple connectivity modes are certainly welcome at this price point too, which gives it an advantage over the Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed, one of its closest competitors. While that mouse has more customization options and slightly better performance, the difference between them isn’t huge, which means the Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro is a solid choice if you’re after a gaming mouse with plenty of prowess.

Underneath of HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro on desk

(Image credit: Future)

HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro review: Price & availability

  • $119.99 / £99.98 (about AU$188)
  • Available now in one colorway
  • Well-priced compared to rivals

The Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro costs $119.99 / £99.98 (about AU$188) and is available now in one colorway: Slate Grey. It comes with a 2.4GHz USB dongle, an extension adapter, a braided USB cable, a spare set of skates, and optional grip tape for the sides and mouse buttons.

It’s a similar price to the Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed, which is a little lighter than the Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro, and offers many more customization options via Razer’s Synapse software. However, it lacks Bluetooth and its maximum default polling rate is 1K. This can be upgraded to 8K, but an optional dongle needs to be purchased to achieve this.

If you really want to save money on a wireless gaming mouse, the Cooler Master MM311 is a great pick. You will have to sacrifice a rechargeable battery and some other features, but the performance-to-price ratio is strong in this one.

HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro review: Specs

Should I buy the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro?

Buy it if...

You want good performance
The snappy and satisfying buttons, coupled with the 4K polling rate, make the Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro a strong contender in battle.

You want multiple connectivity options
The Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro can be connected wirelessly via Bluetooth and the 2.4GHz dongle, with easy switching between the two, which makes it ideal for multi-device setups.

Don't buy it if...

You want a traditional shape
The steep front slope of the Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro probably won’t be for everyone, but I found it comfortable.

You want advanced customizations
NGENUITY offers less tweaks than rival peripheral tools, and elite adjustments are missing, LoD heights aside.

HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro review: Also consider

Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed
A close rival to the Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro in terms of price, the DeathAdder has a slight edge when it comes to smooth performance. It has the advantage of more in-depth customizations than the Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro, thanks to its compatibility with Razer’s Synapse software. Its default polling rate tops out at 1K, although 8K is possible – but requires the additional HyperPolling dongle to get there.

Cooler Master MM311
It’s been the undisputed champion of the budget gaming mouse division for a while in our eyes, and for good reason: it offers great performance for the super-low price. It will require a AA battery, and its polling rate also tops out at 1K, but if saving money is the name of the game, you can’t do much better. Read our Cooler Master MM311 review.

How I tested the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro

  • Tested for a few days
  • Played FPS titles
  • Plentiful gaming experience

I tested the Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro for a few days, during which time I used it for gaming, productivity, and general browsing. I used its Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and wired modes on Windows 10 and 11 systems.

I played Counter-Strike 2, which is a stern test for mice given it requires quick movements, precise aiming, and rapid clicks. I also played S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, which is less frantic but makes wider use of a mouse’s functionality.

I have been PC gaming for over 10 years, and during that time I have experienced a great deal of mice. I have also reviewed numerous models ranging in price, features, and shape. I previously reviewed the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini as well.

The Last of Us season 2 episode 1 is a purposefully paced, slightly dreary return for Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey’s highly acclaimed HBO TV show
5:00 am |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets HBO Max Streaming | Comments: Off

Mild spoilers follow for The Last of Us season 2 episode 1.


The Last of Us season 2 has a lot to live up to. Its predecessor set a high bar for HBO's TV adaptation of Naughty Dog's popular video game franchise. So, the pressure on season 2 to reach the heady heights of the hit series' first season and authentically adapt the story told in The Last of Us Part II couldn't be greater.

Based on this season's opening episode, 'Future Days', it seems The Last of Us' sophomore season will be a largely faithful take on its gaming namesake. However, future episodes will need to ratchet up the tension, melodrama, and horror-infused action if season 2 wants to be talked about as glowingly as its forebear.

The dark side of us

Ellie and Tommy lying in the snow with a hunting rifle in The Last of Us season 2

Some years have passed since we last saw Ellie (left), pictured here with Joel's brother Tommy (right) (Image credit: Liane Hentscher/HBO)

Like The Last of Us Part II game, episode 1 of the hit HBO series' second season reunites us with Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) after a time jump. Indeed, five years have passed since the explosive season 1 finale where Joel massacred numerous Fireflies to save Ellie's life.

Remember, she's immune to the Cordyceps virus because the Fireflies' doctors believe the fungus has been growing in her brain since she was born. So, they were going to use Ellie's brain to create a vaccine, which would kill Ellie in the process. Cue a furious Joel going on a bloodthirsty rampage to rescue Ellie, seemingly consigning humanity to its fate with no cure to combat the virus, and then lying to Ellie about what actually happened at the Fireflies camp.

I was already convinced that Dever would be a vengeance-fuelled tour de force

One push of the fast-forward button later, and the pair have grown accustomed to life in Jackson, the now-bustling Wyoming town that's become a safe haven from the life-threatening, global scourge that's decimated humanity.

Before we catch up with our intrepid duo, there's the small matter of addressing Joel's murder spree and the deceased Fireflies' devastated relatives left to pick up the pieces. That includes Kaitlyn Dever's Abby, The Last of Us Part II's divisive deuteragonist, whose father is among the people Joel mercilessly gunned down.

What's immediately apparent about Dever's Abby is that she's not as physically imposing as her video-game counterpart. Loathed as Abby is by some The Last of Us fans for events in the game that I won't spoil here, I suspect those same devotees will be vexed over what they perceive to be an unnecessary tweak to her build.

Kaitlyn Dever's Abby walking in a snowy area in The Last of Us season 2

I've no doubt that Dever will deliver a powerful portrayal of Abby in HBO's TV adaptation (Image credit: Liane Hentscher/HBO)

Honestly, though, I don't mind this minor, if controversial, change. Yes, Abby's physicality is a large part of her identity, so the decision to downgrade this part of her character is one reason why fans expressed concern for Dever's welfare in the lead-up to season 2's release.

Nonetheless, based on her portrayal of tough and complex yet empathetic characters in other projects, I was already convinced that Dever would be a vengeance-fuelled tour de force in HBO's small-screen adaptation. My confidence has only grown after witnessing the emotional gravitas she imbues Abby with during her limited screentime in 'Future Days', and I can't wait to see how she builds on the character in Part II in future episodes.

Season 2 isn't afraid to show how Joel and Ellie's once-strong bond has deteriorated

By and large, though, this is still the Ellie and Joel show, and the critically acclaimed Max series isn't afraid to show how their once-strong bond has deteriorated in the time since we last saw them.

A major part of the heartbreaking shift in their relationship is down to Ellie's growth as a person. She's still the oft-amusing, impulsive, and reckless individual we came to adore in The Last of Us season 1, but an animalistic fury – one born out of traumatic events she's endured – now courses through her veins. That means she's not only physically older and more world-weary than last season's Ellie, but also far more temperamental and destructive than before.

A close up of Pedro Pascal's Joel in The Last of Us season 2

Pascal's emotionally rich performance in 'Future Days' tugs at the heartstrings (Image credit: HBO)

Unfortunately for Joel, he bears the brunt of the highly charged verbal torpedoes Ellie lets loose. This is more than a normal teen rebelling against a parent, biological or otherwise, though. Indeed, it's a surrogate father-daughter bond on the verge of total collapse.

A clear animosity has developed between them since The Last of Us TV show's season 1 finale. That much is clear in the plot exposition woven into a conversation between Joel and Isabela Merced's season 2 newcomer Dina, who's an utter delight as Ellie's bestie and Joel's surrogate daughter substitute for Ellie.

Fans of Naughty Dog's games aside, I don't think anyone will be prepared for the breakdown in their relationship – hostilities that'll only grow when that huge showdown between Joel and Ellie occurs. In fact, I'd go as far as to say some viewers will be stunned by this development, especially as they spent little time apart in season 1. Like The Last of Us Part II, 'Future Days' keeps interactions between them to a minimum, which serves to make the brief scenes they share all the more heart-shattering.

Support structures

Isabela Merced's Dina and Bella Ramsey's Ellie sitting in a room in The Last of Us season 2

Merced's Dina is a perfect foil to Ramsey's Ellie in more ways than one (Image credit: Liane Hentscher/HBO)

There's more to one of the best Max shows' return than this season's tritagonists in Joel, Ellie, and Abby, though.

The return of characters from season 1, including Tommy (Gabriel Luna) and Maria (Rutina Wesley), plus the addition of new characters like Merced's Dina, Young Mazino's Jesse, plus Abby's strike team (read more about them in my season 2 cast guide) help to populate this universe with fascinating, complex characters whose relationships will be impacted by the actions of the aforementioned trio. That each new actor fits their character like a glove only makes them more likable and/or intriguing to watch, too.

That each new actor fits their character like a glove only makes them more likable and/or intriguing to watch, too

There's also a largely gratifying expansion of the narrative depicted in Part II. Most are minor narrative improvements that flesh out its story or refine the tale Naughty Dog originally told, but the odd one or two additions might frustrate long-time fans wanting a beat-for-beat re-tread of the game series' latest entry.

One change that won't irk fans is the addition of Gail (Catherine O'Hara), a psychotherapist whose complex relationship with Joel is already a season highlight of mine after season 2's opening episode. I reveled in seeing these powerhouse actors, whose emotion-wracked performances speak louder than words ever could, go toe-to-toe. I really hope we're treated to more similarly intense interactions between them over the course of this season.

Gail sitting down holding a book in The Last of Us season 2

O'Hara's Gail is one new addition to HBO's interpretation that builds on its video game counterpart (Image credit: Liane Hentscher/HBO)

The premiere's near-hour-long runtime allows for brief moments of levity to shine through the post-apocalyptic melodrama, too.

Much of that comes by way of Ellie and Dina's endearing puppy love-style dynamic. Ramsey and Merced clearly revel in egging each other on as their respective characters; their playful exchanges punctuating the sobering yet dangerous world they inhabit.

Even though I know what happens in Part II, I'm still keen to see how their relationship evolves.

Ramsey and Merced clearly revel in egging each other on as their respective characters

'Future Days' has already set up fascinating threads for this dynamic with the fallout from their romantically charged dance, Ellie's physical run-in with a new version of the Infected (aka the Stalker), and the ominous, double-headed nature of how this season's premiere ends all set to change the duo's perceptions of, and loyalty to, each other. That's before we even get to that absolutely soul-crushing moment from Part II (if you know, you know) that'll severely impact their friendship.

If there's one criticism I have of 'Future Days', it's that it's the epitome of a calm before the storm-style episode.

Okay, it's supposed to serve as a slow-paced reintroduction to this universe that moves the requisite chess board pieces into place for more heart-pounding, shocking, and revelatory events to come. Still, there are moments of thrilling action and/or location-based exploration in Part II's first few hours of gameplay that, while they can't be directly translated for television, could've been substituted for other suspense-filled storytelling beats.

My verdict

'Future Days' is a purposeful and methodically paced reintroduction to HBO's retelling of The Last of Us, and one I mostly enjoyed. As a catch-up episode, it didn't need to employ a gung-ho storytelling approach. I was also largely satisfied with its near-perfect authentic take on Naughty Dog's source material.

That said, compared to season 1's action-heavy and emotionally devastating opener, it felt somewhat underwhelming in its design. Part II's most heart-rending moment notwithstanding, more thrills and tragedy-laced incidents will be required in future episodes – in season 2 and The Last of Us' recently confirmed third season, both of which cover the story told in Part II – to recapture the infectious magic of its predecessor.


The Last of Us season 2 episode 1 is out now on Max (US and Australia) and Sky Atlantic (UK).

I tested this $300 mesh chair with a headrest, and it’s way better than I expected
9:01 pm | April 13, 2025

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

The Hon Altern Task Chair is a minimalist, budget-friendly, modern ergonomic chair designed for home offices and office buildings. It's the basics, nothing flashy, and that's okay.

After testing out all the best office chairs, I didn't expect to like this model. I thought it would be too lightweight, flimsy, and not even comparable to some of the chairs I've reviewed. However, even though it is minimal, it still managed to impress me in a number of ways.

Hon Altern Task Chair

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Hon Altern Task Chair: Price and Availability

The Hon Altern Task Chair retails for around $300, depending on your chosen configuration. You can grab one of these chairs from Amazon, Hon's official website, or other office furniture stores like Staples and Wayfair. The company offers a lifetime warranty on the frame and a five-year warranty on mechanical parts. For a $300 chair, that's pretty impressive.

Hon Altern Task Chair

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Hon Altern Task Chair: Unboxing & first impressions

Thanks to this chair being super light, the assembly was overall quite simple. Following the directions, I could quickly assemble the pieces in about 12 minutes.

Once I assembled it all, I immediately noticed it looked pretty small compared to some of the more prominent office chairs I get. But that is why it feels so sleek, modern, and minimal- the elegant black color and mesh backing.

Hon Altern Task Chair

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Hon Altern Task Chair: Design & build quality

Specs

Seat Cushion: 3.5” thick foam
Seat Height: 17.95” to 21.1”
Seat Depth: Adjustable, up to 21”
Back: Mesh, breathable
Weight Capacity: 275 lbs

The Altern has a simple mesh back and a sleek frame surrounding the chair. This combo is excellent for those who run a bit warm like I do, and it's for those who want actual comfort, not the feeling of leaning against a board like some chairs.

Though this chair is small, as I've noted, my team and I had no issues adjusting it to fit all of us. Features like the thigh depth help with leg comfort, especially if you are taller (or adjusting to a shorter thigh depth if you are shorter). Especially paired with a good-height backrest and adjustable armrests.

Moving on, the lumbar support can slide from time to time, though I haven't had a huge issue with this, and there is no tilt-lock to stick yourself in upright no matter how hard you press (okay, maybe you could push hard enough to break something and lean back).

Hon Altern Task Chair

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Hon Altern Task Chair: In use

My team has had this chair in rotation for a while (156 days). Moving from room to room is simple and easy, even from my studio to a workspace. It's not overly complicated with dials and switches to adjust the chair like some that I test, and the cushion is comfortable for all-day work. My team member who usually works with this chair is 5'6" and probably around 190 lbs. It fits him perfectly, and he loves using the chair for long working sessions.

When I jump into this chair, I can still see his comfort level, which is great because usually, one size fits the chair better than others, but it's not bad for a nearly 8-inch difference in height.

A few things I don't love about this chair is that it can look dirty quickly with dust or even slight debris. If anything touches the black, I must immediately wipe it off, including crumbs, dust, shavings from a 3D Printer, fuzz, etc. Additionally, this chair has very simple armrests. This is super helpful for some. I go back and forth. On the one hand, I like that I can lean on these and not worry about them moving away from me (I may or may not have had issues with this in the past), but on the other hand, I do like being able to adjust my chair with 4D armrests to move anywhere I want them.

My team has loved using this chair, and it's held up without any issues. The armrests and pieces are still just as tight and work wonderfully. The chair has yet to creak or sound like it's groaning. I can see why Hon is willing to give such an extended warranty.

Hon Altern Task Chair: Final verdict

The Hon Altern Task Chair is an excellent crossroad between comfort, budget price, and minimalist style. If you're interested in a decent chair that's slim enough to fit where you want it, strong enough to hold you up, sufficient quality to last, and comfortable enough to use all day, the Hon Altern Task Chair is worth considering.


For more office essentials, we've reviewed the best standing desks for the home and office.

I tested the Bluetti Elite 200 V2 for the last 160 days – an excellent portable power station that’s absurdly heavy for its size
4:02 pm |

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

Bluetti is one of the more well-known power station companies. They make phenomenal offerings like the AC500, AC200L, and the Handsfree 2 backpack. The Elite 200 V2 is another offering in this quality lineup, expanding the form factor of the AC200 and AC200L with better output, smarter technology inside, and a slightly more compact design.

I've reviewed plenty of the best portable power stations, and this one has explicitly found great use in my workshop area, ensuring that all of my gear is readily charged and good to go. This charges drill batteries, vacuums, toys for the kids, etc. It got me thinking about how great of a solution this power station would be for a job site or in a utility capacity for charging tools out of your truck or van or even making sure you can top off power tools at a construction site.

Alternatively, perhaps you’re not in that line of work; this would also be a good pick for a cabin, a shed, a camper van, or something similar, especially if it's paired with an all-season solar panel to keep you off the grid entirely.

BLUETTI Elite 200 V2

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Bluetti Elite 200 V2: Price and Availability

The Elite 200 V2 is frequently discounted to under $1,000 from its regular MSRP of $1,999. That’s a pretty good deal, and if you’re even considering being in the market for a portable power station. You can buy these from Bluetti's website, Amazon, and a handful of other retailers.

BLUETTI Elite 200 V2

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Bluetti Elite 200 V2: Unboxing & first impressions

The Elite 200 V2 comes in a simple box with only bare essentials. It has the power station itself, an AC Charging cable, solar cable attachments, a grounding screw, and a manual—nothing out of the ordinary there. The casing and handles help build into this power station's rigidity factor, which, paired with the overall heft, feels quite premium.

It doesn’t have as much casing as some of the more “all-season” units that Bluetti has (review coming soon on a more weather-resistant model), but it still feels like you can knock it around, and it will be fine. The two integrated handles on either side of the top of this unit make moving the power station something I can do on my own, though it’s not something that most would enjoy doing.

If there were one handle, this unit would be flat-out inaccessible to many, if not most, and that’s not to say I’m even some sort of professional lifter of heavy things. My wife and a few co-workers struggled immensely trying to lift this unit into position, even with the two handles. If this is you, the two handles are positioned so you can easily buddy-carry and share the load with a friend (or stranger).

BLUETTI Elite 200 V2

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Bluetti Elite 200 V2: Design & build quality

Specs

Capacity: 2,073.6Wh
Output:
4x 120V AC (20A)
2x USB-A (15W)
2x USB-C (100W)
1x 12V/10A car outlet
Input:
AC (up to 1800W)
Solar (up to 1000W)
AC + Solar = 2400W max
DC car (12V or with Charger 1 accessory)
Dimensions: 13.8 × 9.8 × 12.7 in
Weight: 53.4 lbs

As I alluded to in an earlier statement, I am also testing the IP-rated variant of this power station. So, in comparison, this unit is much less rugged, but not in a bad way. I’d consider this a professional-looking power station, ready for the board room just as much as it’s prepared to live in the back of a work truck.

All the ports are on the front of the unit, other than the power inputs (AC and Solar) and the grounding wire, which are all on the right side. The output ports are all on the front, beautifully surrounding the display without encouraging covering the screen.

BLUETTI Elite 200 V2

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Bluetti Elite 200 V2: In use

I briefly mentioned above that I've found this machine useful in a workshop area, simultaneously charging up some of my gear. I have also taken this outside (when it wasn't raining) to help keep drills recharged while working on building a giant playset in my backyard. I brought this to a job site where I was helping run conduit, power, and CAT-6 Ethernet in a workspace at a company I work with. When the power was cut, I used this power station to shop lights and keep drills recharged for the team, throwing up a half-wall and drywall.

During this testing, I was impressed with the output capacity of this hefty yet mighty power station. Sometimes, I wish it had more than four ports, but in all of my testing, ID 3. So, while more feels better, I don't usually find myself needing more on the go. And, if I did, I could throw a power strip on there pretty straightforwardly, like what I am doing with a work cart powered by my EcoFlow River 3. This power station only has one AC port with a ground and just a two-prong AC port. Still, I run a robust cart with a dozen outlets mounted all around for ease of use, a Thunderbolt Dock, a monitor, a charging station, and a charger for a few radios. So, if I can run all of that off of a smaller unit, with only one and a half AC ports, you can run plenty with four full three-prong AC ports.

BLUETTI Elite 200 V2

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Another excellent use case for this power station would be for emergency backup. It could power a fridge (the time it could run would depend a lot on the type of fridge) for hours, a router, a server, phones, computers, medical equipment, security equipment, and so on.

Bluetti Elite 200 V2: Final verdict

The Bluetti Elite 200 V2 is a fantastic portable power station for most individuals. It is a tremendous all-around Swiss army-knife power station that is great at many things. It's hefty, doesn't have waterproofing, does not come with solar panels, doesn't have wheels, and some features are only accessible with the app.

Still, outside of those few minor inconveniences, not even problems, this power station is excellent. It's dependable, durable, robust, purposefully designed, and all less than $1000. If you're looking to get into portable power stations, need a solid one to add to your fleet, or anywhere in between, this power station is worth considering, especially if it's on one of its sales.


Nank Runner Diver2 Pro review: One of the best sets of waterproof headphones available today
1:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Fitness Headphones Gadgets Health & Fitness | Comments: Off

Nank Runner Diver2 Pro: One Minute Review

The Nank Runner Diver2 Pro are unquestionably one of the best pair of bone conduction headphones on the market, and certainly the best pair of waterproof headphones I’ve personally tried in a very long time. They perform well in all areas, offering long-lasting battery life and ample storage, and prove comfortable to wear both on land and in water.

I used the headphones on my runs for quite a few weeks and could find precious little to moan about. Their adjustable hooks allow you to achieve supreme comfort, and you can also adjust the transducers – bend them inwards towards your ear, for example, to activate the Runner Diver2 Pro’s “noise canceling” mode – to suit your needs. Note, though, that noise canceling here isn’t exactly on a par with the ANC you’ll find on the Apple AirPods 2 Pro; you’ll need to wear earplugs to really eliminate sound leakage.

Nevertheless, to expect a pair of bone conduction headphones to feature world-class noise canceling is likely an ask too much. The Diver2 Pro are open-ear headphones that have been designed to enable you to continue to hear the world around you, stay safe on the roads and perform well in water. By their nature, bone conduction headphones don’t shut sound away, which explains the reason that the noise canceling mode disappoints here.

Bone conduction headphones work by using transducers to emit sound waves through your temples towards your eardrums, rather than directly into your ear canals. And coupled with the proprietary magnetic charger, silicone casing and 32GB storage in the Diver2 Pro, allow them to be used in the water, too. Bluetooth signals don’t travel well underwater, so the onboard storage is crucial for swimmers.

Overall, the Nank Runner Diver2 Pro are genuinely well-crafted and well-executed headphones for all manner of sports, from running to swimming. They’re a bit thicker and bulkier than market leader Shokz’ slender offerings, probably in order to accommodate that MP3 player – but we really can’t fault that; the headphones are quick to charge, simple to use and high-performing; they’re great for runners, cyclists and swimmers alike, which will make them near-perfect for triathletes.

Nank Runner Diver2 Pro: Price & Availability

  • $199.99 / £154.50 / AU$427.80
  • More expensive than OpenRun Pro 2
  • Can be found on sale for less

The base price of the Nank Runner Diver2 Pro is $199.99 / £154.50 / AU$427.80. For that sum you get the headphones, the proprietary magnetic charging cable, earplugs, and three sizes of sound-quality enhancers. A carry case is available, but it’s sold separately - which is disappointing considering the price

While the base price is more expensive than the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2, putting the Diver2 Pro at the very top end of bone conduction models, the headphones can frequently be found at a discounted price on both Nank’s own website and third-party outlets such as Amazon. At the time of writing, Nank’s website has the US version of the Diver2 Pro on sale for $159.99, and the UK version for £123.60.

Find them on sale for less, and I’d consider the Diver2 Pro a good buy – especially at that UK price point.

  • Value score: 3.5/5

Nank Runner Diver2 Pro: Design

Nank Runner Diver2 Pro

(Image credit: Future)

Weighing around 32g, the Nank Runner Diver2 Pro headphones are light and comfortable both in and out of the water, which is surprising given they come packing 32GB storage. Their silicon casing is remarkably soft, especially on the enclosed earplugs, which are made from the same material. The IP69-rated sealed unit makes the Diver2 Pro headphones fully waterproof and sweatproof; even open-water swimmers can use them without worry of saltwater getting into cracks and crevices.

The magnetic proprietary charger is well designed and clips onto the inside of the unit neatly; however, given the price, I was surprised to see Nank still using USB-A for its charging point. I reckon if we’re expected to pay full-price for these headphones, then USB-C – rapidly becoming the new universal standard due to its faster data transfer and charging speeds – should have been used instead.

The headphone’s arms allow you to pull the transistors towards your ears by up to 35 degrees, delivering greater control over how much sound is heard, while a trio of buttons enable you to skip tracks, adjust volume, and switch between Bluetooth and TF (storage) modes. Patented technology aims to reduce vibrations in the unit – a common problem with bone conduction headsets – by up to 35%. You can also slip the included silicon sound-quality enhancers over the base units, to stick in your ears, to ensure sound is conducted more effectively.

Overall, the Diver2 Pro’s are extremely well-designed: light, durable, comfortable and eminently functional.

  • Design score: 5/5

Nank Runner Diver2 Pro: Features

  • Noise canceling mode
  • Multipoint connections
  • Masses of storage

The adjustable arms of the headphones operate the noise canceling mode that Nank advertises: it claims that by pressing sound units closer to the ears and adding ‘noise canceling waves’ that you have the option between open-ear and closed-ear. You can slip the included silicon sound quality enhancers over the base unit, to stick in your ears and ensure sound is conducted more effectively.

However, the real stars of the show here are the multipoint connection with Bluetooth 5.4, which allows you up to two high-quality connections at once to switch between freely, and the built-in storage. The 32GB offered here is generous, holding up to 8,000 tracks – enough for hours upon hours of podcasts, or the longest workout playlist anyone has ever (probably) compiled. You can adjust the volume up and down, switch between modes or skip tracks with the Diver Pro2’s simple button configuration. While this might appear a limited feature set, in terms of bone conduction headphones, the Diver2 Pro are practically feature-rich.

I can’t really think of anything else I’d want on the Runner Diver2 Pro, apart from the ability to isolate the stored music into specific playlists, as I can do on Spotify. However, I can’t imagine how Nank would go about implementing such capability. These headphones are effectively a high-capacity iPod Shuffle at a fraction of the size, built into a pair of headphones. Awesome.

  • Features score: 4/5

Nank Runner Diver2 Pro: Performance

Nank Runner Diver2 Pro

(Image credit: Future)
  • Great performance and comfort during runs
  • Works well in the pool
  • Battery lasts ages

I used the Diver2 Pro for multiple runs of varying length in Bluetooth mode, and found them ridiculously easy to set up and simple to use. My one gripe was that I was expecting the volume up/track forward button to be on the front of the unit rather than the rear, which took some getting used to.

Aside from that minor gripe, the headphones were light, comfortable and a pleasure to run with. While I didn’t find the noise canceling mode particularly useful – there was still plenty of ambient noise leakage, and the music just got louder rather than clearer – but this is a small complaint. From the start, the sound was clear, nicely balanced rather than overly-bassy (which is common with bone conduction headphones), plus the headset worked well for taking calls on the go, cutting out some ambient wind noise at my end.

In the pool, I found the Diver2 Pro similarly useful. Loading the built-in MP3 player with music was super simple from a laptop, and switching to storage (or “TF mode”) from Bluetooth was simply a matter of pressing the power button three times in quick succession. Despite an unavoidable change in sound levels as my head rose and fell out of the water during a swim, I could hear my music clearly throughout my swim.

Battery-wise, the headphones performed as described, lasting for around 12 days with plenty of use before needing to recharge. On the occasion I did find the battery low, charging for 10 minutes delivered an extra hour of use.

  • Performance score: 5/5

Scorecard

Nank Runner Diver2 Pro: Should I buy?

Nank Runner Diver2 Pro

(Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

You’re a triathlete

Find yourself moving from the water to the land during your workouts? These are the headphones to buy.

You need built-in storage

With a whopping 32GB, you need never take your phone out on a run or cycle again.

Money’s no object

These are a premium set of headphones, with a price to match.View Deal

Don't buy it if...

You’re on a budget

There are cheaper headphones out there that do the job, albeit not with the same quality nor flare.

You need actual noise cancelers

If you’re looking for headphones that will block out the noise of the gym, you’ll need a pair that actually block your ear canal.

Also consider

Shokz OpenSwim Pro

The market leader in swimming headphones.

Read our full review

Shokz OpenRun Pro 2

We called the OpenRun Pro 2 our ‘ideal runner’s headphones’.

Read our full review

How I tested

I spent weeks testing the Nank Runner Diver2 Pro, going on runs and one pool swim. I drained the battery down with frequent use, charged it again, tried all the modes and loaded songs onto the unit using the proprietary cable.

First reviewed: March/April 2025

I reviewed Earfun’s new cheap open earbuds and sadly, they come up short in a flooded market
1:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Earbuds & Airpods Gadgets Headphones | Comments: Off

Earfun OpenJump: Two minute review

Now that open-ear headphones have evolved from a simple fad to a fully-fledged new kind of headphone (and a hugely competitive one, at that), two rough groups are emerging. On one hand you've got the open-ears designed for fitness use, offering long battery lives and hardy builds so you can run and cycle around traffic; on the other you've got lifestyle open-ears that provide decent music and some useful additional features.

The new Earfun OpenJump seem to want to straddle that divide, landing loosely in the second camp, but offering features which will appeal to the first. Unfortunately, poor timing has hampered what could have been a warm reception.

I associate Earfun with making cheap and cheerful audio tech, but the new OpenJump cost roughly the same as, and came out at the same time as, the Huawei FreeArc. These rival buds trump the Earfuns in myriad ways, with another contemporary (the Honor Earbuds Open) also eclipsing the OpenJump. So it's hard to recommend Earfun's proposition given that you can easily buy those alternatives – and I think, depending on your priorities, you should (although that's a different piece, isn't it? This is about Earfun).

But forgetting its rivals for a second, how do the Earfun OpenJump hold up? Well, they're... decent, but I don't think they'll be remembered for ushering in the new age of open earbuds as much as their H-branded rivals.

The buds are fairly lightweight and comfortable to wear, though some design issues made the fit and gesture controls a little unreliable. There's a decent feature set, particularly with a long-lasting battery life and an in-depth equalizer, and this is almost certainly where the OpenJump stands out.

Unfortunately, the audio quality just isn't there, and I mean that despite some bass tech from Earfun plus the aforementioned equalization options. Until very recently, you couldn't expect top-notch audio from such a design. But times have changed, and although the OpenJump are decent, that isn't quite good enough any more, even for this money.

Something to bear in mind: already in my testing period, Earfun has reduced the OpenJump by a noticeable margin. So there's a good chance that you can find these buds for a significant discount over the price listed below, firmly placing these into cheap earbuds territory. If that's the case, you can ignore a healthy chunk of my criticism here, since you'll be picking up a useful bargain. But at retail price, perhaps it's worth waiting for these to come down.

I really didn't mind using the OpenJump through the testing period, and I see myself continuing to use them until my next pair of open-ears come in. Nothing about them offends or annoys, but also, nothing delights or wows. And in the end, a tech review is meant to be an appraisal of which option is most worthy of your hard-earned cash. It's just too hard to point to the OpenJump as being that, given the competitive state of the market right now.

Earfun OpenJump review: Specifications

Earfun OpenJump review: Price and availability

The Earfun OpenJump on a white ledge.

(Image credit: Future)
  • Announced in February 2025
  • Costs $79.99 / £99.99 / AU$149.99
  • Price is variable

The Earfun OpenJump was announced and released in February 2025, ready for everyone who put ‘exercise more’ on their list of New Year’s Resolutions (but didn’t start straight away, for whatever reason).

You can buy the earbuds for $79.99 / £99.99 / AU$149.99 – Earfun’s website has them listed as costing more in certain regions (£129.99 in the UK, for example), and the prices I’m going by are the RRP on Amazon.

In an odd break from Earfun’s modus operandi, that means that these are priced in the mid-range of the open earbuds market, not at the super-cheap cutting edge of it. At that price they’re the same price as the Huawei FreeArc, and there are a fair few open-ear options on Amazon for less – though don’t expect reliability and quality if you don't pay for it.

It’s worth noting that, unlike competitors, Earfun’s open-ear buds are already subject to price cuts and discounts. I found them at $20 off in the US and £40 off in the UK, just one month after their release. So it seems money-saving deals come thick and fast on these buds, however it wouldn't be fair for me to treat these prices as the default, since you may not be so lucky.

Earfun OpenJump review: Design

The Earfun OpenJump on a white ledge.

(Image credit: Future)
  • Cheap-feeling plastic charging case
  • IPX7-protected buds
  • Slightly unreliable fit and gestures

From a distance, the Earfun OpenJump’s case looks like most other open-ear buds’: a medium-sized clamshell. And that’s certainly true, but when you get up close and get the thing in your hand, you realise how cheap the plastic material feels. It didn’t feel very robust either, and I’d be curious to see how durable the case is over a longer amount of time. Even over a relatively short testing time of two weeks, it picked up a few scratches.

Of course, the case is simply for holding and charging the buds. It does that, with a USB-C port for powering up and an indicator LED on the front. On to the buds themselves then, and these look how you'd expect for open-ear designs: they have a bud which is held just over your ear by a sport loop, with a counterweight (and a very little battery pack) tucked behind your ear.

The Earfun OpenJump in a man's ear

Evidence of how easily-bendable the hook is. (Image credit: Future)

They mostly fit well, and I went on several runs and workouts without issue, but now and then there was slight wobble and which made me worry that they'd fly off at any moment. This was nowhere near as bad as with some other rivals I've tested, mind you, but I've also used other buds without issue.

The buds have an IPX7 rating, meaning that they're protected from immersion in water up to a depth of a meter for up to thirty minutes. Given that the new athletically-minded Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 (although these are in-ear, rather than open-ear) only list a splash-proof IPX4 rating, it's good to see that the Earfuns will handle a puddle drop and survive.

Both buds support gesture controls by tapping once, twice, thrice or tapping and holding. They picked up my taps reliably, but the angle of the sensor meant I kept whacking my ear antihelix when trying to tap them. In a telling move, I soon relied on my phone or smartwatch for music control instead of these sensors.

Unlike some rivals, there's only one color option for the Earfun OpenJump: black. They weigh 8g each so they're pretty light, and they never felt a burden to wear.

  • Design score: 3.5/5

Earfun OpenJump review: Features

The Earfun OpenJump on a white ledge.

(Image credit: Future)
  • Pairing issues
  • Versatile EQ
  • Long-lasting battery

I had some troubles during my initial pairing with the Earfun OpenJump, in which my phone wouldn't find the buds it'd paired to, and throughout the testing process the Earfun App listed a profile for phantom OpenJumps which were simply a leftover from the first time I had tried to connect. After a while I got them to connect, and didn't have problems after that, but it's worth bearing in mind. I test earbuds constantly, and I rarely have these issues.

Talking of the Earfun app: it's worth downloading, because it brings a plethora of extras. These include various modes for gaming or streaming movies, the ability to customize touch controls and, most importantly, an equalizer.

The Earfun OpenJump on a white ledge.

(Image credit: Future)

Earfun fans will know that the company offers a fairly robust (possibly to a fault) equalizer. There are countless presets to pick from plus a 10-band equalizer and also a listening test to provide a custom sound profile.

A slight issue with the latter is that, like most other companies' versions, it requires you to listen to a sound until it fades from your hearing... all well and good except that these are open-ears. So by their very design, it's especially hard to tell when audio is soft, or when the sounds of the world are simply creeping in (unless you own a hermetically sealed subterranean bunker in which to conduct these tests).

The OpenJumps have some of the best battery life of any open earbuds that weren't made by OpenRock. The buds themselves will last for 11 hours according to Earfun, and my testing backed that up. The case itself offers a total of 42 hours of listening time before it needs to be charged and if anything, I'd say that my actual listening time seemed to surpass that slightly, up to nearly 44 hours, meaning stamina is one area where these buds are genuinely competitive.

  • Features score: 4/5

Earfun OpenJump review: Sound performance

The Earfun OpenJump on a white ledge.

(Image credit: Future)
  • 14.2mm driver
  • Music is slightly lacking in energy and detail
  • Bass redemption tech

The Earfun OpenJump came out at a poor time, released simultaneously alongside the two best-sounding open-ear headphones I've ever used (more on that in the Competition section later), so it was always going to struggle in the sound department. And they certainly do, though not to the extent I was expecting.

That's not a huge surprise given that the open-ear form factor naturally means that the drivers are hanging over your ears with no seal. This form factor still isn't for audiophiles and the OpenJump don't change that.

You're getting a fairly forward sound profile with the OpenJump, but music lacks energy or detail. There's little separation between instruments or any expanse to the soundstage, and it doesn't help that the treble lacks sparkle in a congested, compressed-sounding mix.

The Earfun OpenJump on a white ledge.

(Image credit: Future)

I had hoped that the Theater mode, which is meant to improve the soundstage, would help. While it did seem to spread out the music a little more, it also sadly made the overall performance quite tinny.

Earfun has added a feature which it's cryptically calling 'BassSurge Bass' (I wonder what that does?) and this goes some way into providing a little kick in certain songs, but it's hardly a surge of juicy and impactful low-end frequencies. You could argue that bass-heads should still look for over- or in-ears rather than an open-fit design, but other rivals have managed to deliver better bass, despite the inherent shortfalls of a design that doesn't fully cover or go into your ear canal.

The other bit of tech of note is a 14.2mm driver, which is a fairly standard piece of tech for this kind of bud, and I remember the Nothing Ear (open) had the same.

The OpenJump have quite a lot of noise bleed – again an inevitable part of open-ears given the design, but it was a little more pronounced here than on some other buds I've tested.

  • Sound performance score: 3/5

Earfun OpenJump review: Value

The Earfun OpenJump on a white ledge.

(Image credit: Future)

I'm going to use the Amazon price to judge the Earfun OpenJump's value rating, because it seems that the buds are readily accessibly at that lower cost.

These are reasonably affordable open-ears for this price, undercutting some more expensive rivals though not quite offering the refined design, or sonic prowess.

They're certainly not alone at this price point though...

  • Value score: 4/5

Earfun OpenJump review: scorecard

Earfun OpenJump: Should you buy them?

The Earfun OpenJump on a white ledge.

(Image credit: Future)

Buy them if...

You like using an equalizer

Compared to other open-ear rivals, the Earfun OpenJump have one of the best equalizers I've used with lots of options for sound customization.

You prioritise a long-lasting battery

The OpenJump outlast many competitors with their 11-hour listening time, and that's equally true with how much extra power the case offers.

You're on a budget

While not the cheapest open-ears out there, the Earfuns still offer you great value for money, especially if you find them discounted.

Don't buy them if...

You're picky about fit

For many users, anything but the most solid fit for open-ears isn't enough, and these users won't like the OpenJump.

You need best-quality audio

This brand tends to offer decent audio and a great feature-set, and although the feature set is still good here, the audio was a little disappointing.

Also consider

Huawei FreeArc

For the same price as the OpenJump you can buy these buds which sound great, have a sturdy fit and come in a more premium-feeling case. They struggle compared to the OpenJump in the battery life department and the app is a chore to download, but overall, I prefer the Huawei option.

Read our full Huawei FreeArc review

Honor Open Earbuds

These slightly-pricier models have an incredibly slim carry case, a design that's most similar to the Earfuns, and a very good audio offering. Again, the battery life doesn't match up, but for sound and secure fit, Honor wins the race.

Read our full Honor Open Earbuds review

How I tested

I tested the Earfun OpenJump for two weeks prior to writing this review, and before them I'd tested two similarly-priced contemporaries: the Honor Earbuds Open and the Huawei FreeArc.

I used the earbuds paired to my Realme phone for listening to music and podcasts, and the testing took place when I was at home, at the office, cycling through the city, going on runs and working out at the gym.

I've been reviewing gadgets for TechRadar since early 2019 and have used a huge range of tech. This includes other open-ear buds as well as audio offerings from Earfun.

Read more about how we test

  • First reviewed: April 2025
I reviewed the Duracell G800 and it has one feature that no other portable power station I have ever tried has
9:02 pm | April 12, 2025

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

Duracell has been around for as long as I can remember. I've got countless memories of grabbing some Duracell batteries to throw in toys, remotes, and other tools growing up, all the way up to toys for my kids. Duracell is a well-known, highly-reputable company that people recognize and trust.

Having reviewed the best portable power stations, I can confidently say this one is meant for everyday use, has excellent ports, and is a simple backup for essentials. However, what sets this power station apart is not the bold design, port offering, power output, or capacity.

What sets this apart is that you can recharge it with a standard AC extension cord. There is no fancy proprietary charger or IEC cable that swears on the cable that you can only use for that power station. Any AC extension cable will do.

Duracell G800

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Duracell G800: Price and Availability

The Duracell G800 is available through Duracell's official website for only $699 but be warned that it frequently sells out. They offer a smaller variant, but if you're going with this company, I'd choose this larger one for portable power stations.

Duracell G800

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Duracell G800: Unboxing & first impressions

When I first found the Duracell G800, I thought it was a gimmick. A power station resembling a famous battery wouldn't work well. But, once I got it, I was proven wrong. The build quality is excellent, the packaging is professional and straightforward, the handle is comfortable to carry, the port offering is fantastic, and then I noticed the way to charge, and I realized this is working hard to compete right out of the gate.

Duracell G800

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Duracell G800: Design & build quality

Specs

Battery Capacity: 620Wh
Output: 800W (shared across 3 AC ports)
Ports:
• 3x AC Outlets (total 800W shared)
• 3x USB-A (7.2A shared)
• 2x USB-C (100W per port, 200W total)
• 1x Car charger port (120W max)
Weight: 19.4 lbs
Dimensions: 12.5” x 8.3” x 11.5”

The Duracell G800 is a unique look. It's got a bronze top half to resemble the famous battery, but what's great is that Duracell chose to make the line between the black and copper a ring light, helping light whatever you may be trying to plug in, in the dark, without power, thus the need for a power station.

Further, the handle is solid and firm, and there is some integrated storage on the backside of the power station to help carry the power cable or any USB-C/USB-A cables.

Thankfully, all the main ports are on the front, which I appreciate. It makes for a portable power station that is easy to use, allowing for this to be set down and forgotten about while charging whatever you may be keeping charged.

Duracell G800

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Duracell G800: In use

Admittedly, I've had this G800 for around 160 days. However, in that time, I've had my team put this thing to the test in real-life scenarios. I've had this power station help out when charging cameras on the go out of the back of my Jeep, charging iPads and computers on a long trip, and being a light source and emergency power in a power outage. I've had this power station help out my family in Florida during the crazy hurricanes this last year. In all the scenarios, this power station functioned great. The handle makes it easy to maneuver in all of these environments, and the forward-facing ports mean that all ports are accessible simultaneously.

Throughout my time testing, the most standout feature is that this unit recharges with a standard AC extension cord outlet. One thing that makes a power station less usable is when it has a proprietary charger or a unique charger that works only for that unit. It makes recharging more cumbersome, more challenging in many ways, and more expensive if you ever damage or misplace your charger. With Duracell, they chose to go the opposite route of an Apple with the (late) Lightning cable, and they decided to go with a cable option that is nearly everywhere (in the US). This may be an intentional move, or it's beginner's luck; regardless, I am a fan.

Duracell G800

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

While testing, I got this power station recharged to an impressive 80 percent in about an hour, just as Duracell suggests. I got my 13-inch M2 MacBook Pro fully recharged about 8.5 times, depending on just how heavily I ran it when plugged in (I run my computers hard with all that I do in a day).

Duracell promotes being able to run a Wi-Fi router for around 26 hours, a TV (very generic) for 5 hours, a mini cooler for 22 hours, a drone for 26 charges, and lights for 6.7 hours.

If you want to extend your off-grid power, plug in a G-Solar Panel to recharge the power station directly from the sun.

Duracell G800: Final verdict

Overall, the Duracell Power 800 is a quality power station, especially for the price, making it a great travel, camping, and home backup for smaller items that need to be charged. Sadly, it does not have app control, but it does have nice features such as a built-in light ring and that handy ability to recharge with a simple standard AC extension cord.


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