This review first appeared in issue 352 of PC Pro.
The AT-AR4050S-5G from Allied Telesis targets SMBs and remote offices seeking a single solution that combines tough network perimeter security with total WAN redundancy. This desktop firewall appliance sports dual 5G SIM slots and offers WAN failover services for businesses that cannot tolerate any internet downtime.
You can add two 5G SIMs, which are automatically configured as primary and backup mobile network connections, and the appliance supports cards from different carriers. You can also use one of the appliance’s wired WAN ports as the primary internet link and back it up with a 5G connection.
The appliance teams up its dual gigabit WAN ports with an eight-port gigabit network switch for LAN systems. It has plenty of power on tap, with its quad-core 1.5GHz CPU claiming a maximum raw firewall throughput of 1.9Gbits/sec, dropping to 750Mbits/sec with the intrusion prevention service (IPS) enabled.
The appliance’s base license enables an SPI firewall with deep packet inspection and includes IPS, web filtering, built-in application controls, bandwidth management and support for IPsec and SSL VPNs. Free central management of five Allied Telesis TQ series of wireless access points is included, with a feature license extending this to 25.
Two optional security licenses are available, but you can only choose one as they can’t be run together. An advanced firewall option activates more extensive application and web controls, while the advanced threat protection version adds tougher IPS and IP reputation services, with each costing £521 per year.
The appliance has two gigabit WAN ports and an eight-port gigabit network switch(Image credit: Future)
Our system came with a Vodafone 5G SIM and we used this as the backup connection with the first gigabit WAN port providing the primary connection. Deployment is simple: the appliance’s browser interface provides a quick-start wizard that runs through choosing the primary WAN connection and assigning a DHCP server to the default LAN subnet.
In dual 5G SIM deployments, you set a failover interval in seconds for the primary SIM and, if it fails, the appliance automatically swaps over to the backup SIM. To test wired WAN redundancy, we removed the network cable but found the backup SIM would only step in after the appliance was rebooted, although we did note that after reconnecting the network cable it reverted back to this without any intervention.
The web console’s widget-based dashboard shows a graphic of the appliance along with tables and graphs for traffic activity, appliance hardware utilization, security service activity and the top applications. A minor complaint is that the graphic only shows active LAN ports and doesn’t highlight which Ethernet WAN ports and SIM slots are active.
The web console provides a traffic activity overview(Image credit: Future)
The appliance uses entities to define a logical map of the network, which can be zones, networks and clients. Top-level zones describe boundaries such as the WAN, LAN and DMZ, with each containing networks of IP subnets and addresses while clients are individual systems.
These come into play when you create firewall rules as they comprise a source and destination entity and an action that blocks or permits traffic between them. You can also add rules to manage bandwidth usage for specific applications and assign them to entities.
The advanced threat protection license enables IP reputation lists and stronger IPS courtesy of ProofPoint’s ET-Pro ruleset. The web console has options for anti-malware and antivirus, but we were advised that these Kaspersky-managed services are no longer available.
The built-in application library contains around 200 signatures, and the advanced firewall license activates the Procera app visibility library, which increases the signature count to nearly 2,000. Likewise with URL filtering, as the integral OpenText list can be upgraded to the Digital Arts service which offers around 100 web categories.
The AT-AR4050S-5G neatly integrates advanced network perimeter security with redundant 5G mobile connections. Failover for wired WAN connections isn’t perfect and some security features are no longer available, but this appliance will appeal to businesses and remote offices in rural areas with limited broadband services, and it’s offered at a very competitive price.
The JLab JBuds Open Sport are affordable wireless earbuds that, as the name implies, offer an open-ears design. What this means in practice is that unlike in-ear buds, they don’t have tips that block your ear canal, instead leaving your ears free to hear the world around you. That makes them a great option if you prefer to be able to hear oncoming cars on your daily run, or if you hate having to stop your music simply to hear what someone’s saying.
For such affordable buds, the JLab JBuds Open Sport offer genuinely decent features. Not only does their app offer a couple of sound profiles to amp up treble and bass, but it also includes a 10-band EQ, something that even more premium products don’t offer. While not necessarily essential, hearing protection features and ambient sound generators for relaxation are definitely nice to have.
According to JLab, these buds should last you a full nine hours off a single charge, with the case bringing this up to a combined 26 hours. Wanting to put this to the test, I drained the buds from 100% to 0% by streaming music continuously until they died – I found JLab’s prediction was pretty much bang on. So the Open Sport should easily see you through a full-day's use before needing to be put back in the case.
The JLab JBuds Open Sport aren’t a huge departure from the template adopted by many of the best open-ear headphones – they’re made of smooth matt plastic with a flexible hook that holds them in place in front of your ear canal. But they certainly do the trick: they’re secure, even if they wobble a little during vigorous exercise, and their open-ear design meant I could hear oncoming traffic even when running along busy roads. In addition, their IP55 water-resistance means you don’t need to worry about a bit of sweat or the occasional shower.
Unfortunately, their sound does display some compromises. The Open Sport’s soundstage was genuinely impressive; listening to Grown by Kiasmos, the track’s shimmery trebly synths swayed noticeably from left to right, while the strings had a decent width. But I found their balance across the frequency range a bit uneven: treble occasionally gets a little brittle, while mids didn’t really have enough room to breathe, forcing some elements to compete for your attention. It isn't bad per se, but you are sacrificing some fidelity on the altar of situational awareness, so it’s worth being aware of this.
Ultimately, opting for cheap open-ear buds such as the JLab JBuds Open Sport will involve some tradeoffs. To get a pair of earbuds that not only leave your ears open but that also come in at a budget price, you’ll likely have to drop your expectations when it comes to sound. If you do, you’ll find these buds do a perfectly adequate job. But if you’d rather not scrimp on audio quality, paying more for a pair of open-ear buds such as the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds or opting for a closed-ear pair from the best wireless earbuds might suit you better instead.
(Image credit: Future)
JLab JBuds Open Sport review: specs
(Image credit: Future)
JLab JBuds Open Sport review: features
Decent EQ settings and listening modes
Good, if average, battery life
Not a huge fan of the controls
Getting started with the JLab JBuds Open Sport is straightforward, even if the process is a little idiosyncratic. Triggering pairing mode is as simple as removing the buds from their case: their lights will immediately begin flashing, allowing you to connect them with your prime device. However, utilizing their multi-device connectivity is more unorthodox – to retrigger pairing mode, you’ll need to switch off Bluetooth on your prime device and then once the JBuds are paired with your second device, you can you reactivate the first. It’s an odd dance to have to sashay your way through, but it works and connectivity seems stable.
Once you’re set up, most of the features you’ll access will be through the JLab app, which offers a decent selection of settings, even if it isn't quite as comprehensive as you’d expect from a more premium pair of earbuds.
First off, the app offers access to the JBuds’ EQ settings. This comprises two preset profiles: Balance, which lightly boosts the bass and treble; and the more aggressively sculpted JLab signature, which ducks frequencies around 500Hz – 2,000Hz to significantly boost bass. You also get a single custom profile – while that doesn’t sound like much, it’s a full 10-band EQ, something even some pricier buds don’t offer. There’s also a couple of dedicated listening modes bundled in – Music mode and Movie mode – that further tweak the sound to suit your source.
There’s some more unusual features bundled in the app as well. Safe Hearing mode allows you to set limits on playback volume according to the World Health Organization’s recommendation of 85dB (for a max listening time of eight hours) or 95dB (max listening time of one hour). As someone who has already ruined his hearing attending many clubs and gigs, I appreciate the thought here. The app also offers an Ambient Sounds mode, where you can choose to play anything from bird song to fan noise. Admittedly, this isn't anything you can’t find on most streaming services these days, but I welcome not having to do all the legwork in finding decent quality soundscapes.
Each of the Open Sport buds has only a single-touch capacitive button on it, meaning that control is through tapping out those morse code rhythms to play / pause music, increase and decrease volume, skip tracks or adjust EQ. I’ve been upfront about this before: I'm not the biggest fan of these kinds of control systems, as I think it’s too easy to mis-tap and I hate skipping tracks when I just wanted to crank up the volume. However, the Open Sport soothe my ire somewhat by allowing you to customise which functions are programmed to a single-, double- and triple-tap or a long press, making it marginally easier to set them up in a way that suits me.
JLab estimates the JBuds Open Sport’s battery life to be nine hours in the buds and over 26 hours in total with the case. My battery tests seemed to bear this out – playing music continuously until the battery dropped from 100% to 0% took nine hours and four minutes, which is pretty spot on. It's notable that the right earbud actually died sooner, at around eight and a half hours, leaving lefty to struggle on alone; but I imagine this is more down to quirks related to the battery’s first few cycles rather than a persistent issue.
Features score: 4 / 5
(Image credit: Future)
JLab JBuds Open Sport review: sound quality
Provide great situational awareness
Wide-open soundstage
Relatively humdrum sound
Let’s start with the obvious. The JLab JBuds Open Sport don’t offer any sound isolation by design – their key feature is their ability to leave your ears clear of obstructions and let outside sounds in. So if you’re going to be using them in an office environment, you better be relaxed about hearing every tap of your co-workers' keyboards or their Severance fan theories. On the flip side, when I used the Open Sport while out on a run, the buds allowed me to hear the noise of oncoming cars and the hollered instructions of maintenance workers on the roadside. However, this awareness does come at a cost: the Open Sport can’t really compete with the volume of traffic, so running alongside roads I often found that tunes were drowned out by the thunder of vehicles.
A less predictable benefit of the JBuds open design is their soundstage. Playing Diamonds On the Soles of Her Shoes by Paul Simon, I was immediately struck by how open the buds’ stereo field is – in particular, Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s choral style vocals bounce from left to right with impressive accuracy.
However, where things start to come undone is the expression of individual instruments. During St. Thomas by Sonny Rollins, I found that the bass, piano and sax were constantly competing with each other for prominence. While they sounded clear enough during solos, when all three were playing at once, they all somehow amounted to less than the sum of their parts.
It’s only really by probing the sonic balance further that I came to understand what was going on. Listening to Nothing Left To Lose by Everything But the Girl, there’s definite crispness to that saw-edged bass, but unfortunately, the sub that gives it that cocoa-on-a-cold-day resonance was lacking. Conversely, treble is occasionally bright, and I mean that to a fault: Young Blood by The Naked and Famous actively hurt my ears, with the bouncy, distorted melody off its synth quickly grating and making for an unpleasant listening experience.
You’d think that anything that doesn’t sit toward one of these two extremes would fare better; but, if anything, the opposite is true. While I Want You by Moloko at least displayed enough bass and treble to give it some presence, the mids felt severely neglected. Elements such as the strings, rapid guitar strokes and vocals felt cluttered in a way that I'm not used to: like an hourglass, the Open Sport’s sound is pinched tightly in the middle, meaning every instrument is forced to compete for attention, harming overall cohesion.
Fortunately, the Open Sport’s EQ modes can mitigate some of the worst of this, but we're talking more about damage control rather than adding real polish. Listening to Otomo by Bonobo on the buds’ flat profile left me pretty disappointed – it came across as rather tinny, while the spectral profile of the tribal chorus was so strident it almost scintillates in an unpleasant manner. Enabling JLab Signature performed a quick nip-tuck to suture up some of the flabbiest areas of this sound, ducking the problem frequencies around 1kHz to 2kHz and boosting the bass to compensate. This is definitely a blunt tool, but it does the trick of compensating for some of the inevitable aural shortcomings of open-ear buds.
Given you’re likely to use these buds when out and about, you may well be wondering how their microphones fare in noisy settings. Well, when recording a voice note while streaming the sound of a Delhi traffic jam in the background, I was impressed with how well the mics filtered out the background noise – although they did lose some of the treble of my voice, making the final result a bit muddier than I’d expect. Conversely, when making some trial phone calls not far from a busy road, my long-suffering girlfriend reported my voice came across perfectly clear.
Sound quality: 3.5 / 5
(Image credit: Future)
JLab JBuds Open Sport review: design
Comfortable to wear
Decent dust- and water-resistance
Secure, but not always stable, fit
When it comes to looks, the JLab JBuds Open Sport are fairly conservative. Compared to the more outré designs adopted by some open-ear buds, these aren’t that distinguishable from many of the best workout headphones – you’re not getting the square-bracket shape of the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, or earring-aping form factor of the Huawei FreeClip. Instead, they offer a traditional hooked design with a rectangular driver unit that’s positioned just in front of your ear canal. It’s practical yet entirely unexciting, like a pair of sweatpants for your ears.
If I’m being honest, I’m pretty hook agnostic when it comes to workout earbuds – I’ve never found that I struggle to keep in-ear buds wedged in place. But with buds that don’t enter your ear, some kind of hook or band is essential. And even though the Open Sport aren’t really my thing, I found the hooked design here to be pretty comfortable, allowing me to wear them for multiple hours without discomfort.
Ironically, though, given hooks are supposed to keep your earbuds secure, I did find they sometimes felt less stable than I was used to. Using them on runs, they wobbled more than I was prepared for – I couldn’t stop myself from periodically repositioning them just to make sure they were still on right. However, I don’t think they’d actually come loose and without being anchored in your ear, I guess it’s natural that open ear buds are going to shift around a little as you move.
On the plus side, they should be hardy enough to survive most workouts. Not only does their construction seem solid – the matt black plastic they’re constructed of is hard enough to resist marks and scratches yet the earhooks are flexible enough to make them easy to slip on – but their IP55 rating should see off dust, sweat and even a bit of rain. Of course, we don’t just take brands at their word at TechRadar, so I put these claims to the test, liberally flicking them with water from our testing tank until they’d had a thorough sprinkling. They shrugged off this spritzing like champs and, once dry, there was no impact on their performance or sound. So, while they won’t survive you dropping them in a puddle, neither perspiration nor precipitation should cause them too many problems.
Design score: 3.5 / 5
JLab JBuds Open Sport review: value
Affordable price
Better sound will definitely cost you more
While I’ve made no bones about the fact the JLab JBuds Open Sport have some shortcomings, there's one factor that should probably recontextualize everything you’ve read above: their price. Premium open-ear buds massively outstrip their MRSP – for example, the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds go for a hefty $299 / £249.95 – and even mid-market brands such as Shokz can range from the $119.95 / £94 OpenFit Air to the $179.95 / £129 OpenFit 2. So at $49.99 / £79.99, these are firmly priced at the budget end of the market.
Viewed through this lens, some of the Open Sport’s weaknesses become more palatable. Making open-ear buds sound unimpeachable is a much bigger technical challenge compared to buds with either passive sound isolation or active noise cancelling – and, inevitably, you'll need to spend premium prices to get premium results. As such, if your biggest priorities are situational awareness and an affordable price, these buds are a wise investment. But if you value sound quality above all else, you may need to spend a fair bit more or go for a closed-ear design.
Value score: 4.5 / 5
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the JLab JBuds Open Sport?
Buy them if…
You need to hear your surroundings If you cycle along busy roads, need to stay aware at work or just like to be able to eavesdrop on strangers’ conversations, these buds won’t stifle your hearing, making it easier to be conscious of what’s going on around you.
You don’t want to spend too much At $49.99 / £79.99, these are seriously affordable as open-ear buds go. There are even more bargain-priced buds out there, but they’re unlikely to have quite as decent features.
Don’t buy them if…
Sound quality is your top priority The Open Sport buds sound okay, given their open-ear design. But you can get much better performance if you spend more or switch to some closed-ear buds of a similar price.
You want rock-solid fit These earbuds definitely won’t fall off, but they’re not completely immune to wobbling during a vigorous workout either. If you hate feeling your buds trembling while you bounce about, an alternative with a neck band might suit you better.
JLab JBuds Open Sport review: also consider
Shokz OpenFit Air The Shokz OpenFit Air cost a little more than the Open Sport but, in return, offer more reliable sound, with bass in particular getting a significant boost. They’re also nice and light, and are comfortable to wear once you’ve positioned them correctly. Unfortunately, their battery doesn’t last quite as long as the JLab: they’ll only give you seven hours playback before needing to be popped back in the case. Read our full Shokz OpenFit Air review.
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds If you can stretch to spending a fair bit more, the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are the ones to choose. They sound fantastic – even when compared to closed-ear rivals – and even more impressively offer truly immersive spatial audio. They’re also comfortable to wear and intuitive to use. Really their only drawback is their high price, but you absolutely get what you pay for here. Read our full Bose Ultra Open Earbuds review.
How I tested the JLab JBuds Open Sport
Tested them for two weeks
Trialed them in a range of quiet and noisy settings
Assessed their water resistance by spraying them with water
I tested the JLab JBuds Open Sport over a period of two weeks. I used them to listen to a wide array of music, not only listening to the TechRadar testing playlist multiple times, but also trialing them on some of my own go-to testing tracks. I also tested out their microphones by recording voice notes accompanied by background noise and making multiple calls outside in an urban environment.
I also tried them out in a range of settings, listening to them everywhere from a busy office environment to traveling alongside congested main roads. I made sure to test out their fit and comfort by using them during several runs, while I tested their water-resistance by lightly spraying them with water and monitoring whether this had any impact on their performance.
Having spent more than a decade writing about tech, I have a lot of experience when it comes to weighing up the efficacy of different gadgets. Additionally, as an audiophile and music producer, I have a lot of experience assessing the performance of speakers and headphones, while my regular workout regimen means I’ve used a lot of different earbuds for exercising over the years.
This review first appeared in issue 353 of PC Pro.
Zyxel has been steadily building up an extensive range of 5G NR mobile routers, and the FWA510 is one of its most versatile yet. This desktop unit takes everything we liked in Zyxel’s NR5101 and claims a doubling in Wi-Fi 6 performance, adds essential 2.5GbE multi-gigabit network ports and teams up its four embedded omnidirectional antennas with an option to add four TS9 external aerials for improved reception.
The FWA510 is slightly larger than the NR5101, and the status LEDs have been moved from the front of the unit to the sloping upper surface. These will prove useful as they alert you if an SMS message has been received, use a multicolored LED to show cellular signal strength and provide visual cues for internet connectivity and wireless status.
The rear interface panel has also been redesigned and now has a faster USB-A port for sharing storage devices. The second multi-gig port can function as a LAN or WAN interface and, if you choose the latter, it takes precedence over the cellular connection, which drops back to standby mode for automatic failover services.
There are four embedded antennas, with an option to add four external aerials(Image credit: Future)
The FWA510 is easy to install, with its local web interface provides a wizard to get you up and running. Our unit was supplied with a Vodafone 5G SIM snuggling in the 3FF slot in the base, which provided instant cellular internet access.
The web interface presents a dashboard showing the status of local and internet connections, cellular status and details of wireless networks. A default SSID is provided for both radios and, although it uses the weaker WPA2 encryption, you can easily swap to the more secure WPA3.
Four SSIDs are supported, with three guest wireless networks already configured. These can be modified to suit, with the Guest WiFi tickbox enabling L2 isolation so users on these SSIDs only get internet access.
General network security is good. An integral firewall offers three protection levels that you choose using a slider bar, and you can add custom firewall rules that comprise protocols and port numbers, plus access control list (ACL) entries to control connections for source and destination IP addresses and services.
The FWA510 can be cloud-monitored from Zyxel’s Nebula Control Center(Image credit: Future)
So far, so good, but we came across an issue with the router’s wireless services. Zyxel claims it delivers up to 2,400Mbits/sec on the 5GHz radio (hence the AX3600 rating), but to achieve this it must support the high-speed 160MHz channels.
At present, the web console’s wireless settings for the 5GHz radio offer a 20/40/80MHz option, so our test clients could only connect at 1.2Gbits/sec. Consequently, copies of a 25GB test file between a Windows 11 Pro workstation equipped with a TP-Link Archer TXE75E Wi-Fi 6/6E adapter and a server on our 10GbE LAN maxed out at 108MB/sec at close range, dropping to 86MB/sec with the router ten meters away in the next room – only marginally faster than the AX1800-rated NR5101.
The FWA510 can be cloud-managed from Zyxel’s Nebula Control Center (NCC), and we added it to our account by scanning its QR code from an iPad running the Nebula iOS app. A status widget can be added to the NCC site dashboard, and selecting it provides more hardware details along with views of WAN and cellular status, 24-hour traffic graphs and information about wired and wireless clients.
Unlike Zyxel’s fully compliant Nebula wireless APs, the FWA510 doesn’t broadcast the cloud SSIDs as these must be configured from its own web interface. Upgrade to an NCC Pro Pack license and the remote configurator tool can load this directly from the NCC portal and will also increase traffic monitoring to 30 days.
Zyxel’s FWA510 and its 5G NR support will appeal to home workers in rural areas and remote offices that demand always-on internet access. It’s easy to use and can be cloud-monitored but, unless a firmware upgrade materializes, its Wi-Fi 6 services are no faster than the NR5101 it’s replacing.
This review first appeared in issue 353 of PC Pro.
Best known for its excellent security appliances and endpoint protection services, Sophos makes its first foray into Wi-Fi 6E territory with the AP6 420E access point. It teams up the 2.4GHz, 5GHz and Wi-Fi 6E 6GHz bands, supports 5GHz and 6GHz high-speed 160MHz channels and can be standalone or cloud managed.
The AP6 420E presents six spatial streams – two each for 2.4GHz, 5GHz and 6GHz, with claimed top speeds for each radio of 600Mbits/sec, 2,400Mbits/sec and 2,400Mbits/sec respectively. For a tri-band AP it’s pleasingly compact and yet manages to squeeze in two omnidirectional aerials for each radio and a 2.5GbE multi-gig network port that requires a PoE+ power source.
Small businesses that only want one AP will find it easy to deploy as it defaults to standalone operations. Security is tight: its browser interface insists you change the admin password and gets you started with a preconfigured SSID that presents all three radios and applies a unique key using the AP’s serial number.
There’s a lot to play with here: you can create up to eight SSIDs for each radio and select WPA2 or the mandatory WPA3 encryption for Wi-Fi 6E networks. All radios support opportunistic wireless encryption (OWE), which allows you to present a safe open public network that encrypts all endpoint traffic but doesn’t require authentication.
The AP6 420E squeezes six aerials into its compact case(Image credit: Future)
Other features include client isolation, walled gardens and captive portals with custom landing pages, URL redirects and authentication using AP-generated daily, weekly or monthly passwords, vouchers, and Facebook and Google logins. Traffic shaping is extensive as different upload and download limits can be applied to each radio, selected SSIDs or their associated clients. The AP also supports SNMP v1/2/3 monitoring and can run packet capture sessions and save their output as Pcap files.
Sophos delivered good results in our real-world performance tests where we used a Dell Windows 11 Pro workstation with a TP-Link Archer TXE75E Wi-Fi 6/6E PCI-E adapter. With the 160MHz channels enabled on the 6GHz radio, large file copies between the workstation and a Windows server on our 10GbE LAN averaged 210MB/sec at close range, dropping to 183MB/sec with the AP moved ten meters away and into an adjoining room.
The cloud management option will appeal to businesses invested in Sophos as all APs and wireless networks are managed from the same Sophos Central web portal. Onboarding isn’t as smart as other wireless vendors that provide mobile apps and QR code scanning, as you enter the AP’s serial number or bulk-provision up to 30 at a time using a CSV file.
Standalone mode and cloud management are both supported(Image credit: Future)
The Sophos Central portal has been refreshed, with all the main menu options moved to the top for easier access. Selecting the wireless page presents a dashboard with status charts for all APs, alerts and the number of connected devices. The usage insights chart shows traffic categories for all clients, but this isn’t currently supported for any AP6 model – and neither are rogue AP detection and roaming assist for sticky clients.
All other features present in standalone mode are available from the portal, however, so you can create the same number of SSIDs on all radios each with their own security settings. For easier fleet management, the portal also allows you to create different sites with associated maps and floor plans, with each assigned a set of APs.
The AP6 420E is comparatively expensive and a number of features for AP6 devices are yet to be implemented in the Sophos Central portal. That said, it delivers good overall performance and is a natural choice for businesses that already rely on Sophos for their network security.
The XPPen Magic Note Pad aims to deliver the best of both worlds – a digital writing pad that’s easy on the eyes while also functioning as a true productivity tablet running Android 14. It claims to be the first of its kind, being a digital note pad with an X-Paper display featuring three modes: Ink Paper, Color Paper and Regular.
While other brands have provided similar functionality (like TCL's Nxtpaper series), I think XPPen's first foray into writing tablets is a home run. From the moment I unboxed and powered it on, I was hooked to its paper-like color tablet. While it might be a notepad first, my initial download was the Kindle app and my favorite comics were its first test.
I’ve had plenty of experience reading on tablets before, from cheap Android ones to an iPad Pro, and while the experience is fine, it can get tiring on the eyes after a while. With this tablet – which happens to use TCL's Nxtpaper screen technology – you can use the Regular display mode, which I found less harsh than other LCD displays, you can easily switch to color ink at a moment's notice. Of course, the colors aren't as vibrant when switching because of the filters on the screen, they're a lot better than when using a color ereader like the Kobo Libra Colour or the Kindle Colorsoft.
Reading comics in the Magic Note Pads 'regular' display mode (Image credit: Future)
This tablet sports a 10.95-inch display, offering what I think is the sweet spot in terms of portability for a digital slate, but adding in the extra dimensions of the chassis itself makes it a cumbersome device to hold in one hand.
Still, using both mitts, or resting it on your lap while cradling it with one hand is a small price to pay for the brilliant and versatile reading experience, although XPPen is keen to tell you that this is a secondary use case. It wants to be a writing tablet first.
And that's where it's caught me hook, line and sinker because now I don't ever forget to carry a notepad when I need to jot something down and I don't lose the pen I need to do said writing.
Making notes on the Magic Note pad (Image credit: Future)
The X3 Pro Pencil 2, which ships in the box, sticks to the tablet via a strong magnet, stronger than any writing e-paper tablet I've seen.
While the industry-leading 16,384 pressure levels might seem an unnecessary gimmick in what is predominantly a writing tablet – 8,000 is agreed to be enough even for artists – there's no doubting its superb writing experience with soft nibs. There's even a helpful shortcut button on the stylus that can open the native notes app when the tablet is sleeping, or it can take a screenshot when you're reading something, then promptly take you to the notes app for marking up the image it just took.
Writing and drawing feel effortless, even with light pressure. It may not perfectly replicate the feel of pen on paper, but it comes very close and offers a different, equally satisfying experience.
I'm not much of an artist, but given how easy it is to write from even considerably tilted angles, and how precise the Pencil is, this tablet is certainly one that artists not only could consider, but should.
It's not just a writing, drawing and reading machine either. The 3-in-1 versatility of this tablet means it's a viable option for watching your favorite content on the best streaming services, too. It's not the greatest viewing experience, given the lamination on the screen and the 1920 x 1200 resolution of this device, but I still found it easy to watch, even in bright ambient conditions. It's not the main reason to buy this tablet, but in terms of added versatility, it's hard to beat.
Watching Avengers: Infinity War (Image credit: Future)
Further, the XPPen Magic Note Pad aims to boost efficiency in both work and creative expression. That's why this tablet includes a 13MP front camera and dual microphones that ensure you can easily pop into any meeting or online class. Plus, with multi-window display support, you can write notes and video chat at the same time.
Just 7mm thick and weighing 495g, the XPPen Magic Note Pad is incredibly easy to fit into any bag, even with the included magnet folio that increases its size considerably. And, in comparison to other writing tablets, it's well priced.
XPPen Magic Note Pad review: Price and availability
Launched globally on March 19, 2025
List price of $439.99 / £399.99 / AU$629.99
Available directly from XPPen and will be sold via authorized retailers
The XPPen Magic Note Pad launched in the United Kingdom, United States, and Australia on March 19, 2025 with a launch price of $439.99 / £399.99 / AU$629.99. At the time of writing, it seems like UK customers are getting short-changed as that £400 price tag is about $520 / AU$815 at the current conversion rate.
Still, I think it's competitively priced for what it offers and potential US buyers will benefit from an additional 10% early-bird discount, bringing the price down to just $395.99 at launch.
To put that price into perspective, e-paper writing tablets like the Amazon Kindle Scribe (2024) and Onyx Boox Go 10.3 will also set you back $399.99 / £379.99 / AU$649 and $379.99 / €419.99 (about £355) / AU$699 respectively, but you won't get the versatile screen on offer on the XPPen. Investing in a budget Android tablet might save you money, but you'll lose out on the writing and sketching features available natively here.
Value score: 4/5
XPPen Magic Note Pad review: Specs
XPPen Magic Note Pad review: Display
10.95-inch X-Paper display
1920 x 1200 resolution and 90Hz refresh rate
Low blue light
Opening up a book in Regular mode (Image credit: Future)
It's rare to find a product that feels unique in a very crowded tech market, but the Magic Note Pad's color display does. Admittedly it's not the first of its kind – we saw the tech in our TCL Nxtpaper 10s review – but it is the first such device to offer three screen modes: Ink paper, color paper and standard tablet modes.
The tablet comes with TÜV SÜD certifications for low blue light and paper-like display standards, and features a respectable 1920 x 1200 resolution with a not too shabby 90Hz refresh rate.
While the Magic Note Pad aims to be a versatile device, its core strength lies in writing and XPPen has done a fantastic job optimizing the screen for that main purpose. I thoroughly enjoyed writing on this tablet, jotting down a to-do list, taking notes during a documentary, or brainstorming article ideas. The included X3 Pro Pencil 2 delivers an incredibly responsive and fluid feel, with even mimics the noise of a pen on paper.
The 90Hz refresh rate ensures minimal latency, making handwriting appear almost instantaneously on the screen. With 16,384 pressure levels – well beyond the 8,000 levels considered sufficient for most digital artists – the stylus allows for a wide range of strokes, from light scribbles to heavy, bold lines.
Writing comparison with heavy and light pressure (Image credit: Future)
Writing remains smooth across all display modes, though the viewing exprience changes significantly. The XPPen Magic Note Pad includes a Reading Mode designed to reduce eye strain, but I found this feature to have minimal impact as the tablet's lamination (aka filters) already improves readability.
The paper modes are best for reading, though not quite on par with the best ereaders. For example, my Onyx Boox Page truly mimics paper, whereas the XPPen Magic Note Pad still feels like a tablet that's imitating an ereader as it's a modified LCD display and not an E Ink screen, but the black-and-white Ink Paper mode comes close to the ereader effect.
The color-paper and standard modes shine when reading comics or other image-heavy content. The color-paper mode is less saturated, making it easier on the eyes over long periods and the standard mode delivers vibrant, detailed colors you'd expect from a traditional tablet.
The display also handles video playback well. The eye-protecting screen lamination slightly affects viewing angles, but this has little impact on everyday use. Watching content ranging from Avengers: Endgame to Daredevil: Born Again, Moana 2 and Dune, I found the visuals impressive. The display doesn’t deliver deep blacks, but that’s expected given its nature.
Image 1 of 5
Comparing the XPPen Color Paper mode in Kindle to the Onyx Boox Page (Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 5
(Image credit: Future)
Image 3 of 5
Watching Invincible in Color Paper mode (Image credit: Future)
Image 4 of 5
(Image credit: Future)
Image 5 of 5
(Image credit: Future)
It won't be used often by most people, but the paper-like modes do support video playback. While unconventional, I found the color-paper mode provided an unique and unexpectedly enjoyable experience while watching Invincible – though it took some time to adjust.
With excellent writing responsiveness, resistance to accidental touches, and enjoyable reading and viewing experiences, the only drawbacks in the display are expected of a device with this kind of screen technology. The XPPen Magic Note Pad stands out as a compelling choice for writers, artists, and casual readers alike, offering an outstanding writing display with solid versatility.
Display score: 5/5
XPPen Magic Note Pad review: Design
Ships with the X3 Pro Pencil 2
No rear camera bump (flat back)
Easily portable
Magic Note Pad saying hello, with the stylus laying on the desk (Image credit: Future)
At first glance, the XPPen Magic Note Pad doesn’t stand out. Sure, it’s a nice-looking device, but there’s nothing particularly striking about it.
That said, XPPen highlights its 7mm thickness – or thinness – but several tablets on the market are slimmer, including the 13-inch iPad Pro at just over 5mm. Perhaps what makes it feel so thin is the absence of a rear camera bump (or any rear camera whatsoever), creating an exceptionally flat surface made for writing on.
And, while the front and sides feature sleek, metallic silver bezels, the back panel is a letdown. The matte white material feels cheap compared to the rest of the design.
The device has a USB-C charging port at the bottom alongside stereo speakers, while all the buttons are positioned on the top-right. The volume buttons sit on the right side, with the power button and Nxt Paper Mode button – used for display mode options – on top.
Holding X3 Pro Pencil 2 (Image credit: Future)
The real star here is the X3 Pro Pencil 2, and it's a pleasure to use. Powered by the X3 Pro smart chip, it requires no charging or Bluetooth pairing – ready to go straight out of the box. Its magnetic attachment is impressively strong too; there were a few accidental knocks that I thought would send it flying, yet it remained securely in place.
I’ll dive deeper into the pen’s performance in the software section, but as a physical tool, it’s fantastic. Lightweight, comfortable to hold and equipped with gel pen-inspired soft nibs, it provides an excellent writing experience. And it has some physical controls of its own
In the XPPen Notes app, the pencil’s down key – used for shortcuts outside the app – functions as an eraser. Positioned right where my thumb naturally rests, I frequently pressed it by accident. Fortunately, the eraser only removes what the pen has touched on-screen, so I never lost significant work. Still, when focused on taking notes, it became a considerable frustration, although it was easy to avoid once I was aware of it.
All said and done, while the Magic Note Pad might not have tickled my fancy from a design perspective, it does look nicer than some premium e-paper writing tablets (I'm looking at you, Kobo Elipsa 2E) and I can wax lyrical about the stylus because it's one of the best I've used on a digital display.
Design Score: 4/5
XPPen Magic Note Pad review: Software
Runs Android 14
Minimal bloatware
Time-saving shortcuts
Homepage, app icons and the X3 Pro Pencil 2 in its magnetic holster (Image credit: Future)
Running Android 14, the XPPen Magic Note Pad will feel familiar to anyone who has used Android devices in the past. The most striking thing upon booting it up though, was the minimal amount of natively available applications, something I absolutely appreciate after coming off doing the Poco F6 Pro review.
The only apps I would consider bloatware are Facebook, Booking.com and Adobe Acrobat. Otherwise, all that's downloaded is the Google suite of apps, YouTube (Music and Kids), WPS Office, Google Play Store and necessary apps like Settings and Camera.
Opening up the settings, you can change the wallpaper as well as the colors of icons, text and backgrounds. You can also edit the lock-screen shortcuts.
The true customization is less about aesthetics, and more about how you like to use the tablet. On top of the three display modes – Regular, Color Paper and Ink Paper – you can also upgrade the Regular mode with image, video and game enhancement, as well as reading, eye comfort and sunlight display modes.
One of the things I really liked was the ability to hold the down key on the stylus and quickly tap the sleeping screen to immediately open the XPPen Notes app. It's a small gesture, but it was considerably faster than the alternative.
Image 1 of 3
Display customization (Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 3
Settings menu (Image credit: Future)
Image 3 of 3
X3 Pro Pencil 2 settings and customization (Image credit: Future)
Holding the down key and tapping the screen can also create a screenshot of whatever you are reading, then immediately open it up in the notes app for you to doodle on or mark up. You can change this button's function to go back, go to the home screen, recents or the shortcut panel. I also found the ability to screenshot by swiping down on the screen with three fingers helpful versus pressing the power and volume buttons simultaneously.
Also worth noting is the shortcut panel which can be hidden or left floating on-screen. Within, you can quickly open notes, screen record, write an e-signature, make a handwritten GIF and more.
The XPPen Notes app deserves its own special mention, too. The custom-designed application has more than enough tools for any writing scenario, from a 15 second purge of your thoughts to a dedicated list of lecture notes with dozens of formats across seven categories. You can even add your own images from the Gallery or via PDF.
With three pen types – fountain, ballpoint and pencil – an eraser and highlighter, you can do a heck of a lot within the native notes app but, since it runs Android 14, you can download your preferred application (like OneNote) if you wish. Personally, I found no need for any other.
Image 1 of 5
Shortcut panel (Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 5
Additional tools within the XPPen Notes app (Image credit: Future)
Image 3 of 5
Document options in XPPen Notes (Image credit: Future)
Image 4 of 5
Drawing and colouring (badly) (Image credit: Future)
Image 5 of 5
Homepage in Ink Paper mode (Image credit: Future)
There's a built-in AI assistant that can answer questions and read your document, as well as immediately convert your messy handwriting into text for a more orderly list of notes. I found the handwriting-to-text conversion inconsistent, but it usually got the gist of what I was writing – and my handwriting is messier than most.
Clean, easy to traverse and offering personalization that ranges from the quirky to seriously productive, the XPPen Magic Note Pad is a joy to use. I'd recommend reading the user manual though, as I found it quite complicated to figure out all the possibilities provided by the tablet and its stylus.
Software score: 4.5 /5
XPPen Magic Note Pad: Cameras and audio
13MP front camera, but no rear lens
Dual speakers and mics
XPPen Magic Note Pad's front camera (Image credit: Future)
Admittedly the Magic Note Pad wasn't decided to take photos, but it does have a 13MP front-facing camera for video calls (and the odd selfie maybe). With a target audience of professionals and students who a versatile digital notepad, that's more than enough to meet the usual needs.
Sure, a rear camera would be nice, it would also be near impossible to write on – so the 13MP front camera is just fine for getting through online uni classes and your weekly 9am team meeting. The camera quality is clear, and the dual speakers and precision microphones made certain I could both clearly hear and be heard on the rare occasion when I wasn't using headphones.
And, while I would prefer to have used headphones in most scenarios, the dual speakers performed more than adequately when watching content.
It won't be competing for any prizes in the camera and audio category, but it wasn't designed to either.
Camera score: 3/5
XPPen Magic Note Pad review: Performance
MediaTek MT8781
Struggles with heavy loads
Smooth regular daily use
The XPPen is not going to replace your laptop and handle your entire workload, but it's plenty powerful for what it aims to do.
Powered by the MediaTek MT8781 8-core processor, the Magic Note Pad was fast and smooth when I indulged in some light gaming, watched YouTube videos, wrote notes, reading or did several of them simultaneously when in a video call. It did struggle a little when it was multitasking, but it's not an iPad or Samsung Galaxy Tab S series to take a whole lotta load.
In the 3D Mark Wildlife test, which tests graphic performance, the XPPen Magic Note Pad scored 1244 at 7.45fps. For reference, the Lenovo Yoga Tab 11 and Alldocube iPlay 50 Pro, two cheap tablets, as well as the Huawei MatePad Paper, boast higher scores.
I used the Geekbench 6.2.2 benchmark to test the Magic Note Pads CPU performance for everyday tasks, and XPPen's latest tablet scored 728 (single-core) and 1949 (multi-core). These scores place it well behind even a tablet like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 (1,198 / 3200).
Still, I didn't feel any performance issues in my time with the XPPen Magic Note Pad, and across writing, reading, watching and calling, you're not likely to. This XPPen tablet runs multiple apps with ease and lets you seamlessly write notes while on a call or watching a video, nailing everything a writing-focused productivity tablet should at this price range, but there are certainly similar, more powerful devices on the market.
Performance score: 4/5
XPPen Magic Note Pad review: Battery
20W charging
21% charge in 30 minutes
9+ hours video playback at high brightness
Charging port and speakers (Image credit: Future)
Boasting an 8,000mAh battery, the XPPen Magic Note Pad has a greater battery capacity than some other tablets, like the 2021 iPad and ReMarkable 2, which has only a 3,000mAh battery. It's certainly not large for a tablet though, with big-screen devices like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 boasting capacities that far exceed 10,000mAh.
After watching Avengers: Endgame and Deadpool & Wolverine back-to-back at 83% brightness – that's almost 5.5 hours – the XPPen Magic Note Pad was still at a very healthy 40% battery. That means you'll see at least 9 hours of screentime before it taps out, and plenty more than that when just reading or writing on a lower brightness.
In fact, XPPen states that you'll get as much as one week of usage out of the Magic Note Pad with a daily usage of 3 hours at 50% brightness. In my experience, reading on the way to work, making a few notes throughout the day and even hopping into a quick online meeting or watching some YouTube, that approximation seems about right.
Watching movies in Regular mode (Image credit: Future)
I also found that battery consumption is different depending on which display mode you're in and the activity being performed. I had assumed that paper modes required less battery, and this did seem to be the case, even if the difference was negligible during regular use.
Interestingly, I did find one hour of video in Ink Paper Mode used 13%, compared to 8% in Regular Mode – though these tests were done at different times and battery percentages.
Whether or not it lasts a week without charging isn't really the sticking point, though. As a work and study-focused tablet, it needs to be able to last the six to 10-hour days at work or school when it's needed. And, while battery drain will depend on what activities it's used for, it should have no issue doing so.
If you are planning on being a heavy user of this tablet though, draining the battery on a daily basis and requiring regular charging, you'll want to do so overnight. From dead, the device charges just 3% in five minutes, sitting on 21% after 30 minutes – putting a full charge at around 2.5 hours.
Battery score: 3.5/5
Should I buy the XPPen Magic Note Pad?
Buy it if...
You want a digital note pad and more The Magic Note Pad is first and foremost a digital writing tablet that can also perform as a regular one and an ereader. If you want that kind of versatility, this one's for you.View Deal
Your eyes struggle with blue light With a main focus on reducing eye strain, the XPPen Magic Note Pad is a must for those who find themselves having to step away from the computer. With three display modes and several eye-friendly settings, it's a great option.View Deal
You want to read and write in color Whether you're an avid comic book reader or just want to be able to write, highlight and brainstorm in color, the Magic Note Pad is for you. Both the color paper mode and regular mode offer excellent color options in very different ways.View Deal
Don't buy it if...
Reading is your main focus While this tablet performs well as an ereader, and could happily be used as such by owners who bought it for its overall performance, I wouldn't recommend purchasing this device as a reader first and tablet second.View Deal
You want a drawing tablet While you can write, draw and sketch accurately until your heart is content on this tablet, if art is your main focus, you might be better off splurging on a larger screen with a higher resolution might be better, like the XPPen Artist Pro 16.View Deal
Your viewing experience is your main concern While it certainly performed well enough for watching, if your main reason for buying a tablet is to watch content on the go, there are better tablets available without the layered screen.View Deal
XPPen Magic Note Pad review: Also consider
ReMarkable 2 If you're looking for an e-paper display to write on first, and read on second, there is no better device on the market. It's more expensive and lacks the Magic Note Pad's color display options, but for writing there is nothing better and it's cheaper than the color reMarkable Paper Pro. Read ourfull ReMarkable 2 reviewView Deal
Apple iPad 10.2 (2021) The cheapest iPad that we still feel comfortable recommending, if you're looking for an affordable device to watch and read on, this iPad is a viable option. You won't get the paper modes or eye protection of the Magic Note pad, but not everyone will want or need that. Read our full Apple iPad 10.2 (2021) reviewView Deal
XPPen Artist Pro 16 If you're an artist, this tablet offers 16k pressure levels with the X3 Pro Pencil and a textured surface and colorful display, as well as the ability to act as a true laptop replacement and drawing pad. It costs quite a bit more than the XPPen Magic Note Pad, though. Read our full XPPen Artist Pro 16 reviewView Deal
How I tested the XPPen Magic Note Pad
Review test period = Two Weeks
Testing included = Regular daily use, writing, reading and watching content, video calls
Tools used = 3D Mark, Geekbench 6.2.2, built-in Android tools
The XPPen Magic Note Pad was my new best friend for two weeks, coming with me everywhere I went. From making notes in the morning and reading on the way to work to watching YouTube while working and joining online meetings with it, it was a crucial addition to my daily life.
To test it, I purposefully ran multiple apps during work meetings, multitasking and scribbling gibberish (and actual notes) during the meeting. I ran movies for hours on end and played mobile games like Clash Royale, Marvel Snap and Hearthstone.
I also used the 3D Mark Wildlife and Geekbench benchmarks to put a number to how the tablet was performing, and how it compared to other tablets on the market. I did all this while keeping in mind that this tablet is priced very fairly, aiming to help students and workers with productivity.
Belkin BoostCharge 3-Port USB-C Wall Charger with PPS 67W review
If you’ve ever wished you could charge multiple devices simultaneously, the Belkin BoostCharge 3-Port USB-C Wall Charger with PPS 67W (I know, quite the name) is a practical solution.
This charger packs in three USB-C ports, a maximum output of 67W and Programmable Power Supply (PPS) tech, which adjusts the model’s power automatically to fit the needs of your devices, enabling an “optimum” charge. That’s a pretty comprehensive package, especially given this model has a fairly moderate list price of $44.99 / £39.99 /AU$89.95. Some may still want access to a USB-A port, but fear not, there are alternatives – see the ‘Also consider’ section for more.
For reference, this charger can supply 67W charging in single-port mode, 45W from Port 1 and 20W from Port 2 in double mode, and 25W from Port 1 as well as 20W from remaining ports when triple-charging. That will likely be enough for most people, but there are some devices, like the OnePlus 13 phone, for instance, that support 80W charging – so make sure 67W will be enough juice to go around for your phones, laptops, tablets and more.
Unfortunately, though, I did have to use my own cables to charge my devices. There are no USB-C cables included in the box for UK buyers – something you get with a handful of similarly priced models. And although this is still a solid-value charger overall, that really would’ve taken it up a notch for me.
One more thing I would’ve liked to see from the Belkin BoostCharge 3-Port is foldable prongs – at least for the UK model. The US model has this, so if you’re on the other side of the pond, expect ultimate portability. But the lack of foldable prongs in the UK is a little frustrating, as if you want to slide the charger into your pocket, for example, it might end up poking into you. Ultimately, it is still very small though, making it ideal for use in tight spaces – a huge plus in my book.
Otherwise, the design is solid here. This Belkin charger doesn’t do anything fancy, there are no exciting colors like you’d get from the Anker Nano USB-C Wall Charger (30W) and no display. Still, its tiny form, elegant finish and curved look makes it a hit, all things considered. And overall, I’d say this is a good multi-port charger, worth your consideration. The lack of a USB-C cable and foldable prongs is a bit of a blow, but otherwise, this model’s small size and strong performance had me feeling satisfied.
Should I buy the Belkin BoostCharge 3-Port USB-C Wall Charger with PPS 67W?
Buy it if…
You’re on a budget Thankfully, this Belkin charger isn’t too expensive considering its tri-port configuration. If you wanted the slightly fancier UGreen Nexode Pro 65W, for instance, you’d have to shell out $55.99 / £44.99 – ouch!
You’re working with a tight space Thanks to this charger’s small size, it can easily slot into those small spaces behind desks, drawers, beds, shelves…OK, you get the idea. Considering its 67W max power output, this is a pleasingly compact charger – especially when you compare it to the likes of Apple’s 70W USB-C power adapter, for instance.
Don't buy it if…
You need bags of power If you need tons of power for charging the latest MacBook and smartphone at once, for example, this model might not cut it. For me, though, 67W was enough to charge the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE and another device, like my Soundcore Space One Pro headphones or LG Tone Free T90S earbuds.
You’re short on USB-C cables Unfortunately, there’s no USB-C cable included in the box with this Belkin charger, at least in the UK. That’s a bit of a shame, especially if you’re someone that is yet to amass three cables already. Sure, you can purchase some at a fairly low price, but there are alternatives, like the Anker charger listed below, that sort you out with a fresh new cable from the offset.
Belkin BoostCharge 3-Port USB-C Wall Charger with PPS 67W: Also consider
Anker 335 Charger (67W) If you want a slightly cheaper alternative to this Belkin charger that also boasts three charging ports and 67W of power, the Anker 335 Charger (67W) is the ideal option for you. I tested the UK edition out and loved its foldable prongs, speedy performance and inclusion of a USB-C to USB-C cable – it’s a great value product. It does swap out one USB-C port for a USB-A port – which may not be for everyone. It’s also chunkier than this Belkin charger. But all in all, it’s still an alternative well worth considering. Read our full Anker 335 Charger (67W) review.
The LG C5 is a feature-packed, mid-range OLED TV that continues the LG C-series legacy of offering real bang for your buck. Launching at $2,699.99 / £2,699.99 / AU$4,299, the 65-inch model I tested is priced exactly the same as its predecessor, the LG C4, one of the best TVs of 2024.
The LG C5 comes with a host of new AI features and an Alpha 9 Gen 8 AI Processor that leads to a modest picture brightness boost over its predecessor. LG’s C-series continues to lead the way when it comes to features in a mid-range OLED, and while there are not many new additions, it carries over what made the C4 great.
Picture quality is superb on the LG C5. Its vibrant, accurate color, strong contrast, and lifelike textures all combine to rival what you see on the best OLED TVs. Motion handling is good overall, but I did find some scenes where the C5 stumbled. (This was fixed with a quick trip to the picture settings.) One area where the C5 struggles is screen reflections in well-lit environments, which can impact darker images. It looks brilliant when viewed in dimmed conditions, however.
Sound quality has never been a strong point of LG C-series OLED TVs, and while the C5’s built-in 2.2-channel Dolby Atmos system sounds punchy and well-balanced, it won’t beat one of the best soundbars, which I’d recommend for the C5.
The C5 is easily going to be one of the best gaming TVs of 2025. It has a full suite of gaming features, including 4K 144Hz, VRR, ALLM and Dolby Vision gaming, smooth and responsive performance, and a ton of cloud gaming options for those without a console.
LG’s webOS 25 is the C5’s smart TV platform and alongside the previously mentioned new AI features, it continues to be one of the better interfaces on the market. Quick Cards in webOS 25 is a useful feature and LG’s Quick Menu continues to be excellent for those who like to regularly adjust picture settings.
The C5’s design is basic and safe, though a faux-marbled rear panel, solid aluminum stand, and trim profile help to give it a premium appearance. LG’s new AI Magic Remote is sleeker and more modern looking than previous Magic Remote versions but is only available in select regions.
LG C-series OLEDs are regularly among the best TVs when it comes to value for money. While pricey at launch, they will become more affordable over time as prices drop. It’s hard to ignore, however, that the still-available LG C4 is the better value option after numerous price drops as the C5 is only an incremental upgrade. Still, for anyone looking for a new TV, the C5 is a fantastic option.
LG C5 OLED TV review: Prices & release date
The LG C5 shows accurate colors (Image credit: Future)
Release date: March 2025
42-inch: $1,399.99 / £1,399.99 / AU$2,199
48-inch: $1,599.99 / £1,499.99 / AU$2,499
55-inch: $1,999.99 / £1,899.99 / AU$3,299
65-inch: $2,699.99 / £2,699.99 / AU$4,299
77-inch: $3,699.99 / £3,699.99 / AU$5,999
83-inch: $5,399.99 / £5,799.99 / AU$7,999
The LG C5 was released in March 2025. It is the mid-range series in LG’s 2025 OLED TV range, sitting above the LG B5 and below the flagship LG G5 and LG M5 series. It is available in 42 to 83-inch screen sizes.
Launch pricing for the LG C5 is nearly identical to that of its predecessor, the LG C4, except for the 42-inch model, which is $100 cheaper in the US. All other sizes in the US, UK and Australia have exactly the same launch price as the C4.
LG C5 OLED TV review: Specs
LG C5 OLED TV review: Benchmark results
LG C5 OLED TV review: Features
The LG C5's connections include 4 HDMI 2.1 ports (Image credit: Future)
Alpha a9 Gen 8 AI Processor
New AI features including AI Sound Wizard
Four HDMI 2.1 ports with up to 144Hz support
The LG C5 uses the same OLED Evo (EX) panel as its predecessor, the LG C4. It features LG’s upgraded Alpha a9 Gen 8 AI processor, which introduces new AI capabilities (more on those below) as well as a Brightness Booster that is not supported in the smaller 42- and 48-inch models. The C4 supports the Dolby Vision high dynamic range format, but not HDR10+. It also supports the Dolby Atmos and DTS:X sound formats.
For audio, the C5 features the same 2.2-channel, 40W Dolby Atmos built-in speaker system as the previous C4. Its range of sound modes includes Standard, Cinema and AI Sound Pro, as well as a new AI Sound Wizard (more on that below).
LG TVs are typically well-equipped for gaming and the C5 is no exception. While there are no upgrades from its predecessor, it still carries a full-suite of gaming features including 4K 144Hz, VRR (AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync), HGiG, Dolby Vision gaming and ALLM. It also features a Game Optimizer mode where settings can be adjusted, including a boost mode to reduce input lag.
The LG C5 comes with a number of AI features, such as AI Search, AI Concierge and more. (Image credit: Future)
The LG C5 uses the latest iteration of LG’s smart TV platform, webOS 25. This offers a plethora of AI capabilities including AI Search, an advanced search feature that looks for content based on the user’s criteria and questions; AI Concierge, where content is recommended based on a user’s viewing history; and an AI Art feature where users can create AI artworks (creating artworks cost credits that can be bought, but 100 credits are provided to start with).
Alongside AI Picture Wizard, a feature that lets users create a personalized picture mode based on visual prompts, LG has introduced AI Sound Wizard, a similar feature where users react to audio clips to establish a personal sound profile. For the home screen, Quick Cards (a feature introduced in webOS 24 that lets users organize apps based on categories such as Sports, Games, etc.) has been further streamlined.
Features score: 5/5
LG C5 OLED TV review: Picture quality
The LG C5 delivers bold, vibrant and dynamic colors, as shown on Disney's Elemental. (Image credit: Future)
Vibrant color and strong contrast
Superb detail
Reflections in brighter environments
The LG C5’s peak HDR brightness (measured on a 10% white window) was 1,180 nits in Filmmaker Mode and 1,198 nits in Standard mode. Those results are an increase over the LG C4, which hit 1,065 nits and 925 nits in Filmmaker and Standard modes, respectively. Fullscreen HDR brightness (measured on a 100% white pattern) was between 195-200 nits, a slight drop from its C4 predecessor.
The LG C5’s upscaling of lower-resolution sources is impressive. An HD stream of Fight Club that I watchedon Disney Plus got both a brightness and sharpness boost, giving the picture a 4K-like makeover. For standard-definition content (480p and below), the C5’s upscaling also managed to clean up textures, though they were still understandably on the fuzzy side.
Color on the LG C5 is superb. Watching a Dolby Vision stream of Elemental on Disney Plus, colors looked vibrant and dynamic, particularly in the scenes where Ember demonstrates her glass-making abilities and dances across the shimmering minerals. Another Dolby Vision stream, of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, showcased an abundance of reds in the throne room fight scene, which were displayed with real clarity and punch.
When I measured the C5’s HDR color gamut coverage, it hit 99.4% of the UHDA-P3 color space and 75.1% of BT.2020. These are both superb results and explain the C5’s excellent color.
The LG C5 has superb contrast between bright and dark tones, as shown here in The Batman. (Image credit: Future)
Shadow detail and contrast were also brilliant on the C5. Watching the opening crime scene investigation sequence on a 4K Blu-ray of The Batman, detail in clothing was maintained in even the darkest of scenes without compromising deep blacks. In the same sequence, the bright lamps and torches contrasted well with the dark surroundings, with an accurate balance between bright and dark tones. Also, aerial shots of Gotham displayed punchy highlights in street lamps and neon signs while still maintaining the murky, dark tones in the surrounding buildings.
In the black and white scenes in Oppenheimer, shadows and highlights looked refined and authentic, with a wide range of gray tones in between. For these scenes, I turned Dynamic Tone Mapping on (it’s off by default in Filmmaker Mode), which gave white highlights a bolder, brighter look without sacrificing the balance of the gray and black tones.
I found that textures and details were refined and lifelike in pretty much all my viewing on the C5. Facial features and skin tones looked accurate, particularly in close-up shots in movies such as The Batman and Top Gun: Maverick. Textures in objects and clothing were also realistic and gave pictures a real sense of depth.
The LG C5's textures and details are refined and natural. (Image credit: Future)
Motion is well handled on the C5. The intense flight sequences and long panning shots in Top Gun: Maverick lookedsmooth with only minimal blurring. I did find that the C5 struggled in some scenes, such as a panning shot of a rocky landscape in No Time To Die, but turning on Cinematic Movement in the TruMotion picture settings helped with this.
For viewing sports, I generally found Standard picture mode with TruMotion set to Natural to be the best option. With these settings active, back-and-forth action during a football game was accurately displayed. Those wanting a ‘smoother’ look can choose their own de-blur and de-judder settings, though I found it was best to keep these numbers low (around 3).
One area where the LG C5 does struggle is with reflections. With overhead lights on in our testing room, screen glare was very obvious compared to the best mini-LED TVs and more premium OLEDs such as the LG G4 and Samsung S95D, and resulted in a loss of black depth and shadow detail in darker scenes.
Picture quality score: 4.5/5
LG C5 OLED TV review: Sound quality
The new Personalized Sound Wizard is a useful tool, but doesn't quite beat the built-in sound presets. (Image credit: Future)
2.2-channel Dolby Atmos speaker system
Clear, detailed sound but limited bass
New AI Sound Wizard is hit-and-miss
The LG C5’s built-in 2.2-channel, 40W speaker array supports the Dolby Atmos and DTS:X (via pass-through) sound formats, and its AI Sound Pro mode upmixes soundtracks to 11.1.2 channels – a step-up from the C4’s 9.1.2-channel upmixing.
My default choice for sound modes on TVs is usually the Movie/Cinema preset. With this active, placement of screeching tires and swerving traffic during the Batmobile chase in The Batman was accurate and well connected to the action on screen. There was a decent level of bass and good rumble to the Batmobile’s engine, but it still felt restrained compared to some of the best TVs for sound, such as the Sony Bravia 8. Dolby Atmos height effects were also limited and the soundstage could have been wider.
Interestingly, I found myself drawn to the TV’s AI Sound Pro mode. When activating this in the same scene of The Batman, everything was enhanced: the soundstage became wider and deeper, and bass, while still limited, was more tightly controlled. The overall sound was brighter, which some people may not like, but it felt more immersive. Still, the C5 could benefit from one of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars to complement its picture.
One of the new AI features in webOS 25 is AI Sound Wizard (the audio equivalent of the AI Picture Wizard). This lets you create a personal sound mode, which is done by listening to different audio clips to select your preferred sound profile. I tested three different profiles: Balanced, Natural and Rich, and Rich and Vivid but found they were all a little flat-sounding and still preferred the AI Sound Pro and Movie presets. Still, having that level of customization available is appreciated.
Sound quality score: 4/5
LG C5 OLED TV review: Design
Image 1 of 2
(Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 2
(Image credit: Future)
Sleek, premium design
Solid, decent stand
New AI Magic Remote, but only for some regions
The LG C5’s design is what you’d expect from a mid-range OLED TV. Its slim frame gives it a sleek look, with a trim profile and bezel-less screen that allows the picture to take center stage. The connections, including four HDMI 2.1 ports, are all easily accessible on the side of the screen – something you don’t always find in TVs from other brands.
The C5 doesn’t beat the premium design of flagship OLEDs such as the Samsung S95D or the Philips OLED909, but it has a solid aluminium pedestal stand and a new AI Magic Remote (only available in select regions, including the US) that’s sleeker, with a matte finish, a less cluttered layout and new AI Home Hub and Accessibility buttons. UK users will have to settle for a slightly updated version of the old Magic Remote which looks the same (even the numbered buttons are still present) but does come with the new buttons.
Design score: 4.5/5
LG C5 OLED TV review: Smart TV & menus
LG's webOS continues to be one of the best smart TV platforms on the market. (Image credit: Future)
webOS 25 smart TV platform
Quick Cards in home menu
Extensive AI features
The C5 uses LG’s webOS smart TV platform. The latest iteration, webOS 25, mainly adds a ton of AI features, including AI Search, AI Concierge, AI Art and AI Sound Wizard. There are also upgrades and improvements to the AI Chatbot introduced in webOS 24.
When I posed questions to the Chatbot about improving picture brightness or sound, it provided advice on how to make those improvements. It struggled with more in-depth questions, but is still undeniably a good tool for some users.
LG has taken customization and personalization a step further with the new Voice ID, which is a very useful feature for families. The C5 supports multiple profiles to make sure content recommendations and settings are personal for each user, and if Voice ID is enabled, webOs will automatically recognise who is talking and adjust to that user accordingly.
Quick Cards, such as the Game one shown here, are still a great way to organise apps based on certain categories. (Image credit: Future)
Elsewhere, webOS 25 retains the Quick Cards feature, which provides useful hubs for categories such as Sports, Game and Accessibility. Choosing your favorite teams in Sports will link to any live or upcoming games, scores, and related content from YouTube and other streaming sites. The home screen’s layout looks very similar to webOS 24 and while the large banner image at top is annoying, the overall layout is user-friendly.
LG stands tall above the competition primarily through its Quick Menu, where settings can be quickly adjusted without moving away from the action on screen. There are plenty of picture and sound settings for those who like to experiment, and they are organized in a way that’s not too overwhelming for more casual users.
Smart TV & menus score: 4.5/5
LG C5 OLED TV review: Gaming
The LG C5 is a brilliant TV for gaming with responsive performance and handling with games such as Battlefield V (pictured). (Image credit: Future)
Full suite of gaming features
Game Optimizer menu
9.2ms input lag time
The LG C5 is an excellent gaming TV. Its full suite of features include 4K 144Hz, VRR (both AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync), HGiG, Dolby Vision gaming and ALLM support, all across four HDMI 2.1 ports. There is also a Game Optimizer mode where gaming settings can be adjusted, and the home menu’s Game Quick Card houses cloud-based gaming apps such as Amazon Luna and Nvidia GeForce Now as well as other gaming features and settings.
Gaming performance on the C5 is superb. Playing Battlefield V on Xbox Series X, intense battle sequences that required fast movement and targeting felt smooth, resulting in a seamless gaming experience with no screen tearing or blur. The C5’s picture quality added an extra layer to the game, displaying gorgeous visuals filled with vibrant color, stunning contrast and refined detail.
Gaming score: 5/5
LG C5 OLED TV review: Value
Image 1 of 2
The latest LG AI Magic Remote has a design change from previous generations. But it's only available in certain regions including the US. (Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 2
UK users will have to settle for the original Magic Remote with a new AI button instead. (Image credit: Future)
Feature-packed for the price
Premium performance
LG C4 still available for significantly cheaper
LG’s C-series OLED is always tough to judge on value. On the one hand, it’s a feature-packed TV with nearly everything you could need for movies and gaming and an excellent set of smart features to match. Although we have no 2025 model prices yet for the C5’s usual mid-range Samsung, Sony and Panasonic OLED competitors, the C5 is most likely to deliver the best bang for your buck of the lot.
On the other hand, while boasting a slight brightness boost and a new set of AI features, the C5 is very similar to its C4 predecessor. At the time of writing, the 65-inch C5 I tested will set you back $2,699.99 / £2,699.99 (at launch), whereas a 65-inch C4 now costs $1,499.99 / £1,499.99 – a very significant price difference. The price gap between the C4 and its C3 predecessor was easier to justify as the new model was such a step-up, but the same can’t be said for the C5.
However, the C5 is undeniably an excellent TV that justifies its price. Prices are also sure to drop over the coming months, but while the C4 is still available, that’s the model we’d recommend. Once it’s gone, though, the C5 is a worthy replacement.
Value score: 4/5
Should I buy the LG C5 OLED TV?
(Image credit: Future)
Buy it if...
You want exceptional picture quality With the LG C5's amazing contrast, bold colors and realistic detail, it feels more premium than its mid-range status suggests. View Deal
You want an OLED for gaming With a full stock of gaming features, superb performance and a picture to match, the C5 is a perfect gaming TV. View Deal
You want an intuitive smart TV platform webOS 25 is user-friendly with a great menu layout and now comes with a load of AI features that some will find very useful. View Deal
Don't buy it if...
You own the LG C4 While it is a great TV, the LG C5 is only an incremental upgrade over last year's LG C4. If you own the C4, you won't need to buy the C5. View Deal
You want HDR10+ support The C5 supports Dolby Vision but does not support HDR10+, which is becoming a more widely used HDR format on streaming services. View Deal
You want the best built-in sound While the C5's sound will be fine for most people, it doesn't match the C5's other aspects such as picture quality. View Deal
Also Consider
LG C4 The LG C4 is the C5's predecessor and while the C5 has some AI upgrades and other new features, the C4 is a very similar TV that delivers the same versatility and can now be found for a significantly cheaper price. Read our full LG C4 review.
LG G4 The LG G4 is the flagship 2024 OLED TV for LG, and it delivers higher brightness, better picture quality and better built-in sound than the mid-range C-series. You do usually have to pay a more premium price for the G-series, but at the time of writing, the C5 will be pricier at launch. Read our full LG G4 review.
Sony Bravia 8 Sony's mid-range OLED TV, the Bravia 8, is one of the LG C-series' closest rivals, offering similar picture quality but better built-in sound than the C-series. However, LG's C-series models offer better gaming performance and features and a better smart TV platform. This choice will come down to preference and price. Read our full Sony Bravia 8 review.
How I tested the LG C5 OLED TV
(Image credit: Future)
Tested over a week
Tested using SDR and HDR sources
Measurements taken using Portrait Displays' Calman color calibration software
I first began testing the LG C5 OLED TV over a couple of days with casual viewing to determine its most accurate picture and sound modes.
After this, I moved on to critical viewing, using reference scenes from movies and TV shows. This included SDR sources (broadcast TV, HD streaming, DVD) and HDR (4K streaming and 4K Blu-ray). I used these to test the C5's picture quality, looking at elements such as color, black levels, contrast, detail, motion and upscaling.
I used a Panasonic DP-UB820 4K Blu-ray player when playing discs including 4K Blu-ray. I also used an Xbox Series X to test the TV's gaming features and performance.
I first took measurements of the C5's brightness using both HDR and SDR white window patterns ranging in size from 1-100%. I also tested the C5's grayscale and color accuracy, taking an average of the Delta-E values (the margin of error between the test pattern source and what's shown on screen), looking for a result below 3.
I also tested the C5's coverage of the UHDA-P3 and BT.2020 color spaces. Finally, I used a Leo Bodnar 4K HDMI Input lag Tester to test the C5's input lag in milliseconds.
Thrustmaster is arguably at the top of its game when it comes to flight sticks, so it’s perhaps not all that surprising that the company is now making a play for space sim gear.
The Sol-R range has a cute name, but don’t let that fool you – this is a serious stick (or pair thereof) for anyone who spends plenty of time in the hour-devouring black mass of titles like Elite Dangerous.
If you’re not playing a whole lot of space games, it might not appeal, and the taller and more integrated nature of the Thrustmaster F/A-18 Super Hornet would still be our pick for the best flight stick. Still, if what you’re playing has a whole host of fiddly toggles, mapping those to the Sol-R’s array of switches, buttons, and dials feels like magic.
Ahead of the launch, it’s worth noting that things aren’t quite dialed in, so for the time being, you can expect to spend plenty of time tweaking buttons and mapping, but if that’s what you’re looking for in your next voyage, this is a great place to start around the $200/£200 mark – at least sort of.
I was sent the Duo pack which includes both Sol-R sticks for the right-hand and left-hand, which will cost you considerably more ($389.99 or £299.99). Still, with each packing plenty of inputs, even a single stick could be ideal for your setup.
(Image credit: Future)
Price and availability
List price:$219.99 / £179.99, or $399.99 / £299.99 for the Duo
Available worldwide
Pre-orders open March 19, available April 16
While each stick in the Sol-R range will run you $219.99 / £179.99, they’re considerably cheaper than rivals like the Saitek Pro Flight, but a little more than Thrustmaster’s own T.Flight Hotas One.
You can preorder from March 19, and they’ll start shipping on April 16, 2025. While no throttle is included, you can use the Thrust sliders on the front of the base.
That pricing makes it a little more than the T-Flight Hotas One, which remains Thrustmaster’s entry-level model but doesn’t include as many buttons, switches, or LED lighting. In fact, it’s around a similar price to Turtle Beach’s VelocityOne which is relatively similar in terms of feature set.
Specs
(Image credit: Future)
Design and features
Plenty of customizable inputs
Flexibility of two sticks
Nice lighting
While I was sent the Sol-R stick’s ‘Duo’ configuration which includes two of the sticks and bases for use at the same time, anyone buying a single one is unlikely to feel short-changed.
Each stick screws on easily but securely to the base, but even before doing that, it’s worth taking in the base itself. Each one has eight buttons, two dials, a thrust slider (with accompanying lighting), and a quarter of switches.
Moving to the stick, there’s a subtle button near the base, and a main trigger at thumb rest height, with an additional one beyond that. Then there are two hat switches, two more buttons, and a thumbstick, all of which combine to make menu navigation much, much simpler.
Speaking of which, you can actually use the F/A-18C Hornet grip or the Viper Grip on the base, giving you plenty of flexibility with your setup.
The blue lighting around the base and top of the stick is a nice touch, too, adding to the futuristic, space travel feel.
There’s a pleasing resistance to the dials and thrust slider, but I do wish the stick didn’t quite wobble so much. The included stabilizers click on with ease and do a great job of minimizing the way the base tends to roll to each side, but it’s still not quite perfect in those intense dogfights.
Those dials aren’t just inputs, either. They’re actually used as modifiers, so you can trigger different effects for any button, trigger, or switch depending on which position they’re in. That makes 44 customizable inputs per stick.
If you’re a left-handed pilot and you’re not looking to invest in both sticks, there’s good news — you can swap the included ergonomic supports over to make the Sol-R ambidextrous. And, if you’re looking for the Z axes, you can find that by twisting the grip.
It’s also worth noting that I have relatively large hands, but the Sol-R fits in them nicely in both hands, with the thumb rest perfectly located.
(Image credit: Future)
Performance
Maps as ‘Generic stick’
Rewards tinkerers
T.A.R.G.E.T. download is still very much just for drivers
I wanted to put the Sol-R to the test with one of my favorite games in Elite Dangerous. While I did test with more traditional flight sims, Elite is a game that’s about exploring space in your own way, meaning it’s a great way to test out everything from dogfighting to space cargo hauling.
It’s also the kind of game that the Sol-R was built for, with a whole host of controls to tweak and map — and therein lies the rub.
Because the Sol-R, at least in its pre-launch stage, is identified in compatible games as a ‘Generic Joystick’, you can expect to do a lot of customization to get it just right in your game of choice. Elite recognized both sticks, for example, but I had to manually map each button.
That might be something that’ll be ironed out at launch, but on the plus side, it does give you scope to tweak as you see fit. In my testing, I got to a really great spot where the thrust slider adjusted my speed, while the variety of buttons switched power to various systems on my virtual ship.
(Image credit: Future)
The hat switch and scroll wheel allowed me to check in-game messages and I could use the toggle switches for landing gear. Is that the kind of thing I’d have painstakingly done if the setup defaulted to a “good enough” button mapping layout? It’s hard to say.
For flight sims, it performs admirably, too. The sheer number of buttons is like a blank canvas for the likes of Microsoft Flight Simulator so you can set a button for your altimeter, anti-ice and more, and the fact the Sol-R appears as a generic stick means you can tailor it just like any other.
I also played Star Wars Squadrons, but the game doesn’t really need many inputs so it was actually more enjoyable with a single stick. Pulling off tight turns and loops did serve to highlight that wobbliness of the base, though.
Thrustmaster’s T.A.R.G.E.T. software is still pretty rudimentary, and while you can download presets, that wasn’t available for the Sol-R ahead of launch — but I’m curious to see how players adjust to the tools on offer. T.A.R.G.E.T. really just acts to get your drivers installed otherwise, and to its credit, it’s a simple, centralized hub for everything Thrustmaster.
Unlike the T.Flight HOTAS One, the Sol-R 1 is sadly PC only — so you won’t be able to use it on your PS5 or Xbox console.
Should I buy the Thrustmaster Sol-R?
Buy it if...
You’re big on space sims For this price, even the single stick will give you a fantastic space sim experience, juggling comfort with a whole host of input options.
You’re patient With the button remapping, you’ll get out of the Sol-R what you put in, meaning you can make it feel like a stick (or pair of sticks) entirely bespoke to your use case.
Don't buy it if...
You’re looking for a more stable flight stick The Sol-R comes with stabilizers for the corners, but if you’re dogfighting, you might find your stick moving all over the place even with those fitted.
Also consider
Still not sold on the Thrustmaster Sol-R 1? Here’s how it compares to two similar products.
Turtle Beach VelocityOne Turtle Beach’s VelocityOne is arguably the closest rival to the Sol-R, mainly because it offers a great stick experience flanked by additional inputs. It has a similar build quality, too, but you don’t get the flexibility of adding a second stick.
Thrustmaster T Flight Hotas One T Flight HOTAS is still close to the gold standard for new flyers, offering a comfortable stick with a detachable throttle — all at a great price. It’s also ideal for console gamers that play on Xbox.
Tested using Elite Dangerous, Star Wars Squadrons, and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
I spent the majority of my time (around 15 hours testing) with Elite Dangerous, simply because it has such a vast array of things that can be triggered by the Sol-R inputs.
I also had a blast blowing away TIE Fighters in Star Wars Squadrons, and also taking on some transatlantic flights in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 — but it feels best for an open-ended experience like Elite Dangerous where you can engage with an array of systems with the huge number of input options.
I tested on my gaming PC rig where I recently tested the F/A-18 stick and Viper TQS mission pack, as well as the T.Flight HOTAS One.
The Amazon-owned Eero got off to an early start in the Wi-Fi 7 market when it launched the high-end – and rather expensive - Eero Max 7 in 2023. That was followed by the Eero Pro 7 earlier this year, and now Eero has launched its most affordable Wi-Fi 7 mesh system in the form of the Eero 7.
But, like a number of ‘affordable’ Wi-Fi 7 routers and mesh systems that have been launched in recent months, the Eero 7 has to make one important compromise in order to keep the price down. This means that it lacks support for the high-performance 6.0GHz frequency band and limits itself to basic dual-band Wi-Fi 7 that just uses the older 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz bands.
That compromise means that the Eero 7 isn’t as fast as its tri-band Wi-Fi 7 rivals that also support the 6.0GHz band. However, it’s worth remembering that the Wi-Fi 7 standard doesn’t just focus on speed. It’s also designed to provide greater reliability when connecting to lots of different devices, such as smart lights and speakers that you may have in your home, as well as your personal computers and mobile devices.
So while the Eero 7 may not be the fastest mesh system around, it still provides an affordable mesh Wi-Fi system for people who need to reliable Wi-Fi that can reach into every corner of their home.
Price & Availability
How much does it cost? $349.99 / £349.99
When is it available? Now
Where can you get it? Available in the US and UK
Eero states that each Eero 7 mesh router can cover an area of 2,000sq.ft, and we like the fact that it allows you to buy one, two or three Eero 7 units as required. This allows you to choose the option that suits you best, and also provides more competitive pricing for the two-pack and three-pack options.
You can also mix and match different Eero models, perhaps buying a single Eero 7 as a low-cost add-on for an existing Eero mesh system.
Prices start at £169.99/$169.99 for a single Eero 7, or £279.99/$279.99 for a two-pack mesh system. However, we tested the three-pack option, which costs £349.99/$349.99.
That’s certainly a lot less expensive than the Eero Pro or Max, which cost £699.99/$699.99 and a whopping £1699.99/$1699.99 respectively for a three-pack – although, of course, their tri-band Wi-Fi is a lot faster than that of the dual-band Eero 7.
The Eero 7 is currently available in the US and UK, but – as often seems to be the case – Australia has to wait for the latest Wi-Fi 7 products to arrive. However, the Eero Max 7 has recently gone on sale in Australia, so hopefully the Eero 7 and Pro 7 will soon be available as well.
Value: 4 / 5
Eero 7: Design
(Image credit: Future / Cliff Joseph)
Compact (and sturdy) design
Two 2.5Gb Ethernet ports
Powered via USB-C
Unlike the larger Pro and Max models, the Eero 7 sticks with the now-familiar white plastic and curvy space-pod design that the company has used for several years. The Eero 7 models are slightly larger than their predecessors, but they’re still fairly compact, standing just 64.1mm high, and 130mm wide and deep, so it’s easy to place the routers on any convenient shelf or worktop when you’re setting the system up.
They’re pretty solidly built too – I actually dropped one while unpacking the box, but it worked with no problems as soon as I plugged in the power supply.
Each router has two 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports on the back, and these are ‘auto-sensing’ ports, which means that they can be used either to connect to your existing broadband router or modem, or to provide a wired network connection for devices such as a gaming PC or console.
(Image credit: Future / Cliff Joseph)
Each router also has a USB-C port on the back, although this is used for the mains power supply, rather than connecting a shared network drive.
Most of the Eero’s rivals provide more Ethernet ports, but that probably won’t be a problem for most home users, and we like the fact that the Eero’s 2.5Gb ports support high-speed broadband connections. However, we’re a little unhappy with Eero’s description of the routers’ performance.
The Eero 7 is quoted as having a ‘BE5000 speed rating’, which many people might interpret as meaning a Wi-Fi speed of 5000Mbps (or 5.0Gbps). In fact, a closer look at the tech specs for Eero 7 reveals that the dual-band routers only support a far more modest Wi-Fi speed of 1.8Gbps.
To be fair, that’s still more than fast enough for most domestic broadband connections, but we can’t help thinking that Eero is overhyping the speed a bit.
Design: 4 / 5
Eero 7: Features
Well-designed app
Quick set-up
Limited parental controls
Image 1 of 2
(Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 2
(Image credit: Future)
The Eero 7 is certainly well designed, but the low price of this dual-band mesh system does mean that it’s a little sparse on features.
Getting started is fairly straightforward – although poor documentation does mean that we noticed one potential hiccup. There’s no manual provided with the Eero 7, and the Eero app (for iOS/Android) starts by telling you to connect an Eero ‘gateway’ – without explaining what the term ‘gateway’ actually means.
In fact, the ‘gateway’ is simply the first Eero router that you connect to your existing broadband modem or router using an Ethernet cable (included in the box), and any of the Eero routers can act as the gateway.
Once that’s out of the way, setting up the new Eero 7 mesh network is a piece of cake.
You’ll need to turn on Bluetooth on your mobile device, and the Eero app then uses Bluetooth to connect to the Eero routers and link them together to create your new mesh network.
It gives tips on where to locate each router, and can even run a test to check the strength of the Wi-Fi signal as you place the routers in different spots around your home.
To keep things simple, the Eero app combines the 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz frequencies into a single network, and also provides an option to create a guest network if required.
However, additional features, such as parental controls and content filters, VPN and malware protection, do require an additional Eero+ subscription. There’s a two-month free trial available for the Eero+ service, but after that it costs £9.99/$9.99 per month or £99.99/$99.99 per year (and renews automatically at the end of the trial period, so watch out for that).
So while the Eero 7 provides impressive ease of use, there are rival routers and mesh systems that provide a wider range of features without charging for an additional subscription.
Features: 3 / 5
Eero 7: Performance
Good Wi-Fi range and coverage
1.8Gbps Wi-Fi 7
Dual-band only (2.4GHz/5.0GHz)
With no support for the 6.0GHz frequency band, the Eero 7 clearly can’t match the performance of some of its more expensive tri-band rivals. Even so, its 1.8Gbps Wi-Fi speed is more than fast enough to work with most domestic broadband services, and it didn’t have any trouble dealing with an annoying wi-fi deadspot that we have in our building.
Our aging office router falls well short of the maximum 150Mbps provided by our office broadband connection, generally falling to 120Mbps even for devices that are nearby in the same room. Our old router also struggles to reach an office located at the back of the building, leaving us with a Wi-Fi deadspot where we have to rely on a set of PowerLine adaptors to provide a wired connection instead.
The Eero dealt with both scenarios admirably, immediately bumping our Wi-Fi speed right up to 150Mbs for devices in the same room when running the Ookla Speed Test, and also for large file downloads from Steam. It wasn’t bothered by our office deadspot either, effortlessly maintaining that 150Mbs speed as we picked up our laptop and walked along the corridor to that back office. There’s no doubt that the low cost of the Eero 7 means that its features and performance are fairly basic – but at least it gets the basics right, providing respectable performance and welcome ease of use for home users who simply want to upgrade an older router that still has Wi-Fi 5 or 6.
Performance: 3 / 5
Should you buy the Eero 7?
Also Consider
If our Eero 7 review has you considering other options, here are a few good choices.
Netgear Nighthawk RS200
Smaller homes that just need a single, conventional router could consider the RS200 from Netgear. This dual-band router is slightly more expensive than the Eero 7, but it’s much faster, with a wi-fi speed of up to 6.5Gbps.
Recently launched in the US and due soon in the UK and Australia, the Deco BE65 Pro is a high-end option for power users. It’s competitively priced, but provides tri-band Wi-Fi 7 running at a blazing 11Gbps.View Deal
Viltrox's first professional LAB lens gets the Z-mount treatment, and I've already had the chance to test the lens for several weeks, pairing it with my Nikon Z6 II for supreme shallow-depth-of-field portraits and more.
At $899 / £829 / around AU$1,500 (discounts are available on the Viltrox website too), it's half the price of the Sony lens, and just a third of the price of Nikon's Plena, which originally cost around $2,600 / £2,700 / AU$4,600. For Nikon Z users like me, that's clearly a huge difference.
135mm is an ideal focal length for portraits, but I also love the perspective for landscape photography, together with the excellent light-gathering capabilities of a fast f/1.8 aperture prime lens like this.
So what do I think of the Viltrox 135mm f/1.8 LAB now that I've tested it? It's a truly stunning lens, although it does have one significant drawback that has me thinking twice.
Image 1 of 3
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 2 of 3
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 3 of 3
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Viltrox 135mm f/1.8 LAB specs
Viltrox 135mm f/1.8 LAB: Design
Premium design and build quality
Very heavy
Unique customizable LCD screen is a fun touch
It's clear that the Viltrox 135mm is built for pros. The build quality is top-drawer, from the weather-resistant metal barrel, front lens element and rear mount to the reassuringly secure connection to the camera – you'll need some muscle to click the lens into place – and the premium controls dotted around the exterior.
There's a smooth focus ring, a second ring that can be set to smooth or clicked and which by default is set to control aperture, plus custom buttons and a customizable top LCD.
It's possible to customize the welcome screen of the top LCD (seriously), which is a nice touch, even if I can't see myself creating my own welcome screen... yet. It's also possible to apply firmware updates easily through the USB-C port built into the rear mount.
Focus distances are marked precisely on the LCD, down to the centimeter, which is something you don't get with other lenses. There's also a AF / MF switch plus a focus-range limiter. These exterior controls cover all the bases for the scenarios in which I see myself using the lens.
Autofocus is smooth and essentially silent. Viltrox says focus speeds are "150% faster", although I'm not sure what that's in comparison to, and I wouldn't say this is the fastest-focusing lens I've used, even if it is smooth. I'll touch on why I think so in a bit.
In the box is a decent-sized lens hood and a soft lens pouch for packing the lens away safely. So, all in all, the Viltrox 135mm F1.8 sounds great, right? And it is, but for one thing.
Image 1 of 7
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 2 of 7
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 3 of 7
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 4 of 7
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 5 of 7
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 6 of 7
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 7 of 7
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
As I mentioned in my verdict at the start of this review, this lens is heavy – very heavy. It's the first thing you notice as you take it out of the box. How heavy? 43.6oz / 1,235g, without the lens hood. Ouch.
To be clear, quality 135mm f/1.8 lenses like this are heavy, but the Viltrox is another level; it's about 25% heavier than the Sony and Nikon lenses I've mentioned.
I wish the Viltrox was lighter, at least for using it with my Z6 II. The balance is so front-heavy that this is a lens that's best used in short bursts, which is a shame because I could see myself using a lens like this for event photography, and those jobs are long hours.
If you shoot with a larger camera such as the Nikon Z8, or more so the Nikon Z9, the balance of the Viltrox lens will be much better.
Still, there's also a very good reason why this lens is so heavy – its supreme optical quality.
Viltrox 135mm f/1.8 LAB: Performance
135mm focal length ideal for isolating subjects
Virtually flawless optical quality
Precise and smooth autofocus, but not the fastest
The optical quality of the Viltrox 135mm f/1.8 LAB lens is virtually flawless, much like the Nikon Plena lens, and the MTF charts shared by Viltrox back this up.
Detail is sharp from center to edges, even when using the maximum f/1.8 aperture. There's not a huge amount of vignetting either – it's hardly noticeable if you stop the aperture down to f/2.8, while at f/1.8 it's easily corrected if you don't want those darker corners that help your subject stand out all the more.
Image 1 of 7
A portrait taken with the aperture set to f/1.8 (Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 2 of 7
The same portrait, but at f/2.8 (Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 3 of 7
With aperture set to f/1.8, bokeh is smooth, big and round (Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 4 of 7
Even at f/2.8, bokeh quality is lovely. (Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 5 of 7
I tried my hardest to induce lens flare, and even then the quality of shots is top drawer (Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 6 of 7
Another lens flare attempt (Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 7 of 7
135mm is an excellent focal length for isolating subjects, and focus fall-off at f/1.8 is smooth. (Image credit: Tim Coleman)
I purposefully pushed the lens in tricky scenarios, such as backlit portraits at golden hour, and it handled flare admirably. It also focused precisely, no mean feat when its VCM motors are working hard to shift those weighty lens elements, of which there are 14 in nine groups, although focusing is slightly snappier with Sony's and Nikon's lenses in my experience.
Most photographers splashing the cash on a lens like this do so for its ability to produce attractive bokeh, and the Viltrox lens impresses on this front, especially for the price.
The 11-blade circular aperture delivers buttery smooth and circular bokeh in out-of-focus areas of dappled light, as you can see in the sample images. This kind of bokeh quality is the holy grail for pro portrait photographers, and it's now available in a lens that costs a fraction of the price of Nikon and Sony's own lenses.
Image 1 of 2
f/1.8 (Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 2 of 2
f/2.8 (Image credit: Tim Coleman)
The top-drawer optical quality, especially for the competitive price, cannot be overstated, and Viltrox has really given me something to think about. Would I buy this lens? Absolutely. I'll just hit the gym first, or upgrade my gear with the chunkier Z8 for better balance, or – more cost-effectively – the Z6 II battery grip.
Its weight and slightly sluggish autofocus are the only drawbacks to an otherwise flawless lens.
Should you buy the Viltrox 135mm f/1.8 LAB?
Buy it if...
You want a long portrait lens
The telephoto 135mm focal length is ideal for head-and-shoulder portraits and for isolating subjects.
You want top-drawer optical quality
Supreme sharpness, buttery smooth bokeh, excellent control of flare and lens distortions… optically this lens is essentially flawless.
You want a well-made lens
Build quality and handling (aside from the weight) are excellent – this is a lens that's built to last and which offers you all the controls you need.
Don't buy it if...
You want a lightweight lens for long shoots
Weight is the lens's Achilles heel – at 45.6oz / 1,235g, you'll only want to use it in short bursts.
You want class-leading autofocus performance
Autofocus speeds are slightly on the sluggish side, even if the end results are precise and reliable.
You like to include surroundings in your portraits
The 135mm focal length is designed to isolate a subject, with little room for including surroundings unless you're shooting from some distance.
How I tested the Viltrox 135mm f/1.8 LAB
Tested intermittently for a few weeks
Paired with a Nikon Z6 II
Used in a range of scenarios and at different times of day
I received the Viltrox 135mm f/1.8 LAB lens for Nikon Z-mount a few weeks ahead of its official unveiling on March 19, 2025. It's already available for Sony E-mount.
I've paired the lens with a Nikon Z6 II body, and used it in a range of challenging scenarios to test its optical quality. These situations included backlit portraits during golden hours, with the light dancing around the sun included in some photos.
I haven't yet had the opportunity to test the lens during inclement weather yet, so I can't comment on its weather-resistance credentials.
